I made leftovers for dinner tonight...we had the Pepper & Olive (but no pasta) with the baked chicken from last night. Instead of the shell pasta I made the easiest rolls EVER! I didn't put anything in them tonight, but think they would be excellent with herbs, such as oregano,basil etc or fruit & spices, such as apples & cinnamon...I will let ya know how these come out.
Quick Easy Bisquick Rolls
2 1/4 cups Bisquick
8 oz sour cream
1/2 cup of margarine, melted
1. Preheat oven to 350degrees F.
2. Stir 2 cups of Bisquick, sour cream and margarine together until moist through.
3. Make 36 balls of dough...sprinkle with the 1/4 cup of Busquick to make smooth; put three balls in each cup of a muffin pan.
4. Bake for 15 - 20 min until golden.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
DIY Sunday
I can't imagine I am the only one with a TON of "do it yourself" projects in the hopper just waiting to be done (of course by me - lol).
So, I am going to start DIY Sunday! Today, as soon as my little man wakes up from his nap - I intend to change his door knob. He has one that locks right now and that is a recipe for disaster! Luckily, he has not locked himself in yet...but he can lock the doors - he has locked me in my room several times (good thing I was inside instead of outside my room - lol). I haven't decided what to do about the other locking doors. I hate to change them all out, because when we have guests I want them to be able to have a lock... Let ya know what I come up with and a report on how it goes for me today.
So, I am going to start DIY Sunday! Today, as soon as my little man wakes up from his nap - I intend to change his door knob. He has one that locks right now and that is a recipe for disaster! Luckily, he has not locked himself in yet...but he can lock the doors - he has locked me in my room several times (good thing I was inside instead of outside my room - lol). I haven't decided what to do about the other locking doors. I hate to change them all out, because when we have guests I want them to be able to have a lock... Let ya know what I come up with and a report on how it goes for me today.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
What's for Dinner? Baked Chicken and Pepper & Olive Pasta
Sorry no pics...I forgot. This came out really good!!! It also has all the servings of veggies you need for an entire day. Whoooo hooo!
Baked Chicken
1/2 cup mayonaise
1/4 cup parmesean cheese grated
3 shakes oregano
2 shakes basil
2 shakes thyme
3 chicken breasts halved (about 1.5lbs)
1. Preheat oven to 425degrees F.
2. Put all ingredients in a plastic zipper bag and shake.
3. Put chicken breasts in baking dish and bake for 20min or until juice is no longer pink, but clear.
4. Cut chicken breast into slices or serve whole with below pasta.
Pepper, Olive Pasta
6 oz of pasta shells
2 tbsp olive oil
1 red pepper chopped
1 green pepper chopped
1 onion chopped
1 clove garlic chopped
1 can diced tomatoes with garlic
1 can medium pitted black olives
2 tbsp cream cheese
1. Cook pasta according to package until al dente.
2. Put olive oil, red & green pepper, onion and garlic in med to large dutch oven or very large skillet; cook for 5min or until tender crisp.
3. Add tomatoes and olives and simmer for 15min without lid.
4. Stir in 2 tbsp of cream cheese and serve over pasta.
Enjoy!
Baked Chicken
1/2 cup mayonaise
1/4 cup parmesean cheese grated
3 shakes oregano
2 shakes basil
2 shakes thyme
3 chicken breasts halved (about 1.5lbs)
1. Preheat oven to 425degrees F.
2. Put all ingredients in a plastic zipper bag and shake.
3. Put chicken breasts in baking dish and bake for 20min or until juice is no longer pink, but clear.
4. Cut chicken breast into slices or serve whole with below pasta.
Pepper, Olive Pasta
6 oz of pasta shells
2 tbsp olive oil
1 red pepper chopped
1 green pepper chopped
1 onion chopped
1 clove garlic chopped
1 can diced tomatoes with garlic
1 can medium pitted black olives
2 tbsp cream cheese
1. Cook pasta according to package until al dente.
2. Put olive oil, red & green pepper, onion and garlic in med to large dutch oven or very large skillet; cook for 5min or until tender crisp.
3. Add tomatoes and olives and simmer for 15min without lid.
4. Stir in 2 tbsp of cream cheese and serve over pasta.
Enjoy!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Dinner was Goooooood!
The beans were a last minute addition...didn't want to do plain green beans, so cut up 3pc of bacon and cooked in frying pan, then I sauted a a Roma tomato sliced with a med onion chopped and 1 clove of garlic minced in 2tsp of the bacon grease. Drained the green beans a little and then combine it all and voila!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
What's for Dinner? Carolina Barbecued Pork (in the Crock Pot)
Sorry didn't get this one posted sooner - needs at least 6hrs so eat later - kay?
2 onions, quartered
2 tbsp brown sugar packed
1 tbsp papreika
2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 (3lb) pork shoulder roast or boston butt
3/4 cup cider venegar
4 tsp Worstershire sauce
1 1/2 tsp crushed red peper flakes
1 1/2 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp dry mustard
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Hamburger Buns
1. Place the onions in the Crock Pot slow cooker.
2. Combine the brown sugar, paprika, salt and pepper and rub generously all over meat; set in crock on top of onions.
3. Combine vinegar, worstershire, red pepper, sugar, mustard, garlic salt and cayenne pepper, mix well.
4. Drizzle 1/2 of venegar mixure over the roast and put the other 1/2 in the fridge.
5. Cover and cook for 10hrs on low and 6hrs on high.
6. Remove meat and onions chop the onions and shred the meat; serve on buns and drizzle remaining vinegar mixture on meat in sandwiches.
I am also going to attempt to make homemade hamburger buns:
3 1/2 to 3 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter or stick margarine softened
1 tsp salt
1pkg regular or quick active dry yeast
1/2 cup very warm water 120 - 130degrees F
1/2 cup very warm milk 120 - 130 degrees F
1 large egg
1. Mix 2 cups of flour, sugar, butter, salt and yeast in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add warm water, warm milk and egg.
3. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 1 min scraping sides of bowl frequently; beat on med speed for 1 min scraping frequently.
4. Stir in remaining flour to make dough easy to handle (not too much flour - makes them tough and chewy)
5. Place dough on lightly floured surface. knead about 5 min or until is smooth and springy; place in large bowl, lightly cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise for about 1 hr or until double. (Dough is ready if indentation remains when touched - thanks Betty Crocker).
6. Grease two round cake pans with shortening.
7. Gently push fist into dough to deflate; divide dough into 7 - 8 equal parts; shape each piece into a ball; place in pan; brush with melted butter (if desired).
8. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 30 min or until double.
9. Heat oven to 375degrees F; bake 12 - 15min or until golden brown.
Wish me luck!
2 tbsp brown sugar packed
1 tbsp papreika
2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 (3lb) pork shoulder roast or boston butt
3/4 cup cider venegar
4 tsp Worstershire sauce
1 1/2 tsp crushed red peper flakes
1 1/2 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp dry mustard
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Hamburger Buns
1. Place the onions in the Crock Pot slow cooker.
2. Combine the brown sugar, paprika, salt and pepper and rub generously all over meat; set in crock on top of onions.
3. Combine vinegar, worstershire, red pepper, sugar, mustard, garlic salt and cayenne pepper, mix well.
4. Drizzle 1/2 of venegar mixure over the roast and put the other 1/2 in the fridge.
5. Cover and cook for 10hrs on low and 6hrs on high.
6. Remove meat and onions chop the onions and shred the meat; serve on buns and drizzle remaining vinegar mixture on meat in sandwiches.
I am also going to attempt to make homemade hamburger buns:
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter or stick margarine softened
1 tsp salt
1pkg regular or quick active dry yeast
1/2 cup very warm water 120 - 130degrees F
1/2 cup very warm milk 120 - 130 degrees F
1 large egg
1. Mix 2 cups of flour, sugar, butter, salt and yeast in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add warm water, warm milk and egg.
3. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for 1 min scraping sides of bowl frequently; beat on med speed for 1 min scraping frequently.
4. Stir in remaining flour to make dough easy to handle (not too much flour - makes them tough and chewy)
5. Place dough on lightly floured surface. knead about 5 min or until is smooth and springy; place in large bowl, lightly cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise for about 1 hr or until double. (Dough is ready if indentation remains when touched - thanks Betty Crocker).
6. Grease two round cake pans with shortening.
7. Gently push fist into dough to deflate; divide dough into 7 - 8 equal parts; shape each piece into a ball; place in pan; brush with melted butter (if desired).
8. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 30 min or until double.
9. Heat oven to 375degrees F; bake 12 - 15min or until golden brown.
Wish me luck!
My Take on the State of the Union Address...
Well, I did get through the State of the Union Address...to me it is like reading a holy book...you know you should do it, but it is just so darn hard to understand!
Here's my take...
First he talked about how he understands everything from the American people perspective...Really?
Then, he laments the bailout, but decrees it was necessary. ok.
Throughout the speech I caught on that Obama wants to tackle lots of stuff (not necessarily in this order) including:
1. National Export Initiative
2. Education Investments/Making College Affordable (increasing Pell)
3. Climate Change/Green Energy - High Speed Rail Roads WTH?
4. Health Care Insurance Reform
5. American Innovation
6. Tax Cut/Tax Credits
7. Civil Rights - Equal Pay for Women
8. Fix Immigration/Secure Borders
9. Beef up Homeland Security
10. Bring Troops Home from Iraq by Aug/Change "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Policy of Military
11. Bolster Small Business to Create Jobs/Grow Economy
12. Sanction Iran and North Korea
Wow...sounds excellent!!!! How are we going to pay for it? We’ll just put the costs in next years budget...because that is how a budget works...WTH????
