Friday, January 29, 2010

Freaky Friday-Rape In Haiti


I've read in the last few months, strangely before the earthquake in Haiti, that it's nation is horribly corrupt and run more like a gang instead of a country. It's known for it's violence and rape. I tried to look up the statistics but, didn't find recent numbers. As of 2007, about fifty percent of young women had been raped. Fifty percent? I don't know about you, but those numbers are startling!

Now, according to several news sources, criminals are raping earthquake victims. These women and children are out in the open, some in tents. Basically, they are "prey" at this point. My heart breaks for them. The jails ruined, criminals roaming the streets, and there is complete and utter chaos. If you pray, please remember these people. There's lot of food and physical aid going to these people but, they aren't protected against the violence that is occurring.

*source Inquirer.net and ABC news*

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Wordless Wednesday-Third Birthday

Singing Happy Birthday to my three year old. She didn't freak out at least this year! :)

Making Tuesday Tasty-Buffalo Chicken Dip

Yum! And no, it's not good for you at all, ha ha. I'm not big on bleu cheese so, I use the alternatives instead.

Ingredients

1 pkg. (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or shredded mozzarella cheese (about 2 ounces)
1/2 cup blue cheese salad dressing or ranch salad dressing
2 cans (12.5 ounces each) Swanson® Premium Chunk Chicken Breast in Water, drained
1/2 cup any flavor FRANK'S® RedHot® sauce
Assorted fresh vegetables or crackers

Directions:

Heat the oven to 350° F.
Stir the cream cheese in a 9-inch deep dish pie plate with a fork or whisk until it's smooth.
Stir in the dressing, pepper sauce and blue cheese. Stir in the chicken.
Bake for 20 minutes or until the chicken mixture is hot and bubbling.
Stir before serving.
Serve with the vegetables and crackers for dipping.

Recipe courtesy of Buffalochickendip.com

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Overnightprints.com Free Business Cards GUEST GIVEWAWAY!!!!

Overnightprints.com Free Business Cards GUEST GIVEWAWAY!!!!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Wordless Wednesday-Tonto Natural Bridge

The Tonto Natural Bridge on our first visit there. It was our 3rd anniversary last year.

Making Tuesday Tasty-Beef Stroganoff


This is a pretty yummy recipe and fairly easy to make.

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds beef tenderloin fillet
Salt and pepper
3 tablespoons butter, divided
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef consomme, available on soup aisle
2 teaspoons prepared Dijon style mustard
1/4 cup sour cream, eyeball it
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil or vegetable oil, 1 turn of the pan in a slow stream
1/2 small onion, sliced
1/3 cup coarsely chopped cornichons
1 pound extra wide egg noodles, cooked to package directions
Chopped parsley leaves, garnish
Thickly sliced pumpernickel bread, optional

Directions

Slice meat into 1/2-thick by 2 -nch long very thin strips and season with salt and pepper. Set in freezer.

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Melt 2 tablespoons butter and cook with flour 1 minute. Whisk in consomme. Thicken 1 minute. Stir in mustard and sour cream, thicken 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and season sauce with salt and pepper.

Heat a second skillet over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon butter, then add the meat and onion and cook over high heat until brown on both sides, 3 to 4 minutes total. Then add the chopped cornichons and stir to combine.

Arrange meat on a bed of egg noodles and top with Stroganoff sauce and parsley. Serve with thickly sliced pumpernickel bread.

*thanks to Rachel Ray and Food Network for the recipe and photo*

Covet Antiqued Copper Charm Necklace GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Covet Antiqued Copper Charm Necklace GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Monday, January 18, 2010

Winner-Uprinting Business Card Giveaway


My random.org winner is...

doozercries January 13, 2010 10:21 PM 6
I would be using the business cards to network while i look for a new career. The design I would pick would be simple and straight forward. Maybe something in an ivory color.... hmm. Thanks!!

Congrats! Thanks to everyone that entered this contest.

Melanie

*thanks to uprinting.com for providing the business cards*

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Getting Help For Your Auto Repair Needs

I recently checked out a site to see what the best options for inexpensive, reliable, repairs on our 12 year old car are available.. I am in Phoenix metro area so I needed Phoenix auto repair. I hadn't heard of them before and was pleasantly surprised at all their website has to offer. The site allows you to map out the repair shops nearest your home, it has a page to give reviews on service and to ask common questions about your vehicle to others, and has an Encyclopedia to access all the major common problems with vehicles.

You can access the site for a standard estimate of different repairs like timing belt and water pump replacement, that are specific to your vehicle and location. When getting your quote, it will also list generally what is replaced or repaired as part of the service, and you are able to keep a log of your own vehicle and what recent repairs or services you've had done to the car. There are just so many options on this site!

