3.8.13 TGIF!!!
What a beautiful day in North Carolina! It is just after 8am as I blog away and the sun is shining super bright and the skies are Carolina Blue (as in the state not the icky Tar Heels). The good news is we are about to have a taste of spring style weekend! Highs in the sixties and ample sunshine - I am a happy girl.
If you are living in a still wintry wonderland - I would bottle this weather up and send it to you if I could. Your beautiful early spring is coming....hold tight!
******************************
This weekend will mark my sixth year of wedded bliss. OK my sixth year of marriage and my second year of bliss. We will be celebrating on Sunday with a trip to a local state park for some hiking and pic-a-nicking. We are still going away but that's a little while off (as well as a few more pounds away!)....
What have I learned in six years?
Marriage isn't easy. It is a very delicate balance of two people giving their 100% each and every day. The days where you fail to give a full 100 and only give a 99 are the days where you don't feel so connected, so great, so happy. We have had our uphill battles, screaming matches, woulda/shoulda/coulda times but it looks as though they are further and further in the rear-view mirror. What keeps our marriage strong? Not looking back. Not dwelling on past trespasses. Striving to be a little better, a little stronger, a little lovelier every single day. If I can tell you anything it is this - don't keep looking back - just don't look back on bad stuff or you'll be like Lot's wife - a pile of nothingness.
When I think about six years I think of all the marriages that don't even last six months. I also think about how the covenant of marriage is taken so incredibly lightly in 2013. We live in a society that has the mentality of - "If it doesn't work out we'll just get divorced" - that is no way to be. When did it become A OK to let failure be acceptable? Some people rush into marriage. Some people are forced into marriage. Fools rush in...forcing leads to failure. We need a culture that respects real love & the bond between a husband and a wife and makes survival of the marriage cool. We also need to respect that marriage should be between two people who really do love each other and WANT to spend the rest of their lives together. There is more to being married than playing house. Marriage isn't just a game. It is a legal binding contract that says you will never hurt, forsake, harm, or wish ill will - but you will care, love, acknowledge, tend to, and nurture someone else for all of your days.
My wedding was less than $7K my honeymoon was less than $1K. My wedding ring was ate by the ocean just two years in. His family hated me. My dad said he'd be nothing. Our heartache in the first four years cannot be described. The past two have been remarkable. I eagerly look forward to celebrating more anniversaries.
*****************************************
What are we cleaning today (or this weekend)?
The sun is out -- it is time to beat and sun. Need to get some frustrations out? This is your day! If you have removable cushions on your furniture then this is for you! If you don't keep reading something will apply to you!
First off - get all the money out of your couches and chairs. If you don't find money maybe you'll find that remote you lost a couple months back, a giftcard you misplaced, nail clippers, a pacifier, a dog bone, whatever - get it out.
Next lets vacuum. If you have removable cushions pull them off and with your brush attachment vacuum them all over to help suck out dust, dander, etc.
If you have furniture that is not leather but also has cushions that do not come off then use the floor attachment, take off your shoes and gently vacuum the surface.
Next up take them outside and beat them or just shake them really hard to help get that established dirty, germs, allergens loosened.
Find a sunny spot in your yard, on your porch, etc. Place a sheet or two down. After vacuuming and beating your cushions place the cushions in the sun. Only leave them out for about an hour. Remember to turn them so that you don't fade out any color!
The sun is so cool - it will help kill germs and remove smells!!!
Other items you can sun -
Your mattresses! Vacuum them and put them out on a blanket.
Pillows! A little vacuuming and put them out on a blanket.
Stuffed animals! (See above)
Babies! (Do not vacuum them) (Ok maybe not but they do need to get outside)
Dogs! (See babies)
Rugs! Beat them, beat them, beat them, and sun them.
*****************************************
Shrimp n Rice
2 cups of rice (brown or white)
1 lb of shrimp - uncooked, clean them up and cut off tails, devein, and remove their jackets
I make it very spicey some say.....
2 Tbsp Old Bay
5 Tbsp Unsalted Butter
Cook rice accordingly
Boil shrimp til pink, add in a couple teaspoons of Old Bay to your water if you would like.
In a sautee pan melt your butter with the remaining Old Bay (use as much Old Bay as you prepare)
Spoon some rice in your bowl
Put your shrimp on top
Generously pour in some of your Old Bay Butter sauce.
Yummy!
**********************************************
Have a safe and happy weekend! Remember to adjust your clocks one hour forward before you pass out on Saturday night! See ya next week (with a new theme, maybe I'll let you in on the theme over the weekend....)
**********************************************
Oh and if you don't want to clean up this weekend - then just finish off that bottle of wine!
**********************************************
Until we meet again -
Brownie
Promote this blog! Just share the link on your Facebook and Twitter feeds! I will be sooooo thankful! http://abrownieworld.blogspot.com
Friday, March 8, 2013
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Eggs!!!
For my local readers!
Egg season is back!
I have eggs ready for purchase
Cage free, organic, delicious eggs!
Know where your food comes from and order your eggs from me!
Email for ordering or leave a comment on this post.
1 dozen eggs $3.25
*Still cheaper than those mass producers!*
Delivery may be available.
Parenting Books and Acceptable Quickies for Cleaning
3.7.13 Happy birthday Dad-o!
Is it possible to do more thinking in your sleep than when you are awake? I feel like it may be. Last night my brain was on high speed - even after I went to sleep. My husband said when he got into bed I turned - looked at him - and said "This is not acceptable," he knew I was asleep and just ignored me.
Prior to sleeping I had been reading one of the many (many many many) parenting books I have recently began collecting (click here to see what I'm reading now my mom gave me this one to read). I am finding out that I am the problem/reason/idea/second Eve that must be causing all the issues I am dealing with with my child. It is my fault that my child has hit a hard patch. OK fine I'll take that responsibility. One thing I do not run from is what I am responsible for. I'm terribly sorry I had another child -to whom I am sorry I'm not sure but its not my kid. Whoa is me that I switched preschools so she could get a different experience. Stupid me thought since she enjoyed taking dance I would let her do it this year. What a fool am I to have said ok when she said she wanted to be in a youth group. I should be burned at the stake for expecting her to make her bed up.
So of course my brain was reeling even after I had passed into the unconscious zone for the night. What is not acceptable? I guess I'm not acceptable.
That is how I am feeling today. It is affecting everything too. I went to work out and ran just over two miles - starting out was hard, then I was in the zone, then I was out of the zone and settled for just over two when I should have done another four.
Later on I chugged out 2 miles with a stroller in front of me.
To say its a coffee day is an understatement.
When the baby was asleep and I could give my diva 125% of my attention she said in so many words she is jealous. Then she began to ramble.
Tips? Any acceptable advice?
********************************************
There are things in our homes that need ten seconds of our time today.
Your washing machine needs to be cleaned.
Two cups of bleach, on hot - run it. But remember to take the laundry out. Believe it or not that machine that cleans gets dirty and holds in germies.
Your dishwasher needs to be cleaned.
I purchase a monthly cleaner. You place the bottle upside down in the silverware basket and turn that baby on heavy wash. It will clean itself.
Many of those disgusting smells we sometimes let fill our olfactory nerves are coming from what you think is a clean dishwasher.
The cleaner will put you out about $3-$4.
What I use & coupon!
Your microwave is needing you.
Take a bowl, fill it with a 1/2 c of water and a 1/2 c of white vinegar. Timer should be set to 2 minutes and push start (well turn the thing on, you need the heat). When time is up, put on an oven mit, remove the bowl and wipe it down.
I'm going to say it and leave it.
