tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50817484428254700172024-03-12T20:03:44.797-07:0010 for 10It's a resolution revolution! Can Sass meet 10 goals in 2010? Follow along and find out...Sasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604571849590157254noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081748442825470017.post-65353670444859936492010-05-30T19:50:00.000-07:002010-05-30T19:53:24.420-07:00Mayday, MaydayThe end of May is upon us and I've been a busy girl. People have been pestering me to come back to my poor neglected blog.<br /><br />So far I've lost five pounds, but I've abandoned the 365 effort. I don't like sex THAT much.<br /><br />It's late and my brain is begging me for a REM cycle, so I'll return tomorrow with a real blog, pictures and all.<br /><br />Happy Memorial Day everyone - and remember what it's all about. It's not about drinking and visiting family in Chicago. It's about honoring and remembering all those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. <br /><br />And yes, that was a deliberate dig at Barack Obama.Sasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604571849590157254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081748442825470017.post-51566747056382485102010-03-17T04:41:00.000-07:002010-03-17T05:07:19.251-07:00Failbruary.That's right, not February...FAILbruary. EPIC, EPIC, FAILBRUARY.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S6DFL2k_fMI/AAAAAAAAArk/V82p1gszEUg/s1600-h/march10+002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S6DFL2k_fMI/AAAAAAAAArk/V82p1gszEUg/s320/march10+002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449572356538203330" /></a><br />I failed in oh, so many ways last month, and it's stretching into March now.<br /><br />First off, I failed to post adequate blogs. Secondly, I went to the gym a total of three times. Technically, two and a half. And because my least favorite aunt returned after two years, twice in the month of Failbruary, my husband and I failed our 365 goal. I think we totaled out six times, tops. And I didn't post any healthy, easy, cheap recipes. (I think I'm going to have to do that on a quarterly basis. Every month is a bit much.)<br /><br />But there is hope!<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S6DD1H1KM2I/AAAAAAAAArc/lCHCWn4cwf0/s1600-h/feb10+090.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 234px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S6DD1H1KM2I/AAAAAAAAArc/lCHCWn4cwf0/s320/feb10+090.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449570866520798050" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S6DD0U6o9XI/AAAAAAAAArU/FC5XeAcFPIs/s1600-h/feb10+091.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S6DD0U6o9XI/AAAAAAAAArU/FC5XeAcFPIs/s320/feb10+091.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449570852853577074" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S6DDzwxSZ4I/AAAAAAAAArM/sNDXfm57wu8/s1600-h/feb10+094.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 237px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S6DDzwxSZ4I/AAAAAAAAArM/sNDXfm57wu8/s320/feb10+094.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449570843150673794" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S6DDzRxOT-I/AAAAAAAAArE/5C3Dcnckm_w/s1600-h/feb10+095.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 218px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S6DDzRxOT-I/AAAAAAAAArE/5C3Dcnckm_w/s320/feb10+095.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449570834828906466" /></a><br />That's my garden. <a href="http://10goalsin2010.blogspot.com/2010/01/patios-pin-ups-and-panties.html">Here's what it looked like before.</a> I'll have more pictures soon - since I took these pictures we've added more flowers and some other fun things.<br /><br />And even though I haven't been going to the gym...<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S6DDykFirVI/AAAAAAAAAq8/UyMxNpOM5cU/s1600-h/march10+001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S6DDykFirVI/AAAAAAAAAq8/UyMxNpOM5cU/s320/march10+001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449570822566096210" /></a><br />34.5 inches!<br /><br />Now if only I can get back on the elliptical...or maybe just a good romp under the covers will do the trick!!Sasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604571849590157254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081748442825470017.post-1624197071091231752010-02-16T20:56:00.001-08:002010-02-16T21:11:03.225-08:00Party Gras!Tonight we celebrated Mardi Gras at our house. We made fun hats, wore beads, and ate jambalaya while listening to New Orleans jazz.<br /><br />Here's my daughter and myself in our Mardi Gras attire:<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S3t4mbBmpMI/AAAAAAAAAqc/NEn33v5iCGo/s1600-h/feb10+031.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 205px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S3t4mbBmpMI/AAAAAAAAAqc/NEn33v5iCGo/s320/feb10+031.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439073576464852162" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S3t4mNkQReI/AAAAAAAAAqU/aDgbfRr-Bek/s1600-h/feb10+032.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S3t4mNkQReI/AAAAAAAAAqU/aDgbfRr-Bek/s320/feb10+032.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439073572852090338" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S3t4l3KyVcI/AAAAAAAAAqM/s5iPfCw2fUg/s1600-h/feb10+033.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 254px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S3t4l3KyVcI/AAAAAAAAAqM/s5iPfCw2fUg/s320/feb10+033.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439073566839690690" /></a><br />And here is how you make jambalaya!<br /><br /><strong>INGREDIENTS</strong><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S3t4lTDWvmI/AAAAAAAAAqE/FkMzsOx4ZzQ/s1600-h/feb10+024.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S3t4lTDWvmI/AAAAAAAAAqE/FkMzsOx4ZzQ/s320/feb10+024.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439073557144845922" /></a><br />Zatarain's Jambalaya w/Cheese Mix (2 boxes)<br />Campbell's Cream of Celery Soup (2 cans)<br />Aidell's Andouille Sausage (2 packages) - if this sausage is too spicy you can use whatever you like<br />5 cups water<br /><br /><strong>DIRECTIONS</strong><br /><br />Brown the sausage. <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S3t4k2asouI/AAAAAAAAAp8/y6Rex_RPW_4/s1600-h/feb10+025.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S3t4k2asouI/AAAAAAAAAp8/y6Rex_RPW_4/s320/feb10+025.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439073549458121442" /></a><br />Add water and Zatarain's mix and follow directions. Cook covered for 25 minutes.<br /> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S3t5_Uc02TI/AAAAAAAAAq0/snrdqLEtD2c/s1600-h/feb10+026.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S3t5_Uc02TI/AAAAAAAAAq0/snrdqLEtD2c/s320/feb10+026.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439075103708338482" /></a><br /><br />Stir in the cream of celery and cook for an additional five minutes; remove from heat. Let sit for five minutes to cool and thicken. Enjoy!<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S3t5_DJZ5pI/AAAAAAAAAqs/pCgCKuRA6bA/s1600-h/feb10+035.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S3t5_DJZ5pI/AAAAAAAAAqs/pCgCKuRA6bA/s320/feb10+035.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439075099063477906" /></a><br />This is a very simple recipe that we have used in my family now ever since I was a little girl. I think we have a new family tradition here!Sasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604571849590157254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081748442825470017.post-51849444393717864842010-02-15T07:41:00.000-08:002010-02-15T08:04:26.229-08:00Disaster!This plan is falling apart! The house is a wreck, Aunt Flo visited for a week and threw us off the 365 track, and I can't stop eating chocolate.<br /><br />Let me show you an example:<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S3luCj42J0I/AAAAAAAAAo8/IAAv9Sdf5Jk/s1600-h/feb10+027.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S3luCj42J0I/AAAAAAAAAo8/IAAv9Sdf5Jk/s320/feb10+027.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438499015299049282" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S3luDvbGfZI/AAAAAAAAApM/8rNBf38El-M/s1600-h/feb10+025.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S3luDvbGfZI/AAAAAAAAApM/8rNBf38El-M/s320/feb10+025.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438499035575385490" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S3luDBtV5gI/AAAAAAAAApE/mbbQcOOXZCY/s1600-h/feb10+026.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S3luDBtV5gI/AAAAAAAAApE/mbbQcOOXZCY/s320/feb10+026.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438499023303861762" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S3luCM7yg3I/AAAAAAAAAo0/MMIMW2sDWv4/s1600-h/feb10+029.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S3luCM7yg3I/AAAAAAAAAo0/MMIMW2sDWv4/s320/feb10+029.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438499009137378162" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S3lvP2YT0AI/AAAAAAAAAp0/yvoHhCidqwA/s1600-h/feb10+031.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S3lvP2YT0AI/AAAAAAAAAp0/yvoHhCidqwA/s320/feb10+031.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438500343112781826" /></a><br />This was our Valentine's Day dinner. I made everything myself. Seared ribeyes with arugula-roasted red pepper salad, cheesy rosemary breadsticks, strawberries and chocolate zabaglione, chocolate tiramisu, chocolate amaretti cake, and some lovely syrah. It was amazing but I'm pretty sure I gained about seven pounds. I'll post the recipes later today.<br /><br />Also, for the first time in TWENTY years, it snowed in Charleston! Here's a link to my photo <a href="http://http://seesassnap.blogspot.com/2010/02/powder.html">blog</a> so you can see the snow. Here are some bonus pictures.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S3lvPqqR9iI/AAAAAAAAAps/7Azfty6j_b0/s1600-h/feb10+001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S3lvPqqR9iI/AAAAAAAAAps/7Azfty6j_b0/s320/feb10+001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438500339966932514" /></a><br /><br />I suppose they are Greek?...<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S3lvPIRQTRI/AAAAAAAAApk/uIBjWth6uEg/s1600-h/feb10+004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S3lvPIRQTRI/AAAAAAAAApk/uIBjWth6uEg/s320/feb10+004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438500330735160594" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S3lvO67sChI/AAAAAAAAApc/CKnCfEAcCRY/s1600-h/feb10+005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 294px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S3lvO67sChI/AAAAAAAAApc/CKnCfEAcCRY/s320/feb10+005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438500327155042834" /></a><br /><br />Sad sad snow bunny.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S3lvOraNmtI/AAAAAAAAApU/XAlw9wlz_84/s1600-h/feb10+002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S3lvOraNmtI/AAAAAAAAApU/XAlw9wlz_84/s320/feb10+002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438500322988104402" /></a><br /><br />Caveman-constructed.<br /><br />Now, I'm off to clean the house and tie my husband to the bed before he has to go to work. That's right, I said it!Sasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604571849590157254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081748442825470017.post-58817025037874732992010-02-09T18:25:00.000-08:002010-02-09T18:45:45.355-08:00Runningout of time, and ideas, and thoughts in general!