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Saturday, March 17, 2012

Smile With Me Saturday

 Hope you stop by her and share your smile as I will be blog hopping

Aloha Friday

Aloha Friday is a fun meme that I love to participate in because it is so easy and fun. The blog an island life host the meme and it is where bloggers ask easy questions that can be answered with easy to give answers.

Because I am late again my question this week is:

Are you a person who is early, late or right on time for most things?

Peanut Butter St Patrick Day Nuggets

Oh so yummy to honor St. Patricks Day and Peanut Butter Lovers Day check out this recipe

Tex Mex Potatoes




4 teaspoons canola oil, divided
4 ounces Mexican chorizo
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup enchilada sauce
1/3 cup grated white onion
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 pounds Yukon gold or baking potatoes, peeled and shredded
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped avocado
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1/4 cup chopped white onion radishes, thinly sliced

Preheat oven to 450°. Heat a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 teaspoon canola oil to pan, and swirl to coat. Remove the casings from chorizo. Add chorizo to pan; sauté for 3 minutes, stirring to crumble. Add garlic, and sauté for 30 seconds. Remove sausage mixture from pan. Combine the sausage mixture and enchilada sauce. Add remaining 3 teaspoons oil to pan; swirl to coat. Combine grated onion, salt, pepper, potato, and egg; toss. Add potato mixture to pan, pressing gently; cook for 10 minutes (do not stir). Spread enchilada sauce mixture evenly over potato mixture; sprinkle evenly with cheese. Bake at 450° for 20 minutes. Remove from oven; let stand for 10 minutes. Cut into 6 wedges.

recipe source : My Recipes

Uncle O'Grmacey and McDonalds Shamrock Shake copycat recipe



McDonald’s Shamrock Shake Copycat Recipe (makes 1 giant shake, or 2 generously sized shakes)
3 cups good quality vanilla ice cream
1 3/4 cups 1% milk
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Green food coloring, if desired
1. Blend all ingredients in a blender until completely thick and smooth. Pour into glasses and serve!

Irish blessing

St. Patricks Day Trivia

Did you know that St. Patrick was not Irish? In fact he was born inbritain and was a missionary to the country of Ireland.

Did you know that the color that St. Patrick prefered was not green but blue? The green came in during the 19th century because of Irish Legends that described fairies and immortals wearing green Green was also a color that farmers in the area wore to encourage their plants to grow

Did you know that the word Lephrechaun has more than one origin? It could mean a sprite like in the Irish Gaelic language or it could mean shoemaker. That is why we often think of them as magical shoemakers. That is unless you think of the movie where the Lephrechaun is actually very evil.


Did you know that there are quite a few towns in the U.S. that have shamrock as their name? You can find the town of Shamrock in the states of West Virginia, Indiana, and Oklahoma

Did you know that the Guinness Book of World Records records a 14 leaf clover?

Did you know that the leaves on a four leaf clover are said to hold meaning. Hope, Faith, Love and Luck for the finder.

Did you know that pinching someone who is not wearing green is simply and American Tradition?

Did you know that each year the Chicago River is turned green for St. Patricks Day. This tradition has went on for over 40 years and is part of the St Patricks Day parade celebration

Yummy bean Dish

1 pkg. (14 oz.) Johnsonville® BOLD Smoked Sausage – Chili Cheese or Jalapeno Cheese variety
1 pkg. (16 oz.) fresh bacon
1 large yellow onion
1 large green pepper
4 cans (22 oz. each) barbecue-style beans      
                                             
Cut sausages into ½-inch chunks. Chop bacon. Peel and chop onion. Core and chop pepper.                In a saucepan, cook the bacon until crisp, approximately 8 minutes and drain. Add onion, pepper and sausage; cook until vegetables are tender. Stir beans into the sausage mixture and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes, allowing flavors to marinade together.                                               
 
recipe source : Johnsonville

Happy St. Patrick day

Printable Trinity Shamrock


St. Patrick Day celebrates St. Patrick who preached the Gospel throughout Ireland. He is reported to have used the shamrock to explain the Trinity.

