A Little of This and A Little of That

Making dinner is always a challenge if I haven't planned out a menu for the week.  For the past number of years I have tried to plan menus for the week - this way when ANYONE asks "what's for dinner?" there is no ambiguity about it.  My kids used to just go to the fridge and read the menu.  It started getting to be problem when their friends would come to the house and check the menu to see if they wanted to eat over!! But that's a story for another day.

Today is about unplanned meals.  I didn't plan a menu this week which makes each day interesting when I'm asked the famous (and sometimes) most important question of the day.

So this is what I had to work with:  a few pieces of chicken tenders, some bacon (everything is good with bacon in it), 1/2 an onion, some grape tomatoes, Marsala wine, some Parmesan cheese and a package of pesto sauce.  Sounds like a pasta dish.

The ingredients!

So how do I make this come together.  I started out by chopping up the bacon and cooking it in my pan.  Once the bacon was brown and crisp I removed it from the pan to drain.  I then tossed the chicken tenders with some of the pesto sauce mix (dry).  I then put the chicken in the pan with the bacon drippings and browned it on both sides.

I removed the chicken from the pan and added about a tablespoon of butter - and some finely chopped red onion and some granulated garlic.  I sauteed that for less than a minute and then added a good dose of Marsala wine.

The smell is wonderful!!

As it was reducing I added a couple ladles of pasta water (yummy flavor).  When it was reduced by half I added a small handful of feta cheese (this was a waste - didn't need the feta).  I then added about a teaspoon of tomato paste (leftover in the fridge).  Once the paste was incorporated into the sauce I threw in the rest of the dry mix from the pesto sauce and a few grape tomatoes which I halved.  At this point I wish I had some spinach or fresh basil but I was making due with what I had!!

Moving on!  I then put the chicken back in the pan as well as the chopped cooked bacon.  Next I threw in the pasta and tossed it till the pasta was completely covered with the sauce.  I then threw in some leftover Parmesan cheese and tossed.

All in all it tasted pretty darn good.  So look in your fridge tonight.  Find a little of this and a little of that and see what you can come up with.  The one thing that frustrates the hubby is that he can never get the same meal twice!! I never write things down and it's always just whatever you have hanging around in the cabinets or fridge.  Happy cooking!!

Legacy!!

My sisters, niece and one of my daughters took a little trip this weekend to upstate NY to visit with our grandmother.  I'd like you to meet Thirza North.  She is 98.  

Gram!

Gram just got home from rehab/nursing home.  She feel a few weeks ago while she was out shopping. She apparently fractured her pelvis and left elbow.  Funny thing is after the fall she got back up and went on her way.  It was several hours later when she got in touch with her son and he took her to the hospital.  When she was at the hospital they did all the normal things for tests including xrays.  In looking at the xray the doctor saw an old fracture in my grandmother's pelvis.  My grandmother said "yes I broke it when I was 12."  She then proceeded to tell the story of how she fractured her pelvis - a story which her son had never heard.  When she was 12 she was "playing" (actually she said she was doing something she wasn't suppose to be doing).  Anyway in the process of this "playing" she apparently fell and fractured her pelvis.  Since she was doing something she wasn't suppose to be doing she decided not to tell her parents because she knew she would get in trouble.  The fracture eventually healed but she quietly endured the pain and never told her parents.  Sidenote:  when she was little her father would not allow her to cry she was simply endure it.  I am so in awe of this wonderful woman - I can't even imagine having to endure that kind of pain.  She continues to live on her own and her mind is as sharp as tac!!

She is all healed up now and scoots around her apartment with her walker faster than some people walk on their own.  I don't know if you have someone around as wonderful as Thirza in your life - hope so cuz there is nothing like it.   She inspires me and I'll be there are quite a few young folks today that could definitely learn a thing or two from my granma!!!

Couponing

Today was a bit of a gloomy day - very little sunshine here in MA!  So I spent the day organizing my coupons.
First I cleaned out my coupon binder.  I had some expired coupons from a month ago in there!!!  Then I got to the task of cutting and filing away the new ones.

