Book: The Bungalow

0 comments on this article Posted by admin in life, Tips, Uncategorized on January 25th, 2012 , tagged with , , .
I recently finshed The Bungalow.  It was the best book!!!  Violets of March has been on my to read list for over a year now and I still haven’t been able to get it at my library.  Every week I check it has a new due back date.  I’ve been on the wait list for so long I think they may have forgotten me.  So you can only imagine how suprised I was to see The Bungalow on the New Book shelf.  I snatched it up, ran home and got cozy for the rest of the weekend.  I could not put this book down!  It was beautifully written and the best love story I have read in years. 
 
 
I’m not big on war stories, but this book had just the right amount of details to give you a true feel of the times.  Jio did a magical job creating a classic love story.  It’s a book you won’t soon forget.
 
The Bungalow is one of those books you are truly sad when it is over.  I can’t wait to get my hands on The Violets of March.  

Natural Winter Skin Remedies

3 comments on this article Posted by admin in life, Tips on January 23rd, 2012 , tagged with , , , , , .

If there is one thing my mama taught me it was always take care of your skin.  For that, I am forever grateful.  I have been blessed with pretty good skin. But when winter comes  I get the usual rough skin and dry flakiness that drives me crazy!  I have always believed that the purest (and some times cheapest) ingredients are the way to go when caring for your skin.  I clean my skin with nothing but Dove soap and these secret (not-so secret) recipes below.

 

When I’m in desperate need of some deep moisturizing I turn to my kitchen cabinet for some EVOO.  The wonder ingredient and star of my kitchen.  Just a small dab smoothed onto your face before bed works wonders on dry skin.

I remember one time while visiting my mom she had the most amazing exfoliating cleanser by Laura Mercer.  Sadly, my wallet didn’t much approve of this cleanser.  So I went on a mission to find my a cheaper version and I was so excited to come across this recipe for it.  This cleanser got rid of all the flakiness on my forehead and chin.  It left my face clean and silky smooth.

 

Exfoliating Cleanser

{ingredients}

3 part baking soda

1 part water

{directions}

Blend ingredients together.  In circular motions, gently massage on to face.  Rinse clean.

 If you want your feet to feel like they’ve died and gone to Heaven, whip up this magical foot scrub.  Ava and I adore massaging our tootsies with this.  Feel free to add some lavander oil for an extra special treat.

All Natrual Foot Scrub

{ingredients}

1/2 C granulated sugar

3-4 T EVOO

Few drops of lavander oil or lemon juice (optional)

{directions}

Combine all ingredients. 

In a tub filled iwth warm water soak feet for a few minutes. 

Massage scrub into feet, working your heels and sides more intensly.

Dip feet back in water and let soak a few minutes longer.

Pat feet dry and apply good moisturizing cream.

 I love this next facial cleanser/scrub.  It leaves my skin soft and delicious.  The honey and lemon combo are so relaxing you could just melt.

Good for the soul facial scrub

{ingredients}

1/2 C sugar, granulated

1 T EVOO

3 T local honey

A Few drops lemon juice

{directions}

Mix all ingredients.

Massage into face.

Let rest a 1-2 minutes.

Rinse with warm water. 

 

One more tip: Drink your WATER.  There is no replacement.  Keeping hydrated is crucial for gorgeous looking skin all year round.

I hope these recipes help you keep your skin glowing all winter long!


Sweet and Spicy Sweet Potatoes

3 comments on this article Posted by admin in Dinner on January 17th, 2012 , tagged with , , , .
Have you ever had chipolte chiles in adobo sauce?  I had never experienced their spicy, smoky goodness before.  After trying them this weekend in these sweet potatoes, I can’t wait to add them to an omlet!  I have no idea why eggs came to mind when I tried these chiles but they did and it’s now on my menu for dinner tonight! 
 
 
I love my sweet potatoes to be savory.  In this dish the sweet and spicy flavors mingle beautiful together.  I love how the small brown sugar adds just the right amount of rich sweetness that blends perfectly with the smoky flavors of the chilies and cumin. 
 
 
After a fun, busy weekend with my family these were a comforting way to end the weekend.  A perfect Sunday night addition.
 