You can download your own pre colored shamrock here or perhaps you would like to color your shamrock which you can find here

Shamrock Smoothie

The shamrock is a three-leafed old white clover. It is known as a symbol of Ireland. The name shamrock is derived from Irish seamróg, which is the diminutive version of the Irish word for clover




1 banana
1 cup frozen Pineapple Tidbits
1 cup frozen Mango Chunks (about 14 pieces)
½ cup green grapes (preferably organic)
2 Tbsp orange juice concentrate (not reconstituted)
1 Tbsp Very Green Dietary Supplement, or other green superfood powder (optional)
1 large handful (about 1 cup) raw baby spinach or kale (preferably organic)
2 cups unsweetened almond milk

Blend all ingredients together until smooth. Cheers! Leftovers will not keep very well in the fridge. Pour leftovers into popsicle molds for a delicious frozen treat.

Irish Potato Candy

My mother makes this for my sister every year.

1/4 cup butter, softened


  • 1/2 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 2 1/2 cups flaked coconut
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

  •  

    1. In a medium bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Add the vanilla and confectioners' sugar; beat until smooth. Using your hands if necessary, mix in the coconut. Roll into balls or potato shapes, and roll in the cinnamon. Place onto a cookie sheet and chill to set. If desired, roll potatoes in cinnamon again for darker color.


    shared at


    Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Soup Recipe



    pounds russet potatoes, washed but NOT peeled. Diced into 1/2 inch(ish) cubes
    1 medium/large yellow onion, diced
    10 cloves of garlic, minced (if you use jarred, it's a 5 teaspoon equivalent)
    64 ounces (8 cups) chicken stock or broth
    16 oz cream cheese, softened (I use low fat)
    1 tablespoon seasoned salt
    optional garnishes: crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, green onions

    Add potatoes, onion, garlic, seasoning, and chicken stock to slow cooker. Cook on high for 6 hours or low for 10 hours. Add the softened cream cheese and puree soup  until the cheese is incorporated and about half the soup is blended. (Alternately you could remove half the soup and the cream cheese to an upright blender, then re-incorporate). Stir well, top with your choice of garnishes & enjoy!

    Yields about 10-12 servings.

    Shared at
    Its A Blog Party

    Friday, March 16, 2012

    Smarterer

    I abm participating in the Smarterer bzzagent campaing click the logo and check it out

    Casablanca Burgers



    1 1/2 pounds ground lamb
    2 tablespoons harissa or red chili paste
    2 clves garlic, grated or finely chopped
    2 taspoons grated lemon peel
    1 teaspoon ground coriander (about 1/3 palmful)
    1 teaspoon ground cumin (about 1/3 palmful)
            2 pinches cinnamon
    Salt and pepper
    3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), plus more for drizzling
    1 cup Greek-style yogurt
    1/3 cup finely chopped fresh mint (a generous handful)
    2 scallions, finely chopped
    2 tablespoons white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
    8 ounces coleslaw mix
    1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
    4 crusty rolls, split

    Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high. Combine the lamb, harissa, garlic, lemon peel, coriander, cumin and cinnamon; season with salt and pepper. Form into 4-inch patties and drizzle with EVOO. Grill the patties, turning once, for 7 minutes for medium-rare.   In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, mint, scallions and 1/2 teaspoon salt.   In a large bowl, whisk together the 3 tablespoons EVOO and the vinegar. Add the coleslaw mix and red onion and toss; season with salt and pepper.    To serve, place a pile of slaw on each roll bottom, then top with a burger, yogurt sauce and a roll top. Serve extra slaw on the side

    recipe source: Rachael Ray

    Stuffed Peppers

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 6 scallions, thinly sliced, white and green parts separated
  • 1/2 pound ground beef chuck
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1 4.5-ounce can chopped green chilies
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 4 ounces Monterey Jack, grated (1 cup)
  • kosher salt and black pepper
  • 4 large bell peppers, halved lengthwise, ribs and seeds removed
  • 1/2 cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt
  • salsa, for serving

