Nothing's quite like sipping cocoa to relax you on a stressful day. Especially when it's got giant marshmallows floating around and you're sharing the moment with one of your kids. Ahhh...bliss.
Anyways, do you want to read WHY I am so stressed?
1. Got up early to go get my van fixed by my favorite mechanic (my step dad). He should open up his own shop. Pure car genius.
2. Signed up for classes for my nusing degree. Then realizing that I will be commuting an hour and back for 4 days out of the week. blah....
3. Had to wait for nearly 3 hours as the piano guy reassembled our piano. Now it sounds lovely and is perfect working order! Yay!
4. Sat down for an hour long piano lesson. I'm coming along quite well. Too bad my hands cramp so badly....
5. Sat and sifted through old taxes to figure out my financial aid form until I was nearly in tears.
6. Varnished the windchime my son painted for me. Pics soon!
7. Made a few more luminaries to stick around the porch and deck. HOW-TO to be posted!
8. Made a yummy spinach and artichoke spread, realizing I made too much, so posted a "anyone want?" ad on Facebook.
Still to do---finish the luminaries (which consists of me heading to Walmart again), hang John's windchime, make supper, make cute paper mache fridge magnets---HOW-TO to be posted soon.
Sound like fun? Anyways, here's the recipe for the spread:
Spinach & Artichoke Spread
----------------------------
This is a warm spread. I also made a cold dip, but maybe I'll post that some other day. Anyways, this can be made with a crock pot or oven. Use the crock if you're doing this for a party. It won't go cold on your guests. But I will be showing you the oven version.
1 can artichoke hearts, and drain in VERY well!
1 can spinach, also drained very well. You can also used frozen bagged stuff, just thaw it out.
2 large garlic cloves (I just used a bunch of garlic powder b/c all my garlic has gone bad)
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayo (I use Miracle Whip b/c I want it tangy)
3/4 cup parmesan cheese
1. Preheat your oven to 375
2. Shove the artichokes, spinach, and garlic into a food processor. Thick or thin is up to you.
3. Dump the mixture into an oven safe cassarole dish. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Add a bit more parmesan cheese if you want it cheesier. I do =)
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes. If it's not thick enough, you could leave it in a bit longer, just make sure you stir it so you don't have burned spinach on your dish
5. Spread it over a specialty bread, or dip bagels/crackers in it. Yummy!
****This yields A LOT of spread, so you should can it or ask anyone if they would like any****
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Pizza on the grill, windchimes, luminaries, bubbles
I've been too busy for the past couple days to actually cook for my family. A lot of fast food or cheat-meals. A lot going on in my life, and it's only going to get worse as I start my degree. But, as I type, I'm waiting on a pizza to get done. Just frozen, so don't get all giddy on me. But it's on the grill!
Most of the time if you put a pizza on your grill, it will come out burnt on the bottom, frozen still on the top. Or if you're like my dad, a flaming pizza (the result of getting drunk and forgetting to take the cardboard off the bottom of the pizza) which is, in fact, one of my favorite memories.
So, as an ode to that funny man, I love making pizzas on the grill. But I like to eat pizza without burnt cardboard, so I bought a cool pizza pan (made just for the grill!) at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. It's kind of like those grilling woks, but flatter.
The handle on mine folds up for easy storage. Buy one and start grilling!
Also, my son made me an awesome windchime. It's a kit we got from Walmart. Have your kid paint it, then seal it with some varnish (supplied), and hang!
And we may be making our decoupaged luminaries tonight also! I wanted star cutouts, but I forgot to buy the punch while I was at the store, so I may be making a late run there. There will be a HOW-TO soon on that.
My son is currently running through a sea of bubbles. I agreed to buy him a toy, b/c I lied to him today. Not intentionally. I didn't think he was going to get a shot. So I PINKIE SWORE that he wouldn't. Ended up that he needed blood work. I almost cried when he called me a liar. Broke my heart. So we came home with a monstrous bubble machine. But it's entertaining!
Lots of fun coming up! Stay tuned!
Most of the time if you put a pizza on your grill, it will come out burnt on the bottom, frozen still on the top. Or if you're like my dad, a flaming pizza (the result of getting drunk and forgetting to take the cardboard off the bottom of the pizza) which is, in fact, one of my favorite memories.
So, as an ode to that funny man, I love making pizzas on the grill. But I like to eat pizza without burnt cardboard, so I bought a cool pizza pan (made just for the grill!) at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. It's kind of like those grilling woks, but flatter.
The handle on mine folds up for easy storage. Buy one and start grilling!
Also, my son made me an awesome windchime. It's a kit we got from Walmart. Have your kid paint it, then seal it with some varnish (supplied), and hang!
And we may be making our decoupaged luminaries tonight also! I wanted star cutouts, but I forgot to buy the punch while I was at the store, so I may be making a late run there. There will be a HOW-TO soon on that.
My son is currently running through a sea of bubbles. I agreed to buy him a toy, b/c I lied to him today. Not intentionally. I didn't think he was going to get a shot. So I PINKIE SWORE that he wouldn't. Ended up that he needed blood work. I almost cried when he called me a liar. Broke my heart. So we came home with a monstrous bubble machine. But it's entertaining!
Lots of fun coming up! Stay tuned!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Why you should love baseball
We had an awesome trip to Great America yesterday. Rained for about half the time, but otherwise, much fun! Once I edit the few pics I took, they will be posted. Too much fun, no time for picture taking! And no recipes from yesterday, but I'm making a crazy dinner tonight. Leftovers mixed with some boxed stuff. Will it taste good? Maybe, we'll see. I'm crossing my fingers.
So baseball season has started. I have to bring my step-son to a practice in an hour. So I feel like making a list of why everyone should start paying more attention to baseball:
1. Baseball players have great butts. I know guys don't care, but I do. Nothing like a cute butt in a tight pair of baseball pants.
2. Baseball is 1,000 times more intense than any sport. Seriously, watch a game. You'll understand.
3. It's okay if you miss a game. With baseball, there are so many games in a season, no one expects you to watch every single one. But you should still keep up on the highlights.
4. It's a lot easier on fans from the northern woods. Football game=froze my tail off Hockey game=froze my tail off Baseball game=enjoyed the beautiful warm weather
5. If you're a Brewer fan, listening to Bob Ueker is enough reason to love baseball.
6. A chance to come home with a souvenier like a foul ball, or someone's game winning home run ball. Hard to do with football, eh?
7. You need season tickets for football. Baseball you can just walk up to the booth and buy a ticket on the game day! (Now of course I'm speaking about Wisconsin teams. But if you are from states like Illinois...ahem...Cubs....then no, sadly you would need season tickets for baseball also)
8. Racing Sausages!!!!! (yes, I do realize this is getting to be a more "why you should love the Brewers" rather than a "Why you should love baseball")
9. Retractable roof. (K, now it's completely about the Brewers)
So baseball season has started. I have to bring my step-son to a practice in an hour. So I feel like making a list of why everyone should start paying more attention to baseball:
1. Baseball players have great butts. I know guys don't care, but I do. Nothing like a cute butt in a tight pair of baseball pants.
2. Baseball is 1,000 times more intense than any sport. Seriously, watch a game. You'll understand.
3. It's okay if you miss a game. With baseball, there are so many games in a season, no one expects you to watch every single one. But you should still keep up on the highlights.
4. It's a lot easier on fans from the northern woods. Football game=froze my tail off Hockey game=froze my tail off Baseball game=enjoyed the beautiful warm weather
5. If you're a Brewer fan, listening to Bob Ueker is enough reason to love baseball.
6. A chance to come home with a souvenier like a foul ball, or someone's game winning home run ball. Hard to do with football, eh?
7. You need season tickets for football. Baseball you can just walk up to the booth and buy a ticket on the game day! (Now of course I'm speaking about Wisconsin teams. But if you are from states like Illinois...ahem...Cubs....then no, sadly you would need season tickets for baseball also)
8. Racing Sausages!!!!! (yes, I do realize this is getting to be a more "why you should love the Brewers" rather than a "Why you should love baseball")
9. Retractable roof. (K, now it's completely about the Brewers)
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Spring Cleaning
It's raining on a Saturday. Is that really fair, God? I had so much I wanted to do today. The husband's gone at camp with the dog. But everything I wanted to do involved being outside. So I tried thinking of some fun rainy-day activities for the kids and me, but I think I should clean this pig-sty of a house. So here's my very own spring-cleaning list (including outside stuff for those lucky enough to NOT HAVE RAIN!)