Your oven needs some attention. I have no good tricks. Care to share?
Your fridge is holding more than food.
Take the food out, sort it in good and bad piles, put the shelving in the now clean dishwasher or do it by hand.
Are you up for cleaning your freezer?
Eeeek I hate that because techinically you need ot turn that bad boy off to do it right.
Here's a tip: I love baking soda to keep things fresh BUT I have an even better trick. Once upon a time we had that cat. Long story short cat ran away or whatever. So I have a bag of kitty litter. Kitty Litter is awesome at keeping freshness around! Put it in the bottom of your trashcan, a cup in the fridge, a cup on the screened in porch, where ever you have smells put some kitty litter and it will zap the smell and make you go "ahhhhhh"! Plus you can buy a 10lb bag for $1.97 at Walmart!
************************************
My brother is working at Subway....I'm not cooking tonight. Guess where I am going? (Oh disclaimer he is way younger than me and it is his first ligit job. Didn't want you think my brother is 40 and lost his job as a C.E.O. and has been struggling to find something. I doubt that will ever be him. HA!)
*************************************
As I was running this morning this "truth" came on my radio -
Brownie
Do you enjoy my blog? If so please share it! Copy the link to Facebook or Twitter! Get your friends in on the Brownie World Saga!!! http://abrownieworld.blogspot.com
Is it possible to do more thinking in your sleep than when you are awake? I feel like it may be. Last night my brain was on high speed - even after I went to sleep. My husband said when he got into bed I turned - looked at him - and said "This is not acceptable," he knew I was asleep and just ignored me.
Prior to sleeping I had been reading one of the many (many many many) parenting books I have recently began collecting (click here to see what I'm reading now my mom gave me this one to read). I am finding out that I am the problem/reason/idea/second Eve that must be causing all the issues I am dealing with with my child. It is my fault that my child has hit a hard patch. OK fine I'll take that responsibility. One thing I do not run from is what I am responsible for. I'm terribly sorry I had another child -to whom I am sorry I'm not sure but its not my kid. Whoa is me that I switched preschools so she could get a different experience. Stupid me thought since she enjoyed taking dance I would let her do it this year. What a fool am I to have said ok when she said she wanted to be in a youth group. I should be burned at the stake for expecting her to make her bed up.
So of course my brain was reeling even after I had passed into the unconscious zone for the night. What is not acceptable? I guess I'm not acceptable.
That is how I am feeling today. It is affecting everything too. I went to work out and ran just over two miles - starting out was hard, then I was in the zone, then I was out of the zone and settled for just over two when I should have done another four.
Later on I chugged out 2 miles with a stroller in front of me.
To say its a coffee day is an understatement.
When the baby was asleep and I could give my diva 125% of my attention she said in so many words she is jealous. Then she began to ramble.
Tips? Any acceptable advice?
********************************************
There are things in our homes that need ten seconds of our time today.
Your washing machine needs to be cleaned.
Two cups of bleach, on hot - run it. But remember to take the laundry out. Believe it or not that machine that cleans gets dirty and holds in germies.
Your dishwasher needs to be cleaned.
I purchase a monthly cleaner. You place the bottle upside down in the silverware basket and turn that baby on heavy wash. It will clean itself.
Many of those disgusting smells we sometimes let fill our olfactory nerves are coming from what you think is a clean dishwasher.
The cleaner will put you out about $3-$4.
What I use & coupon!
Your microwave is needing you.
Take a bowl, fill it with a 1/2 c of water and a 1/2 c of white vinegar. Timer should be set to 2 minutes and push start (well turn the thing on, you need the heat). When time is up, put on an oven mit, remove the bowl and wipe it down.
I'm going to say it and leave it.
Your oven needs some attention. I have no good tricks. Care to share?
Your fridge is holding more than food.
Take the food out, sort it in good and bad piles, put the shelving in the now clean dishwasher or do it by hand.
Are you up for cleaning your freezer?
Eeeek I hate that because techinically you need ot turn that bad boy off to do it right.
Here's a tip: I love baking soda to keep things fresh BUT I have an even better trick. Once upon a time we had that cat. Long story short cat ran away or whatever. So I have a bag of kitty litter. Kitty Litter is awesome at keeping freshness around! Put it in the bottom of your trashcan, a cup in the fridge, a cup on the screened in porch, where ever you have smells put some kitty litter and it will zap the smell and make you go "ahhhhhh"! Plus you can buy a 10lb bag for $1.97 at Walmart!
************************************
My brother is working at Subway....I'm not cooking tonight. Guess where I am going? (Oh disclaimer he is way younger than me and it is his first ligit job. Didn't want you think my brother is 40 and lost his job as a C.E.O. and has been struggling to find something. I doubt that will ever be him. HA!)
*************************************
As I was running this morning this "truth" came on my radio -
"No matter what happened yesterday, two days ago, last week - today is a new day, a fresh start, a white slate.
That's the goodness of God."
*******************************************************
Until we meet again -Brownie
Do you enjoy my blog? If so please share it! Copy the link to Facebook or Twitter! Get your friends in on the Brownie World Saga!!! http://abrownieworld.blogspot.com
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Dad blasted cheap window treatments! (and a recipe too)
3.6.13 A celebratory day!
One thing I absolutely adore is the Sunday morning ritual of waking up, feeding the baby, drinking some coffee, and reading the paper or my most recent Southern Living - all from the comfort of my little beddy-by. This past weekend I made the run down the road to get a Sunday paper to read.
I love the Sunday paper.
A few years ago I would go every Sunday morning to grab my paper from the rack.
The internet in all of the glory is shines will never match up to the pages of the Sunday paper. Being able to touch, smell, and read all those pages and advertisements and little treasures that only your local printer can churn out - can never be matched by a screen attached (or not) to a keyboard working off a signal floating through the air. (And as I type this I realize computer is old school now it is just Smart Phones and Tablets)...
You may bash me in this school of thought. That paper is killing trees! I recycle so mine isn't. That paper is old news the internet is way faster! I'm not a news junkie so many times it is new news to me. Also, there's a lot of stuff in those print pages that you'll never see on the internet.
Perhaps the added bonus of the retro news source is the coupon section. Turns out you can actually make back the $2 you spend on Sunday just by using a few coupons on items you regularly purchase or have been wanting to try.
Just a thought but maybe the mad dash to coupon yourself into oblivion is the secret ingredient to keeping the antique idea of newspapers around.
I decided to do my part to help save the antiquated style of news information. I have started a subscription to the Winston-Salem Journal. It will save me the run to the fire station to see if I have already been beat out in grabbing this week's edition.
No, I'm not an old fogey but there are some things that deserve to hang around for a while longer.
*************************************
What are we cleaning today?
I have decided to tackle one thing I simply detest cleaning. Some people never pay them any attention after they install them. When I say never pay attention to them I mean never! The dang things break, start missing pieces, yellow with sunlight and age....no I'm not talking about your Aunt Mildred (even though it is kind of funny how she broke her hip, lost a few teeth, and her skin is covered in liver spots.....hey maybe we all are related!).
No friends I'm talking about......mini blinds.
I have a love hate relationship with them. They are a cheap and effective way at blocking the view inside your home, toning down that bright sun when it is blinding you (do not go towards the light....let me close the blinds). They are also a pretty blah option when it comes to window treatments. I really yearn from some Roman Shades for my home but I haven't budgeted for them at this point. You can also opt for a heavy duty wood based blind but after having to treat for termites I request no more wooden anything in my home.
Fifteen - that's how many mini blinds hang in my home. That is a lot of blinding isn't it? Eeeek so now I have to clean them.