It was a rather large job.  Actually to be completely honest there are the coupons from 3 weeks ago.  Yup - that's have far behind I am!!  I have two more weeks to cut but I probably won't get to it today.  There is really only one reason why I won't get to it and her name is Julia.  Wherever gramma gets her coupon binder out Julia is ready to assist.  Now I'm not complaining cuz having help with the coupons is a wonderful thing.  I usually give Julia the expired coupons or the ones that I won't use! She loves having her own coupons.

Although it took me a little longer than usual.  I did finally get my binder organized and now I'm ready for another week of shopping!!  How about you?  What did you decide to do today?

Is It Soup Yet?

About the only thing I love about cold/cool days is soup!! Soup is delicious, practical and sooo easy to make.  So this guinea pig date was all about recipes that were my own.  I tried to provide some variety such as cream, broth, meat, no meat - you get the idea. 

So first up we had very simple vegetable soup.  Vegetable is so so simple.  I used beef broth for this soup but you can use chicken or if you're into the total veggie thing use veggie stock.  Whatever floats your boat I say!!  I sauteed some onions, celery and carrots to start, then add corn (frozen), green beans (frozen), fresh squash and lastly some kale.  A little cracked pepper and we are good to go!!

Lots of veggies!!

As for me, I'm not a big vegetable soup lover but this wasn't bad.  I would really have liked some sausage in it!!!

Next we had clam chowda!! No living here in New England I have always loved seafood and chowda!! However my dad always made a brothy chowda - its not your typical thick chowda.  I started with bacon, dice it up and brown it in a stock pot.  Once browned remove the bacon from the pan but leave the drippings in the pan.  Now add some chopped onions (celery if you like).  I saute the onions till they are soft and translucent.  Next I add the clam stock (I had some in the freezer)!  You can make stock by just steaming a few quahogs (5-6 in a pot of salted water).  Or you could buy it but why would you do that!!! Next I add diced potatoes.  Pick good potatoes you don't want to end up with mush in your chowda!! I love love love golden yukons.  They hold up so well in chowda.  I simmer the potatoes till fork tender.  Next I add in heavy cream - the whole container!!  And thyme (fresh if you have it but dried is fine as well).  Lastly I add my chopped clams (yup they were in the freezer too) and the cooked bacon from earlier.  You can buy chopped clams at the local fish market, use the quahogs you boiled earlier for the stock or buy canned.  Why you buy canned I couldn't tell ya!! Moving on!! Allow it to heat through and serve!!

Delish!!!

This was my sister, Sharon's bowl.  I had to grab a pic before it was all gone - everyone loved the chowda!!!

Lastly soup choice we had was the Mexican Chicken Tortilla Soup.  With this one I simply sauteed some onions, celery, peppers and garlic in olive oil.  Once soft I added a small can of chopped green chilis.  The kitchen smelled amazing while I was cooking this.  While the veggies were bathing in the olive oil I cooked up some boneless chicken breasts in olive oil.  I had sprinkled the chicken breasts with Cactus Jack (courtesy of Russ & Jackie) - secret family recipe!!  Once the chicken was cooked I cut it up in cubes and set it aside.  To the sauteed veggies I added two (2) bottles of Hot & Spicy V8 Juice.  Lastly I added corn (frozen), some rice I had cooked earlier and the cubed chicken.  It was delicious.  I did sprinkle a little more Cactus Jack into the soup while it was simmering but that was it.  We ate it topped with shredded cheese, fried corn tortillas and sour cream.

It'll warm you right up!!

It's another brisk day here in New England but I'm happy to say that I have NO leftovers!!  All the soup was eaten up!  So why don't you try your hand at soup today.  Clean out the fridge - add some broth and spice and snuggle up to a nice warm bowl of deliciousness!!!

My Little Protégée!!!

I was at the bank recently opening a new checking account (new year, new bank, new stuff.....) and as one of the security measures the bank takes you must pick a "keysite" for the access to your online account.  It's just a picture and they are large variety to choose from.  I pick a photo of a bunch of tomatoes! I told the woman at the bank that I picked this because I like to cook.  She then asked me if I was "a good cook".  My response was that "I've been told that I am."  To which she said "then you are a good cook."  I do know this I enjoy cooking and especially cooking for others.  I gives me such great satisfaction to prepare meals for others and watch them as the devour it and hopefully are satisfied by it. 

