Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Happy Valentine's Day
Had such a fun day yesterday! Family time during the day & friends over in the evening...
Heart shaped Jello that I made. 3 3 oz packages of Jello, 4 packages of gelatin & 4 cups boiling water. Stir until disolved in 9 x 13 pan & refrigerate. It was great for cutting with my heart cookie cutter & everyone loved um!
Grandma Jo stopped over to see Tanner & give him his Valentine & a present
Our fam!
Heart shaped Jello that I made. 3 3 oz packages of Jello, 4 packages of gelatin & 4 cups boiling water. Stir until disolved in 9 x 13 pan & refrigerate. It was great for cutting with my heart cookie cutter & everyone loved um!
Grandma Jo stopped over to see Tanner & give him his Valentine & a present
Our fam!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Great quote...
God could not be everywhere so he created Mothers.
Anon
LOVE that! I just saw it on a piece of jewelry on Etsy!
Anon
LOVE that! I just saw it on a piece of jewelry on Etsy!
Friday, February 13, 2009
So proud
OK, so my friend Carissa is starting to scrapbook & getting into the card making with me...when I find a great new site, I share it with her & she got the excitement & made a valentine's Day card. I was so excited when she brought it in b/c she did such a great idea! We had seen this idea on Lisa Johnson's blog http://www.poppypaperie.typepad.com/ She has TONS of great ideas! If only I had as much creativity as she has! WOW...Here's Carissa's card
A few of my favorite names...
OK, so my Mom & her husband just got a new puppy this week. They were having trouble decding on a name so I threw some out there & they went with one of them, Abbie. They decided she looks like an Abbie. She's just such a sweet little cuddly girl!
Here's the list of names that I sent to her:
Maggie
Milly
Nala
Poppy
Penny
Lola
Abbie
Gabbie
Sidney
Macy
I just got a call from my friend Kim about 15 minutes ago & she and her family are getting a boy puppy. She said they wanted it to have an M name as all of her dogs have always had M names. So, when she said Morkie, I thought I need to give a few suggestions. The dog breed is a Dorkie (part Dachshund - part Yorkie). How silly is that to say we have a Dorkie named Morkie? Poor little guy, he'd be the laughing stock at the playground! So, my name ideas for her were:
Max, Milo, Marty, Moxie, Malcolm, Miles, Mokey, Marvin, Monty & Mack. Had the first three picked out & then went to the web & found those last 7. Oh yea, and one more that gave me a good laugh...Mr. Bigglesworth!
Here's the list of names that I sent to her:
Maggie
Milly
Nala
Poppy
Penny
Lola
Abbie
Gabbie
Sidney
Macy
I just got a call from my friend Kim about 15 minutes ago & she and her family are getting a boy puppy. She said they wanted it to have an M name as all of her dogs have always had M names. So, when she said Morkie, I thought I need to give a few suggestions. The dog breed is a Dorkie (part Dachshund - part Yorkie). How silly is that to say we have a Dorkie named Morkie? Poor little guy, he'd be the laughing stock at the playground! So, my name ideas for her were:
Max, Milo, Marty, Moxie, Malcolm, Miles, Mokey, Marvin, Monty & Mack. Had the first three picked out & then went to the web & found those last 7. Oh yea, and one more that gave me a good laugh...Mr. Bigglesworth!
What a fun idea for Valentine's Day...
How cute is that? Man, there are some creative folks out there in the world...
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Buffalo Chicken Pizza. OK, so I took a couple of recipes from allrecipes.com to make this one. I just love the flavor! Got the idea to look for a recipe after eating Minsky's Buffalo Chicken Pizza that I love so much! It's pretty darn easy...
I followed the recipe for Buffalo Chicken Strips II submitted by bellydancer for my chicken but I cut up into really small pieces to put on the pizza.
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1/2 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into strips
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons butter
1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce
DIRECTIONS
To Make Dip: In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, mayonnaise and bleu cheese. Stir in green onion and pepper; cover and refrigerate.
To Make Strips: Heat oil in a large skillet. Season chicken with salt and sautee over medium high heat, stirring frequently, until lightly browned and cooked through, about 7 to 10 minutes. Remove skillet from heat. Add butter and hot pepper sauce to skillet and swirl until the butter melts and the sauce coats the chicken.
Serve hot chicken with refrigerated dip mix.
I like the thin Bobolli crust pretty well for this, but last night I used the mini crust which was not thin & it was still good. I put it into the oven for a bit as I warmed the oven up so it would cook a little as I was worried the crust may get soggy from the dressing & I don't like soggy crust, I like it crisp. I spread on some blue cheese dressing, not as much as the recipe calls for (even when making a full size pizza) b/c it's always seemed to be a lot in my opinion, sprinkle wtih the chicken & the cheese and place in oven until it looks good & bubbly! the pizza recipe that I've used as my guide is Buffalo Chicken Pizza submitted by Melissajean.