I had no idea a service like this existed and think it's awesome! I like the fact that there is a "community" option that allows you to talk candidly about your vehicle, especially if you don't know any mechanics or repairmen. Overall, I was pretty impressed at what they have to offer!

Winner-Eco Store Giveaway

My random.org winner for the $25 gc to Eco Store is...

Molly K January 14, 2010 1:10 PM 69
I would love to try the Baby Nappy Balm.

Congrats to you! You have 48 hours to respond. Thanks to all who participated in my contest.

Melanie

Winner!-Sprig Toys Giveaway

My Random.org winner for the Sprig Toys giveaway is...

kimbo1970 January 10, 2010 8:31 PM 42
the eco-trucks dump truck would be perfect for my 3 boys

eddingsfamily at prodigy.net

Congrats! Thanks to all who entered my giveaway. An email has been sent, you have 48 hours to respond.

Melanie

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Expressiva Nursingwear Review


I recently had the chance to check out a top from Expressiva Nursingwear. When I nursed my daughter, I didn't have any actual nursing tops. I didn't have a lot of money so I didn't invest in them, although there were a few times I would have loved to have one.

When I received the top I noticed the coloring was a nice pale lavender. I liked the touch of smocking right in the front, a simple detail. The shirt I picked was simple. I like something simple in design because I like to pair t-shirts and tank tops with other items. It makes it easy, especially when nursing. The top also comes with an "under tank" I guess you would say. A thin layer of material that allows for discreet nursing. I love that it still covers you.

The shirt was made of organic cotton and was said to be an XL/1X sized top. It also states that some shrinkage will occur. Most nursing moms will tell you that their breasts swell from a little to A LOT when nursing so they want something that's going to be flattering and comfortable. I used their size guidelines and when I put the shirt on, it barely fit. I know with all shops, there's going to be a different fitting. I was bummed that it barely fit because it doesn't make it easy for nursing. The shirt is clingy, especially with the under tank that allows for discreet nursing. So, if you're going to order from them, a good rule would be to probably order one size larger.

Expressiva carries a number of items that are very convenient for nursing moms. I think the best part is that it's convenient when you have to go out and be fully dressed or when you go to work. You can pump or go home for lunch and nurse your baby. They have dresses, bra's, tops, sleepwear, slings, covers, swimsuits, plus sizes and more. My overall take on this shop is that it carries a large variety of items and most are great for everyday wear!

*thank you to Expressiva for providing a shirt for review*

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Wordless Wednesday-My Silly Nephew

my silly nephew in a cape that my sister-in-law made him and her children's sunglasses. He just turned 12, hard for me to believe!

*photo taken by my sister-in-law*

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Vacationing Myrtle Beach

I don't have the winter blues as most have right now. I live in the Phoenix metro area so the temperatures are pretty mild. What I do have is what I like to call "desert blues". We have long, hot Summers. The air is constantly dry and often dusty. We have gotten even less rain that is the norm, so it's been miserable.

I've been begging my husband to go on a vacation for two years. What I would consider a vacation would be a beach, warm and inviting. I want to sit in the sand and feel it between my toes and fingers. I want the weather to be mild and even somewhat cool. That's my idea of a vacation.

I'm tired of Southern California beaches. I've been there a few times now because I live relatively close. I would like to go somewhere new. I've been checking about going possibly to a Myrtle Beach Hotel. I have a few online friends that have vacationed there and it looks amazing! An Oceanfront Myrtle beach hotel would be amazing.

Oceanfront Myrtle beach hotels can be very upscale and luxurious. I think most of us want to be pampered when we are on vacation, I know I do. Maybe my husband will see this post here on my little blog and take the *hint* that I'm trying to give him?

Does Your Child Need A Tutor?

When I was in school, I was TERRIBLE at math and most sciences except Biology, because I've always been fascinated about bodies and how they work together. Algebra was extremely difficult for me. I can tell you, I barely passed after the second attempt.

Anyways, I didn't have much help, especially once I got to High School. My mom couldn't answer the hard questions I was asking and she couldn't afford tutoring. I am loving the programs that are put in place now for kids. You can do things online, you can buy curriculum's, and you can hire someone to come to your home.

I wasn't sure if I wanted to go to college or a university. I couldn't really put my finger on what I wanted to do, and had very little money to do it. I was however put in some advanced classes in High School and some were a little difficult for me.

When fast tracking or taking college preparatory classes you're put into some major classes. Sometimes kids can buckle with all that pressure and need some guidance. Many kids that are preparing for college whether they're a Kindergartner or a Senior in High School need help and support along the way with items like math, reading, and sciences.

Lets also not forget the more intense things Physics and Chemistry. Many kids need Physics help and chemistry help or have Science questions and need Science help. If you think your child needs help with that or needs a Physics tutor, Chemistry tutor, or needs a Physics problem solver, you may want to try online tutoring. It can be done at your own pace and tends to be reasonable in price.