That being said let me introduce you to someone who proudly professes to be a "good cook!"  This is Julia and she reminds me of what a great cook she is every time we are in the kitchen creating some sort of fantastic dish.  Even yesterday when we were working together to create a wonderful tuna salad for grampa for his sandwiches she reminded me as she sprinkled in the thyme "I'm a good cook." 

More on WHAT we are creating here later!!

I will say this for her - she is not afraid to get her hands dirty.  She is willing to get right in there and work at making a wonderful meal.  Now if I could just get her to try eating them!!

Do you have someone who watches and mimics you?  One of the best ways to keep ourselves in check is to remind ourselves that little eyes are watching!! And this one has eagle eyes when it comes to watching me!!

New Beginnings!!

2012 is here and I wish I knew where all the time went!! Do you ever feel like that?  So at the ripe ole age of ?? I'm trying to become more organized and a better planner!! Ok stop laughing at me!!Things can get out of hand so quickly when you work full time and are trying to run a household, do couponing, plan meals for the family, plan meals for the guinea piggers and blogging!! Not that I'm complaining - my life is full and rich with joy.  I am thankful for every wonderful day I have here on this earth.  That being said I really need some focus in my life.

In the first week of 2012 I did manage to organize my coupon binder and schedule meal plans for the guinea pig club and I did lay a menu out for the first week of January for the family.  I did NO laundry all week (Amber did all the laundry for me - my wonderful daughter-in-law who lives with me)! I did only the bare essentials as far as house cleaning goes too - dishes, scrub the toilet, etc.

So I guess I'm not off to a bad start.  I do want to be faithful to this blog too.  My goal is to post a couple times a week!! Wish me luck and I truly need your support!! I've been doing quite a bit of blog reading and trying to understand the blogging world and wrap my head around this wonderful world of blogging.  Hopefully I will post things/ideas/features that you will enjoy as well.  Keep me in check and if it's crap, let me know!!

Gratitude Not Attitude

I decided that I wanted to continue the Thanksgiving Day theme for my dinner with my guinea piggers.  We didn't have more turkey - I think everyone is pretty much turkeyed out after Thanksgiving but I did want to continue the thankfulness idea.  Hence the name of the dinner - Gratitude Not Attitude.  Well let's face it, us girls can have a LOT of attitude at times!!

Anyway on with the dinner.  First was the table setting.  These are branches I picked up from the back yard - always good if you can decorate from free!!

I know, it looks a bit bare and rustic but go with me on this - wait till the end! You'll see my vision!!

The meal was centered around sour cream.  I know - you're asking yourself what does sour cream have to do with Thanksgiving?  It doesn't - they just had a really good sale at Shaw's and I had coupons!! Had to use the sour cream up!!

So dinner we had Beef Stroganoff and Vegetables with Sour Cream Sauce.

This was not just my serving!!

Hard to see the veggies but they were broccoli, cauliflower & carrots

For dessert I made chocolate cake with sour cream and no it was not from a box!! It was covered with chocolate fudge frosting (also not from a can!) and I topped it with a squirt or two of whipped cream (yes from a can). 

Very rich tasting!!!

Before we started eating I told the girls about the theme and that I needed them to express their thankfulness for their fellow guinea piggers.  We each took leaves from the table and wrote one of the guinea piggers name on the front and what we were thankful for about them on the back.  Then we took raffia and hung them on the tree!! Now see our centerpiece.

Thankfulness!!

 

Although there were only 4 of us at the dinner (Danielle, Sharon, Colleen and me) we did manage to fill the "tree" with lots of gratitude!! P.S. Keep your eyes open and you will see how thankful we were!!

So I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day and I hope that you are able to continue the attitude of gratitude all year long!

Candied Jalapenos!!!

