Book-Love

goals

2012-01-16T12:55:00.002-05:00

I never make resolutions. ever. because I always break them. SO this year, they are called "goals" and are broken down into categories. Each category is further refined. For example, my "Personal Goals" include reading more purposefully.

X. Personal Goals
I. Be more purposeful in my reading this year
A. Read two books a month
1. Read one fiction book a month
2. Read one non-fiction/spiritual book a month

For January, I read "The Violets of March" as my fiction choice and am slooooooowly reading through Piper's "This Momentary Marriage" as my non-fiction selection. Honestly, without my goal in mind, I would've put it down after the first three pages. He's not really my kind of author. Quite repetitive and dry. But...I. Will. Finish. Just to check off January's goal ;-)

What's on your reading list for this year?

2012

2012-01-01T19:04:00.002-05:00

I know that 2012 holds many new adventures for me and my family. Continuing to adjust to a new house. Adding a baby. Figuring out a new schedule and routine. Learning to lighten up (with myself and my family, mainly Isabel). Determining what priorities and goals I should focus on...phew, I'm exhausted just thinking about it all.

But I want Proverbs 31:25 to be my life verse.

"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come."

How about you? Any life verses/quotes that you're going to use to keep you going?

honesty

2011-12-22T14:02:00.003-05:00

Whether it's confessing to pulling her friend's hair, or claiming the stinky gas that eeked out, Isabel certainly is in a "brutally honest" stage. Today, as we were walking on the Ma and Pa Trail, we were talking about how quickly we'd get to the playground.

Me: "Since we're both running, we'll be there soon."
Isabel: "Mommy, I'm running. You're just walking."

Nothing gets past her.

oh the things

2011-12-11T21:24:00.003-05:00

she says...yesterday, while driving in the car, Isabel politely interrupts a conversation to let me know

"When brother comes, and he bites your boobies, I will laugh!"

Um, I think she means when he's breastfeeding, she'll find it humorous?!

lost and found

2011-12-11T14:49:00.000-05:00

Apparently, it's been 8 months since I've last blogged...perhaps it's the fact that we moved back to Maryland. Or found out we're expecting a baby boy in February. Or Isabel is a crazy, active toddler. Or all of the above. Let's go with that excuse.

To get back into the swing, I'm posting a simple recipe that Danielle Jones recommended.

Easy, creamy tomato soup

4 cups canned crushed tomatoes
12 fresh basil leaves
1 cup heavy cream (or half and half)
1 stick (1/4 lb) of unsalted butter
Salt to taste
¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper

Simmer tomatoes in saucepan for 30 minutes. Puree, with the basil leaves, in small batches, in blender or food processor, or use immersion blender. I swear by mine. Another great Christmas gift given to me by Miguel If you don't have one, go buy one. Now.

Return to saucepan and add cream, butter, salt and pepper while stirring over low heat. Garnish with basil leaves and serve with your favorite bread.

funny?

2011-04-06T06:26:00.004-05:00

Isabel has quite the temper. She's strong-willed. She's opinionated. She's stubborn. She's me...the other night she was having a tantrum over something silly. I was sitting on the floor next to her as she was screaming. She looked me right in the eyes and said, "Mommy I do NOT like you."

I had to laugh. Ok, I was a little hurt, but really, does she even know what that means?!

Yesterday, we went to my grandfather's for the first time since Miguel painted our bedrooms. I took Isabel into her PURPLE room. She got a huge smile and started giggling. Without skipping a beat she said, "But where's my PINK room?"

I knew it. I knew it. She'd never fall for the purple room. We're bribing her with pink accents. Because, honestly, who can handle an all-bubblegum-pink room?!

and another...

2011-03-29T07:01:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, we had a bunch of errands to run. In one of the stores, I was trying on a dress. Isabel was in the fitting room with me. As I am getting ready to put the dress on, she screams, "Mommy why are you NAKIE?!"

excellent. Yes, lady in the stall next to me. I am nakie, indeed.

quiet

2011-03-28T12:40:00.002-05:00

Haven't had much time (or many thoughts for that matter) to post here. But, thought a few Isabel funnies might tide me over until I have some time.

Isabel loves to take her shoes off in the car. I don't care. Go ahead. Not fighting that battle. Today, she says to me, "Mom, I'm taking my shoes off....my toes are freezin' hot!" Right concept, wrong adjective.

candy

2011-02-26T09:18:00.003-05:00

My daughter makes me laugh. It's a good thing. or one of us would run away from home. We're in the throws of potty training, for real this time. This was her one-sided conversation with me this morning.

Isabel: "I need more candy."
(then immediately sits on the potty and goes pee-pee.)

pink

2011-02-20T19:13:00.002-05:00

Like I've said before, my life has been invaded by pink. I'm more of a blue kinda gal, myself. oh well.

Today in children's church, we were singing, "Jesus loves the little children." Because we're delinquent parents, Isabel does not know this song. yet. So she was attempting to fake it. You know, sing the line a second behind everyone else, so it sounds like you know your stuff. We're going along as planned, singing...."all the children of the world. Red and yellow black and white..."

Isabel yells out, "AND PINK!"

Yes, Isabel. Jesus loves those little pink kids, too. Way to show the class that you really have NO clue.

our Savior, our Brother

2011-01-23T07:27:00.000-05:00

Remember this, Christian, and let it comfort thee. However difficult and painful thy road, it is marked by the footsteps of thy Saviour; and even when thou reachest the dark valley of the shadow of death, and the deep waters of the swelling Jordan, thou wilt find his footprints there. In all places whithersoever we go, he has been our forerunner; each burden we have to carry, has once been laid on the shoulders of Immanuel.

“His way was much rougher and darker than mine

Did Christ, my Lord, suffer, and shall I repine?”

Take courage! Royal feet have left a blood-red track upon the road, and consecrated the thorny path forever.

--From Morning and Evening, C.H. Spurgeon

peace

2011-01-18T07:43:00.001-05:00

Morning by morning I wake up to find
the power and comfort of God's hand in mine.
Season by season I watch him amazed, in
awe of the mystery of his perfect ways

All I have need of his hand will provide.
He's always been faithful to me

I can't remember a trial or a pain he did
not recycle to bring me gain. I can't
remember one single regret in serving
God only and trusting his hand

This is my anthem, this is my song, the
theme of the stories I've heard for so long.
God has been faithful, he will be again.
His loving compassion, it knows no end.

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

reminder

2010-12-20T08:04:00.001-05:00

incase you've forgotten.

Christmas Eating

2010-12-17T13:27:00.000-05:00

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY EATING TIPS

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare.. You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. if something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. as for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read these tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember this motto to live by:

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"

traditions, take 3

2010-12-16T07:34:00.002-05:00

Last one. promise. We only have a few traditions of our own.

#1 We tag our tree on Black Friday, then cut it down a week or so later. This ensures that we get a good tree ;-) But I really don't want it up for over a month.

#2 On Christmas Eve, Isabel gets to open one gifts--her Christmas PJs.

#3 We buy Isabel an ornament each year. We try to do something that represents her and her current fascinations. This year, her ornament is a......?

#4 We buy an ornament each year from our vacation spot. This year's ornament, is a.......?

Can anyone guess??? If you guess both correctly, I will package and deliver 4 gourmet cupcakes to you.

traditions, take 2

2010-12-13T20:10:00.003-05:00

I love traditions and hope our family establishes many of our own. As a kid we

#3 Drove around Joppatowne after our church's Christmas Eve service to look at all the lights and luminaries. What a fun time together as a family, enjoying the decorated neighborhoods.

#4 Always put out milk and cookies for Santa, even though we KNEW Santa was our dad. And "Santa" always wrote us a note of thanks in return.

#5 Went to the Nutcracker with Granny. Usually, it was just me, because Sacha couldn't sit still. I got all dressed up, Granny would pick me up, and we'd drive into the city. I can still remember how magical it was sitting in those red velvet seats, watching the dancers, hearing the orchestra and feeling like there was nothing quite as amazing.

traditions

2010-12-13T07:23:00.002-05:00

I have a horrible memory. I rarely remember what was said in an argument, so I fight horribly. I don't remember to put food away after dinner, so end up having to throw it away in the morning. And, I really do not have very many memories of my childhood. I wish I was joking. BUT, I figured I would *try* to share some of our family holiday traditions. Hopefully they are real, and not just a recreation of my barely-working-memory.

#1-We always did the chocolate advent calendars. You know, the ones that have horrible milk chocolate in them. You find the number, open the door, and choke down the candy? Well, my grandfather always made his own chocolate at Christmas time. So we received the best tasting, hand painted chocolates in our advent calendar. And usually a solid chocolate lollipop to go with it. and chocolate covered cherries.

