I'm Back!
I had a great time with my family in San Francisco- shopping, eating, sightseeing, a lot of walking, Macy's Christmas tree lighting, eating, shopping,etc. Now, Kasey is in town and it's non stop fun! (Olive and I have been up for 48 hours straight!) When I can find my camera and sanity, I will post some pictures.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving! And... We're Off To San Francisco!
Happy Thanksgiving!
May you be surrounded by loved ones and plates of food!
Tomorrow the three of us are off to San Francisco for a few days, then Folsom for a night, then on Tuesday we'll head back to Lakewood with Kasey, Jackson, and Riley!
I hope everyone has a great couple of days and that we are all able to fit into our jeans tomorrow.
Take Care!
May you be surrounded by loved ones and plates of food!
Tomorrow the three of us are off to San Francisco for a few days, then Folsom for a night, then on Tuesday we'll head back to Lakewood with Kasey, Jackson, and Riley!
I hope everyone has a great couple of days and that we are all able to fit into our jeans tomorrow.
Take Care!
Monday, November 19, 2007
An Interesting Trip To The Pier
The Seal Beach pier through Olive's $3 binoculars.
Slick the seal.
A pigeon.
A fisherman.
Some snaggletooths.
Slick the seal.
A pigeon.
A fisherman.
Some snaggletooths.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Super Sarah!
Sarah is fantastic! Everything she does is done with grace, style, and a sense of humor. She is an inspirational mother, a devoted wife, and an excellent friend. I am very grateful to not only stalk her blog, but to call her a friend. Thank you, Sarah for being you.
Let's Share Recipes! Week 2
This is my favorite burger recipe! It does take some time 30-45mins, but it is easy. I have even entertained with this meal and it's always a hit. I usually use ground turkey meat and make everything (except the fries) in the afternoon while Olive is napping and pull it all out when it's time to cook.
Chicken or Turkey Spanakopita Burgers and Fries with Yogurt Dip
Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray
1 package store-bought frozen fries, any variety
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 1 turn of the pan, plus some for drizzling
1 tablespoon butter
3 cloves garlic, 2 chopped, 1 crushed
1 red onion, 1/2 chopped, 1/2 thinly sliced
1 box, 10 ounces, frozen spinach, defrosted
2 teaspoons dried oregano, lightly crushed in the palm, divided
1/4 pound feta crumbles
1 1/3 pounds ground chicken or ground turkey breast, 1 package
1 tablespoon grill seasoning (recommended: Montreal Steak Seasoning by McCormick)
1/3 seedless cucumber, thinly sliced lengthwise, plus 1 small, 2-inch piece of cucumber peeled, trimmed and chopped
2 plum tomatoes, thinly sliced lengthwise
Salt and pepper
1 1/2 to 2 cups good quality plain yogurt, look for Greek yogurt
1/2 lemon, juiced
1 cup arugula, coarsely chopped or shredded
4 crusty rolls, split
Topping:
2 roasted red peppers, drained
1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley, a generous handful
1/4 cup 10 to 12 pitted kalamata olives
Hot pepper rings or pepperoncini, optional
Preheat oven to directions on the package and bake fries until crisp.
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. To one side, add a little extra-virgin olive oil and a tablespoon of butter. When butter melts, add the chopped garlic and chopped red onion and cook 5 minutes. Transfer the onions and garlic to a bowl to cool. Return pan to heat.
Wring the defrosted spinach dry buy twisting it in a clean kitchen towel over your sink. Separate the spinach as you add it to the bowl with cool onions, garlic and season with 1 teaspoon of oregano. Add in feta crumbles then chicken or turkey, grill seasoning and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Mix and form into 4 patties, 1-inch thick. Raise heat on pan to medium-high. Add patties and cook 6 inches on each side.
Season the sliced cucumbers and tomatoes with salt and pepper. Toast rolls, if you prefer.
Place remaining chopped cucumber, the crushed clove of garlic, yogurt, 1 teaspoon oregano and juice of 1/2 lemon in a food processor. Add a little salt and process the sauce until smooth. Transfer to a small dish and serve with the fries as a dipping sauce. Rinse out the processor bowl and return to base.
Enjoy!