SPRING CLEANING
-----------------------------------------------
Curtains---Take the curtains down and throw them in the wash. Follow the care instructions printed on the tag. I don't like to put mine in the dryer. When you re-hang them wet, it should take out the wrinkles. If it doesn't, use your steamer to get the wrinkles out. Don't have one? Younkers just so happens to carry them (hehe)
Windows---Take out the window screens and one-at-a-time put them in your bathtub. Scrub them with a rag (with soap and water). Then rinse them off with your shower head. I have a detachable shower head to make this easier. You can also just spray them down with your garden hose. Let them dry before putting them back up
Closets---Start organizing! If you need to, but those nifty closet-organizers that you can find at a hardware store. Line up shoes that you don't wear often, stuff the leather ones with bunched up newspaper to keep their form (purses too!) If it's your cleaning closet, get rid of stuff that you never use.
Bedrooms--Tear off the sheets and give them a good washing. If your comforter is dry-clean, bring it in. Wash up your pillow cases, and either buy an allergy-reducing cover, or buy a pillow that does the same. Younkers carries both. At that note, everyone should have a mattress pad. It's easier to wash that than your mattress!
Bathrooms--Most toilets use more water than needed to properly flush it's contents down. Put a heavy stone in your tank. Or anything that won't float and takes up enough room. This will make sure that your tank doesn't use as much water. Reduces your bill too!
Take down your shower curtain and wash it up.
Clean out your medicine cabinet. Get rid of any meds that are expired. Don't toss or flush them! That will pollute our ground water and can lead to things like mrsa. Most dr. offices will let you bring them there to get rid of them. inquire
Replace all your toothbrushes
Dining room---If you have a wooden table, go to the store and pick up one of those nifty bottles of wood oil. It prolongs like life of your table and makes it look pretty =)
Wash all your table linens
Kitchen---Insect all your appliances for bad cords.
Clean the coils under your fridge.
Deep-clean your fridge. I like to take all the shelves out when I do this
Most freezers and de-icers these days, but de-ice your freezer if yours is an old model
Organize your pantry. Can goods, boxed goods, cereal, etc.
Clean your oven. A lot are "self cleaning" but I still like to do mine manually just to make sure
Run a cycle of vinegar through your coffee pot
Living room---Take the cushion covers off your furniture and wash as specified.
Organize all those cords behind your entertainment center. There are some nifty kits at Walmart for that
Basement---Oh the dreaded basement. All I can say, is start organizing. Every basement is different, depending on what you use it for and if it's a finished basement.
Clean your filters on you furnace. It'll be in tip-top shape by the time the heating season comes again
Insulate your water heater.
Insulate your pipes. You may want to consult a pro for these tasks.
If you have open-rafters, shop-vac the crap outta those spider webs. They give me the willies
Garage---again, clean according to how you use it. I can't park in mine, bummer.
but give 'er a good hose down after you're done cleaning
Check cords on power tools.
Replace batteries on cordless power tools that are losing their charge
Clean out the beer fridge!
Mud Room---Put a bench in there so everyone can sit while putting on shoes.
Make a place for people to hang their jackets.
Have some way to organize the shoes
Exterior--Clean out those gutters! Put on some gutter screens so that it will at least be every 3 years before you have to look in those gutters again!
Depending on the condition of your siding, pressure wash the dirt off of it. While you're at it, pressure wash your decks/porches too.
Check the seals on all doors leading into the house. Leaks cost money
Wash any oil spots off the driveway. You can try good ol' soap and water, or try a specialty cleaner at your hardware store. Use a push broom to clean.
Clean up any furniture
Yayaya! You're ready to sit back and relax for the warm seasons!
SPRING CLEANING
-----------------------------------------------
Curtains---Take the curtains down and throw them in the wash. Follow the care instructions printed on the tag. I don't like to put mine in the dryer. When you re-hang them wet, it should take out the wrinkles. If it doesn't, use your steamer to get the wrinkles out. Don't have one? Younkers just so happens to carry them (hehe)
Windows---Take out the window screens and one-at-a-time put them in your bathtub. Scrub them with a rag (with soap and water). Then rinse them off with your shower head. I have a detachable shower head to make this easier. You can also just spray them down with your garden hose. Let them dry before putting them back up
Closets---Start organizing! If you need to, but those nifty closet-organizers that you can find at a hardware store. Line up shoes that you don't wear often, stuff the leather ones with bunched up newspaper to keep their form (purses too!) If it's your cleaning closet, get rid of stuff that you never use.
Bedrooms--Tear off the sheets and give them a good washing. If your comforter is dry-clean, bring it in. Wash up your pillow cases, and either buy an allergy-reducing cover, or buy a pillow that does the same. Younkers carries both. At that note, everyone should have a mattress pad. It's easier to wash that than your mattress!
Bathrooms--Most toilets use more water than needed to properly flush it's contents down. Put a heavy stone in your tank. Or anything that won't float and takes up enough room. This will make sure that your tank doesn't use as much water. Reduces your bill too!
Take down your shower curtain and wash it up.
Clean out your medicine cabinet. Get rid of any meds that are expired. Don't toss or flush them! That will pollute our ground water and can lead to things like mrsa. Most dr. offices will let you bring them there to get rid of them. inquire
Replace all your toothbrushes
Dining room---If you have a wooden table, go to the store and pick up one of those nifty bottles of wood oil. It prolongs like life of your table and makes it look pretty =)
Wash all your table linens
Kitchen---Insect all your appliances for bad cords.
Clean the coils under your fridge.
Deep-clean your fridge. I like to take all the shelves out when I do this
Most freezers and de-icers these days, but de-ice your freezer if yours is an old model
Organize your pantry. Can goods, boxed goods, cereal, etc.
Clean your oven. A lot are "self cleaning" but I still like to do mine manually just to make sure
Run a cycle of vinegar through your coffee pot
Living room---Take the cushion covers off your furniture and wash as specified.
Organize all those cords behind your entertainment center. There are some nifty kits at Walmart for that
Basement---Oh the dreaded basement. All I can say, is start organizing. Every basement is different, depending on what you use it for and if it's a finished basement.
Clean your filters on you furnace. It'll be in tip-top shape by the time the heating season comes again
Insulate your water heater.
Insulate your pipes. You may want to consult a pro for these tasks.
If you have open-rafters, shop-vac the crap outta those spider webs. They give me the willies
Garage---again, clean according to how you use it. I can't park in mine, bummer.
but give 'er a good hose down after you're done cleaning
Check cords on power tools.
Replace batteries on cordless power tools that are losing their charge
Clean out the beer fridge!
Mud Room---Put a bench in there so everyone can sit while putting on shoes.
Make a place for people to hang their jackets.
Have some way to organize the shoes
Exterior--Clean out those gutters! Put on some gutter screens so that it will at least be every 3 years before you have to look in those gutters again!
Depending on the condition of your siding, pressure wash the dirt off of it. While you're at it, pressure wash your decks/porches too.
Check the seals on all doors leading into the house. Leaks cost money
Wash any oil spots off the driveway. You can try good ol' soap and water, or try a specialty cleaner at your hardware store. Use a push broom to clean.
Clean up any furniture
Yayaya! You're ready to sit back and relax for the warm seasons!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Cook-it-Slow Beef-Stew, Garbage Disposal Tips
Getting my hair highlighted today. As my husband quoted "because some hair is more important than others." I have a wonderful woman that does it. She will come right to your house. Excellent if you have little kids. If anyone wants in that piece of action that lives in my area, gimme a call. Help a sista out!
I also made one window's shutters yesterday. They turned out fabulous! Well, they haven't been stained yet, but they look awesome anyways. REMINDER! There will be a HOW-TO posted once I have them all done! (For problem-solving sections and what-not)
So, last night I made a simple beef stew. Used the ol' crock so that I wouldn't have to do any work during the relaxing evening hours. It was sooooo yummy. Much better than that canned crap.
SLOW-COOKED BEEF STEW
------------------------------
1. Get out your ol' crock pot. I believe I used my 4-qt one. But you should put it in a bigger one if you decide to add more stuff than I did. If you don't have a crock, head to your local Younkers (hehe) and pick up one. There's a huge selection available in assorted sizes. Some with some awesome features. Turn it on HIGH
2. You're going to need about a pound of steak. I chose leftover round steak. Cut it up and fry it first in a seperate pan. Yes, a slow-cooker will cook a steak, but I don't like the thought of it not getting to the hottest temp to kill all the bacteria. Better safe than sorry. So chop it up, cook it, and throw it in your crock.