<br /><br />Sorry for my extended absence of worthwhile blogging material. I haven't had a lot of time to take photos because life is just crazy right now! Here is what's been going on, with YES, photos.<br /><br />My weeklong vegan diet consisted of smoothies, salads, and grilled veggie sandwiches. Near the end I had some Amy's Organic Veggie Burgers. Also, spaghetti with zucchini and squash.<br /><br />Here is a typical smoothie:<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S3Ib7Z2tnBI/AAAAAAAAAmE/wizJpjZYJ3E/s1600-h/jan10+003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S3Ib7Z2tnBI/AAAAAAAAAmE/wizJpjZYJ3E/s320/jan10+003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436438407556209682" /></a><br /><br />A whole banana, a whole peeled peach, a cup of strawberries and half a cup of orange juice, with one third cup almond milk.<br />Here is a tasty salad:<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S3Ib6_bqYHI/AAAAAAAAAl8/axtYyuLbmis/s1600-h/jan10+005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S3Ib6_bqYHI/AAAAAAAAAl8/axtYyuLbmis/s320/jan10+005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436438400463429746" /></a><br /><br />Romaine, spinach, plum tomatoes, carrots, blueberries with a homemade raspberry vinaigrette.<br /><br />Snack:<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S3Ib6I3maOI/AAAAAAAAAl0/l8D8QFJ4u90/s1600-h/jan10+006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S3Ib6I3maOI/AAAAAAAAAl0/l8D8QFJ4u90/s320/jan10+006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436438385816660194" /></a><br /><br />Plain almonds with honey and almond milk. YUM!<br /><br />And while the scale says I lost five pounds, I apparently didn't lose it in my stomach:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S3IdfiAvaSI/AAAAAAAAAmM/7u4XBPIxwBQ/s1600-h/feb10+020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S3IdfiAvaSI/AAAAAAAAAmM/7u4XBPIxwBQ/s320/feb10+020.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436440127732672802" /></a><br /><br />I've gained over THREE INCHES in my waist since the beginning of the year. Maybe the scale was wrong. I demand a second opinion.<br /><br />Looks like the only running I need to be doing is on a treadmill!Sasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604571849590157254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081748442825470017.post-13419607418288322112010-02-06T18:58:00.000-08:002010-02-06T18:59:23.692-08:00Just checking in......so nobody thinks I've checked out! I'll be back tomorrow with a new post.Sasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604571849590157254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081748442825470017.post-24710507574659651622010-01-31T14:47:00.000-08:002010-01-31T15:03:11.563-08:0010 for 10 Challenge Recap: JanuaryMy internet has been down so I am blogging to you from my dad's house until we get ours back up and running (thanks Dad!). It is the end of the first month of our new year and I'd like to keep a tally of how things are going so far:<br /><br />1. 365 Days of Sexytime: We did pretty well, but we have to make up for five missed times plus today's, so six more times - I shouldn't be here! I should be at home in bed with the husby!!! AHHHH!<br /><br />2. 20 + 10 = 30 lbs. to lose: For those of you who already knew this, last Monday I chose to eat vegetarian until this evening. I did pretty well until yesterday afternoon when I made my daughter a grilled cheese sandwich and then I lost it. I buckled and made myself one as well. It was amazing. Still, I have been keeping up with my gym time and yoga and I do believe my vegetarian weeklong cleanse helped because I LOST 5 POUNDS! I am now down to 150.<br /><br />3. The Perfect Dinner Menu: I have found four definite meals that can qualify for cheap, yummy, healthy, and easy/quick to make. I have some great ones to try for February!<br /><br />4. Pray Every Day: Sometimes it's hard to remember this one, I won't lie. But I do my best to say something to God every day, even if it's, Hey Man, thanks for sticking around. I need to improve it though, I know.<br /><br />5. Become more organized: This one is coming along quite well! We are waiting on our tax returns so that I can go shopping and buy more totes and organizing systems for the house. We've been purging and going to the local Goodwill on an almost-daily basis all month.<br /><br />6. Ten Percent Fund: I don't make alot of money per paycheck so insofar I have only saved $8.00. Bleh.<br /><br />7. Keep In Touch: I've been doing about 50% on this one. There are people I intentionally avoid and lately my mother and I have been lacking in our communicative efforts when we used to speak daily. In fact she just called - I'll need to call her back in a few minutes.<br /><br />8. Recycle: Such an easy one! Do you have any idea how easy it is to recycle?! And it really helps me with the volume of garbage under our sink. It also allows me to look at all of the containers we clean before recycling them to see if I can use them for another purpose in our home - for example, we save peanut butter jars to hold hardware, arts and crafts supplies, etc.<br /><br />9. Stop Swearing: I REALLY need to work on this one. In fact, for Lent I have decided this is what I will give up. Just an extra motivation to keep me from polluting the air with my foul language.<br /><br />10. Make Time For Me: I've done really well with this. Bathing to relax, naps, dressing up nicely, reading a good book. I hope to continue this pattern!Sasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604571849590157254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081748442825470017.post-27101848080443048802010-01-22T16:44:00.000-08:002010-01-22T16:58:14.890-08:00Sexcapades!Yes yes it's your favorite resolution. Can we have sexual intercourse at least 365 times in 2010? Well, let's see. Today is January 22, 2010. Since New Year's Day my husband and I have had sex 16 times. Not so shabby! We will have to start making up for it though as I seriously doubt either of us will be able to handle that number in one day when the 31st comes! So it seems we will be stepping up our daily quota.<br /><br />In other Resolution Revolution news...<br /><br />I've been going to the gym every other day. On my off days I do yoga and core exercises. Next week as a tactic to lose weight and to help out my son (in case you don't already know, I nurse him and he is allergic to milk proteins, so no more dairy for me for awhile) I am going to eat nothing except fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. I already have blended juices for breakfasts - today I had one with a whole peach, a quarter cup of blackberry/raspberry/blueberry mix, and a cup and a half of orange juice - with a whole carrot and a stick of celery thrown in. Not the best one I've had this week - next week I'll buy some more bananas and add more berries. My favorite one this week had all the berries I mentioned, plus strawberries, a banana, and a cup of Greek yogurt. Alas, no more yogurt for me. I think mine next week will be orange juice, a banana, mixed berries, a whole peach, and possibly a little peanut butter to smooth it up.<br /><br />I like smoothies, can you tell?!<br /><br />I've also been spending lots of time with my dad lately. He's not feeling well. Tonight I brought him some of the leftover chicken pesto soup as well as some Robitussin, cough drops, and zinc tablets. If you are reading this, Dad - you had better be following my orders! Turn on your heat, eat the soup, take the meds, and get in bed!!<br /><br />I just realized that I was so busy today that I did not take any photographs! I'm lame! What is a blog without pictures? My apologies.<br /><br />Tonight we are eating a lovely lasagna that my friend Kerry in New Jersey makes for her family. She was kind enough to share the recipe. It has sausage and roasted red peppers in it! Yes it has cheese but I am allowed cheese in moderation - and I haven't had any all day! I have been VERY good.<br /><br />I just wanted to give a quick update on my other resolutions' progress as all I've written all week are recipe resolutions. I'll come back tomorrow with pictures to make up for what will surely be a very boring entry.Sasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604571849590157254noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081748442825470017.post-80635240719753080942010-01-20T20:16:00.000-08:002010-01-20T20:37:43.348-08:00Recipe: Chicken & Green Bean Soup with PestoMy final recipe experiment for the month of January 2010. Another one from Rachael Ray's website. Here's what's up:<br /><br /><strong>INGREDIENTS</strong><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1fX9_I8JiI/AAAAAAAAAgc/qeFmQ29fnQQ/s1600-h/jan10+006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1fX9_I8JiI/AAAAAAAAAgc/qeFmQ29fnQQ/s320/jan10+006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429045335739344418" /></a><br /><br />•1 cup basil leaves, lightly packed (a trick I learned - if you don't have access to fresh herbs, you can cook dried ones in warm water and achieve the same effect)<br />•1/2 cup flat leaf parsley (a couple of handfuls)<br />•1/4 cup dill (a handful)<br />•1/4 cup lightly toasted shelled pistachios or pine nuts<br />•1 clove garlic, finely chopped and mashed into paste with a little salt or grated<br />•1/3 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (a generous handful)<br />•Salt and pepper<br />•1/3-1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), plus 2 tablespoons, divided<br />•3/4 pound chicken tenders, chopped into 1/2-inch dice<br />•1 medium to large onion, chopped into 1/2-inch dice<br />•2 ribs celery from heart, chopped<br />•1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped<br />•1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped<br />•1 bay leaf<br />•8 cups chicken stock or 6 cups chicken stock, plus 2 cups water<br />•2 cups frozen French-cut green beans<br />•1 cup small cut pasta, such as small penne or ditalini<br /><br /><strong>PREPARATION</strong><br /><br />Combine the herbs, nuts, garlic and grated cheese in a food processor. While the machine is running, stream in the EVOO, about 1/3 cup, to make a pesto. Scrape the sauce into a small dish and reserve.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1fX9oJ5EvI/AAAAAAAAAgU/DiFV_OrtN2c/s1600-h/jan10+007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1fX9oJ5EvI/AAAAAAAAAgU/DiFV_OrtN2c/s320/jan10+007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429045329569321714" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1fZZNd7xtI/AAAAAAAAAgs/L5TyBHpEk30/s1600-h/jan10+013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1fZZNd7xtI/AAAAAAAAAgs/L5TyBHpEk30/s320/jan10+013.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429046902953592530" /></a><br />In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat 2 tablespoons EVOO, two turns if the pan, over medium heat. Add the chicken and lightly brown, 3-4 minutes. Add the onion, celery, carrot, bell pepper and bay leaf and season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes more. <br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1fX9VmR8gI/AAAAAAAAAgM/opb8Ymwgjqc/s1600-h/jan10+008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1fX9VmR8gI/AAAAAAAAAgM/opb8Ymwgjqc/s320/jan10+008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429045324588118530" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1fX9FsJfmI/AAAAAAAAAgE/MCYLX9RkxjU/s1600-h/jan10+009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1fX9FsJfmI/AAAAAAAAAgE/MCYLX9RkxjU/s320/jan10+009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429045320317763170" /></a><br /><br />Add the stock and/or water and bring to a boil. Stir in the green beans and pasta and keep at a low boil until the pasta is cooked to al dente.