I've just started working on the hubby's Father's Day surprise. The past two years Father's Day has been ignored slightly. Two years ago we did just what he wanted stayed home all day but I had NOTHING planned. I may have been subconsciously been paying him back for making me move into the new house on Mother's Day. I don't hold a grudge though, as you can tell. Then last year I was sick sick sick being pregnant and all. I made him brunch and almost passed out in the process so I was planted on my butt for the remainder of the day by the Mr's orders. This year I have things planned but still figure it will be a day we stay in. We have an agreement he takes me out for Mother's Day and I make sure we can stay in on Father's Day. I still have to plan a day of yummy food. Then we have the gifts. This is what I have so far.
To make a copy just right click and select Save As.
The plan is to frame this (it is a 5x7) and let the boys paint the frame. He can set it by his bed side or on his desk at work. I found this one on Pinterest but it was geared more to a father of girls and I was wasn't keen on lying to my son on what it said. I don't think at three he's ready for S***.
I'm also working a questionnaire for Monkey to answer about his Dad. Doodlebug is a little too young to talk much less answer just yet. For other ideas check out my Father's Day Board on Pinterest.
Michael Jackson inspired my juice today y'all! Just Beet It juice!!!! I'm feeling very punny today guys. Get it punny? Funny? Punny? No? Not funny? Never mind me I've been viewing a few to many children's TV shows lately. Yeah... So anyway... On to the juice!
I was very skeptical of putting something that smelled just like dirt in my sweet watermelon juice but I was brave and put on my big girl pants and made this little darling. Since my watermelon was on it's last leg, I juiced the whole thing at one time. I have enough of this juice to last three days if no one else drinks it. The hubs was already at work when I made it and hasn't tasted it yet. I think he will like it though.
The watermelon and berries really cover up the overwhelming beet flavor. My little helper held his nose while I juiced the beet and until the smell cleared the kitchen. I was scared I just wasted money on something I wouldn't drink but I may even add more beets... maybe... We will see how brave I'm feeling next time. I am considering adding some club soda to my next serving and having a watermelon beet soda of sorts. We shall see though.
Watermelon Beet Berry Juice
for a pitcher full
Juice or blend and strain the following:
1 watermelon
3 beets
8-10 strawberries
2 handfuls of blueberries
4 apples
coconut water to taste
for a smaller portion
Juice or blend and strain the following:
1/4 of a watermelon
1/2 a beet
3 strawberries
1/2 handful of blueberries
1 apple
coconut water to taste
(I imagine blackberries would be wonderful but I was out this time)
I can not get enough of this song!!!! Its in my head 24/7. I think its my new work out anthem.
I need a set of these jars in my life! Not sure what I'm going to do with them, but it has been brought to my attention I am hoarder of mason jars.
I'm dreaming of s'mores. As always, I am addicted to Pinterest and have been finding amazing s'more pins. I've been planning a cookout with my Mom and I am totally and completely beyond excited to try a s'more bar. Seriously, click this link! Best summer party idea ever! Oh and check out this list of s'more variations! I cannot wait!!!
I want, no, I NEED this bedding. I am trying to re-do our bedroom for the cheap and was planning on reusing our black and and cream curtains that have been in our bedroom for the past 4 years. I came across this bedding and I can't stop looking at it. I found a less expensive version from Target that I will most likely end up with since I'm doing this on a shoe string budget. The plan was black and teal with touches of magenta but clearly that has changed. Not sure what direction I'm going now but I see a frustrated husband in my future. He always wants to bang his head against a wall when I start down a decorating path!
And I want this shirt more than anything right about now. Since I still have yet to shed the baby weight almost a year later I have to say that I am very happy loose fitting tops are in at the moment. I'm working on it everyday but a little camouflage makes the in between time much better. I have always had a love of a good denim shirt and this one is coming to live with me. I plan on paring it with my black maxi skirt and a neon or pastel tank.
Can I tell you something? I really hate this about my self... I can get totally immersed in a TV show and will not stop watching episode after episode until there is nothing left to watch and then I am lost and must boycott television for a few days until I can clear my head and realize I don't actually know these people and they are not real. I told you I was odd. I used to do this when I read all the time and I have stopped reading anything but magazines now for fear my children would starve! So my current addiction is Fringe. I just finished it, I watched all 5 season in less than 2 weeks, I have a problem. Now I cannot find another show other than my normal weekly shows.The husband has convinced me to give Torchwood a go. I like it and it is an obvious choice for me seeing that we are major Dr. Who lovers. Not sure how I really feel about it just yet.
Saturday we start to move my Granny into an apartment in a retirement home. I could write a book about my feelings there but I don't really want to go into that now, it has been a rough couple of years when it comes to our grandparents. But the reason I even bring it up is because she was heart broken about leaving her flowers so several of us inheriting them and I am very happy about that. I am finally going to have a pretty yard. I've asked for her Iris, Peonies and Hydrangeas. I know between everybody I may not get all of them but I really hope I can beautify my yard.