Making Tuesday Tasty-Roasted Tomato Soup


HEAVEN! Especially on a cold winter day.

Ingredients
2 1/2 pounds fresh tomatoes (mix of fresh heirlooms, cherry, vine and plum tomatoes)
6 cloves garlic, peeled
2 small yellow onions, sliced
Vine cherry tomatoes for garnish, optional
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 quart chicken stock
2 bay leaves
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, optional
3/4 cup heavy cream, optional
Directions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

Wash, core and cut the tomatoes into halves. Spread the tomatoes, garlic cloves and onions onto a baking tray. If using vine cherry tomatoes for garnish, add them as well, leaving them whole and on the vine. Drizzle with 1/2 cup of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20 to 30 minutes, or until caramelized.

Remove roasted tomatoes, garlic and onion from the oven and transfer to a large stock pot (set aside the roasted vine tomatoes for later). Add 3/4 of the chicken stock, bay leaves, and butter. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until liquid has reduced by a third.

Wash and dry basil leaves, if using, and add to the pot. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Return soup to low heat, add cream and adjust consistency with remaining chicken stock, if necessary. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Garnish in bowl with 3 or 4 roasted vine cherry tomatoes and a splash of heavy cream.

Total cooking time is about 50 minutes and yields 4 to 6 servings.

*thank you to Tyler Florence and food network for the awesome recipe and photo*

Monday, January 11, 2010

Pajama Squid THREE Prize GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Pajama Squid THREE Prize GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Monday Randomness


I came across this cake looking in google images for something else. It's too cool not to acknowledge. My Mother was a lover of impressionism and it rubbed off on me some. I know many people recognize and love Starry Night! A song was made about it for goodness sake. Well, now we have a cake.
*source is violetcottage.com*

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Uprinting.com Business Card Giveaway!*CLOSED*


Hey everyone! It's a new year and what does that mean? That means either some big changes should be afoot, or even a sprucing up of your business should be happening.

Uprinting.com would like to help in that endeavor by offering one lucky winner a chance to win a set of business cards! Aren't' you excited? I am since I will be receiving a set as well. I can't wait to breathe new life into my shop this year so getting a new set of business cards is gonna be another way to present myself to the world.

Buy It

go to Uprinting.com to either order a set of original cards from your own design or choose from their awesome selection of cards.

Win It

Uprinting is giving away one set of business cards. 250 amount, sizes 2 x 3.5”, 2 x 3”, 2 x 2” (square card) or 1.5 x 3.5”,14 pt gloss card stock, 14 pt matte card stock or 13 pt recycled uncoated card stock

Rules
Please tell me what you plan on doing with these or what design you will put on them. Must be done or you're disqualified.
Extra Entries
-Follow my blog for one entry
-Follow me on twitter and tweet this(kaiasmommy) for one entry(leave link)
-blog about this for two entries and leave links here
U.S. residents only, winner PAYS SHIPPING, ends January 16, 2010
*thanks to uprinting for providing the winners giveaway and mine*

New Giveaways To Post!

The Bragging Mommy is giving one lucky winner an Indie Twin Stroller from Bumbleride. Go check it out. The contest is good until January 25th, 2010.

Dear Little Red House blog is giving away your choice of fine art print from her shop. Ends Jan 10th

Friday, January 8, 2010

Magpie Lovely $50 Gift Card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Magpie Lovely $50 Gift Card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Stephanie Nielson "nie nie" Is Having Surgery

Nie is having surgery so she has made the trip back to Arizona to get it done. They are doing surgery for the skin on her neck and back so she will have some serious recovery to do.

Please say some prayers for her during this journey, and anyone you know right now that is suffering a physical affliction.

Thanks,

Melanie

Wordless Wednesday-Summer Fun


Summer 2007. My silly baby.

Baby Bond Nursing Cover Up-Review



I recently had the chance to review the Baby Bond brand nursing cover. It comes in Original, Flex, and Couture styles. I actually entered a contest for this item previously because I had never heard of it and thought it looked amazing!

Why do I say "amazing"? I nursed my daughter for 10 months. I'm not one of those mama's that has a hard time seeing other moms nurse in public but, it wasn't for me. I have a tendency to be more modest, and I have larger breasts which didn't make for easy cover up.

I did the blanket thing a few times but, even then it wasn't all that comfortable. I didn't actually purchase an actual nursing cover, I would usually just go into the nearest restroom, the car, or somewhere that was established for nursing. Honestly, I nursed my daughter in some of the most disgusting areas to try to do it modestly. I've nursed her in a bathroom stall standing up, I've nursed her in smelly bathrooms...well, you get the point.

