What Makes YOU Happy?

I've noticed so much negativity on my favorite social media site lately....I mean A LOT!  It has made me think back a year or two (maybe three), to when I'd try to post little positive quotes, verses or happy status updates with one purpose and one purpose only....to make people SMILE.

I remember a year or so ago one of my sweet friends  said to me that no matter how bad of a day she was having, she looked forward to my posts because they were always so positive and happy.  I remember parts of that conversation and know that I said "it's when I am quiet that you should start worrying about me."  I don't believe that social medial is the place to air dirty laundry, spread negativity, bash beliefs....my social media keeps me in touch with people that I enjoy hearing from.  That's what I enjoy.  I don't feel that it is the place for my personal daily struggles with health issues, emotional issues, etc. Well, I have been quiet, and apparently a few folks have noticed and have been worried about me.  It warms my heart to know # 1 that YOU care (you know who you are) and # 2 that my "positive," "happy" posts made a difference!  Thank YOU for letting me know and for caring enough to check on me. 

I saw this today and thought it was so very appropriate for this blog post. I only ever want to be a JOY BUILDER.  I want my friends, family and even strangers to think of me and SMILE.  I want to make a positive difference!  

Is it always easy to find positivity and happiness every day?  Heck no!  But don't you think it's worth a try?  If you can find just ONE thing that makes you happy in the morning when you wake up, ONE thing that makes you happy in the afternoon and ONE thing that makes you happy in the evening that's THREE positive things to carry with you throughout your day and at least three SMILES every day!  And believe me, smiling can do wonders for your soul.  Did you know,  they are also contagious!  When you do it, others may do it, one by one we are all spreading smiles, which lead to happiness which leads to more positivity!

Please know this, I am not at all knocking anyone for any comments, complaints, etc.  we are all human beings. We all have struggles. We all have the right to feel any way that we want. We are all flawed.  And yes I am well aware, we all have our share of really crappy days.  However, I truly believe that if we try to find a little more happiness in our daily (and super crazy) lives, we will all be able to become JOY BUILDERS instead of joy killers.  

So let's try something.  Go get a paper and pen and jot down the first 10 (or more) things that pop into your head that make YOU smile.  Big or small, it doesn't matter.  There's no right or wrong answer. If we are to be JOY BUILDERS for others, we must start within.  I'd love to hear from you.  What brings you joy?  What makes you truly happy?  What makes you SMILE?  

I'll start.  

#1 Hearing my sweet girl's voice first thing in the morning

#2 My husband's hugs and holding his hand

#3 My crazy pups

#4 Staring at the sky while floating in the pool....soaking in the beauty all around me

#5 God. Knowing that He's got my back no matter what

#6 Love of family and friends

#7 Food.  Yep. food makes me happy!  I love to cook, taste, eat....

#8 Watching the sunrise from the deck of my favorite cabin in TN while sipping coffee

#9 Walking along the beach with my sweet husband at sunset

#10 Pedicures. Yup. Having pretty tootsies makes me happy

#11 Acting really silly and laughing at dumb things with my best friend

#12 Singing along to my favorite songs on the radio

Ok, now it's YOUR turn!  

SMILE...it just feels good!

Bacon, egg and cheese tart

Because the hubby and I are going to have a little 4th of July celebration on our own this evening, with smoked ribs, hot dogs, macaroni salad, roasted potatoes and strawberry shortcake,  I decided that instead of breakfast AND lunch, we'd do a little brunch today. 

 I knew I had a sheet of puffed pastry to use up, so I decided on a yummy bacon, egg and cheese tart along with some fresh pineapple and blueberries.  It was pretty simple to throw together and very tasty!

Bacon Egg and Cheese Tart

Cook about 1/2 pound bacon until crisp. Drain and pat off grease. Crumble and set aside. 

Heat oven to 425. Roll out one sheet of puffed pastry then cut into four equal portions.  Roll edges so they are a bit thicker to hold the rest of the ingredients. Poke with fork.  Bake about 10 minutes.

Remove from oven. If the centers have raised a bit, just use your fork to "deflate" them a bit.  Cool for a few minutes.

Sprinkle with cheese of your choice.  This morning I used a nacho/taco blend and a little "Mexican melting cheese" that I had left from our nacho & movie night last night.  Make a well in the center of the cheese then crack an egg into well.  I seasoned with fresh cracked black pepper and a little Tastefully Simple Seasoned Salt (need to restock your pantry with your favorite TS products?  Check out my website at www.tastefullysimple.com/web/aszymanski).  Sprinkle with crumbled bacon and return to oven. Bake until egg whites are set and yolk is starting to set.  Mine took another 10 minutes in the oven. 

Garnish with a dab of sour cream and chopped green onions.....I used dried chives because that's what I had on hand. 

I served with fresh cut pineapple and blueberries, but you could serve with any fruit you like. 

Enjoy!

And A New Chapter In Life Begins....

I have been trying to write something down on this subject for over a month now, right after I heard the news that my baby may be moving, not only out of the house for the very first time (as if that wasn't a hard enough pill for this momma to swallow) but over an hour away....  I cried a lot of tears when I was alone, but they were tears for me; my fears of being alone, the "what ifs" and knowing that I will miss her terribly, my heart was breaking every single day leading up to the Big Move (which was a week ago)....momma's selfish tears.

I have loved every single second of having my girl home! Home (wherever home was) where we taught her right from wrong, how to respect herself and others, instilled values and morals, taught her manners and how to have faith and be thankful.  Home, where we could snuggle up and watch our favorite shows, cook, eat, play, sing, dance, laugh and cry together.  And home, where we have shown her that love is true and unfailing.  If nothing else, I know without a doubt that she knows LOVE and will take that with her wherever life's journey takes her.

Love is not something that we could teach.  Love is that beautiful feeling/emotion that we have tried to fill our home with.  It hasn't always been easy, like everyone in this big beautiful Earth of ours, we have had ups and downs, arguments, hurt feelings.....through our love we have over come all of the obstacles thrown in our paths and have grown. She grew up seeing that even when mommy and daddy are angry, we ALWAYS love her and each other.  It's true, the one thing I know for sure, my girl knows that she is LOVED.

I was young when I became pregnant. Hubby and I were pretty clueless.  If I'm being honest, I was completely terrified!  I had never lived away from my home, and here I was moving to another COUNTRY with my husband and baby.  I knew how I DIDN'T want to be so I made up my mind that I was going to be the very best mom that I could be to that sweet little girl.  My #1 priority was my child and thank God above for her daddy who has stuck by me, supported me, worked with me and loved me through it all.  We took on this parenthood thing together, made mistakes, after all, we were young, we had a lot of "growing up" to do ourselves. 

Eventually we learned what worked for us and what didn't;  worked together to be the very best parents to this sweet little girl that we were blessed with.  I don't know how we did it, really, but we managed to raise a beautiful (inside and out), polite, strong, smart, loving girl who has blossomed into an amazing young woman who possess all of the above qualities and so many more. I am, we are, so very proud of her and love her more than mere words can say.

Now that she is out on her own in the great big world, she will learn and grow.  She will love and also come to know loss.  She will hurt.  She will have fun and find out who she wants to be.  She will work hard, she will make mistakes.  She will laugh and cry.  She will enjoy the next chapter in her life, knowing that no matter what happens, she is LOVED.

Already she is enjoying her new home, friends, job.....  Our little girl is all grown up and I know that she will be ok. She's got this!

But do I??????

Mayo-less potato salad recipe "sort of"

Oh, I so wish I had a picture of this dish!  I made it last night and it looked so pretty with the bright red skins of the potatoes, thinly sliced red onion and fresh parsley to garnish!  

Got this recipe from my cousin after my mom raved about having it at a picnic recently.  We are potato lovers in this house!  I make potato salad often, always with mayonnaise. We love it, but, I suppose you could say, the same ole recipe gets old after a while.  Sometimes I mix things up a bit with different seasonings, sometime make it with pickles, sometimes with sweet relish and sometimes I throw in some chopped up hard boiled eggs....but the base is always mayo.