Why do we clean mini blinds? Because....well....ok go look at yours. We pay them so little attention but they need our attention - not every week but at least once a month ok once a quarter!
Mini blinds are magnets for allergens. Dust, pet hair, pollen, lent, human hair - all of that sticks to mini blinds like white on rice. If you are prone to allergies then you better get to crackin' on the mini blind cleaning.
Supplies you'll need for today include:
Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment
Dryer sheet (2 per room)
Optional supplies include:
A pick up truck
Local drive through car wash
Stick that brush attachment on your vaccum and close your blinds - if you have a power select you will want to choose gentle mode to clean these babies. If you have a vacuum that goes only on full power you may need to borrow a vacuum that has a power select setting. While we're mentioning vacuums I must tell you I only use Electrolux. They aren't priced so high you need an insurance policy on them and they last the test of time. I kid you not - when we moved into this house I was using a 1955 model and it worked wonders. In 2009 my husband purchased me a new model and it been a charm!
Ok so you have your brush on your vacuum and you have your vacuum on gentle mode and you have your mini blinds closed - start vacuuming. Don't you love seeing all that dust and junk disappear? After you have finished you need to close them the opposite way and start all over.
After you vacuum them clean then its time to take a dryer sheet and run it over each blind. This kills that magnetic force field of catching dust/lent/hair.
If you notice that your blinds have grease and grime on them you have a couple options.
1. You can place them (full length) in the truck bed
2. Drive to your local drive through car wash
3. Air dry on a line
Or
1. Go to Walmart, Target, Kmart, Big Lots, Lowes, Home Depot, where ever and buy some more.
I absolutely hate washing blinds because it is not easy to give a squealing pig a bath - you won't get them as clean and pretty as you want and you'll end up cleaner than the dad blasted blinds.
While you are cleaning your blinds you may as well take the curtains down and wash them. They are holding a multitude of allergens as well.
************************************************
Tonight I'm making my old fashioned (as in I started making it prior to 2007) Baked Meat Lover's Sketti. I have probably given you one of my recipes before but this one is da bomb diggity.
This is also a celebratory meal to losing 3.5 pounds over the past 7 days and running four miles this morning. I had about 700 extra calories (thanks to My Fitness Pal for helping me keep track and stay on goal) today and wanted to use them in a yummy dish.
For this recipe you need:
Traditional Meatballs (I bought Armour)
One or two jars of Bertoli Italian Sausage flavored pasta sauce (yeah its loaded with sugar but gah its good - and it is on sale at Food Lion 2/$4 and if you clipped a 1.50 coupon then its 2/$2.50 - just saying)
1/2 box of whole wheat spaghetti (weird but I'm not a noodle fan so I may use even less than 1/2 a box, noodles are just....sugar)
12oz of mushrooms - you choose if you want them canned, jarred, etc - just drain them (stems, pieces are good enough)
1 pack of pepperoni
An Italian blend cheese of your choice
Cook the noodles accordingly
Cook the meatballs accordingly
Heat your sauce as you normally would
In a 9x13 dish:
Pasta goes in first
Next go the meatballs
Next the mushrooms
Next the sauce
Next the pepperonies
Last the cheese
Bake it at 350 for about twenty minutes (or until the cheese is very melted)
I like to add in green pepper, onions, and black olives as well. You can basically throw whatever you want in this bad boy.
If you want to make it super healthy you can:
Choose a pasta such as Dreamfield Farm's (the diabetic choice for pasta) or don't use any.
You can make your own sauce (one day I will do this)
To sub the meatballs you can make or purchase tofu style "meat" balls or make veggie balls (oh the jokes I could go into here.....)
If you're going to stick to the recipe then just remember your serving size for this would be
2oz of pasta
1/4c sauce
2 meatballs
1/4c cheese
4 pepperoni
That would make a slice of the dish about the size of your palm and that is about 500 calories.
Saddle it up with some lettuce a low cal dressing.....oh baby!
I'll get a pic up tomorrow.
*****************************************
Today has been a challenge with a fussy baby this morning and a fussy little girl this afternoon. With that said I may use enjoy an adult beverage before bed!
*****************************************
Until we meet again -
Brownie
Like this blog? Please share me! http://abrownieworld.blogspot.com - Feel free to put it on FaceBook and Twitter in texts and emails!
One thing I absolutely adore is the Sunday morning ritual of waking up, feeding the baby, drinking some coffee, and reading the paper or my most recent Southern Living - all from the comfort of my little beddy-by. This past weekend I made the run down the road to get a Sunday paper to read.
I love the Sunday paper.
A few years ago I would go every Sunday morning to grab my paper from the rack.
The internet in all of the glory is shines will never match up to the pages of the Sunday paper. Being able to touch, smell, and read all those pages and advertisements and little treasures that only your local printer can churn out - can never be matched by a screen attached (or not) to a keyboard working off a signal floating through the air. (And as I type this I realize computer is old school now it is just Smart Phones and Tablets)...
You may bash me in this school of thought. That paper is killing trees! I recycle so mine isn't. That paper is old news the internet is way faster! I'm not a news junkie so many times it is new news to me. Also, there's a lot of stuff in those print pages that you'll never see on the internet.
Perhaps the added bonus of the retro news source is the coupon section. Turns out you can actually make back the $2 you spend on Sunday just by using a few coupons on items you regularly purchase or have been wanting to try.
Just a thought but maybe the mad dash to coupon yourself into oblivion is the secret ingredient to keeping the antique idea of newspapers around.
I decided to do my part to help save the antiquated style of news information. I have started a subscription to the Winston-Salem Journal. It will save me the run to the fire station to see if I have already been beat out in grabbing this week's edition.
No, I'm not an old fogey but there are some things that deserve to hang around for a while longer.
*************************************
What are we cleaning today?
I have decided to tackle one thing I simply detest cleaning. Some people never pay them any attention after they install them. When I say never pay attention to them I mean never! The dang things break, start missing pieces, yellow with sunlight and age....no I'm not talking about your Aunt Mildred (even though it is kind of funny how she broke her hip, lost a few teeth, and her skin is covered in liver spots.....hey maybe we all are related!).
No friends I'm talking about......mini blinds.
I have a love hate relationship with them. They are a cheap and effective way at blocking the view inside your home, toning down that bright sun when it is blinding you (do not go towards the light....let me close the blinds). They are also a pretty blah option when it comes to window treatments. I really yearn from some Roman Shades for my home but I haven't budgeted for them at this point. You can also opt for a heavy duty wood based blind but after having to treat for termites I request no more wooden anything in my home.
Fifteen - that's how many mini blinds hang in my home. That is a lot of blinding isn't it? Eeeek so now I have to clean them.
Why do we clean mini blinds? Because....well....ok go look at yours. We pay them so little attention but they need our attention - not every week but at least once a month ok once a quarter!
Mini blinds are magnets for allergens. Dust, pet hair, pollen, lent, human hair - all of that sticks to mini blinds like white on rice. If you are prone to allergies then you better get to crackin' on the mini blind cleaning.
Supplies you'll need for today include:
Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment
Dryer sheet (2 per room)
Optional supplies include:
A pick up truck
Local drive through car wash
Stick that brush attachment on your vaccum and close your blinds - if you have a power select you will want to choose gentle mode to clean these babies. If you have a vacuum that goes only on full power you may need to borrow a vacuum that has a power select setting. While we're mentioning vacuums I must tell you I only use Electrolux. They aren't priced so high you need an insurance policy on them and they last the test of time. I kid you not - when we moved into this house I was using a 1955 model and it worked wonders. In 2009 my husband purchased me a new model and it been a charm!
