Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Wordless Wednesday-Wordy Quote

I procured this off of Pinterest awhile back. I do so agree with this though and can definitely relate to it.  When we see some amount of struggle, some amount of suffering, we are able to see happiness in a totally different way.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Making Tuesday Tasty-Peas With Shallots and Pancetta

Easter and Passover are coming. It's always nice to have an added flair to a traditional side dish or veggie dish. Here is a pea recipe with a twist. Enjoy



Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 pound pancetta, cut into small dice
  • 3 shallots, halved and thinly sliced
  • Pinch red pepper flakes
  • 1 pound frozen peas, thawed

Directions

Heat the oil in a large high sided saute pan over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook until golden brown and the fat has rendered. Remove the pancetta to a plate lined with paper towels.
Add the shallots and red pepper flakes to the pan and cook until soft. Add the peas and cook until warmed through. Transfer to a large bowl and top with the crisp pancetta.

*recipe is courtesy of foodnetwork.com*

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Print Runner Giveaway!


 With the economy like it is, we all need some good quality printing services, and low cost ways to get our business point across.  We need to be able to reach the masses quickly, and give them a defined approach.

One key way to get a sale, a special, a new product, etc. out to our regular and new customers is with a print postcard.  Of course it needs to be visually eye catching, it must say what you mean with few words, and it must be cost effective.  Print runner sells these in a number of sizes and a few styles.

Of course you are not limited to business needs, you are able to use this in a number of ways.  I actually used color postcards this past Christmas as a new approach to Christmas cards.  I put my children on the post card and sent them out to friends and family.

Print Runner has graciously offered one of my readers the chance to win some goodies from their print shop!  I'm really excited, and I think you will be too. 

Buy It

You can purchase your own post card creation at printrunner.com

Win It

Here is what one winner will win!

Postcard Size:  Postcards 5x7
            Quantity: 100
            Colors: 4/0 Front Only Printing
            Paper: 14 PT. UV Coating on Front, 
            Rounded Corners: Yes
            Proof: None
            Ready to Ship In: 4 Business Days

Rules

Entry is for U.S. only and entrant must be 18 years old and up.  Contest will close 11:59 PM AZ time on April 8, 2012.  Also, please leave an email address so I may contact you if you win.

How To Enter

Please leave a comment advising me of what you plan on doing with these if you win.

Extra Entries

Follow Print Runner on Facebook or Twitter.  Each is worth an extra entry.  Please leave a separate comment for each you enter.  Good luck!

*Thanks Printrunner.com for providing the postcards for this giveaway.  No money was given to run this*
        


Thursday, March 22, 2012

Adora Calcium Supplement-Review

Have you heard of Adora Calcium Supplements? I just got to try some and can I just say...YUM!  Adora calcium supplements are nothing I've heard of on the market.  I've seen the chewy "candy" and even tasted it.  It's good but, nothing extraordinary.

Adora supplements are made of chocolate.  Yep, you read it right, chocolate.  Each disc of chocolate is only 30 calories, full of yummy chocolate goodness, and contains 500 mg of calcium.  Additionally, it contains vitamin D3 and, magnesium.  The natural chocolate contains it's own antioxidants.  They're also made gluten free, no artificial sweeteners and regulated by the FDA.

It's national nutrition month and as most of us know but, may not heed, we need to be making sure we get enough calcium in our diet.  By the time we hit our 30's, we stop building bone mass and start losing it.  Calcium rich foods including dairy, oily fish(sardines), dark leafy vegetables are a great source to start with.  Often though, it's difficult to still get the amount we need, so we need to supplement.  I know I would like to avoid osteoporosis at all cost!

I tasted both  the milk chocolate and the dark. They both were super creamy, tasted wonderful, and absolutely did not have a vitamin taste.  I am super sensitive to all the products on the market that are loaded with vitamins and minerals.  I can smell and taste the vitamins from a mile away.  This was not the case with Adora, and it could be because it's been developed by Thompson brands which is a chocolate company.  How clever!

You won't be sorry if you check out the Adora supplements.  If you have more questions about them, go online to their website, to their Facebook, and/or check them out on twitter.

*thank you adora for letting me try out your delicious supplements*

Hourglass

The lyrics can speak to every mom. So sweet and so true!  


Hourglass by Mindy Gledhill

Little boy, when you speak
I can't help but kiss your cheeks
I love the way you grab my hands
And tell me all about your plans

Rocket high, comets fly
You and I could take a ride
And fly away to Neverland
And give our best to Peter Pan

When you reach for the stars
Don't forget who you are
And please don't turn around and grow up way too fast
See the sand in my grasp
From the first to the last
Every grain becomes a memory of the past
Oh, life's an hourglass
Life's an hourglass

Story's read, prayer is said
Close your eyes sleepyhead
While angels linger in your dreams
And hold you in their feathered wings
Just like you, I was small
Not that long ago at all
I wish you all the happiness
That God gives freely if you ask 

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Wordless Wednesday-Me


Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Making Tuesday Tasty-Sicilian Turkey burgers

Oh my goodness! I must make these ASAP!  I love turkey burgers if they're done right and with these ingredients how can you go wrong? If I made these, I would omit the currants and maybe add some sun dried tomato. It's nice to always be able to cater to your liking when making a recipe. Those of you who want to take their kitchen experiments to the next level may take a look into some online universities offering a culinary arts programEnjoy!