I made this new (to me) recipe yesterday and it is gone already (red potatoes are boiling right now for another batch)!  I do think, unless you are going to make this for a large gathering, this potato salad is best made in smaller batches.  If it is made too far a head of time, the olive oil is going to soak right into the potato pieces.  Also, if stored in the fridge for a long time, the oil hardens.  I left mine on the kitchen counter after I made it yesterday and served it with dinner several hours later and it was delicious (I did drizzle with more olive oil and gave it a good toss).  After dinner, I did store the little bit that was left in the fridge and when I retrieved it for my lunch a few minutes ago, it was a solid "blob."  I dished out was was left and popped it in the microwave for a few seconds and it was fine...

I don't have measurements, just ingredients....you can adjust to your liking. It really is super easy!

Bite sized red potato pieces cooked until fork tender, drained and cooled. Set aside. 

In bowl that you will serve potato salad in, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh minced garlic (I used Tastefully Simple Garlic Garlic seasoning, which you can purchase here if you like www.tastefullysimple.com/web/aszymanski).dried or fresh parsley (I used a little of both) and thinly sliced red onion.  Add salt and pepper if you'd like.

Add cooled potatoes and carefully toss until coated.  Cover and let set for a few hours.  

Serve and enjoy!

Totally Terrific Banana Bread!

Happy Friday, ya'll!  While browsing my dear friend's blog this morning, I ran across the recipe that I'm about to share with you all, with her permission, of course!  She does not claim it as her very own, but one found in a cookbook many years ago....

 I thought the recipe looked "interesting" so I decided to whip a batch up. Let me tell you, it is really about the yummiest banana bread I've had, ever!

I'll bet you could add an extra banana for more flavor, some chocolate chips, peanut butter chips or chopped pecans and it would still be terrific!

The texture is light and fluffy and moist. Very soft and almost airy. You'll want to give it a try ASAP!  Definitely remember to "test" a slice while it's still warm out of the oven (with butter....), you know, to be sure it is ok to serve to the rest of your crew. ;)

Would love to know if you try this or any of the recipes I've posted!  YOUR feedback means south to me!

*Best Ever Banana Bread*

In a small glass bowl mix together 1 1/2 cups sour cream and 2 tsp baking soda. Let sit for 5 minutes 

In a large bowl combine 1/2 cup softened butter with 1 1/2 cups sugar until well combined. 

Add 3 eggs, one by one, until well combined.

Add 1 tsp vanilla, 1/2 tsp salt and 2 1/2 cups flour. Continue mixing until well combined. 

Add 3 (or 4) mashed bananas. Mix well. 

Fold in sour cream mixture. 

Pour equal amounts of the batter into two greased loaf pans. 

Bake at 350 for 50 minutes. Cool in pan for 10 minutes before removing to a rack to cool. 

Enjoy!

A quick Hello and a yummy recipe!

Yes yes. I know, I've been neglecting my poor blog.  I have several "rough drafts" written to post one day.  Dealing with my health, emotions and big life changes....I guess I'm just not ready to share some of those things.  I will, one day soon....just not today.

Today, I will wish you all a Happy June! My my, time sure does fly by quickly, doesn't it?  Just can't believe it's June.  June 2015......wow! 

Today I will wish you all a good day.  A happy day filled with love and smiles.

And today, I will share one of my all time favorite summer time dessert recipes with you! 😀. Strawberry Pretzel Salad...I guess it doesn't have to be a summertime only recipe, but my memories are of summertime gatherings and events, when my Meme would make this.  I made it for the first time in YEARS over Memorial Day, it sure didn't last long at all!  We all love it!  Hope you will too!

Strawberry Pretzel Salad

First layer:

2 cups finely crushed pretzels

3/4 cup butter or margarine, melted

3 TBS sugar

Mix and press into bottom of 9 x 13 pan. Bake at 350 for 7 - 10 minutes.  Cool completely.

Second layer:

1-8 oz block of cream cheese, softened

1 cup sugar

9 oz Cool Whip, thawed

Mix cream cheese and sugar until smooth.  Stir in Cook Whip.  Spread over pretzel crust.  I refrigerate this for at least 20 minutes before completing next layer.

Third layer:

2 cups boiling water

1 pint frozen strawberries

1 large pk strawberry jello

Stir water and jello until jello dissolves.  Stir in strawberries.  Refrigerate until slightly thickened then pour over cream cheese layers.  Refrigerate until completely set.  Slice.  Serve.  ENJOY!

**store in fridge 

Menu for April 13 - April 19. It's been a very yummy week!

Here we are again. One more Sunday evening (a very rainy one where I'm at).  One more week under our belts.  One more sleep until we start it all over again.  After some food prep earlier in the day for the upcoming week, it was a rather lazy day.  The husband and I did spend some time outside doing bits of yard work between rain showers and started cleaning our screened porch because everything was COVERED in thick, yellow pollen!  Anyone from GA, SC and FL can relate, I'm sure.  ICK!  That's really about it.  It was all chillaxin' after that!

We had a pretty uneventful week around here, actually. We sure did eat well, though!  I have been craving something sweet all week, so today, I broke down and baked!  I bought some beautiful strawberries yesterday that were calling out to me....they wanted to be served with cake!  I was happy to oblige!  Meme's recipe for One Egg Cake is perfect for strawberry shortcake, so I whipped one up quickly.  Cake, strawberries with their yummy, sweet juice and some vanilla ice cream will be a wonderful treat!  YUMMMM

I wish you all a fabulous week!  

Monday April 13- Crunchy Asian salad with grilled chicken

Tuesday April 14- Hamburg barbecue and baked sweet potatoes

Wednesday April 15- Pierogies with carmalized onions and a tossed salad

Thursday April 16- Ham chowder and beer bread

Friday April 17- Left overs

Saturday April 18- Deluxe cheeseburger salad 

Sunday April 19- Applewood smoked chicken, malt vinegar seasoned roasted gem potatoes and sautéed green beans with garlic

Meme Bair's One Egg Cake

2/3 cup sugar

1/4 cup Crisco

1 large egg

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup milk

1 1/2 cups flour

1/4 tsp salt

2 tsp baking powder

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix sugar, Crisco, egg and vanilla until creamy.  Add flour, salt and baking powder.  Slowly mix in milk until all ingredients are well blended. Batter will be thick.

Pour into a greased 8x8 square pan. Bake for about 20 minutes.  

Cool completely before serving.

**This is not a light and fluffy cake.  It is rather heavy, making it perfect for strawberry shortcake!  Let the juice soak in, top with some whipped cream or ice cream.....so darn good!

Enjoy!

Menu plan 4/6 - 4/12 and the recipe I use for Pizza Dough

Hello everyone!  I've managed to stick with a dinner time plan over the last week, for the most part!  There was only one day that I veered off course...but that was for take out ribs and wings, so that is A - OK! 

 I even sat down and planned out a few meals for the upcoming week AND prepped a few things to stick in the freezer (shameless plug.....I am loving my Tastefully Simple freezer meal packs!!  Let me know if you'd like more info!). Yesterday was the prep day....I was supposed to be helping dear hubby with the pool and yard work.....instead I spent a good portion of the day slaving away in the kitchen (tee he he I love cooking, so it's really not so bad.  Way better than pulling the pollen and leaf covered solar cover off the pool!).

Here is our menu from last week.  Hope it can help to give some of you new or forgotten meal ideas!  Would love to hear from you if you try any of my recipes and meal ideas!  Also, is there something that you'd like to "see" me try and get my take on it?  Let me know!  I'm always looking for new recipes and meal ideas!

