Come the month of March, I like to buy stock in green food coloring -and soon everything I ingest is a greenish hue. I think it's fabulous, Mr. thinks it's odd. But I look past this, and do what I want!
I draw the line at coloring cabbage and meats. I just can't do it. But I can trade my coloring for an irish banquet. St. Patrick's Day (March 17) is an annual feast day which celebrates St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. It is a day celebrated with parades, the wearing of green, and of course, beer. It's also popular with many people because it takes place just a few days before the first day of spring.
Make this St. Paddy's Day memorable with these Irish-inspired recipes. And remember, if you're lucky enough to be Irish, you're lucky enough! 'Beannachtam na Feile Padraig!'
This is what we had last week:
Sweet Irish Whiskey Glazed Corned Beef
Servings: 4 - 6 Prep Time: 15 min. Cook Time: 9 hours on low
This corned beef cooks all day in the slow cooker. Just broil the corned beef to make the sweet Whiskey glaze (we used bourbon whiskey) a few minutes before serving it up for your St. Patrick's Day Supper.
DIRECTIONS
• 3 lb corned beef brisket
• 1 lb red potatoes
• 1/2 lb carrots
• 1 bottle(s) beer
• 1/4 cup(s) orange marmalade
• 2 tbsp bourbon
• 1 tbsp ketchup, low sod.
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
image
1. Place red potatoes, carrots (cut in 2 inch pieces), and 1 beer (we used Sam Adams lager) in a slow cooker. Place trimmed corned beef on top. Most corned beef comes with a seasoning packet. If it does, add the seasoning packet to the slow cooker. Cook for 8-9 hours on low (4-5 on high).
2. Remove corned beef from slow cooker. Whisk together bourbon, ketchup, marmalade and vinegar. Brush over corned beef. Broil beef about 6 inches from heat for 5 - 6 minutes or until it caramelizes.
3. Thinly slice corned beef against grain and serve with carrots and potatoes (quartered).
Second Beef Recipe
Muenster and Corned Beef Press
Servings: 2 Prep Time: 10 min. Cook Time: 20 min.
We usually buy deli corned beef for these sandwiches but it is also a great way to use up your corned beef dinner leftovers.
INGREDIENTS
image
DIRECTIONS
• 1 head cabbage (green), thinly sliced
• 1 cup(s) chicken broth, low sodium
• 4 slice(s) rye bread
• 1 tbsp butter, with salt
• 1 tbsp whole grain mustard
• 4 oz deli corned beef, cooked
• 2 slice(s) muenster cheese
1. Combine cabbage and chicken broth in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Let simmer and cover for 20 minutes or until tender. Remove with a slotted spoon and season with s&p.
2. Spread butter on four slices of rye bread. Place buttered side down and spread dijon mustard on each slice. Top two slices with corned beef, cabbage and a slice of cheese. Top with remaining two bread slices.
3. Cook on a heated panini press (or in a grill pan with a heavy pot on top) for 4 - 6 minutes or until crispy and cheese is melted.
March 25, 2013
Tea-se me
The amount of tea choices at the local grocery store is a bit overwhelming. However, trying to find a tea that doesn't contain "Natural flavoring" is quite difficult. After giving up ALL forms of sugar (minus that in fruit), it has come to my attention that no one knows truly what is in certain products. I always assume that tea was healthy - don't ask me where or when I started to believe that, but I did.
However, after spending a solid hour in the Tea/Coffee aisle, it became clear to me that most teas actually contain sugar in some form. The Republic of Tea wins the prize for the most varied tea choices, but which ones are good for you? I suppose they are all better than a soda, but when you are attempting the Whole30, you need to pay attention to what you are brewing.
I like the idea of canisters, though I feel like it's a waste just throwing them out. What can you do with them when you are done with the tea?
The coconut Cocoa tea sounds WONDERFUL, especially with a splash of your choice of milk (almond milk I prefer). To me, this seems like dessert :) The plus side to this is that it's Caffeine free. Hey - you could do worse damage to your body, right?
Label Me
Mrs. Blah Blah
January 29, 2013
New Year New Goals New Routine?
Hello World!
2013 I predict will bring a lot of changes - all good I hope!
Mr. will finish up school in the spring, so we will be back on two incomes (wahoo!). We also have a wicked workout plan for the new year, and I can't wait to see it through!
With the new year, we are starting to be more organized. Each week, I am tackling a different project: This week I am cleaning out the cabinets in the kitchen and donating anything we don't use...or only purpose is to collect dust :)
January consisted of putting away presents and getting together a plan.
What did I come up with?