Ingredients


1 lb lean ground turkey
3 tbsp. tomato paste
3 tbsp. currants
2 tbsp. capers
1/2 tsp. dried basil
1/2 tsp. crushed fennel seeds
1/2 tsp salt
vegetable oil cooking spray
1/2 c grated parmesan
4 ciabatta rolls, split
4 tsps. balsalmic vinegar
sliced tomato (optional)


PreparationIn a bowl, mix turkey, tomato paste, currants, capers, basil, fennel seeds and salt. Form turkey mixture into four 3/4-inch-thick patties. Coat a grill rack or grill pan with cooking spray. Grill patties over medium-high heat until underside is well browned, about 7 minutes; flip and cook 5 minutes more. Top each patty with 2 tablespoons Parmesan; close lid or cover pan. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 2 minutes. Brush bottom of each roll with 1 teaspoon vinegar; top with 1 burger, tomato, if desired, and other half of roll.



*recipe courtesy of epicurious.com*

Monday, March 19, 2012

Mama Share Mondays-Clothing

I think this will be more specifically geared for how you purchase clothing for your children, what you look for, etc.  I am very frugal because I have to be.  We are a one income family right now and we are a low income, one income family to boot!  My friends and I share clothing, we purchase things on clearance, and even buy second hand if it's good quality.  So here are just a few ideas I have to share.  As always, please leave your comments below if you have anything to add to this post.

  • Hand me downs are awesome, especially if you have two of the same sex child in a row.  If you have a core group of friends that are willing to share or even just hand down clothing, this can bulk up your child's wardrobe immensely.
  • Second hand is great if there is something you really can't afford or need something in a hurry for.  I live in a desert but, if I go North or somewhere much cooler I would rather get a second hand coat than go buy a new one that my child will wear once, maybe two times in a season.
  • Sewing-If you sew, add a few pieces that your child will love.  Let them help you pick out the material.
  • Clearance-Anyone that knows me, knows that I don't pay regular price for pretty much anything unless I absolutely have to.  I love going to end of season sales and getting stuff from $1 to $5 a piece. I've picked up shoes, pants, dresses, shirts, etc. for that low of a price.  I also pay attention to how my kids trend size wise.  I calculate where they would be in the next few seasons and purchase ahead of time.  I've purchased whole seasonal wardrobes that way and save some serious money.
Thanks so much for stopping by and checking out my clothing purchasing tips!  

Have a great week!

Melanie

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Happy Sunday!

I will rest in you by Mindy Gledhill.  I've recently discovered her Indie style and found this song.  It is beautiful and written from the heart.

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Home Security And Your Family

We all want security when it comes to our home and our precious family.  There's many ways that you can go about protecting your home from intruders, fires, and natural disasters.  One way to protect your home is by using a home security family system.

Using an alarm system in your home can help you monitor your home 24 hours a day/7 days a week.  It's also nice if it is convenient, especially since we all have precious time to keep.  Having amenities that go with an alarm system just enhances the desire to use it.  Items such as wireless keypad, pet sensitive motion detectors, and signs to place in your yard and window, are just a few.

I personally think that if you are to pay for an alarm system, you should want access to the above listed features but, also an easy to operate system so older children can set it as well.  A quick response team of people and a low cost fee would be nice too!  It's definitely something to think about and worth researching more.


Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Wordless Wednesday-C man


Making Tuesday Tasty-Traditional Irish Stew

In a few days it will be St. Patrick's day.  And with the festivities, comes the preparation and sharing of traditional Irish fare.  As in many countries, this traditional stew is meant to be shared.  If a lamb is killed, usually the meat is shared with neighbors.  Here is a take on a traditional stew.  If you don't like lamb, by all means, use a different meat.  I would venture to say that elk or venison might be lovely in this.  