He was also able to weave the resilience, strength, hope and spirit of the American people throughout the speech.
He also talked about stopping the Congress political parties attacks on each other...I find this amusing with Pelosi and Biden sitting behind him. (Pelosi, because she is so guilty of it and Biden, because he makes it so easy!)
OMG, did Harry Reid just yawn during the President's comments on the economy??? Oh yes he did...he's toast!
Obama says the nation that leads in clean energy technology will lead the global economy...Really? Last I checked it was China and India who's economies were doing the best and they are not so green...am I wrong?
He then ended with the spirited cry "We will not quit"...yeah - I think...however, some of the things he wants to do - I want him to quit...what do you think?
Here's my take...
First he talked about how he understands everything from the American people perspective...Really?
Then, he laments the bailout, but decrees it was necessary. ok.
Throughout the speech I caught on that Obama wants to tackle lots of stuff (not necessarily in this order) including:
1. National Export Initiative
2. Education Investments/Making College Affordable (increasing Pell)
3. Climate Change/Green Energy - High Speed Rail Roads WTH?
4. Health Care Insurance Reform
5. American Innovation
6. Tax Cut/Tax Credits
7. Civil Rights - Equal Pay for Women
8. Fix Immigration/Secure Borders
9. Beef up Homeland Security
10. Bring Troops Home from Iraq by Aug/Change "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Policy of Military
11. Bolster Small Business to Create Jobs/Grow Economy
12. Sanction Iran and North Korea
Wow...sounds excellent!!!! How are we going to pay for it? We’ll just put the costs in next years budget...because that is how a budget works...WTH????
He was also able to weave the resilience, strength, hope and spirit of the American people throughout the speech.
He also talked about stopping the Congress political parties attacks on each other...I find this amusing with Pelosi and Biden sitting behind him. (Pelosi, because she is so guilty of it and Biden, because he makes it so easy!)
OMG, did Harry Reid just yawn during the President's comments on the economy??? Oh yes he did...he's toast!
Obama says the nation that leads in clean energy technology will lead the global economy...Really? Last I checked it was China and India who's economies were doing the best and they are not so green...am I wrong?
He then ended with the spirited cry "We will not quit"...yeah - I think...however, some of the things he wants to do - I want him to quit...what do you think?
More Ideas on Health Care Reform...
Here are some more ideas from my wise cousin (the health care professional) on health care reform. This was VERY informative to me and I plan to check out more...
Health Care needs to be Universal- available to everyone. That would cover the problem of people who are able to purchase insurance but the insurance companies turn them down due to pre-existing conditions or drop them due to pre-existing. It must be affordable. We paid nearly one thousand dollars per month for private insurance for many years. Neither of us working in a position with benefits. We are luckily able to pay that but what if our income couldn't support such a high policy. And neither of us are high risk for insurance purposes. So, Universal includes that it is available and affordable
Neither the Senate version nor the House version calls for any cuts or changes to Medicare. NEITHER Version calls FOR CHANGES IN MEDICARE. The House version is more liberal and will cover more people but does include increased taxes. The Senate bill has more "pork" and special interest allocation but is more conservative. Neither bill is perfect, but it can be tweaked as areas are identified. I would have preferred the House bill, even if it increased taxes as it is more comprehensive but either will start the process. Ironically losing the ability to break a filabuster may cause the Dems in the house to pass the Senate bill rather than lose all efforts at reform. So, the Rebublicans may shoot themselves in the foot if they refuse to act on anything.
There has been a lot of hype about rationing care...it is already happening daily. Drs are definitely quicker to order expensive tests like MRIs or CT scans on insured persons than on non-insured persons (research supported statement but I don't have time to find citations). And most of the time a good old fashion, cheap x-ray would give them the info they need. Not as good but unless the patient is getting worse why use it as a first line of dx. The answer malpractice. Now that is a place for reform but lets not go there today. Practicing defensive medicine costs huge amounts of money and limits on malpractice should be part of healthcare reform.
I saw a poll that said 50% of Americans were against the reform, 47% were for it, and basically the other 3% didn't know. The number of didn't know should be much higher. Have you read either of these monstrously long bills? I have read parts but the average American only knows what they have seen on TV. So, if you watch Fox you are going to think one way and NBC the opposite. I am 100% for people being active in telling their representatives what they want but in issues that require specialized knowledge it is difficult for people to understand the real issues at hand.
47 million Americans without healthcare. And when they do get sick, our rates go up to cover their bills. Typically the uninsured do not get preventive healthcare so when they present it is usually to an ER with a costly plan to help them. We definitely need reform in this country-our leaders know that and have been talking about since the 60's. Are we going to talk about it and do nothing for the next 50 years? Lets start with something and then make changes to get it right.
Health Care needs to be Universal- available to everyone. That would cover the problem of people who are able to purchase insurance but the insurance companies turn them down due to pre-existing conditions or drop them due to pre-existing. It must be affordable. We paid nearly one thousand dollars per month for private insurance for many years. Neither of us working in a position with benefits. We are luckily able to pay that but what if our income couldn't support such a high policy. And neither of us are high risk for insurance purposes. So, Universal includes that it is available and affordable
Neither the Senate version nor the House version calls for any cuts or changes to Medicare. NEITHER Version calls FOR CHANGES IN MEDICARE. The House version is more liberal and will cover more people but does include increased taxes. The Senate bill has more "pork" and special interest allocation but is more conservative. Neither bill is perfect, but it can be tweaked as areas are identified. I would have preferred the House bill, even if it increased taxes as it is more comprehensive but either will start the process. Ironically losing the ability to break a filabuster may cause the Dems in the house to pass the Senate bill rather than lose all efforts at reform. So, the Rebublicans may shoot themselves in the foot if they refuse to act on anything.
There has been a lot of hype about rationing care...it is already happening daily. Drs are definitely quicker to order expensive tests like MRIs or CT scans on insured persons than on non-insured persons (research supported statement but I don't have time to find citations). And most of the time a good old fashion, cheap x-ray would give them the info they need. Not as good but unless the patient is getting worse why use it as a first line of dx. The answer malpractice. Now that is a place for reform but lets not go there today. Practicing defensive medicine costs huge amounts of money and limits on malpractice should be part of healthcare reform.
I saw a poll that said 50% of Americans were against the reform, 47% were for it, and basically the other 3% didn't know. The number of didn't know should be much higher. Have you read either of these monstrously long bills? I have read parts but the average American only knows what they have seen on TV. So, if you watch Fox you are going to think one way and NBC the opposite. I am 100% for people being active in telling their representatives what they want but in issues that require specialized knowledge it is difficult for people to understand the real issues at hand.
47 million Americans without healthcare. And when they do get sick, our rates go up to cover their bills. Typically the uninsured do not get preventive healthcare so when they present it is usually to an ER with a costly plan to help them. We definitely need reform in this country-our leaders know that and have been talking about since the 60's. Are we going to talk about it and do nothing for the next 50 years? Lets start with something and then make changes to get it right.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
What's for Dinner - Leftovers Again
Having left over chicken veggie/bean soup with dumplings from last night...good thing too - had to go to the grocery store and ran outta time to do anything else - LOL.
Yeah - I Got a Comment - Thanks Shannon!
Whooo hooo, I feel so special now...someone found my blog and commented! Thanks again Shannon!
Dinner Turned Out Great!
Dinner last night was GREAT! I ended up adding about a cup and a half of chicken broth...I like more broth - and then I threw some herb dumplings off in there (I use a half recipe - so half of the below)...
2 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp basil
1 tsp thyme leaves
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3 tbsp shortening
3/4 cup milk
1. Mix flour, spices, baking powder and salt in medium bowl, mix well.
2. Cut in shortening until it looks like fine crumbs. (I don't have a pastry blender, so I use a bamboo spatula)
3. Stir in milk.
4. Drip dough by spoonfuls into boiling broth and cook uncovered for 10min, then cover and cook another 10min.
(hint: take the dumplings out of the soup/stew before you turn off the heat...otherwise they get soggy).
Yummy!!!
2 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp basil
1 tsp thyme leaves
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3 tbsp shortening
3/4 cup milk
1. Mix flour, spices, baking powder and salt in medium bowl, mix well.
2. Cut in shortening until it looks like fine crumbs. (I don't have a pastry blender, so I use a bamboo spatula)
3. Stir in milk.
4. Drip dough by spoonfuls into boiling broth and cook uncovered for 10min, then cover and cook another 10min.
(hint: take the dumplings out of the soup/stew before you turn off the heat...otherwise they get soggy).
Yummy!!!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
What's for Dinner? Chunky Chicken Soup
Well, so much for the warm snap we had yesterday...today is cold again and time for some comfort food!!! I love soup when it is cold and yucky outside... This soup is extra good, because it has all the meat and veggies plus the kidney beans for a carb - so all you need to have with this is a fruit... I am having pears.
