MSM

This week on Make Something Monday (as if it's a show) I am going to change things up a bit. I want YOU to make a list of things that make you happy. It seems like all around us is unfortunate news from baby Stellan, to the over exposed economy, to natural disasters all over the place, and I think it's time we think about what makes us the happiest. I'll get the ball rolling, but I'd like to know the things that bring a smile to your faces :)

-coffee (I think this came to my mind first because I'm drinking it..)
-hearing rain fall softly on the roof while I'm snuggled in bed
-tulips of any color
-yoplait thick and creamy berry yogurt
-watching Apollo sleep
-making people laugh or smile
-the sound of the ocean and the warmth of the sun (best if happening at the same time
-being Brandon's wife
-long walks on the beach...just kidding I'll walk anywhere but dark creepy alley ways
-sketching, designing, painting, creating
-answered prayers even if its not the answer we want, knowing we have a God who cares enough to answer based on His greater judgement.

Make your list, post it around your house and remember when your feeling down, the things that make you feel better. It's a great way to start off your day (even a little better than coffee in the morning!)

my top 10 registry picks

Mandy had an interesting and fun blog idea in which she showcased her top registry picks since her wedding a little over a year ago (congratulations!!) It got me thinking what mine were and since I know a reader who will soon be picking things for such an occation, I thought I'd share my favorites, and things I've re-thought my choices on as well. They're in no particular order, I don't play favorites (or do I?)

Love It!
George Forman grill (with removable plates including waffle and grittle plates)
Fiestaware casual china -it's so much fun, and durable. It's a little brightener to my day!
coffee maker-I thought I'd never really use this much but for company, however it's my other brightener to my day
toasteroven-I like this mainly because when cooking for two, I can just use this and not heat up the entire kitchen oven
pottery barn bed- It's so pretty, and comfy and its our nicest piece of furniture, which isn't saying much, but it's nice!
Kitchenaide mixer-ok I got this for Christmas, but have regretted not registering for one for a while!
Pig Oven mitts-yep, they're silicone, cute, easily washable and wonderful
Chicago Cutlery set- so nice...so so nice to have all these knives including steak knives all in one easy place!
crockpot-I feel weird about this one because honestly I haven't used it much. However, that's because I just don't have space to leave it out, and so it's out of sight out of mind. When I have used it though, it's wonderful!
ipod speakers- oh so wonderful! It's just nice that I can listen to my tunes wherever I want in the house!

Leave it
icecream maker-I hardly ever use it and it just takes up space
magic bullet- It works fine, but it's too small, I should've gotten a food processor or blender
microfleece blanket-It was nice, until Apollo adopted it and ate 1/3 of it...
rotating spice rack-it came with a bunch of spices that I don't use, I'd rather have one to fill with stuff I use regularly
cutting board with colander- It's a great idea to have a hole in the cuttingboard to put in a collapsable colander, but it just doesn't fit well over the sink, and its a pain to have a hole when you're chopping stuff
bagel biter-yeah, I've never used this...ever. Oops
really ugly bbq stuff-we didn't register for this...and for good reason its like amber and weirdly girly, but ugly girly

Should have?
storage!-bookcases, filing cabinets, food storage all would have been really nice
art- I'm not sure what, maybe just picture frames, but our walls were empty for a long while!
food scale- How many recipes have I made where they ask for a certain amount and I just guess? I don't know either, but enough for me to need one.
blender/food processor-yeah, I wouldn't use it much, but when I did, it'd be legendary!
lighting-lamps and such, because again, we just had run down sad lamps...
another 2 sets of casual plates-8 is enough (hee hee) for when it's just us, but if we have visitors, it's a little embarrassing not having enough utensils.
table linens-Brandon's mom got us some that I like, but we need 2 more and I don't know where to find matching ones...
maybe a snazzy alarmclock- one that gently wakes us up at 4 in the morning when Brandon goes in for his butt crack of dawn flights...grrr!

