Ten a Day

While bemoaning the lack of community around the blogosphere lately, Adam and Karen decided to make a THING this week. Call it an experiment if you want. I call it 'Old School'.  Blogging as it used to be. We read. We commented. We followed links when someone said something that resonated, be it funny, or touching, or asshatery; we trailed around the internet reading REAL stories, from REAL people, about REAL LIVES. Before we were all "Brands," we were people.

Let's get back to that, shall we?

And if you follow my friend Busy Mom on Twitter, you know that she and a bunch of others were talking about this on Saturday night, so I know that it's not just a few of us that are missing the old blogging. It's a lot of people, across a lot of genres. Even Gwen Bell is talking about how blogging has changed.

So, will you take the challenge?

Adam made the badge.

I'm going to do this. If I only get to read ten posts a day but comment on all of them I will do it. Can you only read and comment on 3? OK then, do it. No judgement. The point is to really read and interact like we all did before Twitter and Facebook diluted our conversations over so many platforms that we just couldn't hear, or BE HEARD over all of the noise anymore.

I'm in. Are you?

UPDATED: I'll also try to respond to the comments in the comments, at least for today, since this seems to be a conversation. LOVE IT!!!

Before and After: Bedroom

There has been so much going on with the floors/remodel these last few weeks. Who can forget the closet transformation? Well, yesterday we finally got the carpet in the downstairs bedroom, which is Headless Girl's room/guest room. (She's mostly in the dorms now, remember?)

Before:

( I know you're jealous of the cement. Don't hate.)

Do you see the desk there along the right of the picture? That is my old bedroom set from when I was a little girl. I think my parents bought it around 1970? The bed is long gone, given to a young girl back in the 80's after I hadn't used it in a decade, but this desk and matching dresser have been with me since the beginning, and moved all over the country, and it's still in pretty good shape. Sure it could probably use a makeover, but all in all it's strong and sturdy and will last a few more decades, I'm sure.

After:

We held out until we found the softest, thickest carpet that we could. Pricey, but it's SO worth it. You can even feel how thick and cushy it is with your shoes on.






Yes, that's my wine glass on the dresser. I deserved it, y'all.


And yes, Mom and Dad, it's all ready for your visit!!!!

I'm Caving

You know, I thought I was just going to let it go. With such big changes on the show, I thought I wouldn't care; would be ready to be silent.

Yeah, not gonna happen.

I am officially re-in-love with American Idol.

Like everyone else, I was hesitant. No Simon? There can't be Idol with out him!

Who? JLo? Are you kidding me? I've never been a fan. And don't get me started on Steven Tyler. I was instantly turned OFF knowing that he would be on the stage as a judge. He's kinda creepy, no?

Now, all of that is in the past. Jennifer has had thoughtful insights and constructive feedback for the contestants. Steven, while he had a little of the creep factor when it came to the pyt's in the early weeks, has proven that he's got the chops to make the difficult calls. He's got the soft side when he needs to. Great balance.

Randy has really stepped up into the 'elder' role well. He is less a friend with the contestants and more serious about his place on the panel and he does it very well.

And you know what? I really, really like it. A lot. All of it.

So you'll be hearing from me each week, AGAIN, about all things Idol. Well, the show anyway. Will you join me? Do you watch Idol? Do you like this set of judges? Do you have an early favorite?

photo

Questions, and maybe, Answers

A while back on the blog's Facebook page my darling daughter asked these questions: 

What makes you happy? What do you dream about? What makes you get up in the morning and keep doing what you do? What makes you feel most ALIVE?---Headless girl

When I first read that, my initial answer was "Nothing," (pretty much to all of it,) but now that I've had the chance to stew on it for a while I think I can answer. 


What makes you happy?

Hearing my children laugh. Snuggling with Headless Dad on a cold winter's night. Being in the Colorado mountains. Being on a warm beach, preferably in Hawaii. Losing 5 lbs., (ok, or 10.) Cooking a meal that everyone loves. Having a clean house. Money in the bank. Red wine.

What do you dream about?

