tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26702957977328107992024-03-13T19:16:56.012-07:00All Day Every DayA blog for women about all things interesting, fun and important to me....Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843435206365389922noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670295797732810799.post-43906182425669679312012-02-29T11:24:00.009-08:002012-02-29T12:00:23.588-08:00Love my Mama's Boy! Turns out boys WANT and NEED a close connection with their mothers. We're in luck! Don't mind me just raising a Mama's boy over here."Who are you calling a Mama's Boy" by Kate Stone Lombardi. Featured in The Wall Street Journal <br />
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This article was very interesting and confirmed my thoughts about how I raise my son now and will continue to.<br />
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http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203960804577241610532233188.html<br />
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An excerpt from that article that truly surprised me, <br />
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"As the therapist and child-rearing guru Michael Gurian wrote in his 1994 book about mothers and sons, "a mother's job…is very much to hold back the coming of manhood." A well-adjusted, loving mother is one who gradually but surely pushes her son away, both emotionally and physically, in order to allow him to become a healthy man." Seriously?! <br />
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A point in this article that made me smile and makes perfect sense, <br />
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"A study of more than 400 middle school boys revealed that sons who were close to their mothers were less likely to define masculinity as being physically tough, stoic and self-reliant. They not only remained more emotionally open, forming stronger friendships, but they also were less depressed and anxious than their more macho classmates. And they were getting better grades."<br />
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Moms with sons that are close with them while they are young, lets continue to foster that close relationship well into adulthood.Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843435206365389922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670295797732810799.post-34441557823170048462011-12-14T09:26:00.001-08:002011-12-14T09:26:44.123-08:005x7 Folded Card<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidget" style="width:425px; height:494px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif);"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetCenter" style="height:482px; padding: 0 6px 0 6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bg.gif); background-repeat:repeat-y;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewLogo" style="width: 105px; height: 34px; padding: 14px 0 0 14px;"><img src="http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/logo.gif" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewContainer" style="height:350px; text-align:center; padding: 0;"><a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=1RYtWzRkydJ&cid=SFLYOCWIDGET&eid=115"><img src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/prs/v1/1RYtWzRkyo/1RYtWzRkyp0M/p/67b0de21b3127d902548/JPEG/1323883504000/0/" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;"></a></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewMessageContainer" style="height:55px; background-color:#f4f4e9; text-align:center; padding: 15px 0 15px 0; line-height: 19px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewTitle" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 15px; color: #333333; font-weight: bold;"><span>Colorful Joy Christmas Card</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewSEOText" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>Shop Shutterfly for beautiful <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">photo Christmas cards</a>.</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewViewCollection" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>View the entire <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">collection</a> of cards.</span></div><img width="1" height="1" border="0" style="padding: 0; background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none;" src="https://os.shutterfly.com/b/ss/sflyshareprod/1/H.15/111?pageName=sharekey&c1=msc&c2=blogger" /></div></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetBottom" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bottom.gif);"></div></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843435206365389922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670295797732810799.post-75700755742280240862011-08-12T07:51:00.000-07:002011-08-23T14:03:28.467-07:00No way my child will be a picky eater!....oh ok.<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Am I the only parent that is over the creative ideas to get your kids to eat? I read so many articles about “Kid Friendly Meals” and my son more so than my daughter is not eating ANY of these things. It's either too "adult like" or too cutesy cutesy and I am not up for doing it. Do we really want our kids to only want to eat food that is cut into stars and hearts? A smiley face pancake is one thing but sometimes it’s so over the top. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial;">My friends and I have all types of eaters, the ones that eat veggies but no meat, the ones that eat fruit but no veggies, the ones that love to dip everything in something and those that want it all super plain. One thing we all have in common is that we all have made the speech that we are no ones short order cook or that no child of mine will get their own meal different from the rest of the family or we will also eat every meal together and NEVER in front of the TV! Clearly we don’t seem to have as much control as we thought we would. Add it to the list of parenting things not going our way. Of course I also know some kids that eat everything. Their parents usually claim that it's because they eat what the parents eat and offer no options. The key is not to waiver. What's for dinner is what's for dinner. And to those parents- WHATEVER! You lucked out, trust me you don’t hold the key to getting your kids to eat everything so stop judging the rest of us! …yes I am a little bitter.