If only I could turn back time

Those of you who know me well, know that I have an odd affinity for pigs. All through life, I've been a tad bit obsessed, and by 'a tad' I mean pigs were my sole existence for living. My mom made jammies for me and pig outfits, I've had jewelry, a fan pull, oven mitts, a magnet of a pig wearing an A&M tshirt, and so on and so forth. Well, with some free time I was looking around Etsy.com (its a crafting website for people to sell things they make, if you haven't checked it out, you should...after you read this, because this is important.) (no it's not) Anyhow, back to the point, I was looking around Etsy and typed in "pigs." I figured I'd find quite a few items, but there seems to be a much higher percentage of fellow porciophiles than I previously thought. I came across a few items that if I were 20 years younger (or if they made them in my size now...) I'd just be the happiest kid ever! First, I came across these pig beanies. There were quite a few but this one made me laugh because of the really large ears. It comes complete with a curly tail protruding out the back of the hat! There was also a pig beret (very classy) and a crochet hat with a pig face, that were also high on my "if only" list. You can't take your eyes off of that hat can you? Maybe one day I can torture my kids into wearing things to make me happy. Some people do also make baseball type hats, but they just weren't as cute. I also came across my next project. Either a pig duffel bag, or a pig laundry bag! How have I lived this long without one? (I also squeal every time I watch 'Elf' and Buddy sits on the pig stool in his dads office. I want one. I think Brandon would cry a little though.)

It's Monday

I know it's the season of lent and some people don't eat meat during this time, so if you're one of these such people, just save this one until later. This week I'm sharing a steak seasoning and a tip for the leftover seasoning (oooh a two-fer!). "Well that's nice, I've got steak seasoning in a bottle." You may be saying to yourself. Before you click to your next blog, give this one a chance. While in Los Angeles visiting my father in law a little over a year ago, we went to a restaurant where they had this amazing beef that tasted as if they has put cinnamon on it. Yes, cinnamon. Rachael Ray also uses it to bring out the flavor of the beef, so if she uses it, it must be ok right? Maybe not, but let's just go with it here, and you probably don't have this kind in a bottle. This week at Publix (the greatest grocery store here) they had all sorts of specials on beef. I found a cut called Mock Tenderloin Steak or something like that. I don't recommend it, but for less than 4 bucks, what could I expect? Anyhow, I thought I'd try out this recipe that sounded delightful. (I don't know why "delightful," it's still early) Well, the recipe makes for quite a bit of seasoning that you sprinkle over the beef. So, why waste the seasoning if it's good right? So what did I do? (you're on the edge of your seat, I know) I washed out an old empty pill bottle and put the remaining mix in there and labeled it. Now, it fits nicely with my other bottles and I don't waste the extra. (Please keep in mind that if you do roll raw meat around in it, it's not a good idea to save the extra, due to germs and salmonella and such.) If you've got an empty seasoning bottle, all the better, because then you've got the cool little shaker top doohicky. However, I don't have the luxury yet.

isn't it ironic?

Don't you think? Why yes, Alanis, I do. What's ironic my beautiful blog reader? Life. Can I be more specific? Yes I can. Can I stop asking questions and just get the the point? Also yes. You know how I've been complaining about the lack of jobs and how frustrated I am and how woe is me? Well I finally got an amazing opportunity as an unpaid intern at a cake shop. So, I'm doing what I love, but not contributing to the checking account. Here comes the lovely irony. Within the past week, I've received two (count 'em two) separate calls from two separate people, wanting to talk to me about job offers. Yeah. I haven't found out what type of jobs they are yet, because I'm playing phone tag, but still. So now I have to figure out if I want to leave what I love to chase after money. Well, I know that I don't and I know Brandon wants me to be happy, but I feel badly about not getting paid. A couple starting out can use all the money we can get. I could save up and finally get a washer/dryer...or a new couch, or even contribute to savings! For six stinkin' months, nothing. Nada. Zip, zilch and nill. Now, all the sudden, I'm getting offers. Why? I'm glad God is answering my prayers, and I don't want to sound ungrateful, but I thought He was done answering with the cake shop. What do I do now?

Make Something Monday

This week for Make Something Monday, I am going to share with you one of my all time favorite foods my mom made for special occasions. (By special, I mean bunco night or elementary school parties not Christmas or Easter) We hosted a game night with some other couples that live around our apartment complex this weekend, and I wanted to make something that could be eaten by everyone, including a girl who's vegetarian. Though I don't support the lifestyle, I won't cast stones, and will try to be accommodating. Oh who am I kidding? I wanted veggie pizza, and since Brandon isn't a huge veggie fan and I don't want to eat the entire pizza myself (though I would) I thought this would be the perfect occasion. It's very easy and budget friendly as well as delicious and fairly nutritious. If you're having it for a party, people may turn up their noses at it at first, but once they try it they always like it! Ok, here we go....