Sorry about the delay in posting anything - I was away on vaca in AZ!!!  Arizona is so beautiful this time of year especially since at home on the east coast they had snow while I was enjoying 80 and 90 degree weather!!  Every time I go to AZ now I always bring home fresh tortillas - we pick them up while they are still warm from the store.  They are fantastic and make for a great meal each time.  This time I not only brought home fresh tortillas but also jalapenos - 3 lbs. that is!!!  I had read on The Pioneer Woman's blog about Candied Jalapenos (Cowboy Candy) and knew I had to try it. You start with 3 lbs. of fresh jalapenos.  I should have taken a pic of the peppers before I sliced them.  They were bright green, firm and large - nothing like what we get around here!  I sliced them all and put them in a bowl to begin the canning.

Yup - seeds and all!!

Next you cook them with sugar, vinegar, turmeric, garlic, celery seed and cayenne pepper.  Only 4 minutes!!!

The smell was incredible

Next they go into the lovely little canning jars.  I must admit that I did sneak a lick off the spoon when it was all said and done.  The syrup is sweet and hot - very weird but deliciousness!!!

 After they are in the jars you boil the syrup a little longer then pour the syrup in the jars and process the jars in boiling water for about 10 minutes.  I ended up with 14 jars of peppers and 1 jar of syrup.  The syrup I'll use on some mexican chicken or maybe add to a mexican tortilla soup!!!

A pyramid of sweet and hot!!

I think next time I will probably cram a few more peppers into each jar but all in all there are plenty of peppers in each jar.  Some of you can look forward to getting these little babies in your Christmas baskets this year!! Here's the recipe just in case you would like to give them a shot yourself.  http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/canning/candied-jalapenos-cowboy-candy/

And There's More Bread!!!

The bread just doesn't seem to end.  I'm using up the bread as best I can and as quickly as I can.  I made wonderful French Toast on Sunday morning.  Bryan was thrilled.  I made a few extras for him to eat while I'm away (oh yea - I'm headed to AZ on Wednesday)!!  Not that I'm thrilled or anything - tee hee!  Sunday afternoon I took the ciabatta loaf and made one HUGE sub and cut it up for us to eat while watching football.  Here are couple pics for you to enjoy!!

Although I will admit that I should have probably made this the very day I got the bread it was still delicious.  It was loaded with black forest ham, capicola, salami, bologna and provolone and american cheeses with lettuce, tomato, onions and pickles.  It made for a wonderful meal while watching the games Sunday afternoon. 

Bread and Butter

I recently purchased another deal on Groupon.  If you're not getting in on these deals you really should join (this is not a paid advertisement). I've found some really incredible things on there and this little gem was a wonderful find.  I live in Plymouth, MA which is a pretty big town, area-wise that is.  One of the cool things about living here is that just when you think you know the area you find something new!  A few weeks ago Groupon was offering a deal for 6 loaves of bread from a local bakery a $30 value for $15.  I was hooked because lets face it I love bread!!! You do don't ya?

We have plenty of bakeries in Plymouth but this one was in a location that I would have never guessed.  It's in the industrial park!  The bakery is called Hearth Wood Fire Bakery - here's a link www.hearthwfb.com.  Apparently they do baking for some local and area restaurants and stores.  If you're in this area you must check it out.

So back to my point here!  I walked in with my little Groupon printout and the gentleman baker showed me the wonderful loaves I could choose from.  I got 3 french, 1 rye raisin (this one's for the hubby), 1 ciabatta and one rosemary.  The loaves are enormous and I can't wait to dig into them.  Here's a pic so you can see for yourself.  There is no skimping in this place!!

Last night we had Roast Beef Sandwiches with Au Jus on the french loaves!! Sounds so fancy but it's really not - the beef cooked all day in the crockpot getting all those flavors married into it and becoming tender and juicy.........focus! focus!

Here's the recipe for this little gem too!  http://www.food.com/recipe/crock-pot-roast-beef-au-jus-sandwiches-332615  I toasted the bread too.  It helps to keep the bread from getting to soaky!! Yum! O and next time I will definitely add a slice of provolone!

Oooo and the other things I have planned for this bread - I'm thinking French Toast, Onion Soup, maybe some croutons or maybe just a late night snack with some homemade jam!!! If any one needs some bread just give me a call - I have plenty!!