#2-handmade everything. My mom was incredibly crafty, as were my grandmothers. And I wish I had've cared enough to learn their skills. We had cute little snowmen laying around. A felt advent calendar. Wonder if my dad still has it so I don't have to cut all those pieces out?! amazing cookies coming out the wazoooo. Cinnamon rolls every Christmas morning. stockings carefully beaded. Christmas cards stamped, embossed, and signed.

How about you? What traditions do you love from your childhood?

not in my kitchen

2010-12-08T07:35:00.002-05:00

There are a few holiday cookies that I simply cannot handle: those jelly thumbprints. russian tea cakes. and even hard, flaky sugar cookies.

How about you? what is your least favorite Christmas cookie?

holiday icing

2010-12-06T13:50:00.002-05:00

This is not a family tradition. nor is it a recipe I've even made before. BUT, this holiday, I am going to make two types of coffee-infused chocolate cupcakes with these icings:

Irish Cream Icing
1 pound confections sugar (4C)
1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
3 to 4 tablespoons Baileys (or other Irish cream)

Cream butter. Add Irish cream and beat until combined. add sugar and beat until fluffy. If too thick, you can thin it with more Irish cream, water or milk, your choice.

Peppermint Buttercream Icing

1 stick butter, at room temperature
4 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
2 to 3 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/2 cup peppermint candy (about 7 peppermint sticks), finely crushed

Cream butter. Add peppermint candy (or save for later and sprinkle on top, like I"m going to do). Add confectioners' sugar, 2 tablespoons milk and peppermint extract. Beat until well incorporated. Increase speed and beat until fluffy. If too stiff, add more milk or water.

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

2010-12-03T07:19:00.002-05:00

Ok, so this isn't exactly a holiday dessert. But we consider it a side dish, anyway. That's how we Tureks roll.

Ma's S.P.S.

2 cups crushed pretzels
3/4 cup melted butter
3 tablespoons sugar, plus 3/4 cup sugar (or sugar substitute; can reduce amount if desired)
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese (low fat)
1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping (low fat)
2 (3-ounce) packages strawberry gelatin dessert mix (sugar-free is fine)
2 cups boiling water
2 (10-ounce) packages frozen strawberries

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

For the crust, mix the pretzels, butter, and 3 tablespoons of sugar. Press this mixture into a 9 by 13-inch pan and bake for 7 minutes. Set aside and allow to cool.

In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and 3/4 cup of sugar. Fold in the whipped topping, and spread over the cooled crust. Refrigerate until well chilled.

In a small bowl, dissolve the gelatin in the boiling water, and allow to cool slightly. Add the strawberries, and pour over the cream cheese mixture. Refrigerate until serving time.

Holiday Baking

2010-12-02T12:57:00.002-05:00

What would this blog be without a recipe or two?! So, the next few weeks, I am going to try and post some of my favorite family festive food recipes. and try not to use annoying alliteration. This week, in honor of my grannies, I will be posting two holiday classics passed down from them.

The first is a classic Lithuanian cookie called "Moon Cookies." As a kid, I was never fond of them. at all. then two years ago, I realized just how good they really are. amazing that adulthood brings about a more refined palate. Apparently, they are traditionally given to others as a token of generosity and thanks. Granny always gave them in a tin, with layers separated by wax paper.

Granny's Moon Cookies

6 oz. chocolate bits
½ cup English walnuts
¾ cup butter
7/8 cup of sugar
4 eggs, separated
1 3/8 cups flour

Preheat oven to 350º. Grease a 10x15x½-inch jelly roll pan. Grind chocolate bits and walnuts to a powder in a food processor or coffee grinder. Set aside.

Cream together butter and sugar in a large bowl. Add egg yolks, nuts and chocolate powder, mix.

In separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff. Carefully fold egg whites into the egg yolk mixture, then lightly fold in the flour (do not over mix). Spread batter evenly in the well-greased pan (batter will be about ¼–½-inch thick). Bake until lightly browned (10–15 minutes or when a toothpick comes out clean).

While cookies are baking, make the frosting

2 tablespoons butter
½ pound confectioners sugar
drops of rum (or vanilla extract if you prefer)
1 tablespoon milk, or more if needed

Cream butter and sugar together in a small bowl. Flavor with drops of extract or rum to taste. Add milk, using more if needed to make frosting creamy, but not runny. Set aside.

Spread frosting on warm cookies so frosting soaks in a bit, but forms a nice glaze. Cool completely. Use a thin-edged glass or deep 2¾-inch cutter, to cut crescent moon shapes. Start at one corner and cut one "full moon," then move over about ½-inch to cut a crescent moon. Continue until each row is finished.

thankful

2010-11-25T07:17:00.002-05:00

Some thoughts on thanks.

Famine once we had,
But other things God gave us in full store,
As fish & ground-nuts, to supply our strait,
That we might learn on Providence to wait;
& know, by bread man lives not in his need,
But by each word that doth from God proceed,
But a while after plenty did come in,
From his hand only who doth pardon sin.
& all did flourish like the pleasant green,
Which in the joyful spring is to be seen.
- W. Bradford

Psalm 136
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.

to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.
who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.
who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.
who made the great lights—
His love endures forever.
the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.
the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever.

He remembered us in our low estate
His love endures forever.
and freed us from our enemies.
His love endures forever.
He gives food to every creature.
His love endures forever.

Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His love endures forever.

2 years

2010-11-20T07:28:00.002-05:00

Two years. As a teenager, those years seemed to crawl by. As a college student, the pace picked up. And now, as a wife and mother, I feel like I blinked and the last two years disappeared. It's amazing to look back and see the changes that 24 months have brought. A daughter. A lost job. A change in financial stability. A new job. A new church and new relationships. A summer at the beach. A loss of both Grannys. WOW. So much change.

Change. No more screaming at 3am (ok, every once in a while). No more poop blowouts (thank God!). No more bottles (and almost no more sippy cups). No more bouncers, swings, or exersaucers.

A lot of laughs. A lot of talking (is she ever quiet??). A lot of reading. A lot of pigtails. A lot of silly clothing choices. A lot of tickles. A lot of crayons and stickers.

I want to cherish this time, since I fear the next two years will disappear even faster. I love you Eesee Girl.

cooking

2010-11-19T07:28:00.002-05:00

I like to cook, like to bake. but am famous for mishaps, both irredeemable and salvageable, in the kitchen. yesterday, for example--

**I forgot to put vanilla in my cake. Good thing it's carrot and you can't tell one bit.
**I ran out of foil, and needed to cover my dish for baking.
**I ran out of cinnamon mid-recipe so had to zest a cinnamon stick (does that even work?!).
**I am pretty sure that Miguel and Isabel have eaten more than their fare share of icing, so most likely, I will be short on that, too!
**My cake was too big for the fridge. I have no more room in the fridge and need to put in 2 lasagnas and a huge bowl of salsa. hmmm....can't fix that one!

How about you, any good kitchen antics of late?

all wet

2010-11-18T07:19:00.005-05:00

To follow Danielle's example, I want to take a few minutes to reflect on all that I'm grateful for this week. I feel like I have been in a season of extended trial, hardship and anxiety. It would be easy for me to sit and examine every event, every relationship through that lens. I want to make sure that I am stepping back and seeing the good in even the simple. SO, here's proof that I can rejoice in the midst of suffering...er....a flooded basement:

1. A water leak that happened in the basement, so we don't have to worry about wet drywall.
2. A handy husband who quickly directed me in water clean-up.
3. An amazing aunt who drove 2 hours, just to drop off 3 huge fans and a dehumidifier.
4. The chance to purge (since we had to relocate just about everything, why not throw stuff away?!)
5. Realizing that my husband is incredibly calm under stress; I am not. What an example for me to follow.

What are you grateful for this week?

ooooOOOOoooo

2010-11-03T06:52:00.003-05:00

It's not often that I browse websites just to browse. It causes me to want things I can't have, and become discontent with what I do have. BUT, I happened upon Petunia Pickle Bottom, and well.....I WANT one of each. Weekender, clutch, sling, yellow, red, brown, doesn't matter. They are gorgeous.... if I had $350 to spare, I'd snatch one up!
What fun finds have you stumbled upon lately?

tasty Tuesday...errrr...

2010-11-02T06:37:00.002-05:00

...something like that. How about a recipe? are you really surprised?!