Veggie Pizza
1 refrigerated pizza crust (I use Pillsbury thin, but whatever you like)
8 oz cream cheese (the brick form is easiest to get out and mix)
1/4c mayo
1/2 packet of Ranch flavor (you can find this with the salad dressings, usually on the top shelf)
Veggies (whatever you like, I used carrots, broccoli, celery, and cauliflower for two reasons, one, that's what my mom used, and two they don't get soggy in the fridge. Cucumber would probably be pretty good too and radishes, but we don't want to go overboard!)
shredded cheese (again, whatever you like, I used a premix of cheddar and Monterrey jack)

All you need to do is bake the crust as per the instructions on the tube. While that's cooking, chop up your veggies* and make the "sauce". (which is the cream cheese, ranch and mayo mixed together. The consistency is supposed to be more cream cheesy than saucy) Store the veg and the sauce in the fridge until after the crust has completely cooled. Then just spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust, sprinkle the veggies on top of that, and then top with cheese! Voila! (Just refrigerate until you're ready to eat) I think it's one of the prettiest dishes with all the colors and such.

*I use about 1 cup of celery, 1 cup of carrots, 1/2 c. broccoli and 1/4c cauliflower chopped. When you buy the veggies, you'll get more than needed for the amount you chop. Now you've got healthy snacks for later! You can make a veggie dip much the same way you make the spread for the pizza if you want!

Not Cake Wrecks

Alrighty folks, the pictures of the competition have been posted and I've picked my faves to show you guys. You can see all of them (including me in the one tip challenge) at beachbumphotography who took the pictures pro bono for the event! I thought they did an amazing job, so you should check them out if you get the chance.

These are the other cakes in my division

And these were others that I really liked. The lady I work with now, did this first one. By the way, I hate the way blogger doesn't let you place pictures as you'd like.

Make Something (for) Mandy

It's Mandy's bithday today, and if I were in the same city as her, I'd make her a cake. However I am not, and if I mailed it...well, it'd be disasterous. If you haven't checked out her blog, you should (and wish her a happy birthday) because she's got everything from the hilarious "not me monday," to showcasing her favorite blogs for a cause, to sharing her awesome scrapbooking skills. If I could make a cake for her, it'd look something like the one to the left. I'd probably use flowers instead of butterflies, and of course I wouldn't use the random pictures. (The "M" on top could stay though!) The ribbon would be more exciting too, but otherwise, I think this cake is pretty cool for a scrapbooker extraordinaire! Happy Birthday Mandy, I hope you have a most wonderous day (even though Jack probably already told you that)

sound off

Ok Floridians, I know you don't know how to vote, but come on why can't you drive either!? I never quite understood the "friendly state" deal about Texas, because I had never really driven anywhere else, and figured it was just another part of our Texas sized, Texas enamored egos. It's not. Now, I don't mean to say that Floridians are mean because I don't think that at all, until they get behind the wheel. So here are a few guidelines that may have been left out of the driving manual.

Firstly, that big wire located above intersections holds these color changing contraptions. They are called stop lights. That red light (the top most or left most one) means stop, don't drive right now. Don't worry, the light turns yellow to warn you that the red light is coming. Once the light turns green, then you may proceed.

Secondly, theres a switch on the left side of your steering wheel, its called a turn signal. I know your hands aren't too busy, because you just flipped off that sweet granny. This is for letting people know that you're turning. Just flip it in the direction you're turning a few yards before you make the turn. Not a few inches, that doesn't help.

Thirdly, there is a special lane called a turn lane that is specifically for turning. You don't have to clog up the left lane by stopping to turn, you have your own special place from which you can turn. Simply get into that lane, and slow to a stop to yeild to oncoming traffic and proceed as normal. .

Fourthly, just because the light has just turned green a millisecond ago, doesn't give you the right to honk if I haven't reached 40mph yet.

Fifthly, if someone uses their turn signal (remember the second rule) to move over a lane, let them over, you're not going to win a prize for being a jerk and not letting someone over. This goes both ways though. I don't know you want over, if you don't let me know by using your turn signal. (and don't turn it on once you're already halfway into the lane and 2 inches from my bumper...) Cutting me off and giving me the bird isn't appropriate, I'm not a mind reader.

Thanks and gig 'em

MSM

Hooray for Real Simple magazine and their wonderful tips and tricks, which I borrow for Make Something Mondays! (Not all the time, but often) This week, we're back to making the most of everyday things. By everyday, I mean everyday. I really dislike those articles and recipes that claim to use "everyday" items that no one really has. (like using a giant vase to hold toilet paper...who has a giant vase?) Anyhow, these were ones that I thought were awesome and wanted to pass on to you guys!

Ladies, when you hang your camisoles or tank tops do you have issues with them staying on the hangers? I do, and though, yes you can just loop the straps over the hanger part and hang them that way, you can also just wrap rubber bands around either end of the hanger to create a little ledge that the straps can't slip over! You don't need those fuzzy hangers that cost more money, or those gigantic stuffed ones that are really expensive...and I still don't understand the purpose of.