3/4 lb boneless chicken breasts 1/2" cubed
1 med - large onion chopped
1 1/2 tsp minced garlic (I like fresh - 3 cloves minced)
2 tsp olive oil or vegetable oil
2 tbsp all purpose flour
2 cans vegetable broth
1 can white kidney beans (2 cans is better, but I only have 1)
1 can mixed vegetables (2 is better, but I only have 1)
2 tbsp chives
3/4 tsp Italian seasoning...I don't like it - so (4 shakes oregano, 3 shakes basil, 2 shakes salt and 2 shakes thyme)
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
1. In dutch oven, saute onion, garlic and chicken in oil until no longer pink.
2. Stir in flour until blended; gradually add broth; bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2min.
3. Reduce heat; stir in beans, vegetables and seasonings.
4. Cook, stirring occassionally for 8-10min.
5. Serve and sprinke with mozzarella.
Yummy!!!! Let me know if you do this and how it turns out. I will let ya know how it goes for me tonight too.
3/4 lb boneless chicken breasts 1/2" cubed
1 med - large onion chopped
1 1/2 tsp minced garlic (I like fresh - 3 cloves minced)
2 tsp olive oil or vegetable oil
2 tbsp all purpose flour
2 cans vegetable broth
1 can white kidney beans (2 cans is better, but I only have 1)
1 can mixed vegetables (2 is better, but I only have 1)
2 tbsp chives
3/4 tsp Italian seasoning...I don't like it - so (4 shakes oregano, 3 shakes basil, 2 shakes salt and 2 shakes thyme)
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
1. In dutch oven, saute onion, garlic and chicken in oil until no longer pink.
2. Stir in flour until blended; gradually add broth; bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2min.
3. Reduce heat; stir in beans, vegetables and seasonings.
4. Cook, stirring occassionally for 8-10min.
5. Serve and sprinke with mozzarella.
Yummy!!!! Let me know if you do this and how it turns out. I will let ya know how it goes for me tonight too.
Catch Them Doing Something Good!
I didn't come up with this...it came from "The One Minute Manager"(an excellent book for the workplace)...I read it several years ago, but it is working for me with my toddler and my husband.
Catch them doing something wrong...how many times a day do I see and lament the things that they have done wrong? ALL DAY LONG! Whether it is coloring on the walls or not taking out the trash...they are after all human!
I do this little mind game with myself to help stay positive...catch them doing something good...My husband goes to work everyday and works a long day/week so I don't have to...GOOD! My son puts something in the trash that belongs there (not his socks or my scrap of paper with important phone #s) GOOD! They actually do many of these things a day...yeah!
I take it one step further and thank them...this solidifies it in my mind as well as provides positive reinforcement for them. For my son, I ooze with "good job" and "thank-you so much"...for my husband just a quick "thanks" does the trick...try it and let me know how it goes?
Catch them doing something wrong...how many times a day do I see and lament the things that they have done wrong? ALL DAY LONG! Whether it is coloring on the walls or not taking out the trash...they are after all human!
I do this little mind game with myself to help stay positive...catch them doing something good...My husband goes to work everyday and works a long day/week so I don't have to...GOOD! My son puts something in the trash that belongs there (not his socks or my scrap of paper with important phone #s) GOOD! They actually do many of these things a day...yeah!
I take it one step further and thank them...this solidifies it in my mind as well as provides positive reinforcement for them. For my son, I ooze with "good job" and "thank-you so much"...for my husband just a quick "thanks" does the trick...try it and let me know how it goes?
Monday, January 25, 2010
What Are You Worth?
Here is an empowering exercise in futility...
I don't like to admit it, but I get a lot of my empowerment, self worth from my caree/job. Now that I am a Stay at Home Mom (SAHM) how much am I worth?
Here is what I am worth (according to indeed.com):
Personal Assistant to my husband: $50K a year
Maid: $28K
Chef: $60K
Nutritionist: $71K
Nanny: $27K
Interior Designer: $75K
Writer: $74K
Seamstress/Quiltmaker: $31K
Now, obviously in order to do all these things, I cannot do them all full time...so there are approx. 168hrs in a week...I sleep at least 6-8hrs a day - so that leaves about 119hrs to do other stuff...I spend about 3-5hrs a day eating and attending to personal needs...so that leaves about 91 hours to work...I probably work at least 80hrs a week.
If I add all the above together it equals: $416,000a year, divided by the number of jobs gives me an average annual worth of: $52,000 a year...divided by the number of weeks in a year: $1000 a week, divided by the number of hrs I work a week: $12.5hr...interesting huh?
To me this is VERY interesting because I think that I am worth more than that...but it is comforting to know that I am not worth $0 just because I don't get a pay check!
I don't like to admit it, but I get a lot of my empowerment, self worth from my caree/job. Now that I am a Stay at Home Mom (SAHM) how much am I worth?
Here is what I am worth (according to indeed.com):
Personal Assistant to my husband: $50K a year
Maid: $28K
Chef: $60K
Nutritionist: $71K
Nanny: $27K
Interior Designer: $75K
Writer: $74K
Seamstress/Quiltmaker: $31K
Now, obviously in order to do all these things, I cannot do them all full time...so there are approx. 168hrs in a week...I sleep at least 6-8hrs a day - so that leaves about 119hrs to do other stuff...I spend about 3-5hrs a day eating and attending to personal needs...so that leaves about 91 hours to work...I probably work at least 80hrs a week.
If I add all the above together it equals: $416,000a year, divided by the number of jobs gives me an average annual worth of: $52,000 a year...divided by the number of weeks in a year: $1000 a week, divided by the number of hrs I work a week: $12.5hr...interesting huh?
To me this is VERY interesting because I think that I am worth more than that...but it is comforting to know that I am not worth $0 just because I don't get a pay check!
What's for Dinner - Leftovers...whooo hooo!
When I was growing up I HATED leftovers! Now, I LOVE them...not so much to eat, but no cooking tonight whooo hooo!!!
We have some leftover chuck roast and pizza in the fridge - with noodles, mashed pots, asparagas, carrots and pears...so all I have to do is nuke it in the microwave. Especially helpful because I am going to my quilt guild meeting tonight...we are playing quilt square Bingo...I'll let ya know how it goes!
So, if ya are looking for something to cook - reference my other recipes in the blog or check out my "Cook Anything" spot under my profile and let me know how it works!
We have some leftover chuck roast and pizza in the fridge - with noodles, mashed pots, asparagas, carrots and pears...so all I have to do is nuke it in the microwave. Especially helpful because I am going to my quilt guild meeting tonight...we are playing quilt square Bingo...I'll let ya know how it goes!
So, if ya are looking for something to cook - reference my other recipes in the blog or check out my "Cook Anything" spot under my profile and let me know how it works!
Can You See the Diamonds?
This is my latest project...not sewn together yet...what do ya think? This is for my bedroom - for summer - keep ya posted on how it turns out.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Yummy Snacks!
Here are some of my favorite yummy snacks!!!
Triscuits (or any other salty cracker - watch out for sweet crackers like Wheat Thins and Ritz...doesn't quite taste right), cream cheese and sliced manzanilla olives. This makes a GREAT appetizer - but make lots they go fast!
The second yummy snack is soft homemade oat pretzels.
Triscuits (or any other salty cracker - watch out for sweet crackers like Wheat Thins and Ritz...doesn't quite taste right), cream cheese and sliced manzanilla olives. This makes a GREAT appetizer - but make lots they go fast!
The second yummy snack is soft homemade oat pretzels.
The recipe is as follows:
3 3 1/2 cups wheat flour (you can use all purpose too)
1 1/2 cups Quaker Oats (can use either old fashioned or quick)
2 tbsp sugar
1 pkg rapid rising yeast (about 2 1/4 tsp)
1 1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup milk
3/4 cup water
2 tbsp margarine
1 egg lightly beaten
1. Combine 2 cups of flour, 1 1/4 cups oat, sugar, yeast and salt in large mixing bowl, mix well.
2. Heat milk and water in small saucepan to 120degrees F to 130degrees F (this goes quickly especially if you have a gas stove). Add margarine to water/milk stir until melted. Add to flour mixture.
3. Blend with electric mixer on low speed until moist, then beat on med speed for 3min. By hand stir in flour until dough pulls away from sides of bowl.
4. Turn it out onto a floured surface. Knead 5-8min until smooth and elastic, adding additional flour if sticky. Cover loosely with plastic wrap on floured surface and let rest for 10min.
5. Heat oven to 350degrees F. Cover two cookie sheets with parchment paper (make sure it doesn't go over edges or might catch on fire) or you can lightly spray with cooking spray.
6. Divide dough into 24 equal parts. Roll each part into a 12" long rope and shape into pretzel. Place on baking sheet and let rest for 10min or until slightly risen.
7. Brush tops with slightly beaten egg and sprinkle 1/4 cup oats on top.
8. Bake 15 - 18min or until golden brown. (if baking two sheets at once rotate from top to bottom once during baking) Remove baking sheets from oven and remove pretzels to wire baking rack (this is where the parchment paper comes in handy - not to mention the help in clean up.
9. Store in tightly covered at room temperature.
These are VERY yummy. I think next time I will try putting cinnamon in them or maybe onions & garlic. I also think these will be yummy with jelly/jam or honey mustard salad dressing etc.