Tex-Mex Chicken with Chiles and Cheese

1-1/4 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and sliced 1/4 inch thick
1-1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (I used whole wheat)
3-1/2 Tbs. unsalted butter
1-1/2 cups fresh or thawed frozen corn kernels
1 medium jalapeño, seeded if desired and thinly sliced
1 large clove garlic, minced
2–3 medium limes, 1 or 2 juiced to yield 3 Tbs. and 1 cut into wedges
1 Tbs. chopped fresh oregano
1 cup grated sharp Cheddar

Position a rack about 4 inches from the broiler and heat the broiler to high. Toss the chicken with the chili powder, cumin, 3/4 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. black pepper. Lightly dredge the chicken in the flour and shake off any excess.

Melt 2-1/2 Tbs. of the butter in a 12-inch ovenproof skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

Add the remaining 1 Tbs. butter, the corn, jalapeño, garlic, and 1/2 tsp. salt. Cook, stirring, until the corn begins to brown lightly, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the chicken, lime juice, oregano, and 1/2 cup water. Cook, stirring, until the chicken is just cooked through, about 2 minutes. Sprinkle with the Cheddar and transfer the skillet to the broiler. Broil until the cheese melts and browns on top, about 3 minutes. Serve with lime wedges.

**Fine cooking suggests serving this over rice. We used whole wheat tortillas and used this as the filling. SO good, it will definitely replace our regular "taco" recipe.

free

2010-11-01T21:23:00.002-05:00

I love free stuff, especially free movie rentals. Do you have BlockBusterExpress near you? It's like RedBox, only blue. If so, rent a movie for free using the code

G419A

What little things are you enjoying this week?

food love?!

2010-10-12T07:03:00.004-05:00

Since my blog IS titled "Book Love" and I have not written a single thing about reading, or books, or anything other than food for that matter....I guess a book review is in order. This summer I read a bunch of fluff, for fun, on purpose. So nothing to review from the summer, unless of course you enjoy Jodi Piccoult.

I started the fall with "To Kill a Mockingbird," by Harper Lee. Sadly, this gem somehow missed my middle/high school reading lists. I can honestly say that the book's title is perhaps one of the most apt, well thought out titles of any book I've read. The image it carries is both beautiful and heart-wrenching. I can just imagine the great discussions my senior class would've had on this book: racism, courtroom justice, defense of innocence.

Upon numerous recommendations (and my bookclubs' September reading), I borrowed "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson. I was looking forward to, well, I honestly had no idea what the book was about, nor that it was originally written in Swedish and translated to English. But, what I did find was a boring, way-too-detailed introduction that lasted almost 100 pages. By page 150, I was convinced that this was going to be a page turner. And boy was it. The tedious introduction all made sense; each detail was purposefully woven into the plot. I loved that it turned into a mystery, when the beginning had no hints of such. I must say, there were far too many characters to keep track of. Too many resolutions of subplots that were forgotten about 50 pages before. And, though I greatly enjoyed the book (and have since moved on to the sequel), there were detailed, gruesome portrayals of torture, incest, and rape. Be warned.

Now, if I can only push through the first 25 pages of "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" and finish it by next Saturday. What have you been reading lately?

lasagna alternative

2010-10-11T11:52:00.002-05:00

In college, I took a health class and went through a weird vegetarian stage. I say weird, because I was so uneducated, that all I ate were salads and beans and cheese pizzas. Ha. My granny bought me "Betty Crocker's Vegetarian Cooking" and I only tried a few recipes at the time. Recently, I have started using the cook book again. I tried the lasagna primavera and loved it. Miguel's comment was "it could use some meat." HA!

12	uncooked lasagna noodles
3	cups frozen broccoli cuts, thawed and well drained
3	large carrots, coarsely shredded (2 cups)
1	15 oz can diced tomatoes, well drained

1	container (15 oz) ricotta cheese--part skim
1/2	cup grated Parmesan cheese
1	egg
2	jars (10 oz each) Alfredo pasta sauce--I used Classico's new "light" sauce
1	package (16 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese (4 cups)--I used maybe 3C lowfat mozzarella



	Print these coupons...





	About Concordance™

Heat oven to 350ºF. Cook and drain noodles as directed on package.
Meanwhile, if necessary, cut broccoli florets into bite-size pieces. In large bowl, mix broccoli, carrots, tomatoes and bell peppers. In small bowl, mix ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese and egg.
In ungreased 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish, spread 2/3 cup Alfredo sauce. Top with 4 noodles. Spread half of the cheese mixture and 2 1/2 cups of the vegetables over noodles. Spoon 2/3 cup sauce in dollops over vegetables. Sprinkle with 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese.
Top with 4 noodles; spread with remaining cheese mixture and 2 1/2 cups of vegetables. Spoon 2/3 cup sauce in dollops over vegetables. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Top with remaining 4 noodles and the vegetables. Spoon remaining sauce in dollops over vegetables. Sprinkle with remaining 2 cups mozzarella cheese.
Bake uncovered 45 to 60 minutes or until bubbly and hot in center. Let stand 15 minutes before cutting.

Cupcake Review #3

2010-09-24T15:24:00.002-05:00

This sweets eating thing has GOT to stop. I mean it. For real this time. No more. So, this review is going to have to hold me over until at least next week.

Today, I ventured with two friends to a new cupcakery in Havre de Grace. Sweet Devotion just opened in the last month, so I wasn't sure what to expect, especially considering it sits right on Rt. 40. The atmosphere was charming, and felt a bit reminiscent of Panera--overstuffed leather couches, a fireplace (NO it was not on). I would go back just to sit, drink coffee, eat a cupcake (or two), and enjoy the cafe. I had planned to order two cupcakes and walked out with six. Here's what I ordered and what I thought.

(The Red Velvet never made it home, and the others...well, I forgot to snap a picture before I took a few nibbles)

Salted Caramel: The presentation was pretty, but the cupcake/filling/frosting combination was way too sweet. Miguel and I chose not to finish it

PB: This was a chocolate cake with a mini-Reese's cup baked into the middle, a peanut butter frosting with a mini-Reese's cup on top. I thought this had a great balance of flavors, not too sweet. But it would have been better with a softer pb center instead of the cup.

Boston Cream: The vanilla cake was super moist. The cream filling was delicate, though could have used a bit more of it. The chocolate ganache was good, but honestly needed a little sweetness added to it.

Red Velvet: I love red velvet, and this was fantastic. It was simple, not a lot of frosting, perfect!

Sweet Devotion is well worth a visit. Next time, I think I'll try the crepes.

Cupcake Review #2

2010-09-19T06:09:00.006-05:00

Yesterday, a friend (a true friend, I might add) brought me not one, not two, but FOUR cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcake. She just happened to be in that neighborhood, and just happened to ask if I'd like a sample box. Would I like a sample box?! Rhetorical question, I'm sure. There is much hype around the shop, as the store is now featured as a TLC show. I wondered if the cupcakes were as good as I'd heard. Could they really be "out of this world," "ridiculous," "worth the 2 hour drive"??? Well, yes, my friends, they are all those things and more. Here is a list of what I tasted, and my reactions.
Key Lime: Frosting was a light and fluffy buttercream, but not overly sweet. The cake could have used a bit of graham in it. Overall, loved loved it.

PB Fudge: WOW. Chocolate cake with a pb frosting, and a surprise chocolate lava filling. PB frosting wasn't too sweet or too rich. Heavenly.

Caramel Apple: This was good. just good. It was a bit much for me. The apple cake would have been good on its own with a small dollop of cream cheese frosting. The caramel filling and cream cheese frosting together were too rich.

Chocolate Squared: Chocolate cake dipped in chocolate ganache. Quite tasty, and I will be trying the recipe that was posted here. Nothing out of the ordinary, but the cake was moist and the ganache was a perfect complement.

If you just HAPPEN to be in that neighborhood, you should wander in, wait the two hours to place your order, and bring me back a sample box. Next on my cupcake to-do list.....sample and review Sweet Devotion Cupcakes next week.

Cupcake Review #1

2010-09-13T11:59:00.003-05:00

I have a new passion for cupcakes. I love that they are the perfect portion. I love that they can be easily stored in the fridge if need be. I love that they are easy to fill and frost. I love that they satisfy my sweet tooth and I'm not tempted to "cut just a sliver" more.

So, when I heard about Fresh Bakery in Towson Town Center, I was beyond excited. A friend and I planned an outing around cupcakes. Trader Joes first, shoes next, cupcakes last. What could be a more perfect day. All we knew was that the cupcake place was new and on the 2nd level. We got off the escalators and saw a kiosk full of cupcakes. First impression: WHO sells cupcakes out of a kiosk?!? Definitely not a professional way to market and sell cupcakes. Cell phones or cheap jewelry out of a moving cart, sure. Edibles, I think not. There was no one manning the kiosk, so we weren't able to ask if there was a storefront-which is highly unlikely. So it left us wondering where (and frankly when) the cupcakes were made. They looked cute enough, and as we browsed the cupcakes, the "Martha's Vineyard" strawberry-on-strawberry cupcakes caught my eye. YUM, strawberry flecks in the icing. Or was it a fruit fly? Yup, upon further inspection, there were fruit flies buzzing around the cupcakes behind the glass.