Mon. April 6 - Easter leftovers (ham, sweet potatoes, green beans, rolls, deviled eggs and carrot cake)

Tues. April 7 - Chicken enchilada casserole

Wed. April 8 - Hot dogs on the grill and baked beans

Thurs. April 9 - Ribs, wings, baked beans and bread

Fri. April 10 - Chicken Parmesan with spaghetti

Sat. April 11 - Hamburgers on the grill w/ lettuce, tomato and onions, pickles

Sun. April 12 - Caprese grilled pizzas (using the pizza flats I made yesterday)

Pizza Dough 

5 cups all purpose flour

2 tsp salt

5 tsp fast rise yeast

2 tsp agave syrup or honey

2 cups water @ 120-130 degrees

2 TBS olive oil (I used Avacado oil yesterday and it worked just fine)

*Optional add ins: Italian  seasoning, garlic powder, dehydrated onion or garlic (I used my Tastefully Simple Onion Onion in one batch and Garlic Garlic in another batch)

Place 3 cups of flour in mixer and make a well in the middle.  Add the rest of the ingredients into the well.  Mix with paddle attachment for 2-3 minutes.  Add 1 cup flour.  Switch to dough hook.  While mxing slowly, add the last up of flour.  Mix for 3 minutes.  When dough is finished mixing, put into a greased bowl and cover.  Let rise 20 - 30 minutes.  Punch down, cut into whatever portion size you'd like.  I get 6 decent sized "personal" flats (crusts) per batch.

Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes.  Cool completely.  Store 3-5 in a gallon sized freezer bag.  Freeze.  

When ready to use, take out what you need, thaw briefly, top and cook....bake at 425 until cheese is melted OR cook on the grill!

These are great for quick lunches or evenings when you just are not in the mood to cook.  Also great for the kids!  My girl made a pizza a day a few years ago when I was out of town and left a freezer full of home made pizza flats.  EVERY day may be excessive, but worked for her! LOL

I got this recipe from a sweet friend who I met in Georgia.  She had a bunch of gals over one day to make "pizza flats" together.  Each of us contributed ingredients, took turns mixing, rolling, baking and bagging....and we all left with a ton of delicious flats to take home and freeze.  What a fun time!  

ENJOY!

Fresh off the grill Caprese pizza. YUM!

Finally, mom and Trumy get to see our new home! And a yummy cookie recipe, too!

Been a busy week around here, but the "good" and a little crazy kind of busy.  Mom and Trumy were finally able to make the trip to see us and our new home.  I can not tell you all what a blessing this is!  If you know me/us, you know of Truman's health issues, mom's health issues and now my own health issues.  It has been a really rough few years for us all, that's for sure, but we are all hanging in there.  I was worried about 1) mom making such a long drive and 2) Truman's health.  Honestly, I was afraid that Trumy would never be able to get to our new home, our "forever home" and that was breaking my heart.  He had been talking about visiting for a while, would call me up to ask if we had this or that, told me when they come he wants to stay a while, making sure I knew what channel Blue Bloods is on etc. etc.  It was clear that he WANTED to make the trip, I just wasn't sure that he would be able to.

They were both tired upon arrival, but both looked good, felt good and were both in good moods..... After dinner, mom got a quick tour of the house, upstairs and down (Trumy is unable to climb such big staircases) then we all chilled until bed time.  The following day was a little nutty.  We had to take Truman to the hospital for some routine blood work that was called in from his LVAD/heart DR up in PA.  Took a bit to get all of that sorted out, but everyone was so helpful and once it was sorted out, things moved quickly and we were on our way home!  Way to go staff at Palmetto Health Heart Hospital!

We all have been pleasantly surprised at how well Truman is getting along since arriving!  We've gone out and about a few times, he's been enjoying sitting out on the screened porch or patios in the sunshine, eating  a decent amount at meal times; today the "tree guy" is coming to cut down a dead tree in the back yard, Truman is looking forward to watching that and of course, later, Gene and Trumy will enjoy NASCAR together.  Mom says he is getting around better, eating better, over all just feeling better than he has in quite a while.  So very happy to be a part of that!

Of course, when mom visits, yard work, planting, etc happens!  We've taken a few trips to a few stores for clippers, rake, soil, plants and flower pots.  Mom & I spent a lot of Friday and most of the day yesterday outside, the weather has been as close to perfect as you could ask for....we all ended up spending time, a lot of time, outside...Gene trimming branches & limbs, shrubs, hauling yard waste to the curb, mom and I cleaning out flower beds, planting, planting, going for more plants and planting some more!  LOL Soon I will have pictures to share, once we are finished.  Hopefully we will get the rest planted and moved around by the end of today.

Of course, I have done some baking.  What kind of hostess would I be if I didn't?  Hehe a favorite so far has been the chocolate chip cookies!  Another batch has been requested at some point before the folks' visit comes to an end.  I promised Trumy I'd make sure he had some for their trip home, for sure.  These are very tasty, in fact, I don't think I will ever need another chocolate chip cookie recipe again!  

I don't think I've shared this recipe before.  I have not had this recipe for a long time.  It was given to me last April or May by a friend in GA after Meme and I stopped by her house and got to try a few of the cookies that she just pulled out of the oven.  Meme LOVED them, too!  Hope you all enjoy!

Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 cups flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (I have not used unsalted butter, as I never remember to puck it up at the store)

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup white sugar

1 TBS vanilla

1 large egg

1 egg yolk

1 bag mini semi sweet chocolate chips OR 2 cups regular sized chocolate chips

Directions:

*Heat oven to 325 degrees. Grease cookie sheets

*Sift loud, baking soda and salt, set aside

*Cream together the melted butter, sugars, egg & egg yolk and vanilla until light and fluffy

*Mix sifted ingredients in until blended.  Fold in the chocolate chips.  Drop cookie dough 1/4 cup at a time onto cookie sheets. Cookies should be 3 inches apart

*Bake for 15-17 minutes or until edges are lightly toasted

*Cook on baking sheet for about 7 minutes before transferring to cooling racks 

Enjoy!

What is a friend?

What is a friend?  Webster's online dictionary lists several definitions of the word "friend,". "One who entertains for another such sentiments of esteem, respect and affection that he seeks his society and welfare; a wellwisher; an intimate associate; sometimes, an attendant.  Want gives to know the flatterer from the friend" - Dryden

"A friend that sticketh closer than a brother." Prov. xvii. 24

The second definition listed is this, "One not inimical or hostile; one not a foe or enemy; also, one  of the same nation, party, kin, etc., whose friendly feelings may be assumed.  The word is sometimes used as a term of friendly address.  - Friend, how calmest you in hither?"

- Matt. xxii. 24.

The WorldNet Dictionary also lists several definitions for the word "friend," they resemble those from Webster, but are simplified a bit.  "Friend- a person you know well and regard with affection and trust; "he was my best friend at the university."  I am not going to list every single definition found.  These are all very generic definitions, anyway. They "kinda sort of " resemble MY definition of "friend, " if we're not taking into consideration the emotions/feelings of friendship or the different "stages."

So, what is MY definition of the word "friend?"  First of all, my friends are all real people not just a word that I attach a generic definition too; each uniquely, wonderfully different, but also very similar...my friends are kind and loving people.  We all have some things in common; we also have our differences and that is really OK.  

I have friends that I stay in touch with via e mail or Facebook from my "school girl" days and from our earlier years as a young, married, military family.  We may not "hang out," share secrets, or stay in constant contact, but I still consider them my friends and hold them close to my heart and always will.  These friends would listen to all of my "boy problems," or listen and sing along with my newest cassette tape.  Have sleep overs and stay up all night giggling, crying, plotting how to make our latest crush notice us.  They helped me through hard times, helped me adapt to new situations; offered care when I felt alone in a new country with my new husband and baby... I have formed memories with these friends and am grateful to each one for helping to mold me into who I have become.

I have friends that I've met through the years who became somewhat "toxic" to me and to my life, values, beliefs.  These are friends who, for a time were so close to me, helped me and I helped them, but for whatever reason, I had to distance myself from the friendship.  My well being and the well being of my family will always come first, so sometimes walking away is the best option.  This does not mean that I value these friendships less, most of them I care for still; some of them helped me when I was lonely, sad, supported me; yes, these friends will always hold a place in my heart, even if we do not see each other or speak anymore, I am very thankful for each one of these friends.

I have friends that for whatever reason, have drifted away.  Maybe there is a reason, maybe there isn't. Maybe life just got in the way of staying in touch?  I miss some of these relationships.  Some I don't.  Still, I am thankful for the time I had these friends and the memories made, big and small.