3. I used about 5 red potatos, but you can also use 2-3 russet potatos. Eyeball it. Cut up the potatoes, leaving the skins on. Make sure you wash them first! I make pretty big chunks, b/c I wanted a chunky stew. Toss them in.
4. Throw in half a bag (however many ounces that is =P) of baby carrots. I didn't chop them. You can if you want. Again, I wanted mine chunky.
5. Chop up two stalks of celery, toss them in.
6. Add about 1/2 cup of fresh parsely. Fresh parely will taste better than the crap in your seasoning jar. You can add it to your processor if you choose. Dump it in your crock.
7. Add 4 bouillon cubes and 4 cups water. You can do more cubes and more water if you want it to be more like a soup instead of a stew.
8. Stir it all up and let that sit for about 5-6 hours. I made mine around noon and by supper time, everything was soooo tender! Serve it up with some chunks of french bread and enjoy!
****TIPS FROM BRITTANY'S KITCHEN****
Thinking of getting a garbage disposal? Sure, why not? They are kind of handy. We might be getting one, just b/c someone insists that we need on and is willing to pay for it. But.....here's the kicker. WE ALREADY HAVE ONE!
His name is Sebastian. He's an awesome hound/german shepard mix, and he LOVES table scraps. So instead of spending money on something that could potentially destroy your nice silverwear or take off someone's hand (not to mention the cost of installing the damn thing), head to your local animal shelter and adopt your own cute cuddly garbage disposal. Other great features are:
1. Cheap security alarm.
2. Cheap entertainment for kids
3. Cheap company for trips to camp.
4. Cheap workout buddy
5. Cheap bed-warmer
6. And best of all: cheap love for a lifetime.
Can your garbage disposal do all that?? Didn't think so....
My garbage disposal-----
I also made one window's shutters yesterday. They turned out fabulous! Well, they haven't been stained yet, but they look awesome anyways. REMINDER! There will be a HOW-TO posted once I have them all done! (For problem-solving sections and what-not)
So, last night I made a simple beef stew. Used the ol' crock so that I wouldn't have to do any work during the relaxing evening hours. It was sooooo yummy. Much better than that canned crap.
SLOW-COOKED BEEF STEW
------------------------------
1. Get out your ol' crock pot. I believe I used my 4-qt one. But you should put it in a bigger one if you decide to add more stuff than I did. If you don't have a crock, head to your local Younkers (hehe) and pick up one. There's a huge selection available in assorted sizes. Some with some awesome features. Turn it on HIGH
2. You're going to need about a pound of steak. I chose leftover round steak. Cut it up and fry it first in a seperate pan. Yes, a slow-cooker will cook a steak, but I don't like the thought of it not getting to the hottest temp to kill all the bacteria. Better safe than sorry. So chop it up, cook it, and throw it in your crock.
3. I used about 5 red potatos, but you can also use 2-3 russet potatos. Eyeball it. Cut up the potatoes, leaving the skins on. Make sure you wash them first! I make pretty big chunks, b/c I wanted a chunky stew. Toss them in.
4. Throw in half a bag (however many ounces that is =P) of baby carrots. I didn't chop them. You can if you want. Again, I wanted mine chunky.
5. Chop up two stalks of celery, toss them in.
6. Add about 1/2 cup of fresh parsely. Fresh parely will taste better than the crap in your seasoning jar. You can add it to your processor if you choose. Dump it in your crock.
7. Add 4 bouillon cubes and 4 cups water. You can do more cubes and more water if you want it to be more like a soup instead of a stew.
8. Stir it all up and let that sit for about 5-6 hours. I made mine around noon and by supper time, everything was soooo tender! Serve it up with some chunks of french bread and enjoy!
****TIPS FROM BRITTANY'S KITCHEN****
Thinking of getting a garbage disposal? Sure, why not? They are kind of handy. We might be getting one, just b/c someone insists that we need on and is willing to pay for it. But.....here's the kicker. WE ALREADY HAVE ONE!
His name is Sebastian. He's an awesome hound/german shepard mix, and he LOVES table scraps. So instead of spending money on something that could potentially destroy your nice silverwear or take off someone's hand (not to mention the cost of installing the damn thing), head to your local animal shelter and adopt your own cute cuddly garbage disposal. Other great features are:
1. Cheap security alarm.
2. Cheap entertainment for kids
3. Cheap company for trips to camp.
4. Cheap workout buddy
5. Cheap bed-warmer
6. And best of all: cheap love for a lifetime.
Can your garbage disposal do all that?? Didn't think so....
My garbage disposal-----
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Earth Day '09
Taco Bell last night. No fun recipes for anyone today. We had to something quick and easy b/c it was getting way too late after my step-son's wrestling tournament. Oh well. But.......it's EARTH DAY! And being huge recyclers in my family, this is a great day for us!! So here are a few things you could do today to get you started on your eco-friendly life, along with some things I will be doing.
EARTH DAY TO-DO
----------------------
1. Plant a tree! There are many beautiful decorator trees to choose from if you don't want a crazy maple or oak covering all your sunlight. You'll get tons of birds, and it'll be awesome.
2. Speaking of birds, go out and buy a bird bath. They range from cheap tree-hanging ones to crazy huge stone ones. I have a beautiful concrete one. Just remember to flip it upside down if you live in the freezing north for the winters!! Earth Day isn't just about plants people!
3. Make a birdhouse with your kids. There are fun kits that you can buy at your local hardware store.
4. Buy cute pots at your local Younkers (hehe) to pot some awesome annuals in and display proudly in your yard.
5. Weed out your gardens. Get rid of that harmful junk, lay down some mulch, plant some beautiful yet invasive plants to keep them out. I started weeding today.
6. Speaking of gardens, start a veggie/fruit garden!! They don't have to be your typical farmer's garden. Just plant your veggies/fruit where there is ample sunlight. It can look just as good as a flower garden if you do it right. I have rhubarb circling a walnut tree in the back. As soon as the nights stop dipping below the freezing point, I'm planting these cabbage plants I have hanging out on my counter.
7. Adopt a puppy! Come on, they are part of mother nature too. Give 'em some love!
8. Plant a bush. Who doesn't love a bush in the front of a house??
9. Buy your produce today from a farmer's market (if you live in an area where they are actually open during this time of year)
10. And lastly, go to your hardware store and pick up some nifty recycling bins. That's right, everyone should recycle. It takes only a little bit more time (if you have a nice system set up) and it really does make a difference!
Hope you enjoy your Earth Day! BE GREEN!
EARTH DAY TO-DO
----------------------
1. Plant a tree! There are many beautiful decorator trees to choose from if you don't want a crazy maple or oak covering all your sunlight. You'll get tons of birds, and it'll be awesome.
2. Speaking of birds, go out and buy a bird bath. They range from cheap tree-hanging ones to crazy huge stone ones. I have a beautiful concrete one. Just remember to flip it upside down if you live in the freezing north for the winters!! Earth Day isn't just about plants people!
3. Make a birdhouse with your kids. There are fun kits that you can buy at your local hardware store.
4. Buy cute pots at your local Younkers (hehe) to pot some awesome annuals in and display proudly in your yard.
5. Weed out your gardens. Get rid of that harmful junk, lay down some mulch, plant some beautiful yet invasive plants to keep them out. I started weeding today.
6. Speaking of gardens, start a veggie/fruit garden!! They don't have to be your typical farmer's garden. Just plant your veggies/fruit where there is ample sunlight. It can look just as good as a flower garden if you do it right. I have rhubarb circling a walnut tree in the back. As soon as the nights stop dipping below the freezing point, I'm planting these cabbage plants I have hanging out on my counter.
7. Adopt a puppy! Come on, they are part of mother nature too. Give 'em some love!
8. Plant a bush. Who doesn't love a bush in the front of a house??
9. Buy your produce today from a farmer's market (if you live in an area where they are actually open during this time of year)
10. And lastly, go to your hardware store and pick up some nifty recycling bins. That's right, everyone should recycle. It takes only a little bit more time (if you have a nice system set up) and it really does make a difference!
Hope you enjoy your Earth Day! BE GREEN!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Crab Ragoons, Palm Sunday Kids Project
Good supper last night. Chinese night. I made almost everything from a box. Pre-made eggrolls, general tso's chicken, stir fry (put it over white rice), but I DID make the crab ragoons. They taste 1,000 times better than box crap, and they are super-easy to make!