I was a first time mom and I really didn't know what all was available. The Baby Bond is nice for a number of reasons. You have the option of wearing different tops, you have the option of nursing discreetly in public, you have the option of covering up your mid section while nursing, and you can avoid covering your baby's face which in some instances is impossible!

I like that this was created by a mom for moms. I really like the color choices and that it fits easily over you like a sash. It allows bonding time which is one the prime reasons this was created, and it looks a lot like an infant carrying sling so many people won't even realize at first what it is. These are all wins in my book so, I take pleasure in talking about this product and giving it a thumbs up!
Baby Bond is giving a 25% discount until January 20, 2010. Just enter "wannabe" when checking out and it will register the discount. Hurry and pick this up for someone you know or yourself, you'll be glad you did.
*thank you Baby Bond for providing a nursing cover for review*

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Making Tuesday Tasty-Iced Lemon Cookies


I made these over the Christmas holiday for my Father in law who likes lemon cookies. Let me tell you, they were hard to say goodbye to. If you're a lover of lemon and want a hint or a "zing" of lemon, you're in for a treat. These turned out lovely, soft, and had just enough lemon for my liking. The nice part is you can adapt this to make it even more lemony if you choose to.

*I didn't have Meyer lemons, so I used regular*

Preheat oven to 375°F

Dough
2 1/4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 cup butter, room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 tablespoons finely grated Meyer lemon rind (about 3 lemons)

Icing
2 tablespoons Meyer lemon juice
1 tablespoon finely grated Meyer lemon rind (1 - 2 lemons)
1 cup powdered sugar

Since the dough chills for one hour, you can delay preheating the oven. Using a microplane grater, remove the zest from 4 Meyer lemons. Reserve 1 1/2 tablespoons for the dough.

Mix butter on high speed until fluffy and add sugar and egg. Continue mixing on medium speed and add vanilla and lemon rind. In a separate bowl, mix together dry ingredients until blended. Mixing on low speed, slowly add the flour mixture to the creamed butter mixture until blended, scraping the sides of the bowl occasionally. Gather dough into a ball and cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.

While the dough is being chilled, juice the lemons you removed the zest from earlier. Add the remaining lemon rind to the juice and slowly mix in the powdered sugar. It's better to err on the side of too thick for the icing as runny icing won't form nice stripes. Preheat the oven at some point before the dough is done chilling.

Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll into 1 1/4 inch balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten the cookies with a glass or measuring cup. Coat the bottom of the glass or cup with sugar between flattening. Try to get the cookies around 1/4 inch in height. These cookies taste better crisp, and failing to flatten the cookies will result in too cake-like a cookie.

Bake 10 - 11 minutes until edges are golden brown. More crisp is better, so don't be over eager to remove them until they start to brown. Remove from oven and tranfer to cooling racks to cool completely.

Set a plastic bag in a glass and pour the icing mixture into the plastic bag. Snip the corner off the plastic bag and pipe stripes along the cooled cookie tops. Let the icing harden fully before transferring to storage container. Makes about 24 cookies.

*recipe and photo source is chocolategourmand.com*

Monday, January 4, 2010

Winner-100 Custom Postcards!


And my random.org winner is...


Tricia316 January 3, 2010 6:13 AM 9 I follow you on Twitter - TriciaInRaleigh

hockeygalnc at hotmail DOT com



Thanks to all who entered!! An email has been sent confirming this to you.

Melanie

*thanks to Uprinting.com for providing the winners items*

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Cheap Event Tickets!

I have seriously been in the mood lately to get dressed up and go to a local theater here in Phoenix, and watch something fantastic! It's been a long time since I've gone anywhere to see a play or a musical and, I miss it. My anniversary just passed and so did Christmas. It's a shame I couldn't get the chance to get my hands on some Radio City Christmas Spectacular tickets! I also would've absolutely freaked out if I could have gotten my hands on some Trans Siberian Orchestra tickets!

Recently I heard about Jersey Boys and really want Jersey Boys tickets but, after checking them out, they aren't headed to my city. I think it would be fun to hear their quartet live after checking them out on youtube.

I normally go to the web to do a search for the best tickets in town but, I'm normally sent on this crazy "egg hunt" trying to find the best site, the right links, etc. I think it would be great if I could just get all the information I need, and the best prices all in one place and I think I've found exactly what I'm looking for!

*brought to you by acheapseat.com*

Happy New Year 2010!

I can't believe we're already a decade in! It's amazing how quickly time flees. I'm wishing all of my readers and friends a very happy new year. Whatever happens and wherever the journey takes us, I wish for God's blessings.

I am excited for the new year, for change. I love the hope that change brings. Last year wasn't my favorite but, I was blessed as I have been all of my life during my ups and downs. I hope that you all can see the blessings even in the trials.

Love

Melanie