After looking at goodreads, I listed all the books I hope to read this year. I only listed the first two months because I am still attempting to cross books off (because though I would like to attempt, I can not read 15 books a month - like I currently have scheduled!)
January
Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding by Gail Steketee
It Starts with Food: Discover Whole 30 by Melissa and Dallas Hartwig
Paleoista:Get Energy and Get Lean by Nell Stephenson
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling
February
Discovery of Witches
History of Love by Nicole Krauss
Yoga Bitch by Suszanne Morrison
It Looked Different on the Model by Laura Notaro
Night Circus
After looking at goodreads, I listed all the books I hope to read this year. I only listed the first two months because I am still attempting to cross books off (because though I would like to attempt, I can not read 15 books a month - like I currently have scheduled!)
January
Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding by Gail Steketee
It Starts with Food: Discover Whole 30 by Melissa and Dallas Hartwig
Paleoista:Get Energy and Get Lean by Nell Stephenson
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling
February
Discovery of Witches
History of Love by Nicole Krauss
Yoga Bitch by Suszanne Morrison
It Looked Different on the Model by Laura Notaro
Night Circus
Any suggestions?
October 03, 2012
A Journey from broke to wealthy ( or somewhere slightly between)
I used to come home from work, and as I approached the back door - I would hear a southern twang over the radio waves, and I would be filled with frustration. Why would Mr. listen to such nonsense? Who wants to hear about other people's problems? Not me! I had enough to worry about, paying our bills, that I didn't want to hear about some random guy in Arkansas and his financial troubles. I knew troubles. I didn't need to suffer through listening to it. As I would enter the house everyday, I would wonder, really - what does this Dave Ramsey from Tennessee know about my debt?
Well....fast forward three years later. Clearly, Dave knew his stuff. I, unwillingly at first, agreed to be part of "Financial Peace University" with my husband, (really with the hope that we didn't have
to listen to the crappy podcasts anymore). We took a class for a year, and only started implementing what we learned last year. I can't tell you why it took us that long, I blame it on pure stubbornness. We were used to a certain way, and even if it wasn't working, it was our way. But after taking the course, we decided to actually give it a try. In that year, we paid off almost $70,000 in debt. It wasn't this magical class and POOF - no debt. It honestly took A LOT of extra side jobs, tutoring sessions, and a few cutbacks - but we did it. We did it with a little, okay - A LOT of structure and help from Dave Ramsey course. We are still left with about 6,000 in debt - but that number seems like peanuts compared to what it was.
How did we get there? What made us even attend this class?
PART 1: Facing the Financial Mess We Created
I don't think we understood HOW badly we were in debt. (Nothing like pointing out how far you've come!)
I have to say it was more my mindset than Mr's of wanting things you couldn't afford. He didn't have a credit card (and still doesn't), and when I wanted something I didn't have the cash for - I would charge it. Simple as that. Nothing seemed out of my reach! Good 'ole Visa would come to my rescue. What happens when you start charging vacations? Furniture? wedding? OH BOY! I didn't realize, basically because I never added it up before the financial problems we created. Four years ago, when we were about to get married, we had to really take a hard look at our finances. How can you save when your bills were more than you were making? It was time to face the facts. We needed help. At the time, we had satellite radio (an expense we no longer have), and a good fellow, Dave Ramsey had a show where people screamed about how they were out of debt. Literally, they would call in and shout "Debt Free!" What a celebration! Could we eventually make that call and shout those words? It felt like the light at the end of the tunnel was barely on.
Well....fast forward three years later. Clearly, Dave knew his stuff. I, unwillingly at first, agreed to be part of "Financial Peace University" with my husband, (really with the hope that we didn't have
to listen to the crappy podcasts anymore). We took a class for a year, and only started implementing what we learned last year. I can't tell you why it took us that long, I blame it on pure stubbornness. We were used to a certain way, and even if it wasn't working, it was our way. But after taking the course, we decided to actually give it a try. In that year, we paid off almost $70,000 in debt. It wasn't this magical class and POOF - no debt. It honestly took A LOT of extra side jobs, tutoring sessions, and a few cutbacks - but we did it. We did it with a little, okay - A LOT of structure and help from Dave Ramsey course. We are still left with about 6,000 in debt - but that number seems like peanuts compared to what it was.
How did we get there? What made us even attend this class?
PART 1: Facing the Financial Mess We Created
I don't think we understood HOW badly we were in debt. (Nothing like pointing out how far you've come!)