So, I was talking about the toilet paper in the vase no one has, and it brought up this tip. If you've got a bunch of extra cords that you just have lying around (and you know they go to something...but you just don't know what) you can quickly and easily organize them by just placing a toilet paper tube (empty of course) over the folded cords. It keeps them nice and contained. Of course if you've got a lot of cords....it may take a while before you can cover all of them...but I won't get into that. You could of course use the extra rubber bands that you're not using on your hangers, or zip ties if you've got them.

I often have the problem when I'm cooking from a recipe (especially the ones on the 3x5 cards) that I almost always spill stuff on them, or they get lost under ingredients. Well, if you 've got a cd jewel case lying around, you can simply place the recipe card behind the plastic (like where the lyrics would go) and fold the case cover around to create a little stand. Now, the recipe is elevated and angled so you can see it better, and it keeps it out of the flour! I also have a binder with those plastic protective sheets to place the recipes that are a full page. The binder fits into the recipe book holder I got for a wedding gift, and the papers stay nice and dry!




Uh oh, you're out of deodorant, and it's a hot sticky day, you're running late as it is and you know if you don't do anything you'll sweat more just because you know you're not wearing deodorant. You can either A) Borrow your husbands....or B) you can just dust a little baking soda under your pits and off you go!


Not only is it a hot yucky day, but you've got a zit, a big, one right there smack dab in the middle of your chin/nose/forehead what have you. You reach for the concealer to realize that you ran out of that too (you may want to go shopping tonight...just saying) what do you do? Reach for your liquid foundation and pat some of the thick residue left on the inside of the cap. The moisture has evaporated a little more, making it the consistency of concealer. Now you smell good and look good too! You can also use a little EVOO (I like Rachael Ray :) that's extra virgin olive oil by the way) to remove your makeup once you get home in case you're out of that too, or if you just don't want to buy the real stuff.

Good News Good News

Well, ok its just one bit of news, but it's good and there's no bad really. I got an unpaid (maybe that's the badish news) internship with a local cake company! I emailed one of the two ladies who own the shop just to ask how she got where she is. She's new to professional decorating, so I figured she'd be good to ask since she's where I'd like to be. She answered my question and then offered me the opportunity. I may even be hired, and paid as a real person if the other lady decides to take another job. Being their intern doesn't even mean that I get the crummy jobs. Yes, I do dishes and such but so do the other ladies. It's like I'm a person and an intern...who knew! Today, I got to (yes, got to) fill cupcakes with various fillings, put icing strawberry leaves on the candy strawberries, and covered a wedding cake in fondant! I'm sore and covered in powdered sugar (and subsequently covered by dog) but content :)

perhaps this isn't a good time...

It's Lent, as you may be aware, and my friend Kenzie and I have both given up sweets/desserts (individually) for the season. It has been a huge struggle for me, the ice cream in the freezer keeps calling my name. I don't know how much she's struggling, but I'm about to test her. I don't mean to do it out of mean spirit, but I remembered she was looking for a recipe for a real strawberry cake and I found a couple. I know I'll forget by the time Lent has ended, so I thought I'd post it now. I don't know exactly what she was looking for, (other than real strawberries in the cake, and not as a filling) so I hope one of these helps your search! One of the members of the cake decorating club I'm in, informed me of cakecentral.com which is like cake heaven for someone like me! They've got all sorts of ideas and recipes, which is where I came across these two cakes. Again Kenzie, I am so sorry I found this now, but hopefully you can make it for Easter and enjoy it then!

Strawberry Cake Numero Uno
1 box (18.25 oz.) Duncan Hines Classic White Cake mix
1 box (3oz.) Strawberry gelatin
3/4 c. vegetable oil
1/2 c. water
4 eggs
1/2 pt. frozen whole strawberries, thawed


Preheat oven to 350. Combine cake mix and gelatin together until mixed well. Add oil, water, and eggs and mix on low for low speed until moistened (about 30 seconds). Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes. While mixture is beating, puree thawed strawberries in a blender (if you don't have a blender just mash them really well). Combine strawberries and cake batter on low speed until strawberries are incorporated. Pour into greased/floured cake pans. Turn oven down to 325. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until done.