I followed the recipe for Buffalo Chicken Strips II submitted by bellydancer for my chicken but I cut up into really small pieces to put on the pizza.
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1/2 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into strips
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons butter
1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce
DIRECTIONS
To Make Dip: In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, mayonnaise and bleu cheese. Stir in green onion and pepper; cover and refrigerate.
To Make Strips: Heat oil in a large skillet. Season chicken with salt and sautee over medium high heat, stirring frequently, until lightly browned and cooked through, about 7 to 10 minutes. Remove skillet from heat. Add butter and hot pepper sauce to skillet and swirl until the butter melts and the sauce coats the chicken.
Serve hot chicken with refrigerated dip mix.
I like the thin Bobolli crust pretty well for this, but last night I used the mini crust which was not thin & it was still good. I put it into the oven for a bit as I warmed the oven up so it would cook a little as I was worried the crust may get soggy from the dressing & I don't like soggy crust, I like it crisp. I spread on some blue cheese dressing, not as much as the recipe calls for (even when making a full size pizza) b/c it's always seemed to be a lot in my opinion, sprinkle wtih the chicken & the cheese and place in oven until it looks good & bubbly! the pizza recipe that I've used as my guide is Buffalo Chicken Pizza submitted by Melissajean.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Fruit Dip
Haven't tried this, but while looking for something else I stumbled across it & it just sounded so good & makes me think of Spring! I sure wish Spring would hurry up & get here!
1 tub of mixed berry whipped cream cheese
1 tub of regular whipped cream cheese
1 tsp. Vanilla
Add powder sugar to taste
Mix together well the night before or the day of
1 tub of mixed berry whipped cream cheese
1 tub of regular whipped cream cheese
1 tsp. Vanilla
Add powder sugar to taste
Mix together well the night before or the day of
Aphrodisiac Food List
Found this a year ago on the internet & thought with Valentine's Day just a couple of days a way, this would be very appropriate!
Aniseed
A very popular aphrodisiac with many culinary uses. It has been used as an aphrodisiac since the Greeks and the Romans, who believed aniseed had special powers. Sucking on the seeds is said to increases your desire.
Asparagus
Given it's phallic shape, asparagus is frequently enjoyed as an aphrodisiac food. Feed your lover boiled or steamed spears for a sensuous experience. The Vegetarian Society suggests "eating asparagus for three days for the most powerful affect".
Almond
A symbol of fertility throughout the ages. The aroma is thought to induce passion in a female. Try serving Marzipan (almond paste) in the shapes of fruits for a special after-dinner treat.
Arugula
Arugula or "rocket" seed has been documented as an aphrodisiac since the first century A.D. This ingredient was added to grated orchid bulbs and parsnips and also combined with pine nuts and pistachios. Arugula greens are frequently used in salads and pasta.
Asafetida
Any Indian dried, powedere herb used as a sexual stimulant in Ayurvedic medicine. The herb has a very strong, garlicy flavor.
Avocado
The Aztecs called the avocado tree "Ahuacuatl which translated means "testicle tree". The ancients thought the fruit hanging in pairs on the tree resembled the male's testicles. This is a delicious fruit with a sensuous texture. Serve in slices with a small amount of Balsamic vinegar and freshly ground pepper.
Bananas
The banana flower has a marvelous phallic shape and is partially responsible for popularity of the banana as an aphrodisiac food. An Islamic myth tells the tale that after Adam and Eve succumbed to the "Apple" they started covering their "nudity" with banana leaves rather than fig. From a more practical standpoint bananas are rich in potassium and B vitamins, necessities for sex hormone production.
Basil (sweet basil)
Is said to stimulate the sex drive and boost fertility. It is also said to produce a general sense of well being for body and mind.
Broccoli Rabe (And Other Mustard Greens)
The ground seeds of various plants in the brassica family were believed to increase virility. In the case of broccoli rabe its more likely a myth created to get people to eat this bitter vegetable.
Chocolate
The Aztecs referred to chocolate "nourishment of the Gods". Chocolate contains chemicals thought to effect neurotransmitters in the brain and a related substance to caffeine called theobromine. Chocolate contains more antioxidant (cancer preventing enzymes) than does red wine. The secret for passion is to combine the two. Try a glass of Cabernet with a bit of dark chocolate for a sensuous treat or let us temp you with our recipe for Chocolate Espresso Pots de creme.
Carrots
Another good reason to eat carrots--believed to be a stimulant to the male. The phallus shaped carrot has been associated with stimulation since ancient times and was used by early Middle Eastern royalty to aid seduction. High vitamins and beta-carotene. Perhaps a justification for a piece of carrot cake?