  • Heat oven to 375° F. Cook the rice according to the package directions. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the scallion whites and beef and cook, breaking the beef up with a spoon, until no longer pink, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the corn, chilies, cumin, cooked rice, ½ cup of the Monterey Jack, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Arrange the bell peppers, cut-side up, in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish or pan. Divide the beef mixture among the bell peppers, add ½ cup water to the dish, tightly cover the dish with foil, and bake until the bell peppers are soft, 30 to 40 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup of Monterey Jack, and bake until browned, 5 to 7 minutes more.  In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt and ¼ cup water. Drizzle over the bell peppers and top with the salsa and scallion greens.

    recipe source Real Simple

    Exercise Good For You

    One thing that I have learned during my career in the health field is that exercise is very important. In fact it is important enough to be scheduled into your calendar. There are several reasons that it is important for one it helps break down stress and is good for your body. The movements that we do a workers in the health field are sometimes strenuous on us but if we are in shape it is easier to do because our limit and strength is up. Exercise also helps with breaking up stress because it allows your mind to work and think. I love to take power walks by myself or with a friend because while they often tire me out they also refresh me and allow my mind to wander on subjects that have been stressing me out. Do you get enough exercise? What is it that you like to do to get your muscles moving? A few different programs that look interesting to me include


    I like the P90x because it looks as if it could help build strength and also offers a 90 day review period which is plenty of time to see if the program would work for you or not.

    If you are wanting to get fit and build strength then you have to check out the system that offers Extreme Body Workout.

    If you are ready for summer and want a body to match then you are ready to have a Beach Body. After all looking good goes along with feeling good because often the best looking people are the ones that feel the best. whether you want to look good, feel less stressed, build strength or get into shape exercise is something that is very important. No matter what your goal in exercise is get out there and do it.


    This is a guest post provided by Fitness Alliance

    Plow and Hearth Review and Giveaway ends April 6 2012


    Plow & Hearth is a trusted national catalog, retail, and Internet company specializing in unique, enduring home and lifestyle products that are quality-built and guaranteed to meet our customer’s expectations I was one of those customers on a few different occasions. My first order was at Christmas time when I found a gift that I knew that my mother would love.


    The Mason Jar Santa and Snowman snow globe were perfect gifts for my mother. Not only does she love snow globes but also the country charm. These sweet Little snow globes offer a Christmas theme with a country charm. You can get your choice of snow globe which are on sale right now at $7.99


    Recently I was also able to review a product from Plow and Hearth. The Low Maintenance Resin Three Drawer Storage Tower for Garage Storage was the product that I reviewed. I must say that I love this product from the time I saw it. I live in a older home where cabinet space is something I am always wanting more for. Have you ever noticed that older southern style homes have cabinets that go up high. For this lady of only a 5 foot 4 inch status it is something that I do not like to deal with. When I first saw the storage tower I thought it would be great in the laundry room. I know it was detailed by title to use in the garage but I think it is so versatile it could be used in so many different rooms from the garage to the laundry room to the kitchen for paper product and kid snack (which is where I am using the storage tower) Another thing that I love about the three drawers storage tower is that it comes with wheels which can be easily installed to move the tower around easily. Oh my just got another idea how about the gardening center. The tower is so easy to clean up that it could be easily used to keep potting soil as well as small gardening tools in. My hubby wants me to order another which I will do soon. He loves the tower as well because it is easy to use, has flip down tabs which can lock the drawers easily so little hands can not get into the drawers.


    Plow and Hearth would love to give one of Annies Home readers a $50 gift card You can go shopping to find the perfect product for you. There are so many great items with the warm weather coming perhaps you would want to check out the great line up of spring products at Plow and Hearth.