Lovely, we promptly left, quite disappointed. Someone will be hearing from me shortly.

chivalry

2010-09-07T20:57:00.004-05:00

chivalry is surely not dead. as much as I hear people hem and haw over "kids these days," I saw the sweetest gesture of masculinity today.

A teenage boy and girl were walking on the shoulder of Tollgate Road today as I was driving by. The girl was walking closer to the traffic (too close for comfort), with the boy next to the sidewalk. As I drove by, the boy gently pulled her shirt sleeve and made her walk on the other side of him, as he took the spot closer to traffic.

It reminded me of an era where men held doors open for women, no matter who they were; would gladly open a car door for a woman no matter what the weather; paid for a date, no matter what number date it was. ah, the good ol' days.

free...

2010-08-25T07:03:00.001-05:00

...to a good home. This machine needs minor repairs (I dropped a straight pin down into it, so it jams every once in a while. Nothing a cheap repair at Bel Air Sew/Vac can't fix), but other wise is in great condition. It has 4 bobbins, the original owners' manual, and a case. If you're interested, we can arrange delivery!! It was my Granny's machine, and I now have my mom's, so no need for two.

summer

2010-08-16T06:49:00.002-05:00

Summer is almost over and I have not:

Had good grilled chicken, or steak, or anything
Had a snowball
Gone on vacation
Had a huge cookout with friends

I have:
Eaten crabs more times than I can count
Had ice cream almost every night
Gone to the beach just about every day for the last 3 months
Had large family dinners, thanks to my partner-in-crime, Uncle Bubba

What have been some of your summer favorites?

ohmygoodness

2010-08-14T12:54:00.002-05:00

I enjoy my sweets. Love them actually, especially anything with buttercream icing. These just about put me over the edge. Good just doesn't describe them. I hope you enjoy them as much as we all did!

Key Lime Pie Cupcakes (a bit time intensive, but more than worth it, trust me):

Graham Cracker Crust:

Prepare two muffin pans with liners.

1 1/2 cups crushed graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
4-6 T melted unsalted butter

In a food processor, blend together graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Add 5 T melted butter. Pulse a few times. If it seems like it needs more butter add the remaining T. Distribute evenly among cupcake liners and press to form a shell.

Lime Cake

2 ¼ cups cake flour
1 T baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 egg whites
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
½ cup milk
½ cup buttermilk
1 T lime zest (I omitted this, to keep the cupcakes from becoming too lime-y)

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Combine flour, baking powder and salt in medium bowl; set aside.

Beat butter and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer at medium speed until light and fluffy.

Add egg whites, beating well after each addition. Add eggs, beating well after each addition.

Add lime zest, if using. Beat until blended.

Combine milk, vanilla, and buttermilk in a small bowl together. Whisk until incorporated.

With electric mixer at low speed, add flour mixture alternately with milk mixture, beating well after each addition. Pour batter evenly into prepared pan. Best to use a ice cream scoop. Place right on top of the graham cracker crust. (I had enough extra batter to fill a 9x5" loaf pan. baked for 30 min)

Bake 20-22 minutes or until toothpick inserted into centers comes out clean. Cool cupcakes in pan on wire rack 10 minutes. Remove from pan and allow to cool completely on rack.

Key Lime Pie Filling

8 oz mascarpone cheese, at room temperature (I'm sure cream cheese would work as well)
5 oz key lime juice
9 oz sweetened condensed milk (this is such an odd amount. I used almost a full can (14oz))

Place all ingredients in a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.
Mix on low for 30 seconds. Increase speed to medium and blend for 2 minutes.
Place in a separate bowl and place in fridge for 2 hours.

Key Lime Buttercream Frosting

1/2 lb. (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 lb. shortening (Crisco)
2 lbs. powdered sugar
3-4 TBSP key lime juice, and most likely more to thin out frosting

Place the butter in a large mixing bowl. Cream together with Crisco.

Add 4 cups of the sugar and key lime juice.
On the medium speed of an electric mixer, beat until smooth and creamy, about 3-5 minutes.
Gradually add the remaining sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition (about 2 minutes), until the icing is thick enough to be of good spreading consistency.
If too thick, thin with more key lime juice. You can also use more lime juice if you want a more tart flavor. But remember you already have lime in the filling.

To assemble:

Take key lime pie filling and place into a pastry bag fitted with a small tip. Take tip and place into cupcake squeeze filling into cupcake using the cone method (search on google if not sure). Frost cupcake (there will be a ton left over, so eat it with a spoon) and sprinkle with crushed graham crackers.

New Uses...

2010-07-13T12:25:00.003-05:00

...For old things:

Crisco is my new best friend. Butter cream icing is, unfortunately, so rich and creamy because of Crisco. And now, my heels will soon be smooth and crack-free. Slather Crisco onto poorly maintained heels, throw on a thick pair of socks, and let the Crisco work its magic. Repeat as necessary until heels are restored to health.

What new uses for old things do you have?

girlie girl

2010-07-11T19:00:00.003-05:00

Isabel has officially become a girlie girl.

She now says "EWWWWWW" for anything and everything that she doesn't like, isn't pretty, she thinks might be gross....

This morning, she protested one outfit because she'd already seen another that she preferred. She managed to insist on the green dress instead of the black flowered one. Who knew an 18 month old had such strong clothing preferences?!

Random

2010-07-09T06:25:00.004-05:00

Random tasks I love:
1. Paying my bills via on-line banking.
2. Cleaning out all the gum wrappers from the bottom of my purse.
3. Crossing off "yesterday" in my planner.
4. Writing my To-Do list in my planner...and crossing off the finished items.
5. Cleaning out the fridge-dumping old leftovers that we forgot to eat and scrubbing the shelves with some sort of heavy duty cleaner.

How about you?

Father's day

2010-06-21T12:30:00.002-05:00

For Father's Day, our entire family went to the Iron Bird's game. No one watched a single minute, because we were too busy enjoying each other. I love all the memories we are making together as an extended family.

Dad and me.
Dada and Isabel.
Kate, me, Becky, Sacha and Laura. All the girl cousins.

book review

2010-06-20T06:41:00.003-05:00

I know, I know. The blog is called "Beach Love" and I'm writing a book review. A girl can wander off topic a bit, can't she?! One thing I absolutely love about the summer, is the endless amount of time I seem to find to read. Don't know where it comes from (or what chores are left undone), but I'm not going to think about it too hard.

Our book club inevitably offers up on non-fiction selection each month. And each month, we seem to choose that one non-fiction book. I love learning about new ideas, or foreign lands, or people's lives. June's book is entitled "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates," by, yup, you guessed it, Wes Moore. Briefly, the story is about two men, with the same name, who grew up on the Baltimore streets. One ends up a Rhodes Scholar; the other ends up in jail for murder. The distinguished Wes Moore learns of his counterpart and starts corresponding with the man in jail. After years of communication, both written and face-to-face, the free Wes decides to write a book to perhaps help other young men who find themselves walking those very same streets.

"The Other Wes Moore" is an intriguing (and easy) read. I love reading the two stories side-by-side, watching the boys grow up, and their stories unfold.

It is well....

2010-06-13T10:17:00.002-05:00

I have always loved the hymn, "It is Well With My Soul," and the story behind it. Have you ever wondered, whether, in the darkest night of the soul, you'd be able to sing these words?

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
- It is well, with my soul,
  It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

I have wondered so many times...and God has been faithful to remind me that no matter the trial or hardship, my deepest need has been met. My soul is at true peace, regardless of my raging circumstances. My sin is no longer mine to bear. He has paid the ultimate price, so that when sorrows roll in, I can rest safely in His unfailing love and comfort.

The Beach's Top 10

2010-06-08T06:47:00.003-05:00

10. Ocean breezes
9. Lazy afternoon naps
8. Sand castles that are promptly smashed
7. Waves crashing on the sand
6. "Beach" books
5. Freckled noses
4. Eating steamed crabs
3. People watching on the Boardwalk
2. Flip Flops every day, no matter what

AND the #1 top favorite of the beach is.....

1. Ice Cream, funnel cakes, Thrasher's, caramel corn, Candy Kitchen...

What is your favorite "beach" item?

