Time flies...

Well, happy over the hump day!  Here I am thinking I was a day behind when I realized that it is actually Wednesday and I am 2 days behind.  Duh!  That's what happens when you combine a holiday week and a blonde.  Oh well, time to catch up. 

For Monday's Meal idea's I have 2.  One is chicken for kids and the other is a yummy sounding, albeit a bit involved grilled chicken recipe involving some dry vermouth.

This one for the kids comes from Kraft foods.

Mozza-Chicken Strips

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Ready In: 35 minutes
Serves: 4

3/4 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3x1-inch strips
1 pouch Shake'N Bake Extra Crispy Seasoned Coating Mix
1/2 cup Kraft Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese
1/4 cup Kraft Ranch Dressing

PREHEAT oven to 400°F. Coat chicken strips with coating mix as directed on package.

PLACE in single layer on foil-covered baking sheet.

BAKE 20 min.; sprinkle with cheese. Continue baking 5 min. or until cheese is melted. Serve with the dressing for dipping.

This grilled chicken recipe is from Better Homes and Gardens.

Grilled Spring Equinox Chicken Salad

Prep: 45 min.
Marinate: 30 min.
Grill: 12 min.

Ingredients
1/2   bunch fresh cilantro (2 cups packed)
3  tablespoons olive oil or canola oil
1  tablespoon lime juice
1   tablespoon ground cumin
1  tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1  tablespoon crushed garlic
1/4   teaspoon ground red pepper
1/4  teaspoon salt
1/2  cup dry vermouth
6  skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (about 1-1/2 pounds)
1  cup brown basmati rice
1  medium red sweet pepper
1  medium green sweet pepper
1  medium yellow or orange sweet pepper
4  cups spinach, cleaned, stemmed, and cut into 1/4-inch-wide strips
1  15-ounce can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1/2  cup whole kernel corn, cooked and drained
1/2  cup fat-free dairy sour cream
2  teaspoons fat-free milk
4   green onions, sliced (1/2 cup)

Directions
1. For Spring Equinox Sauce, combine cilantro, oil, lime juice, cumin, ginger, garlic, red pepper, and salt in a blender container or food processor bowl. Cover and blend or process until nearly smooth.
2. For marinade, combine vermouth and 3 tablespoons of the sauce in a medium bowl. Place chicken in bowl, turn to coat chicken. Cover and marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes or in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
3. Meanwhile, cook rice according to package directions; set aside. Seed and quarter the sweet peppers; set aside. Prepare charcoal or gas grill for medium heat. Remove chicken from marinade; reserve marinade. Cook chicken on the rack of the uncovered grill directly over heat for 12 to 15 minutes or until tender and no longer pink, brushing once with reserved marinade halfway through grilling time. Discard remaining marinade. Lightly brush peppers with 1 tablespoon olive oil or canola oil. Place peppers on the grill rack next to the chicken and grill for 8 to 10 minutes or until tender, turning occasionally. Remove peppers and chicken from grill as each are done, and transfer to a cutting board. Slice the peppers and chicken breasts into 1/2-inch strips.
4. To serve, mound 1/2 cup cooked rice in the center of each of six dinner plates. Surround rice with some spinach. Divide grilled chicken, peppers, pinto beans, and corn among the plates. Combine remaining Spring Equinox Sauce, sour cream, and milk in a small bowl; drizzle some of the mixture over each salad. Sprinkle each salad with green onions. Makes 6 servings.
Food exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.

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Now, for what should have been yesterday's entry...

                         

A cleaning tip, or two, that you may find useful.  As I say on my Web page, these are tips that have been emailed to me, or that I have found on the Internet.  I have not tried all of them and do NOT guarantee their effectiveness.  If you do try one and it works, or if you have another one that works for you, let me know.

 

Fading of dark clothing: Turn dark clothes inside out and wash in the coolest water possible; dry on lowest heat. For all black clothes, throw in a box of black Rit® dye every 8-10 washes or so to keep black clothes black.

 

For Monday's Actually, I'm not sure how I feel about doing the Rit dye in your washer.  I'm sure it works really well on keeping your blacks good and black.  However, if you do it, be sure you clean the tub of your washing machine really well.  Otherwise your whites might start looking really gray.

 

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On Monday Ray was sitting at the patio table outside reading the newspaper.  I decided that since it was getting so hot, 93 on Sunday, that it was time to set the pool up.  The "pool" is about 6 feet round and about 2 1/2 feet high.  Rylie wasn't too crazy about it last year, but I sure loved it, lol. 