What's for Dinner? Chuck Roast Leftovers, Mashed Potatoes, Asparagas, Carrots & Pears
Well the title pretty much sums it up... Any questions?
We Sell Ourselves Short...
In our society today...I think we sell ourselves short. We are afraid of looking foolish or saying something wrong and we hold it all in. We don't realize our worth and the contribution that we can make.
I recently got an e-mail from my Aunt, she likes my blog (yeah!) and says "wow, you have a lot to say". Do I? I could be wrong...but I think we all have a lot to say. I am not saying that everything is blog worthy - I have read some really crazy blogs and said "WTH" too, but I say kudos to the author!
I have been writing for as long as I can remember...always wanted to be a journalist, but never pursued it...So, writing/journalism is my thing. However, I think we all have a thing - some people it is raising their kids, some it might be their job, politics etc. Writing is cathartic for me...it is a way for me to be creative and to let go of stress etc.
We all have stuff do everyday (some more crappier than others), but none the less we HAVE to do it. If there isn't at least one thing on your list of things to do that is just for you...you need a new list! This goes the other way too...if you look at your list and it is ALL for you - then you need to do something for others...volunteer, help your grandparents etc.
I think it is important for us to discover our "things"! We should know why we do what we do everyday and really strive to include the things that make us happy/peaceful/content etc. I think we should all dive head first into our things! You know "just do it", "dance like no one is watching", "do your do" etc. So, (as if you needed my permission) - go forth and do your THING!!!
I recently got an e-mail from my Aunt, she likes my blog (yeah!) and says "wow, you have a lot to say". Do I? I could be wrong...but I think we all have a lot to say. I am not saying that everything is blog worthy - I have read some really crazy blogs and said "WTH" too, but I say kudos to the author!
I have been writing for as long as I can remember...always wanted to be a journalist, but never pursued it...So, writing/journalism is my thing. However, I think we all have a thing - some people it is raising their kids, some it might be their job, politics etc. Writing is cathartic for me...it is a way for me to be creative and to let go of stress etc.
We all have stuff do everyday (some more crappier than others), but none the less we HAVE to do it. If there isn't at least one thing on your list of things to do that is just for you...you need a new list! This goes the other way too...if you look at your list and it is ALL for you - then you need to do something for others...volunteer, help your grandparents etc.
I think it is important for us to discover our "things"! We should know why we do what we do everyday and really strive to include the things that make us happy/peaceful/content etc. I think we should all dive head first into our things! You know "just do it", "dance like no one is watching", "do your do" etc. So, (as if you needed my permission) - go forth and do your THING!!!
A Different Point of View...Refreshing!
I recently got an e-mail from my 1st cousin...who is the mother of my 2nd cousin who is my age...so she is older and much wiser than I. She is a Master's level in the Health Care Industry and is working on her PhD in Informatics. She is in a position to know; she has a passion for health care reform and has a different point of view that I find interesting and refreshing...
I hope you read it all...if the Tea Parties have taught us anything, (no matter which side you are on) it is that we do have power. We should get educated, get involved and be part of the solution!
"I have to warn you that Health Policy is a passion of mine...I believe that we do need sweeping health reform...I have seen people lose their generational family farms because of a diagnosis of cancer or diabetes. Since they are usually under a private policy or small business policy, they jack their rates to the point they can't afford it and other companies refuse to cover them. Eventually they end up in so much debt they lose everything. Complications from a hysterectomy can cause hospitalization for a week, which can cost $75,000 and that didn't include all the extra bills from pathology, anesthesia, etc. The hysterectomy was not elective but due to fibroids that caused bleeding and anemia. Now imagine what would happen if they didn't have insurance.
A woman I met told me that she was diagnosed with breast cancer; she was a stay at home mom/housewife and on her husbands insurance until in the middle of chemotherapy he packed up and left her, filed for divorce and she found herself unemployed and no insurance. She couldn't find an insurance company that would take her. With the high cost of chemotherapy it didn't take but a couple of months to exhaust her lifetime savings and lose her house. So, when "everyone" celebrates that the Health Care Reform was stopped....think of the 47 million people in America who are uninsured.
Maybe it is because we have been so blessed in our lives. We started with everything we owned fitting in the trunk of a Chevy Nova (not much!). A baby on the way and no insurance. I often have that feeling of there but by the grace of God go I. One of the reasons I enrolled in college and nursing school was that I saw too many women dependent on their husbands...and destitute if the marriage failed. I vowed never to be in a position that I couldn't financially care for my children. But many woman think it can never happen to them. I don't want our country becoming one of have and have nots ...I am not such a bleeding heart liberal that I think people who can help them selves shouldn't- I get aggravated at all the illegal aliens who don't pay taxes and drug addicts etc crying I can't help it..bahumbug. But did you know that the majority of the homeless have a serious mental illness. Sure, many of them are drug or alcohol addicts and that doesn't help but increasingly there are families with children living in their cars.
As I said, everyone in this family is Republican, including my sons, but I think if anyone might understand my point of view it is you. You have always been sensitive to social issues and you have time. Find somewhere to volunteer, see what is going on in our country. Educate yourself on the problems with health care in our country. Be aware of the numbers of people who are out of options. And then try to sit back and say the system is fine like it is...sure for those of us who "have" it is great. But the number of "have nots" is growing.?
I hope you read it all...if the Tea Parties have taught us anything, (no matter which side you are on) it is that we do have power. We should get educated, get involved and be part of the solution!
"I have to warn you that Health Policy is a passion of mine...I believe that we do need sweeping health reform...I have seen people lose their generational family farms because of a diagnosis of cancer or diabetes. Since they are usually under a private policy or small business policy, they jack their rates to the point they can't afford it and other companies refuse to cover them. Eventually they end up in so much debt they lose everything. Complications from a hysterectomy can cause hospitalization for a week, which can cost $75,000 and that didn't include all the extra bills from pathology, anesthesia, etc. The hysterectomy was not elective but due to fibroids that caused bleeding and anemia. Now imagine what would happen if they didn't have insurance.
A woman I met told me that she was diagnosed with breast cancer; she was a stay at home mom/housewife and on her husbands insurance until in the middle of chemotherapy he packed up and left her, filed for divorce and she found herself unemployed and no insurance. She couldn't find an insurance company that would take her. With the high cost of chemotherapy it didn't take but a couple of months to exhaust her lifetime savings and lose her house. So, when "everyone" celebrates that the Health Care Reform was stopped....think of the 47 million people in America who are uninsured.
Maybe it is because we have been so blessed in our lives. We started with everything we owned fitting in the trunk of a Chevy Nova (not much!). A baby on the way and no insurance. I often have that feeling of there but by the grace of God go I. One of the reasons I enrolled in college and nursing school was that I saw too many women dependent on their husbands...and destitute if the marriage failed. I vowed never to be in a position that I couldn't financially care for my children. But many woman think it can never happen to them. I don't want our country becoming one of have and have nots ...I am not such a bleeding heart liberal that I think people who can help them selves shouldn't- I get aggravated at all the illegal aliens who don't pay taxes and drug addicts etc crying I can't help it..bahumbug. But did you know that the majority of the homeless have a serious mental illness. Sure, many of them are drug or alcohol addicts and that doesn't help but increasingly there are families with children living in their cars.
As I said, everyone in this family is Republican, including my sons, but I think if anyone might understand my point of view it is you. You have always been sensitive to social issues and you have time. Find somewhere to volunteer, see what is going on in our country. Educate yourself on the problems with health care in our country. Be aware of the numbers of people who are out of options. And then try to sit back and say the system is fine like it is...sure for those of us who "have" it is great. But the number of "have nots" is growing.?
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Chuck Roast Dinner a Winner!
Poop! I forgot to take a picture! It turned out GREAT!!! I did end up cooking it longer than 1/2 hr per lb...but the ends were done, so we ate dinner on time anyway. The noodles romanoff were AMAZING!!! I highly recommend this recipe - whooo hooo. The foil oven bag made clean up a snap - can I get another whoooo hooo!!!
Whats for Dinner? Chuck Roast, Noodles Romanoff and Mixed Vegetables
I haven't made this before...I made the chuck roast recipe up and got the noodles romanoff from Betty Crocker pretty much...I always change a few things. I'll let ya know how it goes.
Chuck Roast
1 (2 - 3 lb) Angus Chuck Roast
1 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp basil
1 tsp rosemary
1tsp paprika
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup cooking red wine
1 med onion chopped
1 foil oven bag or foil wrap with shiny side out
1 bottle mushroom slices drained
1. Preheat oven to 350degrees F.
2. Put chopped onion in bottom of foil bag.
3. Mix garlic salt, basil, rosemary and paprika. Rub spice mixture on the roast on all sides. Add to oven bag and cover with onions and cream of mushroom soup.
4. Pour the red wine in bottom of the bag.
5. Seal bag well and poke a small hole in the bag to vent.
6. Cook for 1/2hr per lb.
Noodles Romanoff Serves 4
2 cups wide uncooked wide egg noodles
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup parmesean cheese (optional)
1/2 tbsp chives
1/4 tsp salt
Pepper to taste (I give it a few shakes)
1/2 large clove garlic, finely chopped
1 tbsp margarine
1. Cook noodles as directed on package.
2. While noodles are cooking, mix sour cream, parm cheese, chives, salt, pepper and garlic.
3. Drain noodles and add butter stir until melted.
4. Stir in sour cream mixture, put in serving bowl and sprinkle with parmesean cheese.
Mixed Vegetables - I am just going to mix together all the veggies I have in the fridge right now...I have some already mixed veggies with corn, carrots, peas, green beans and then I am going to add the squash and zuccini from two days ago to make it enough for 2 adults and a toddler.