The Beach

2010-06-05T06:37:00.003-05:00

Free (new) activities in Ocean City this summer:

1. Family Movie Nights. Monday/Thursdays 8:45pm @ 27th St.
2. Concerts on the Beach. Wednesdays 8:00pm @ Division St.

Not sure if we'll be able to attend these events, but what a great idea. O.C. is upping their family appeal and catering to the current economy. What free summer events are you looking forward to in your area?

Recipe

2010-05-31T07:27:00.002-05:00

So this isn't a cookout recipe, but it is one of my favorites. It's great for leftovers, bringing to friends, or entertaining.

The recipe can be found on Real Simple's website.

Hope you enjoy it!

what would you do

2010-05-24T07:45:00.002-05:00

Girls' nights always provide riveting conversation. This last one proved no different. Topics of conversation ranged from "the ideal day" to "Arminianism vs. Calvinism." One of the many questions asked was, "If you could have any hobby--money and talent aside--what would it be?"

Em said she'd go to Italy for cooking classes and then somewhere for dancing lessons. Kris said she'd ballroom dance.

I answered, "cake and cupcake decorating." I just think it would be so much fun to be like Duff or the Cake Boss and create intricate and gorgeous cakes/cupcakes.
What hobby would you choose?

Vocabulary

2010-05-20T00:28:00.002-05:00

My daughter's vocabulary has expanded greatly over the last few weeks. She now calls things by their rightful names and even responds to questions...usually appropriately. For instance:

Me at 11:00 at night: "Isabel, are you ready for night-night?"
Isabel: "NO! NO! NO!"
Me at 1:00 in the morning: "Isabel are you ready for night-night?"
Isabel: "NO! NO! NO!"

Good thing she sounds so cute when she says it.

Sacha

2010-05-06T06:39:00.002-05:00

Despite the circumstances, it was amazing to spend time with my sister this past week. Surprise pickup at the airport, dinner at Dad's, playing with chalk, laughing with our cousins, girls' night out, shopping trip, heart-to-heart on Dad's bed.

I have missed my sister these last months. Once she's home in five weeks, I'm not letting her leave the States again. Ever. But I will let her get rid of those HIDEOUS glasses.

years

2010-04-30T14:49:00.005-05:00

It has been years since all of my cousins have been together. I *think* I was in high school still (maybe even younger)?? But, there is no photographic evidence of that meeting. Here is a picture of us girls at Christmas, probably in 1990.And here we are yesterday; how we've changed. I am grateful for cousins who have become friends. Love you girls!

Ps 91:5

2010-04-22T06:36:00.002-05:00

“Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night.”

Down, then, ye dismal forebodings and groundless apprehensions, God has not forgotten to be gracious, nor shut up his tender mercies; it may be night in the soul, but there need be no terror, for the God of love changes not. Children of light may walk in darkness, but they are not therefore cast away, nay, they are now enabled to prove their adoption by trusting in their heavenly Father as hypocrites cannot do.

"Though the night be dark and dreary,
Darkness cannot hide from thee;
Thou art he, who, never weary,
Watchest where they people be."

--C.H. Spurgeon (from Morning and Evening, E4/22)

Restaurant Review

2010-04-03T06:36:00.004-05:00

Haven't done one of these in a while!! Life has taken over and left very little room for adventures that don't include sidewalk chalk, bubbles, or wagon rides. However, last night, Miguel and I escaped for dinner to celebrate our anniversary. I always pick the restaurant (he'd be happy with Bonefish Grill over and over...), and I always pick a new place downtown.

We ended up at Momma's on the Half Shell. We waited well over and hour, since they don't take reservations on the weekends. The bar was packed, so we walked and talked. Long wait wasn't a problem, except at 8:30 we were FAMISHED. We ordered drinks (mojito, long island) and the beer muscles. The mussels were incredible, and could've been eaten as my main meal, easily. Huge portion, hearty, and a delicious sauce. On to the main course. "Pasta of the day" for me: linguine w/ jumbo lump crab and huge shrimp all in a slightly spicy tomato cream sauce. uh, yum. Miguel got the Chicken Chesapeake. Both were huge portions and beyond good...and not just because we were starving. Drinks were good, though if we ever go back, I really want to try their famed Orange Crush. I was just too full to take another sip or bite. Also, no dessert for the same reason. Way. too. stuffed.

While the atmosphere was charming with it's dark walls, upholstered seating booths, all reminiscent of an old Victorian house (minus the eclectic "Baltimore" decor on the walls), the place was loud. I'm talking, lean-in-to-your-partner-and-yell-in-their-ear loud. Which, if you're out to have a good time only, is perfect. Just don't expect the drunk girls at the table next to you to quiet down so you can hold a deep conversation. Yet somehow, we managed. Seating was also a bit awkward. In the upstairs dining area, tables are packed in, so it felt as if we should've held hands with the people next to us as we prayed over dinner. Or at least asked them how their days were.

All things considered, I'd go back for a girls' night or brunch or drinks and dessert. Or anything just to order those beer mussels again.

Thankful

2010-03-10T07:53:00.002-05:00

Ever have one of those days/weeks/months where everything seems to be in upheaval? In the midst of much change (and subsequent self-pity), I was reminded yesterday of a few things that are truly enduring. Cherished friendships.

I received an early morning wake-up call from a dear friend. Then, less than 20 minutes later, an unexpected call from another long-distance, enduring-through-the-seasons friend. And to top it all off, yet another "random" phone call from a bosom friend, just to say "hi."

I was able to walk into my day, reminded of God's faithfulness in even the smallest of areas. I am so grateful for enduring friendships. What are you grateful for today?

you know you have a daughter....

2010-03-02T16:09:00.005-05:00

...when:

1. Screaming is a daily part of life. Just because.
2. Baby dolls are used for hugging, kissing, and throwing across the room.
3. You find hair clips in the bathroom, under the couch cushions, and in the fridge.
4. Your "lights" load of laundry is all pink.

book pt.2

2010-02-18T13:59:00.002-05:00

As previously stated, I haven't read much for pleasure lately. Though, I was incredibly inspired by Krista's most recent post to get a serious move on it!!

However, since I do still attend a book club, and have a general feeling of guilt if I do not read the books, I manage to read at least one book every few months...February's book is "Their Eyes Were Watching God," by Zora Neale Hurston. Brief review: I know it's a classic, but I am honestly not quite sure why. (Is that horrible?!) Perhaps I am missing something-like a deeper meaning to the plot. Or a message behind all of the southern dialect. Yes, that must be it. Like Transformers, perhaps there is more to it than first meets the eye. No one character was spellbinding. No aspect of the plot was riveting. However, I did like significance of the title. While a storm was raging and darkness had fallen, the narrator stated that despite the characters' inability to see any hope in the situation, their eyes were watching God. What a good reminder that in my darkest of circumstances, my eyes must be watching God.

Do you have any insight on the significance of this novel?

book.1

2010-02-14T23:00:00.002-05:00

Book Love. I think I've let this love die a bit. Between an incredibly busy start to the new year and an incredibly busy toddler, well, reading hasn't been high on the priority list. So, aside from reading recipes, nutrition information on food boxes, and greeting cards from various holidays, I have not read much of substance.

I do, however, spend plenty of time reading with Isabel. The same 5 books over and over and over. And over. Her current favorite is "Dear Zoo." It's a cute story of the narrator who writes to the zoo to send him a pet. Each page has a lift-the-flap picture, detailing what animal is sent. After returning the animals for various reasons, the zoo employees finally get it right and send the perfect pet. I've loved watching Isabel light up as the lion appears. She ROAAAARS right along with me. What books are you currently enjoying with your kids?

in the kitchen.4

2010-02-09T11:48:00.002-05:00

I feel like I make recipes all the time that call for ingredients that I do not have. Most recently, buttermilk (pancakes, cakes, etc). I don't think to buy it, and honestly don't like buying a large container of it, to only use a small portion. Inevitably, the rest would go bad. Buttermilk is one of those ingredients that are easy to make yourself.

Tip#3: Add 1T lemon juice to 1C milk (I use skim). Let sit for 10 minutes, stir, and you have buttermilk!

in the kitchen.3

2010-02-05T12:41:00.003-05:00

I always have a hard time deciding what to make for dessert, especially when it is for other people. Cake. Pie. Crisp. Cookies. Ugh. Too many choices. Then I stumbled across the easiest chocolate cake recipe. Butter, sugar, chocolate. How could it not be a hit?? Since I always have the ingredients on hand, it is now my go-to dessert. Miguel described it not so much as a cake, but as, "a really amazing brownie."