Chicken or Turkey Spanakopita Burgers and Fries with Yogurt Dip
Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray
1 package store-bought frozen fries, any variety
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 1 turn of the pan, plus some for drizzling
1 tablespoon butter
3 cloves garlic, 2 chopped, 1 crushed
1 red onion, 1/2 chopped, 1/2 thinly sliced
1 box, 10 ounces, frozen spinach, defrosted
2 teaspoons dried oregano, lightly crushed in the palm, divided
1/4 pound feta crumbles
1 1/3 pounds ground chicken or ground turkey breast, 1 package
1 tablespoon grill seasoning (recommended: Montreal Steak Seasoning by McCormick)
1/3 seedless cucumber, thinly sliced lengthwise, plus 1 small, 2-inch piece of cucumber peeled, trimmed and chopped
2 plum tomatoes, thinly sliced lengthwise
Salt and pepper
1 1/2 to 2 cups good quality plain yogurt, look for Greek yogurt
1/2 lemon, juiced
1 cup arugula, coarsely chopped or shredded
4 crusty rolls, split
Topping:
2 roasted red peppers, drained
1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley, a generous handful
1/4 cup 10 to 12 pitted kalamata olives
Hot pepper rings or pepperoncini, optional
Preheat oven to directions on the package and bake fries until crisp.
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. To one side, add a little extra-virgin olive oil and a tablespoon of butter. When butter melts, add the chopped garlic and chopped red onion and cook 5 minutes. Transfer the onions and garlic to a bowl to cool. Return pan to heat.
Wring the defrosted spinach dry buy twisting it in a clean kitchen towel over your sink. Separate the spinach as you add it to the bowl with cool onions, garlic and season with 1 teaspoon of oregano. Add in feta crumbles then chicken or turkey, grill seasoning and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Mix and form into 4 patties, 1-inch thick. Raise heat on pan to medium-high. Add patties and cook 6 inches on each side.
Season the sliced cucumbers and tomatoes with salt and pepper. Toast rolls, if you prefer.
Place remaining chopped cucumber, the crushed clove of garlic, yogurt, 1 teaspoon oregano and juice of 1/2 lemon in a food processor. Add a little salt and process the sauce until smooth. Transfer to a small dish and serve with the fries as a dipping sauce. Rinse out the processor bowl and return to base.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
100 Things About Me
I saw this on Vicki's blog a while back and thought it was something I would eventually like to do. Well, the time has come.
1. I am impulsive
2. I am LOUD
3. My favorite colors are orange, red, hot pink and yellow. Anything vibrant.
4. I prefer cats to dogs.
5. I CANNOT live without Carmex. I must have it with me at all times.
6. I have touched a Hammerhead Shark
7. I love to cook and bake and create my own recipes.
8. I enjoy math.
9. I splurge on dresses and coats.
10. My sister is my best friend. My mom is a close second.
11. My grandmother's death was the hardest thing I have ever endured. I still miss her terribly.
12. I don't have any credit cards. (My choice, not the bank's or my husband's.)
13. My husband is 10 years older than me.
14. I am intimidated by horses.
15. I do not like horror movies.
16. I will not kill bugs. Too gross.
17. My hands and feet are always cold.
18. I have been coloring my hair since I was 10.
19. Saliva freaks me out.
20. I love the smell of sulfur.
21. I am generally a happy, up-beat person.
22. I cannot hold a grudge.
23. I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was 23.
24. I must have my house clean and smelling nice at all times.
25. I could watch the Food Network all day.
26. I love to laugh and make others laugh.
27. I am uncomfortable with my weight.
28. I strongly dislike bananas.
29. I had Olive at the same hospital where I was born.
30. I tan well.
31. There are two songs that reduce me to tears EVERY TIME I hear them: The theme song to Disneyland's "Main Street
Electrical Light Parade" and the"Star Spangled Banner".
32. I have never broken a bone.
33. I know when I am wrong.
34. I love to garden: planting, watering, weeding- it's very therapeutic for me.
35. I always think I have bad breath.
36. I crave candy and sweets. They are crucial to my survival yet, are my downfall.
36. I wish I was a better golfer.
37 & 38. I have my AA from Orange Coast College but not my BA. I do have a strong desire to finish college soon.
39. I wish I was pregnant.
40. I have been to England, Whales, and Ireland.
41. I belong to a wild BUNCO group.
42. Disneyland is a very special place for me. I could go everyday.
43 and 44. I am not comfortable flying but do it occasionally because I enjoy traveling.
45. I love dresses with pockets (see #5).
46. "Is it sexy in here, or is it just me?" I love cheesy jokes and phrases.