Ok so you have your brush on your vacuum and you have your vacuum on gentle mode and you have your mini blinds closed - start vacuuming. Don't you love seeing all that dust and junk disappear? After you have finished you need to close them the opposite way and start all over.
After you vacuum them clean then its time to take a dryer sheet and run it over each blind. This kills that magnetic force field of catching dust/lent/hair.
If you notice that your blinds have grease and grime on them you have a couple options.
1. You can place them (full length) in the truck bed
2. Drive to your local drive through car wash
3. Air dry on a line
Or
1. Go to Walmart, Target, Kmart, Big Lots, Lowes, Home Depot, where ever and buy some more.
I absolutely hate washing blinds because it is not easy to give a squealing pig a bath - you won't get them as clean and pretty as you want and you'll end up cleaner than the dad blasted blinds.
While you are cleaning your blinds you may as well take the curtains down and wash them. They are holding a multitude of allergens as well.
************************************************
Tonight I'm making my old fashioned (as in I started making it prior to 2007) Baked Meat Lover's Sketti. I have probably given you one of my recipes before but this one is da bomb diggity.
This is also a celebratory meal to losing 3.5 pounds over the past 7 days and running four miles this morning. I had about 700 extra calories (thanks to My Fitness Pal for helping me keep track and stay on goal) today and wanted to use them in a yummy dish.
For this recipe you need:
Traditional Meatballs (I bought Armour)
One or two jars of Bertoli Italian Sausage flavored pasta sauce (yeah its loaded with sugar but gah its good - and it is on sale at Food Lion 2/$4 and if you clipped a 1.50 coupon then its 2/$2.50 - just saying)
1/2 box of whole wheat spaghetti (weird but I'm not a noodle fan so I may use even less than 1/2 a box, noodles are just....sugar)
12oz of mushrooms - you choose if you want them canned, jarred, etc - just drain them (stems, pieces are good enough)
1 pack of pepperoni
An Italian blend cheese of your choice
Cook the noodles accordingly
Cook the meatballs accordingly
Heat your sauce as you normally would
In a 9x13 dish:
Pasta goes in first
Next go the meatballs
Next the mushrooms
Next the sauce
Next the pepperonies
Last the cheese
Bake it at 350 for about twenty minutes (or until the cheese is very melted)
I like to add in green pepper, onions, and black olives as well. You can basically throw whatever you want in this bad boy.
If you want to make it super healthy you can:
Choose a pasta such as Dreamfield Farm's (the diabetic choice for pasta) or don't use any.
You can make your own sauce (one day I will do this)
To sub the meatballs you can make or purchase tofu style "meat" balls or make veggie balls (oh the jokes I could go into here.....)
If you're going to stick to the recipe then just remember your serving size for this would be
2oz of pasta
1/4c sauce
2 meatballs
1/4c cheese
4 pepperoni
That would make a slice of the dish about the size of your palm and that is about 500 calories.
Saddle it up with some lettuce a low cal dressing.....oh baby!
I'll get a pic up tomorrow.
*****************************************
Today has been a challenge with a fussy baby this morning and a fussy little girl this afternoon. With that said I may use enjoy an adult beverage before bed!
*****************************************
Until we meet again -
Brownie
Like this blog? Please share me! http://abrownieworld.blogspot.com - Feel free to put it on FaceBook and Twitter in texts and emails!
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Dirty Toilet-ries
3.5.13 Tackling your pills, pinks, and pads.
What exactly is in your bathroom? I know there is a toilet and shower and sink. Lets go deeper. Tell me what is in your drawers (your bathroom ones, not your pants). Whisper to me what is in your medicine cabinet.
If I was at your house and was suddenly hit with a major headache (you bought cheap wine again!) and you grabbed the Tylenol out of the bathroom cabinet would I dare to ask the expiration date?
If we decided to have a spa night - totally impromptu - and we decided to paint our nails hot pink.....would your nail polishes look like oil and water?
How old exactly is that wandering tampon that is straggling along life with the toothpaste?
Let us tackle the bathroom cabinets together.
*****************************************
Before I begin I must let you know in our home we have two bathrooms. My daughter refers to the one on the back of the house as the "boys" and the one next to her room as the "girls" - fitting!
The girl's bathroom has a traditional medicine cabinet above the vanity. This has long been my area. If something needed a home - whether it be tampon, wax, nail polish, vitamin, gum, pens, scissors, etc it found one there.
I think it is safe to say the bathroom drawers and cabinet are easy targets to be catch alls.
******************************************
For this cleaning experience you need:
Trash can
Recycle bin
Grocery bag
Pull out all the medications you have stored. This includes cough drops, vitamins, prescriptions, over the counters. Now check the date. Everything should have an expiration date on it. If it doesn't have one that is easy to find and you cannot remember when exactly you purchased it - you don't need it.
For medications DO NOT throw them in the trash, DO NOT flush them down the toilet. Put them in a bag and deliver them to your local pharmacy of choice. The pharmacist should be more than happy to properly dispose of them for you....for free!
(Even though the idea sounds luscious, you really don't want Xanax in your drinking water!)
Make up that is out of date is bad news. If you have a drawer, bag, cabinet, box, suitcase, anything of make up you really need to do yourself a favor and trash that war paint! Make up that is over six months old needs to go in the garbage (that is garbage NOT garage). The eye make up is hosting a family of bacteria (hello eye infected Brownie). The powder is breaking up with you. The foundations are separating - trash it now!
While we're looking at make up let us also look at the nail polish. If it is seperating you need to trash it - it is past dead and no - you cannot resurrect it. If you have ten bottles of acetone could you possibly pour those 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16th bottles down to one?
Stray maxi pads and tampons and panty liners decoratng your shelves? Pull them out and put them together. Now think to yourself - how long have these stray feminine horror items been hanging out - has Always changed their packaging since I bought this in 1988? Are those the pads the nurse gave you after you birthed your child? Do you no longer even need these items? Based on your responses you should know what to do.
Razors, shavers oh my! It is ok to throw them away after you have used them. I try to get two good uses out of mine and then they are gone with the wind. DO not keep them! And this goes for men and women. If you have an electric razor it probably came with a case - that case is for you to use for strorage! Use it, I dare you. If it didn't try using a larger make up bag to keep it safely stored and all the parts in one organized location.
How many chapsticks do you really need? They aren't shelf stable. Put that bad boy in your pocket book.
How many lotions does one person use in a year? If your cabinet/drawers resemble a Bath and Body Work's supply room ---- it is time to downsize. (Or you can wear a red checked apron and put a grand opening sign in your front yard....)
Then you have the other fun items like......
Shampoos! You used half the bottle and then you stuffed it under your sink until you decided to use it again. This is popular for people who swim - they have a chlorine remover shampoo, Head & Shoulders shampoo, and then a crazy expensive one purchased at the salon in January....2011. Just like your make up and pills your hair products have expiration dates. Read them! If it is old - dump the stuff and recycle the bottle. If it isn't ever used - there is no point in jamming up space with it!
Hair dryers - how many do you have? I hope you just say one. Unless you have two heads you only need one.
Curling irons, flat irons, hot rollers, crimpers (yeah I know you do shut it) need your evaluation on use. If you use them regularly then by all means let us find them a home but if you haven't used it since you went to see Absolute 80's in 2005 it is time to donate that bad boy to the girl with the mullet and banana clip down the street.
Who has some cleaners in your bathroom cabinet? Are they being used? If not it may be time to relocate them to a place like.....the recycle bin.