And then there are the friends who feel like so much more....like family.  I have a small handful of these friends.  These are the friends who took me (and me little family) in and treated me like part of their "family."  They accepted me for who I am.  I've been to birthdays, graduations and weddings with these friends.  I have celebrated births and mourned losses with these friends.  We've laughed, cried, hugged, danced, listened, shared secrets....we have helped each other when in tough situations, been genuinely happy for one another when something good happens to the other...we have loved one another through thick and thin.  These are my "forever friends."  These are the friends that, no matter how far apart we are, I know that I will never be without them.  I know that I can always count on a friendly note, e mail, card, silly or encouraging post on Facebook, kind gesture....oh I can not even list everything.  I do not have the  words for these friends. I love them all with my whole heart, I cherish their friendships, I care for them and their families, I hurt for them when something bad or sad happens or if they are going through a tough time.  I'm thankful to them for being there for me through thick and thin.  I look forward to each email, Facebook message, online chat, handwritten letter or card.  And I love how through the years, we have managed to stay in touch, offer support and love, no matter how many miles come between us.

I think we all have these types of friends in our lives.  Some brought in for a reason, some for a season.

They help make us the people we are today.  In my case, I'm very happy with who I am because of my friends.  Each person, each friend, has been a blessing.

Sounds like I'm done, right?  Wrong!  We didn't discuss the "best friend," "bestie," "BFF."  You get the picture.  You may have one, or a few.  What is the definition of "best friend?"  I consulted Siri on my iPhone.  The one definition that she gave me is this "the friend that is closest to you."  Hmmmm doesn't seem adequate, does it?  We will all have our own, personalized definition for our best friends. Here's mine....

My best friend is not someone that I knew as a child, but we did "grow up" a bit together.  We met later in life, already had our husbands and babies, beliefs and traditions.... We met and just kind of "clicked."  We bonded over a hobby that we both enjoyed, then started doing things outside the box (literally, the box of papers, stickers, glue and scissors....scrapbook 'must haves.').  Our friendship grew and grew.  Soon, our husbands were friends, our kids got along really well...it was great!  I'm not sure when it happened, but I grew to truly love this friend and her family.  We are alike and different.  We agree on a lot of things and disagree, that is ok.  I won't judge her and she won't judge me.  The qualities that really matter are there.  She has all of the qualities as described above (ummmm well, I wouldn't say she is in the "toxic" friend category) and so much more!  Her family is my family; only I got to choose them and they chose me (us).  How awesome is that?!  I believe that no matter where life takes us, we will always be friends.  Be there to laugh and love, listen and support.....  People change. Relationships change.  This is life, change is good; we learn and grow.  I think this will make our bond stronger.  We may still get mad at each other from time to time.  I may hurt her or she may hurt me.  These things will not be intentional, if they happen at all.  We will forgive and continue loving one another.  I know that I can always count on her for a laugh, a smile, a shoulder, a hug....no matter what.  I love that I can just be "me" with her, and she loves me anyway.  There is not one word that I know of to describe the bond, the love that I have for my best friend...its a feeling.  It's just there.  It does not need a definition.

Yes, I am truly blessed!  I have all sorts of friends and I am forever grateful to each and every one of them for being in my life.  

If you are reading this and we are friends, or have been friends at one time, know that I cherish YOU for being in my life, no matter the reason or season...YOU chose me and YOU had an impact on my life and I thank YOU.

XXOO

Yummy recipes...

OOPS!  When I hopped on the Internet this morning and started writing my blog post, my intent was not to write all about "me," but that's what happened!  LOL The initial plan was to talk about food a bit and post two very yummy recipes.  Again I say, OOPS!  I am easily sidetracked!

Yesterday the hubster  and I were trying to figure out what we wanted for dinner (it is true, I have not been planning meals and just kinda winging it for the past few weeks...I need to get back on track!).  I've been in a rut lately, just not hungry for anything, and quite frankly, not in the mood to put a ton of effort into meal time.  So anyway, yesterday I was feeling good and wanted to be in the kitchen...I knew I wanted to bake a cake, but what would we have for dinner? Hmmmmmmm. Husband suggested white chili.  YES!  That was the perfect dish for a chilly, rainy day!

After a trip to the grocery store for ingredients and a quick stop at Lowes for a few things, we headed home and I got started in the kitchen!  It felt good to be in there cooking....really cooking, not just throwing a quick dinner together!  I baked the chicken that was to be used in the chili, made a delicious Honeybun cake, baked a loaf of beer bread and then made the chili.  My kitchen was full of the warmth and wonderful smells of home cooking!  THAT makes me happy!  I'm sure that also made my little family happy, too. ;). Everything was delicious!

I'd love to share the recipes for the chili and the cake.  Hope you all enjoy!

White Chicken Chili
4 cups cooked chicken, cubed (you can also use a rotisserie chicken or two...depending on the size)
1 large yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small can chopped jalapeños (I used about 1/2 of the can so it wouldn't be too spicy)
1 small can chopped green chilies (I think I'll add an extra can next time)
2 cans Great Northern Beans, drained
1 can garbanzo beans, drained
10 cups chicken stock
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp paprika (Hungarian if you've got it)
2 - 2 1/2 TBS ground cumin
2 1/2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp white pepper
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cup whole milk
3 TBS cornmeal
*optional garnishes
Fresh jalapeño, diced
Fresh cilantro
Shredded cheese of your choice
Sour cream

In a large pot, sauté onions and garlic unti translucent. Add cans of green chilies and jalapeño.  Then add the drained beans.  Pour in chicken stock, heavy cream and seasonings.  Reduce heat to med - low, put lid on and cook for an hour.  Stir occasionally.  Add chicken and continue cooking for 30 - 40 minutes longer.

When it is almost time to serve, mix the cornmeal with the milk and slowly stir into chili.  Cook for an addition 10 minutes.  Garnish and serve.

Honeybun Cake
1 yellow cake mix
4 eggs
1 cup sour cream
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup light brown sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped pecans
2 cups powdered sugar
2 TBS whole milk
2 tsp vanilla

Combine cake mix, eggs,sour cream and oil until well blended, set aside.  Combine brown sugar, cinnamon and pecans in a separate bowl.  Spread fall of the batter into a greased 9x13 pan. Sprinkle with half of the brown sugar mixture, covering entire cake.  Spread the rest of the batter evenly on top.  Sprinkle with the rest of the brown sugar mixture.  Use a knife to swirl the batter.

Bake at 325 for 45 - 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Make the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, vanilla and milk together until smooth.  Pour over cake when it is still warm.

Cool.  Serve.  ENJOY!

Hello Monday! I am ready for ya!

Another Monday morning is here and I am feeling GOOD!  We had a nice, low key weekend.  It was chilly and rainy, but that's ok.  I am very thankful that we only had the rain to deal with and not the snow and ice that so many of my loved ones are (still) having to deal with.  What a crazy winter it has been all over the place!

I went to the DR again last week, got a referral to go to a dermatologist for a biopsy on the strange sore I've had under my arm for months now...oh I hope for answers soon!  Also added a few new meds and the DR helped me with my medication schedule....apparently, I was taking a few later in the day than I should, which could be part of the reason I have not been sleeping.  I thought I had read through all of the side effects for all of the meds and what I can or can not take with what; clearly going from one Nexium a day to several pills daily was just an over load for me...I just overlooked some things, I guess.  I am happy to report that, since switching times up I have actually slept almost all night long both Saturday AND Sunday!  Wow!  It's amazing what sleep can do!  I feel GOOD today!