 

So I spent the morning cleaning the garage (okay, okay, so it's not really a garage.  It is an 8x10 foot metal shed.)...so I cleaned the garage and got the pool out.  Ray helped me move some of the bigger stuff, we threw some junk out, and everything is nice (well, better) organized now.

 

Then we pumped up the pool and began to fill it.  Later on, as the pool was still filling up, I was cleaning out the coolers we use for camping and Rylie was playing in the yard right behind me.  I turned around to check on her and what do you think I saw?

 

Yep, this little white bum climbing over the side of the pool and getting in.  There her diaper was sitting on the driveway right next to the pool.  I should have yelled at her for getting in without an adult, but I was laughing too hard.  I don't think she remembered that last year we wore swimsuits.  It just looked like a big bath to her.  Although with it being filled from the spigot, I'm sure it didn't feel like a bath, lol.

 

I asked her, "Is it cold?"  Shaking her head no and then yes, she said "cooooal".  It was freaking freezing!  And she actually wanted to stay in there and play!  LOL 

 

So yesterday we went outside to check out the garden and sit at the patio table and she did the same thing.  She reached down and open the tabs on her diaper and took off for the pool.  I had to stop her quick though when I saw the little surprise inside...lol.  Isn't there a commercial that says that?  "the surprise inside"....lol, I hope they don't have the same surprise.

 

Well, have a great Wednesday.  Friday is just two days away! 

 

Hugs & love,

Happy Memorial Day!

                           

I hope everyone has a wonderful day today, and that the end of this beautiful long weekend finds everyone safe.  If your traveling back from a trip, be careful!

                                                

Congratulations to my man Kasey for winning the Coca-cola 500!  Way to go darlin'.   I wish I could adopt Kasey Kahne...(sigh) I would take excellent care of that boy.  LOL

Hugs & love,

RE: My Home Remedy entry today

I've got to hurry here.  There are storms headed our way, we are under a tornado watch right now, and I want to make sure I turn off my computer.

I'm not sure where you can find clove oil.  But I am thinking that a health food store or pharmacy might carry it.  I did a little more research and found the following link (thunder rolling) which provides more information on clove and clove oil.  Click here.

Sorry I have to run before the storm hits. 

Home Remedy

                             

These are home health remedies that have been emailed to me or that I found on the Internet.  I have not tried them all and do NOT guarantee the effectiveness of them.  If you try one and it works, or if you have one that works for you, please email me.  Thanks. 

Muscle Cramps

• Apply clove oil on the affected body parts.

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This is one of those little email quizes that a friend sent me.  It is called 13 people.  First, make a list of 13 people that you know.  (It is best to make your list before you read the Q & A part of the game.)

 1. Sascha

2. Samantha

 

3. Rylie Jo

 

4. Ray

 

5. Mom

 

6. David

 

7. Chris

 

8. Cathy-SIL

 

9. Tracy

 

10.  Cathy-MIL

 

11. Marge

 

12. Aimee

 

13. Dad B. 

How did you meet 10?

That is my pookies mommy.  I met her on Thanksgiving day 1997.

What would you do if you had never met 1?

I'd cry and cry.  My life, not to mention my heart, would have a huge hole in it.  My life would be entirely different.  That would be the worst thing ever.

What would you do it 1 and 6 dated?

YIKES!  That's my bestest friend ever and my son!  Ewwwww!  Oh, and I'd have to hide David to save him from the butt kicking that Chuck would give him, lol.

Have you ever seen 4 cry?

Yep. 

Would 11 & 2 make a cute couple?

Aggghhhhh!  What kind of sick game is this?!  That is another one of my friends and my little girl!  I mean Marge is a real sweetheart and Samantha is a beautiful young lady, but as a couple?  No, I would to kick someone's butt.  NO!  NO!  NO!

Is 13 colorful?

That is Ray's daddy, and yes, I think colorful is definitely a word that would describe him.  I love that grumpy ol' man.  **kisses** hun!

Do you think 12 is cute?

Cute as a button!  That is Ray's daughter.  Not only cute, but she has the most beautiful eyes.

Tell me something about number 1:

She has to most beautiful hair.  I would imagine that by now it probably grazes her knees, lol.  Oh, and she smiles the prettiest smile when she is sleeping.

How do you know 8?

I was lucky enough to have her marry Ray's brother.  She helps keep me sane when I feel myself teetering on the edge of insanity.  Or is she just helping to escort me over the edge?  LOL

Whats 7's fav. color?

Whoa, well he is 14 and what he likes seems to change constantly.  But I would say it is red.  Well, he looks very handsome in red anyway.