******************************************
Throwing away, recycling, donating are all very liberating things to do. You will feel this as you tackle those bathrooms today.
After you have moved your garbage out to the can, recycle out to the street, and put the donation bag in the trunk you can get to organizing what you need to.
I decided the girl's bathroom would house all medications, lotions, make up suppies, and hair supplies.
Guess what I utilized to help me organize? Who said it?!!?! Yes, JARS!
I also repurposed some plastic bins to hold the electrical supplies like my blow dryer and my flat iron. This was cool - I repurposed a towel rack to hold my make up bags which conveniently house my nail products, make up, and lady napkins (love that term it is hilarious).
In the boys bathroom I used some little sea grass baskets in a drawer - one is mine and one is my husband's. Yes, I do take over in both bathrooms.....I am the Queen of this palace you know.
Since the medicine cabinet in the girl's room is for medicines (mainly) I made the one in the boy's room to be for toilet paper and soaps. Here's a sneaky tip - I put the Pepto with the toilet paper, isn't that brilliant?
First aid - and you thought I forgot - also is in the boys bathroom. I have a drawer with bandaids and Neosporin (fixes everything right?), and the hand dandy thermometer.
**************************************
Give yourself fifteen minutes to donate to the potty room(s). Clean it out, organize it and then go shopping.....it is nearly spring and you need make up! Which reminds me to mention my friend Crystal. She is a very talented make up artist and does beautiful work for photo shoots, weddings, special events, etc. Want to check her out? Here's a link to her page. Kiss & Make-up By Crystal
**************************************
Ready for a recipe? How about some Butter Steak?
I was playing around with some Angus Mini Medallion Steaks I purchased at my local Harris Teeter - very cheap $2.98 for three appropriate sized portions (look at your palm ladies....yep that's appropriate). What to do???
I decided to make up a good butter based marinade. I melted 1/3 cup of unsalted butter and placed it in a ziplock baggie. I put in a 1/4 tsp of garlic powder and a 1/4 tsp of onion powder and a dash of black pepper. Threw the mini steaks in and placed it in some cold water for a couple hours of marinating.
Next up I wrapped each steak in foil and put them in the oven at 400 for twenty minutes.
Served with corn and black eyed peas.
Delish.
I failed to picture it all up because....I was stuffing my face. My very infected eye face.
**************************************
I wanted to share this quote with you all today before I wrap up this post-
Everything comes gradually and at its appointed hour -Ovid
Keeping this in mind as the temperatures are still wintry - spring is coming in gradually an will arrive when its supposed to! Glad to know our homes will be all tidy so we can get out and devour the soon to come warmer and longer days!
***************************************
Until we meet again -
Brownie
Like this blog? Share it with your friends! Here's a link to post to Twitter & Facebook!
http://abrownieworld.blogspot.com/2013/03/dirty-toilet-ries.html
What exactly is in your bathroom? I know there is a toilet and shower and sink. Lets go deeper. Tell me what is in your drawers (your bathroom ones, not your pants). Whisper to me what is in your medicine cabinet.
If I was at your house and was suddenly hit with a major headache (you bought cheap wine again!) and you grabbed the Tylenol out of the bathroom cabinet would I dare to ask the expiration date?
If we decided to have a spa night - totally impromptu - and we decided to paint our nails hot pink.....would your nail polishes look like oil and water?
How old exactly is that wandering tampon that is straggling along life with the toothpaste?
Let us tackle the bathroom cabinets together.
*****************************************
Before I begin I must let you know in our home we have two bathrooms. My daughter refers to the one on the back of the house as the "boys" and the one next to her room as the "girls" - fitting!
The girl's bathroom has a traditional medicine cabinet above the vanity. This has long been my area. If something needed a home - whether it be tampon, wax, nail polish, vitamin, gum, pens, scissors, etc it found one there.
I think it is safe to say the bathroom drawers and cabinet are easy targets to be catch alls.
******************************************
For this cleaning experience you need:
Trash can
Recycle bin
Grocery bag
Pull out all the medications you have stored. This includes cough drops, vitamins, prescriptions, over the counters. Now check the date. Everything should have an expiration date on it. If it doesn't have one that is easy to find and you cannot remember when exactly you purchased it - you don't need it.
For medications DO NOT throw them in the trash, DO NOT flush them down the toilet. Put them in a bag and deliver them to your local pharmacy of choice. The pharmacist should be more than happy to properly dispose of them for you....for free!
(Even though the idea sounds luscious, you really don't want Xanax in your drinking water!)
Next up - make up. Is it time to break up with your make up?
Make up that is out of date is bad news. If you have a drawer, bag, cabinet, box, suitcase, anything of make up you really need to do yourself a favor and trash that war paint! Make up that is over six months old needs to go in the garbage (that is garbage NOT garage). The eye make up is hosting a family of bacteria (hello eye infected Brownie). The powder is breaking up with you. The foundations are separating - trash it now!
While we're looking at make up let us also look at the nail polish. If it is seperating you need to trash it - it is past dead and no - you cannot resurrect it. If you have ten bottles of acetone could you possibly pour those 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16th bottles down to one?
Stray maxi pads and tampons and panty liners decoratng your shelves? Pull them out and put them together. Now think to yourself - how long have these stray feminine horror items been hanging out - has Always changed their packaging since I bought this in 1988? Are those the pads the nurse gave you after you birthed your child? Do you no longer even need these items? Based on your responses you should know what to do.
Razors, shavers oh my! It is ok to throw them away after you have used them. I try to get two good uses out of mine and then they are gone with the wind. DO not keep them! And this goes for men and women. If you have an electric razor it probably came with a case - that case is for you to use for strorage! Use it, I dare you. If it didn't try using a larger make up bag to keep it safely stored and all the parts in one organized location.
How many chapsticks do you really need? They aren't shelf stable. Put that bad boy in your pocket book.
How many lotions does one person use in a year? If your cabinet/drawers resemble a Bath and Body Work's supply room ---- it is time to downsize. (Or you can wear a red checked apron and put a grand opening sign in your front yard....)
Then you have the other fun items like......
Shampoos! You used half the bottle and then you stuffed it under your sink until you decided to use it again. This is popular for people who swim - they have a chlorine remover shampoo, Head & Shoulders shampoo, and then a crazy expensive one purchased at the salon in January....2011. Just like your make up and pills your hair products have expiration dates. Read them! If it is old - dump the stuff and recycle the bottle. If it isn't ever used - there is no point in jamming up space with it!
Hair dryers - how many do you have? I hope you just say one. Unless you have two heads you only need one.
Curling irons, flat irons, hot rollers, crimpers (yeah I know you do shut it) need your evaluation on use. If you use them regularly then by all means let us find them a home but if you haven't used it since you went to see Absolute 80's in 2005 it is time to donate that bad boy to the girl with the mullet and banana clip down the street.
Who has some cleaners in your bathroom cabinet? Are they being used? If not it may be time to relocate them to a place like.....the recycle bin.
******************************************
Throwing away, recycling, donating are all very liberating things to do. You will feel this as you tackle those bathrooms today.
After you have moved your garbage out to the can, recycle out to the street, and put the donation bag in the trunk you can get to organizing what you need to.
I decided the girl's bathroom would house all medications, lotions, make up suppies, and hair supplies.
Guess what I utilized to help me organize? Who said it?!!?! Yes, JARS!
I also repurposed some plastic bins to hold the electrical supplies like my blow dryer and my flat iron. This was cool - I repurposed a towel rack to hold my make up bags which conveniently house my nail products, make up, and lady napkins (love that term it is hilarious).