I know this may sound very silly to many of you, but for me, feeling good is a really big deal right now.  This is my reality for now and it has been for 5 or 6 months, I am dealing with it the best I can and keep faith that one day soon I will feel "normal" once again and my life, my family's life, can just be "normal" again, too.  It's frustrating when I can't make "the right words" come out of my mouth, slur words, stutter.  It stinks to have achey joints & muscles almost always.  The dizziness and disorientation is scary!  I miss my family back home and my friends, I wish I could just hop in the car and go! But, I can't . All that said, I am not sitting here feeling sorry for myself (there were moments I have, I will admit that).  I know that I will be ME again and I know that my situation could be so much worse than it is.  I am blessed with family and friends who understand and are here to support me...my husband and kiddo, I have no words, really. They are AWESOME!  I know that my issues are affecting them and I know it must be frustrating for them at times, not once have either one of them shown it.  They truly are my biggest blessings and I am so thankful for them!


I'd like to close with two verses, that a friend posted on Facebook recently...I find comfort in them and maybe, you will too.

 "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."  Hebrews 11:1

"Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own."  Matthew 6:34


Until next time....SMILE

It's been a while...

Hello once again! Yes, I know that it has been a while since my last post, I have no excuse other than I am still trying to figure out this crazy thyroid issue, meds, etc.  Seems that since starting the meds, I'm feeling worse...odd.  Blood tests a few weeks ago showed thyroid levels going up but everything else still all out of whack.  I actually have an appointment this afternoon and I am armed with a whole sheet is questions, new symptoms, etc.  I don't know about you, but a visit to to DR always makes me a little nervous, no matter the situation, and usually I forget to tell them something or ask something.  I HAVE to write everything down!  Hopefully, that will do the trick this afternoon!

Our meals, my cooking...extremely inconsistent lately!  I've been throwing together simple and quick things;grilled cheese, soup, spaghetti....I have got to get back on track!  I did make a few trays of lasagna when our company was here (yum) and last night made French onion soup with pierogi!  So easy to make and we love it!  It was a perfect dinner for the chilly weather here.  Warmed us all right up!

Before I wrap this up, I will share this funny story with ya.  Still giggling about it this morning!

I went grocery shopping yesterday morning.  I went grocery shopping looking a little "gross" I guess.  I figured there was no need to fix myself up when I was just going to come home and work around the house.  I brushed my hair, threw on "work" jeans and an old fleece hoodie and I was off.  It was cold and rainy yesterday so I had a winter jacket on.  It was HOT in the store, but I was in a hurry (why, I don't know.  I just wanted to get back home) so didn't bother taking the coat off.  Maybe I got a little sweaty?  Lol  I get to the check out, chat with the very sweet, young gal at the register a bit while she's ringing the items.  Before she gave me my total, she leans up and whispers something like this..."I know you're not a senior yet, but I'm going to ring in the senior discount for you.  Close, enough, right."  Ummmmm I had that "deer in the headlights" look for a moment and then mustered up a quick Thank You, which kind came out sounding more like a question.  I wasn't sure what I should say, you could tell that she really thought she was helping me out.  I didn't know whether to laugh or cry!  I must have REALLY looked scuzzy!  I went with laughter...I cracked up all the way home!  As soon as I got the groceries in the house, I'll admit, I ran to the bathroom to take a look in the mirror...sure I don't look really like myself, when you don't feel good for so long, it is bound to take its toll, but I do not look like a senior citizen!  Thank goodness!  Anyway, I saved $5.67!  Woo hoo!

Enjoy your TODAY!

Better late than never! Here's what we ate last week....

Happy Tuesday everyone!  Sorry that I am late posting last week's menu.  Seems that I am behind on just about everything that I have on my To Do list this week.  Guess it happens to us all, from time to time.  I have a shopping date with my kiddo today, so will get right to the menu so that I have time to straighten up the house then straighten up myself.  The people at Sam's Club will certainly appreciate the latter...he he he 

Until my next post, wishing you all well! 

Mon. Feb. 2 ~ Cheddar potato soup
Tues. Feb. 3 ~ Taco Tuesday!  YUM
Wed. Feb. 4 ~ Yo - yo night (you're on your own)
Thurs. Feb. 5 ~ Chicken spaghetti (Meme's recipe...a favorite in our house)
Fri. Feb. 6 ~ Home made French bread pizzas
Sat. Feb. 7 ~ We ate at a new place, The British Bulldog Pub.  Each of us enjoyed our meals, but the appetizer, Irish Egg Rolls....O M G!!!!!  LOVE!!!  A new favorite treat!
Sun. Feb. 8 ~ Jamaican Jerk & beer marinated chicken legs grilled, frozen corn (that dad, meme and Myrna brought from PA and we cut off the cob and froze...so yummy delicious)

Menu from Mon. Jan. 26 - Sun. Feb. 1st and a quick and easy pasta recipe

Boy, it was hard to accomplish anything yesterday as there were so many "Bowls" that I had to watch!  First, the Kitten Bowl on the Hallmark channel (fell in love with a sweet kitty on there...Ryan Fitzcatrick...OH MY GOSH what a gorgeous kitty..I'd adopt him in a New York minute!), then the Puppy Bowl on Animal Planet and finally, the big bowl, The Super Bowl.......

I meant to post this last night, but, to my surprise, I was really into the Super Bowl...what a game!  It certainly kept us on the edge of our seats!  I do not follow football, so when hubby asked if I'd like to make a "friendly" wager (LOL I put all of $3.00 in the pot!), I randomly picked the Patriots, partly because I feel that they've gotten a bad rap lately and I also like the name "Patriots."  LOL  The kiddo went with the Pats, too...she won the cash, as she guessed a closer total game score.  It was a fun night and I did learn a little more about football.  Oh, also thought Katy Perry did an excellent job at Half Time!  So, that's my 2 cents about that...now on to something I really know about.  LOL

Well, I managed to cook every night last week, except for Saturday.  Tried a few new recipes that were all very tasty (thank goodness!).  Everything was a hit! I love cooking for my little family! With that, I'll get right to the menu and then I'm off to the store...I must prepare for another week of meals.  ;)

~Enjoy

Mon. Jan. 26 ~ Cherry Zinfandel grilled steaks, loaded baked potatoes and sautéed green beans with olive  oil and fresh garlic

Tues. Jan. 27 ~ Creamy chicken and dumpling soup

Wed. Jan. 28 ~ Bourbon and apple glazed pork, creamed corn, baby red potatoes/mashed

Thurs. Jan. 29 ~ Baked chicken and roasted broccoli (Roasted broccoli is so easy and yummy, you MUST try it!)

Fri. Jan. 30 ~ Spaghetti tossed with pesto, fresh kale and roasted cherry tomatoes.  Sprinkles fresh grated parmesan cheese on top

Sat. Jan. 31 ~ We went out for salad and pizza

Sun. Feb. 1 ~ Super Bowl Sunday....no meal, just game day snack food.  I made a yummy 7 layer dip served with tortilla chips, hubby smoked chicken wings, I made brownies and a yummy Tastefully Simple Orange Dreamcicle cheese ball served with Chocolate Twisty Grahams.

Pasta Toss

*1 pound spaghetti
*1 pint roasted cherry or grape tomatoes
*4 cups chopped spinach (I used kale because that's what I had)
*1/2 - 1 fresh lemon
*6 - 8 oz jar basil pesto
*Salt & pepper to taste
*Extra virgin olive oil
*Fresh parmesan cheese, grated

~Toss tomatoes with a little olive oil, salt and pepper.  Spread on a cookie sheet and bake in a preheated, 375 degree oven, for about 20 minutes.  Tomatoes should just start to split.  Remove from oven and set aside.
~Cook spaghetti according to package directions.  Drain most of the water, but not all.
~While spaghetti is cooking, heat a little bit of olive oil (I used roughly 2 TBS) in a large pan on medium heat.  Add chopped spinach and cook for about 5 minutes (maybe a little less time for the spinach, I used kale so needed that full 5 minutes to "tenderize" it).  Spinach should still have that fresh, bright green appearance.  Drizzle with fresh lemon juice.
~Add pasta and stir.  Next gently stir in the pesto and season to taste.  Add as much of the fresh grated parmesan cheese as you like.  I added about 1/8 cup. Quickly mix through so it doesn't clump while melting.
~ Gently fold in tomatoes, cooking long enough to heat them through.
~Serve and enjoy!