Coffee
Caffeine is a well-know stimulant but remember, too much and it becomes a depressant. Serve small amounts of rich dark coffee in special little demitasse cups. Coffee stimulates both the body and the mind so partake of a little in preparation for an "all-nighter".
Coriander (Cilantro seed)
The book of The Arabian nights tells a tale of a merchant who had been childless for 40 years and but was cured by a concoction that included coriander. That book is over 1000 years old so the history of coriander as an aphrodisiac dates back far into history. Cilantro was also know to be used as an "appetite" stimulant.
Fennel
In the 1930's fennel was found to be a source of natural plant estrogens. Use of fennel as an aphrodisiac dates back to the Egyptian times where it was used as "libido enhancement".
Figs
An open fig is thought to emulate the female sex organs and traditionally thought of as sexual stimulant. A man breaking open a fig and eating it in front of his lover is a powerful erotic act. Serve fresh Black Mission figs in a cool bowl of water as it is done in Italy and be sure to eat with your fingers!
Garlic
The 'heat' in garlic is said to stir sexual desires. Make sure you and your partner share it together. Garlic has been used for centuries to cure everything from the common cold to heart ailments. This is a good time for moderation. Enjoy a pasta with a lightly garlicky sauce and it and lead up to something spicy in the bedroom later.
Ginger
Ginger root raw, cooked or crystallized is a stimulant to the circulatory system. Perhaps a stir-fry with freshly grated ginger can stir something spicy up in the bedroom later.
Honey
Many medicines in Egyptian times were based on honey including cures for sterility and impotence. Medieval seducers plied their partners with Mead, a fermented drink made from honey. Lovers on their "Honeymoon" drank mead and it was thought to s "sweeten" the marriage.
Liquorice (licorice)
The Chinese have used licorice for medicinal purposes since ancient times. The essence of the Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) plan, glycrrhizin, is 50 time sweeter than sugar. Chewing on bits of licorice root is said to enhance love and lust. It is particularly stimulating to woman.
Mustard
Believed to stimulate the sexual glands and increase desire. Prepare a tenderloin roast (filet mignon) for two with a mustard and peppercorn sauce.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg was highly prized by Chinese women as an aphrodisiac. In quantity nutmeg can produce a hallucinogenic effect. A light sprinkling of the spice in a warm pumpkin soup can help spice up your evening.
Oysters
Oysters were documented as a aphrodisiac food by the Romans in the second century A.D as mentioned in a satire by Juvenal. He described the wanton ways of women after ingesting wine and eating "giant oysters". An additional hypotheses is that the oyster resembles the "female" genitals. In reality oysters are a very nutritious and high in protein.
Pine Nuts
Zinc is a key mineral necessary to maintain male potency and pine nuts are rich in zinc. Pine nuts have been used to stimulate the libido as far back as Medieval times. Serve pine nut cookies with a dark espresso for a stimulating dessert.
Pineapple
Rich in vitamin C and and is used in the homeopathic treatment for impotence. Add a spear to a sweet Rum drink for a tasty prelude to an evening of passion.
Raspberries and Strawberries
Perfect foods for hand feeding your lover. "Both invite love and are described in erotic literature as fruit nipples" Both are high in vitamin C and make a sweet light dessert.
Truffles
The Greeks and the Romans considered the rare Truffle to be an aphrodisiac. The musky scent is said to stimulate and sensitize the skin to touch.
Vanilla
The scent and flavor of vanilla is believed to increase lust. According to the Australian Orchid Society, "Old Totonac lore has it that Xanat, the young daughter of the Mexican fertility goddess, loved a Totonac youth. Unable to marry him due to her divine nature, she transformed herself into a plant that would provide pleasure and happiness." Fill tall Champagne glasses to the rim and add a vanilla bean for a heady, bubbly treat.
Wine
A glass or two of wine can greatly enhance a romantic interlude. Wine relaxes and helps to stimulate our senses. Drinking wine can be an erotic experience. Let your eyes feast on the color of the liquid. Caress the glass, savor the taste on your lips. Do remember that excessive alcohol will make you too drowsy for the after-dinner romance. A moderate amount of wine has been said to "arouse" but much more than that amount with have the reverse affect.
Aniseed
A very popular aphrodisiac with many culinary uses. It has been used as an aphrodisiac since the Greeks and the Romans, who believed aniseed had special powers. Sucking on the seeds is said to increases your desire.
Asparagus
Given it's phallic shape, asparagus is frequently enjoyed as an aphrodisiac food. Feed your lover boiled or steamed spears for a sensuous experience. The Vegetarian Society suggests "eating asparagus for three days for the most powerful affect".
Almond
A symbol of fertility throughout the ages. The aroma is thought to induce passion in a female. Try serving Marzipan (almond paste) in the shapes of fruits for a special after-dinner treat.