Crab Ragoons
---------------
1. Get out your deepfryer and set that bad-boy to 400 degrees. I'm not a patient person, so the highest setting is my setting. Don't have a deepfryer?? Head to your local Younkers (hehe) and buy our new CoolTouch models. Great for around curious little ones. They also come with a lid that you can HAVE ON while the food is cooking. Good for when the oil starts bubbling.
2. Put out 12 wonton wrappers (or pot sticker wraps) which can be found in the produce aisle at your grocer.
3. Soften 4oz. (usually half a package) of cream cheese. I just zap it in the microwave for 30 sec.
4. Add in 1/4 cup of light mayo. Make sure you use mayo and not miracle whip. Miracle Whip will give it an obnoxious tangy taste.
5. Finely chop 1/4 cup of green onions. Try just to chop the green parts. Toss it in.
6. Put a can of crab meat in it.*** Try to get it to the same size as a tuna can. I once bought crab meat in a double sized can. Fishy.....blah. Anyways, mix all that crap up in your bowl.
7. Put a dab into the centers of each of the wrappers. If you have wonton wrappers, take the four SIDES and squersh them into the center. If you have pot stickers, they are circular, to just pick 4 points opposite each other and squersh to the center. Pinch the centers to seal the opening.
8. Throw some of those babies into the deepfryer facing up, and fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until crispy and browning. Drain and eat!
***not all my family likes seafood, so this recipe is just as good without the crab. I rarely add it
On a different note, it's crappy out. I went to Menards to buy some 1x4 lumber so I can start making my cottage-style shutters. Even if in 5-10 years, they could stand a new staining, I actually think it will add to the charm. Eventually, when I get my house nearly done remodeling inside and out, I want people to believe that they are actually out in the country when they visit my home. With a fence, arbors, trellises, trees, pergolas, etc. I am hoping to almost completely block out the view of my neighbors.
So here's today's To-Do
------------------------
1. Start making cottage-style shutters (how-to's will follow after I'm done)
2. Hang John's Palm Sunday picture. (Awesome project. HOW-TO BELOW)
3. Spray paint the milk canister in a hammered copper finish.
4. Talk to a student advisor at school about my RN program.
5. Go to Will's tournament at 6:30. Bring camcorder to finish my awesome wrestling video for Will.
6. Prime my new picture frames (apparently no one carries white frames anymore) so I can finally mount my modern-style paintings (done by me, of course) in the mudroom. Possibly spray paint them tonight. We'll see.
HOW-TO: Palm Sunday scrapbook picture.
--------------------------------------------
So my kids go to Sunday school every week, and this past Sunday my son brought me two cute paper palm leaves he made in class. So I decided to further the project:
1. Pick out two pieces of green construction paper. Fold each in half the long way. Draw half a palm leaf on one side. (Ya know, ovalish body, stem) Once your child has that cut out (or you can cut it!) cut slats along the edge at a diagonal. When you open up the paper, it should look like a palm leaf.
2. Buy a picture frame that will fit both. I bought a long frame. Not sure of the dimentions right now. Anyways, ya know that picture that they put in the frames? Turn it around, and use the white back side, or find a piece of paper large enough to make a backdrop.
3. Have your kid smear stick-glue all over 1 side of each leaf. Mount those bad-boys in any fashion that your kid chooses.
4. Take out your trusty bible, and find the chapters (Mathew, John, etc. have different versions) about Jesus entering Jerusalem. I picked John 12:13. Which happens to also be my son's name. Make sure you put the chapter and verse and whatnot. John wouldn't be happy if you violated the copyright laws =).
5. Go on MS Word, or an equivalent. Type it up, play with the font, colors, size, etc. and print it up.
6. I have a bucket of scrapbooking scissors. ($10 at Walmart for a starter kit of scissors) Let your kid pick out one. Cut out your verse.
7. Have your kid stick-glue it on a piece of natural-looking scrapbooking paper. Cut that out with you decorative scissors. Glue is somewhere by your leaves.
8. You can embellish it with nature stickers or such. Check Walmart. They have tons. My son chose a cool jungle butterfly with wire antennaes.
9. Put it back in the frame and hang!
Crab Ragoons
---------------
1. Get out your deepfryer and set that bad-boy to 400 degrees. I'm not a patient person, so the highest setting is my setting. Don't have a deepfryer?? Head to your local Younkers (hehe) and buy our new CoolTouch models. Great for around curious little ones. They also come with a lid that you can HAVE ON while the food is cooking. Good for when the oil starts bubbling.
2. Put out 12 wonton wrappers (or pot sticker wraps) which can be found in the produce aisle at your grocer.
3. Soften 4oz. (usually half a package) of cream cheese. I just zap it in the microwave for 30 sec.
4. Add in 1/4 cup of light mayo. Make sure you use mayo and not miracle whip. Miracle Whip will give it an obnoxious tangy taste.
5. Finely chop 1/4 cup of green onions. Try just to chop the green parts. Toss it in.
6. Put a can of crab meat in it.*** Try to get it to the same size as a tuna can. I once bought crab meat in a double sized can. Fishy.....blah. Anyways, mix all that crap up in your bowl.
7. Put a dab into the centers of each of the wrappers. If you have wonton wrappers, take the four SIDES and squersh them into the center. If you have pot stickers, they are circular, to just pick 4 points opposite each other and squersh to the center. Pinch the centers to seal the opening.
8. Throw some of those babies into the deepfryer facing up, and fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until crispy and browning. Drain and eat!
***not all my family likes seafood, so this recipe is just as good without the crab. I rarely add it
On a different note, it's crappy out. I went to Menards to buy some 1x4 lumber so I can start making my cottage-style shutters. Even if in 5-10 years, they could stand a new staining, I actually think it will add to the charm. Eventually, when I get my house nearly done remodeling inside and out, I want people to believe that they are actually out in the country when they visit my home. With a fence, arbors, trellises, trees, pergolas, etc. I am hoping to almost completely block out the view of my neighbors.
So here's today's To-Do
------------------------
1. Start making cottage-style shutters (how-to's will follow after I'm done)
2. Hang John's Palm Sunday picture. (Awesome project. HOW-TO BELOW)
3. Spray paint the milk canister in a hammered copper finish.
4. Talk to a student advisor at school about my RN program.
5. Go to Will's tournament at 6:30. Bring camcorder to finish my awesome wrestling video for Will.
6. Prime my new picture frames (apparently no one carries white frames anymore) so I can finally mount my modern-style paintings (done by me, of course) in the mudroom. Possibly spray paint them tonight. We'll see.
HOW-TO: Palm Sunday scrapbook picture.
--------------------------------------------
So my kids go to Sunday school every week, and this past Sunday my son brought me two cute paper palm leaves he made in class. So I decided to further the project:
1. Pick out two pieces of green construction paper. Fold each in half the long way. Draw half a palm leaf on one side. (Ya know, ovalish body, stem) Once your child has that cut out (or you can cut it!) cut slats along the edge at a diagonal. When you open up the paper, it should look like a palm leaf.
2. Buy a picture frame that will fit both. I bought a long frame. Not sure of the dimentions right now. Anyways, ya know that picture that they put in the frames? Turn it around, and use the white back side, or find a piece of paper large enough to make a backdrop.
3. Have your kid smear stick-glue all over 1 side of each leaf. Mount those bad-boys in any fashion that your kid chooses.
4. Take out your trusty bible, and find the chapters (Mathew, John, etc. have different versions) about Jesus entering Jerusalem. I picked John 12:13. Which happens to also be my son's name. Make sure you put the chapter and verse and whatnot. John wouldn't be happy if you violated the copyright laws =).
5. Go on MS Word, or an equivalent. Type it up, play with the font, colors, size, etc. and print it up.
6. I have a bucket of scrapbooking scissors. ($10 at Walmart for a starter kit of scissors) Let your kid pick out one. Cut out your verse.
7. Have your kid stick-glue it on a piece of natural-looking scrapbooking paper. Cut that out with you decorative scissors. Glue is somewhere by your leaves.
8. You can embellish it with nature stickers or such. Check Walmart. They have tons. My son chose a cool jungle butterfly with wire antennaes.
9. Put it back in the frame and hang!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Tenderloin, Country Couscous, Garlic mashes potatos, Tips from Brittany's kitchen
I make awesome meals, I know that. Even my MIL has commented about how well my culinary skills are, and that's saying a lot! So....why the mini brag-fest?? I am (if I'm not too lazy) going to be posting awesome recipes from meals that I had the day before. I believe it will give my boring complain blog a little zip!