Remember these Blood Orange Bars? Well, I have a dilemma, for the life of me I cannot figure out how to safely ship them them across the world. My brother-in-law is currently deployed and wants some but I have no clue how to get them to him and them still be safe to eat. I'm planning some other cookies and bars for him but I can't come up with anything even in the same ball park that will ship. I'm thinking of making him peanut butter bacon bars and maybe some strawberry blondies (recipe in the works for both) but otherwise I'm lost and taking suggestions!
I have two major time sucks right now, Candy Crush and Plants Vs Zombies. They are ruining my life!!!! Candy Crush has caught my husband too. I know he's playing because he gets very quiet and makes his concentration face then suddenly starts yelling garbled nonsensical sentences. I find Plants Vs Zombies to be the more infuriating of the two and Monkey is totally in love with it. He wants to play it alllll the time. Of course he doesn't really grasp the concept but the thinks he totally rocks at it.
It seems my boys inherited our allergies, which means no cleaning, chores or project are getting done when all four of us are feeling like poop. I have one who wants to be held all the time and fights sleep like nobody's business and another who is so frustrated by being slowed down that he is breaking out into crying fits for almost no reason. One minute they are both fine and the next they are on the floor pitching a fit and I want to join them. Hoping this pollen count drops soon. I neeeeed a break! Right now I'm just looking forward to my Sunday lunch date with the bestie! It has been way way way too long! I'm going to leave you with something I made to hang in my dining room/craft room eventually. My Grandpa used to sing it to us all the time. I may have it framed for Granny's new place if she wants it. If you like it right click and save it feel free to hang it somewhere.
Another post of an orange juice? Do I have a new favorite color? Maybe. While I was preggo I hate hate hated sweet potato juice. The husband LOVED it so he convinced me to try it again and SURPRISE! I like it! Sounds crazy, but paired with the right fruits and veg it is wonderful. Today's orange beauty was sweet potato, pineapple, orange, carrot and ginger topped off with coconut water to get my good and hydrated after this morning's doozy of a work out. I sipped on it while I cooled off and relaxed on my porch.
Orange You Happy Juice
(makes two full glasses this size, perfect for breakfast or an after workout pick me up)
1/2 a sweet potato
2 med/large carrots
1/4 of a fresh pineapple
2 large oranges
a hunk of ginger
coconut water
Juice your fruit and veggies and strain. Pour into two glasses and top off with Coconut Water to fill your glasses. Chill and enjoy.
*No matter how much you strain this juice it is going to be slightly pulpy due to the orange and sweet potato. For juices like these I prefer to use the "blender cups" that have little wire ball that resembles a whisk in the bottom. When it settles you can shake it up and all is wonderful and no longer gritty feeling.
**I don't think that using these juices as a meal replacement is a way of life however I do enjoy for breakfast often and lunch from time to time. They are filling and healthy. I give them to my my oldest to drink between meals.
I know, I know, a juice that isn't green, you must think I've gone nutty! And it is gooooooood! Of course I have been on a major blood orange kick recently, somethings never change. It was a bit too spicy for the Mr. but I like the major ginger kick. He only likes ginger since he started juicing last year, before that he HATED it. Now he loves it and will even drink ginger ale and I don't have to lie bout if it is in food now. But this juice might have been over the line for him, I just happen to really like the spice from it. Maybe its because my Grandpa used to sneak a very strong spicy ginger ale to me in my sippy cup. My Mom would get so mad at him but he kept doing it anyway. He was a rebel like that. Even though I rarely drink ginger ale now I still love that bright heat that you get from fresh ginger. If you think its too much either use less ginger or toss in a frozen banana and blend it up and make it into a smoothie.
This juice makes 2 to 3 meal replacement servings
Blood Orange, Carrot and Pineapple Juice
3 large or 4 small blood oranges
5 carrots
1/3 of a pineapple
1 apple
a 3 inch chunk of ginger
Process everything through the fjuicer, or blender then strain and drink. Or refrigerate first, I often do.
I needed comfort food today. I was making up for the lack of it yesterday, when I needed it most. Yesterday, no one and nothing would go along with the plan I laid out for the day. And just when I was about to explode, on the interstate with the Mr. and the boys our Jeep went comatose. There we were stranded in 80+ degree weather on the side of the interstate in rush hour traffic. Luckily my in laws came to our rescue and brought the boys and me home while the hubs waited for a tow truck. It could have been much worse so I am thankful, very thankful that it wasn't but I was/am stressed!!! So umm... Yeah, that happened but now back to the food. I don't crave your "typical" southern style comfort food when I'm stressed. While I love biscuits and fried chicken like any true southerner for me comfort food (other than mashed potatoes) includes soy sauce and rice vinegar. My quick and easy favorite is this spicy peanut noodle meal. I used to have this for lunch at least once a week but lately I've been juicing for lunch or eating raw fruit and veg. I've missed these noodles.