The Organizer

There are times when I go on a wild and crazy adventure and decide to become completely organized and orderly!!  (don't laugh - it happens) These moments are few but when they happen LOOK OUT! It's like a tornado is about to hit.  Now that you've regained your senses, I will tell you that this is not one of those moments however apparently Julia it was a moment for Julia.  Apparently she is an organizer!!  One of her favorite pastimes is unloading and reloading things.  It can be a purse, a drawer, a toy box or a cabinet.  ON this particular day it was a cabinet.  See pics below!

In order to organize you must remove everything!

WHAT?

Although this make look like a disaster trust me you are wrong.  She very quietly takes everything out and then she puts everything back - not necessarily in the same order - but she is quiet!  And let's face it we all want the children to be quiet especially when we are working.  I was busy making jam which Julia started out being my helper but somewhere along the process she felt the need to "organize" the jelly cabinet.

Flour goes here.

Cake mix goes next to the flour.

Perfect - just the way I like it!

She was finally done just in time to help me wash the dishes!! That's another blog for another day!! Do you have an organizer in your home?  Goodness knows I need to be a better organizer!

Pasta with ?? Sauce

I've been reading a few blogs over the past few days looking for something different to have for dinner.  If you know me I rarely make the same thing twice - much to my husband's chagrin!!  This week at Shaw's they had some blocks pecorino romano cheese on sale and a coupon attached discounted it by an additional $2.  I bought two and figured I would find something to do with them.  Tonight I gave it shot.  This was the result!!  Excuse the photo I just have a little digital camera for now - hopefully I'll graduate to the real thing some day!!

See all the cheese in there!!!

This is the recipe I created:

13 oz whole wheat spaghetti
6 tbsp butter (I know - not necessarily healthy but it tastes delicious)
1/2 red onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 sherry or white wine of your choice
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced in half
1/2 lb pecorino romano cheese, grated
Olive oil
Salt & pepper

Cook the pasta according to package directions - make sure its a little al dente!! If the pasta is done before the sauce, after you drain the pasta sprinkle a little olive oil on it and toss to keep it from sticking together.  In a large pan melt the butter, add the onion and cook until the onions start to caramelize (turn brown).  Add the garlic, salt and pepper and continue to cook for a minute or 2.  Pour in the sherry/white wine and simmer for another minute or 2.  Add the tomatoes - simmer for a minute.  Remove from the heat and toss in the pasta.  If the pasta seems dry add a bit more olive oil and toss.  Sprinkle in the cheese and toss so the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the dish.  Reserve a little bit of cheese to put on the top of each bowl.  Taste and add salt and pepper if needed.

The taste wasn't bad but I don't know what to call it.  Any suggestions?  I also think the next time I will add some greenery - needs some spinach, broccoli rabe, capers!!! Maybe even some pine nuts for a bit of a crunch.  The possibilities are endless.

Bacon! Bacon! Bacon!

Oops sorry - focus Theresa!!  What are you creating in your kitchen? Let me know.

Chicken Marsala Two Ways

When Bryan and I were living alone I would adapt my menus to fit what we both like and don't like.  I like mushrooms - he doesn't.  He likes squash - I do not!!  This meant that we did not have things like these veggies in our diet.  Fast forward to today and now my son, his wife and kids live with us!!  Score for me!!  Andrew likes mushrooms.  Amber likes squash.  A match made in heaven right?  Works for me and frankly that's all that counts since I'm the chef!!

For dinner tonight was Chicken Marsala.  I love marsala - like wanna rub it all over my hands and lick them clean!! I very rarely make it because Bryan doesn't like mushrooms!! Tonight was different though - Andrew was there.  I made two - that's right TWO pans of Chicken Marsala - one with mushrooms and one without mushrooms.  I also made the sauces two different ways - one with a rue to start and one where I used cornstarch and liquid to thicken the sauce in the end.

You may be wondering why there are only 3 pieces of chicken when there are 4 adults for dinner.  Amber doesn't like sauces - don't ask me explain it's just a thing she has.  Her chicken was on the counter with no sauce when I took the pic.