 
 
Sweet and Spicy Sweet Potatoes
Adapted from Willam & Sonoma
 
{ingedients}
3 medium sweet potatoes, cleaned and diced
2 Tbs olive oil
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cumin
2 tsp brown sugar
2-3 chiles in adobo sauce, minced
 
{garnish}
cilantro
sour cream
 
{directions}
 
Preheat oven 400*
On a medium baking sheet place diced sweet potatoes. Drizzle olive oil over potatoes, season with salt and pepper and coat evenly. 
Bake for 30-45 minutes, until potatoes are crispy on the outside.
Sprinkle potatoes with cumin, brown sugar and chiles. 
Toss until sugar is melted and chiles are dispersed evenly.
Place potatoes on plates and garish with cilantro and sour cream, if you choose.
 
 
Hopefully, you all are having a lovely long weekend.  If you aren’t fortunate to have an extra day off this weekend treat yourself to a fun treat before you have to get back to the grind. 

Beating Winter Weight Gain

0 comments on this article Posted by admin in Dinner, Lunch, Tips on January 15th, 2012 , tagged with , , , , , .
It’s freezing outside but I’m fully aware that in a few months it’s going to be warm bikini weather!  I don’t know about you but I hate being lazy and eating bad all winter than looking at the results when it’s beach time.  Check out my tips on Diets in Review on beating winter weight gain. 
 
 
I hope you enjoy this amazing winter citrus salad that pairs well with any warm veggie soup or slice of whole grain bread.
 

White Chocolate Cherry M&M Cookies

2 comments on this article Posted by admin in Kids corner, Snacks, sweets on January 9th, 2012 , tagged with , , , , .
How was your first week of 2012? 

 
We finally got Ava on her new bike she got from santa! I was so proud of her.  The bike is a bit bigger than she was used to but she was more than ready for it. I love it when you see a child just accomplish something they didn’t they could do. It’s the best look in the world.  Sometimes all they need is a little push. 
 
 
After a week of healthy eating I had a mini sugar meltdown.  It just so happened that my local CVS had these amazing (I do mean AMAZING) cherry cordial flavored M&M’s 50% off.  I couldn’t resist.  The second I popped one in my mouth I knew they were cookie bound.  I think these beauties are a Christmas special so I urge you to go track some down quick.  Then proceed to hide a bag and make these cookies for a sweet Valentine here in a month. 
 
 
 
I promise you, I really have been eating lots of veggies this week! ;)
 
 
 
These cookies are a must try.  Save the recipe and whip up a batch for you favorite Valentine.  But honestly, why wait?  I would recommend taking a little break from your healthy diet and whipping up a batch today!  Just be sure to save a few for you and take the rest to a neighbor or coworker! :) You won’t want these babies sitting around staring you down all week. 
 
 
White Chocolate Cherry M&M Cookies
 
{ingredients}
1/2 C sugar
3/4 C brown sugar
1/2 C butter, softened
2 eggs
2 C flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 C cherry M&M’s
1/2 C white chocolate chips
 
{direction}
 
Preheat oven to 350*
Mix together sugars and butter until creamy.
Beat in eggs, one at a time.
Add in vanilla.
In a seperate bowl combine flour, salt and baking powder
Slowly add flour mixture to the butter mixture. 
Mix until just combine.
Fold in M&M’s and white chocolate chips.
Spoon 1 tbs of dough 1 inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet.
Bake 8-10 minutes.

Cabbage Beef Soup

1 comment on this article Posted by admin in Dinner on January 5th, 2012 , tagged with , , , , .
The tempatures have been incredibly brisk here in VA.  We woke up to a startling 4 degrees yesterday.  Not fun!  I’m not fond of cool tempatures but I will embrace any reason to pull out my cozy blanket and soup pot.
 
 
Jonathans mom served this delicious soup for dinner last night.  It was just what we all needed as we came in from the windy frigid weather.  After a long day of getting back into the grind of things nothing seemed more appropriate for dinner.
 
 
 
Cabbage Soup
Twinkle’s recipe
 
{ingredients}
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 small head cabbage
2 (15oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
2 (15oz) can beef broth
salt and pepper
 
{directions}
In a large pot saute ground beef.  Cook until brown. 
 
Add in onion.  Saute until onion is translucent.
 