Cross your fingers!
Chuck Roast
1 (2 - 3 lb) Angus Chuck Roast
1 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp basil
1 tsp rosemary
1tsp paprika
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup cooking red wine
1 med onion chopped
1 foil oven bag or foil wrap with shiny side out
1 bottle mushroom slices drained
1. Preheat oven to 350degrees F.
2. Put chopped onion in bottom of foil bag.
3. Mix garlic salt, basil, rosemary and paprika. Rub spice mixture on the roast on all sides. Add to oven bag and cover with onions and cream of mushroom soup.
4. Pour the red wine in bottom of the bag.
5. Seal bag well and poke a small hole in the bag to vent.
6. Cook for 1/2hr per lb.
Noodles Romanoff Serves 4
2 cups wide uncooked wide egg noodles
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup parmesean cheese (optional)
1/2 tbsp chives
1/4 tsp salt
Pepper to taste (I give it a few shakes)
1/2 large clove garlic, finely chopped
1 tbsp margarine
1. Cook noodles as directed on package.
2. While noodles are cooking, mix sour cream, parm cheese, chives, salt, pepper and garlic.
3. Drain noodles and add butter stir until melted.
4. Stir in sour cream mixture, put in serving bowl and sprinkle with parmesean cheese.
Mixed Vegetables - I am just going to mix together all the veggies I have in the fridge right now...I have some already mixed veggies with corn, carrots, peas, green beans and then I am going to add the squash and zuccini from two days ago to make it enough for 2 adults and a toddler.
Cross your fingers!
Give Yourself Permission to Skip IT!
Recently, I realized that my life gets so hectic sometimes that I am on the verge of an anxiety attack...my remedy - I skip it!
Before the holidays I was scheduled for an appt with my allergist to do a "challenge", which is where you eat a food and they watch you to make sure you are ok...you may have an allergic reaction and they treat you or not. The holidays were coming up...presents, mailing, Christmas cards, decorating etc...and everytime I would think about the appt...I would almost hyperventilate... I gave myself permission to skip it!!!
No one wants to be the person who never does what they say they will do...so don't do it all the time and I don't recommend doing this if someone is counting on you or at the last minute...but once in a while, if you can give plenty of notice and you are not responsible for any part of the event...then skip it!!!
I rescheduled it for a month later and it went very smoothly. I am not allergic to the food and I didn't have any anxiety in Jan over it all...so I am a fan of skipping it!
Before the holidays I was scheduled for an appt with my allergist to do a "challenge", which is where you eat a food and they watch you to make sure you are ok...you may have an allergic reaction and they treat you or not. The holidays were coming up...presents, mailing, Christmas cards, decorating etc...and everytime I would think about the appt...I would almost hyperventilate... I gave myself permission to skip it!!!
No one wants to be the person who never does what they say they will do...so don't do it all the time and I don't recommend doing this if someone is counting on you or at the last minute...but once in a while, if you can give plenty of notice and you are not responsible for any part of the event...then skip it!!!
I rescheduled it for a month later and it went very smoothly. I am not allergic to the food and I didn't have any anxiety in Jan over it all...so I am a fan of skipping it!
Spring Cleaning - OMG is it Almost Spring...
Oh goody - it is almost spring...not so much. Although I love the warmer weather and can't wait to get outside with my toddler - inevitably it is time for spring house cleaning - ugh!!!
My tactic for this in the past has been to just move - lol...however, I bought this house and guess I should take care of it.
So, I am planning this year to try to do it like I do my regular cleaning now (one day at a time)! I guess it goes back to the old saying "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!" Here is my list of days:
Wash curtains/Dust blinds
Clean windows/dust windo sills
Clean baseboards on top floor/wash walls
Clean baseboards on middle floor/wash walls
Clean baseboards in basement/wash walls
Clean oven/Wash backsplash/wipe cupboards/clean appliances
Clean fireplace and mantle
Clean doors
Vaccuum furniture
Ugh - this will take over a week! If I get froggy - I plan to go through the 6 boxes that I still haven't unpacked from moving in here over a year and a half a go - I know not so perfect.
I also have much shredding to do - guess I'll put that on the list too! Yes, these are the things that wake me up at 4am in the morning - ugh!!! I'll keep ya posted.
My tactic for this in the past has been to just move - lol...however, I bought this house and guess I should take care of it.
So, I am planning this year to try to do it like I do my regular cleaning now (one day at a time)! I guess it goes back to the old saying "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!" Here is my list of days:
Wash curtains/Dust blinds
Clean windows/dust windo sills
Clean baseboards on top floor/wash walls
Clean baseboards on middle floor/wash walls
Clean baseboards in basement/wash walls
Clean oven/Wash backsplash/wipe cupboards/clean appliances
Clean fireplace and mantle
Clean doors
Vaccuum furniture
Ugh - this will take over a week! If I get froggy - I plan to go through the 6 boxes that I still haven't unpacked from moving in here over a year and a half a go - I know not so perfect.
I also have much shredding to do - guess I'll put that on the list too! Yes, these are the things that wake me up at 4am in the morning - ugh!!! I'll keep ya posted.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Chocolate Snack Cake for the Weekend!
So, I like to have some kind of yummy for the weekend (keeps my husband outta my hair). I made a yummy Chocolate Snack Cake. However, I wish I had made this:
Chocolate-Banana Snack Cake
2 ripe bananas
1 1/4 cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup water
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Place bananas in ungreased 8-inch square pan; mash with fork. Stir in remaining ingredients except chocolate chips. Sprinkle chocolate chips over batter.
2. Bake 35 to 37 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely, about 45 minutes.
It is available for free on www.bettycrocker.com/recipes.aspx/chocolate-banana-snack-cake
Chocolate-Banana Snack Cake
1 1/4 cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup water
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Place bananas in ungreased 8-inch square pan; mash with fork. Stir in remaining ingredients except chocolate chips. Sprinkle chocolate chips over batter.
2. Bake 35 to 37 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely, about 45 minutes.
It is available for free on www.bettycrocker.com/recipes.aspx/chocolate-banana-snack-cake
Just NEVER Know What Your Toddler Will Eat...
Today, besides eating a crayon, paper and a puzzle piece - my toddler ate couscous!!! Whooo hooo!!!
I made what I thought he would never eat in a million years - I put the leftover couscous from last night with the black beans from lunch two days ago and he ate it ALL!!!
Just goes to show you that you just NEVER know what your toddler will eat!!!
I made what I thought he would never eat in a million years - I put the leftover couscous from last night with the black beans from lunch two days ago and he ate it ALL!!!
Just goes to show you that you just NEVER know what your toddler will eat!!!
What's for Dinner? Coconut Chicken Cutlets
This is actually a Rachel Ray recipe...want to give props where they are due. I am having leftover pork roast, but my Aunt just sent me this great recipe...so enjoy!
Coconut Chicken Cutlets From Racheal Ray
8 chicken cutlets, slightly pounded Serves 4 - depending on how big...
1 cup flour
2 eggs
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 cup grated unsweetened coconut
1-2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
½ cup pineaple preserves
½ jalapeno pepper, seeded and sliced into rings
1 Tbsp Tamari (dark soy sauce) or rice wine vinegar
1-2 Tbsp chicken stock (bouillion)
2 scallions, sliced white and green (green onions)
Put pineapple preserves in a small pan or skillet with soy sauce, make small amount of Wylers powdered bouillion and add. (Forget the peppers) Have scallions ready.
Arrange 3 shallow dishes, as aluminum pie plates. Place flour in first, with salt and pepper to taste. Beat the eggs in the second with a splash of water. Combine the panko and coconut in the third. ( I used Pepperidge Farm stuffing for breadcrumbs, in a plastic bag smashed with rolling pin.)
Start potatoes or rice and vegetables, prepare salad.
If making whole recipe, turn on oven to 250 degrees to keep cutlets warm while preparing the rest. Place a cooling rack over a baking sheet, and place in oven.This will keep cutlets from becoming soggy. If making only 2, you will not need to do this.
Heat skillet with olive oil on electric level 4 or 5. Pound chicken till of uniform thickness to break up collagen and tenderize meat. Size will increase.
Dredge cutlets in flour, coat with egg, and coconut mixture. Fry in pan 3-4 minutes on a side, until deep golden in color. (If oil starts to smoke, heat is too high, and chicken will not be cooked all the way through. Remove from heat, reduce heat, and return pan to burner.)
Heat preserves mix (and peppers.) Near the end add scallions. Arrange finished cutlets on a platter and pour sauce over the top.
Delicious!
Notes: If you want to see Rachael Ray’s version, go to www.rachaelray.com/recipe
The pineapple preserves are also good as ice cream topping. Can add water if the jelly is too stiff. Would also be good on a Danish for breakfast.
I like to give ya a whole dinner so I called my Aunt and she said that she also had mashed potatoes (I like to add garlic salt or oregano), but she said the regular ones were plenty flavorful. If you don't know how to make them...
