Week 51 Wednesday (12/31/14)

Recipe Review

Today’s Recipe and Location:           Spinach Artichoke Pasta        

Found in: The Pioneer Woman blog

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2012/10/spinach-artichoke-pasta/

         I looked through this recipe several times, because the artichokes just called to me. I love artichokes and cheese. and if I could just make this without the spinach, then it would be perfect for me. In fact, that is something that I probably will try. Ree has so many great pasta recipes that include cheese, that adding artichokes sounds wonderful!

      

Gabbin’ About Gratitude

I am extremely grateful for refreshed hair and Colleen Addante. It feels great to have a talented beautician who works wonders with my hair. I love having it cut and colored. I always look forward to my appointments and how shiny and pretty it will be after she styles it. Thank God, for Colleen.

Memory Musings

         I am so happy that I received notification about another engagement. My nephew, Matthew called to tell me that he is engaged to Heather. I am so happy for them. I love that my family is growing in leaps and bounds. That makes three family members currently engaged.  I love it! Isn’t love grand?

The happy, newly engaged couple

Week 51 Tuesday (12/30/14)

Recipe Review

Today’s Recipe and Location:           Steakhouse Pizza        

Found in: The Pioneer Woman blog

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/09/steakhouse-pizza/

         Pizza is one of my favorite foods. I actually love pizza and steak, but have never put them together. I probably should have tried this recipe out, but I am a pepperoni and black olive pizza girl. If you want to venture into a fun pizza, try this one.

      

Craft Corner       

         This morning I went to Walmart for groceries, and I saw a woman with a large storage container. That triggered a thought, that I have yarn everywhere in my sewing room, and I need a few large containers to organize my yarn. Thank Heavens there are so many options for storage, so that people like me can store supplies in a common location which makes creating that next project a success.

This is the wrapping paper container I bought.
It is turned on its side.  It is really long!
I love the fact that is in on wheels!

It only took a minute to totally fill this one.
Thank Heavens that I purchased two containers. 

My Gorgeous Girls       

         Boy, am I late on the Christmas card front. So, being creative, I decided to send New Year’s Cards, instead. Here are the photos I took for the card. I have yet to select the actual card photo.

Sage looks so melancholy

It's good, but Sage is hard to see.

Same problem

I don't like the quilt in the background

Could they look unhappier?

I like this one, but Willow looks like
she is being choked by the bow.

Sisterly love

I just don't know which to pick

Come on girls, smile for the camera

Week 51 Monday (12/29/14)

Recipe Review

Today’s Recipe and Location:           Tomato Bread Salad        

Found in: The Pioneer Woman blog

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/06/tomato-bread-salad/

         This is one heck of a pretty salad. It is made with tomatoes and a lot of spices. It doesn’t look difficult to make, but it is extremely healthy and one of those salads that would add true beauty to a plate.  This is a must try! Jenny, I think this one’s for  Linda, Martha, and you.

Random Reflections - Bucket List

         I would like to vacation in Colorado. My previous trips to Colorado occurred when I was a teenager. The first trip was to Estes Park with my entire family and my Mom’s parents. There were eight people in our blue station wagon that had the fake wood on the side.

         The trip was wonderful. My memories are of Kim and I climbing the mountain behind our cabin, and horseback riding. I remember feeding the squirrels by hand, and playing my first game of shuffleboard with my Grandma. Life was really good back then.

Vacation in Colorado

create a list of home repairs

Prepare to teach a new course at Aurora University

Visit Brookfield Zoo and photograph the animals

Have absolutely no debt

Set up a schedule for next summer to visit area cities

Organize and purge the basement

I am going to learn as much as I can about large animals

Make repairs in each and every room of my home to prepare to sell

Research Hadrian’s Wall for visit to Scotland

Enter a quilt in a local fair

Write a book about school for parents

Host a game party

Purchase a truck

I would like to learn more about fostering animals

Visit the narrowed list of Kentucky towns each for a weekend

Have a B.M.I. of 24.9 or lower

Return to Florida/Alabama and see old friends

Play tennis again

Learn to play bridge

Have an in-ground pool

Finish writing a book on the Scent Family

Save up enough money for a down payment on my Kentucky house

Research every town in Kentucky in hopes of relocating

Work on learning calligraphy and bettering daily penmanship

Begin making my own clothing using a mannequin

Volunteer at an animal rescue

Visit all 50 states

Photography courses

Complete all of Mom’s and my scrapbooks

Go skiing again in Colorado

Meet the Duggar family

Watch every nominee and winner for the Academy Awards to date

Remodel my kitchen

Take piano lessons

Write 2 books for my great-nephews

Travel to Wales

Travel to Scotland

Alaskan cruise

Wants and Wishes

What is a wish?  According to the first definition from Webster’s Dictionary it is:

1:  to have a desire for (as something unattainable) <wished he could live his life over.

         After reading this definition, I realized that I wouldn’t have changed a thing about how I have lived my life. I have had many interesting jobs and a wonderful profession. I have a great family and many friends. If I had to live my life over, then I would just do it the same way, so what is the point? I love my life, and have so much left to do in this one.

Week 50 Sunday (12/28/14)

Recipe Review

Today’s Recipe and Location:           Thai Chicken Wraps        

Found in: The Pioneer Woman blog

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2013/02/thai-chicken-wraps/

       I have no idea why I skipped this recipe. Talk about not carefully reading the recipe. I actually like everything in this wrap. I think I skipped it because it IS a wrap. I am usually not a big fan because they are frequently filled with veggies. This one has cucumbers and carrots – two things I love.

         I really love the marinade in this recipe. In the upcoming days, I will review a wonderful Thai recipe that begins like this one. I didn’t know how much I loved Thai food. Ree is a pro with Thai.  I actually already have many of the unique oils she uses in this recipe. This is a keeper.

      

Trivial Triffles

         Every winter, I spend time in the evenings working on a puzzle. This simple activity is fun and calming. I have so many puzzles that it is fun to rotate them. I usually begin with the outside border and then focus on the middle. My intention is usually to just spend a few minutes working on it, however if I am not careful, hours can pass without my knowledge. I leave the puzzle out on the dining room table where it is out of the way. Put out a puzzle and relax.

Memory Musings

         My first college experience was when I attended Gulf Coast Community College in Panama City, Florida. I was completing basic courses, but all of my electives were in the secretarial area.  I loved taking shorthand and accounting. I think what really made this experience wonderful is that three or four of the Stopkas also attended this school at the same time.  I know for sure that Kathy, Brian, and Laura were there when I was there, but I am not sure about Mary. I never had any classes with them, but it made it fun that all of us attended the same school. A happy school memory.

Week 50 Saturday (12/27/14)

Today’s Recipe and Location:           Grilled Chicken Salad with Feta, Corn,                                                       and Blueberries        

Found in: The Pioneer Woman blog

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/04/grilled-chicken-salad-with-feta-fresh-corn-and-blueberries/

         I love everything in this recipe, except the blasted blueberries. I thought about making it without them, but that would be too much of a change from the original recipe. One thing I have always tried to do is to stay true to Ree’s recipes. This helps me write an honest review.

         This one would be a great lunch.

                  

Random Reflections

         I was reading the paper last week and read that Mary Ann Mobley had died at the age of 77. She passed away due to breast cancer.

         In 1959, she won the Miss America title. She was very young and pretty.

         I remember her well from old TV shows. She always seemed like a happy person. I know she was married to Gary Collins. I don’t know for how long, or if he is even alive. I remember her fondly from her playing on Match Game with Gene Rayburn. She was also on those shows that have a lot of guest stars like: Love American Style, and Fantasy Island.

         I hate when I read this in the paper, but it does make me think of happy, fond memories of the past, too.

          

Helpful Home Hints

         My Grandmother was one smart cookie. In the summer months, my G-Ma used to run the dehumidifier in the basement. She poured the water she collected into empty milk bottles. She used the water in the winter for her houseplants. She saved money and gave her plants the nourishment they needed. It is a small gesture, but her generation realized the value of saving pennies. 