Strawberry Cake Numero Dos
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/4 cups turbinado sugar (sugar in the raw)
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons sour cream
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup mashed strawberries
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds


1 Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2 In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup butter and the turbinado sugar. Add the eggs, and beat for 1 minute. Stir in the vanilla and salt.
3 In a small bowl, stir together the sour cream and the baking soda until the baking soda has dissolved. Add the sour cream mixture and the flour to the egg mixture. Beat well, then stir in the mashed strawberries.
4 Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until top springs back when lightly touched.
5 While cake is cooling, make the icing: Cream together 2 tablespoons butter and confectioners' sugar. Add the milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and beat until smooth. Spread icing on warm (not hot!) cake, and sprinkle with slivered almonds.

MSM

This week on Make Something Monday we're going back to recipes! However, this week has a wee bit of a twist, making the most out of one pound of ground beef! (you're glad you got up this morning and opened this blog now aren't you?...) We have a slight problem in our house, that a certain person, who will remain nameless, doesn't like leftovers much. Granted he doesn't cook, so he eats what I give him, but it's easier when it's something fresh. The problem is, most recipes feed a family of 4 or more, which we don't have. After eating the same meal for 3 days, you begin to wonder if it'll ever end! This week, we're going to try to end the monotonous meal dilemma and make two meals with our one pound of ground beef! The first recipe is one of Brandon's favorites, especially since we can't find good Mexican food here. I think all of my readers live in Texas, and don't have that problem, but this way you don't have to eat out.

Enchiladas (if you've never made them, they sound harder than they are, don't be scared!)
1/2 lb ground beef
1/4 c. chopped onions (which I never use, because we don't like onions, but who am I to deny you of them?)
2 T chopped green chilies
1 8oz can tomato sauce
1/4 c. sliced ripe olives (also don't make in into the Elms pot)
8 corn tortillas (you can use flour if that's what you have)
2 C. shredded cheese
1 can enchilada sauce

toppings (in the recipe, you can do what you will, we just eat them naked)
1/2 c. sour cream
1/2 head lettuce, shredded

Pre-heat oven to 350. In a large skillet brown the hamburger, onions (yuck) and chilies until hamburger is cooked and nasty onions are transparent. Stir in tomato sauce, disgusting olives and 1 C. of the cheese. Place a spoonful (not like a tea spoon, like a bigger stirring spoon or soup spoon) of the meat mixture in the center of the tortilla, roll up and place in greased baking dish, seam side down. (the tortillas can be kind of brittle, don't worry if they break apart in the dish, it's ok!) Pour enchilada sauce over tortillas and sprinkle the rest of the cheese over the top. Bake for 20-25 min or until cheese bubbles and melts. Serve on a bed of lettuce topped with sour cream if you want, or eat them nudist style like we do. You can switch things up and use diced chicken and tomatillo sauce instead of enchilada sauce to make enchiladas verdes if you'd like, but that's besides the point of the day.

Now, you've got 1/2 a pound of hamburger left, you don't have a spoiled dog and you're thinking "great Amanda, way to waste some meat!" Now now, hold on! You can of course double the enchilada recipe (which I normally do, because Brandon will eat around 4 enchiladas per sitting) Or you can make a number of other things to mix things up during the week. One option is to make some hamburgers. Granted, you can only make a couple, so don't invite friends over, but if you're cooking for two it's awesome! Or, if you've got friends, you could make this...

Speedy Spaghetti
1 small onion chopped (you know my opinion of this)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 T cooking oil (or just spray the pan with non stick cooking spray, I have olive oil flavored)
1/2 lb ground beef
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
dash of red pepper
1/4 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp Tabasco sauce (we don't own this..so I don't use it)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 can cream of tomato soup
1/2 can cream of mushroom soup (I don't like mushrooms much, picky I know, so I just use the full can of tomato soup)
1 4oz can of mushrooms, drained (again..ew)
4 oz dry spaghetti noodles
grated cheese

brown garlic and onion powder in hot oil. (I just spray with pam...) Add ground beef and cook until done. Spoon off excess fat. Add seasonings, soups and 'shrooms and simmer, covered for 20-30 min. Cook noodles in boiling water, drain and rinse in hot water. Arrange on plates, spoon sauce over noodles (in case you don't know how spaghetti works) and top with desired grated cheese!

Now, you've made the most out of your ground beef. There are also nacho recipes, tamale pie, or meatballs with potatoes that only use 1/2 a pound of ground beef, so you can mix it up! I got these recipes from a book my dad got me called "Where's Mom Now That I Need Her?" that has wonderful recipes, laundry tips and tricks that your mom knows. I highly recommend it, if you're looking for such a book. (there's also "Where's Dad Now That I Need Him?" that has budget ideas, how to fix things and stuff like that, also very handy!)