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1fX8rQ-rkI/AAAAAAAAAf8/oneBB6REALE/s1600-h/jan10+011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1fX8rQ-rkI/AAAAAAAAAf8/oneBB6REALE/s320/jan10+011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429045313224486466" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1fZZq1jVxI/AAAAAAAAAg0/PI_nrBZnQKA/s1600-h/jan10+012.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1fZZq1jVxI/AAAAAAAAAg0/PI_nrBZnQKA/s320/jan10+012.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429046910837282578" /></a><br />Serve the soup in shallow bowls and stir in rounded tablespoonfuls of pesto.<br /><br /><strong>THE END RESULT</strong><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1fZYj6oCLI/AAAAAAAAAgk/oM6ZL3qp9Y4/s1600-h/jan10+014.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 293px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1fZYj6oCLI/AAAAAAAAAgk/oM6ZL3qp9Y4/s320/jan10+014.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429046891799644338" /></a><br />Chris gave out another "8" rating tonight - he said the soup felt "lonely" without a grilled cheese sandwich. It was really tasty though, probably the best homemade chicken noodle soup I've ever had and definitely the fastest (it only took 40 minutes, excluding chopping time). My whole house smells like chicken noodle soup now and makes me think of my mom. Also, I learned to make my own pesto - pretty cool! Of course it was missing a little something that I couldn't put my finger on, so now I'm determined to continue experimenting with that.Sasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604571849590157254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081748442825470017.post-17429595268981002432010-01-19T17:27:00.000-08:002010-01-19T17:49:07.605-08:00Recipe: Tomato-Pesto Chicken Pasta BakeThis is not the recipe I was intending on making this evening but I am currently out of chicken stock AND chicken broth and just didn't feel like going to the store. So tonight my wonderful husband assisted me in making this amazing and simple dish.<br /><br />Here's what's up...<br /><br /><strong>INGREDIENTS</strong><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1ZfVzSWqOI/AAAAAAAAAfM/2Q-tINmJwn8/s1600-h/jan10+054.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1ZfVzSWqOI/AAAAAAAAAfM/2Q-tINmJwn8/s320/jan10+054.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428631228990793954" /></a><br />1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast tenderloins, cut into bite-size pieces<br />1/2 cup basil pesto<br />3 plum tomatoes<br />Shredded mozzarella cheese<br />Shredded parmesan cheese<br />Salt and pepper to taste<br />Spaghetti noodles<br /><br /><strong>PREPARATION</strong><br /><br />Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Put pesto and chicken in bowl. Toss until chicken is covered. Place in casserole dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, uncovered. <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1ZfVIUKUtI/AAAAAAAAAe8/DMBK0KV_o4s/s1600-h/jan10+057.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1ZfVIUKUtI/AAAAAAAAAe8/DMBK0KV_o4s/s320/jan10+057.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428631217455649490" /></a><br />Meanwhile, in a pot of boiling water cook spaghetti noodles until al dente. Strain and toss with remaining pesto.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1ZfUsEtvHI/AAAAAAAAAe0/L5K4s9P0S2g/s1600-h/jan10+058.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1ZfUsEtvHI/AAAAAAAAAe0/L5K4s9P0S2g/s320/jan10+058.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428631209874668658" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1ZglHJYuPI/AAAAAAAAAfs/Rt8YXIrZpqY/s1600-h/jan10+060.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 237px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1ZglHJYuPI/AAAAAAAAAfs/Rt8YXIrZpqY/s320/jan10+060.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428632591531555058" /></a><br />Place slices of tomato on top of chicken and sprinkle with cheese. Bake another 3-5 minutes.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1ZfUZSiiMI/AAAAAAAAAes/JHbt0xtsI3c/s1600-h/jan10+059.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1ZfUZSiiMI/AAAAAAAAAes/JHbt0xtsI3c/s320/jan10+059.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428631204832381122" /></a><br /><strong>THE END RESULT</strong><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1Zgko4NO2I/AAAAAAAAAfk/qfjjh5VPZsE/s1600-h/jan10+061.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 254px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1Zgko4NO2I/AAAAAAAAAfk/qfjjh5VPZsE/s320/jan10+061.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428632583406435170" /></a><br />We have eaten this meal before and it really is AMAZING. Chris rates it an "8".<br /><br />Also, we treated ourselves to a yummy dessert that my friend <a href="http://beingchelsea.com">Chelsea</a> likes to make. It's very simple. It's banana "ice cream" - basically a frozen banana pureed in a food processor. We also made some simple homemade chocolate sauce out of a cup of semi-sweet morsels and 3/4 of a cup of heavy cream (with three teaspoons sugar added).<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1Zgjrakd_I/AAAAAAAAAfU/YlyXLffai6c/s1600-h/jan10+080.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 232px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1Zgjrakd_I/AAAAAAAAAfU/YlyXLffai6c/s320/jan10+080.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428632566907566066" /></a><br />My son apparently has a milk protein allergy and because I am nursing him I'll have to seriously cut back on all things dairy. I am allowed cheese in moderation but aside from that, tonight is my last night with dairy for the next month. So it looks like February will be a BIG challenge for finding good meals!Sasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604571849590157254noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081748442825470017.post-31722137835535907262010-01-19T11:14:00.000-08:002010-01-19T11:28:44.564-08:00Recipe: Crayon CupcakesNow, while this is not an edible recipe, I just could not resist posting it for all of my mommy friends. Lots of people do this but apparently not as many as I'd thought! It is very easy and lots of fun. Here's what's up:<br /><br /><strong>INGREDIENTS</strong><br /><br />Crayons (preferably broken nidbits but if all you have are nice pretty perfect ones those are fine too - but you'll have to break them)<br /><br />Foil cupcake liners<br /><br />Cupcake tin<br /><br /><strong>PREPARATION</strong><br /><br />Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place cupcake liners in tin. Place broken pieces of crayons into each liner. (For example greens in one, pinks in another.)<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1YHFdTstQI/AAAAAAAAAec/pj8qcVEC4gQ/s1600-h/jan10+022.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1YHFdTstQI/AAAAAAAAAec/pj8qcVEC4gQ/s320/jan10+022.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428534191189701890" /></a><br /><br />Bake for 10 minutes, let cool. Peel liners off and have fun scribbling!<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1YHEzco30I/AAAAAAAAAeU/h3ZEvDq-wjc/s1600-h/jan10+027.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1YHEzco30I/AAAAAAAAAeU/h3ZEvDq-wjc/s320/jan10+027.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428534179952910146" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1YHEvnRe3I/AAAAAAAAAeM/va8RXLrOZfk/s1600-h/jan10+031.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1YHEvnRe3I/AAAAAAAAAeM/va8RXLrOZfk/s320/jan10+031.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428534178923772786" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1YHpC-8BmI/AAAAAAAAAek/7vK-y0EyPLY/s1600-h/jan10+034.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1YHpC-8BmI/AAAAAAAAAek/7vK-y0EyPLY/s320/jan10+034.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428534802598594146" /></a><br />I'll be back later tonight with my final January recipe experiment.Sasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604571849590157254noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081748442825470017.post-72309724136984027552010-01-17T13:37:00.001-08:002010-01-17T14:10:26.155-08:00Get your game face on<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1OKlbzoPyI/AAAAAAAAAcU/gKduZMnKJT4/s1600-h/Second_Presbyterian_PC_photo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1OKlbzoPyI/AAAAAAAAAcU/gKduZMnKJT4/s320/Second_Presbyterian_PC_photo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427834351635676962" /></a><br /><br />Today my husband and I started attending our church's new adult Sunday School program put on by our old friend <a href="http://godseclectic.blogspot.com/">Colin Kerr</a>. It's a 23-part series and today was the first day of the series. The opening segment focused on the importance of truth and the Bible.<br /><br />I love going to church. Not only does it allow me time with God, it forces me to take time for myself in the make up and cute outfit department.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1OEviDOE_I/AAAAAAAAAbs/0OlYnFDNu1g/s1600-h/jan10+045.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 148px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1OEviDOE_I/AAAAAAAAAbs/0OlYnFDNu1g/s320/jan10+045.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427827928040608754" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1OEvOeul_I/AAAAAAAAAbk/KRKZEeSiDmU/s1600-h/jan10+044.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1OEvOeul_I/AAAAAAAAAbk/KRKZEeSiDmU/s320/jan10+044.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427827922787276786" /></a><br />My hair was a little crazy thanks to the ultra sexyyy humidity that is so famous in the South. It was one of those off-again, on-again rainy days.<br /><br />I collect vintage flower pins (and earrings too). You'll see me wearing them as often as possible. This one is a favorite.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1OEu5t-UII/AAAAAAAAAbc/DVqhJSoFU4k/s1600-h/jan10+049.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1OEu5t-UII/AAAAAAAAAbc/DVqhJSoFU4k/s320/jan10+049.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427827917214077058" /></a><br /><br />It's hard for me to match these boots to the right outfit. So far this is actually the only one that they look good with. I think it's the pencil skirt and the tights that make them work.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1OEumxVJZI/AAAAAAAAAbU/KcU0umzXE0Y/s1600-h/jan10+055.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1OEumxVJZI/AAAAAAAAAbU/KcU0umzXE0Y/s320/jan10+055.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427827912127882642" /></a><br /><br />My dad watched the kidlets today while my husband and I went to church. This is the first time we haven't brought the children with us to church. But we really needed the break. Here's Chris playing soccer with some of the kids from our church.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1OEuUgTz8I/AAAAAAAAAbM/KwXpfWr1CLU/s1600-h/jan10+018.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1OEuUgTz8I/AAAAAAAAAbM/KwXpfWr1CLU/s320/jan10+018.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427827907224653762" /></a><br /><br />All the girls decided they wanted to be on his team.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1OHXNtdj2I/AAAAAAAAAb0/F1qPOH2DAHo/s1600-h/jan10+023.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1OHXNtdj2I/AAAAAAAAAb0/F1qPOH2DAHo/s320/jan10+023.