Season with liberally with salt and pepper.
 
Add in chopped cabbage.  Cook down for about 3-4 minutes.
 
Pour in tomatoes, tomato sauce and beef broth. 
 
Bring to a low boil.
 
Reduce heat and simmer for about 30-45 minutes.
 

Happy New Year 2012

2 comments on this article Posted by admin in Uncategorized on December 31st, 2011 .

 

 The New Year is upon us. A time to reflect on the year past and a time to ponder the time ahead of us.  I’m looking forward to 2012.  I hope you all have a safe and happy New Year’s Eve.


Books 2011

1 comment on this article Posted by admin in Uncategorized on December 29th, 2011 , tagged with , .

Here is a list of all the books I’ve read over the past year.  Some of them I loved, some of them I had to literally make myself finish them.  I’ve * my very favorite titles. 

I hope this list gives you some inspiration to pick up a new book at your local bookstore or library to start the New Year. 

 

 

 

Change of heart
 
The Help *
 
Crazy Sexy Diet
 
A Change in Altitude
 
The Island *
 
Committed
 
Rescue
 
The Paris Wife *
 
Pictures of You
 
Three Stages of Amazement
 
Castaways
 
Gap Creek
 
Secret Daughter 
 
The View From Here *
 
 
The taste of Salt
 
comfort me with apples *
 
The Kitchen House
 
Not Becoming my Mother
 
The Problem with Murmur Lee
 
Bread Alone

 

Did you read any page turners this year?

 


Favorites of 2011

2 comments on this article Posted by admin in Breakfast, Dinner, life, Lunch, sweets, Uncategorized on December 28th, 2011 , tagged with , , .

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!  Are you ready for the New Year yet?  I’m not sure I’m ready for 2011 to end.  It’s been an interesting year, full of good food. 

One thing is for sure I’m ready for a salad.  A major sugar detox is in order.

Here are a few of my very favorite recipes for 2011. Enjoy.

lasagna roll ups

 

Glazed lemon cake

 

cherry almond biscotti

 

veggie pizza roll up

 

Gouda and Chicken pasta

 

lentil stuffed peppers

shrimp orzo with cilantro lime vinaigrette

 

spicy sesame noodles

 

brownie chunk chocolate chip cookies

apple galette

 

tomato bisque

 

banana cake

 


Sugar Cookies

2 comments on this article Posted by admin in Kids corner, sweets, Tips on December 21st, 2011 , tagged with , , , , .

I’ve been dying to make sugar cookies and decorate with royal icing for about two years now.  But royal icing has scared the you know what out of me.  It was just so intimidating.  I’m so glad i finally bit the bullet and made these this year.  It was now or never.

It was such a great experience and if you have been longing to try your hand out at royal icing you need to do it.  it was so fun decorating them.  Ava, age 6, loved this beyond belief.  Our cookies came out stunning!!  I used this tutorial.

The only thing I would do differenetly is add a bit of corn syrup to my icing and a bit less water to make them remain shiny.  After drying the got a bit of a matte look to them.  I warn you these cookies are yummy but it is not cream cheese frosting.  :) They look stunning and make for fun gifts.

I hope you all get the chance to try these. 

Sugar Cookies

{ingredients}

1 ½ C butter

2 C sugar

2 eggs

2 egg yolks

3 T vanilla

4 C flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking powder

{directions}

Mix butter and sugar until well combined, 3 minutes.

Add in eggs, egg yolks.  Mixing until well combined.

Add in vanilla.

In a separate bowl combine flour, salt and baking powder. 

Slowly add in flour mixture to the wet mixture.  Only pouring in 1 Cup at a time.

Mix until just combined.

Place dough in plastic wrap and refridgerate for 1 hour or more.

Preheat oven to 350*

Roll dough out onto floured surface and cut as desired.  Bake 6-8 minutes.

 

Royal Icing

Wilton recipe

3 T meringue powder

4 C powdered sugar

6-10 T water

{directions}

Beat all ingredients for 10-12 minutes.  Until stiff peaks form.

I used only about 7 T water.

To outline cookies I used thicker icing in the squirt bottles and then used the flood method to fill the inside.  I thinned the thick icing and place in squirt bottles.


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