    To enter this giveaway take a little break and visit the Plow and Hearth website and share with me a product that catches your eye

    Extra Entries:
    • follow Plow and Hearth on twitter
    •  like Plow and Hearth on facebook
    • follow me on twitter
    • like me on facebook
    • share this giveaway on facebook (2 entries can do daily) share link in comment
    • tweet about this giveaway (1 entry per tweet unlimited) link in comment
    • blog about this giveaway or share on giveaway link up please leave link in comment
    Giveaway starts now and ends April 6, 2012 Good Luck Email must be in comment or on blog profile

    This post was shared as a part of a promotion for Plow and Hearth. I did receive a product for review purposes. The thoughts and words I shared are those of mine alone



    Thursday, March 15, 2012

    Sea Salt Brownies

    oh so yummy these are brownies out of this world with sea salt and marshmallows the recipe makes them sound extreme. Yummy!!!


    3 cups mini marshmallows
    4 tablespoons butter
    1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
    12 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
    1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt

    Combine first 3 ingredients in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, 6 to 7 minutes or until marshmallows are melted. Stir in chocolate. Transfer mixture to an 8-inch square pan lined with parchment paper; sprinkle with salt. Chill about 1 hour or until firm. Cut into squares with a hot knife.
    Coastal Living FEBRUARY 2012

    Asian Steak Salad

    Tonight we are having a simple stir fry for supper. I got a great deal on a stir fry kit at the grocery store yesterday and decided to use it with some stew meat that I have had in the freezer for a short minute. I browned the meat in water as I am cutting down on oil for my hubbys health and seasoned it well. I then mixed in the stir fry mix. Let me tell you this was super yummy. I recently found this recipe and I believe I will be making it soon as well




  • 3/4 pound sirloin steak (1 inch thick)
  • kosher salt and black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon grated lime zest
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon chopped pickled ginger (found in the international aisle of the market)
  • 2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1 large head romaine lettuce, cut into strips (about 7 cups)
  • 1 mango, cut into thin strips
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

  • Heat a large skillet over high heat. Season the steak with ¼ teaspoon each salt and black pepper. Cook 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium-rare. Let rest at least 5 minutes before slicing.  Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the lime zest and juice, honey, ginger, soy sauce, oil, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Add the lettuce, mango, bell pepper, basil, and scallions and toss to combine. Gently fold in the steak and sprinkle with the sesame seeds.

    recipe source : real simple

    Strut Your Stuff Thursday

    Baked Cod Casserole

    Baked Cod Casserole Recipe at Cooking.com
    2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
    2 medium onions, very thinly sliced
    1 cup dry white wine
    1 1/4 pounds cod, cut into 4 pieces
    2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
    1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
    1/2 teaspoon black pepper
    1 1/2 cups finely chopped whole-wheat country bread (about 2 slices)
    1/2 teaspoon paprika
    1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
    1 cup finely shredded Gruyere or swiss cheese

    Preheat oven to 400°F.
    Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook, stirring often, until just starting to soften, 5 to 7 minutes. Add wine, increase heat to high and cook, stirring often, until the wine is slightly reduced, 2 to 4 minutes.
    Place cod on the onions and sprinkle with thyme, salt and pepper. Cover the pan tightly with foil; transfer to the oven and bake for 12 minutes.
    Toss the bread with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, paprika and garlic powder in a small bowl. Spread the bread mixture over the fish and top with cheese. Bake, uncovered, until the fish is opaque in the center, about 10 minutes more.


    Recipe Source: http://www.cooking.com/


    Wednesday, March 14, 2012

    This Date In History



    Alice Cooper and The Muppets I so loved the muppets and Alice Cooper one of hubbys favorite musical artist. This date in history March 14, 2011 inducted in hall of musical fame

    Remember To Clean Up After Yourself

    MellowYellowMondayBadge

    Pi Day have a slice








  • 1/2 (15-ounce) package refrigerated pie dough (such as Pillsbury)
  • Cooking spray
  • 2 cups 1% low-fat milk
  • 1 cup half-and-half
  • 1 1/2 cups flaked sweetened coconut
  • 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup flaked sweetened coconut, toasted