Sweet Paul's easy chocolate cake
1 stick melted butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 tablespoons baking cocoa
3/4 cup plain flour

Pre-heat your oven to 320F, 160C.
Stir butter and sugar until the sugar is dissolved.
Add the eggs and mix well.
Stir in vanilla, cocoa and flour.
Pour the batter in a buttered cake tin (I used a 9" tart pan) and bake for about 30 minutes.
The cake is best if its a little under-baked in the middle, like a soft brownie.
Take out and let cool a little.
serve while still a little hot a la mode or with some whipped cream.
Enjoy!

in the kitchen.2

2010-02-04T07:48:00.004-05:00

This is my newest favorite kitchen tool. A microplane zester. I am no longer worried about grating off my fingers on my box grater. This little tool is a gem, and I'm not quite sure how I've lived without it for 29 years! What is your favorite kitchen tool?

Tip #2: Use the zester to turn a clove of garlic into garlic paste.

in the kitchen

2010-02-02T14:37:00.002-05:00

I figured, since I am such a pro at failing in the kitchen, I will do a mini-series on the kitchen. I seem to get all of my useless knowledge from the Today Show. Right around the holidays, they did a segment on "preventing holiday weight gain." I learned something.

Tip #1: You can reduce the amount of sugar in your baked goods by 1/4 and not alter the taste or texture.

I tried it today in banana bread. I actually reduced the sugar by half, and the bread still tastes fab. So, next time you go to measure out your sugar, reduce it by 1/4!

Fail

2010-02-01T21:12:00.002-05:00

I think this title could sum up the month of January. ha. Most recently, it sums up my baking adventures. My sister-in-law Erika made some very delicious black bean brownies-basically a can of black beans, a bit of sugar, tiny bit of flower, eggs, cocoa powder and well, that's about it. I knew the recipe was simple and I would have all the necessary ingredients. I did not, however have her recipe. And since it was her nap time, I went on-line to search for a good recipe.

What I came up with was certainly NOT good. They were utterly disgusting (though Miguel somehow has managed to eat almost the enter 8x8 pan), dry, ugly and all together disgusting. Did I say that already?

So, instead of posting the recipe for all to see, I will simply admit:

FAIL.

Dog Hair...

2010-01-30T12:34:00.003-05:00

...the bane of my existence. Literally. Not exaggerating. People come to our house, and I have to preface a lounge on the couch with, "yeah, we have lint rollers for when you leave." Embarrassing and annoying. Enough to make me want to kill our dog almost daily. It's not his fault that he's a golden retriever. And retrievers shed...a lot. I was ready to just give up and let the hair pile up. It would sort of be like having a down comforter or a feather pillow, right?

Then, last Saturday, Miguel went grocery shopping. He return with a $4 Pledge Fabric Sweeper for Pet Hair. I'm sold. My life has been changed forever. Now when you get up off my couch, you only walk away with a miniature poodle's worth and not a golden retriever's worth of hair. Amazing, I tell you.

(Note: The product is meant to be discarded once it's full. But, since there was no way I was going to spend $4 every other day, I managed to buck the system. I shoved my index finger in between the rollers and managed to extract most of the hair. Take that Pledge!)

If you need proof, see pictures below. These were NOT altered in any way, and are actual pictures of our couch before and after the Pledge Fabric Sweeper.
(Before the P.F.S. entered my life)

(After the P.F.S. worked its magic)

getting rid of....

2010-01-05T12:35:00.003-05:00

a few things in the new year...no resolutions, but goals. Seems less daunting, at least to me! So, here is my list of "things that gotta go in 2010":

1. Diet Soda. My one a day has been seriously messing with my stomach of late.
2. Three plus trips to the grocery store (aka Wal-Mart) for "just a few things"
3. Clutter in the spare room. Oh, it's taking over the entire house really.

What would you like to see GO in your life?

Christmas traditions

2009-12-24T07:59:00.002-05:00

I was laying in bed last night, trying to remember all of the "little" traditions that our family had at Christmas time. What sweet memories.

*Driving around after the Christmas Eve service to look at the luminaries and lights in Joppatowne
*Putting out milk and cookies for Santa, though we didn't believe in him.
*Eating Pillsbury cinnamon rolls for Christmas breakfast, with extra icing.
*Dad wearing his brown robe and over-sized matching brown slippers.
*Sleeping in so late that our parents woke US up.
*Getting special Christmas dresses from our Aunt Gail, who now buys one for Isabel.
*Having our stockings stuffed so full that the gifts had to be placed underneath them on the floor

What "little" traditions do you remember from your childhood?

for real??

2009-12-20T13:36:00.002-05:00

I have been doing some online "window" shopping. No money to spend on myself, but I figure when we hit the Megamillions, I should know what I want to purchase! I stumbled across this top at J.Crew. Not cute. And definitely NOT worth $795.00. Oh, but it does come with free shipping.

picky

2009-12-19T15:25:00.003-05:00

I use to drink soy milk, because my stomach was weak. Is weak. Usually, I preferred Vanilla Silk. With Isabel's latest milk intolerance, we have switched her to soy (I know, I know, it raises quite a debate). I generally buy whatever brand is cheapest-8th Generation, Great Value-and stay far, far away from Silk. In a moment of desperation, I had to buy it. We were almost out of milk, and there was one grocery store on my way home from work. It was either spend $3.50 for a half gallon or $4.25. I grabbed what I thought was plain, but turned out to be No-Sugar Added plain. Big whoop. Wrong. Isabel refuses to drink it. Too crunchy for her budding taste...er, buds.

Don't make the same mistake my friends. Your Trader-Joes loving children will thank you.

gift giving

2009-12-15T07:58:00.002-05:00

Ever think of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" and wonder what that extravagant gift giving would truly cost your "true love." I wonder if Miguel loves me $21,465.56 this year?!?

Check out the link for more fun "Twelve Days of Christmas" tidbits.

Another cookie recipe

2009-12-12T21:31:00.002-05:00

These can hardly be classified as cookies, more like mini cakes. But, none-the-less, they are DELICIOUS! So, without further ado, here is my mother's recipe for Whoopie Pies.

Cookies
2C White Sugar
1C Shortening
2 eggs
1C Buttermilk (or a little less than 1C milk and 1T lemon juice-let sit 10+ min)
1t Vanilla
1C hot water
4C Flour
1C Cocoa
2t Salt
2t Baking Soda

Cream sugar and shortening. Add eggs and beat. Add liquid and dry ingredients alternately. Drop teaspoon sized balls onto greased cookie sheets. DO NOT make the cookies larger than tablespoon size!

Bake at 400 degrees for 7 minutes. Cool completely and fill.

Filling
2T Flour
2T milk
1 1/2C Shortening
2 egg whites, room temp.
1t vanilla
4C 10x Sugar

Beat flour and milk. Cream in shortening. Add other ingredients and beat until smooth.

Spread a generous amount of filling onto one cookie. Top with another. You can freeze these; wrap individual pies in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer safe container. Defrost in the fridge.

Moon Cookies

2009-12-08T14:17:00.002-05:00

In case you are interested in trying something new:

(click on the image for the recipe)

My grandmother must have been friends with Jaraslava Pouska, the woman mentioned in the article. My granny got her recipe directly from Mrs. Pouska years ago.

It's time

2009-12-07T21:17:00.002-05:00

...time to take up the traditions of the ladies in my family. This Christmas, despite Miguel's protests, I am going to make Whoopie Pies (my mom's recipe, IF I can find it) and Moon Cookies (a Lithuanian tradition, and my grandmother's recipe). Whoopie Pies are a lot of work, so I've never attempted them. I used to despise Moon Cookies, so I've never made them. I am up for a challenge. Bring on the Whoopie Pies. My tastes have changed. Bring on the Moon Cookies.

Happy Birthday Baby Girl

2009-11-20T07:00:00.002-05:00

Isabel, my baby girl, your first birthday is today, and truly the last year has flown by. I miss the sweet little baby you were, but love the crazy little girl you've become. I miss having you sleep contently, with your head rested against my chest. But I love the way you throw your head back and chuckle for no good reason. I love the way you come running to me, your mouth wide open, screaming "ahhhhh" because you want a kiss. When you're tired, you get ridiculously silly which makes us laugh constantly. You run around the room trying to kiss everything in sight.

Right now, you are loving your "Little People" farm books, balls, babies, and of course Cuzco. You follow me around, but also play on your own. You have managed to take every baking and cooking utensil I own out of the cabinets, but can't seem to put them back. The toilet paper is never around the roll, and I can't help but let you do unroll it every time. You laugh and giggle, and my heart melts!