What would you do if 6 just confessed that they liked you:

Well, again, that is my son.  I hope he likes me...but not in the way that I think the question is implying.  That would be a problem. 

When was the last time you talked to number 2?

The other day when she called and asked me to look up the answer to an extra credit question for one of her classes.  Oops!  I probably wasn't suppose to tell anyone that, huh?

Cool fact about 10:

She managed to raise 6 hell raising boys and she isn't bald from tearing her hair out.  Oh, and she's a real sweetie too.

What does 3 do for a living?

Eats, plays and makes dirty diapers for me to change.  That's my baby girl you sillies.

Would you ever date 9?

Nope, that is Tracy.  A very good friend, which reminds me...I need to call her.  But she is very pretty, so if I were a dude, I'm sure I would like her.

Would you ever live with1?

I did and it was one of the best times of my life.  Sascha is a great room mate.

What do you think about 5?

Mom...I love her.  I think she is brave, determined and very strong. 

What is the coolest thing about 11?

She gave me a job when I needed it and we became great friends.

Have you ever dated 5?

Um, that's my mom.  NO!

Do you love number 3?

Yes, more than words can express.  That's my baby girl, a special surprise gift from God.  A true blessing.

Thanks for sending the email Sascha.  It was a cute little game to play.

Have a great day everyone! 

Hugs & love,

 

Tuesday Cleaning Tip

                       

A cleaning tip, or two, that you may find useful.  As I say on my Web page, these are tips that have been emailed to me, or that I have found on the Internet.  I have not tried all of them and do NOT guarantee their effectiveness.  If you do try one and it works, or if you have another one that works for you, let me know.

Fabric Softener: Try using an old dish towel as a fabric softener sheet. Pour a couple of capfuls of Downey on it and throw it in the dryer. It has taken over a year to go thru a bottle of (small) Downey fabric softener. Add more Downey about every 15 loads or just when you notice a little static. It helps to use a towel that is distinct from the other laundry.

Have a beautiful day.  I know I will because it is suppose to be warm and mostly sunny here.  YEA!  Which means that Rylie and I will go outside to play.  Which means Rylie will be running around and get good and tired.  Which means if we play real hard, she just might take a nap today.  Yep, it is going to be a good day!  LOL

Hugs & love,

Merriam-Websters Word of the Day

I thought it would be kind of neat to do this learn a new word thing again today.  So I went back to the online dictionary to see the word for today.  Here it is...

bricolage n. - construction achieved by using whatever comes to hand; also : something constructed in this way

Hmm, must be something like when I'm trying to hang a picture and can't find the hammer and end up using the handle of a screwdriver or whatever else will work.  Construction, hmmm...or maybe when I run out of pink eye shadow and use a little bit of blush, lol.

See ya tomorrow!

Recipe idea

Well, we are suppose to be getting some warmer weather this week.  It looks like the rain has finally moved out of the Toledo area.  Thank goodness, it was beginning to get a bit depressing here with all those gray clouds hanging around.

So in salute to warm weather how about a Carribean Chicken recipe?  This sounds different, real tropical like.  I received the recipe in my email, I hope ya'll like it.

Caribbean Chicken
Serves: 6

This sweet and spicy salad adds a bit of exotic flavor to just about any meal. Ready in just 20 minutes!

INGREDIENTS
1 pound skinned and boned chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces
2 cups pineapple tidbits, drained, ¼ cup juice reserved
1 cup chopped green pepper
1 cup water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon dried garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon dried ginger
1 medium banana, diced
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1 cup uncooked brown rice

DIRECTIONS
1. In a large sauce pan cook rice according to package directions.
2. In a large skillet sprayed with vegetable cooking spray, sauté chicken for 5 minutes until tender. Stir in pineapple and green pepper.
3. In a small bowl combine the 1/4 cup reserved pineapple juice, water, cornstarch, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Stir well.
4. Pour mixture into chicken mixture. Mix well to combine. Continue cooking for 5 minutes or until mixture thickens, stirring often.
5. Fold in banana and almonds. Heat through.
6. Prepare brown rice according to package directions.
7. Serve over cooked brown rice.

 

Ya might want a nice little cocktail to drink with that.  The family was over on Saturday night and my sister-in-law brought a carton of Minute made Berry Punch juice which she mixed with Rum.  Yummy!  I am thinking for an adult type of punch make a big batch of it and add some juice ice cubes with fruit frozen in them.  Yeah, I might have to plan a party just so I can make some of that, lol. 

Well, have a great day everyone. 

Hugs & love,