*This is not a true recipe because I never make them the same way twice. Adjust the ingredients to you're taste. I have also been known to through in left over veggies from the previous night.*
Spicy Peanut Noodles
For 2 people I use approximately
1/3 of a box of spaghetti noodles
2-3 tablespoons soy sauce
1/4 cup peanut butter
1-2 tablespoon rice wine vinegar or lemon juice
1/8 cup honey
Sriracha
1 raw carrot, grated
a small handful of peanuts chopped
Sriracha
Boil your pasta as you normally would. In a bowl whisk together soy sauce and peanut butter. Until well combined. Then add in your vinegar and honey. Taste to make sure you don't need more of something. Add a few drops of Sriracha, then stir and taste again. Once pasta is done, drain and toss with your sauce. It should just coat your pasta, you don't want it swimming in sauce. Once coated stir in the carrot, the heat from the pasta will soften the carrots slightly yet still leave a crunch. Portion into two bowls. Top with peanuts and add a few drops of Sriracha. Enjoy while warm.
While any kind of syrup in milk is not the healthiest thing to give my boy sometimes as a mom I have to get inventive to get good things in him. My oldest doesn't really like plain milk, he'll drink it sometimes, but rarely.
Can I just point out how adorable my Monkey is!!!
And I know he sounds like any normal kid that prefers chocolate milk but I hate hate hate the taste of plain milk, in fact the only time I drink it is with a huge piece of chocolate cake or a brownie and then I rarely finish the glass. The only milk I drink untouched is Almond Coconut Milk. So when Monkey tells me he can't drink it I don't push too hard. To get his some calcium I add a little chocolate or strawberry syrup. But lately I've realized how much junk goes into our foods so I try to make as much homemade as possible. This syrup is the same recipe I use for Italian Sodas as well. It's pretty versatile and easy.
basically toss everything in your pot then puree
strain
some seeds may sneak through
pour into your jar
let cool
then drink
Strawberry Syrup
2 16 oz containers of fresh strawberries
1 cup water
1/3 cup raw sugar*
Place all ingredients into a pot over medium high heat and bring to a boil. Boil 5 minutes, stirring regularly making sure nothing burns to the bottom. Puree (I used an immersion blender) and return to a medium heat. Simmer for 5 minutes. Strain into a bowl. Let cool and pour into your jar. and refrigerate. Keeps around two weeks.
*Use whatever type of sweetener you prefer. I used raw sugar because I had it on hand. Truly I planned on using Agave Nectar but was totally out. Just remember to change measurement accordingly Also these strawberries were fairly tart but you can lower or raise the amount for your taste.
It can be said that I have an addiction to citrus. Although that can be said, I'd prefer to say I have a totally normal, non-creepy love affair with citrus. My husband is totally fine with that too , maybe because he likes everything citrus also, maybe because he thinks I'm a bit deranged and that he should stay on my good side. Whatever the case I bake and cook with lemon, lime and orange often. I came very close to making my tried and true lemon bars for Easter but at the last minute I changed my mind and went with my dear , dear sweet blood oranges. I ♥ them so! Blood oranges are my new favorite and the family all love them too.
My mom has made lemon bars as long as I can remember. I love them and always have but it is hard to find a good recipe but I believe this one is near perfect. Often you find recipes that call for flour or sour cream and I feel that it muddies the flavor. I like the pure unadulterated lemon (or which ever citrus juice I use) zing. But the problem with the recipes that are without flour is they often don't set and become a runny gooey mess when you cut into them. Make sure you beat these with an electric mixer. They need to have some air beat into them for them to set properly. I found this out the hard way (more than once.)
It can also be said I'm like a Tasmanian Devil in he kitchen. This picture is proof of my messy baking skills.
Also my three year old destroyed my mesh strainer so dusting with powered sugar was a challenge.
Blood Orange Bars
{for crust}
1 1/2 cups AP flour
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter (at room temp)
{for filling}
4 eggs
1 cup sugar*
1 cup of fresh squeezed juice, strained (I used 1 lemon plus three blood oranges)
1-2 tbsp of zest (if possible)
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Line a 9x9 pan with aluminum foil and spray with coking spray.
combine all ingredients for crust into a food processor and mix. It should look like sand. Press mixture into pan making sure bottom is completely covered and as even as possible. Bake for 15-18 minutes until very lightly brown just around edges.While crust is baking combine all filling ingredients into a stand mixer and beat on medium speed for at least 3 minutes. I tend to go 5. (You can use a hand mixer if you don' have a stand mixer) Pour filling into crust and bake for 20 minutes or until filling is set and no longer jiggles. Let cool, cut and top with powdered sugar.
*you may want to consider upping the sugar by 1/3 of a cup for tarter fruit such as grapefruit or lemon.
Oh and I made these amazing cupcakes for Easter! Seriously follow the link and make them! LOVE that buttercream!