1. Peel the potatoes and quarter them...boil for about 20min until fork tender.
2. Remove to mixing bowl; beat until smooth adding milk and butter to taste
She also had a VERY yummy sounding veggie dish where she:
1. Put a few tablespoons of olive oil in a frying pan.
2. Add sliced squash, zuccini, carrots a few tsp of Rosemary and anything else you may have handy...asparagas (fresh or frozen), broccoli, onions, celery etc.
3. Saute until tender crisp and serve.
Coconut Chicken Cutlets From Racheal Ray
8 chicken cutlets, slightly pounded Serves 4 - depending on how big...
1 cup flour
2 eggs
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 cup grated unsweetened coconut
1-2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
½ cup pineaple preserves
½ jalapeno pepper, seeded and sliced into rings
1 Tbsp Tamari (dark soy sauce) or rice wine vinegar
1-2 Tbsp chicken stock (bouillion)
2 scallions, sliced white and green (green onions)
Put pineapple preserves in a small pan or skillet with soy sauce, make small amount of Wylers powdered bouillion and add. (Forget the peppers) Have scallions ready.
Arrange 3 shallow dishes, as aluminum pie plates. Place flour in first, with salt and pepper to taste. Beat the eggs in the second with a splash of water. Combine the panko and coconut in the third. ( I used Pepperidge Farm stuffing for breadcrumbs, in a plastic bag smashed with rolling pin.)
Start potatoes or rice and vegetables, prepare salad.
If making whole recipe, turn on oven to 250 degrees to keep cutlets warm while preparing the rest. Place a cooling rack over a baking sheet, and place in oven.This will keep cutlets from becoming soggy. If making only 2, you will not need to do this.
Heat skillet with olive oil on electric level 4 or 5. Pound chicken till of uniform thickness to break up collagen and tenderize meat. Size will increase.
Dredge cutlets in flour, coat with egg, and coconut mixture. Fry in pan 3-4 minutes on a side, until deep golden in color. (If oil starts to smoke, heat is too high, and chicken will not be cooked all the way through. Remove from heat, reduce heat, and return pan to burner.)
Heat preserves mix (and peppers.) Near the end add scallions. Arrange finished cutlets on a platter and pour sauce over the top.
Delicious!
Notes: If you want to see Rachael Ray’s version, go to www.rachaelray.com/recipe
The pineapple preserves are also good as ice cream topping. Can add water if the jelly is too stiff. Would also be good on a Danish for breakfast.
I like to give ya a whole dinner so I called my Aunt and she said that she also had mashed potatoes (I like to add garlic salt or oregano), but she said the regular ones were plenty flavorful. If you don't know how to make them...
1. Peel the potatoes and quarter them...boil for about 20min until fork tender.
2. Remove to mixing bowl; beat until smooth adding milk and butter to taste
She also had a VERY yummy sounding veggie dish where she:
1. Put a few tablespoons of olive oil in a frying pan.
2. Add sliced squash, zuccini, carrots a few tsp of Rosemary and anything else you may have handy...asparagas (fresh or frozen), broccoli, onions, celery etc.
3. Saute until tender crisp and serve.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Uh Oh...Changes to Dinner Tonight!
2 Asian pears peeled, cored and quartered
2 tbsp honey
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup water
1. Put all in a med sauce pan or dutch oven bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat and simmer for 20min or until tender.
Also, I think I am going to try couscous for dinner with my zuccini and squash...it only takes 5min to cook instead of an hour - whooo hooo. I have never done it - so let ya know how it comes out.
Cross your fingers!
What's for Dinner? Boston Butt Pork Roast in the Crock Pot
Boston Butt Pork Roast in the Crock Pot
3lb boston butt pork roast (I usually buy a 6lb one and cut it in half and freeze it in 3lb portions)
1/2 cup orange juice
1 cup apple cider or apple juice
1 large onion sliced
1 apple (I like red delicious, but can use any kind) sliced thin
6 cloves garlic halved
1 orange sliced
1. Spray crock with cooking spray
2. Put pork roast in crock pot, add everything above (I like to put the orange slices and apple slices on the pork roast and the garlic and onions around it).
3. Turn on low for 5 or 6 hours or until meat thermo reads 170degrees F.
Do NOT eat the fruit...it ends up tasting like orange peel...also there will be a lot of fat in the bottom of the crock...discard it and drain the roast on a papertowel before serving.
Probably going to have zuccini and squash w/ vidalia onion risotto. (I really like risotto, because my toddler can actually pick it up with his spork or his fingers and feed himself and it makes much less mess than rice). If you go to the store look for Aborio rice (this is risotto...) It is kinda a pain - takes up to an hour to cook. You can use rice if this takes too long.
1can squash with vidalia onions
1can zuccini in tomato sauce
5oz aborio rice (risotto)
1. Cook risotto like it says in the container. (I like to use vegetable stock instead of chicken or beef if I am having pork).
2. Add the squash and zuccini 5 min before the risotto is done
Voila - 2 veggies and a starch/carb
I think that I am going to have apple sauce for my fruit...sometimes I make my own...it is really easy -
4 med apples peeled and cored and quartered
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup packed brown sugar or 2-3tbsp of granulated sugar or 2 tbsp of honey
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp nutmeg (I like allspice too)
1. Heat apples to boiling over med heat stirring occasionally. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-7min.stirring occasionally to break up apples.
2. Stir in the rest of the ingredients. Boil and stir for 1min...
3. If the apples aren't sufficiently mashed up then mash them with a potato masher, stir and serve.
Yummy!!!!!!!!!!!!
Staying Fit...
A friend of mine asked me the other day how I stay fit... I told her I don't do much at all (so I guess I have good genes), but when I really think about it - there are quite a few things I do to stay fit.
I am not a Dr or a healthcare professional. These are things that I have learned over my years on this earth. I only hope that they might help someone else...
First, I try to eat the basic 12 everyday. I read about this when I was pregnant and wanted to have a healthy baby, so I tried it and now I still try to do it. If you eat this...you will not have time or room in your tummy for much of anything else. The basic 12 consists of:
Don't eat anything that is bigger than your fist!
5 servings of Fruits and Veggies
3 servings of Protein
4 servings of Simple and Complex Carbs
Second, I eat fat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I do not believe in the low fat diets. You cannot take the fats out of things successfully (they taste yucky and/or they have so much salt and other additives they are not healthy). Plus, I think that if you don't give your body enough fats that you body will starve for them and start storing everything you eat to get enough fat. A healthy amount of fat for a 2,000 calorie diet is approx. 65grams of fat that is right 65 grams of fat is healthy! I don't eat 2,000 calories a day most days, but I try. If you have high cholesteral or high blood pressure - do whatever your Dr says.
Third, I count calories. How many calories you eat a day is also important...it is a mathematical equation...(with some exceptions such as metabolism, age, smoking, drinking etc). If you take in more than you burn off you will So,you have to do stuff to burn off calories. You also need to know what is in the foods you eat, so if you don't then you need to get a calorie counting book to see. I only had to count calories and grams of stuff (fat, fiber, protein etc.) for a few months and then I had a really good idea of what I was eating.
Fourth, I snack. I try not to get too hungry. I find that my body works best when there is a pretty steady stream of food coming in and going out - lol. If it is not dinner time yet, and I am hungry...I eat a snack. Again, I try to eat something healthy...wish I ate raw veggies like carrots or bell peppers, but usually I eat a serving of crackers and drink water. This takes the edge off (I am nicer to my family during this time too) and I don't over eat at dinner. These snacks count in the basic 12 obviously...so if I eat crackers - I downsize my carb intake at the meal.
Fifth, I get enough sleep. Sleep is VERY important. You should know how much sleep you need...I need about 7-8hrs a night (also if I don't get it...I can take a short nap and feel better). My sister says she only needs 6hrs and can't sleep more than that...which is probably the case. If I sleep only 6hrs I am tired in the afternoons and end up eating to stay awake/get energy...which is ok if you eat healthy stuff, but what is much better for me is to go take a 20min nap. (It takes me 20min. to go to sleep, so this process takes about 40min).
Sixth, I drink a lot of water... I drink probably 1 soda a week (on pizza night). I do love my coffee and will drink it most of the morning, but after that it is water all day. If I get a hankering for a tasty drink I stir in some Crystal Lite or something to make it taste good to me. I take a bottle of water with me almost everywhere I go. Sometimes, I think I am hungry - but really I am just thirsty. This also saves me lots of money at the Starbucks, Seven Eleven etc.
Seventh, I don't eat anything two hours before I go to bed - for me this is 8pm. I started this, because I am usually dehydrated by the evening and I need to drink a bunch of water...but if I drink it too late I pee all night (probably too much info, but owell). So, I started not drinking right before bed and in turn I wasn't eating anything either and I think it really makes a difference.
Eighth, I try to fit in some exercise/activity everyday. I don't work out...wish I did, but cannot fit the 2hrs in my day that it would take to stretch, work out and take a shower. However, I do try to go up and down my stairs as much as possible in a day...I have a 3 story house, so this is easy for me - I almost always need something on the other floor - lol. I bought a pedometer (measures how many steps you take in a day) and I ended up taking on average about 11,000 to 16,000 steps a day. This is good exercise for burning calories (however doesn't get your heart rate up unless you are walking fast for 20min - so working out is still better for ya). I really like yoga too (also doesn't get your heart up)...it will make me sweat though - so can't really fit it in either... However, I find that if I am doing certain tasks during the day I can fit in a pose here and there (for instance, I do the chair pose while I am leaning over the sink to brush my teeth). Still working on this one too. Lots of things can be considered exercise/activity...sex, cleaning the house, taking the stairs instead of the elevator/excalator etc.