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The best advice I ever heard is to keep offering it. So I put a little of my tomato salad next to his mac and cheese, or a new fruit with his pb and j in the hopes that sooner rather than later my children will eat everything. And instead of dreading mealtime I will love every minute of sharing recipes, planning the week’s menu and preparing our meals with my little ones. Until then- let the battle continue and the non stop screaming, "PLEASE take one more bite!!" This week however we did have a little breakthrough of sorts.<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> A turkey and cheese sandwich, strawberries and celery sticks!! He used to eat these things when he was younger but stopped and wanted nothing to do with them. It was like Christmas morning for me. We are practicing lunches for kindergarten. Yes kindergarten!</span></span></span></span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Here is an article that I did think wasn’t bad. Some healthy ideas that my kids may actually go for. </span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/feeding/healthy-eating/the-20-best-snacks-for-kids/"><span style="color: #606420; font-family: Arial;">http://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/feeding/healthy-eating/the-20-best-snacks-for-kids/#</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></span></div><br />
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</div></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843435206365389922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670295797732810799.post-24043316490584052772011-08-12T07:40:00.000-07:002011-08-12T07:40:01.703-07:00Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad - From Alice at Savory Sweet LifeThis is my go-to summer salad. Fresh, full of flavor and easy peasy. Think of this the next time you need to bring a salad to a BBQ. My favorite food blogger- Alice from Savory Sweet Life posted it and her pictures blew me away so I included one. Thanks Alice!<br />
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<a href="http://www.savorysweetlife.com/">http://www.savorysweetlife.com/</a> <br />
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<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8753" height="782" src="http://savorysweetlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/tomato-basil-mozerella-salad.jpg" title="tomato basil mozerella salad" width="550" /><br />
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<table border="0" class="ERHDTable"><tbody>
<tr><td><span class="item ERName"><span class="fn">Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad</span></span></td><td align="center" valign="top"><div class="ERRatingOuter"><div class="review hreview-aggregate"><span class="rating"><span class="count"></span></span></div></div></td><td class="ERHDPrint" valign="top"><div class="btnERPrint" jquery16109538341569089233="2"> </div></td></tr>
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<div class="ERRatingInner" style="width: 100%;"></div><div class="ERClear"> Recipe Type: <span class="tag">Side Dish</span></div><div class="ERClear"><span class="tag"></span> </div><div class="ERHead">Author: <span class="author">Savory Sweet Life</span></div><div class="ERHead"><span class="author"></span> </div><div class="ERHead">Serves: <span class="yield">4-6</span></div><div class="ERHead"><span class="yield"></span> </div><div class="ERSummary"><span class="summary">A simple but flavorful recipe for Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad.</span></div><div class="ERIngredientsHeader">Ingredients</div><ul class="ingredients"><li class="ingredient">1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved </li>
<li class="ingredient">8 ounces fresh “mini” mozzerella pearls </li>
<li class="ingredient">4 tablespoons olive oil </li>
<li class="ingredient">18 basil leaves, chopped </li>
<li class="ingredient">1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt </li>
<li class="ingredient">1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper </li>
</ul><div class="ERInstructionsHeader">Instructions</div><div class="instructions"><ol><li class="instruction">Add the cherry tomatoes and mozzerella cheese to a medium bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the tomatoes and mozzerella. Add the basil, salt, and pepper, and gently toss all the ingredients. </li>
</ol></div><div class="nutrition"> Enjoy!!</div><div class="endeasyrecipe" style="display: none;"> </div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843435206365389922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670295797732810799.post-2895356763143477082011-02-03T08:53:00.000-08:002011-02-03T08:53:21.465-08:00The Niroga Institute brings the benefits of yoga to minority and at-risk communities.I stumbled upon this 2008 Ode Magazine article. It is about the impact of yoga for minority and at-risk communities. Interesting. Check it out. <br />
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<span lang="EN"></span><a href="http://www.odemagazine.com/doc/53/stretching-themselves-to-the-limit/"><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><span lang="EN">http://www.odemagazine.com/doc/53/stretching-themselves-to-the-limit/</span></span></span></u></a>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843435206365389922noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670295797732810799.post-60015313185570751912011-02-02T09:42:00.000-08:002011-02-02T09:42:02.583-08:00The Library....I recently just re-discovered the library. I grew up going to the library almost weekly. I always left with stacks of books as a child. Then of course I used it in high school and then I spent a ridiculous amount of time there in college. I remember I had a college friend admit that he never stepped foot in the beautiful Paterno library the entire time he was in college. Not sure how that is possible or that I would admit that to anyone.<br />
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I couldn't wait to get my son into a story time program. When he was about 2 years old I called and was told that the story times for "Mother Goose Story time" fill up quickly and unfortunately it was full. I asked about the times so that I could be on top of it for the next session. They were in the middle of the day during the week. I guess working moms aren't interested in a story time with their child on the weekends. <br />