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427830808798662498" /></a><br /><br /><br />The team taking a break.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1OHXo6LonI/AAAAAAAAAb8/nZG8y4QJS0I/s1600-h/jan10+087.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1OHXo6LonI/AAAAAAAAAb8/nZG8y4QJS0I/s320/jan10+087.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427830816099770994" /></a><br /><br />This is Betsy at my dad's house when we went to go pick up her and her brother.<br /><br />Tonight we are going to my stepmother's because we don't have cable and Chris wants to watch the Chargers-Jets game. These are his two favorite teams so it will be interesting to see him react to whatever the outcome may be.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1OKlLRPPhI/AAAAAAAAAcM/QSi0pWnQ_Ug/s1600-h/JETS%2520LOGO.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 188px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1OKlLRPPhI/AAAAAAAAAcM/QSi0pWnQ_Ug/s320/JETS%2520LOGO.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427834347196464658" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1OKk8xdLhI/AAAAAAAAAcE/59GryYAH4l0/s1600-h/chargers.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1OKk8xdLhI/AAAAAAAAAcE/59GryYAH4l0/s320/chargers.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427834343305063954" /></a><br />GO...Chets? Hm.Sasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604571849590157254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081748442825470017.post-65192013358080175532010-01-16T18:42:00.000-08:002010-01-16T20:38:04.243-08:00Recipe: Mini Cannelloni BakeHere's what's up:<br /><br /><strong>INGREDIENTS</strong><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1J6UU5DblI/AAAAAAAAAaM/KSvQOLamp28/s1600-h/jan10+043.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 250px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1J6UU5DblI/AAAAAAAAAaM/KSvQOLamp28/s320/jan10+043.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427534990558850642" /></a><br /><br />•1 pound ziti with no lines or ditalini<br />•2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)<br />•1 1/2-2 pounds ground veal, beef or chicken<br />•1 large onion, chopped<br />•3-4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated<br />•2 boxes frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and squeezed of excess water<br />•3 tablespoons butter<br />•3 tablespoons flour (again, I use cornstarch)<br />•2 cups milk<br />•A few grates of fresh nutmeg<br />•Salt and freshly ground black pepper<br />•1 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese<br /><br /><strong>PREPARATION</strong><br /><br />Pre-heat the broiler.<br /><br />Place a large pot of salted water over high heat and bring it up to a boil. Cook the pasta to al dente, according to package directions. Drain and reserve in the pot it was cooked in.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1J6SxAUspI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/i-yVwU9OKk4/s1600-h/jan10+049.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1J6SxAUspI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/i-yVwU9OKk4/s320/jan10+049.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427534963745796754" /></a><br /><br />While the pasta is cooking, place a large skillet over medium-high heat with 2 tablespoons of EVOO, about two turns of the pan. Add the ground meat to the pan and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until evenly browned throughout, about 6-7 minutes.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1J6Ts2K86I/AAAAAAAAAaE/G06R0AjIQeo/s1600-h/jan10+047.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1J6Ts2K86I/AAAAAAAAAaE/G06R0AjIQeo/s320/jan10+047.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427534979809342370" /></a><br />Add the onion and garlic to the pan and continue cooking until the onion has softened, 6-7 minutes. <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1J6TS0zq4I/AAAAAAAAAZ8/xrZQ0pghWRw/s1600-h/jan10+048.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 287px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1J6TS0zq4I/AAAAAAAAAZ8/xrZQ0pghWRw/s320/jan10+048.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427534972824300418" /></a><br />Add the spinach and cook for about 1 minute to heat through, then season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1J6SmGtKiI/AAAAAAAAAZs/VY8sCpIUC1A/s1600-h/jan10+050.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1J6SmGtKiI/AAAAAAAAAZs/VY8sCpIUC1A/s320/jan10+050.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427534960819776034" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1KPY1Y5jYI/AAAAAAAAAa0/Z-68LbkWE7E/s1600-h/jan10+052.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1KPY1Y5jYI/AAAAAAAAAa0/Z-68LbkWE7E/s320/jan10+052.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427558157746015618" /></a><br />While the onion is cooking, place a medium size pot over medium heat and melt the butter. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and cook the mixture for about 1 minute. Whisk the milk into the butter-flour mixture and cook until the liquid has thickened up. Season the sauce with nutmeg, salt and freshly ground black pepper.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1KPYaIIbNI/AAAAAAAAAas/Uqhu1fQ0hyg/s1600-h/jan10+053.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1KPYaIIbNI/AAAAAAAAAas/Uqhu1fQ0hyg/s320/jan10+053.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427558150427929810" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1KPYJU-mnI/AAAAAAAAAak/GXVIulawJvo/s1600-h/jan10+054.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1KPYJU-mnI/AAAAAAAAAak/GXVIulawJvo/s320/jan10+054.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427558145918409330" /></a><br />Add the meat-onion mixture and the sauce to the pot with the cooked pasta and stir to evenly combine. <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1KPX24d8GI/AAAAAAAAAac/SUn-CiT1Zfo/s1600-h/jan10+058.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1KPX24d8GI/AAAAAAAAAac/SUn-CiT1Zfo/s320/jan10+058.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427558140966989922" /></a><br /><br />Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and sprinkle the grated cheese over the top. Place the dish under the broiler until the cheese is melted and golden brown.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1KPXvPHRDI/AAAAAAAAAaU/h_PEv73aGZc/s1600-h/jan10+060.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1KPXvPHRDI/AAAAAAAAAaU/h_PEv73aGZc/s320/jan10+060.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427558138914489394" /></a><br /><br /><br /><strong>THE END RESULT</strong><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1KQteW0qII/AAAAAAAAAa8/ri3dlwRQAGQ/s1600-h/jan10+061.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1KQteW0qII/AAAAAAAAAa8/ri3dlwRQAGQ/s320/jan10+061.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427559611852171394" /></a><br />This was pretty darn tasty. Chris gave it a rating of "7.5" - he said he thinks it would be better if we were to use Italian sausage. Of course that would defeat the point of it being healthy. Betsy loved it - she fed herself and ate almost all of it. The grown-ups had seconds, and there was plenty left over for later.Sasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604571849590157254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081748442825470017.post-6545969406324894082010-01-15T16:34:00.000-08:002010-01-15T17:07:50.312-08:00Recipe: Peanut-Curry Chicken w/Jasmine RiceHere we are at Recipe Resolution Attempt #4. Here's what's up:<br /><br /><strong>INGREDIENTS</strong><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1EL9yT8kwI/AAAAAAAAAYI/-n4s9aKPA-M/s1600-h/jan10+026.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 286px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1EL9yT8kwI/AAAAAAAAAYI/-n4s9aKPA-M/s320/jan10+026.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427132182063518466" /></a><br /><br />•1 cup jasmine, basmati or Texmati rice<br />•1 small bunch scallions, coarsely chopped (I used a whole red onion and it worked just fine)<br />•1 inch ginger, peeled and grated<br />•2 large cloves garlic, grated or finely chopped and mashed into paste<br />•1 small red chili pepper, seeded and chopped (I used ground chili pepper because the store did not have fresh ones in stock)<br />•1/2 cup cilantro leaves (a couple of handfuls)<br />•2 rounded tablespoons curry powder (a couple of palmfuls)<br />•1 1/2 cups chicken stock or broth, plus an additional splash, divided<br />•1 tablespoon vegetable oil<br />•4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders, cut into bite-size pieces<br />•1/3 cup chunky peanut butter (I used creamy since my daughter can't eat chopped nuts yet)<br />•1 cup Greek-style yogurt<br /><br /><strong>PREPARATION</strong><br /><br />Prepare the rice according to the package directions.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1EL9P8JMjI/AAAAAAAAAYA/t7KD2jZB_BU/s1600-h/jan10+027.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 259px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1EL9P8JMjI/AAAAAAAAAYA/t7KD2jZB_BU/s320/jan10+027.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427132172836876850" /></a><br />While the rice cooks, combine the scallions, ginger, garlic, chili pepper, cilantro, curry powder and a splash of the chicken broth in a small bowl and process into a paste.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1EL89l4UBI/AAAAAAAAAX4/PzNk_Ci_VQg/s1600-h/jan10+028.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 281px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1EL89l4UBI/AAAAAAAAAX4/PzNk_Ci_VQg/s320/jan10+028.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427132167911657490" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1EL8b6gQjI/AAAAAAAAAXw/DvU6ms0zvVo/s1600-h/jan10+030.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 286px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1EL8b6gQjI/AAAAAAAAAXw/DvU6ms0zvVo/s320/jan10+030.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427132158871355954" /></a><br />Heat a large skillet over medium heat with the oil. Add the chicken to the pan and brown, 2-3 minutes. <br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1EL71uB2wI/AAAAAAAAAXo/yQnXp-J_Fsc/s1600-h/jan10+031.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1EL71uB2wI/AAAAAAAAAXo/yQnXp-J_Fsc/s320/jan10+031.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427132148618484482" /></a><br />Add the spice paste and stir for 1 minute to combine.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1ENFfhU7mI/AAAAAAAAAYw/LE-JebYqdmw/s1600-h/jan10+032.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1ENFfhU7mI/AAAAAAAAAYw/LE-JebYqdmw/s320/jan10+032.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427133413969948258" /></a><br />Add the peanut butter to the pan and whisk in the stock. <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1ENE9L-_eI/AAAAAAAAAYo/nNM-W9dwewU/s1600-h/jan10+033.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 318px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1ENE9L-_eI/AAAAAAAAAYo/nNM-W9dwewU/s320/jan10+033.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427133404753624546" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1ENEi6_KPI/AAAAAAAAAYg/xs4HCgPqF1g/s1600-h/jan10+034.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1ENEi6_KPI/AAAAAAAAAYg/xs4HCgPqF1g/s320/jan10+034.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427133397703010546" /></a><br />Bring to a bubble and whisk in the yogurt; lower the heat and simmer for 7-8 minutes. Serve over rice.