I have to say it was more my mindset than Mr's of wanting things you couldn't afford. He didn't have a credit card (and still doesn't), and when I wanted something I didn't have the cash for - I would charge it. Simple as that. Nothing seemed out of my reach! Good 'ole Visa would come to my rescue. What happens when you start charging vacations? Furniture? wedding? OH BOY! I didn't realize, basically because I never added it up before the financial problems we created. Four years ago, when we were about to get married, we had to really take a hard look at our finances. How can you save when your bills were more than you were making? It was time to face the facts. We needed help. At the time, we had satellite radio (an expense we no longer have), and a good fellow, Dave Ramsey had a show where people screamed about how they were out of debt. Literally, they would call in and shout "Debt Free!" What a celebration! Could we eventually make that call and shout those words? It felt like the light at the end of the tunnel was barely on.
Looking back, things could have been so much worse. Somehow each month, we always paid our bills. We never missed a payment. We were able to continue to live our lives and enjoy ourselves. But we were slave to our jobs. We HAD to make a certain amount of money in order to make payments each month. There was no true freedom.
The most important and hardest part of this was to follow your budget. Track your money. Follow where it goes.
I created this budget that I use - Feel free to download and use as it works for you!
We still have a long way to go, because following Dave Ramsey's Steps to Financial Peace - the battle isn't over. After creating a budget, and sticking to it - there are many other steps that will secure your freedom in the finance department! Another post shall tackle that :)
October 02, 2012
Coupon Quean
However, most of the tips and coupons would help families who eat lots of boxed food - but recently changing our style of eating, we are no longer eating processed foods, so the area where we can save the most bucks would be in the cleaning/paper/bathroom/kitchen product area. We will always need tissue for our bums!!
Even after questioning these tactics, I still attempted to apply what I learned to my everyday. I spent about a week (no joke) filing and organzing the coupons we got from the Sunday papers. I went to a local deli, and he said he would save the flyers for me. Each Monday for a month, I went to the local deli and sorted through the leftover papers, taking out the flyers I thought would be used. Taking these babies home, organzing, cutting, and filing the coupons away. I searched the store flyers for sales that would align with the coupons, giving me a surplus of savings! My best deal was Pledge products for only 25 cents each :)
(Weeks later)
I started to skip the deli every Monday because life got in the way and it became a horrid task, not something I looked forward to. The recycling bin was out of control with the amount of newspapers I was throwing away. My binder had coupons, and though I seemed organized and bought cute color-coded tabs - it didn't stop the expiration date from lurching up and snatching the coupon out of my hand.
What became of my coupon venture? Most of the coupons expired before I had a chance to use them. Fail. Total Fail.
(Repeat this scenario about three times)
Over the course of the past year, I tried and tried again to become a coupon collecting junkie. You know what?! It's a full time job. I don't have the time to get my groceries for free. And I am okay with that.
What I did gain from reading this book is respect for those that CAN cut coupons and literally walk out of the grocery store with money in their pockets. Me? I will keep a couple in my purse, and save myself some coins. I will use them when we are eating out. I will use them to get a free blizzard (with a purchase of another wonderful blizzard). But big bulky binder? No sir. Consider it retired.
*On a side note, I did not misspell quean in my title. While playing Scrabble today, I learned this word meant prostitute - therefore, it seems fitting to find a place for it in my everyday vernacular. So a Coupon Quean is a coupon hussy.....for which - I am not.
July 06, 2012
Christmas gift comes out of the closet
Months ago I listed on my blog what I wanted for Christmas, in hopes that Mr. would read it and take the hint. Lucky for me, he did. I scored BIG for Christmas. One item I lusted after, intimidates me and delights me. The Cricut. It was the talk of the town on Christmas day. My aunt also has one, and it is my uncle who uses it to make stars for my cousin's girl scout troups, hearts for the Valentine's Day dance. I think with this new news, Mr. wanted to join in on the fun. After watching the new Cricut sit on our couch for a month after Christmas, I decided to take it out of the box. That was the first step. A week later, I plugged it in...I wasn't sure what to do. Mr. and I spent an entire afternoon playing with it - printing out signs and words. I created a monster. When I went updstairs, Mr. continued to print out COFFEE font. He then discovered Modge POdge - and modge podged the words everywhere in our house, on every blank jar or canister. Between the newly labeled "Flour" container, and the "Coffee" jar - I think if anyone is unclear where our loose pantry items are housed, they will have a clue now.
Fast forward five months......
After our initial Cricut party, we haven't used it since then. I have deduced it is for two reasons: no space to keep it permanently. Every time I want to use it, I have to dig through a VERY cluttered closet for it, and then in a completely different area for paper. My second reason, and probably main reason is I truly don't know what to do with it.