  • Preheat oven to 425°. Fit dough into a 9-inch pie plate coated with cooking spray. Fold edges under; flute. Line dough with foil; arrange pie weights or dried beans on foil. Bake at 425° for 10 minutes; remove weights and foil, and bake an additional 10 minutes or until golden. Cool completely on a wire rack. Combine milk and half-and-half in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 1/2 cups coconut. Scrape seeds from vanilla bean; stir seeds and pod into milk mixture. Bring milk mixture to a simmer; immediately remove from heat. Cover and let stand 15 minutes. Strain through a cheesecloth-lined sieve into a bowl. Gather edges of cheesecloth; squeeze over bowl to release moisture. Discard solids. Combine 2/3 cup sugar, cornstarch, salt, and egg yolks in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Gradually add milk mixture to egg yolk mixture, stirring constantly. Return milk mixture to pan; bring to a boil, whisking constantly. Remove from heat. Add butter; whisk until smooth. Place pan in a large ice-filled bowl for 6 minutes, stirring to cool. Pour into prepared crust. Cover and chill at least 1 hour. Place 3 egg whites and cream of tartar in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at high speed until soft peaks form. Combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Cook, without stirring, until candy thermometer registers 250°. Pour hot sugar syrup in a thin stream over egg whites, beating at high speed until thick. Spread meringue over pie. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours. Top with toasted coconut before serving.
                         Blue Cricket

    Project Earth Day Sponsored by Kalso Earth Shoes

    Earth Day has always laid heavy on my heart and we in one way or another participate each year. Our past projects have included planting flowers, picking up trash and participating in community group events. This year following the terrible earth quake that our community experienced February 29, 2012 that left our community saddened by loss of life, property and the destruction that was left behind.




    This year Kalso Earth Shoes, the company of the "original wellness shoe" is celebrating their birthday which is also Earth Day by giving the chance for others to do good through Project Earth Day.  The company Kalso believes in wellness, being active, community engagement and sustainability. Kalso wants to give 3 online bloggers the opportunity to carry the spirit of the company's annual service day into their local communities. The three bloggers will each receive a $1000 Kalso Earth Shoes "Project Earth Day Scholarship" to help promote their Earth Day related service project plan.


    My earth day project will be to help make my community beautiful again. My sons have all ready been out there helping to clean up the after math that was left behind by the tornado. My goal would be to help replant trees, bushes and flowers where the tornado went through. Many areas in the tornado path have no trees left because the tornado chewed them up when it traveled through. I grew up with the notion of honoring those we love by planting a tree. The tornado not only destroyed houses and trees but also killed seven individuals. I would love to plant trees to remember these individuals and plant a garden where the tornado hit our town the hardest. We will never forget and while planting trees and flowers does not seem a lot but to me it helps to plant a better site within our community something to remember the storm by.




    This is Contagious (my little guys smile)


    shared at

    Tuesday, March 13, 2012

    Overnight Caramel Pecan Bread



    1/3 cup chopped pecans
    Cooking spray
    1 (25-ounce) package frozen yeast rolls
    1/4 cup sugar-free vanilla instant pudding mix
    1 cup packed light brown sugar
    1/3 cup light butter, melted 

    Sprinkle pecans evenly in bottom of a 10-inch Bundt pan coated with cooking spray. Place rolls evenly in pan, overlapping when necessary. Sprinkle rolls with pudding mix; sprinkle with brown sugar, and drizzle evenly with butter. Cover pan with a damp towel, and place in a cold oven 8 hours.
    Remove pan from oven. Preheat oven to 350°. Uncover rolls and bake at 350° for 32 to 35 minutes or until rolls are browned. Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes. Invert rolls onto a serving platter. Serve immediately.

    recipe source : My Recipes

    Tommorow Celebrate the Potato Chip

    I must say that I have always been a lover of potato chips. They were the invention of Native American George Crum. Crum was employed as a chef at an elegant resort in Saratoga Springs, New York. In 1853 a dinner guest was dining on Crum's French Fries and found them to be too thick for his liking and would not accept the order. Crum decided to make his reorder of fries much thinner and crisp in order to try to rile the customer. However, the guest was very excited about the new order of over browned, paper thin potatoes and before you knew other diners were requesting the same type of order. Thus the birth of the potato chip.