In the boys bathroom I used some little sea grass baskets in a drawer - one is mine and one is my husband's. Yes, I do take over in both bathrooms.....I am the Queen of this palace you know.
Since the medicine cabinet in the girl's room is for medicines (mainly) I made the one in the boy's room to be for toilet paper and soaps. Here's a sneaky tip - I put the Pepto with the toilet paper, isn't that brilliant?
First aid - and you thought I forgot - also is in the boys bathroom. I have a drawer with bandaids and Neosporin (fixes everything right?), and the hand dandy thermometer.
**************************************
Give yourself fifteen minutes to donate to the potty room(s). Clean it out, organize it and then go shopping.....it is nearly spring and you need make up! Which reminds me to mention my friend Crystal. She is a very talented make up artist and does beautiful work for photo shoots, weddings, special events, etc. Want to check her out? Here's a link to her page. Kiss & Make-up By Crystal
**************************************
Ready for a recipe? How about some Butter Steak?
I was playing around with some Angus Mini Medallion Steaks I purchased at my local Harris Teeter - very cheap $2.98 for three appropriate sized portions (look at your palm ladies....yep that's appropriate). What to do???
I decided to make up a good butter based marinade. I melted 1/3 cup of unsalted butter and placed it in a ziplock baggie. I put in a 1/4 tsp of garlic powder and a 1/4 tsp of onion powder and a dash of black pepper. Threw the mini steaks in and placed it in some cold water for a couple hours of marinating.
Next up I wrapped each steak in foil and put them in the oven at 400 for twenty minutes.
Served with corn and black eyed peas.
Delish.
I failed to picture it all up because....I was stuffing my face. My very infected eye face.
**************************************
I wanted to share this quote with you all today before I wrap up this post-
Everything comes gradually and at its appointed hour -Ovid
Keeping this in mind as the temperatures are still wintry - spring is coming in gradually an will arrive when its supposed to! Glad to know our homes will be all tidy so we can get out and devour the soon to come warmer and longer days!
***************************************
Until we meet again -
Brownie
Like this blog? Share it with your friends! Here's a link to post to Twitter & Facebook!
http://abrownieworld.blogspot.com/2013/03/dirty-toilet-ries.html
Monday, March 4, 2013
Eye Problems & Thirty Minute Tidiness
3.4.13 Off to the doctor we go.
Oh is it Monday or what? Luckily, its a really bright and sunny day so that should make one very happy. Unless you have an eye that is battling some type of infection. Yes....the joys of eye issues. Today I am sporting my coke bottle thick glasses and I'm looking like I just lost my best friend and dog all in the same day. I cannot stop the watering of my right eye, its blood shot and light is making for a lot of pain!
I had to take my little boy for his six month appointment today so I thought I'd run the eye by the doctor. She examined me said it was conjunctivitis and then told me to make an appointment to get medicine.
I am not kidding.
Trying hard to not channel Mean Brownie I said - "Well I really don't want this to be something I pass to the baby. It seems a drop or ointment would be a good idea as soon as possible." She ignored me.
Pissed? Slightly. I kept Mean Brownie in check and said no more.
Here is a natural remedy I read while searching for answers as to why it wasn't so imparative to get an antibiotic. I did this and it did help with the symptoms. I'm actually looking forward to repeating it - it feels great!
As I said I was there for the baby's six month check up. He's a champ! Yay for good health.
*********************************
Moving right along to today's blog topic for cleaning up! This little series is brought to you due to the only factoid that more people start spring cleaning in the latest weeks of winter than in the actual spring!
Today I want to honor all those women who work outside of the home. Sometimes - I miss those days. Hats off to you ladies who hit the ground running, sliding on your panty hose or work boots, getting the kids off to daycare or the dog to um well doggycare, pressing the gas pedal a little too much so you don't get there late.....again! Kudos to you ladies who work the day away behind a desk, on a ladder, at a register, in a classroom, on your feet. To those of you who between the hours of 5pm and 9pm feel as if you are in a twister. I respect you all just as much as I do the other SAHMs.
The last thing anyone wants to do after a long day at work is actually tidy up their home. I remember coming home from work and wanting nothing more than a beer and a meal and a bath and a pillow. I also remember looking at my house thinking - damn I need to get this clutter gone.
If you are anything like me you cannot stand clutter. It haunts you as you try to eat dinner with the family, it sneaks up on you as you toy with the idea of watching television, it grabs your attention while your five year old is trying to explain why today was so awesome.
It just plain sucks.
So here's my little personal solution to uncluttering in 30 minutes.
Things you need:
A trash can
A laundry basket
Disinfectant wipes (Target Up & Up - go to their website and click on coupons and print $2 off any two Up & Up cleaning products. You can get two rolls for 1.79...yeah 90 cents per container!)
A smart phone or kitchen timer
The trash can - is with you in each room you enter so you can easily toss anything trash worthy in file thirteen. No going in another room to trash anything because now the trashcan is with you. Think of it as your remarkable partner in crime!
The laundry basket is for those items that do not belong in whatever room you are in (i.e. my child's Barbies do not belong in the kitchen). You may want to throw another laundry basket into the mix to put dirty clothes in should you have a child like mine who decides to strip down in any room other than the bedroom and immediately change into a bathing suit/princess dress/etc.
Disinfectant wipes to wipe down surfaces that may need to be de germed (from booger fingers). I wipe down my computer, tv(s), door knobs, counters, and telephones daily.
A smart phone with a timer on it or a kitchen timer. You get five minutes per room - and your timing yourself! Set your stop watch for five minutes and get to crackin'! You will be surprised at how awesome your home looks after just spending five minutes in each room.
When the trash is in the can, the stuff that doesn't belong is out of the room, and surfaces are wiped down it looks great! You should also spend those five minutes throwing what belongs in the room in the bins/drawers/space it belongs in.
I do this every other day and it takes me about twenty minutes to bust through.
You won't need five minutes for everyroom of the house so if you have extra time on the clock go ahead and move into another room. You can reset the clock to five minutes for the room after the left over time runs out on you.
I have found this to be totally effective! It also a great tool at teaching small children the concept of five minutes. Think about how many times you have said to them - "Ok five more minutes," and they look at you like ummmmm. Now they can experience what five minutes really is! It also makes for a great game - you know to make tidying up fun.
Husbands generally do not mind this style of cleaning because it is quick and to the point (man mindset).
But I need to vacuum.
Ok that is fine. Cart your vacuum in and give yourself and extra two minutes on the stop clock.
Remember this is for daily tidying up not for deep cleaning.
*******************************************
Recycle what you can easily recycle in your area. Most places gladly accept the following:
Paper
Aluminum (pays if you take it to a metal recycling center)
Glass
Plastic
Some areas will also accept:
Aerosol cans
Recycling will knock your trash pile down by a lot! It will also help your carbon foot print drop a size or two.
********************************************
OK time to end this blog today. She's been mentioned several times - here's my little girl who makes lots of messes and slacks at the cleaning up!
*******************************************
Tomorrow we'll feature cleaning out the cabinets. Stop peeing yourself with joy. I'll also have a recipe for steaks for you.
*******************************************
Until we meet again -
Brownie
Don't forget to share this blog! Here's a link to share on Facebook, Twitter, Email, or Text! http://abrownieworld.blogspot.com/2013/03/eye-problems-easy-bake-cleaning.html
Oh is it Monday or what? Luckily, its a really bright and sunny day so that should make one very happy. Unless you have an eye that is battling some type of infection. Yes....the joys of eye issues. Today I am sporting my coke bottle thick glasses and I'm looking like I just lost my best friend and dog all in the same day. I cannot stop the watering of my right eye, its blood shot and light is making for a lot of pain!