Here's where I can actually say nothing, as long as you're asking about actual dreams while I'm sleeping. I rarely dream, and when I do they are quite bizarre and I don't usually remember them. OH! You meant dream as in "Some-day-maybe-never-but-something-that-would-be-better-than-awesome-if-it-ever-happened", right? Aaah, ok. Moving back to Colorado. Having lots of money in the bank and to be able to help others with it. Getting a shiny new car. Putting in a pool. Interestingly enough, getting hardwood floors used to be on this list!

What makes you get up in the morning and keep doing what you do?

Coffee. And the threat of being arrested if my kids don't show up for school. (Just kidding!)


What makes you feel most ALIVE?

This one stumps me. I mean, breathing makes you feel alive, right? I don't have something that is my passion like hiking, or surfing, or running, or some other hobby that people say "If I couldn't do _____ then I'd be lost." I guess I'd like to, but I honestly don't. 

So there you have it, Headless Girl. The answers to your questions.


If any of you would like to take on her questions, leave me the link and I'll come visit to see what you have to say!

Always with the questions....

Carmen did this last night and I told her I'd do it. Also, answering questions is easy and my brain is mush. I deleted the non-age appropriate, nonsensical questions because it's my blog and I can.

1. Do you have any scars? If so, pick one and explain how you got it.
I have a burn on my left forearm from falling into a pan of hot bacon grease when I was a little girl.


2.  What is on the walls of your bedroom?
Ugly pink paint that is very high on my list to paint over very soon. I didn't paint it that way, we bought the house that way and I have yet to get to it on the To Do list.


3.  Do you snore, grind your teeth, or talk in your sleep?
I used to think no, but after the dentist last fall I guess I do grind my teeth. I also occasionally snore, or so I'm told. I also suck my tongue. I didn't know that was a 'thing' until the dentist. I figured out why, though. I was an an airline brat when I was a kid and I was afraid of falling asleep on a plane and having my mouth hanging open and drooling. Thus: teeth grinding and tongue sucking. See also: headaches.

4.  What type of music do you listen to?
All kinds. I love 80's music of all genres, country, Christian, 90's rock. One kind that I can't stand, though, is hard core rap.

5.  What time were you born?
9:20, I think. Mom? Am I right?

6.  What do you want more than anything right now?
A hot pan of brownies.

7.  What do you miss?
The freedom to travel whenever, wherever, when I was single. I love to travel and we aren't able to do it nearly as much as I would like.

8.  What is/are your most prized possession(s)?
My wedding ring. After 3 incarnations it is e.x.a.c.t.l.y. how I want it. Finally.

9.  How tall are you?
5 feet 7 and 3/4 inches. I round up.

10.  Do you get claustrophobic?
Not typically, unless someone creepy is violating my personal space.

11.  Do you get scared in the dark?
No, unless something/someone sneaks up on me.

12.  Who was the last person to make you cry?
Ty Pennington. Damn Home Makeover stories.

13.  What’s your worst fear?
Being a widow, or losing one of my children.

14.  What kind of hair/eye color do you like on people who you’re attracted to?
Before I got married I would have said dark hair/dark eyes. You know, the typical "tall, dark, and handsome," but my husband is more fair than that, blue-eyed, and only a few inches taller than I am. I'm not sorry; he's a keeper.


16.  Do you like coffee or energy drinks?
Coffee, with sugar and cream. I don't actually understand energy drinks, and the one time I tried one it tasted like sh**.

17.  What is your favorite pizza topping?
Pepperoni and onions. Or shrimp. It's really good, I promise.

18.  If you could eat anything right now, what would it be?
See #6.

19.  What is your favorite color?
Purple. Have you seen my hair lately?


21.  What was the first meaningful gift you’ve ever received?
When I moved away from California as a 10 year old, the boy that I had a crush on gave me a fake-diamond cocktail ring. I literally kept that thing, with stones falling out, for decades. Confession: I only threw it out about 6 months ago.

22.  Do you have a crush?
I always have a crush on my husband, but somehow I don't think that was the intent of the question.