47. I enjoy reading.
48. I love being Catholic. My faith is very important to me.
49. My daughter's laughter is my favorite sound.
50. I am a homebody.
51. My least favorite chore is washing dishes.
52. I love taking pictures.
53. Pizza with a caesar salad and a cold, Barq's root beer is my favorite meal.
54. I have 34 shirts and sweaters hanging in my closet. 19 are striped.
55. Rob and I once won a gold fish at the Orange County Fair. He lived for 4 1/2 years.
56. I played softball for 13 years.
57. I love the ocean. I will never move away from it.
58. I lack confidence in my writing skills.
59. I have no living grandparents.
60. My first real kiss was at 17.
61. I do not know how to type.
62. I love my nephews as if they were my own children.
63. I love playing board games.
64. I have a heart condition. I was diagnosed with it when I was 13.
65. I wear my heart on my sleeve.
66. I like having my way.
67. I am not afraid to speak my mind.
68. I love being a mother and a wife.
69 and 70. I have worked for Trader Joe's for almost 7 years. It's the longest job I've ever held.
71. I love to sing and dance, especially with Rob and Olive.
72. My favorite month is October.
73. I like my middle name- Alexa.
74. My marriage to Rob is my second marriage.
75. I am a morning person.
76. I treat myself regularly to manicures and pedicures.
77. I love my freckles.
78. I am constantly thinking about my next blog entry. It's been a great outlet for me.
79. I love making crafts.
80. I am not mechanically inclined.
81. I am addicted to a soap opera- Days of Our Lives.
82. I'm not a big fan of spicy foods.
83. I like watching sports.
84. I love Christmas lights.
85. I once paid $120 for a cab ride.
86. I will not go to bed with any windows open in the house.
87. I have had braces. Twice.
88. I am patient.
89. I love the rain.
90. My favorite flower is the Ranunculus.
91. I got my first surfboard for my 10th birthday.
92. Rob and I were engaged on the Golden Gate Bridge.
93. Clorox Clean-Up is my favorite cleaning product.
94. I love candles.
95. I have a tendency to judge myself harshly.
96. 85% of my (measly) paychecks are spent at Target and Trader Joe's.
97. I love slurpees. Cherry Snow is my favorite.
98. I have traveled all over the country on a tour bus.
99. I love that my daughter and I share the same distinct eye color- blue with a yellow ring around our pupils.
100. My favorite shows are Ghost Hunters and The Office.
1. I am impulsive
2. I am LOUD
3. My favorite colors are orange, red, hot pink and yellow. Anything vibrant.
4. I prefer cats to dogs.
5. I CANNOT live without Carmex. I must have it with me at all times.
6. I have touched a Hammerhead Shark
7. I love to cook and bake and create my own recipes.
8. I enjoy math.
9. I splurge on dresses and coats.
10. My sister is my best friend. My mom is a close second.
11. My grandmother's death was the hardest thing I have ever endured. I still miss her terribly.
12. I don't have any credit cards. (My choice, not the bank's or my husband's.)
13. My husband is 10 years older than me.
14. I am intimidated by horses.
15. I do not like horror movies.
16. I will not kill bugs. Too gross.
17. My hands and feet are always cold.
18. I have been coloring my hair since I was 10.
19. Saliva freaks me out.
20. I love the smell of sulfur.
21. I am generally a happy, up-beat person.
22. I cannot hold a grudge.
23. I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was 23.
24. I must have my house clean and smelling nice at all times.
25. I could watch the Food Network all day.
26. I love to laugh and make others laugh.
27. I am uncomfortable with my weight.
28. I strongly dislike bananas.
29. I had Olive at the same hospital where I was born.
30. I tan well.
31. There are two songs that reduce me to tears EVERY TIME I hear them: The theme song to Disneyland's "Main Street
Electrical Light Parade" and the"Star Spangled Banner".
32. I have never broken a bone.
33. I know when I am wrong.
34. I love to garden: planting, watering, weeding- it's very therapeutic for me.
35. I always think I have bad breath.
36. I crave candy and sweets. They are crucial to my survival yet, are my downfall.
36. I wish I was a better golfer.
37 & 38. I have my AA from Orange Coast College but not my BA. I do have a strong desire to finish college soon.
39. I wish I was pregnant.
40. I have been to England, Whales, and Ireland.
41. I belong to a wild BUNCO group.
42. Disneyland is a very special place for me. I could go everyday.
43 and 44. I am not comfortable flying but do it occasionally because I enjoy traveling.
45. I love dresses with pockets (see #5).
46. "Is it sexy in here, or is it just me?" I love cheesy jokes and phrases.