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1ENEds-V2I/AAAAAAAAAYY/c7ip48aokxE/s1600-h/jan10+037.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1ENEds-V2I/AAAAAAAAAYY/c7ip48aokxE/s320/jan10+037.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427133396302059362" /></a><br /><strong>THE END RESULT</strong><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1END92tbxI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/Dm7arL2rbtE/s1600-h/jan10+038.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 309px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1END92tbxI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/Dm7arL2rbtE/s320/jan10+038.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427133387752959762" /></a><br />WOW! This was amazing! Chris rated it an "8" but I thought it deserved a "10" so I averaged it out to a "9". It was really, really yummy and easy to make. Less than 35 minutes (not including chopping time). ANOTHER PLUS - many of the ingredients are constant fixtures in our household; chicken, spices, rice, peanut butter. So it's cheap and convenient too! Probably going to be making this one often. Again, I found this recipe at Rachael Ray's <a href="http://rachaelray.com">website</a>.Sasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604571849590157254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081748442825470017.post-10102429545044924662010-01-15T14:46:00.000-08:002010-01-15T15:02:12.143-08:0020 + 10 ChallengeWell, it seems this is one of my most difficult resolutions to follow. I have SO many excuses:<br /><br />The house is a mess<br />The kids are asleep<br />The kids are awake<br />I don't like to go at night<br />I'm tired<br />My schedule is packed<br />It's raining<br /><br />Yeah, you get the picture.<br /><br />But TODAY I went to the gym! I have not been in at least two weeks, maybe longer. You know it's been too long when you can't remember the last time you went.<br /><br />And man, let me tell you, I kicked my own ass.<br /><br />20 minutes of speed cycling - SIX MILES!<br />2 sets of 60 reps on the bicep/tricep weight machine<br />10 minutes on the elliptical - TWO MILES!<br /><br />And then I ran home from the gym. Not a long way from home, but it made me feel better about myself.<br /><br />This is me after my workout, oh yeah. Sweat is sexy. Deal with it.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1DzqwhiPtI/AAAAAAAAAXg/iPleQ-LRfMI/s1600-h/jan10+019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1DzqwhiPtI/AAAAAAAAAXg/iPleQ-LRfMI/s320/jan10+019.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427105466887061202" /></a><br />And here is my current "Body Movin'" exercise mix:<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1DzqYJBvZI/AAAAAAAAAXY/tb9JOzZF090/s1600-h/jan10+023.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S1DzqYJBvZI/AAAAAAAAAXY/tb9JOzZF090/s320/jan10+023.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427105460341816722" /></a><br />Every Time I Look For You::BLINK-182<br />Pump It::BLACK EYED PEAS<br />Don't Phunk With My Heart::BLACK EYED PEAS<br />Rollercoaster::BLINK-182<br />Hey Baby::NO DOUBT<br />Lights Out::BUTCH WALKER<br />A.M. Radio::EVERCLEAR<br />Disturbia::RIHANNA<br /><br />Can I just say, pretty much ANY Blink-182 song is perfect for working out.<br /><br />Going back to the gym Sunday after church...that's right, church. I try to go every Sunday. Besides, praying every day is one of my resolutions, and why not go talk to God at His place for once - He likes it when we go visitin'.<br /><br />I'll be back later with my recipe post.Sasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604571849590157254noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081748442825470017.post-67867428907774690182010-01-14T16:53:00.000-08:002010-01-14T17:09:04.508-08:00Recipe: Pity PartyTonight I was just way too tired to actually cook. So instead I ordered a pizza. Don't worry; I'm only skipping a night, not a meal. I'll pick up where I left off tomorrow with Peanut-Curry Chicken. Until then follow my step by step instructions for Pity Party.<br /><br /><strong>INGREDIENTS</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0-9oGHUS-I/AAAAAAAAAW4/fnhvUH5z5zk/s1600-h/jan10+042.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0-9oGHUS-I/AAAAAAAAAW4/fnhvUH5z5zk/s320/jan10+042.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426764572538457058" /></a><br /><br />A working cell phone<br />A wad of cash<br /><br /><strong>PREPARATION</strong><br /><br />Call your favorite pizza restaurant, or really, any take-out place. (I picked Domino's tonight because their new crust is AMAZING!)<br /><br />Wait approximately 25-30 minutes after ordering.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0-_2nG2RlI/AAAAAAAAAXI/__JIpO29PK8/s1600-h/jan10+043.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0-_2nG2RlI/AAAAAAAAAXI/__JIpO29PK8/s320/jan10+043.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426767020936283730" /></a><br />Answer your door and pay the delivery person.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0-_2EB7dGI/AAAAAAAAAXA/dATfbfMhq64/s1600-h/jan10+044.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0-_2EB7dGI/AAAAAAAAAXA/dATfbfMhq64/s320/jan10+044.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426767011520410722" /></a><br />Set down the box.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0-9nrxjXPI/AAAAAAAAAWw/NtYWVVbsTyQ/s1600-h/jan10+040.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 261px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0-9nrxjXPI/AAAAAAAAAWw/NtYWVVbsTyQ/s320/jan10+040.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426764565467847922" /></a><br />Enjoy!<br /><br /><strong>THE END RESULT</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0-9nHG3QoI/AAAAAAAAAWo/WrNMDb7ri6A/s1600-h/jan10+041.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 312px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0-9nHG3QoI/AAAAAAAAAWo/WrNMDb7ri6A/s320/jan10+041.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426764555625120386" /></a><br />I took a much needed break from cooking which would not have actually happened this week but life got in the way. It happens. And you know what? The pizza was worth all my effort. I give it a "10".Sasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604571849590157254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081748442825470017.post-17953124123650847122010-01-14T11:03:00.001-08:002010-01-14T12:13:08.655-08:00All dressed up & nowhere to go.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S09rJkTZ2lI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/1VxvjnwgKro/s1600-h/jan10+025.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 288px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S09rJkTZ2lI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/1VxvjnwgKro/s320/jan10+025.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426673888112794194" /></a><br /><br />Today the kids and I were going to visit their friends and then their grandmother, all within walking distance of our home. The plan was to load them into the stroller and go for a walk.<br /><br />My husband drove to work and the stroller is still in the back of the Jeep. OOPS!<br /><br />Still...R10 for the day has been accomplished. Hooray for making time for myself!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S09rxFu1ebI/AAAAAAAAAWg/nXjx84iyhHY/s1600-h/jan10+020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S09rxFu1ebI/AAAAAAAAAWg/nXjx84iyhHY/s320/jan10+020.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426674567101118898" /></a><br /><br />A totally painted face. In your face. Face to face. I have a big head.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S09rw8X4veI/AAAAAAAAAWY/HkXbA4WMCh8/s1600-h/jan10+026.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 156px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S09rw8X4veI/AAAAAAAAAWY/HkXbA4WMCh8/s320/jan10+026.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426674564588944866" /></a><br /><br />Thanks to <a href="http://www.ambersnotebook.com/">Amber</a> for posting a <a href="http://www.ambersnotebook.com/2010/01/look-of-day-lovely-lace.html">blog</a> about those awesome Rodarte for Target tights. I went and snatched them up yesterday. Of course, your legs look alot better in them than mine!Sasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604571849590157254noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081748442825470017.post-55908233835293260202010-01-13T17:16:00.000-08:002010-01-13T17:49:12.683-08:00Recipe: Ravioli SoupI found this recipe in the article "Use Your Noodles!" from the February 2009 edition of <em>Parents</em> Magazine.<br /><br /><strong>INGREDIENTS</strong><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S05y1y29g4I/AAAAAAAAAVY/ynfWppygNXY/s1600-h/jan10+005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 280px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S05y1y29g4I/AAAAAAAAAVY/ynfWppygNXY/s320/jan10+005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426400869538956162" /></a><br />1/2 lb. ground turkey breast<br />1 Tbsp. Italian-seasoned bread crumbs<br />1/8 tsp. ground sage<br />1/8 tsp. salt<br />1/8 tsp. pepper<br />3 cups low-sodium chicken broth<br />1 can (14.5 oz.) Italian-seasoned diced tomatoes<br />1 can (8 oz.) no-salt-added tomato sauce<br />1 cup chopped celery<br />1 cup chopped carrots ( I used pre-sliced frozen carrots)<br />1 cup frozen green beans<br />1 pkg. (7 oz.) refrigerated mini cheese ravioli, such as Buitoni<br /><br /><strong>PREPARATION</strong><br /><br />Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking pan with aluminum foil and coat with vegetable cooking spray. Combine turkey, bread crumbs, sage, salt and pepper in a bowl; shape into mini-meatballs.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S05y1bgxLuI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/RAnetNKW4jE/s1600-h/jan10+006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S05y1bgxLuI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/RAnetNKW4jE/s320/jan10+006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426400863271857890" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S05y1PhFHmI/AAAAAAAAAVI/K63nKtaaQ2U/s1600-h/jan10+011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S05y1PhFHmI/AAAAAAAAAVI/K63nKtaaQ2U/s320/jan10+011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426400860051938914" /></a><br />Bake for 12 minutes or until browned.<br />In a 3-quart saucepan, combine broth, tomatoes, tomato sauce, celery, and carrots. Boil, then reduce heat.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S05y0330x7I/AAAAAAAAAVA/6vePSegpeMI/s1600-h/jan10+013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S05y0330x7I/AAAAAAAAAVA/6vePSegpeMI/s320/jan10+013.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426400853704886194" /></a><br /> <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S05y0Ra0xbI/AAAAAAAAAU4/Mw--gcVDY8M/s1600-h/jan10+014.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S05y0Ra0xbI/AAAAAAAAAU4/Mw--gcVDY8M/s320/jan10+014.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426400843382703538" /></a> <br />Cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Add beans and stir into broth with ravioli.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0511Lipu4I/AAAAAAAAAVo/3Q2bvzByldY/s1600-h/jan10+015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0511Lipu4I/AAAAAAAAAVo/3Q2bvzByldY/s320/jan10+015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426404157519674242" /></a><br />Cook, covered, for 5 minutes. Add meatballs to serve.