Roasted Broccoli (not really a "recipe" as I eyeball this now)

* a few cups of FRESH broccoli crowns, washed and dried
*olive oil
*fresh lemon juice (1/2 - 1 lemon)
*salt & pepper
*garlic or onion flakes (I use Tastefully Simple Garlic Garlic or Onion Onion, whichever I grab first..both are yummy!)
*Fresh parmesan cheese

~Heat oven to 425 degrees
~Toss all ingredients in a bowl then spread on baking sheet (be careful not to over salt, you can always add more later...same goes for the lemon juice.  I add half the lemon when mixing and after cooking sprinkle on some of the other half of lemon)
~Bake for 10 - 12 minutes, then stir around on baking sheet so that the crowns do not burn.  Return to oven
~Bake for another 10 minutes or so.  It really depends on your oven.  We like out broccoli to have a bit of it's "crispness" and just a little bit of "brown" from the roasting process
~When done to your liking, remove from oven, grate fresh parmesan over top and serve.

Enjoy!

*This Is Your Life* Depression. Hypothyroidism.

  I have been working on this post for quite a while.  Not knowing how to explain exactly what my life (well, my health, really) has been like over the last few years.  Not knowing if I can correctly describe everything.  Not knowing if people will be able to relate...or even care.  I do not want to sound "whiney" or for people to think I'm having a "Poor Me" moment, looking for sympathy.  With that being said,  I've decided that I will post my "story" in hopes that maybe some people will understand, maybe even it will help someone.   If nothing else, I know it helps me just to write things down and "unload" all of the burden.  I'm not great with words, I know that, so this may all sound jumbled, I've tried to make it as "understandable" as possible.  So, here it goes......
  Have you ever felt that you were lost in life?  Lost yourself, not knowing how or why?  The real YOU has just seemed to flit away over time.  I have felt this way many times.  I think we all do once in a while.  Sometimes it happens because of a situation that we're thrown into that's out of our control, sometimes it is a health condition...whatever the case, it is not a good feeling.
  I normally can remedy whatever situation, deal with it the best way I know how and get back to normal.  Occasionally, I need help, and that's OK too.  It took me a long time to realize that it really is OK...admitting to myself that I wasn't OK, that I could not "do it all" was really hard!  I felt like a failure.  I felt weak.
  I am the one who tries to make sure that people around me are well taken care of.  I am the happy one, always with a smile.  I am the one who steps in to help, even when not convenient to me.  I am the quiet one, funny one, sometimes forgotten one...I always try to be the loyal and helpful one.  That's Me.  I am happiest when I am helping others.  I like to make a positive difference.  I don't need recognition, it just makes me feel good to help, to make others happy. I look at it this way, I do what I can for others as often as I can because some day, I may be the one in need and I'd hope that someone would be there for me.
  Now, I will be the first one to admit that I am no angel.  I have faults and flaws, many of them.  I have hurt people who I love dearly, maybe not purposely, but nonetheless, my words/actions have caused pain to another human being and that is NOT who I am.  I get angry, I get jealous....but for the most part, I really do try to treat others as I want to be treated.  I try to keep situations peaceful.  I just try to live a good life.  I certainly can not complain about all of life's ups and downs.  I have been blessed and have a very good life.  I have been happy with my life, the good and bad, flaws and faults...you just try to learn from mistakes and move on.  And appreciate the little things.
  So, that WAS the real ME. A few years ago, I noticed that I started slipping away.  I could feel changes within myself that I couldn't explain.  I knew something was "off" but didn't know what.  I started loosing interest in things that I normally loved. I started gaining weight (a struggle for me for years).  Then I received some life altering news and really slipped into a "funk" quickly.  The diagnosis once I finally sought help, depression.  I could see this as there were many added stressers in my life now and I know all too well how stress can wreak havoc on you mentally and physically. I was told to decrease stress in my life (yea, easier said than done) and go on meds.  I reluctantly went on the prescribed meds., even though I really did not want to.   Tried giving them time to work, but as time went on, I started feeling worse and worse.  Exhausted all the time, then started getting tremors in my right arm, I noticed I'd loose feeling in my right hand once in a while, unexplained dizziness, slurred and slow speech....as time went on, I started feeling worse and worse.  Every trip to the DR proved to be discouraging.  Depression.  Decrease stress.  I was beginning to think I really was nuts!
  Finally, a PA told me that I "most likely" had mono. I had mono when I was very young, I knew how tired you feel, sometimes sick...so I was fine with this diagnosis.  Wasn't really sure how I was going to stay in bed and sleep constantly, but at least I had an answer.  Blood was taken and I waited for more answers.  The call with results never came and I never inquired (lesson learned).
  Let's fast forward to December 2014.  We had bought a house and moved late summer, constantly busy doing "house stuff" and I was exhausted all the time, because of all the work outside and inside, or so I thought.  Then there was the mysterious "bite" under my arm, that never went away, in fact, by December it was still there and multiplied in size by... ALOT.  It was red, raised and itchy!  I treated as ringworm, but the OTC cream did NOTHING to help.  It was that sore that finally convinced me to call my new primary care physician.  Reluctantly...I really dreaded being herded in and out like cattle on a farm, symptom treated, but not listened to...... same ole thing as other places.  But I made that call and got an appointment the very next day.
  My sweet kiddo drove me to the appointment, I was not feeling well (pretty much the new "normal" for me) and on top of that I had that pit in my stomach, nerves because of being treated so badly in the past...this was not something I was looking forward to.
Well, from the moment the nurse called my name, I knew things were different.  These people were polite. These people were nice.  These people listened!  Instead of a quick 12 - 15 minute appointment, the nurse as well as the DR took time to ask me questions, listen to me....I mean REALLY listen, I'd say that the DR took a good 45 minutes with me.  After asking "the right questions," listening to my answers which lead to more of "the right questions," lots of blood tests were ordered.  Not only were they ordered, the DR took time to explain why she wanted to do so many, what they were and why.  So, the nurse drew lots and lots of blood and told me that she would call me as soon as the results were in...and guess what, about a week later, she did!!!
  Of course, I had to make another appointment so that the DR could discuss the results with me, so it took about an extra week for me to find out what was wrong with me, if anything.  On December 29th 2014, I finally had some honest to goodness, legit answers and guess what, I am NOT crazy!  All (well a lot) of these symptoms are being caused by my thyroid: Hypothyroidism.  It felt so good to know there is a real cause to why I've been slowly drifting away from ME.  Drifting from people and things that I love because I feel so poorly.  I finally have a caregiver who cares and WANTS to help me.  That feels good and encouraging!  She said that WE have a long road a head of US, but together, WE will get this all figured out and get me feeling "normal" once again!  I am confident that she will help me get back to....ME!
  Looking back, I really wish I would have fought harder for answers.  I wish I had been my own advocate...instead, I just gave up.  I would make appointments because I knew, even though I wasn't sick, something was not right.  I just didn't feel good.  Then, something would happen, a trip to PA to help take care of a sick loved one, helping a friend with something, house hunting, a move and I'd "post pone" my appointment.  I put ME on hold.  I gave up.  I felt defeated.  After all, they said I was depressed, I'd just have to learn to deal with it.  I've seen those commercials, I know "depression hurts."  I figured this was just the new me.  I let myself feel defeated and alone.
  If I could tell someone one thing to help them through a similar situation, I would tell them that they are the only one who knows what their "normal" feels like and if something starts to feel "off" go get it checked out right away.  Be your own advocate.  If you are not satisfied with the answers, fight until you get answers and help.  Fight to get back to your "normal."
  Today, I had another round of blood work taken.  I have been on these meds for a month now.  Nope, they have not been a miracle cure.  I'm still exhausted often, my joints and muscles HURT, some days I have no appetite,  I'm still not the ME that I was...and still am, somewhere deep inside, I am there...in time, I will be the REAL ME again and I can not wait for that time!  I do miss ME and I know a lot of other people do too.  I'm confident that I'm finally on the right path...this WILL happen some day.  I WILL be happy and helpful.  I WILL feel rested.  I WILL want to do all of those things that I haven't wanted to do.  I WILL BE ME!
  I will close with this simple quote from one of my all time favorite movies: "Take care of YOU." ~ Kit/Pretty Woman
 
 

Monday Jan. 19 - Sun. Jan. 25th Menu

Well, this week was pretty busy!  I felt better than I have in a very long time and packed as much into the week as I could handle!  Tired myself right out, but had some fun out with my neighbor a couple of days, discovered a yummy new place to eat, got another room in the house painted and gave the first floor of the house a good ole cleaning!  Oh yes, and I tried a new cake "recipe."  I use the term recipe very loosely as the layers of the cake were made as directed on packages, but so good, nonetheless!  Directions to follow menu.  Wishing you all a very happy week a head!