    Potato Chips are very versatile and can be used in recipes or served alone. One recipe that my sister loves is this recipe for Potato Chip candy.





    9 ounces white baking chocolate, melted
    2 cups crushed potato chips
    1/2 cup chopped pecans

    In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate. Stir in potato chips and pecans. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Refrigerate until set. Yield: about 3 dozen.

    recipe source : Taste of Home


    Potato Chip cooies is something I first found in a kids cookbook you guessed it when I was a child and have loved them ever since You may want to try these as well



    1 c. butter
    1/2 c. sugar
    2 c. flour
    1 tsp. vanilla
    1/2 c. chopped nuts
    1/2 c. crushed potato chips

    LARGE BATCH (about 5 dozen cookies) :
    1 lb. butter
    1 c. sugar
    3 1/2 c. flour
    1 tsp. vanilla
    2 c. crushed potato chips
    Nuts, if desired

    Mix all ingredients. Roll into small balls; flatten with bottom of glass dipped in sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes
    Perhaps you simply want to enjoy potato chips in one of my favorite ways. I love to dip my potato chips when I enjoy them and you may as well
    Potato chip dip
    1 bunch green onions (whites only, minced)*2 cloves garlic, minced
    *1 tbsp. butter
    *1 cup sour cream
    *½ tsp. dill
    *1 tsp. cayenne
    *1 tsp. lemon juice
    Directions: Sauté minced garlic and green onions in butter for five minutes. Once cool, combine all ingredients in mixing bowl. Mix until smooth.
    Or…try the yogurt version
    Use yogurt instead of sour cream. You may want to add a little bit of sour cream or mayo, so it’s not too runny. You may also want to add more lemon juice for flavor.

    recipe source : Saucy Dipper


    Happy Belated Birthday to GirlScouts



    The inventor of the Girl Scouts, the lady that started it all was Juliette "Daisy" Gordon Low was born on October 31, 1860. She grew up in Savannah, Georgia in a prominent home. She married William Mackay Low and moved to Great Britain. Following her husbands death she met the founder of the British Boy Scouts Lord Robert Balden Powell. She gathered a group of 12 girls on March 12, 1912 in her hometown of Savannah and registered the first troop of American Girl Guides. Her niece would be the first registered member of the Girl Scouts. The name of the group would be changed to Girl Scouts the in 1913. .

    Monday, March 12, 2012

    Tips For Staying Organized

    I struggle with staying organized. I can not tell you how many times I got in trouble in school for messy desk, messy locker, etc... Through out the years I have found ways to help me stay organized

    write everything down: make notes of whatever you need to remember. I carry around a small notebook in my pocket at work and at home and whenever something comes up I need to remember or need to get done I write it down and when it is done I mark it off the list

    keep your space organized when there is too much clutter I often get distracted and forget what it is I am doing. So the cleaner the environment the more I seem to stay organized

    A game that I play when cleaning house is when I am leaving one room to take an item into another I will take something and put it where it goes that way I do not get distracted and keep cleaning.

    Put paper work away right away because if you leave it out you will start a pile and it will get you behind and disorganized before you know it

    Decluttering once a month taking out what I don't use to stay organized and clean helps to keep me on tract. As I stated before with to much around I get distracted but I have a nact to also become a pack rat and hoard what I have when I don't use it (this is hereditary)

    One of my favorite tools of all is a home notebook. It helps keep me organized real well. Inside the notebook you will find a section for meal plan, bills, organization skills, birthday list.

    Do you have any ways that helps you to stay organized?