And of course I will still have my random thoughts, to-do lists, and general crap.
Tenderloin
------------
1.Pick out good cuts of meat. Nobody likes gnawing on fat.
2. I like to tenderize the crap outta my meats, especially for the little ones. Take a fork and jab 1,000 holes into the meat. It will help the seasonings sink in later. Take out you're trusty meat tenderizer and beat the living crap out of it with the jagged side. By the time you are done (make sure you flip and do the other side!) it should almost double it's size. If you have an old wooden tenderizer, burn it up in your fire pit and go to your local Younkers (hehe) and buy a nice metal one. Mine's not dishwasher safe, but wood ones hold all the VERY harmful bacteria inside your uncooked meats. Don't be a douche by getting your loved ones sick, k?
3. Pick out a nice steak rub. Most grocers carry them now. I chose not to drown mine by marinating it b/c I wanted more of the steak's natural flavor to show through. So just sprinkle a bit of rub on it, and well..rub! Flip and repeat.
4. Slap that baby on your grill and slow-cook it until it gets to your perfect "done". Can't tell when it's done??? Head to your local Younkers (hehe) and buy one of the new digital grilling forks. Preset rare-well done, poke it in, and it will tell you where your meat is!
Country Couscous
-------------------
1. There are premade couscous, but what fun is that?? Go out and buy an "original" package of couscous.
2. Dump in a bag of vegetable medley. I thaw mine first so that when you dump it in the water, it has more time to soak up the juices of the water. I like the brocolli, cauliflowerl, and carrot medley.
3. Put in a couple chicken bouillon cubes to taste **. I stick in 4, but whatever.
4. Make sure you add more water than what the box of couscous says! Or you will be peeling burnt couscous off your pot! More bulk=more water!
5. Keep an eye on it, stirring, until the water is pretty much gone.
**Instead of adding water (like the box says) you can add chicken broth in a box/can. Does the same thing, but water and bouillon cubes are cheaper.
Garlic Mashed Potatos
---------------------
You can go the easy way and buy the pre-made box stuff, go the hard way and boil/mash potatos, or do an in-between. That's what I did. I didn't want to make a feast yesterday =).
1. Grab a box/bag of instant mashed potatos. Add the water/milk/butter in the amounts that it says
2. Dump a bunch of garlic powder (I just eyeball it) and parsely flakes in.
3. Once you got that sucker boiling, add your potato flakes, stir, and serve!
You CAN mince up some garlic. But if you don't have a processor (head to your local Younkers and buy the super-easy super-compact Cuisinart model, hehe) or don't feel like dirtying up any more dishes, garlic powder does just fine. Plus, no one likes to crunch on a not-well-processed chunk of garlic. Least of all vampires. (I'm funny and you know it....)
*****TIPS FROM BRITTANY'S KITCHEN*****
What kind of cutting board do YOU have??
Wood---toss it. It holds sooo much harmful bacteria. If you care about your family's health, toss it. "I don't cut meat on it." you say?? Veggies/fruit hold insane amounts of chemicals, and cheese also has bacteria. Just toss it already.
Tempered glass---woohoo. you care about your families health. good for you. Now do you care about your blades?? How can you make chef-quality meals with dull blades?? I've never seen a product chip so many knife blades. We have people trying to return QUALITY knives because of these stupid boards. Ummmm....ma'am, you just voided your warranty on these. Take it up with the company. Seriously, some companies will void your knife warranties. "Oh, but they are such pretty designs under them and they compliment my kitchen" Shut up and toss them.
Plastic/polyurethane---Still dulls knives faster than wood, but not a poor choice. Design wise, they are ugly. Don't toss it. Keep it up for a backup board, incase your good one's in the wash.
Flexible plastic---You're basically cutting on a placemat. Whoever invented this should be shot. After a while of use, you'll cut right through the thin plastic and scratch up your beautful coutertop. Don't toss it. Use it as a placemat.
SO WHAT DO I BUY??? Bamboo---Brittany's Top Pick. And since I deal with kitchen crap all the time at my job, take my advice. If you don't have one, buy one. 1. Bamboo grows faster than other woods, so it's very eco-friendly (a big plus in my house). 2. It's more dense than wood, so it doesn't hold in all that harmful bacteria. 3. It's just like wood where it won't dull your knives as fast. 4. It's very pleasing to the eye. 5. If you don't like the scratches that it will get (just like wood), pull out your sander and go to town.
And of course I will still have my random thoughts, to-do lists, and general crap.
Tenderloin
------------
1.Pick out good cuts of meat. Nobody likes gnawing on fat.
2. I like to tenderize the crap outta my meats, especially for the little ones. Take a fork and jab 1,000 holes into the meat. It will help the seasonings sink in later. Take out you're trusty meat tenderizer and beat the living crap out of it with the jagged side. By the time you are done (make sure you flip and do the other side!) it should almost double it's size. If you have an old wooden tenderizer, burn it up in your fire pit and go to your local Younkers (hehe) and buy a nice metal one. Mine's not dishwasher safe, but wood ones hold all the VERY harmful bacteria inside your uncooked meats. Don't be a douche by getting your loved ones sick, k?
3. Pick out a nice steak rub. Most grocers carry them now. I chose not to drown mine by marinating it b/c I wanted more of the steak's natural flavor to show through. So just sprinkle a bit of rub on it, and well..rub! Flip and repeat.
4. Slap that baby on your grill and slow-cook it until it gets to your perfect "done". Can't tell when it's done??? Head to your local Younkers (hehe) and buy one of the new digital grilling forks. Preset rare-well done, poke it in, and it will tell you where your meat is!
Country Couscous
-------------------
1. There are premade couscous, but what fun is that?? Go out and buy an "original" package of couscous.
2. Dump in a bag of vegetable medley. I thaw mine first so that when you dump it in the water, it has more time to soak up the juices of the water. I like the brocolli, cauliflowerl, and carrot medley.
3. Put in a couple chicken bouillon cubes to taste **. I stick in 4, but whatever.
4. Make sure you add more water than what the box of couscous says! Or you will be peeling burnt couscous off your pot! More bulk=more water!
5. Keep an eye on it, stirring, until the water is pretty much gone.
**Instead of adding water (like the box says) you can add chicken broth in a box/can. Does the same thing, but water and bouillon cubes are cheaper.
Garlic Mashed Potatos
---------------------
You can go the easy way and buy the pre-made box stuff, go the hard way and boil/mash potatos, or do an in-between. That's what I did. I didn't want to make a feast yesterday =).
1. Grab a box/bag of instant mashed potatos. Add the water/milk/butter in the amounts that it says
2. Dump a bunch of garlic powder (I just eyeball it) and parsely flakes in.
3. Once you got that sucker boiling, add your potato flakes, stir, and serve!
You CAN mince up some garlic. But if you don't have a processor (head to your local Younkers and buy the super-easy super-compact Cuisinart model, hehe) or don't feel like dirtying up any more dishes, garlic powder does just fine. Plus, no one likes to crunch on a not-well-processed chunk of garlic. Least of all vampires. (I'm funny and you know it....)
*****TIPS FROM BRITTANY'S KITCHEN*****
What kind of cutting board do YOU have??
Wood---toss it. It holds sooo much harmful bacteria. If you care about your family's health, toss it. "I don't cut meat on it." you say?? Veggies/fruit hold insane amounts of chemicals, and cheese also has bacteria. Just toss it already.
Tempered glass---woohoo. you care about your families health. good for you. Now do you care about your blades?? How can you make chef-quality meals with dull blades?? I've never seen a product chip so many knife blades. We have people trying to return QUALITY knives because of these stupid boards. Ummmm....ma'am, you just voided your warranty on these. Take it up with the company. Seriously, some companies will void your knife warranties. "Oh, but they are such pretty designs under them and they compliment my kitchen" Shut up and toss them.
Plastic/polyurethane---Still dulls knives faster than wood, but not a poor choice. Design wise, they are ugly. Don't toss it. Keep it up for a backup board, incase your good one's in the wash.
Flexible plastic---You're basically cutting on a placemat. Whoever invented this should be shot. After a while of use, you'll cut right through the thin plastic and scratch up your beautful coutertop. Don't toss it. Use it as a placemat.