I had to take my little boy for his six month appointment today so I thought I'd run the eye by the doctor. She examined me said it was conjunctivitis and then told me to make an appointment to get medicine.
I am not kidding.
Trying hard to not channel Mean Brownie I said - "Well I really don't want this to be something I pass to the baby. It seems a drop or ointment would be a good idea as soon as possible." She ignored me.
Pissed? Slightly. I kept Mean Brownie in check and said no more.
Here is a natural remedy I read while searching for answers as to why it wasn't so imparative to get an antibiotic. I did this and it did help with the symptoms. I'm actually looking forward to repeating it - it feels great!
Asian Girl's Tea Treatment for Conjunctivitis
Pop a tea bag (regular is fine) in a mug with water - nuke it for 2 minutes.
Take the tea bag out
Let the tea sit until it cools to just above room temperature
Take three cotton balls and dip into the tea
Gently massage the lids with the cotton balls
The nap
As I said I was there for the baby's six month check up. He's a champ! Yay for good health.
*********************************
Moving right along to today's blog topic for cleaning up! This little series is brought to you due to the only factoid that more people start spring cleaning in the latest weeks of winter than in the actual spring!
Today I want to honor all those women who work outside of the home. Sometimes - I miss those days. Hats off to you ladies who hit the ground running, sliding on your panty hose or work boots, getting the kids off to daycare or the dog to um well doggycare, pressing the gas pedal a little too much so you don't get there late.....again! Kudos to you ladies who work the day away behind a desk, on a ladder, at a register, in a classroom, on your feet. To those of you who between the hours of 5pm and 9pm feel as if you are in a twister. I respect you all just as much as I do the other SAHMs.
The last thing anyone wants to do after a long day at work is actually tidy up their home. I remember coming home from work and wanting nothing more than a beer and a meal and a bath and a pillow. I also remember looking at my house thinking - damn I need to get this clutter gone.
If you are anything like me you cannot stand clutter. It haunts you as you try to eat dinner with the family, it sneaks up on you as you toy with the idea of watching television, it grabs your attention while your five year old is trying to explain why today was so awesome.
It just plain sucks.
So here's my little personal solution to uncluttering in 30 minutes.
A trash can
A laundry basket
Disinfectant wipes (Target Up & Up - go to their website and click on coupons and print $2 off any two Up & Up cleaning products. You can get two rolls for 1.79...yeah 90 cents per container!)
A smart phone or kitchen timer
The trash can - is with you in each room you enter so you can easily toss anything trash worthy in file thirteen. No going in another room to trash anything because now the trashcan is with you. Think of it as your remarkable partner in crime!
The laundry basket is for those items that do not belong in whatever room you are in (i.e. my child's Barbies do not belong in the kitchen). You may want to throw another laundry basket into the mix to put dirty clothes in should you have a child like mine who decides to strip down in any room other than the bedroom and immediately change into a bathing suit/princess dress/etc.
Disinfectant wipes to wipe down surfaces that may need to be de germed (from booger fingers). I wipe down my computer, tv(s), door knobs, counters, and telephones daily.
A smart phone with a timer on it or a kitchen timer. You get five minutes per room - and your timing yourself! Set your stop watch for five minutes and get to crackin'! You will be surprised at how awesome your home looks after just spending five minutes in each room.
When the trash is in the can, the stuff that doesn't belong is out of the room, and surfaces are wiped down it looks great! You should also spend those five minutes throwing what belongs in the room in the bins/drawers/space it belongs in.
I do this every other day and it takes me about twenty minutes to bust through.
You won't need five minutes for everyroom of the house so if you have extra time on the clock go ahead and move into another room. You can reset the clock to five minutes for the room after the left over time runs out on you.
I have found this to be totally effective! It also a great tool at teaching small children the concept of five minutes. Think about how many times you have said to them - "Ok five more minutes," and they look at you like ummmmm. Now they can experience what five minutes really is! It also makes for a great game - you know to make tidying up fun.
Husbands generally do not mind this style of cleaning because it is quick and to the point (man mindset).
But I need to vacuum.
Ok that is fine. Cart your vacuum in and give yourself and extra two minutes on the stop clock.
Remember this is for daily tidying up not for deep cleaning.
*******************************************
Recycle what you can easily recycle in your area. Most places gladly accept the following:
Paper
Aluminum (pays if you take it to a metal recycling center)
Glass
Plastic
Some areas will also accept:
Aerosol cans
Recycling will knock your trash pile down by a lot! It will also help your carbon foot print drop a size or two.
********************************************OK time to end this blog today. She's been mentioned several times - here's my little girl who makes lots of messes and slacks at the cleaning up!
*******************************************
Tomorrow we'll feature cleaning out the cabinets. Stop peeing yourself with joy. I'll also have a recipe for steaks for you.
*******************************************
Until we meet again -
Brownie
Don't forget to share this blog! Here's a link to share on Facebook, Twitter, Email, or Text! http://abrownieworld.blogspot.com/2013/03/eye-problems-easy-bake-cleaning.html
Sunday, March 3, 2013
A Fresh New Start!
3.3.13 - Happy First Sunday of March!
This has been an excellent weekend! How ya doin?
Can I just say that after a mild mommy melt down and five hours away from children on Saturday I am feeling (Tony Tiger voice) GRRRRRREAT!
******************************************
March is a fabulous month! This month my blog is getting a make over and I'm trying my darndest to give myself a make over too!
Since I left Facebook I have lost so many followers on my blog. This makes Brownie sad. About 20% of my readership has disappeared. I would like to thank and encourage my readers to please promote/share this blog on Facebook, Twitter, with friends etc. I would really appreciate it.
I'm revamping the blog for you so you should find more little fun things in here with each entry.
Please continue to shoot me emails to let me know what you are nterested in and if its in line with some things I have interest in or may possibly have dealt with then I'd love to blog on it. I really do appreciate you all so much!
******************************************
Now to making me over in a few simple changes:
Change Uno (that is one in Spanish)
The first change is my body. Yes, I have blogged about that before but the changes are in motion. I have a few favorite things I'd like to share with you:
My Fitness Pal
What is it?
An application for your smart phone or computer (or both) that allows you to find the daily caloric intake you need to meet your weight goals.
What do I do?
You log your meals and exercise each day and you find out if you have gone over or under your caloric intake. I LOVE THIS! I can stay on target thanks to this FREE APP! I log my meals after I eat and stay on track that way.
When you log your exercise you'll see how many calories you "gained". Remember calories are fuel and when you use up fuel you get to replace it!
Some added bonus?
You can link your account to your Facebook, Twitter, etc and show the world how you are getting that fabulous beach body in March with Brownie.
Here's the link! Fitness Pal
My friend Jennifer did this and you should see that hottie!
Change deur (ok that's supposed to be French for two but I don't think I spelled that too French)
YMCA baby. Where I live I have a few options for work out areas. However, I decided the YMCA was the best fit for me. Here is why:
1. I worked there before and it is a good place.
2. I'm not surrounded by too many meat heads.
3. The over all feeling I get there is a warm and inviting one - not an eww look at her vibe.
4. I can run, work with weights, and finish it off with a swim (or a trip to the sauna).
5. If I had my kids signed up they would have childcare that I didn't have to worry about.
I also love the hours of the YMCA. We have one place in town opened 24 hours a day (I think) but it didn't meet those five standards I wanted and got at the YMCA. Since I need me time each day I go to the YMCA at those hours no one else wants to be in a gym - let alone out of pajamas.