Ingredients

  • 2 medium-sized onions, chopped
  • Oil, for frying
  • 1-ounce butter
  • 1 sprig dried thyme
  • 2 1/2 pounds best end of lamb neck, cut into large pieces
  • 7 carrots, chopped lengthways into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons pearl barley
  • 5 cups chicken stock, recipe follows
  • Salt (recommended: Fleur du Sel)
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 bouquet garni (parsley, thyme, and bay leaf)
  • 12 medium potatoes
  • 1 bunch parsley, leaves finely chopped
  • 1 bunch chives
  • Serving suggestion: herb butter, recipe follows

Directions

In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, cook the onions in oil and butter, on medium-high heat until they are translucent. Add the dried thyme and stir. Add the lamb and brown on a high heat to seal in juices. Add carrots, and pearl barley. Pour in the chicken stock so that it almost covers the meat and vegetables. Season with salt and pepper, and add Bouquet garni. Cover and cook on low heat for 2 hours, being careful not to boil. Place potatoes on top of the stew, cover and cook for 30 minutes until the meat is falling beautifully off the bones and the potatoes are fork tender.
Serve the stew in large flat soup bowls, and drizzle herb butter over the potatoes or garnish with parsley and chives.
Herb Butter:
1 stick butter
1 small bunch parsley, finely chopped
1 small bunch chives, finely chopped
1 sprig thyme

Melt butter in a small saucepan. Add parsley, chives and thyme.

*recipe courtesy of foodnetwork.com*

Monday, March 12, 2012

Mama Share Mondays-Baby Activities

As your baby grows and becomes more mobile, you may want to engage in some "play" time.  Since baby's birth, you have nurtured, fed, and bathed her/him.  Now it's time to add to that time together by playing some fun games with your little one.  Here are just a few of many things you can do to engage your baby as they grow.


  • Peek-a-boo is a tried and true way to play.  There are so many variations of this play. You can hide behind a blanket, you can crawl on the floor and hide from your baby(be sure not to scare baby), you can peek over the crib, etc.  Have fun with it.
  • Blanket rides- With your older baby, place them in the middle of their blanket lying down and gently drag them around.  They will love riding around on a magic carpet.
  • Basket rides-A take on the blanket ride, you can place a blanket in the basket, baby lying down or sitting up and holding onto the sides, and drag it gently around the living room.
  • Sing a song-Itsy bitsy spider, ABC's, etc. are all fun songs that engage your baby.  They can hear you, see your expressions, and giggle at Mommy and Daddy being silly.
  • Show them pictures-Walk around with your baby and show them the people hanging on the wall. Say the name of the person, point at the photo, and do this several times as they grow.  It will help them remember a face, especially if that person doesn't live close.
Tell me your favorite way to play with baby!  Thanks for stopping by.

Melanie

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Wordless Wednesday-Mama And Birthday Boy


Monday, March 5, 2012

Making Tuesday Tasty-Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Soup

I love sausage, primarily the smoky and brat style sausages.  I think there are many that don't realize that it is a wonderful, classic ingredient to put in your food. It adds depth and depending on the style of sausage that you use, much flavor.  Here is just one recipe that involves sausage,,, 

Ingredients

  • Salt
  • 1 large bundle broccoli rabe, 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds bulk Italian sweet or hot sausage
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 to 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or very thinly sliced
  • 1 red chile pepper, very thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • A few grates nutmeg
  • 6 cups chicken stock-in-a-box
  • 2 cups water
  • About 3/4 cup orecchietti pasta
  • Grated pecorino or Parmigiano-Reggiano, for topping
  • Crusty bread, such as ciabatta

Directions

In a medium pot, bring a few inches of water to a boil over medium heat, then salt the water. Trim the broccoli rabe and cut it into 1 1/2 to 2-inch lengths. Simmer in boiling water to reduce the bitterness, about 4 to 5 minutes, then cold shock in ice water and drain very well.
Heat a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium-high heat with extra-virgin olive oil, a turn of the pan. Add the sausage and brown and crumble, 7 to 8 minutes. Add the onions, garlic and chile and cook a few minutes more. Add the thyme and lemon zest, then add broccoli rabe and season with a little nutmeg. Stir in the stock and the water and bring to a boil. Simmer a few minutes to combine the flavors. Turn off the heat, cool and store for a make-ahead meal. Reheat the stoup over low heat and bring to a low boil. Add the pasta and cook to al dente, about 10 minutes. Ladle the stoup in shallow bowls and garnish with cheese. Serve with crusty bread for mopping. 

*thanks to foodnetwork.com for the recipe*

Mama Share Monday-Fun Hygiene For Kids

We all know that our children will sometimes, if not all the time, rebel when going through the daily hygiene motions.  Some kids hate their nails being clipped, some don't even like to shower.  Here are some basic ideas you can use to involve them and help it to be less painful in the end.

  • Sing a song to your baby, toddler, or small child while clipping their nails. Involve them and, distract them at the same time.
  • Get a light up tooth brush or teach your song a one to two minute song to sing while brushing. Once it's done they know they have brushed long enough. 
  • If your child feels like they are too big to take a bath, teach them how to shower and assist them as needed.  They may be more apt to bathing if it's on their terms.
  • Make a game of anything that meets resistance. "Dunking" clothing into the hamper, racing to see who finishes first, etc.
Please leave your own tips and tricks in the comment section below! Thanks for stopping by.

Melanie