Precious baby girl, our prayer for you is that you will grow up to love our Savior. That you will be a beautiful girl-inside and out. That you will cling to His faithfulness and goodness, no matter what the coming years hold. We love that God chose us to be your parents and truly cannot wait to watch you grow.

coming to terms

2009-11-11T15:21:00.002-05:00

Messes used to make me cringe. I'd get the heebie geebies when I saw my carpets strewn with babies, blocks, and books. When Isabel first started "getting into" things, I would follow closely behind her. Putting away the books as she moved on to the blocks. But, as soon as the books were put away she was through with the blocks and back to the books. You know the drill. I spent all day: books put away, blocks cleaned up, books re-sorted, blocks neatly stacked. Then she discovered toilet paper, and I thought it was cute. She'd pull off one little square and eat it. So cute, right? Then she realized she could keep pulling, and pulling, and pulling...After most of the paper was on the floor, I would wind the entire roll back around the tube.

I was driving myself insane, all in the name of keeping a neat, organized home. Then, last week, I had a revelation of sorts. Why not save the mental and physical energy during the day and do one big clean up after Isabel is in bed for the night. Wow, earth-shattering.

I have learned to be OK with this (at least for the 12 hours Isabel is awake):

And this (quite possibly until she grows out of this phase):
Now, I have *huge* reserves of energy for things like reading and watching t.v. once she's safely tucked in bed, unable to destroy my house until tomorrow.

ideas

2009-11-01T09:21:00.002-05:00

I am not one to collect "stuff." This has trickled down to Isabel. Poor girl. She has very few toys, and even fewer that we've purchased for her. But, as she's getting older, I've realized that she needs at least a few things to play with! ha. With her birthday and Christmas both right around the corner, I have been trying to come up with a list of toys, books, puzzles, etc. that we would like for her.

I would love to know what your favorite items were for your 12-18 month old! What books did your kids most enjoy? What toys kept them engaged?

um, yum!

2009-10-28T19:44:00.002-05:00

Chocolate and peanut butter. Need I say more?! (click on the picture) The entire site is dedicated to all things chocolate and peanut butter. I'll be visiting this site regularly!

ah

2009-10-26T06:46:00.003-05:00

These could quite possibly be the prettiest slippers I have seen. I want a pair (from L.L. Bean). I think even Stacie London and Clinton Kelley would approve.

11 months

2009-10-20T08:04:00.002-05:00

Isabel is 11 months old today. Over the past three months, she has gone from barely crawling to almost walking. She's so funny; she takes six steps and then flies through the air to get to her final destination. She's gone from being toothless to having her two bottom teeth. She's gone from being a shy little baby to a loud, screaming little girl. She imitates us vocally when we cough, blow raspberries, or scream. She loves food more than ANYONE I know, and refuses to share her food with the dog (unless it's Cheerios). She loves to be scared by Daddy sneaking around corners, Mommy chasing her, and Cuzco coming to lick her. She lights up when she sees her cousins, Oren and Zion. She plays with Oren and loves on Zion. She carries her baby doll around, and will kiss it when told to, or when she feels like it. Though all girl, she is tough. She will take a nose dive, and get right up without crying. She truly has brought such joy, entertainment and growth to us.

Thanks, Laura

2009-10-08T06:28:00.002-05:00

I have been feeling a bit overwhelmed and stressed out lately. There seems to be no time to slow down, relax, or have fun. However, this Youtube video has kept me laughing. I think I've watched Anjelah Johnson's Bon Qui Qui about ten times this week!! Enjoy, and i hope it makes you laugh, too!

mmmmmm.

2009-10-03T15:23:00.003-05:00

I love S'mores. The gooey marshmallows, the melted chocolate, all smooshed between two crunchy graham cracker. Today, I was introduced to a more sophisticated version of the good ol' standard. S'mores made with a Reese's Cup instead of the Hershey's bar. OHMYGOODNESS! Try it; you'll wonder why you ate boring S'mores for years and years when this fabulouness was just a Reese's Cup away.

fall

2009-09-13T20:15:00.003-05:00

Nothing says fall to me like:
1. Raven's games
2. Sleeping in socks
3. Bonkey's pumpkin ice cream with a scoop of toasted coconut ice cream
4. Making soupWhat do you love about fall?

oh poo, pt. 2

2009-09-03T14:07:00.002-05:00

A little clarification. I felt the need to tell Miguel about the poop situation. I was trying not to laugh the entire time. His only comment was, "That wasn't the SMARTEST thing you've ever done!" He insisted that he had washed the spatula. But I've seen him do dishes, and well, let's hope he at least rinsed off some of the major chunks ;-) The spatula has been boiled and is safe to use again for flipping eggs.

oh poo.

2009-09-01T09:52:00.004-05:00

Yesterday, I took Cuzco, our dog out for a walk. He pooped out what looked like clear jello. Gel-like, oozy, and just plain disgusting. As soon as I plastic bagged it, he had diarrhea again. I untied the bag and scooped that up. I walked him one last time before bed for good measure. However, this morning, I woke up to a nice large pile of diarrhea on my living room floor. Poor dog, he must be sick. Not a pleasant job to clean it up, but it had to be done. I tried to figure out how to scoop it up, without making more of a poopy mess. So, I grabbed a spatula and scraped it off the floor, and that worked perfectly. Quickly, while holding my nose, I rinsed all visible signs of poo off the spatula and put it in the dishwasher.

About an hour later, Miguel made himself fried eggs. He does this almost every morning, so I thought nothing of it. After breakfast, I went to load the dishes and realized that the spatula was no longer in the dishwasher. Yup, you guessed it. He had grabbed a spatula out of the dishwasher because there wasn't a clean one. He used the poopy spatula to flip his eggs!!!! SICK.

This

2009-08-30T07:34:00.002-05:00

I have been doing a lot of thinking and planning and daydreaming about Isabel's first birthday. Nothing extreme or over the top, just family and close friends. And lots of cake and ice cream! All my mental efforts seem silly, but I need to get ON THE BALL now. Nine months have flown by, and I know the next three certainly aren't going to slow down. I do wonder if time could slow just a bit, so that that I could learn how to make this:

happy

2009-08-28T06:16:00.004-05:00

Upon signing into Skype this morning and searching for my father, this is what I found:

"Make sure your contact's name is spelt correctly."

My father may not be on Skype, but I bet if he were his name would be SPELLED correctly. Oh happy day! Nothing brings a smile to my face like a grammatical error first thing in the morning!

What I am loving lately...

2009-08-26T19:16:00.003-05:00

...my body wash. It smells amazing-a bit spicy, a bit exotic, lots of yummy. I could, quite possible, use it every single day and never grow tired of the scent. Sadly, I'm too cheap to buy name brand body wash. I wonder when Wal-Mart will come out with its "Compare to Caress' Evenly Gorgeous" body wash??!

What is your favorite product scent?

Food Blogs

2009-08-23T20:19:00.002-05:00

Someday, I would like to cook really, really yummy food and do it really, really well! Limited resources leave me searching google for "cheap meals" and "budget friendly entrees" and "meatless dinners." Oh the joys! Not super inspiring. But, every once in a while, to boost my culinary spirits, I will check out epicurious.com. And on a daily basis, I read Sassy Radish, just to drool a bit.

What are your favorite food websites and blogs?

uhoh

2009-08-19T06:32:00.002-05:00

She likes the boys. She likes the older boys. Here's proof that we're going to need to buy that shotgun sooner than we had originally thought! ;-)
(It's horrible quality, thanks to my cell phone not having a flash!)

Move over...

2009-08-16T07:10:00.003-05:00

Jodi Piccoult. You've met your match in James Patterson. While neither are fantastic authors-I deem them both "beach reads." Both authors have mastered the Plot Twist. Jodi Piccoult's are guaranteed to leave your jaw on the floor. But, after reading Beach Road, by James Patterson, I wonder who the master Plot Twister truly is. The book seemed straightforward. A murder. A trial. A happy ending. The End. Right?? Wrong. In the last chapters, the entire story was turned upside down, and left me asking, "Is this for real??!" It was the twist of all twists-unpredictable, unanticipated, and just plain wrong. Beach Road certainly did not end how I scripted it, but it did entertain. And from a "bead read," what more could I really ask? Thank you, James Patterson, for taking over the spot as top J.P. in my book.

Libby and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Week

2009-08-13T20:46:00.002-05:00

My week has felt pretty much just like the much beloved children's book. Not bad as in "my dog died, and I used sour milk in my cereal." But bad as in "I'm just not quite myself." Let me explain.

On Friday, I woke up with a very sore throat. This sore throat traveled north into the sinuses and has resulted in the use of two entire tissue boxes.

On Saturday, I arrived at the beach to realize that I had forgotten MANY things:
1. Isabel's sunglasses
2. My strapless bra that would go with 3 tank tops.
3. My white cami that would go with my OTHER 2 tops (read: No shirts to wear!)
4. My razor.
5. My contact case.