Mon. Jan. 19th ~ Yo - yo night (you're on your own)
Tues. Jan. 20th ~ Ha Again, I know I made something, but can't, for the life of me, remember what it was
Wed. Jan. 21st ~ Picked up my Market To Home basket so utilized a bunch of the veggies and made a yummy, veggie packed goulash
Thurs. Jan. 22nd ~ Oven fried chicken, steamed yellow squash with olive oil and Parm. cheese, sweet peas
Fri. Jan. 23rd ~ Chicken and waffles (had to use up those left overs!)
Sat. Jan. 24th ~ It was our Family FUNdue night!  I got to break in the new fondue pot and made a cheese fondue (a DELICIOUS cheese fondue) served with beer bread and baby carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, sugar snap peas and green apples.  We also cooked up some HUGE crab claws that our neighbor gave us.  Gene and Kate had a blast with them!  I even tried a few bites...it wasn't half bad (dipped in butter, of course).
Sun. Jan. 25th ~ Penne pasta with a mozzarella, parmesan and basil pesto sauce with steamed baby carrots, broccoli and cauliflower (left over veggies from our cheese fondue last night) stirred in.

Banana Pudding Poke Cake

*1 yellow cake mix and ingredients to prepare as directed
*2 small boxes of instant banana flavored pudding
*4 cups milk
*8 oz container thawed Cool Whip
*Nilla wafers (16 - 20 whole and about a cup crushed)

*Prepare cake according to package directions.  When done, cool about 10 minutes.  Using the handle of a wooden spoon, pokes several holes all over the cake, almost to bottom.
*Meanwhile, mix pudding and milk and let set until slightly thickened. Poor over cake then use a spatula to work pudding into the holes. Cool in refrigerator for about an hour.
*Remove from fridge and place whole Nilla Wafers on top of pudding layer. 
*Gently spread Cool Whip over top.
*Sprinkle with crushed wafer.
*Serve and enjoy!

Mon. January 12th - Sun. January 18th menu and a yummy new recipe!

Oh dear, I'm a few days late, but I'm here now and ready to share last week's menu.  In the words of my sweet husband, "we ate really well last week!"  I did make a few new recipes which proved to be "keepers" and I made on of my man's favorites, Oven Baked Beef Stew...best beef stew recipe I've ever tried!

Because I have a bit of energy and am not feeling too bad today, I'm not going to go on and on with the chit chat, I have a room that needs painting!  I will get right to the menu and recipe.  Later this week I hope to collect my thoughts a bit and share them here, but right now, this girl has work to do!  :)

Enjoy your Tuesday and remember to SMILE! 

Mon. Jan 12th ~ Applesauce pork chops w/ onion, peas and buttered noodles
Tues. Jan 13th ~ Cheese ravioli & marinara sauce, steamed veggie trio, and brownies for dessert
Wed. Jan 14th ~ Chicken breasts with spinach, onions and feta cheese, chicken flavored noodles
Thurs. Jan 15th ~ Ham steaks, scalloped potatoes steamed green beans w/ garlic, onion and toasted almond slivers
Fri. Jan 16th ~ Oven baked beef stew, home made white bread
Sat. Jan 17th ~Went to Texas Roadhouse for a fabulous steak dinner
Sun. Jan 18th ~ Smoked beer butt chicken (I must say, my husband is ROCKIN' the things he makes in his new smoker!!! Super yummy!), quinoa tabbouleh with feta


Quinoa Tabbouleh With Feta (Ina Garten/Food Network Magazine)
1 cup quinoa
Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (I used a bit over 1/4 cup)
1/4 cup olive oil (I used a bit over 1/4 cup...seemed too dry with only 1/4 cup olive oil)
1 cup thinly sliced scallions (I used 6 green onions)
1 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
1 cup fresh flat leaf parsley, chopped (I did not have fresh, so sprinkled in a bit of dry parsley flakes)
1 hothouse cucumber, seeded and medium diced (I peeled my cucumber, did not seed it and chopped it into bite sized pieces)
2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half at stem (I used grape tomatoes)
2 cups medium diced feta cheese

*Pour 2 cups water into a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.  Add the quinoa and 1 teaspoon of salt, lower the heat and simmer, covered for 15 minutes, until tender and "open."  Drain, place in a bowl and immediately add the lemon juice, olive oil and 1 to 1 1/2 tsp salt
*In a large bowl, combine the scallions, mint, parsley, cucumber, tomatoes, 1 - 2 tsp salt and 1 tsp pepper.  Add the quinoa mixture and mix well.  Carefully fold in the feta and taste for seasoning.  Serve at room temperature or refrigerate and serve cold.

**Note's from me: I noted some changes I made in the ingredients while typing the recipe, but also wanted to let you all know that the next time I make this, I will cut the amount of salt used..to me, it was way too salty.  This was my first time using quinoa, and honestly, I had reservation because I have heard negative things about it; I have heard that it is very bland and "card board" like, so I used the maximum amount of salt called for to be sure there was flavor.  This dish is delicious, we all loved it (and I was the only one who thought it was too salty), so I will be making it on a pretty regular basis, I'm sure.  Oh, in the original recipe, it says to drain the quinoa....I did not have to do that, all of the water was absorbed during the cooking process.

Enjoy! 

Menu from Jan. 4, 2015 - Jan. 11, 2015 and Meme's "baked corn"

  Thought that I would post our menu from last week.  Instead of posting menus for the upcoming week(s), I think I'll post our menus AFTER the week has passed....I planned  a menu last week for Jan. 4 - Jan. 11; things didn't go as planned...by the end of the week, I had only prepared ONE dish that I had planned.  Oopsie! 
  The hubby got a smoker for his birthday, which got a workout last week!  Love smoked meat!  We are both equally excited to find recipes for, well, just about anything!  Smoked beef, smoked chicken, smoked turkey, smoked pork, smoked peppers, smoked cheese....you get the picture.  ;) 
  Hubby's first time using the smoker, he made a rack of ribs.  They were honestly THE BEST ribs I've ever had!  Yes, even better than mine!  LOL  These had the perfect amount of seasoning (yellow mustard and apple wood rub) and smoke flavor.  They were so juicy and fell right off the bone....soooo good!
  Then there was the brisket.  The flavor was very good, but it was a tiny bit tough.  We've decided that it should have cooked an hour longer.  In hubby's words "it would have cut like butter" if it had cooked a little longer.  Well, now we know for next time.  :)
  Hopefully, next week I'll have some new recipes to post.  Every other week I pick up my "Market To Home" basket.  It's packed full of fresh veggies and fruits and you never know what your going to get!  We've had things in there that I've never used before, finding new recipes for new ingredients has been so much fun!  If you have some sort of farmer's co-op in your area, I highly recommend checking them out!  Granted, you may have to check a few programs out; it's such a great way to #1 support local farmers and growers, #2 discover new veggies and fruits that you never would have tried if you were shopping for yourself and #3 add healthier meals, sides and/or desserts to your diet.
  Now, onto the menu.....
Sun. Jan. 4 ~ Smoked ribs, twice baked potatoes & Meme's baked corn
Mon. Jan. 5 ~ Cilantro lime chicken served over white rice with a bit of shard cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream (recipe posted November 27, 2011)
Tues. Jan. 6 ~ I honestly forget what we had, maybe I didn't cook?  Hmmmmm  LOL
Wed. Jan. 7 ~ Grilled cheese (Havarti cheese, sliced tomato, Italian seasoning) and tomato soup with basil and a little cream
Thurs. Jan. 8 ~ Sausage tortellini soup and fresh baked bread (recipe posted Jan. 8, 2015)
Fri. Jan. 9 ~ Chili
Sat. Jan. 10 ~ Again, I have no idea what we had for dinner (and that was just two days ago...YIKES!) but I did make a very yummy breakfast of pumpkin/cinnamon Belgian waffles and bacon.
Sun. Jan. 11 ~ Beef brisket, loaded baked potato mashed potatoes, baked beans and baby carrots


Meme's Baked Corn
3 beaten eggs
Milk (1/4 - 1/2 cup)
3 TBS melted butter
1 heaping TBS flour
a little sugar
salt and pepper
1 can whole kernel sweet corn (drained)
1 can creamed corn

Mix all ingredients except corn until all of lumps are gone. Stir in corn.  Pour into a greased baking dish.  Bake at 350 for 45 - 60 minutes, until dish is "set" and not runny.