To be clear...I don't let the above things consume my daily life. I did the above in earnest for a few months and when I had a good idea of it...I stopped. If my lifestyle changed or if I gain weight, like when I started as a Stay at Home Mom instead of going to work, I paid attention again for a little while and then when I had a handle on it - it became back burner.
Hoping this helps!
I am not a Dr or a healthcare professional. These are things that I have learned over my years on this earth. I only hope that they might help someone else...
First, I try to eat the basic 12 everyday. I read about this when I was pregnant and wanted to have a healthy baby, so I tried it and now I still try to do it. If you eat this...you will not have time or room in your tummy for much of anything else. The basic 12 consists of:
Don't eat anything that is bigger than your fist!
5 servings of Fruits and Veggies
3 servings of Protein
4 servings of Simple and Complex Carbs
Second, I eat fat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I do not believe in the low fat diets. You cannot take the fats out of things successfully (they taste yucky and/or they have so much salt and other additives they are not healthy). Plus, I think that if you don't give your body enough fats that you body will starve for them and start storing everything you eat to get enough fat. A healthy amount of fat for a 2,000 calorie diet is approx. 65grams of fat that is right 65 grams of fat is healthy! I don't eat 2,000 calories a day most days, but I try. If you have high cholesteral or high blood pressure - do whatever your Dr says.
Third, I count calories. How many calories you eat a day is also important...it is a mathematical equation...(with some exceptions such as metabolism, age, smoking, drinking etc). If you take in more than you burn off you will So,you have to do stuff to burn off calories. You also need to know what is in the foods you eat, so if you don't then you need to get a calorie counting book to see. I only had to count calories and grams of stuff (fat, fiber, protein etc.) for a few months and then I had a really good idea of what I was eating.
Fourth, I snack. I try not to get too hungry. I find that my body works best when there is a pretty steady stream of food coming in and going out - lol. If it is not dinner time yet, and I am hungry...I eat a snack. Again, I try to eat something healthy...wish I ate raw veggies like carrots or bell peppers, but usually I eat a serving of crackers and drink water. This takes the edge off (I am nicer to my family during this time too) and I don't over eat at dinner. These snacks count in the basic 12 obviously...so if I eat crackers - I downsize my carb intake at the meal.
Fifth, I get enough sleep. Sleep is VERY important. You should know how much sleep you need...I need about 7-8hrs a night (also if I don't get it...I can take a short nap and feel better). My sister says she only needs 6hrs and can't sleep more than that...which is probably the case. If I sleep only 6hrs I am tired in the afternoons and end up eating to stay awake/get energy...which is ok if you eat healthy stuff, but what is much better for me is to go take a 20min nap. (It takes me 20min. to go to sleep, so this process takes about 40min).
Sixth, I drink a lot of water... I drink probably 1 soda a week (on pizza night). I do love my coffee and will drink it most of the morning, but after that it is water all day. If I get a hankering for a tasty drink I stir in some Crystal Lite or something to make it taste good to me. I take a bottle of water with me almost everywhere I go. Sometimes, I think I am hungry - but really I am just thirsty. This also saves me lots of money at the Starbucks, Seven Eleven etc.
Seventh, I don't eat anything two hours before I go to bed - for me this is 8pm. I started this, because I am usually dehydrated by the evening and I need to drink a bunch of water...but if I drink it too late I pee all night (probably too much info, but owell). So, I started not drinking right before bed and in turn I wasn't eating anything either and I think it really makes a difference.
Eighth, I try to fit in some exercise/activity everyday. I don't work out...wish I did, but cannot fit the 2hrs in my day that it would take to stretch, work out and take a shower. However, I do try to go up and down my stairs as much as possible in a day...I have a 3 story house, so this is easy for me - I almost always need something on the other floor - lol. I bought a pedometer (measures how many steps you take in a day) and I ended up taking on average about 11,000 to 16,000 steps a day. This is good exercise for burning calories (however doesn't get your heart rate up unless you are walking fast for 20min - so working out is still better for ya). I really like yoga too (also doesn't get your heart up)...it will make me sweat though - so can't really fit it in either... However, I find that if I am doing certain tasks during the day I can fit in a pose here and there (for instance, I do the chair pose while I am leaning over the sink to brush my teeth). Still working on this one too. Lots of things can be considered exercise/activity...sex, cleaning the house, taking the stairs instead of the elevator/excalator etc.
To be clear...I don't let the above things consume my daily life. I did the above in earnest for a few months and when I had a good idea of it...I stopped. If my lifestyle changed or if I gain weight, like when I started as a Stay at Home Mom instead of going to work, I paid attention again for a little while and then when I had a handle on it - it became back burner.
Hoping this helps!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
What's for Dinner?
Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
1 whole chicken cut up with bones in (I buy the ones already cut up at the store...they are just as cheap as the whole ones and sooo much easier).
1/2 cup chicken broth 1tsp pepper 5tbsp minced garlic
4tbsp olive oil 4 med potatoes quartered
2tsp garlic salt 2 cups baby carrots
2tsp thyme leaves 3 onions quartered
Preheat oven to 425degrees F
1. In a large bowl mix 1/2 cup chicken broth (I like to use boullion cubes they are cheaper), 4tbsp of olive oil, 2tsp garlic salt, 2tsp thyme leaves and 1tsp pepper.
2. Put veggies in broth mixture, remove wiht slotted spoon to a 15x10x2" pan (stay on one half pan).
3. Put chicken in bowl, coat well and put on other half of the pan - skin side down.
4. Bake 30min then stir veggies and turn chicken...then bake another 30-40min until meat thermo reads 170degreesF for breasts and 180degreesF for thights and legs.
Voila...roasted chicken and veggies - entire dinner in one pan!!!
Oh yeah, I put pinapple chunks with mine for a fruit and sometimes I make a creamy pan gravy. Never had this not turn out yummy!
1 whole chicken cut up with bones in (I buy the ones already cut up at the store...they are just as cheap as the whole ones and sooo much easier).
1/2 cup chicken broth 1tsp pepper 5tbsp minced garlic
4tbsp olive oil 4 med potatoes quartered
2tsp garlic salt 2 cups baby carrots
2tsp thyme leaves 3 onions quartered
Preheat oven to 425degrees F
1. In a large bowl mix 1/2 cup chicken broth (I like to use boullion cubes they are cheaper), 4tbsp of olive oil, 2tsp garlic salt, 2tsp thyme leaves and 1tsp pepper.
2. Put veggies in broth mixture, remove wiht slotted spoon to a 15x10x2" pan (stay on one half pan).
3. Put chicken in bowl, coat well and put on other half of the pan - skin side down.
4. Bake 30min then stir veggies and turn chicken...then bake another 30-40min until meat thermo reads 170degreesF for breasts and 180degreesF for thights and legs.
Voila...roasted chicken and veggies - entire dinner in one pan!!!
Oh yeah, I put pinapple chunks with mine for a fruit and sometimes I make a creamy pan gravy. Never had this not turn out yummy!
My New Cleaning Routine
I used to try to do everything on the weekends...but now, I try to clean something everyday and lo and behold my house stays clean... This seems to really help me with my stress - I know that I will be cleaning whatever is getting on my nerves soon - so I don't stress about it all week until the weekend...
I usually clean a bathroom on Mon, Tues (a different one - I have 4 ugh!), Thurs and Fri.
I sweep and mop the kitchen and foyer on Wed. (Spot clean through the week for when Bryan gets crazy with meals or I spill when cooking).
I do a load of laundry a day - and that usually keeps me up with that and is not overwhelming.
I obviously do the dishes everyday, cook and clean the counters etc. several times a day - however, I only clean the stove (I have gas) once a month and change the liners under the burners once a month.
Never thought I could handle this, but it is really working for me.
I usually clean a bathroom on Mon, Tues (a different one - I have 4 ugh!), Thurs and Fri.
I sweep and mop the kitchen and foyer on Wed. (Spot clean through the week for when Bryan gets crazy with meals or I spill when cooking).
I do a load of laundry a day - and that usually keeps me up with that and is not overwhelming.
I obviously do the dishes everyday, cook and clean the counters etc. several times a day - however, I only clean the stove (I have gas) once a month and change the liners under the burners once a month.
Never thought I could handle this, but it is really working for me.
Dinner Last Night...and Lunch Today!
Dinner turned out pretty well...my son ate his chicken and his veggies first and not much of the mac and cheese - which is a sure sign that it was good - lol. He didn't eat much of the mac and cheese - not sure why, think maybe because I put salt in it or maybe he just wasn't in the mood.
If I would change anything - it would be I would cook the chicken fingers a little less...and not use the butter. For some reason this time it turned out a little tough...I think next time I will try vegetable oil instead of butter or maybe nothing at all? We'll see - I'll keep ya posted.
The mac and cheese turned out perfect - I used pasta shells and then I ended up using a little more flour than normal, because I was trying to finish the flour in the canister. So, I upped the milk and cheddar cheese and it turned out great!