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Some time passed and we went here or there but not consistently. A few months ago I went with Miles because I wanted to start reading the Kindergarten suggested reading list with him. I fell in love all over again. Miles, who loves books wasn't interested in looking at them when we were there he was more interested in playing on the computers which was fine. I gathered his books and it worked out perfectly. Since then we've gone almost weekly. I also started checking out classic Disney movies for them. Which is great because they are free and then I can decide which ones they like enough to buy.Free is the other amazing thing. I buy books like some women buy shoes. Always building my collection. Not only for myself but tons of children's books have been purchased in the 4 short years my son has been here. Of course a great collection is important but this makes much more sense. Every book is not worth owning. <br />
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If you are not a frequent library goer, check it out. My library has an awesome website that allows me to hold books I want for myself and you can also renew on line. Super efficient. <br />
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And I am happy to say that next weekend Miles and I will be attending our first story time together. Finally one on a Saturday!<br />
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843435206365389922noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670295797732810799.post-38858154635825815452011-02-02T09:10:00.000-08:002011-02-02T09:10:40.833-08:00My review of "The Lion & the Mouse" By, Jerry Pinkney<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GU9qhQboAjM/TUjGkdNb2uI/AAAAAAAAAAs/-C61QNMxGSQ/s1600/Lion+and+the+mouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GU9qhQboAjM/TUjGkdNb2uI/AAAAAAAAAAs/-C61QNMxGSQ/s200/Lion+and+the+mouse.jpg" width="200" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I decided to review a children's book. Miles and I loved this book. It is the classic fable of two unlikely friends. There are literally hundreds of editions of this classic story. What makes this edition extraordinary is that it is word-less. The illustrations tell the story. We "read" it together and I may have enjoyed it more than Miles. There is nothing better than watching their minds at work. He was using context clues and making educated guesses about how the story would play out. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous. We got this one from the library but it is totally worth buying. I would recommended it for any preschooler. A younger child may also appreciate the pictures.</div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843435206365389922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670295797732810799.post-9792682200181890302011-02-01T15:40:00.000-08:002011-02-01T15:40:46.148-08:00In honor of his day....<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;"><span class="body1"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-US"> </span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-US">Martin Luther King, Jr.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span></span></span> </div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843435206365389922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670295797732810799.post-22813707463506186792011-02-01T15:39:00.000-08:002011-02-03T09:13:58.178-08:00Two of my favorite comfort foods which are perfect for this cold wintery weather.<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial;">My mac and cheese is my wonderful, amazing, fantastic cook, Gram Rae’s recipe. After she passed I started to make it from memory and this is what I came up with. Wow that was 14 years ago. I have realized over the years that we are very similar cooks. She used to prepare the entire Thanksgiving meal. Now I know why, she wanted everything exactly as she imagined and likely thought her recipe was the best for the things she wanted to prepare. I will admit that I have been known to do that. I get it Gram. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Mac and cheese</b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1 1lb elbow noodles</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1 lb American cheese (I use Land O’Lakes yellow American from the deli)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial;">8 oz sharp shredded cheddar (I use Sargento)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial;">3 cups milk (add more if needed)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial;">2 tablespoon butter</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Salt and pepper to taste</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Put on a pot of water to boil the pasta. At the same time combine the milk, butter and both cheeses, salt and pepper in a sauce pan. Reserve a little of the shredded cheddar for the top before baking. Keep the temperature at medium low heat. Melt the cheese and the milk until slightly bubbling, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to boil over. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial;">When the pasta is done pour it into a baking dish. If it is glass or ceramic, no need to grease the pan. If it is metal I would grease it with butter. Pour the cheese sauce over top. If there is not actual sauce in the pan stir in a little more milk until it is creamy and sitting in a little of the sauce. Sprinkle with the reserved cheddar cheese. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Bake uncovered at 350 for about 30 minutes. Until the top browns a little and the edges and corners are bubbling. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is my own recipe for meatloaf that I think I have perfected over the years. I like to make it for people that think they don't like meatloaf. My rule is that I don't use too many breadcrumbs. I want it to taste like a juicy burger not mystery meat. </span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Meatloaf</span></strong></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div><span lang="EN-US"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial;">2lbs of ground sirloin</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1 red bell pepper- chopped</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1 small Vidalia onion- chopped</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial;">¼ cup of breadcrumbs (eyeball it)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial;">2 eggs (beaten)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Ground cumin</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Salt and pepper</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Chop all vegetable and combine. You can use a green pepper but I find the red is nicer because it is slightly sweet and mild. When adding the cumin be generous. It offers a nice smoky flavor and you need more of it than you think. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I bake my meatloaf in a baking pan. I shape in into an oval shape and cover with foil. Bake it at 350 for about 45 minutes. I take the foil off for the last few minutes to let it brown. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial;">These two recipes would be perfect enjoyed together with a side of some green vegetable. Kale, Green beans, Spinach or Broccoli would all be great. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Enjoy!</b></span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843435206365389922noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670295797732810799.post-16784929374525919632010-12-23T12:45:00.001-08:002010-12-23T12:45:26.420-08:00When the Christmas cards just don't make it out.<table bgcolor="#ffffff" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://smilebox.com/play/4d6a45794d544d324d54593d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_playback_link" target="_blank"><img alt="Click to play this Smilebox greeting" height="303" src="http://smilebox.com/snap/4d6a45794d544d324d54593d0d0a.jpg" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;" width="386" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/?partner=smilebox&campaign=blog_snapshot" target="_blank"><img alt="Create your own greeting - Powered by Smilebox" height="46" src="http://www.smilebox.com/globalImages/blogInstructions/blogLogoSmileboxSmall.gif" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;" width="386" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td align="center">This digital greeting made with Smilebox<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"> Who knew that the addition of one more child would frazzle me to the point that I can't even seem to get Christmas cards out. My daughter was 5 months old last year and around the week before Christmas I realized nope not going to happen. The first step is acknowledging you are in over your head right?? This year I thought for sure I will send Christmas cards to show of my 2 beautiful kids. And here we are 4 days away from Christmas with no cards in the mail. So rather than not show pictures of my kids again this year and miss the opportunity to wish my friends and family a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays I decided to do something different, E Cards!! I searched for ecards and I found a lot of not so great sites and I also found Smilebox!! I love love love this site. It's convenient, easy to use, fun, cute, green and free! If you don't know about it check it out. It has great designs for everything. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is the Christmas card I created. Enjoy!!</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843435206365389922noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670295797732810799.post-22557517317126344832010-12-23T12:45:00.000-08:002010-12-23T12:56:54.311-08:00Why Yoga practice in the studio is so important to me.Oh how I love my yoga class. And oh how I love my yoga studio. It's my me time. Mommy's time out, Andrea time. A minute to think or not think at all. I have practiced yoga on and off for 8 years. But not until about a year ago have I had a love affair with it. Before you have children you may think you need to relax, you may think that "me time" is important but now that I have a 4 and 1 year old I realize that I had no idea what I was talking about! The first time I walked into my house after my first class in about 2 1/2 years I stood in front of my husband, dumbfounded and said OK.... Ummmmmmmm.... LIFE CHANGING!!! and I was hooked. Thursday's I now had a date at 7:00pm at Dew Yoga with Jen. The infamous "Jen" who was an awesome instructor and who's class I enjoyed more than any class I've taken in the past. My husband knew how important it was so he would plan to be out of work at 6:40 so I could make it. He knew it was something special and that I was a better person because of it. I really appreciated how much he got it.<br />
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I wasn't interested in practicing at home amidst scattered toys, laundry that needed folded and an occasional "moooooommmmmyyyyy!!" interrupting my zone. Dew smelled like yoga, sounded like yoga with the most perfect yoga groove mixes and was intimate and cozy. I often thought that I'd like to actually move in to Dew. Or at least I'd settle for the occasional sleepover over in the corner in front of the bolsters and yoga bricks. But Dew was more than aesthetically pleasing, it is the yoga education I've received that has been invaluable. I of course have learned many new asanas (postures/positions) because practicing with an experienced instructor is invaluable. The leading that takes place, the adjusting and guidance and the teaching cannot occur by looking at a magazine or book or on line. I've also finally learned how important pranayama(breathing) is in yoga. I may not be able to practice asanas daily but I practice pranayama every single day. Being in a class learning the proper techniques for various pranayama is essential to learn it properly. And when anxiety strikes I call on my beloved pranayama. I've also learned countless life lessons thought yoga that I plan on sharing with the readers of this blog. And the sense of community is so important. If for no other reason than so you don't feel totally nuts doing some of these things!<br />