<br /><br /><strong>THE END RESULT</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0510kavzKI/AAAAAAAAAVg/h4Q39yYDxs8/s1600-h/jan10+016.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 298px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0510kavzKI/AAAAAAAAAVg/h4Q39yYDxs8/s320/jan10+016.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426404147017534626" /></a><br /><br />Honestly...it looks better than it tastes. It wasn't the worst thing I've ever eaten, but kind of boring. DEFINITELY kid-friendly, but for those of us with adventurous palates, very ho-hum. Chris is not home tonight to rate it (he's helping my dad fix his brakes) but Betsy gobbled it up and I ate it and so, let's do a double rating. For kidlets it gets a rating of "8". For adults I'd say it earned a "6". The timing was excellent - only about 35 minutes, and everything was SUPER easy. But the taste, while not disgusting, left much to be desired. It lacks imagination. However, I can see myself making it again when I am out of ideas and don't want to make anything that involves too much effort.<br /><br />Calorie Count for a family of 4: 304.5 per servingSasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604571849590157254noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081748442825470017.post-55931358491155448022010-01-12T19:50:00.000-08:002010-01-13T09:18:11.815-08:00Awards, awards, amazing awards...So apparently my friends <a href="http://beingchelsea.com">Chelsea</a> and <a href="http://melissaandrews.blogspot.com">Melissa</a> have honored me with blog awards! I have already completed Chelsea's Random 7 list (see my <a href="http://10goalsin2010.blogspot.com/2010/01/random-is-as-random-does.html">previous entry</a>) but I didn't know she'd given me an award! So here is the one from Chelsea:<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S01D-bGY3dI/AAAAAAAAAUg/eIS5MW9Jda0/s1600-h/image_thumb3.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 208px; height: 208px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S01D-bGY3dI/AAAAAAAAAUg/eIS5MW9Jda0/s320/image_thumb3.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426067865756818898" /></a><br />Thank you Chelsea!<br /><br />And here is the one from Mel:<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S01D-PASIXI/AAAAAAAAAUY/YbHaqngmYd8/s1600-h/Award1+(1).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S01D-PASIXI/AAAAAAAAAUY/YbHaqngmYd8/s320/Award1+(1).jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426067862509986162" /></a><br />Thanks Mel!<br /><br />Here are ten things that make me happy:<br />1. Shopping<br />2. Chocolate<br />3. My kids<br />4. My husband<br />5. Sunny days<br />6. The beach<br />7. Soft pillows<br />8. Bubble baths<br />9. Marshmallow roastings<br />10.BakingSasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604571849590157254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081748442825470017.post-52059456376244824512010-01-12T16:50:00.000-08:002010-01-12T17:30:49.955-08:00Recipe: French Spring Chicken PotDay Three of my perfect menu search continues...<br /><br /><strong>INGREDIENTS</strong><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S00aplAUT2I/AAAAAAAAATQ/YpunYukO9Ls/s1600-h/jan10+001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S00aplAUT2I/AAAAAAAAATQ/YpunYukO9Ls/s320/jan10+001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426022427661717346" /></a><br /><br />•4 pieces skinless, boneless chicken breasts<br />•2 onions, 1 halved and 1 chopped<br />•1 bay leaf<br />•3 tablespoons butter<br />•1 baking potato, peeled and cut into small cubes (I used two large red potatoes)<br />•2 carrots, peeled and cut into small cubes (I used pre-sliced frozen carrots)<br />•3 small ribs celery, cut into small cubes<br />•1/3 pound white mushrooms (a couple of generous handfuls), quartered (I used pre-sliced frozen mushrooms)<br />•1/3 pound thin green beans (a couple of generous handfuls), cut on an angle into 1-inch pieces (again, pre-sliced and frozen beans were used by me)<br />•Salt and pepper<br />•2 tablespoons flour (I prefer cornstarch)<br />•1/2 cup dry white wine (I didn't have any wine! It was just fine without)<br />•1 1/2 cups chicken broth<br />•1/2 cup frozen peas<br />•3 tablespoons fresh tarragon, chopped (dried works just as well)<br />•2 tablespoons Dijon mustard<br />•1/3 cup heavy cream<br />•Grainy rolls or crusty whole wheat bread, for dunking<br /><br /><strong>PREPARATION</strong><br />In a large, heavy pot or Dutch oven filled with simmering water, cook the chicken, halved onion and bay leaf until cooked through and tender, 15-20 minutes.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S00ape_z3JI/AAAAAAAAATI/H6v0ME8HHzE/s1600-h/jan10+005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S00ape_z3JI/AAAAAAAAATI/H6v0ME8HHzE/s320/jan10+005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426022426048978066" /></a><br />Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and cut into bite-size pieces or, using 2 forks, shred in a bowl.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S00aom5daAI/AAAAAAAAAS4/KdXOYBCiepY/s1600-h/jan10+009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S00aom5daAI/AAAAAAAAAS4/KdXOYBCiepY/s320/jan10+009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426022410989955074" /></a><br />Wipe out the pot, add the butter and melt over medium heat. One vegetable at a time, stir in the chopped onion, potato, carrots, celery and mushrooms. <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S00apEToH3I/AAAAAAAAATA/o-1i7SnKMh0/s1600-h/jan10+008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S00apEToH3I/AAAAAAAAATA/o-1i7SnKMh0/s320/jan10+008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426022418884337522" /></a><br />Cover the pot, lower the heat and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the green beans and season with salt and pepper. <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S00aoVrxzXI/AAAAAAAAASw/k97_d3kHQ3A/s1600-h/jan10+010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S00aoVrxzXI/AAAAAAAAASw/k97_d3kHQ3A/s320/jan10+010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426022406369168754" /></a><br />Sprinkle the flour into the pot and stir for 1 minute. <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S00fEohAsRI/AAAAAAAAAT4/kdg1qdjLjNo/s1600-h/jan10+012.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S00fEohAsRI/AAAAAAAAAT4/kdg1qdjLjNo/s320/jan10+012.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426027290507129106" /></a><br />Stir in the wine, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pan, and cook until slightly reduced, about 1 minute. Stir in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S00fECFTTHI/AAAAAAAAATo/7F_-rlEmfuI/s1600-h/jan10+015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S00fECFTTHI/AAAAAAAAATo/7F_-rlEmfuI/s320/jan10+015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426027280190360690" /></a><br /><br />Stir in the peas, tarragon and mustard and simmer for 5 minutes.<br /><br />Add the chicken to the vegetables. Stir in the cream and heat through. <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S00fDV2IcMI/AAAAAAAAATY/uVHpvOkVOi0/s1600-h/jan10+018.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S00fDV2IcMI/AAAAAAAAATY/uVHpvOkVOi0/s320/jan10+018.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426027268315574466" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S00fDtn6yyI/AAAAAAAAATg/3_uCuD8Wq6k/s1600-h/jan10+017.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S00fDtn6yyI/AAAAAAAAATg/3_uCuD8Wq6k/s320/jan10+017.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426027274698410786" /></a><br /><br />Serve with the bread.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S00hiUuXiQI/AAAAAAAAAUI/3oRpI3LzBqk/s1600-h/jan10+019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S00hiUuXiQI/AAAAAAAAAUI/3oRpI3LzBqk/s320/jan10+019.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426029999613774082" /></a><br /><br /><strong>THE END RESULT</strong><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S00hiG1iodI/AAAAAAAAAUA/PnDMq_7cfpE/s1600-h/jan10+020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S00hiG1iodI/AAAAAAAAAUA/PnDMq_7cfpE/s320/jan10+020.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426029995885765074" /></a><br /><br />This was a wonderful homemade soup from RachaelRay.com that didn't take very long to make - about 45 minutes. My husband is working late tonight (and isn't even done with his shift at the time of posting!) but my best friend Lauren came over to visit and was my rater for the evening. She gave the dish a rating of "8". It was also yet another meal that my picky kid could not get enough of!Sasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604571849590157254noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081748442825470017.post-15447779498444723652010-01-12T12:22:00.000-08:002010-01-12T12:26:47.426-08:00The InStylerSo this super awesome <a href="http://blondeinablog.blogspot.com">blonde</a> whose blog I follow is giving away an InStyler. I entered the contest because I think owning such a product will help me become one step closer to R10 - take time for myself!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0za3YDz6FI/AAAAAAAAASo/Ci5LJELFd4c/s1600-h/insyuler_01.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 247px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0za3YDz6FI/AAAAAAAAASo/Ci5LJELFd4c/s320/insyuler_01.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425952295960701010" /></a><br /><br />I'll be back later this evening with my third recipe attempt.Sasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604571849590157254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081748442825470017.post-3627795762570441252010-01-11T16:47:00.001-08:002010-01-11T17:14:58.355-08:00Recipe: Italian RollatiniDay Two of my quest for the perfect menu has come to a close. Tonight we had Italian Rollatini, another recipe from RachaelRay.Com. Here's what's up:<br /><br /><strong>INGREDIENTS</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0vIlP122AI/AAAAAAAAAQI/z7L2e9dV_4Q/s1600-h/jan10+075.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 258px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0vIlP122AI/AAAAAAAAAQI/z7L2e9dV_4Q/s320/jan10+075.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425650718331033602" /></a><br />•2 medium eggplants, each sliced lengthwise into 6 slices about 1/4-inch thick (I only used one large eggplant)<br />•3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), divided<br />•Salt and freshly ground black pepper<br />•3/4 pound sweet Italian chicken, turkey or tofu sausage, casings removed<br />•1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded<br />•1/2 cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (that's fancy talk for Parmesan), plus additional for sprinkling<br />•1 can tomato sauce or tomato puree (15 ounces)<br />•1/4 cup basil leaves, torn<br /><br /><strong>PREPARATION</strong><br /><br />Pre-heat the oven to 400ºF.<br /><br />Lay the eggplant slices out on a baking sheet, drizzle with EVOO on both sides and season with salt and pepper. <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0vIkqceNjI/AAAAAAAAAQA/2Yo0wTrik8Q/s1600-h/jan10+076.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0vIkqceNjI/AAAAAAAAAQA/2Yo0wTrik8Q/s320/jan10+076.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425650708292449842" /></a><br />Roast in the oven for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the eggplant is tender and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool.<br /><br />While the eggplant is roasting, in a medium skillet with one turn of the pan of EVOO, brown the sausage, about 5 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or potato masher as it cooks. <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0vIkfBO2VI/AAAAAAAAAP4/rfBBhUtdeUs/s1600-h/jan10+077.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0vIkfBO2VI/AAAAAAAAAP4/rfBBhUtdeUs/s320/jan10+077.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425650705225406802" /></a><br /><br />Remove the sausage from skillet with a slotted spoon to a medium bowl. Let cool, then mix in the mozzarella cheese and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0vIjRM7gSI/AAAAAAAAAPo/TZbOeprnbpY/s1600-h/jan10+083.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0vIjRM7gSI/AAAAAAAAAPo/TZbOeprnbpY/s320/jan10+083.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425650684336505122" /></a><br />Spread a little tomato sauce down on the bottom of a baking dish and sprinkle with the torn basil. <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0vIj9OdF1I/AAAAAAAAAPw/IOpb1Ou3cqg/s1600-h/jan10+081.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0vIj9OdF1I/AAAAAAAAAPw/IOpb1Ou3cqg/s320/jan10+081.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425650696154060626" /></a><br />Lay two pieces of roasted eggplant out lengthwise on a cutting board, overlapping them about an inch. Mound some sausage-cheese mixture at the short end of the eggplant slices. (I used an ice cream scoop, as you will often see me do. It makes the PERFECT shape and just the right amount for alot of things.)<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0vLVf45WtI/AAAAAAAAAQw/6nkq3mLaCMk/s1600-h/jan10+085.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0vLVf45WtI/AAAAAAAAAQw/6nkq3mLaCMk/s320/jan10+085.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425653746295724754" /></a><br />Roll them up, then lay the roll seam-side down on top of the sauce in the baking dish. Repeat with the rest of the eggplant until the baking dish is full – you should have 6 of them.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0vLVBsHmJI/AAAAAAAAAQo/3FbyKI015B0/s1600-h/jan10+086.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0vLVBsHmJI/AAAAAAAAAQo/3FbyKI015B0/s320/jan10+086.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425653738189068434" /></a><br />Spoon more sauce over the eggplant rolls, then sprinkle with Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0vLUuIfqKI/AAAAAAAAAQg/gkhnHNzjI-U/s1600-h/jan10+088.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0vLUuIfqKI/AAAAAAAAAQg/gkhnHNzjI-U/s320/jan10+088.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425653732939376802" /></a><br />Bake for 15 minutes, until the eggplant is warmed through and the cheese is bubbling.<br /><br /><strong>THE END RESULT</strong><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0vLUUPurZI/AAAAAAAAAQY/otwsycnNO6I/s1600-h/jan10+090.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 298px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0vLUUPurZI/AAAAAAAAAQY/otwsycnNO6I/s320/jan10+090.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425653725990399378" /></a><br /><br />This meal was AMAZING! We all loved it - even Betsy, and she's in her picky toddler stage. Chris gave it a rating of "10". It took 35 minutes to make (not including slicing time), so I am pretty happy. I'll end it with an overall of 9.5 because it was a tad bit over time and it was a little hard for me to cut (but I'm a weakling anyway). This one is a total WIN for a weeknight meal.<br /><br />We even had leftovers of the sausage-sauce-cheese mix.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0vLT0QUheI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/ugPxnmS8iiY/s1600-h/jan10+092.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0vLT0QUheI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/ugPxnmS8iiY/s320/jan10+092.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425653717402944994" /></a><br /><br />I think it'll be wonderful over some ziti.Sasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604571849590157254noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081748442825470017.post-41658702312527840082010-01-10T18:06:00.000-08:002010-01-11T17:38:53.961-08:00Recipe: Chicken & Apple Pot PiesHere is my first attempt at R3. I have always enjoyed cooking and am pretty good at it if I do say so myself; however, I am looking for fast, yummy, easy and cheap meals. So here we go:<br /><br /><strong>INGREDIENTS</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0qJArQ1XwI/AAAAAAAAANY/Fk9VE9zjk04/s1600-h/jan10+018.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0qJArQ1XwI/AAAAAAAAANY/Fk9VE9zjk04/s320/jan10+018.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425299345827520258" /></a><br />•2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)<br />•2 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken, white or dark meat, diced into bite-size pieces<br />•3 tablespoons butter<br />•3 Empire, Gala or Honey Crisp apples, peeled and chopped<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0qORMKauvI/AAAAAAAAANg/wsZUn97l3Lc/s1600-h/jan10+019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0qORMKauvI/AAAAAAAAANg/wsZUn97l3Lc/s320/jan10+019.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425305127095024370" /></a> (What can I say, I had to show me peeling them...I love my monkey peeler!)<br /><br />•3-4 small ribs celery, chopped<br />•1 onion, peeled and chopped<br />•1 bay leaf<br />•2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped<br />•Salt and pepper<br />•2 tablespoons flour (I prefer cornstarch; it is a much better thickening agent)<br />•1 cup apple cider (apple juice works just as well)<br />•1 cup chicken stock<br />•1 sheet store-bought puff pastry dough, defrosted (if frozen)<br />•1 egg, beaten with water<br /><br /><strong>PREPARATION</strong><br /><br />Pre-heat the oven to 400˚F.<br /><br />Heat the EVOO in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and brown for 7-8 minutes, then remove to a plate.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0qP16QW2KI/AAAAAAAAAOI/bcDAjiDXKw8/s1600-h/jan10+020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0qP16QW2KI/AAAAAAAAAOI/bcDAjiDXKw8/s320/jan10+020.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425306857454885026" /></a><br /><br />Add the butter and melt. Add the apples, celery, onion, bay, thyme, salt and pepper and cook to soften, 8-10 minutes. <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0qP1khPPoI/AAAAAAAAAOA/jVtUpqbqzvc/s1600-h/jan10+021.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0qP1khPPoI/AAAAAAAAAOA/jVtUpqbqzvc/s320/jan10+021.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425306851620109954" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0qP0z-2-bI/AAAAAAAAANw/CE55d5JBKZM/s1600-h/jan10+023.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0qP0z-2-bI/AAAAAAAAANw/CE55d5JBKZM/s320/jan10+023.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425306838591011250" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0qP0ibWBfI/AAAAAAAAANo/DHHw4OsvY6o/s1600-h/jan10+024.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0qP0ibWBfI/AAAAAAAAANo/DHHw4OsvY6o/s320/jan10+024.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425306833878648306" /></a><br />Sprinkle with flour, stir for 1 minute, then whisk in the cider and stock. <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0qUK51ZG7I/AAAAAAAAAOw/SjyhNEsrEds/s1600-h/jan10+025.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0qUK51ZG7I/AAAAAAAAAOw/SjyhNEsrEds/s320/jan10+025.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425311616165551026" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0qUKfpcGmI/AAAAAAAAAOo/_891maj3670/s1600-h/jan10+026.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0qUKfpcGmI/AAAAAAAAAOo/_891maj3670/s320/jan10+026.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425311609136093794" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0qUKKgi-6I/AAAAAAAAAOg/UHjf38vGtAY/s1600-h/jan10+027.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0qUKKgi-6I/AAAAAAAAAOg/UHjf38vGtAY/s320/jan10+027.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425311603461651362" /></a><br />Slide the chicken back into the pan and simmer a few minutes to thicken the sauce.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0qUJ077LNI/AAAAAAAAAOY/rbkvsMrzeVY/s1600-h/jan10+028.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0qUJ077LNI/AAAAAAAAAOY/rbkvsMrzeVY/s320/jan10+028.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425311597670902994" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0qUJWiqxUI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/fYECc9Grb3g/s1600-h/jan10+029.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0qUJWiqxUI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/fYECc9Grb3g/s320/jan10+029.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425311589511906626" /></a><br />Place the chicken and sauce in a casserole dish or in individual casserole dishes arranged on baking sheet to catch drips. Cover with the pastry dough, brush with the egg wash and bake until golden.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0qWYVl0AZI/AAAAAAAAAPI/p1bcHLK0iZA/s1600-h/jan10+031.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0qWYVl0AZI/AAAAAAAAAPI/p1bcHLK0iZA/s320/jan10+031.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425314045977952658" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0qWY6m6lkI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/H7OdHgNbL6o/s1600-h/jan10+030.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0qWY6m6lkI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/H7OdHgNbL6o/s320/jan10+030.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425314055914690114" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0qWX_nGKiI/AAAAAAAAAPA/89Bt103XXuU/s1600-h/jan10+032.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0qWX_nGKiI/AAAAAAAAAPA/89Bt103XXuU/s320/jan10+032.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425314040077756962" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0qWXgX0TBI/AAAAAAAAAO4/AMo5RzIgatU/s1600-h/jan10+034.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0qWXgX0TBI/AAAAAAAAAO4/AMo5RzIgatU/s320/jan10+034.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425314031692172306" /></a><br /><br /><strong>THE END RESULT</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0qXS-wJQ-I/AAAAAAAAAPY/fRGkhXCz8CU/s1600-h/jan10+035.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0qXS-wJQ-I/AAAAAAAAAPY/fRGkhXCz8CU/s320/jan10+035.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425315053459555298" /></a><br /><br />OK. In terms of aesthetics, this is certainly NOT what a pot pie of ANY sort should look like. I felt like it should have been more, well, solid. The flour did nothing to thicken up the gravy. However, it tasted pretty good. As my friend Chelsea does with her husband Shaun (see her blog BeingChelsea.Com), I asked my husband Chris to rate the meal on a scale of 1 to 10 - 1 being awful, 10 being awesome. He said "7". Which is pretty darn good, in my opinion.<br /><br />Now we get to timing. This recipe is from RachaelRay.Com, and Ms. Ray of course is the Queen of 30 Minute Meals. Well, this thing took me over an hour to cook, not including all the chopping I had to do. So it is definitely NOT speedy. A 7 rating is pretty good, but for me it drops to a 5 since it wasn't thirty minutes or less cook time. So while I may make this again, it is certainly not a weeknight go-to dinner.