If you are like me, too intimidated to use this machine, here are some ideas! Hopefully my summer will consist of some fun Cricut projects!
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| from Craftypod.com |
| found on hgtv.com |
| Found on Sewwoodsy.com |
July 05, 2012
30 Day Challenge
I found when I was attending the regular gym, I didn't like not knowing if I was progressing or not. In college, the gym I attended had a filing cabinet and you recorded your process on a chart. However, I have yet to find a place that matches that system. I had to take it into my own hands. I found fitbook. The fitbook by fitlosophy is a handy dandy organizer for the gym. It neatly tracks your progress for 12 weeks (roughly 3 months). What I like most about it is the size. Measuring in at 5 inches, it is small enough to tote around with you, without feeling weighed down.
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| Hopefully this will be how I start each summer morn! |
To start my challenge I am going to do the following for one week (at least 3x), and go from there. I currently do not belong to a gym for various reasons. Before last week, no gym was open when I got home from work (after 11pm and before 6am) and frankly I didn't fit it into our summer budget. Therefore, working out needs to be freeeeee - not $40-20 month.
Will post more when I figure out the details of my plan :) Till then, happy workout!
Will post more when I figure out the details of my plan :) Till then, happy workout!
July 04, 2012
Breakfast fruit goodness
Hello friends! I greatly apologize for my long absence from the bloggy world! This year has been crazy hectic and I haven't felt very creative, but through the months I have felt like a piece of me has been missing. So I am hoping this summer I can reconnect with that part of me! Here it goes.........
Breakfast. The dreaded B word Monday through Friday. It seems no matter what time I wake up, my breakfast always suffers. This morning I drank my breakfast - a Yoohoo. A what?! Nothing nutritious. If liquid is part of my morning routine, these three choices appeal to me!
New Breakfast Option
1 cup frozen strawberries or raspberries
1 1/4 cup vanilla soy milk (Have you had this before - what is your favorite kind?)
1 cup of Fiber One yogurt - any flavor. I like vanilla or plain because then the flavor doesn't compete with the strawberries or raspberries
2nd Breakfast Option
Morning Banana Cinna-Roll
1 cup almond milk
1 frozen banana
1 tsp hemp seeds
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 scoop of protein vanilla
ice
3rd Breakfast Option
Mango Smoothie
1 cup chopped ripe mango
1/4 avocado, chopped
1/2 mango sorbet
1/4 skim milk
2 teaspoons lime juice
1/4 crushed ice
1 tablespoon honey
4th Breakfast Option
Many Fruit Smoothie
blueberries
raspberries
green grapes
pineapple
banana
strawberries
apple
greek yogurt
skim milk
protein powder
ice
These four recipes seem to be better and healthier than a Yoohoo!!! Can't wait to go to the farmer's market, and get blending on these drinks!!
Breakfast. The dreaded B word Monday through Friday. It seems no matter what time I wake up, my breakfast always suffers. This morning I drank my breakfast - a Yoohoo. A what?! Nothing nutritious. If liquid is part of my morning routine, these three choices appeal to me!
New Breakfast Option
1 cup frozen strawberries or raspberries
1 1/4 cup vanilla soy milk (Have you had this before - what is your favorite kind?)
1 cup of Fiber One yogurt - any flavor. I like vanilla or plain because then the flavor doesn't compete with the strawberries or raspberries
2nd Breakfast Option
Morning Banana Cinna-Roll
1 cup almond milk
1 frozen banana
1 tsp hemp seeds
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 scoop of protein vanilla
ice
3rd Breakfast Option
Mango Smoothie
1 cup chopped ripe mango
1/4 avocado, chopped
1/2 mango sorbet
1/4 skim milk
2 teaspoons lime juice
1/4 crushed ice
1 tablespoon honey
4th Breakfast Option
Many Fruit Smoothie
blueberries
raspberries
green grapes
pineapple
banana
strawberries
apple
greek yogurt
skim milk
protein powder
ice
These four recipes seem to be better and healthier than a Yoohoo!!! Can't wait to go to the farmer's market, and get blending on these drinks!!
May 26, 2011
Breakfast for Wine Weekend Part 2
Because I don't plan on stopping till I get enough, we need to start each morning out with a wholesome filling breakfast. The number of wineries located on Seneca Lake are ridiculous (I believe there are over 70!), and I can't quit after the second one because I didn't eat enough in the morning.
My days at work have been filled with not only actually doing my job, but picking out the very best and tasty recipes for next weekend's jaunt.