Visit the USA YMCA website here and get some info. YMCA
Change three (english)
I'm bringing you more yummy and healthy recipes. Guess why? Because its time I got back on track. There's even one in here today.
*********************************************
I mentioned last week that I would be focusing in on cleaning and yes that is coming up in Monday's edition of the blog. Each day I will focus on one room of the average home (I guess I'll leave out my movie theater and indoor olympic pool room - apparently those aren't standard --- just kidding). Monday is going to be an ode to the working woman & cleaning kind of blog day. Get your supplies ready! I'm not sure what you'll need but at least get a good bottle of wine chilled!
Over the weekend I worked on a few projects including stainless steel cookware and the medicine cabinet in the bathroom. Oh the joys.
If you have a cleaning tip or something you want some advice on - let me know! You can post it in the comments section. If I don't have a trick up my sleeve I will not stop until I find one.
**********************************************
I am so glad to know I am not the only jar addict in the world. Here are some lovely photos of my jars in action!
***********************************************
One fun and exciting event of the weekend was getting our Little Guy's photos from my wonderful photographer friend! I have to share my favorite with you. If you are in the Piedmont Triad area of NC then you should schedule your next photography session with her! Let her know Brownie sent you. Nicole's Page
.jpg)
**********************************************
Recipe of the day:
Baked Perch
This is a delicious and fast meal that you can whip up in a matter of mere moments. It is also extremely inexpensive. Perch is a cold water fish that offers up some good nutrition. If you are on a low cholesterol diet you may need to evaluate the cholesterol level in this fish (on average 12g/serving).
For this recipe you need:
Perch
Weber Boston Bay seasoning (Side note: I am a Carolina girl and anything but Old Bay is generally a travesty - however I must say Weber is my brand of choice when I go hunting for a premade spice and or seasoning. They have great quality and great taste. Check them out today! Brownie Loves Weber
Unsalted butter
Butter a 9x13 baking dish, preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place fish in the dish. Sprinkle with Boston Bay seasoning. Drip melted butter over the fish (to your liking).
Bake for 10 -12 minutes.
Remove and devour!
The kid even ate it :-) (ok I let her have some ketchup with it).
I served this up with some sauteed vegetables. It would have been delicious with a baked spud or fresh salad as well.
******************************************
Well guys not much more to post today! Tonight on the History Channel Mark Burnett (you know the guy who created Survivor, The Voice, The Apprentice, and a lot of other shows) is premiering his 10 hour miniseries - The Bible. My family is going to check it out. It starts at 8 ET. Want to read more click here ---> Bible Mini Series
It should make for some interesting conversations for all!
*****************************************
Until we meet again -
Brownie
This has been an excellent weekend! How ya doin?
Can I just say that after a mild mommy melt down and five hours away from children on Saturday I am feeling (Tony Tiger voice) GRRRRRREAT!
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March is a fabulous month! This month my blog is getting a make over and I'm trying my darndest to give myself a make over too!
Since I left Facebook I have lost so many followers on my blog. This makes Brownie sad. About 20% of my readership has disappeared. I would like to thank and encourage my readers to please promote/share this blog on Facebook, Twitter, with friends etc. I would really appreciate it.
I'm revamping the blog for you so you should find more little fun things in here with each entry.
Please continue to shoot me emails to let me know what you are nterested in and if its in line with some things I have interest in or may possibly have dealt with then I'd love to blog on it. I really do appreciate you all so much!
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Now to making me over in a few simple changes:
Change Uno (that is one in Spanish)
The first change is my body. Yes, I have blogged about that before but the changes are in motion. I have a few favorite things I'd like to share with you:
My Fitness Pal
What is it?
An application for your smart phone or computer (or both) that allows you to find the daily caloric intake you need to meet your weight goals.
What do I do?
You log your meals and exercise each day and you find out if you have gone over or under your caloric intake. I LOVE THIS! I can stay on target thanks to this FREE APP! I log my meals after I eat and stay on track that way.
When you log your exercise you'll see how many calories you "gained". Remember calories are fuel and when you use up fuel you get to replace it!
Some added bonus?
You can link your account to your Facebook, Twitter, etc and show the world how you are getting that fabulous beach body in March with Brownie.
Here's the link! Fitness Pal
My friend Jennifer did this and you should see that hottie!
Change deur (ok that's supposed to be French for two but I don't think I spelled that too French)
YMCA baby. Where I live I have a few options for work out areas. However, I decided the YMCA was the best fit for me. Here is why:
1. I worked there before and it is a good place.
2. I'm not surrounded by too many meat heads.
3. The over all feeling I get there is a warm and inviting one - not an eww look at her vibe.
4. I can run, work with weights, and finish it off with a swim (or a trip to the sauna).
5. If I had my kids signed up they would have childcare that I didn't have to worry about.
I also love the hours of the YMCA. We have one place in town opened 24 hours a day (I think) but it didn't meet those five standards I wanted and got at the YMCA. Since I need me time each day I go to the YMCA at those hours no one else wants to be in a gym - let alone out of pajamas.
Visit the USA YMCA website here and get some info. YMCA
Change three (english)
I'm bringing you more yummy and healthy recipes. Guess why? Because its time I got back on track. There's even one in here today.
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I mentioned last week that I would be focusing in on cleaning and yes that is coming up in Monday's edition of the blog. Each day I will focus on one room of the average home (I guess I'll leave out my movie theater and indoor olympic pool room - apparently those aren't standard --- just kidding). Monday is going to be an ode to the working woman & cleaning kind of blog day. Get your supplies ready! I'm not sure what you'll need but at least get a good bottle of wine chilled!
Over the weekend I worked on a few projects including stainless steel cookware and the medicine cabinet in the bathroom. Oh the joys.
If you have a cleaning tip or something you want some advice on - let me know! You can post it in the comments section. If I don't have a trick up my sleeve I will not stop until I find one.
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I am so glad to know I am not the only jar addict in the world. Here are some lovely photos of my jars in action!
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One fun and exciting event of the weekend was getting our Little Guy's photos from my wonderful photographer friend! I have to share my favorite with you. If you are in the Piedmont Triad area of NC then you should schedule your next photography session with her! Let her know Brownie sent you. Nicole's Page
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Recipe of the day:
Baked Perch
This is a delicious and fast meal that you can whip up in a matter of mere moments. It is also extremely inexpensive. Perch is a cold water fish that offers up some good nutrition. If you are on a low cholesterol diet you may need to evaluate the cholesterol level in this fish (on average 12g/serving).
For this recipe you need:
Perch
Weber Boston Bay seasoning (Side note: I am a Carolina girl and anything but Old Bay is generally a travesty - however I must say Weber is my brand of choice when I go hunting for a premade spice and or seasoning. They have great quality and great taste. Check them out today! Brownie Loves Weber
Unsalted butter
Butter a 9x13 baking dish, preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place fish in the dish. Sprinkle with Boston Bay seasoning. Drip melted butter over the fish (to your liking).
Bake for 10 -12 minutes.
Remove and devour!The kid even ate it :-) (ok I let her have some ketchup with it).
I served this up with some sauteed vegetables. It would have been delicious with a baked spud or fresh salad as well.
******************************************
Well guys not much more to post today! Tonight on the History Channel Mark Burnett (you know the guy who created Survivor, The Voice, The Apprentice, and a lot of other shows) is premiering his 10 hour miniseries - The Bible. My family is going to check it out. It starts at 8 ET. Want to read more click here ---> Bible Mini Series
It should make for some interesting conversations for all!
*****************************************
Until we meet again -
Brownie
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