As you can also see from the pic I am a very messy chef.  Sauce is splattered everywhere.  But I've heard this is a sign of a genius at work!! Don't know. What you can't see in the photo is the prosciutto!! Yes ma'am there is Italian bacon in there!!! Everything is good with a little bacon - for that matter everything is good with a little Italian!!

What'd you make for dinner last night?  Do you have to adapt your menus to fit what likes and don't likes are in your house?  Let me know. 

Weekend Wrap-Up

Louise and I headed to the Cape around 11:30 a.m. on Saturday.  I wasn't so sure it was going to be a comfortable weekend because of the mugginess but once you drove over the bridge the weather seemed to change.  Don't get me wrong it was muggy but not nearly as bad as at home.  What a difference it makes just going over the bridge!!  We took a nice leisurely drive to Dennisport and, in true girl fashion, we chatted the whole ride.  Once we got to the house in Dennisport we went inside the house and opened up all the windows and doors.  It's like being in another world there - so quite, so calming, no hussle and bussle.  I soooo needed this.  We then quickly got started on prep work which took all of about 45 minutes - Louise had already decorated the place with fall colors and scented candles.  Next, more chatting with Louise - hope I didn't tire her out but I really enjoyed our time alone!!

The girls arrived and we got started right away on dinner! I happened upon a couple of recipes which included bourbon - not that I'm a bourbon person or drinker but I thought we could give it shot - huh no pun intend!!!  First up with the spinach salad with Bourbon Brown Sugar Dressing.

Here's the recipe:

Bourbon Brown Sugar Salad Dressing (for Spinach Salad)

Recipe By :Bima Restaurant, Portland, Oregon
Serving Size : 0 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Restaurant Salads and Salad
Dressings

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
5 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar -- plus
1 teaspoon firmly packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons molasses -- plus
2 teaspoons molasses
1 tablespoon bourbon
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 cup olive oil
salt

In a small bowl or the bowl of a food processor or blender, mix together
the brown sugar, molasses, bourbon and balsamic vinegar. Slow whisk in
the olive oil.

(If using a food processor or blender, slowly pour the olive oil into the
vinegar mixture with the machine running.) The dressing should be dark
brown and thick. Taste and add salt as needed, Chill and serve over a
salad of spinach leaves, mushrooms, red onion and blue cheese.

Source:
" Oregonian FoodDay, April 2, 1996 "
Yield:
" 1 1/2 cups "

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per serving: 2375 Calories (kcal); 216g Total Fat; (81% calories from fat);
0g Protein; 113g Carbohydrate; 0mg Cholesterol; 50mg Sodium
Food Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 1/2 Fruit; 43
Fat; 7 Other Carbohydrates



I have to tell you I really liked it.  Next time I think I'd thin the dressing a little with more olive oil but it was really good and the blue cheese provided a nice contract to the sweetness of the dressing.

For dinner was Bourbon Pecan Chicken! This was so delicious.  It was really easy and the sauce was excellent.  I highly recommend serving this dish to family or guests.  I served it with plain white rice and stemmed fresh broccoli.  I kept the sides simple so as to not take away from the main focus of the dish - The Chicken!!

The recipe for the chicken came from Allrecipes.com.  Here's the link:  http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Bourbon-Pecan-Chicken/Detail.aspx?prop24=etaf and you can recalculate the recipe for as little as two people!!

Dessert was made compliments of Louise.  It was a perfect accompaniment to the dinner (and we didn't even coordinate).  It had an Oreo cookie and butter base (everything taste good with butter - I'm just saying) and the middle was made with Cool Whip, sweetened condensed milk and strawberries.  The outside of it is "frosted" with Cool Whip too!! You'll have to get the recipe for this from Louise though.

The rest of evening was spent playing games (Apples to Apples and Taboo).  We laughed so hard at times. 

In the morning was a wonderful breakfast provided by Brenda.  They are called Dutch Pancakes and OMGoodness they are delicious.  If you have any sense of reason you WILL try these.  They seemed easy enough to make and the taste was just wonderful.

Anything with chocolate is wonderful

Chelsea covered her's with maple syrup and nuts!

So that covers the meals and some of the fun.  I have to start planning the next party - any suggestions?  I love your feedback.  Will keep you posted on my life as a Guinea Pig!!