Veggies also turned out great - I didn't have to make a sauce, because of the mac and cheese - love it when it is that easy!
__________________________________
Lunch today...creamy mac and cheese shells heated on the stove with a little more milk and cheese and some canned black beans...yummmmmmmy! Of course apple quarters and come of the cali medley warmed up rounded it out to a balanced lunch.
If I would change anything - it would be I would cook the chicken fingers a little less...and not use the butter. For some reason this time it turned out a little tough...I think next time I will try vegetable oil instead of butter or maybe nothing at all? We'll see - I'll keep ya posted.
The mac and cheese turned out perfect - I used pasta shells and then I ended up using a little more flour than normal, because I was trying to finish the flour in the canister. So, I upped the milk and cheddar cheese and it turned out great!
Veggies also turned out great - I didn't have to make a sauce, because of the mac and cheese - love it when it is that easy!
__________________________________
Lunch today...creamy mac and cheese shells heated on the stove with a little more milk and cheese and some canned black beans...yummmmmmmy! Of course apple quarters and come of the cali medley warmed up rounded it out to a balanced lunch.
Scott Brown Won!
Yeah, Scott Brown won! I hope this creates more of an equilibrium in the congress to slow the roll of this new health care (insurance) reform - whatever you want to call it.
Also, I got a call last night from a grass roots group that is also trying to slow the roll of the bill - it is: responsiblehealthcarereform.com They asked me to contact my congressmen, but I already have and continue to do so as the bill changes and keeps moving forward. My congressmen did vote for it in the house, and I need to check on the senate... I haven't checked out their website yet...let ya know what I find out.
Also, I got a call last night from a grass roots group that is also trying to slow the roll of the bill - it is: responsiblehealthcarereform.com They asked me to contact my congressmen, but I already have and continue to do so as the bill changes and keeps moving forward. My congressmen did vote for it in the house, and I need to check on the senate... I haven't checked out their website yet...let ya know what I find out.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
What's for Dinner?
OK - this may not be too fun either, but hopefully it will be yummy!!! Since I had my son and he has started eating solid food, I have really gotten into cooking.
I started making my own tortillas, dinner rolls (usually only for special occasions), muffins, cookies etc from scratch... When I say scratch I mean not from a box or mix...I don't actually churn the butter or grind the flour, but everything is "un-put together" before I "put it together". I have always sort of cooked...I usually made dinner (mostly from a box or a can). Now, I try my darnedest to NEVER use a flavor packet and to limit the stuff that we eat out of boxes or cans. This may change when I go back to work, but for now...I make breakfast, lunch and dinner this way - yeah!
So, I made chicken manicotti with alfredo sauce two days ago and had some extra chicken tenders. I need to eat them, so I think for dinner I will make "chicken tenders" duh - lol. I don't want a lot of grease, so I think I will oven fry them...the recipe I like for this is:
1. Heat oven to 425degrees F
2. Melt approx. 2tbsp of butter in frying pan
3. Mix 1/4cup flour; 1/4cup bread crumbs, 1tsp of paprika, 1/2tsp garlic salt, and a dash of pepper together. Coat chicken in mixture.
4. Put chicken on broiler pan dizzle with melted butter
5. Bake for 15min uncovered, turn chicken over and bake for another 15min until no longer pink in the middle...meat thermo should read 170degrees F.
Then, I need a carb/starch and 2 veggies and a fruit hmmmmmm.
What goes better with chicken fingers than tater tots???? You guessed it, mac and cheese. I admit that Ido cheat and use the blue box on occasion, but when I have time I like to make it myself. My recipe is as follows:
1. Cook pasta (approx 3-4 servings) according to package. (I have made my own pasta, but store brands have such great shapes!) Drain add 2tbsp of butter to pasta (to keep it from getting sticky) and keep warm.
2. Put 1tbsp flour in a cup, add 1/2 cup milk (I like to use a tupperware gravy shaker, but you can just put it in a measuring cup and stir).
3. Add flour/milk mixture to pasta stir over med heat until boiling point (let boil at least 1min to cook flour).
4. Add shredded cheddar cheese to taste (I like to use about a cup - if you like really cheesy use 2cups).
5. Stir well until cheese is melted (reduce heat to keep from scorching). Serve immediately.
I like to steam a california medley (broccoli, cauliflower and carrots) with mac and cheese or other pastas with sauce...it tastes so good when they mingle. Sometimes I use my rice steamer for this, but today I am going to use frozen and cook on the stove.
I have some pinapple chunks in the fridge, so that should do it for dinner - wish me well. I'll let ya know how it goes. (If you try it too let me know how it goes!).
I started making my own tortillas, dinner rolls (usually only for special occasions), muffins, cookies etc from scratch... When I say scratch I mean not from a box or mix...I don't actually churn the butter or grind the flour, but everything is "un-put together" before I "put it together". I have always sort of cooked...I usually made dinner (mostly from a box or a can). Now, I try my darnedest to NEVER use a flavor packet and to limit the stuff that we eat out of boxes or cans. This may change when I go back to work, but for now...I make breakfast, lunch and dinner this way - yeah!
So, I made chicken manicotti with alfredo sauce two days ago and had some extra chicken tenders. I need to eat them, so I think for dinner I will make "chicken tenders" duh - lol. I don't want a lot of grease, so I think I will oven fry them...the recipe I like for this is:
1. Heat oven to 425degrees F
2. Melt approx. 2tbsp of butter in frying pan
3. Mix 1/4cup flour; 1/4cup bread crumbs, 1tsp of paprika, 1/2tsp garlic salt, and a dash of pepper together. Coat chicken in mixture.
4. Put chicken on broiler pan dizzle with melted butter
5. Bake for 15min uncovered, turn chicken over and bake for another 15min until no longer pink in the middle...meat thermo should read 170degrees F.
Then, I need a carb/starch and 2 veggies and a fruit hmmmmmm.
What goes better with chicken fingers than tater tots???? You guessed it, mac and cheese. I admit that Ido cheat and use the blue box on occasion, but when I have time I like to make it myself. My recipe is as follows:
1. Cook pasta (approx 3-4 servings) according to package. (I have made my own pasta, but store brands have such great shapes!) Drain add 2tbsp of butter to pasta (to keep it from getting sticky) and keep warm.
2. Put 1tbsp flour in a cup, add 1/2 cup milk (I like to use a tupperware gravy shaker, but you can just put it in a measuring cup and stir).
3. Add flour/milk mixture to pasta stir over med heat until boiling point (let boil at least 1min to cook flour).
4. Add shredded cheddar cheese to taste (I like to use about a cup - if you like really cheesy use 2cups).
5. Stir well until cheese is melted (reduce heat to keep from scorching). Serve immediately.
I like to steam a california medley (broccoli, cauliflower and carrots) with mac and cheese or other pastas with sauce...it tastes so good when they mingle. Sometimes I use my rice steamer for this, but today I am going to use frozen and cook on the stove.
I have some pinapple chunks in the fridge, so that should do it for dinner - wish me well. I'll let ya know how it goes. (If you try it too let me know how it goes!).
Gettin' on with it...
OK, got all that set up stuff done...so lets "get on with it".
Topic for this post...politics.
I am not an Obama fan, but I wait for him to "be my president" as he said in his inauguration speech. I don't like the way the country is going right now...I am hoping for an upset in the MA senate rate.
I have had government run health care in the past and I have to say that it did NOT work well. Many years ago they contracted it out to healthcare provider professionals and since then it has been sooooo much better. I am afraid of the healthcare bill...as it also has many portions that provide a framework for the Government to become much more intrusive in our lives and I do not think that is what we need. Also, I am a BIG fan of the free market system. My education provided me with an understanding that the market will right itself if given time - all this "bail out" stuff is NOT good for the long term in my estimation.
Well that was totally boring - sorry try more later.
Topic for this post...politics.
I am not an Obama fan, but I wait for him to "be my president" as he said in his inauguration speech. I don't like the way the country is going right now...I am hoping for an upset in the MA senate rate.
I have had government run health care in the past and I have to say that it did NOT work well. Many years ago they contracted it out to healthcare provider professionals and since then it has been sooooo much better. I am afraid of the healthcare bill...as it also has many portions that provide a framework for the Government to become much more intrusive in our lives and I do not think that is what we need. Also, I am a BIG fan of the free market system. My education provided me with an understanding that the market will right itself if given time - all this "bail out" stuff is NOT good for the long term in my estimation.
Well that was totally boring - sorry try more later.
How to be perfect...in my own mind.
Wow - look at me...I am in the blogosphere! I thought you should go somewhere amazing (a friend of mine went to Iraq and blogged it), or have a public job (be a host on Fox News etc.) or be a philisopher/famous author (Machiavelli, Tsun Tsu etc.), but I am none of these things, yet here I am!
What I have to share... I have an overwhleming desire to share. I cannot be alone because look how full the blogosphere is already. I want to share I have learned about being happy and staying calm in this crazy, hectic, world. I would like to discuss the things that I have learned about nutrition, health, cooking etc. and hopefully get some good input on this too. I would like to see what people think of my opinion on politics. I want to dish on my family (mostly positive - I love my family very much). However, more than anything I want to write and connect. I hope this blog is sustainable for me - here we go...we'll see.
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