Week 50 Friday (12/26/14)

Recipe Review

Today’s Recipe and Location:           Pineapple Skewed Shrimp        

Found in: The Pioneer Woman blog

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/05/yummy-easy-pineapple-skewered-shrimp-or-is-it-skewered-pineapple-shrimp/

         I swear that I already reviewed this recipe, but I went through all of my lists, and couldn’t find a time when I wrote it up on the blog.

         Actually, I did not create this recipe. My niece, Alaina, made it last year for our family Christmas Party. They were a big hit. I do remember her saying that they were easy to make but rolling them up was trying at times.

         This is a great hors de oeuvre.

      

Fabulous “Family and Friends” Food

Cranberry Bread

         Mix in large bowl:

                  4 cups flour

                  4 cups sugar

                  1 Tblsp. baking powder

                  2 teasp. salt

                  1 teasp. baking soda

         Cut it:

                  ½ c. shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

         In medium bowl beat:

                  2 eggs

                  2 Tblsp. orange peel

                  1 + ¾ c. orange juice

         Stir  egg mixture into flour mixture just until moistened.

         Gently stir in:

                  2 cups chopped cranberries

                  2 cups walnuts        

         Pour batter into 2 large or 6 mini greased and floured bread pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 55 minutes (large) or 45 minutes (mini).

Week 50 Thursday (12/25/14)

Merry Christmas!

A big happy birthday to my

best friend, Kathy Kirchler, 

who lives in the great state of Alabama.

Recipe Review

Today’s Recipe and Location:           Edna Mae’s Escalloped Cabbage        

Found in: The Pioneer Woman blog

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/07/edna-maes-escalloped-cabbage-recipe/

       Am I the only one who has never heard the word escalloped?  Scalloped – yes. I looked it up in Webster’s Dictionary and they don’t know it either. That really made me feel intelligent.

         There are only six ingredients in this recipe. I have never been a big fan of cabbage, but my extended family used to eat a lot of it when I was a kid. This is pretty good, according to Ree. I have never seen a recipe that included Cheez Whiz.  What a hoot.  If you are looking for something new – try this one.

Random Reflections

         I was reading April 2014’s O Magazine when I read an article written by Brene’ Brown. After reading this article, I sat there thinking about my behavior and that of those I know. Brown stated that we all judge people a lot, which is a waste of time. She said that we need to examine “WHY” we feel the need to be so judgmental. What are we getting out of it? I thought this was important to look at myself and try to be less judgmental of others. The first step is to be mindful of where I am coming from while judging others. I love it when I read an article that helps me improve myself.

Irksome Ideas and Images      

         I really dislike plastic water bottles and bags. I grew up in the age of paper bags, and we did just fine. Plastic bags are so bad for the environment so I use cloth bags at the grocery. I am still using the ones I bought five years ago. Imagine how many plastic bags I have avoided using in five years.

         I really try to use glass whenever I can. I began buying my salad dressing in the produce section. The dressing comes in glass bottles, which I reuse as single serve drink bottles. My fridge door is filled with water in glass bottles and lemonade in my recycled dressing bottles.  It only takes a little effort to cut back and be kind to the environment. The best thing is that they can all go in the dishwasher and be used hundreds of times (minus the caps that rust).

These Arizona tea bottles are filled with fresh water

These are the reused dressing bottles that are filled with lemon/lime water

Week 50 Wednesday (12/24/14)

It’s Christmas Eve!

May your day be merry and bright!

Recipe Review

Today’s Recipe and Location:           David Leite’s White Gazpacho with Crab        

Found in: The Pioneer Woman blog

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/07/david-leites-white-gazpacho-with-crab-salad/

         I love the idea of the crab salad, but cold soup does nothing for me. One of the best parts of soup is the hot, warm, comforting feeling you get while eating a large bowl. So, how do I feel when I eat cold soup? Who knows, since it has never happened, yet. Okay, I know it is hard to judge something that you have never tasted. You’re absolutely right – I’m a wimp.

      

Gabbin’ About Gratitude

         I feel that I am fortunate to get a little more intelligent as I age. Experience is the key to gaining knowledge. I guess there are those who don’t learn from their mistakes, but I rarely repeat the dumb choices in my life. I thank my parents for helping me obtain my Master’s Degree in Education. This gave me the ability to earn a living, and reach for the stars.