23.  Are you double jointed?
No.

24.  What is your favorite clothing brand?
Whatever fits. Seriously, where do you shop?

25.  Who is your favorite female/male celebrity?
I'm not sure. I do know that I hate Oprah, though, and wouldn't be caught dead watching her network or show. Does that count?

26.  Do you have a pet right now?
No.


28.  Would you fall in love knowing that the person is leaving?
That is what life and marriage is about... falling in love, living a life together, and someday one of you, unfortunately, will die. Circle of life and all that. So, yes, I would, and I did.


33.  What is your favorite place?
Currently my bed or our couch. However, I love Singapore and would love to go back someday.

So what about you? If you do this leave me the link and I'll come read it. Promise! If you don't have a blog then why not choose one question above and answer in the comments? It will be fun!

Easy, Yummy Cauliflower

There was a time that I wouldn't EVER use the microwave for vegetables, and my husband? That's sacrelig, if you ask him. That was, until I made this for him early on in our marriage. I had been telling him about it for months and he kept saying NO!, but finally I just made it and he was hooked. He renamed it "Cow Brain" but I just can't get on board with that. Totally grosses me out.

Anyway, if you're trying to get your kids, or husband!, to try cauliflower, give this one a try. You, and they, won't be disappointed.

Cauliflower in the Microwave

Wash one head of cauliflower, and trim all leaves from the bottom. Place damp in a bowl, (or add a tablespoon or so of water.) Cover well with plastic wrap, and cook on high for 7 to 10 minutes, depending on the size of the head.

 Meanwhile, mix:

1/2 cup mayo (I use lite.)
1 tsp. prepared mustard
1 green onion, sliced. (I usually use 2.)


Smear well onto the (mostly) cooked cauliflower. Don't forget to wipe it down the sides, too.

Next, press 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese onto the mayo mix. Again, remember to press it into the sides too.

Return to the microwave for about 2 minutes to melt the cheese and heat the mayo mix.

Serve immediately.

I cut it like a pie.

Get ready to be a hero.

Bonus: Your kids will devour this. Veggies!

Yummmmmmmm.



(For more of my recipes click on the 'recipe trials' link at the bottom of this post!)

The Closet: Before and After

 This is the closet under my staircase. (Yet again, I have failed rotating pictures. Put your ear on your left shoulder for maximum viewing.) It was about 3 feet wide and 5 feet deep. I keep all of my Christmas decorations in here, plus boxes, tissue, wrapping paper. OH! And a silver tea service that we got for our wedding that I do not have adequate display space for quite yet. One day at a time, people, one day at a time.

 This is after the final cut. My contractor removed a couple of studs and reinforced the stairs with extra side supports and extra header boards. So now I have at least doubled my storage space! Yea!

Yes, I know that it's not 'finished' and there is no flooring. We'll get to it but since we ordered carpet for the downstairs bedroom I had to get things moved out of the living room so we would have someplace to put the furniture while they installed the carpet.

I'm getting there, slowly but surely.

It's not taking long to fill this baby up. Do you remember that my living room was filled with a ton of junk after our flood? Not anymore! I think I can even find a few more plastic tubs and add other holiday decorations, too. Storage, FTW!

You too?

image source

Day of Love

 "Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and truth." (1 John 3:18)

 
Love means grinding the beans when he has to get up early.
Love means letting them tape the Grammys, even when you no longer see the appeal.
Love means taking the medicine upstairs, rather than making him get it himself.
Love is letting the two of them have the couch together.
Love means getting up a little early to make their favorite breakfast.
Love means another load of laundry to they have the socks that they need want.
Love is finishing the dishes at night so he wakes up to a clean kitchen.
Love is working long hours.
Love is bringing tulips 2 weeks ago, just because.
Love means playing catch on a beautiful February day. (That one doesn't hurt. Love shouldn't hurt.)
Love is giving her the tools she needs to fly--on her own.
Love is a testosterone filled evening, just for my boys.

May your day be filled with actions of love. xoxo

My Favorite Things

...Well, for today anyway. Sometimes these things change rapidly. I'm totally copying Carmen. You can go read hers but be sure to come back! Validation is my friend.