SO WHAT DO I BUY??? Bamboo---Brittany's Top Pick. And since I deal with kitchen crap all the time at my job, take my advice. If you don't have one, buy one. 1. Bamboo grows faster than other woods, so it's very eco-friendly (a big plus in my house). 2. It's more dense than wood, so it doesn't hold in all that harmful bacteria. 3. It's just like wood where it won't dull your knives as fast. 4. It's very pleasing to the eye. 5. If you don't like the scratches that it will get (just like wood), pull out your sander and go to town.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Golfing Date
Today's high-67 degrees
Tomorrow's high- 44 degrees
So I'm going to enjoy the day.
As I type, I'm on the front porch on my new bistro set with my trusty dog sitting by my side, sipping a piping hot cup of chai tea. Don't even need a sweater on. Does life get much better than this?? Soooo peaceful.
And in a bit we will be dropping the kids off at grandma's house and my husband and I will be heading to the golfing range, or playing 9 holes. Switching it up a little. Keeping it fresh.
Tomorrow's high- 44 degrees
So I'm going to enjoy the day.
As I type, I'm on the front porch on my new bistro set with my trusty dog sitting by my side, sipping a piping hot cup of chai tea. Don't even need a sweater on. Does life get much better than this?? Soooo peaceful.
And in a bit we will be dropping the kids off at grandma's house and my husband and I will be heading to the golfing range, or playing 9 holes. Switching it up a little. Keeping it fresh.
UPDATE!!! PICS FROM OUR AWESOME DAY TOGETHER----
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Potty Mouth
So though I plastered it all over facebook, I will be once more repeating a quote that my son made at the doctor's office. My shining moment--------
"I GOT A SHOT FOUR FUCKING TIMES!!!" right in front of the nurse. Yep, I'm proud, lol.
My dirty mouth son---
"I GOT A SHOT FOUR FUCKING TIMES!!!" right in front of the nurse. Yep, I'm proud, lol.
My dirty mouth son---
CNA Certification
It's almost 6 in the morning. Been up for an hour. Have to leave in a few minutes. Blah.......
I have my testing at NWTC in GB. It may be worthless, though, if I just end up going back to school full-time. You need at least 7 hours logged working time just to keep the CNA title. Can't do that if you're not employed. So now the question is, do I work, or do I study? Maybe a bit of both. Who knows. Or I can go full-time for the summer and 1st semester, then get a job. Gah, I don't know.
Anyways, I'm off making my life happen. Let everyone know the results!!
I have my testing at NWTC in GB. It may be worthless, though, if I just end up going back to school full-time. You need at least 7 hours logged working time just to keep the CNA title. Can't do that if you're not employed. So now the question is, do I work, or do I study? Maybe a bit of both. Who knows. Or I can go full-time for the summer and 1st semester, then get a job. Gah, I don't know.
Anyways, I'm off making my life happen. Let everyone know the results!!
UPDATE!!!
Passed the test. Did awesome. So I'm officially a Certified Nursing Assistant.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Camera, Piano
Well, I ended up getting a DSLR camera. A Cannon Rebel. So I've spent most of the night yesterday getting aquainted with it. Some pictures turn out awesome, some not so much. But the more I play, the more I learn.
And I have a 30-day trail for Photoshop Elements 7.0. I understand only 1/1000 of the damn thing. I think it's way outta my league, but it did make a few of my old pictures pretty cool looking. So maybe I'll buy it, who knows. I have 29 more days to learn how to use it.
It'll be soooo much nicer to have quality photos in my albums. I'm so sick of the mediocre point and shoot shots. But do I really wanna lug that thing around everywhere?? We'll see....
So, on another note: It's my 2nd anniversary today!! Yay! Unfortunately we can't celebrate much. My husband has class until 8:00 tonight, and his prof. won't let him take the test another day. And Will's got a wrestling match tonight, so I'll be shipping me and the kids there.
And I can't practice my piano skills for another 3 weeks. It's in the shop getting an overall maintenance done. But it won't be that bad b/c I can keep myself busy dusting off my photography skills, lol. I wish wish wish I took that class a bit more seriously in college, lol.
And I looked through my old college book, but not a whole lot of info was found there. A lot of crap about how to develop film (glad I won't do that anymore!), but not a whole lot on composition. Then again, composition varies depending on your style, so I just need to find my style =).
So now I'm all geared up for the summer. Good camera and camcorder for sports, piano to keep Will busy (lol), truck to haul crap. Yep, it just may be a nice year for me. I need one of those....
And I have a 30-day trail for Photoshop Elements 7.0. I understand only 1/1000 of the damn thing. I think it's way outta my league, but it did make a few of my old pictures pretty cool looking. So maybe I'll buy it, who knows. I have 29 more days to learn how to use it.
It'll be soooo much nicer to have quality photos in my albums. I'm so sick of the mediocre point and shoot shots. But do I really wanna lug that thing around everywhere?? We'll see....
So, on another note: It's my 2nd anniversary today!! Yay! Unfortunately we can't celebrate much. My husband has class until 8:00 tonight, and his prof. won't let him take the test another day. And Will's got a wrestling match tonight, so I'll be shipping me and the kids there.
And I can't practice my piano skills for another 3 weeks. It's in the shop getting an overall maintenance done. But it won't be that bad b/c I can keep myself busy dusting off my photography skills, lol. I wish wish wish I took that class a bit more seriously in college, lol.
And I looked through my old college book, but not a whole lot of info was found there. A lot of crap about how to develop film (glad I won't do that anymore!), but not a whole lot on composition. Then again, composition varies depending on your style, so I just need to find my style =).
So now I'm all geared up for the summer. Good camera and camcorder for sports, piano to keep Will busy (lol), truck to haul crap. Yep, it just may be a nice year for me. I need one of those....
Monday, April 13, 2009
Camera Fair is a joke
I have such a headache.....
My husband gave me the green light on getting a new camera. I have an older Olympus Sylus. And I absolutely hate it. I was thinking about getting an SLR camera. Better quality photos, right?
Well, I went to the local camera store. (Anyone in the area will know which one). I told the person that I needed something with a fast shutter speed and high ISO. I need to take pictures of the kids' sports, and my husband's band. These are two really possitive things about getting an SLR camera. But the guy basically told me that I have no idea what I'm talking about, and that I need ANOTHER Olympus Stylus!!!! What?!?!
Look, I understand that an SLR is bigger, bulkier, and probably doesn't have the same zoom capabilities (unless I want to pay a lot on a slew of lenses) as a compact camera. That's fine. I still HAVE A STUPID COMPACT, I DO NOT WANT A NEW F-ING VERSION OF SOMETHING I ALREADY HAVE!!!
But my compact, if I want to shoot without the flash in the dark, it takes nearly 15 seconds on the shutter, so EVERYTHING turns out blurry. Yes, compacts you can now use manual settings. Awesome. Mine does to. But it likes to override ALL my decisions.
I used to use a film SLR in college. I absolutely loved it. My mom still uses it. Her camera is 5 years old, mine is 3. Her pictures rock, mine suck. And I've taken photography in college! I KNOW how to take awesome pictures. She can just point and click, and they still look better than mine. Totally not fair.
But he proceded to tell me that I need yet another compact. So I ask, then why does every professional photographer use SLR's??? Quoting him----"Because they don't know any better."
Seriously???? People that are professionals know nothing about cameras???? How is that even f-ing possible?
I'm seriously going to get my family photo done this summer, and I'm asking the photographer why they are so dumb as to use their SLR, then I'm going to hand them my awesome compact and insist they use it.....yeah....
The worst part is this camera guy is a relative of mine. How cute.....
So I'm not heeding his advice, and I'll probably get a beginner's DSLR camera from Walmart or something. I'm ripping out my hair. I just know that I'm not going to get my same f-ing camera, just a bit newer. F-ing genius....
My husband gave me the green light on getting a new camera. I have an older Olympus Sylus. And I absolutely hate it. I was thinking about getting an SLR camera. Better quality photos, right?
Well, I went to the local camera store. (Anyone in the area will know which one). I told the person that I needed something with a fast shutter speed and high ISO. I need to take pictures of the kids' sports, and my husband's band. These are two really possitive things about getting an SLR camera. But the guy basically told me that I have no idea what I'm talking about, and that I need ANOTHER Olympus Stylus!!!! What?!?!
Look, I understand that an SLR is bigger, bulkier, and probably doesn't have the same zoom capabilities (unless I want to pay a lot on a slew of lenses) as a compact camera. That's fine. I still HAVE A STUPID COMPACT, I DO NOT WANT A NEW F-ING VERSION OF SOMETHING I ALREADY HAVE!!!