<br /><br />Calorie Count for a family of 4: about 430 per serving.Sasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604571849590157254noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081748442825470017.post-55366308839784171152010-01-09T11:52:00.000-08:002010-01-09T12:29:24.938-08:00Patios, Pin-Ups, and PantiesAll my life I've loved gardens - who doesn't love a quiet little place full of foliage and flora? My stepmother has an AMAZING talent for gardening.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0jjHcxLkvI/AAAAAAAAAMw/6vEVOnfxXgw/s1600-h/l_f1774d3d55d94005bc2e660a46cfbbc3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0jjHcxLkvI/AAAAAAAAAMw/6vEVOnfxXgw/s320/l_f1774d3d55d94005bc2e660a46cfbbc3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424835468288824050" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0jjHPsi9wI/AAAAAAAAAMo/rrXhniqRR5Y/s1600-h/l_da0268419c1f4eb98eeffe0822a8c663.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0jjHPsi9wI/AAAAAAAAAMo/rrXhniqRR5Y/s320/l_da0268419c1f4eb98eeffe0822a8c663.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424835464779724546" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0jjGyUzNrI/AAAAAAAAAMg/1E12U2W4bK0/s1600-h/l_37555e540c8b4017a3a957f5864d3c16.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0jjGyUzNrI/AAAAAAAAAMg/1E12U2W4bK0/s320/l_37555e540c8b4017a3a957f5864d3c16.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424835456895497906" /></a><br /><br />Unfortunately I cannot say the same for myself.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0jjGqLyLuI/AAAAAAAAAMY/9qPHyInqhMA/s1600-h/jan10+017.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0jjGqLyLuI/AAAAAAAAAMY/9qPHyInqhMA/s320/jan10+017.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424835454710197986" /></a><br />If my father saw the above photo it would break his heart. He bought me that New Guinea impatien as a Mother's Day gift last May. Sorry, Daddy. I killed her. <br /><br />My patio is in dire need of a makeover as you can obviously tell. Husband and I have been talking about building our own veggie box garden for almost two years now. I would love to be able to fix this place up so I can relax and enjoy healthy food that I know is good for me all around because <em>I</em> grew it. Unfortunately the tomato plant my brother gifted to me died in the most recent frost - but even though it shot to ridiculous heighths and even sprouted little yellow flowers last summer, it never gave us tomatoes. So I have to try all over again.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0jjGBClFbI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/_QpiBHm-eKo/s1600-h/jan10+015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0jjGBClFbI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/_QpiBHm-eKo/s320/jan10+015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424835443665737138" /></a><br /><br />I'm getting good use out of the triplets though!<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0jksGKPQwI/AAAAAAAAAM4/VhVmd2-te4E/s1600-h/jan10+018.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 168px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0jksGKPQwI/AAAAAAAAAM4/VhVmd2-te4E/s320/jan10+018.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424837197386695426" /></a><br /><br />20 + 10 = 30 lbs. to lose is currently underway. I have been tirelessly researching ways to maintain my curves and lose my flab. It's going to be tricky.<br /><br />I have always held a fantastic desire to have a body like this:<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0jlrHwC1vI/AAAAAAAAANA/KUBLHZbSSm4/s1600-h/aBlackRdheadPinupTFTA.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 179px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0jlrHwC1vI/AAAAAAAAANA/KUBLHZbSSm4/s320/aBlackRdheadPinupTFTA.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424838280145458930" /></a><br /><br />There is just something so sexy about that era to me when curves were cherished instead of condemned. <br /><br />Tying into this is my ridiculous addiction to lacy racy lingerie. I swear Husband is lucky to have someone who cares so much about what covers her butt.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0jmYtkpLqI/AAAAAAAAANI/bPx6VytwjY4/s1600-h/jan10+020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 118px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0jmYtkpLqI/AAAAAAAAANI/bPx6VytwjY4/s320/jan10+020.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424839063392300706" /></a><br />That photo doesn't even begin to illustrate my insane collection of underwear. And that pile is about an inch thick.<br /><br />Speaking of panties, last night we continued the pursuit of R1. Which meant I was seriously lacking in the undergarment department for the better part of the evening. Let's just say we REALLY enjoyed ourselves last night...no secret weapon required.Sasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604571849590157254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5081748442825470017.post-57007739215663716192010-01-07T19:09:00.000-08:002010-01-07T20:19:38.241-08:00Organization frustration!<strong>ATTENTION: Extra-long BlogAlert!</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0arrBetAbI/AAAAAAAAALY/Tp5Uja83YFs/s1600-h/028.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0arrBetAbI/AAAAAAAAALY/Tp5Uja83YFs/s320/028.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424211556834279858" /></a><br /><br />MY GAME FACE!!!!!! Time to get to cleaning!<br /><br />I have come to the conclusion that my house is an utter disaster.<br /><br /><strong>WARNING: The images you are about to see are disturbing in nature and are not suitable for those with severe OCD.</strong><br /><br />This...is our bedroom.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0alxlIdNVI/AAAAAAAAAKo/AY_J10RbuMc/s1600-h/019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0alxlIdNVI/AAAAAAAAAKo/AY_J10RbuMc/s320/019.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424205072414094674" /></a><br />When you first walk in.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0alxU75BAI/AAAAAAAAAKg/GBwXkdwT_iw/s1600-h/020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0alxU75BAI/AAAAAAAAAKg/GBwXkdwT_iw/s320/020.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424205068066423810" /></a><br />My side of the bed...sigh.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0alwqYVTVI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/Mf24tXo-cgM/s1600-h/021.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0alwqYVTVI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/Mf24tXo-cgM/s320/021.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424205056642993490" /></a><br />First of all - the gun is NOT loaded. Secondly, that wooden monstrosity is my husband's homemade pull-up bar. Yep, hubbster is a carpenter. And that thing is in our room because I will not allow it to go elsewhere in the house.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0alwEw2KnI/AAAAAAAAAKI/SLOi5DDJbNk/s1600-h/022.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0alwEw2KnI/AAAAAAAAAKI/SLOi5DDJbNk/s320/022.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424205046545263218" /></a><br />Boardgames and old photographs. Believe it or not, they aren't usually there. Seriously they have been sitting there because I moved them from one place and just haven't had the time to find them a new home.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0ap87JINVI/AAAAAAAAALQ/9EGWK0NDVKI/s1600-h/023.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0ap87JINVI/AAAAAAAAALQ/9EGWK0NDVKI/s320/023.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424209665347564882" /></a><br />That's my closet.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0ap8iBL4sI/AAAAAAAAALI/UFDNi8KpQ3M/s1600-h/024.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0ap8iBL4sI/AAAAAAAAALI/UFDNi8KpQ3M/s320/024.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424209658603365058" /></a><br />I have NO idea.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0ap8O4ggWI/AAAAAAAAALA/EW8uWvdytF0/s1600-h/025.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0ap8O4ggWI/AAAAAAAAALA/EW8uWvdytF0/s320/025.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424209653466693986" /></a><br />The inside of my closet.<br /><br />And here is our bathroom:<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0ap76sMnUI/AAAAAAAAAK4/RTQFQMfLvdQ/s1600-h/026.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0ap76sMnUI/AAAAAAAAAK4/RTQFQMfLvdQ/s320/026.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424209648046349634" /></a><br />Welcome to Laundry Hell. Where dirty soulless socks go to die.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0ap7e0lADI/AAAAAAAAAKw/Y77gttPNmEU/s1600-h/027.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0ap7e0lADI/AAAAAAAAAKw/Y77gttPNmEU/s320/027.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424209640565309490" /></a><br />There is a countertop under there somewhere. This is a chronic occurrence. It'll be spic-n-span and the next day it'll look like the Toiletry Monster threw up all over it.<br /><br />Since taking these photos I have cleaned up my side of the bedroom. My closet space is clear. You can see <em>some</em> floorspace again. Obviously I have a LONG way to go before R5 is completely achieved.<br /><br />Today I continued the pursuit of R7. Here is Betsy visiting with my father. We went over today to bring him fried chicken and so Betsy could pick an orange off the orange tree he bought for her when he found out I was pregnant with her.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0autg09TFI/AAAAAAAAAMA/5X39kRw9RK4/s1600-h/014.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0autg09TFI/AAAAAAAAAMA/5X39kRw9RK4/s320/014.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424214898143743058" /></a><br />The tree - they brought it in out of the cold.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0autbdEsAI/AAAAAAAAAL4/m6vcboqJ_ZM/s1600-h/005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0autbdEsAI/AAAAAAAAAL4/m6vcboqJ_ZM/s320/005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424214896701386754" /></a><br />My dad peeling an orange for Betsy. They are seedless so they are perfect for her!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0aus4Xw7uI/AAAAAAAAALw/X06fSgX9MRc/s1600-h/007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0aus4Xw7uI/AAAAAAAAALw/X06fSgX9MRc/s320/007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424214887283879650" /></a><br />My camera was misbehaving.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0auskv1_LI/AAAAAAAAALo/QT7SmShqAF4/s1600-h/008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0auskv1_LI/AAAAAAAAALo/QT7SmShqAF4/s320/008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424214882016165042" /></a><br />Orange slices...<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0ausFQn_lI/AAAAAAAAALg/VymhDk6ZBSE/s1600-h/010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_vTzNTVOMN6k/S0ausFQn_lI/AAAAAAAAALg/VymhDk6ZBSE/s320/010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424214873563725394" /></a><br />Betsy approves.<br /><br />So now we come to the part where I admit that R1 was NOT achieved today. Chris is not feeling well and unlike me his libido is nonexistant when he is under the weather. So we have come up with a clause concerning skipped days: For every day that is missed we have to keep a tally and make up for it at the end of the month to even the score. This way even if we don't get 365 <em>days</em>, we will have done it at least 365 <em>times</em>.<br /><br />Anyway. It's been a long day, and an even longer blog post, so for now I will say goodnight. If you've made it this far - treat yourself to a cookie. You've earned it.Sasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16604571849590157254noreply@blogger.com5