• Dawn dishwashing soap. Why, oh why do I ever try the cheaper stuff? This is one product that is worth it's brand ranking...and then some.

• The private group feature on Facebook. Although it may just kill commenting on blogs for good.
• Red, red wine.
• Enough food in the fridge and freezer to have dinners for several days with nary a trip to the grocery store.
• New recipes that are a hit.
• Freshly washed sheets and a well-made bed.
• A single baseball team commitment for our family. Yes, both boys are on the same team! #SchedulingWin

• Southern Californa is in for another bout of winter next week. I know you're over winter but I'll take it when I can get it.
• Fresh pink and yellow tulips.
• The purple streaks in my hair.
• Less dirty laundry than clean, folded, ready-to-be-put-away laundry. 
• Being able to give the testosterone-filled members of my family a trip to see Monster Jam, courtesy of being a blogger. thankyouverymuch. I get a tweet-up with another IEF blogger out of the deal, so it's all good. Oh, and maybe a really good beer, too.

There you go, a few of my favorite things. What are your favorite things this week? Tell me here, or make your own list and let me know so I don't miss it! (Hey Carmen! I think you just started a meme.)
 

2-for-1 Meal Plan, er, make that 3

Now this is the way that I like to plan dinners!

I have been wanting to try a whole chicken in the crock pot. Sounded easy, and my family eats a lot of whole chickens. Usually we use the rotisserie on our outdoor gas grill; occasionally I'll oven roast them, but they take a while and in the winter we just don't have the time to hang out outside for an hour. So I opened up my copy of Make it Fast, Cook it Slow and got to work.

Stephanie's Whole Chicken:

1- 3 to 5 lb. chicken (without the gunk inside)
1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup Italian dressing

(OK-here's where I tell you that I cheated. I was planning on using the meat for shredded chicken tacos so I didn't use this seasoning. I used this as a guideline instead and added some ground cumin for a more mexican-y flavor.)

Cut off part or all of the skin/fat. (Steph suggested taking all of the skin off and I only took off most of it. Next time I'll take it all off because there was a lot of fat left at the end.) Rub the seasoning mix all over the inside and outside of the chicken. Put it in the crock, breast side down. Cook on low 7-8 hours or high 4-5 hours.

(Sidenote: my crock pot cooks at an extremely high temperature, even on low, so mine takes far less time and I have to watch things very closely. Know your pot well and don't over or under cook things!)

When the chicken is falling off the bone it's done. Use a slotted spoon to take the meat out of the crock and pull the chicken from the bones. Ta Da! The meat was perfect!

How I used the meat:

That evening we had shredded chicken taco/fajitas. My kids don't love bell peppers but I sauteed some with onions for my husband and I. (Come to think of it, the 9yo ended up loving them on his.) I had bought a pack of corn tortillas for $1, put out some salsa, other taco toppings, and made some Spanish rice. Voila! Dinner was served. Cheap and easy my friends.

"But we have a lot of meat left over. What now?"

Pick through your meat and make sure there are no bones or skin left, and put it in a ziplock for a couple of days. Then you'll be ready for Mexican again and you'll want to try this recipe from Mary of Owlhaven, and her book Family Feasts for $75 a Week. (Another sidenote: this is a fantastic book for learning to save money on your grocery bill. I'm feverishly applying her tips!)

Spicy Chicken Enchiladas

Your leftover chicken, approx. 2 lb. cooked
2 cloves of garlic, chopped
1/2 med-large onion, minced
2 cups of frozen corn (or one15 oz. can, drained)
14 oz of tomato puree (I used a mixture of Rotel, tomato paste, and water, blended in my blender.)
1/2 cup salsa or pico de gallo (Here's where you can go spicy or mild.)
1/4 cup taco seasoning
10 8-in. tortillas (These would be left from the night of tacos, if you're doing it like I did.)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (I used a mix of cheddar and pepper jack.)
Sour cream for serving

In a large skillet with a touch of oil, cook garlic, onion and corn, until onion is tender, 5-7 min. Add cooked chicken to pan. Pour 1/2 cup of tomato puree into the bottom of a 9x 13 baking dish and spread evenly. Add remaining puree, salsa. and taco seasoning to pan with chicken to heat well. Put a double layer of tortillas in the bottom of your baking pan, tearing the pieces to cover the whole pan evenly. Add half of the meat mixture to your baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of the cheese. Add another layer of tortillas. Add the remaining meat mixture and top with remaining cheese.
Bake at 375 for 30 minutes or so.
Serve with additional salsa and sour cream.