But my compact, if I want to shoot without the flash in the dark, it takes nearly 15 seconds on the shutter, so EVERYTHING turns out blurry. Yes, compacts you can now use manual settings. Awesome. Mine does to. But it likes to override ALL my decisions.
I used to use a film SLR in college. I absolutely loved it. My mom still uses it. Her camera is 5 years old, mine is 3. Her pictures rock, mine suck. And I've taken photography in college! I KNOW how to take awesome pictures. She can just point and click, and they still look better than mine. Totally not fair.
But he proceded to tell me that I need yet another compact. So I ask, then why does every professional photographer use SLR's??? Quoting him----"Because they don't know any better."
Seriously???? People that are professionals know nothing about cameras???? How is that even f-ing possible?
I'm seriously going to get my family photo done this summer, and I'm asking the photographer why they are so dumb as to use their SLR, then I'm going to hand them my awesome compact and insist they use it.....yeah....
The worst part is this camera guy is a relative of mine. How cute.....
So I'm not heeding his advice, and I'll probably get a beginner's DSLR camera from Walmart or something. I'm ripping out my hair. I just know that I'm not going to get my same f-ing camera, just a bit newer. F-ing genius....
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Easter '09
Mmmm...mmmm....good looking day! Just got done dying eggs with the kids. They turned out wonderfully!
Adjenda:
1. Make a trip to the dumps (done)
2. Go out for a jog (done)
3. Bring the kids to their grandma's house (done)
4. Start my new piano lesson book (done)
5. Buy Easter stuff (done)
6. Iron all the kids' clothes for Easter (done)
7. Play Easter Bunny
8. Watch Marley & Me
9. Take dog on a walk
10. Dishes, laundry, overall cleaning (done)
11. Buy a killer stop watch for my interval training (done)
Busy busy day. I'm hoping that by next summer, I will be ready to start running with my aunts, mom, cousins. So I'm starting my yearlong training. Should training really take that long? No, but when you haven't ran in the past 10 years, then yes! Cuz there is noooooooooo way I can compete in the shape I'm in.
Adjenda:
1. Make a trip to the dumps (done)
2. Go out for a jog (done)
3. Bring the kids to their grandma's house (done)
4. Start my new piano lesson book (done)
5. Buy Easter stuff (done)
6. Iron all the kids' clothes for Easter (done)
7. Play Easter Bunny
8. Watch Marley & Me
9. Take dog on a walk
10. Dishes, laundry, overall cleaning (done)
11. Buy a killer stop watch for my interval training (done)
Busy busy day. I'm hoping that by next summer, I will be ready to start running with my aunts, mom, cousins. So I'm starting my yearlong training. Should training really take that long? No, but when you haven't ran in the past 10 years, then yes! Cuz there is noooooooooo way I can compete in the shape I'm in.
On a lighter note, pictures of the kids and their eggs!
Will and his eggs-----
John and his eggs-----
Hailey and her eggs------
Friday, April 10, 2009
No Easter Bunny??
Mmmm....Philly Cheese Steak. That's what I'm making for supper. Just waiting on my husband to get back with the french bread and cheese.
Then we are dying eggs! It may be a bit messy with Hailey this year, but I don't want anyone to miss out on the fun! Pictures will be posted tomorrow I'm sure....
And young William has figured out that the Easter Bunny isn't real. Well, he casually mentioned it to his dad while playing catch. So his dad will be sitting him down and having the "don't ruin it for the younger ones" talk. I guess this means we will have to discuss the whole Santa thing, too.
And I have some new lesson books. I'm teaching myself piano, and I'm chuggin along quite fast. And Will wants to learn also (so does John, but I'll think we'll cross that bridge when I can get him to sit down for more than 2 minutes), so I've decided that every other day he will have piano lessons. And on the off days his dad will be teaching him guitar, since he got an acoustic guitar this past christmas.
Then we are dying eggs! It may be a bit messy with Hailey this year, but I don't want anyone to miss out on the fun! Pictures will be posted tomorrow I'm sure....
And young William has figured out that the Easter Bunny isn't real. Well, he casually mentioned it to his dad while playing catch. So his dad will be sitting him down and having the "don't ruin it for the younger ones" talk. I guess this means we will have to discuss the whole Santa thing, too.
And I have some new lesson books. I'm teaching myself piano, and I'm chuggin along quite fast. And Will wants to learn also (so does John, but I'll think we'll cross that bridge when I can get him to sit down for more than 2 minutes), so I've decided that every other day he will have piano lessons. And on the off days his dad will be teaching him guitar, since he got an acoustic guitar this past christmas.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Punch recipe, Hailey's birthday
I promised recipes, so here's a punch recipe that I made for my daugter's b-day.
*20 oz. frozen strawberry's in syrup, thawed
*3 cups apricot nectar (find in the juice aisle)
*3 cups cold water
*1 cup lemon juice
*6 oz. orange juice concentrate
*1 cup sugar
*1 320z. bottle of ginger ale
*Ice ring (recipe follows)
Prepare the ice ring the night before. Use a blender to puree the strawberries. In punch bowl, combine strawberries, apricot nectar, water, lemon juice, orange juice concentrate, and sugar. Stir it until the sugar's gone. Pour in the ginger ale. Do this slowly! It splashes like hell! Add the ice ring right before serving.
Ice Ring:
You can wing this pretty easily. Get out your bundt pan. (The star one makes a snowflake! Soooo cool!). I'm not going to put exact measures. How much you put in depends on the size of your bundt pan and punch bowl.
Pour in some ginger ale. Most of your mixture will be ginger ale, so fill it ALMOST to how big you want the ice ring. Add around 1/2 cup of lemon juice. Then start your garnishes. I add tons of fruit. Grapes, pineapple chunks, blueberries, strawberries, apricots, whatever. You can also add some mint leaves, but since I don't want mint leaves floating around my drink after the ring melts, I usually don't put it in.
So Hailey's party was pretty fun. I got quite a few compliments from my punch bowl. Plus I made my veggie bars, but no, no recipe will follow. Gravy meatballs, baked beans, spaghetti salad, taco salad, Italian salad, cheese/cracker/summer sausage tray, chips & dip, grandma brought a pistachio tart (sooooooooooo good!).
So my baby's 1. Bitter-sweet for me. Here are some pictures of her special day. 
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Catch with Will
Lazy morning, busy day.
We are missing church today. Mainly b/c McCrabby pants is sick, and Jr. McCrabby pants insisted on sleeping in my bed. So I'm too tired to force everyone there. So once McCrabby pants wakes up, I promised the boys they can watch a movie we rented last night. 3D!
But today's going to be busy, of course.
1. Bring the piano from the garage to the living room. This means that we need to call Mike an bribe him with beer. (Check-check)(Mike was working. I had to move it. Now I can't move....)
2. Clean the house spotless. Piano repair guy is coming tomorrow (hence getting the piano in) and Hailey's 1st B-day party is Tuesday, and it's fixing to be a doozy!
3. Go to Younkers to buy Hailey's Easter dress. (Check-a-roo)
4. Go to Walmart to buy the boys' suits for Easter. Then shop for Hailey's presents. (Check)
5. Go grocery shopping for Hailey's b-day party.
But tomorrow's going to be the really crazy day. With the piano guy coming, and decorating the house, pre-preparing (does that make sense?) the food, and Will's wrestling practice. It's going to be crazy. Tomorrow I'll give a list of food that I'm serving, and maybe even a few recipes!! Except my veggie bar recipe. So far everyone says I make the best they have had, and I know of a *few* people who would just LOVE to know my recipe!
Mm....almost forgot! Yesterday was bunches of fun. Here's a few pictures for you to enjoy!
Joe and Will playing catch in the backyard-----
Hailey watching me take pictures of the guys-----------
We are missing church today. Mainly b/c McCrabby pants is sick, and Jr. McCrabby pants insisted on sleeping in my bed. So I'm too tired to force everyone there. So once McCrabby pants wakes up, I promised the boys they can watch a movie we rented last night. 3D!
But today's going to be busy, of course.
1. Bring the piano from the garage to the living room. This means that we need to call Mike an bribe him with beer. (Check-check)(Mike was working. I had to move it. Now I can't move....)
2. Clean the house spotless. Piano repair guy is coming tomorrow (hence getting the piano in) and Hailey's 1st B-day party is Tuesday, and it's fixing to be a doozy!