After one morning of cheesecake pancakes (please see yesterday's post), another filling (and not so healthy treat) would be stuffed french toast. Just when french toast couldn't get yummier, you stuff it with Nutella, bananas, or strawberries and your life has changed for the better.
Nutella Stuffed French Toast ( I apologize no picture -but we haven't made it yet!)
Ingredients:
2 slices of bread
* nutella
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
a pinch of salt
1 teaspoon butter
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
Directions:
1. Spread nutella on one slice of bread and make a sandwich.
2. Mix the egg, milk, vanilla and salt.
3. Dip both sides of the sandwich into the egg mixture.
4. Melt the butter in a pan.
5. Cook the sandwich in the pan until it is golden brown on both sides, about 1-2 minutes per side.
6. Top with powdered sugar.
2 slices of bread
* nutella
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
a pinch of salt
1 teaspoon butter
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
Directions:
1. Spread nutella on one slice of bread and make a sandwich.
2. Mix the egg, milk, vanilla and salt.
3. Dip both sides of the sandwich into the egg mixture.
4. Melt the butter in a pan.
5. Cook the sandwich in the pan until it is golden brown on both sides, about 1-2 minutes per side.
6. Top with powdered sugar.
Easy peasy.
What else can you stuff into French Toast?
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| From Mama Seasonings |
1 Loaf, day old, french bread (Challah bread is divine too)
Butter to coat pan
1 16 oz pkg of Marscarpone Cheese (or cream cheese)
1 tsp of sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tiny pinch of salt
6-8 Eggs
1/4 c Milk
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp Vanilla
1/4 tsp Nutmeg
Powdered Sugar
Berry Mixture (optional)
Vanilla Ice cream (optional)
Let cheese come to room temperature. With a spatula, mix together cheese, sugar, cinnamon and salt.
Next whisk eggs and add milk, cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg. Whisk a little more until a froth, or bubbles, begins to form and all ingredients are combined thoroughly.
Slice bread, on the diagonal for a nicer presentation, about 2-2 1/2" thick. Cut a small slit 3/4 of the way through the bread and about 2" wide. With a butter knife, take about 1 T of the cheese mixture and spread evenly inside bread.
Heat skillet to Medium heat and add butter.
Dredge bread in egg mixture on both sides evenly and place in pan. Cook until the bread is a light golden color.
Serve with fresh berries and sift powdered sugar on top. For a dessert treat, serve warm with Vanilla Ice cream and/or Chocolate sauce.
Butter to coat pan
1 16 oz pkg of Marscarpone Cheese (or cream cheese)
1 tsp of sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tiny pinch of salt
6-8 Eggs
1/4 c Milk
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp Vanilla
1/4 tsp Nutmeg
Powdered Sugar
Berry Mixture (optional)
Vanilla Ice cream (optional)
Let cheese come to room temperature. With a spatula, mix together cheese, sugar, cinnamon and salt.
Next whisk eggs and add milk, cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg. Whisk a little more until a froth, or bubbles, begins to form and all ingredients are combined thoroughly.
Slice bread, on the diagonal for a nicer presentation, about 2-2 1/2" thick. Cut a small slit 3/4 of the way through the bread and about 2" wide. With a butter knife, take about 1 T of the cheese mixture and spread evenly inside bread.
Heat skillet to Medium heat and add butter.
Dredge bread in egg mixture on both sides evenly and place in pan. Cook until the bread is a light golden color.
Serve with fresh berries and sift powdered sugar on top. For a dessert treat, serve warm with Vanilla Ice cream and/or Chocolate sauce.
This recipe seems easy enough for me, and definitely falls into the Desserty breakfast category.
Counting down the days till these are in my belly!
Have a great weekend!!
May 25, 2011
Menu Planning Take 452
Our favorite line when Little asks for something: "You going to pay for that with your good looks?" Sometimes, we go out to eat, but if we went out as often as Little asks, we would be in debt to Applebees. Menu Planning allows us to work with our budget, and to plan some fun meals.
This week's Menu(What's left of the week!):
Slow Cooked Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Baja Egg Sandwich with Avocado
Mashed Avocado Sandwich
Raspberry and Hazelnut Bars
I will end this post with I love avocado. I am obsessed. If my husband comments on this post, he will verify. Gone off the deep end with avocado talk.
This week's Menu(What's left of the week!):
Slow Cooked Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Baja Egg Sandwich with Avocado
Mashed Avocado Sandwich
Raspberry and Hazelnut Bars
I will end this post with I love avocado. I am obsessed. If my husband comments on this post, he will verify. Gone off the deep end with avocado talk.
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