On Sunday, I went into my HOT car and found my favorite tub of lip gloss...melted all over the place.

On Monday, well, Monday was an OK day!

On Tuesday, I drove home from vacation, only to realize that I had forgotten MANY things:
1. My bathing suits
2. Isabel's bathing suit
3. One cantaloupe, a box of granola bars, and food containers
4. One green towel, one white towel, one washcloth, and one pink pouf

On Wednesday, I had another OK day.

On Thursday, I drove past my exit because I just had to tell Kristin something that I had forgotten to tell her just seconds earlier. I then had to drive 10 miles out of my way to hit the next exit and turn around.

On Thursday, I also managed to buy a box of crackers that I didn't really want for a measly $4.99!!!!!! While browsing the cracker aisle, I saw a new type of cracker with a "Try me for free" rebate sticker on it. All that was required was an original receipt and the rebate form. "No problem," you might be thinking. However, in the self-check out line, I ran into Erika. We chatted while I checked out. I left. Once I was home, I went to fill out the form and realized I had forgotten to grab my receipt. Lovely.

It truly was a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad week...at least for my organized, generally put together brain. I think I'll move to Australia. Or go make a list.

all grown up

2009-08-05T17:02:00.002-05:00

I have officially graduated into adulthood. I will now eat tomatoes, well at least tiny cherry tomatoes cut into quarters ;-)

What foods are you enjoying this summer?

Psalm 103

2009-07-31T06:48:00.000-05:00

¹ Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

² Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-

³ who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,

⁴ who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,

⁵ who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

⁶ The LORD works righteousness
and justice for all the oppressed.

⁷ He made known his ways to Moses,
his deeds to the people of Israel:

⁸ The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.

⁹ He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;

¹⁰ he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.

jewelry

2009-07-23T20:35:00.002-05:00

I am not a jewelry kinda girl. But I saw this and think that A) I love it, B) I need it, and C) It's a quirky, yet sophisticated idea. Since becoming a stay-at-home mom, I honestly feel like I have weeks where I am constantly asking, "What day is it today??!" I've had to reschedule my work appointments so many times, and think this bracelet could be the solution to my "daily" confusion!(Click on the picture to see the Etsy store)

Books

2009-07-22T06:11:00.003-05:00

It's been a while since a good old fashioned book review. I had not read a whole lot, and was finally able to get back into the swing of things. I find that if I don't have my next book ready and waiting, I will go months without reading.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. Story of a young girl in WWII Nazi Germany. Story told by the omniscient narrator, "Death."

Initially, I was hesitant to read this book club selection. It's on the 9th grade reading list, for heaven's sake! It is shelved in the Juvenile Fiction section of the library. Yet as I delved in, I was pleasantly surprised. The author's writing style was unique, and the plot was more than the typical WWII drama. You will fall in love with Liesel, the book thief, as she grows and changes. You will laugh at her misadventures; hold your breath as she stares Death in the eyes; cry at her losses; and perhaps even feel your heart breaking for her. Warning: I sobbed through the last two chapters of the book.

Another Thing to Fall by Laura Lippman. Suspense thriller about a private investigator. One of the books in the Tess Monaghan series.

Laura Lippman used to write for the Baltimore Sun, and I was told that all of her books are set in Baltimore. That was the initial draw. It certainly didn't stop there! I couldn't put this thriller down. The writing was excellent, and at times, dictionary worthy. The characters were believable, and the plot was intense. I loved that I could picture Tess walking through town to eat at Burke's. Or the film crew cruising along Locust Point. I will certainly be grabbing the next book in the series. Warning: there is a bit of foul language in the book, though no more than a PG-13 movie would contain.

Sneak Peek

2009-07-20T08:01:00.001-05:00

On Saturday, we had a family photo shoot with Megan Russell. Check out her website for a sneak peek of the pictures she took. Isabel's silly faces make me laugh. I can't wait to get a few developed, framed, and hung.

summer

2009-07-10T06:44:00.002-05:00

As a kid, I spent many long hours at the Harford Square Pool. There were play dates, and swim lessons with Mr. Norm, and push-pops from the snack bar, and yearly swim tests, and cannonballs off the diving board. I was never a great swimmer, nor did I learn to touch the bottom of the pool. I didn't have a ton of neighborhood friends, and was only allowed one snack. But I don't remember those things so much. They weren't important at the time, and aren't now. I can still hear the carefree laughter, feel the warmth of the sun, and see the smiles, even after twenty years.

As I splashed in the pool yesterday, I had this overwhelming desire to ensure that Isabel grow up with those very same experiences. Perhaps it won't be Mr. Norm teaching her to swim. And perhaps she will prefer strawberry shortcake Good Humor bars. It really doesn't matter. I want my daughter to have vivid memories of her childhood, giggling and splashing away the summer hours.

What memories do you have of your childhood summers?

ohboy

2009-07-07T20:40:00.004-05:00

I think we're in trouble. This girl LOVES her food. Flaps her arms and legs when she sees it. Whines if it doesn't come fast enough. Cries when it's finished. On top of all of that, she is a Barowski, which means she is destined to think ice cream is a major food group. AND, we've become "those" parents that give their children sugar before their first birthday. *sigh* it was a lost cause, why did I even pretend?!

Quinoa

2009-07-01T09:06:00.004-05:00

Zucchini with Quinoa Stuffing
Serves 4

1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed
4 medium zucchini
1 15-ounce can cannellini beans, rinsed
1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, quartered
1/2 cup almonds, chopped (about 2 ounces)
2 cloves garlic, chopped
3/4 cup grated Parmesan (3 ounces)
4 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

Heat oven to 400° F. In a large saucepan, combine the quinoa and 1 cup water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed, 12 to 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, cut the zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Arrange in a large baking dish, cut-side up.
Fluff the quinoa and fold in the beans, tomatoes, almonds, garlic, 1/2 cup of the Parmesan, and 3 tablespoons of the oil.
Spoon the mixture into the zucchini. Top with the remaining tablespoon of oil and 1/4 cup Parmesan. Cover with foil and bake until the zucchini is tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake until golden, 8 to 10 minutes.

I have been into quinoa for a while now, thanks to Hope. Generally, I've used the pure protein as a substitute for pasta or rice. Last month's Real Simple had the above recipe, and since I had all of the ingredients, I tried it. At the very end, we drizzled balsamic vinegar over it, to add a little flavor. It is a great, filling side dish for chicken, steak, or even fish.

Purpose

2009-06-10T09:06:00.002-05:00

Often I wonder why I am cleaning my house, again; why I am doing laundry, again; why I am persevering through the mundane, again....This morning's excerpt from Morning and Evening brought a bit of light (and encouragement) to my daily, seemingly meaningless tasks.

"We live unto the Lord."—Romans 14:8
Why are His children still wandering hither and thither through a maze...? The answer is—they are here that they may "live unto the Lord," and may bring others to know His love. We remain on earth as sowers to scatter good seed; as ploughmen to break up the fallow ground; as heralds publishing salvation. We are here as the "salt of the earth," to be a blessing to the world. We are here to glorify Christ in our daily life. We are here as workers for Him, and as "workers together with Him." Let us see that our life answereth its end. Let us live earnest, useful, holy lives, to "the praise of the glory of His grace." -C.H. Spurgeon

Right now, I am called to live a useful life, a holy life. My areas of ministry may have shrunk drastically, and my contact with "the outside world" may be limited, but I am still called to bring glory and praise to HIM in this season. As I go about my daily chores, as I care for Isabel, and as I carry out those oh-so-boring tasks today, I pray that I will keep my purpose in life in mind.

Middle of the night

2009-06-05T08:29:00.002-05:00

I talk in my sleep, this is a proven fact. Usually, I wake myself up, realize how silly I sound, and go back to sleep. Last night, apparently, I was talking but did not wake myself up. Miguel called me this morning and relayed this conversation:

Me: Get it, get it. *sitting straight up in bed, screaming*
Miguel: What is it??
Me: I'm serious this time, it's really in bed.
Miguel: WHAT is it??!
Me: An umbrella, get the umbrella! I'm serious!
Miguel: What's an umbrella going to do??
Me: Poke me in the eye!!!!

When Miguel told me our conversation, I cried from laughing so hard! I often dream that things are in our bed-bugs, animals, people. I have never, however, dreamed that a killer umbrella was on the loose. Too many rainy days in a row, perhaps?!

Psalm 61

2009-06-04T08:27:00.002-05:00

verses 1-4
Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.

From the ends of the earth I call to you,
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

For you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the foe.

I long to dwell in your tent forever
and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
Selah

Chocolate Cake Heaven

2009-05-29T12:34:00.002-05:00

When I get to Heaven, I pray this cake is on the dessert buffet!