And, of course a special thank you goes out to Louise for allowing us to stay at her place!  What a wonderful hostess!!

Thank you my dear!

Getting Ready for the Weekend

As many of you know, this weekend is the Guinea Pig Clan's Sleepover!! I've chosen the menu, done the shopping and even did some prep work.  Now all I have to do is pack everything up and I'm ready for tomorrow.  I brought home a box from work for the dry ingredients.  I put the box on the dining room table and started loading in my ingredients!  Made a trip into the kitchen to gather more things and when I came to the table this is what I found!!!

I don't know if she thinks she's coming along - mistake!!! or what she has in mind.  But I do know this she is very comfortable in there.  Now I have to wait till she decides she wants to get out of the box so I can finish loading it up.  That's okay though I have plenty to do.  Gotta go finish - so excited to see all my girls!!!

Less is More

How long does it take you to put on your makeup in the morning.  I'm a "just the basics" kind of girl when it comes to everyday makeup.  I do the foundation, powder, blush, lipstick and mascara.  Sometimes I'll throw on some eyeliner but for the most part with me putting on makeup is a 5-10 minute process.  If it's for a night out then maybe a few minutes more for some extra primping but basically that's it.  However this 5-10 minute process has been extended in the last several months because of a small 2 year old little lady who insists upon "I do it too!!!"  She, of course, must wear the same makeup as gramma and she also must do it herself.  Like any other sophisticated young lady, she is perfectly capable of putting on her own makeup.  Once she was done she proudly announced that she was ready for the day.

The end result!!!

Julia considers herself to be quite the fashionista when it comes to things like makeup!! She definitely prefers to do all things on her own!  Good luck to her mama!!!

Girls Afternoon Out

On Friday we had the pleasure of visiting the Westport Rivers Winery in Westport, MA.  I actually won the tour at a Night out for Autism.  The tour for up to 10 and we all received wine glasses in the end.  We rented a limo - we all chipped in so the expense was little!!! Although I poorly planned the amount of time we would need the limo - I guess I was too excited about getting out with all the girls that I miscalculated!

And of course it wouldn't be a guinea pig event without some snacks.  These are the ham rollups we had.  It was sliced ham, Laughing Cow cheese and a dill pickle!! They were yummy.  Of course we also had crackers and cheese. And no wine tasting is complete without chocolates!

The limo ride was very comfortable and as you can see in the background we were having discussions at solving the world's problems!! Our wonderful driver was Steve. Can you image driving around 9 women to a winery!! Steve deserves a medal!!

This one is called Middle Sister!! Brenda thought she was being funny!

This one is called Mommy's Time Out!! Rachel and Colleen love having time out!

Louse and Sharon enjoying the art offered at the winery.

Our tour guide, Carol (and the owner) was wonderful!

Girls Having Fun!!

We had a great day didn't we girls.  We learned a lot about the wine making process and we had some tremendous laughs. Thank you all for coming along and making the day complete.  I love you all.

And P.S. - Brenda took a lot more pictures than are up here these are just a few for the blog!!

TGIF

Ok so here is how my day started.

Wake up (check)!
Get coffee (check)!
Help Julia get dressed (check)!
Shower (check)!
Get dressed (check)!
Clean cat box (check)!  Note - I do not have a cat, don't want a cat, it's my daughter's cat but it lives with me!!
Clean dog vomit (check)! Note - I do not have a dog, don't want a dog, it's my son's dog but it lives with me!!

Now if you know me at all, you know that I DO NOT do well at all with the last two items on the list.  To say that I was gagging would be an understatement.  I truly thought I was going to cough up a lung or two!! This is a wonderful trait that I inherited from my grandmother and father!!!

Once the gagging was controlled I was able to get on with the rest of my day.  Which actually at this point is going quite well.  Work is pretty much caught up.  Next off to the hospital to visit mom.  And then glory be home for the night!!!

How was your day? Did it start out rough and turn out great or the other way around?

Let's hope I'm in for a better day tomorrow!!

P.S. Please understand that I'm not an animal hater.  I love animals.  I just love them in other people's homes!!