    Tackle It Tuesday

    Cleaning Puke From Carpet

    It seems that the flu bug is making its way around again. So if you run into the problem of someone getting sick unexpectedly then this will help you be prepared. I found this tip here

     

    Asha's Vomit-Carpet Cleaning Routine

    Warning: it's descriptive.
    You will need:
    • 2-3 towels
    • A plastic garbage bag
    • Baking soda
    • Carpet cleaner and cleaning cloths (only if the carpet gets stained)
    • Vacuum cleaner
    Scoop up the solid bits with a big, absorbent towel. I use a beach towel. BIG and ABSORBENT are key because you can wrap everything up in the towel and throw it straight in the washer. If there are a lot of solids, dump what you can in the toilet -- but usually the washer will take care of the worst of it. Throw the towel in the plastic bag.
    With a second towel, blot the big, wet spots. The more pressure, the more the towel will suck up moisture. Throw the towel in the plastic bag.
    Only if the vomit leaves a stain, saturate the stain with carpet cleaner, and clean as directed. It's rare that we need to do this, but when we do we use Resolve. Throw the cleaning cloths into the plastic bag.
    Sprinkle the wet spot with baking soda. Use more than you think you need to, and press it into the carpet with the corner of a towel. This will neutralize any smell.
    Throw the towels in the washer. You'll be so glad you did this right away. If you don't have a washer, you've got everything sealed up in a plastic bag, ready for the laundromat.
    Let the spot dry, then vacuum. I've left the baking soda overnight with no problems.
    Polish your parenting medal. You know, the one you were awarded the last time you went through this?

    Organized Freezer Storage

    love this freezer storage idea. I am planning on doing this to ours looks so good and organized I found this idea at Parent Hacks

    Sunday, March 11, 2012

    St Patricks Day Pistachio Muffin



    1/4 cup butter
    1/2. cup sugar
    1 3 oz. package instant pistachio pudding
    2 large eggs
    1/8 teaspoon pistachio flavoring (if you can’t find pistachio, substitute almond or leave it out)
    2 1/2 cups flour
    2 teaspoons baking powder
    1/2 teaspoon salt
    1 1/4 cups milk
    1/2 cup pistachio nuts, coarsely chopped

    Topping
    6 tablespoons butter
    1/4 cup sugar
    1/8 teaspoon pistachio flavoring
    Powdered green food coloring, (optional)
    Preheat the oven to 425°F. Thoroughly spray 18 muffin cups with non-stick spray. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter, sugar, and pudding mix till smooth. Add the eggs and pistachio flavoring; blend well. Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Turn the mixer to low speed and add the flour mixture along with the milk, mixing just until the ingredients are incorporated. Fold in the pistachio nuts. Scoop the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, using about 1/4 cup for each muffin. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the muffins are beginning to brown around the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center of one comes out clean. Remove from the oven, and let them cool for a minute or two, then loosen from the edge of the pan. While the muffins are baking, place the butter in a glass measuring cup and melt in the microwave. Combine the sugar, pistachio flavor, and food coloring in a bowl and mix with a whisk or spoon until thoroughly combined. You may also use a jar with a tight fitting lid and shake until the ingredients are combined.  Dip the top of each hot muffin in the melted butter, then in the green sugar mixture. Serve immediately with lots of real butter.




    Melt In Your Mouth Monday
    mop it up mondays

    Spaghetti with Bacon Meatballs



    1 small onion, very coarsely chopped
    3 slices bacon, very coarsely chopped
    2 cloves garlic, peeled
    1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
    1 pound ground beef chuck
    1/2 cup grated Parmesan (2 ounces), plus more, shaved, for serving
    3 tablespoons bread crumbs
    1 large egg
    kosher salt and black pepper
    12 ounces spaghetti (3/4 box)
    3 cups marinara sauce

    Heat broiler. Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta. In a food processor, combine the onion, bacon, garlic, and parsley; pulse until finely chopped, 10 to 15 times. Transfer to a medium bowl, add the beef, Parmesan, bread crumbs, egg, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper, and mix gently to combine. Form the beef mixture into 16 meatballs (about 2 tablespoons each) and place on a foil-lined broilerproof rimmed baking sheet. Broil, turning once, until cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Heat the marinara sauce in a large skillet over medium heat, 2 to 3 minutes; add the meatballs and toss gently to coat. Serve over the pasta and sprinkle with the shaved Parmesan.

    recipe source: real simple

    Hunk of Meat Mondays
    Mrs Happy Homemaker  $5 Dinner Menu