3. Go to Younkers to buy Hailey's Easter dress. (Check-a-roo)
4. Go to Walmart to buy the boys' suits for Easter. Then shop for Hailey's presents. (Check)
5. Go grocery shopping for Hailey's b-day party.
But tomorrow's going to be the really crazy day. With the piano guy coming, and decorating the house, pre-preparing (does that make sense?) the food, and Will's wrestling practice. It's going to be crazy. Tomorrow I'll give a list of food that I'm serving, and maybe even a few recipes!! Except my veggie bar recipe. So far everyone says I make the best they have had, and I know of a *few* people who would just LOVE to know my recipe!
Mm....almost forgot! Yesterday was bunches of fun. Here's a few pictures for you to enjoy!
Joe and Will playing catch in the backyard-----Hailey watching me take pictures of the guys-----------
Saturday, April 4, 2009
My Sweat Pea
Fun fun Saturday. The boys slept at their grandma's house last night. So me and my cute little girl had some 1-on-1 time that we NEVER get. It was so nice being able to give her my undivided attention.
Some things I learned about Hailey:
1. She only recognises her "cell phone" as being a phone. Pull-along phones apparently don't look like phones anymore =).
2. She loves playing basketball.
3. She calls her daddy "Da-ee" soooo cute!
4. She knows that our dog loves stuffed animals and tries sharing hers with the dog!
5. She dances whenever the singing puppy sings.
6. She loves to feed everyone. I give her a piece of banana, she gives me a piece.
My boys are sooooooo loud and demand so much attention, she tends to just get lost in the comotion. That was one of the best evenings I've had in a while.
Anyways, today we dropped Hailey off with her grandma, and we went to an auction! It's one of the few things me and my husband LOVE doing together. So we definately take advantage of it. It's like a date for us =). A little advertising: Superior Auction, LLC. best auction company I have ever seen. I am literally addicted to following these auctioneers around the area. Not only are they awesome at their jobs, but they are so entertaining to listen to! You can view some of their upcoming auctions at www.superiorauction.net Definately check them out, you won't be dissapointed!!
So we went. Great living estate auction. We came out with some tow chains, cabinet, garden bench, precious moments ornaments (another obsession of mine), wine accessories, and a BEAUTIFUL *Fenton* jewelry box with matching brooch and necklace of a butterflies in their famous glass. Absolutely gorgeous.
And yes, I will get pics of the truck up soon. My husband MADE me sit in the back on lawnchairs drinking beer late at night. Wow.........so if you want to take pictures of the "hicks" and send it to your friends, you can run past our house at night.
Some things I learned about Hailey:
1. She only recognises her "cell phone" as being a phone. Pull-along phones apparently don't look like phones anymore =).
2. She loves playing basketball.
3. She calls her daddy "Da-ee" soooo cute!
4. She knows that our dog loves stuffed animals and tries sharing hers with the dog!
5. She dances whenever the singing puppy sings.
6. She loves to feed everyone. I give her a piece of banana, she gives me a piece.
My boys are sooooooo loud and demand so much attention, she tends to just get lost in the comotion. That was one of the best evenings I've had in a while.
Anyways, today we dropped Hailey off with her grandma, and we went to an auction! It's one of the few things me and my husband LOVE doing together. So we definately take advantage of it. It's like a date for us =). A little advertising: Superior Auction, LLC. best auction company I have ever seen. I am literally addicted to following these auctioneers around the area. Not only are they awesome at their jobs, but they are so entertaining to listen to! You can view some of their upcoming auctions at www.superiorauction.net Definately check them out, you won't be dissapointed!!
So we went. Great living estate auction. We came out with some tow chains, cabinet, garden bench, precious moments ornaments (another obsession of mine), wine accessories, and a BEAUTIFUL *Fenton* jewelry box with matching brooch and necklace of a butterflies in their famous glass. Absolutely gorgeous.
And yes, I will get pics of the truck up soon. My husband MADE me sit in the back on lawnchairs drinking beer late at night. Wow.........so if you want to take pictures of the "hicks" and send it to your friends, you can run past our house at night.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
I live at Menards
Grrr, "Marie" drives me crazy. Just had to get that off my chest. Anyways....accomplished quite a bit today, for rotting on my comp seat for most of the day.
I feel a bit better than I did yesterday, so when I looked at the weather forcast and realized that today is going to be the warmest day in the next 10 days, I decided to "carpe diem" seize the carp.
So I raked out 2 of the gardens and came out with a heap of leaves. Yep, shoulda done that in the fall. Just one more to rake out, then I can start weeding. Then I started ripping up sod again in the back for the patio. 2 shovels and I got bored. Nuff of that.....I'll finish it when I have more patience.
Then I went to Menards and picked up my storm winow. Installed that. Yay! One thing off my BBQ list done!! (Well, I still have to build the table, but I'm excited anyways). And I also picked up these solar spotlights (only $10 for 2!) so I put them around the lilac bush out front. Found some cool puck lights that you can install on the floor of your deck, but it would set me back $40 for 10, which isn't that bad. But I thought I spent enough for today.
Last night Joe bought my a BHG bistro set for the front porch. Really cute! Now all I need is to build that stupid pergola on the porch for some privacy, lol. In due time.....
I feel a bit better than I did yesterday, so when I looked at the weather forcast and realized that today is going to be the warmest day in the next 10 days, I decided to "carpe diem" seize the carp.
So I raked out 2 of the gardens and came out with a heap of leaves. Yep, shoulda done that in the fall. Just one more to rake out, then I can start weeding. Then I started ripping up sod again in the back for the patio. 2 shovels and I got bored. Nuff of that.....I'll finish it when I have more patience.
Then I went to Menards and picked up my storm winow. Installed that. Yay! One thing off my BBQ list done!! (Well, I still have to build the table, but I'm excited anyways). And I also picked up these solar spotlights (only $10 for 2!) so I put them around the lilac bush out front. Found some cool puck lights that you can install on the floor of your deck, but it would set me back $40 for 10, which isn't that bad. But I thought I spent enough for today.
Last night Joe bought my a BHG bistro set for the front porch. Really cute! Now all I need is to build that stupid pergola on the porch for some privacy, lol. In due time.....
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Walgreens is a joke
Blech.....so sick......everyone's sick.
But life goes on. I had to bring John to his yearly check-up. He did okay. Cried the entire time about getting a shot (4 actually), but he lucked out and didn't have to get them because he's running a fever, and the shots could make it go even higher. No thankyou. So he didn't get them. Even though he still insisted on getting ice cream afterwards.
Then off to Walgreens to fill his meds/inhaler that his dr ordered. 1 hour later, I finally emerge from that craphole. The stupid blonde bimbo behind the counter put my son's (John) meds under an Adam's account. Yeah.....he wouldn't be too happy when his insurance billed him, lol. So I had to wait some more. Not a good day to be PMSing. That girl was two seconds away from getting her head torn off and shoved up her asshole. I was literally clenching my teeth trying not to tear her a new one.
When I'm sick, PMSing, and generally having a less-than-par day, just stay away. Will's been driving me up the wall. His meds are definately too low of a dose. Need to get that checked soon. But his grandma is taking him overnight tonight. A little breather for me.
But I still have too much to do. I need to start cleaning b/c you seriously can't even see my kitchen floor. I've been too busy/sick to do anything. I guess our good friend is coming over so that Joe can show off his new truck. Not nessasary considering the health of the whole family right now. But what can I do? I think I'm going to call the piano repair guy now and take things into my own hands.
But life goes on. I had to bring John to his yearly check-up. He did okay. Cried the entire time about getting a shot (4 actually), but he lucked out and didn't have to get them because he's running a fever, and the shots could make it go even higher. No thankyou. So he didn't get them. Even though he still insisted on getting ice cream afterwards.
Then off to Walgreens to fill his meds/inhaler that his dr ordered. 1 hour later, I finally emerge from that craphole. The stupid blonde bimbo behind the counter put my son's (John) meds under an Adam's account. Yeah.....he wouldn't be too happy when his insurance billed him, lol. So I had to wait some more. Not a good day to be PMSing. That girl was two seconds away from getting her head torn off and shoved up her asshole. I was literally clenching my teeth trying not to tear her a new one.
When I'm sick, PMSing, and generally having a less-than-par day, just stay away. Will's been driving me up the wall. His meds are definately too low of a dose. Need to get that checked soon. But his grandma is taking him overnight tonight. A little breather for me.
But I still have too much to do. I need to start cleaning b/c you seriously can't even see my kitchen floor. I've been too busy/sick to do anything. I guess our good friend is coming over so that Joe can show off his new truck. Not nessasary considering the health of the whole family right now. But what can I do? I think I'm going to call the piano repair guy now and take things into my own hands.
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