Mary, my family LOVED this recipe. It's going to end up in regular rotation. Thanks!

This actually made so much that I ended up freezing almost half for another day. It will be perfect for a night that HD is working late, or we go out and the kids need something easy to have with a babysitter. Can you give me a Whoot for getting 3 meals out of a single chicken? Now that's talent, baby.

This post contains affiliate links. Just so you're aware, and all.

Random Thoughts from a Windy Wednesday

• Wind? Yes, I'm mainlining Advil again, since a sinusectomy isn't an option.
• Related: if my head is hurting I can safely assume the kids' are too. Remedy that with Advil too and avoid headache related meltdowns. Win-win!
• Why would a man who drives a dooley put a sticker of a flower and a hummingbird on the back?
• There is no reason, save bad weather or children on the street, to drive well.under.the.speed.limit. Ever.
• I wish that the other drivers on the road with me would have boxed in the guy who weaved in and out of traffic, going 90 miles an hour, just because he wasn't satisfied with 75. He almost caused 3 accidents.
• I hate lunchtime. I hate sandwiches. Yet, I still have to feed myself around noon every day. You'd think I'd learn by now to keep something in the house.
• I have eaten my nails to an almost-bloody pulp. Thank you, stress.
• The unbloggable has been solved. I hope that means all of my words are back.
• For any locals that are reading, I have a giveaway going on over at Inland Empire Family.
• Again, for locals: Are you going to Monster Jam this weekend? Let's have a tweet-up!
• I also wrote about being a coach.
• I want to suck on this kid's cheeks and make him laugh. I bet he's got the best baby laugh!

Unbloggable

But here's something pretty to look at until I find my words again. I shot this rose using my Canon last spring. I have not edited it at all. Not too bad, eh?

Super Bowl: Steelers vs. Green Bay

Over on my Facebook Fan Page, (community page? blog page? what are those crazy kids calling it these days?) I asked for questions for me to answer/write about over here. The lovely Mary of Kyooty Center was the only one who responded, so Instant Gratification for her!

Mary asked:

Who are you pulling for in the Super Bowl?

Yikes. I was wondering when someone would ask. As you all know, I'm a football freak. Now that it's not on tv and talked about for 20 hours a day I'm going through some serious withdraw. Sundays are a vast wasteland of wandering from room to room muttering "Tebow. Orton. Romo. Ochocinco." And on and on.

I have a deeply psychotic way of choosing who I cheer for in a game that I do not have a favorite team in. Let's examine the facts for this game:

• I like Aaron Rodgers and Clay Mathews. They're good guys and Clay is a play-maker. That's exciting to watch whether you like the Packers or not. Charles Woodson is no slouch either.
• GB beat the snot out of the Bears and Jay Cutler 2 weeks ago. Any team who can take Jay off the field is good by me. Pussy.
• Ben Rothlisberger is a douche, but Troy Polamalu and Hines Ward more than make up for his douchbaggery.
• The Steelers also have a player from my alma mater, Aaron Smith.
• Unfortunately, I can't even judge this one on something as shallow meaningful as favorite colors. Green and black are both on my favorite color palate.
• Green Bay fans wear cheese on their heads. Awesome.
• Steelers fans wave towels. Equally as awesome.
• If either team were in the game, playing other teams, I would more than likely be pulling for one of these teams.

So, Mary, in answer to your question, I have no freaking idea. I guess I'll be pulling for the team who plays better/has the better lead-in story/cries the most at the National Anthem. Or the team who wins. Yeah, that's it. I'll just root for the team that wins.