Memory Musings

         One of my favorite school memories will always be of working on the fifth grade musical at Munhall Elementary. We took these performances very seriously, and they were extremely well done. All of the fifth grade teachers worked on it together. We had sets, costumes, music, dancing, and singing. The plays were always musicals. Our music teacher, Kathy Mizgalski, was amazing. I really miss working on these plays. Maybe one of the things I should add to my bucket list is to work with a local company and volunteer to help with anything that they may need. I love that idea!

Week 50 Tuesday (12/23/14)

Recipe Review      

Today’s Recipe and Location:           Creamed Spinach                 

Found in: The Pioneer Woman blog

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/04/creamed-spinach-to-die-for/

         The idea of eating spinach sends my mind reeling, but making it creamed is beyond anything I imagined. As a kid, my Grandma made creamed corn, which everyone loved, except me. I love corn but why must we cream it? I wonder if people who love spinach raw also like it creamed. It looks great, but I know it tastes green.

Craft Corner

         I am so excited. Three of my students gave me knitting supplies, and I can’t wait to begin a new project, or even finish the ones that I have already started. I think I am going to dig out the lavender and white quilt that I began a few years ago. I am sewing the entire thing together by hand. Crafting is so much fun and needs to become part of my daily life. Right now I barely even fit it into my weekly schedule.

My Gorgeous Girls

         Today, is rainy and cold and all Sage thinks about is playing Frisbee. She brought it to me when I was balancing my checkbook, paying bills, loading the washing machine, and even when I was in the bathroom.

         She so loves this toy. Playing catch gives her such joy and happiness. Unfortunately, I was just not interested. Poor, poor Baby Sage.

She even looks sad

I reeeeeeeally want to play

It's okay.... I'll just walk around and look dejected

Week 50 Monday (12/22/14)

Recipe Review

Today’s Recipe and Location:           Sausage, Potato, and Kale Soup        

Found in: The Pioneer Woman blog

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/10/sausage-potato-and-kale-soup/

         This soup sounds interesting, because I love sausage. I also love potato soup so the two of them together should be great. The kale, of course, makes this a definite no for me. This soup has a lot of kale, and I hoped it would have a creamy base, but it is not creamy at all. Of course, that probably makes it a healthier soup. Enjoy everyone!

Random Reflections

Bucket List #38

       One of the first things I need to do when I retire is to thoroughly go through every room in the house, and make a "to do" list of repairs or enhancements that need to be completed before I put the house on the market.

create a list of home repairs

Prepare to teach a new course at Aurora University

Visit Brookfield Zoo and photograph the animals

Have absolutely no debt

Set up a schedule for next summer to visit area cities

Organize and purge the basement

I am going to learn as much as I can about large animals

Make repairs in each and every room of my home to prepare to sell

Research Hadrian’s Wall for visit to Scotland

Enter a quilt in a local fair

Write a book about school for parents

Host a game party

Purchase a truck

I would like to learn more about fostering animals

Visit the narrowed list of Kentucky towns each for a weekend

Have a B.M.I. of 24.9 or lower

Return to Florida/Alabama and see old friends

Play tennis again

Learn to play bridge

Have an in-ground pool

Finish writing a book on the Scent Family

Save up enough money for a down payment on my Kentucky house

Research every town in Kentucky in hopes of relocating

Work on learning calligraphy and bettering daily penmanship

Begin making my own clothing using a mannequin

Volunteer at an animal rescue

Visit all 50 states

Photography courses

Complete all of Mom’s and my scrapbooks

Go skiing again in Colorado

Meet the Duggar family

Watch every nominee and winner for the Academy Awards to date

Remodel my kitchen

Take piano lessons

Write 2 books for my great-nephews

Travel to Wales

Travel to Scotland

Alaskan cruise

Why Weight?

       My goal for the next two weeks is to stay within five pounds of my lowest weight loss so far. I selected five pounds because I have heard that number always used about holiday gains. The real reason I selected five is because I think I can lose that within two weeks of counting and exercising. 

Wants and Wishes

This is my first official day of vacation, and I am filling it up with tasks. I am enjoying spending the time with the girls and being able to relax.

          I wish everyone who reads this blog, a magical, memorable Christmas Week.