**I make this from memory.  I helped my gram with this dish many times while growing up, so I "eyeball" some of the ingredients.
 
Enjoy!

How about some soup?

  Brrr!  It is cold outside!  I suppose a low temperature of 17 shouldn't feel that bad to me after living in northern NY for so long, but believe me, it does!  I have been F F F FREEEEZING ever since last night!  It sure didn't take my body long at all to adjust to the warmer weather of the south when we moved to Georgia from New York!
  I know, it seems like most of the country is experiencing colder than normal temperatures.  Let's not forget all of the snow that is falling!  I am very thankful that we haven't had to deal with that (yet).  Sure, we've had a few flurries, but nothing to "write home about."
  Is there anything that warms you up on a cold night like a hot bowl of soup and some freshly baked bread?  I don't think so!  I love soup!  It warms me from head to toe!  The bread, just a yummy bonus this evening!
  Tonight my recipe of choice is a favorite of ours.  Sausage & Tortellini Soup.  I found this on Pinterest a few years ago and have made it a few times every winter, since.  Of course, I've changed a few things according to our likes, so that is the recipe I will be sharing with you.  Hope you all will enjoy this as much as we do!  Where ever you are.  Whatever you may be doing, please stay safe and warm!

Sausage & Tortellini Soup
1 pk Jimmy Dean sausage (I use the silver label ~ Sage)
3 cups uncooked cheese tortellini
4 cups boiling water
6 chicken bullion cubes
1 can evaporated soup
1 TBS oregano
1 TBS parsley
1 TBS chives
Fresh cracked black pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese for grating over top

In a med./large pot, cook and drain the sausage until no longer pink.  Dissolve the bullion cubes in boiling water.  Add to pot with sausage.  Stir in evaporated milk then seasonings.  Allow to simmer for 15 minutes.  Raise temperature a bit on stove, add tortellini and boil according to package directions.  Sprinkle with the fresh cheese when serving.  Enjoy!

** I always double this recipe because we love it!  The original recipe calls for Italian sausage.  I used Sweet Italian when I made this for my mom and step dad as it wasn't as "spicy" as with the Jimmy Dean sausage.  It was a huge hit!

I don't add salt because the chicken bullion seems to add plenty of "saltiness" to this soup.

Want it a bit "creamier?"  Add an extra can on the evaporated milk.

Reflection ~ 2014

  As I sit in the quite of our cozy little living room, thinking of the past year, I've decided to share some of our "adventures" with you all.  WOW!  A lot happened in 2014, good and bad.  We all know that we can't change the past.  What's done is done.  I choose to let go of the negative and cherish the positive, happy moments.  And now, I'd like to share some of the positive with you!
  One year ago yesterday, my hubby and I headed to the mountains of Gatlinburg, TN for a little "just us" get a way before he had to head back to Korea.  Gatlinburg is a beautiful place.  We were fortunate enough to rent a chalet with a breathtaking view!  Even though it was snowy, I didn't mind (those who know me know that I am not a fan of any sort of wintery weather), the mountains were snow topped and stunning!  I'd love to share a few of our photos from that trip!  #1 was taken in Cades Cove  #2 is hubby and I on a hike and #3 is our view from the dining room window in our chalet. 

 

  Once hubby went back to finish his tour in Korea, things for the kiddo, pups and I went back to "normal" for a bit.  Then, I got the phone call from the hubster, we were going to be moved once he returned in the summer.  What?!  NO!!!  The plan was to buy our "forever home" right there in Georgia and never have to endure another move again....

  After I came to terms with the move, there was a lot of discussion about where we'd live.  Do we rent a house again or buy?  What's our budget?  What if we don't like the area?  Well, we decided to look as though we were buying but if we didn't find anything that was right, we'd rent for a year.  So, a wonderful realtor in GA did some research for me and found us our realtor here and the house hunt began! 

  Kate and I made the 1 1/2 hour drive several times to look at many houses over a few months time.  I saw a few that were "nice enough" but nothing really struck me as a "forever home" house.  Finally, Kate found one and asked "Why are we not looking at this one?"  Well, it did appear to have everything we wanted, but I didn't think it was "me"  but we added it to the viewing list and Gena (our wonderful realtor~really, she was a blessing and a friend.  I will be forever grateful to her for her patience, knowledge, help...) brought us to see it.  Long store short, after a lot of "back and forth" in my mind, questioning this and that...Gene said to me one evening on the phone "I think that's the one.  Just go buy the house."  I still wasn't sure, so scheduled one more trip to view the house with Gena....yup, it was THE house.  We went right to Gena's office and put in our offer.  After some back and forth with the home owners...our final offer was accepted!!!  We got our house!!!!

  Late in April, my dad and I made a quick trip to Texas.  We were there less than 24 hours.  I loaded my car as full as I could get it, cleaned the best I could in such a short amount of time and then..we hit the road again, with one more person.  My sweet grandmother, was moving to PA to live with dad and his wife, but first was going to stay with Katie and I in GA for a while.  I was over the moon excited; I adore her.  I'm so thankful for the memories that were made while she was with Kate and I!  Easter dinner, showing Kate how to make her chicken and dumplings, our chats....Here is a picture from Easter.

 

   May rolled around pretty quickly!  It was a crazy month.  My baby girl turned 21 years old...YIKES!  We had to leave earlier than planned to take Meme "home" to PA due to some circumstances out of anyone's control.  Once we dropped Meme off, we headed to spend a few days with "Nene and Pap" at Hershey Medical center.  Then it was a quick stop in our hometown to help my sister out with a surprise party.  After that we headed to my father in law's house.

  Kate finally got to meet her littlest cousin and spend some time with his big sister.  There was a surprise birthday cake, a little shopping, went to a casino, a trip to Philly.  Then it was time to hit the road again...back to GA we went.

  Once we returned, things are all a bit fuzzy.  I really not feeling well, was crazy busy..so it's a bit of a blur.  There was a lot of sorting, cleaning, packing....the move was coming quickly!

  In July, my sweet husband returned!  We took a whirlwind trip up north to visit everyone, then it was back to more sorting, cleaning, packing.  We had a ton to do before the movers came to pack and load everything up.  We were able to take a quick trip to Savannah to visit with our very BEST friends, though, and I'm so glad we did!  We love them like family and have missed them terribly!

  In August, we closed on our beautiful "forever home."  We took full advantage of our yards and pool...a lot the unpacking was pretty much put on hold so we could just enjoy!  And we sure did!

  Fast forward to the day after Thanksgiving.  We began to decorate for Christmas.  My absolute most favorite time of the year!!!  We decorated almost every room downstairs, a little upstairs and were able to put some lights out front!    It was so much fun figuring out what would go where!  Hubby and I loved seeing it all come together! I'd love to share a Christmasy picture before wrapping this (very long) post up.

 Thank you for reliving the last year with me.  What a journey!  Now, as we begin a brand new year, I wish you all happiness, health and many blessings!

                                                                                                      ~Amy