47. I enjoy reading.
48. I love being Catholic. My faith is very important to me.
49. My daughter's laughter is my favorite sound.
50. I am a homebody.
51. My least favorite chore is washing dishes.
52. I love taking pictures.
53. Pizza with a caesar salad and a cold, Barq's root beer is my favorite meal.
54. I have 34 shirts and sweaters hanging in my closet. 19 are striped.
55. Rob and I once won a gold fish at the Orange County Fair. He lived for 4 1/2 years.
56. I played softball for 13 years.
57. I love the ocean. I will never move away from it.
58. I lack confidence in my writing skills.
59. I have no living grandparents.
60. My first real kiss was at 17.
61. I do not know how to type.
62. I love my nephews as if they were my own children.
63. I love playing board games.
64. I have a heart condition. I was diagnosed with it when I was 13.
65. I wear my heart on my sleeve.
66. I like having my way.
67. I am not afraid to speak my mind.
68. I love being a mother and a wife.
69 and 70. I have worked for Trader Joe's for almost 7 years. It's the longest job I've ever held.
71. I love to sing and dance, especially with Rob and Olive.
72. My favorite month is October.
73. I like my middle name- Alexa.
74. My marriage to Rob is my second marriage.
75. I am a morning person.
76. I treat myself regularly to manicures and pedicures.
77. I love my freckles.
78. I am constantly thinking about my next blog entry. It's been a great outlet for me.
79. I love making crafts.
80. I am not mechanically inclined.
81. I am addicted to a soap opera- Days of Our Lives.
82. I'm not a big fan of spicy foods.
83. I like watching sports.
84. I love Christmas lights.
85. I once paid $120 for a cab ride.
86. I will not go to bed with any windows open in the house.
87. I have had braces. Twice.
88. I am patient.
89. I love the rain.
90. My favorite flower is the Ranunculus.
91. I got my first surfboard for my 10th birthday.
92. Rob and I were engaged on the Golden Gate Bridge.
93. Clorox Clean-Up is my favorite cleaning product.
94. I love candles.
95. I have a tendency to judge myself harshly.
96. 85% of my (measly) paychecks are spent at Target and Trader Joe's.
97. I love slurpees. Cherry Snow is my favorite.
98. I have traveled all over the country on a tour bus.
99. I love that my daughter and I share the same distinct eye color- blue with a yellow ring around our pupils.
100. My favorite shows are Ghost Hunters and The Office.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Has This Ever Happened To You?
Have you ever woken up to a new day with your daughter yelling from her room across the hall "Uh Oh!" only to find that she (sometime during her 10 hour slumber) decided it was a good idea to remove both her pajamas AND her diaper?
Good Morning!
Have you ever (after a rough first part of the morning tending to a wet clean-up) decided that a hearty breakfast of pumpkin ice cream would be a great idea only to find that your husband (after a late night binge) has irresponsibly returned your beloved creamy treat back to the... REFRIGERATOR!
I hope he had painful bouts of brain-freeze.
Have you ever gone to the grocery store and found two, cute, little girl scouts peddling cans of mixed nuts and chocolate covered raisins, approach you in the parking lot with the line, "Hey lady! Whanna git yo nuts on?" and then have your daughter (the nudist bed-wetter) repeat that phrase for the next 30 minutes while you shop?
Only in Long Beach.
Have you ever returned from an anxiety ridden trip the grocery store only to find your mother's dog (whom is more important to her than her own children and grandchildren, and that you are "watching" while she is out of town) is sitting cluelessly on your front porch because you forgot to make sure to close the door behind you after you loaded your screaming toddler who refused to sit in her car seat, in your car?
Someone call the ASPCA and Child Protective Services.
Have you ever wanted to crawl back into bed and call it a day before noon?
Anybody know the name of a good shrink?
Good Morning!
Have you ever (after a rough first part of the morning tending to a wet clean-up) decided that a hearty breakfast of pumpkin ice cream would be a great idea only to find that your husband (after a late night binge) has irresponsibly returned your beloved creamy treat back to the... REFRIGERATOR!
I hope he had painful bouts of brain-freeze.
Have you ever gone to the grocery store and found two, cute, little girl scouts peddling cans of mixed nuts and chocolate covered raisins, approach you in the parking lot with the line, "Hey lady! Whanna git yo nuts on?" and then have your daughter (the nudist bed-wetter) repeat that phrase for the next 30 minutes while you shop?
Only in Long Beach.
Have you ever returned from an anxiety ridden trip the grocery store only to find your mother's dog (whom is more important to her than her own children and grandchildren, and that you are "watching" while she is out of town) is sitting cluelessly on your front porch because you forgot to make sure to close the door behind you after you loaded your screaming toddler who refused to sit in her car seat, in your car?
Someone call the ASPCA and Child Protective Services.
Have you ever wanted to crawl back into bed and call it a day before noon?
Anybody know the name of a good shrink?
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