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I am now confident enough to practice at home and flow in a sequence based on my feeling my way naturally through. But that would not be possible without my studio time where I am enjoying myself yes, but also soaking up the invaluable life experience of my instructor.<br />
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Is it Thursday at 7:00 yet??Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843435206365389922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670295797732810799.post-13171669021839354422010-12-15T06:46:00.000-08:002012-01-22T18:50:25.917-08:00My review of "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GU9qhQboAjM/TQfRpwlEHZI/AAAAAAAAAAg/ivpzdpd13pg/s1600/The+Help.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GU9qhQboAjM/TQfRpwlEHZI/AAAAAAAAAAg/ivpzdpd13pg/s200/The+Help.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">I am a member of a book club of 5 and I am the only member that read this one. Our track record isn't so great. I can actually only think of one book that we all read, The Secret Life of Bees, which we loved and it inspired our name, The Queen Bees Book Club. So shout out to the QBBC, maybe this review will persuade one of you to pick this up and finish it! </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So I just finished this last week. This book came out in 2009 and instantly became a hit. It is about 3 women that are working toward changing how things are in Jacksonville, Mississippi in 1962. Two are black maids and one is a white woman that has a maid herself. I hate a book review that re-caps the entire book so I won't do that but I will tell you if it's worth reading or not and it is. But I do have mixed feelings about it when I read the tons of raving reviews on Amazon. It was a good read but in my opinion not as exceptional or amazing as so many people claim. I think the life of an African American maid in the 60's is new territory for many. An untold story. But for most black people we have heard this many times. It's our history. So I definitely think in this case your opinion may be different depending on your race. Either way, I think anyone would agree it's a great story. It is well writen and the format is nice, it's told through all three women, which I loved. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was hard to get into but by page 100 it did become quite the page turner. I'm talking walk around the house toting it, fighting sleep to read read read kind of page turner. So read it! And let me know what you think.</span>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843435206365389922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670295797732810799.post-47222092927167786862010-12-14T18:00:00.000-08:002010-12-15T07:05:57.028-08:00Complaining....<span style="font-size: large;">I have had the daily devotions book "Ending Your Day Right" by Joyce Meyer for over a year now and I love it. I don't read it daily I use it more of a reference when I need some uplifting or just to reflect. Last week just after I finished complaining about one of the things in my life that is just not happening fast enough for me or when I want it to, which is now, I picked up this book. And of course the day I chose talked about how we all need to stop complaining! It was exactly what I needed to read. I had to laugh. We complain about our jobs when so many people would love a steady income. We complain about something that isn't right in our house when so many people are sleeping outside in the cold. It was right on time. I love when that happens. Makes me pause for a minute and count my blessings and stop the incessant complaining!</span>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843435206365389922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2670295797732810799.post-35125948903734070852010-12-14T17:30:00.000-08:002010-12-23T12:47:01.129-08:00A favorite frugal and delicious holiday gift.... the Christmas cookie.<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Most people love a bargain when it comes to Christmas shopping. Giving gifts of food is always suggested as a frugal gift. And I think most people really enjoy getting them but grossly underestimate the time and effort that goes into making them. Especially if you are not a baker yourself. I am guilty of this myself. I am a new baker. I never really enjoyed it before because the rules and strict instructions made me shy away from it. But then I watched "Julie & Julia" the movie about Julia Child and a food blogger and I gave it a try and love it! So this year I am making my first ever gift of cookies! Yippeeeeeeeee I get to take part in this awesome and FRUGAL holiday gift and realize how much of a labor of love it is. Speaking of labor of love, I think only 4 of my 7 bosses are getting any. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">My mom's recipe that she has made for years and that we all love. It's my first time making them. My mom has been making them for 35 years. This is definitely her famous cookie. Plenty of church events, bake sales, events for all three of her children and colleagues have enjoyed this simple yet delicious cookie.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Cherry Squares</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1/2 lb butter</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 1/2 c. sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4 eggs</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2 tsp. vanilla</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2 c. flour</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 can cherry pie filling</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Powdered sugar</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add egg and mix well. Add vanilla and mix well. Add flour and mix well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Spread onto a baking sheet. It will be thin. Lightly scor into squares. I usually do 6 horizontal and 8 vertical. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Place a cherry into the center of each square. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bake for 20 minutes, cut into squares and dust with powdered sugar. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy!</span><br />
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</span></div></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02843435206365389922noreply@blogger.com1