Arugula
Arugula or "rocket" seed has been documented as an aphrodisiac since the first century A.D. This ingredient was added to grated orchid bulbs and parsnips and also combined with pine nuts and pistachios. Arugula greens are frequently used in salads and pasta.
Asafetida
Any Indian dried, powedere herb used as a sexual stimulant in Ayurvedic medicine. The herb has a very strong, garlicy flavor.
Avocado
The Aztecs called the avocado tree "Ahuacuatl which translated means "testicle tree". The ancients thought the fruit hanging in pairs on the tree resembled the male's testicles. This is a delicious fruit with a sensuous texture. Serve in slices with a small amount of Balsamic vinegar and freshly ground pepper.
Bananas
The banana flower has a marvelous phallic shape and is partially responsible for popularity of the banana as an aphrodisiac food. An Islamic myth tells the tale that after Adam and Eve succumbed to the "Apple" they started covering their "nudity" with banana leaves rather than fig. From a more practical standpoint bananas are rich in potassium and B vitamins, necessities for sex hormone production.
Basil (sweet basil)
Is said to stimulate the sex drive and boost fertility. It is also said to produce a general sense of well being for body and mind.
Broccoli Rabe (And Other Mustard Greens)
The ground seeds of various plants in the brassica family were believed to increase virility. In the case of broccoli rabe its more likely a myth created to get people to eat this bitter vegetable.
Chocolate
The Aztecs referred to chocolate "nourishment of the Gods". Chocolate contains chemicals thought to effect neurotransmitters in the brain and a related substance to caffeine called theobromine. Chocolate contains more antioxidant (cancer preventing enzymes) than does red wine. The secret for passion is to combine the two. Try a glass of Cabernet with a bit of dark chocolate for a sensuous treat or let us temp you with our recipe for Chocolate Espresso Pots de creme.
Carrots
Another good reason to eat carrots--believed to be a stimulant to the male. The phallus shaped carrot has been associated with stimulation since ancient times and was used by early Middle Eastern royalty to aid seduction. High vitamins and beta-carotene. Perhaps a justification for a piece of carrot cake?
Coffee
Caffeine is a well-know stimulant but remember, too much and it becomes a depressant. Serve small amounts of rich dark coffee in special little demitasse cups. Coffee stimulates both the body and the mind so partake of a little in preparation for an "all-nighter".
Coriander (Cilantro seed)
The book of The Arabian nights tells a tale of a merchant who had been childless for 40 years and but was cured by a concoction that included coriander. That book is over 1000 years old so the history of coriander as an aphrodisiac dates back far into history. Cilantro was also know to be used as an "appetite" stimulant.
Fennel
In the 1930's fennel was found to be a source of natural plant estrogens. Use of fennel as an aphrodisiac dates back to the Egyptian times where it was used as "libido enhancement".
Figs
An open fig is thought to emulate the female sex organs and traditionally thought of as sexual stimulant. A man breaking open a fig and eating it in front of his lover is a powerful erotic act. Serve fresh Black Mission figs in a cool bowl of water as it is done in Italy and be sure to eat with your fingers!
Garlic
The 'heat' in garlic is said to stir sexual desires. Make sure you and your partner share it together. Garlic has been used for centuries to cure everything from the common cold to heart ailments. This is a good time for moderation. Enjoy a pasta with a lightly garlicky sauce and it and lead up to something spicy in the bedroom later.
Ginger
Ginger root raw, cooked or crystallized is a stimulant to the circulatory system. Perhaps a stir-fry with freshly grated ginger can stir something spicy up in the bedroom later.
Honey
Many medicines in Egyptian times were based on honey including cures for sterility and impotence. Medieval seducers plied their partners with Mead, a fermented drink made from honey. Lovers on their "Honeymoon" drank mead and it was thought to s "sweeten" the marriage.
Liquorice (licorice)
The Chinese have used licorice for medicinal purposes since ancient times. The essence of the Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) plan, glycrrhizin, is 50 time sweeter than sugar. Chewing on bits of licorice root is said to enhance love and lust. It is particularly stimulating to woman.
Mustard
Believed to stimulate the sexual glands and increase desire. Prepare a tenderloin roast (filet mignon) for two with a mustard and peppercorn sauce.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg was highly prized by Chinese women as an aphrodisiac. In quantity nutmeg can produce a hallucinogenic effect. A light sprinkling of the spice in a warm pumpkin soup can help spice up your evening.
Oysters
Oysters were documented as a aphrodisiac food by the Romans in the second century A.D as mentioned in a satire by Juvenal. He described the wanton ways of women after ingesting wine and eating "giant oysters". An additional hypotheses is that the oyster resembles the "female" genitals. In reality oysters are a very nutritious and high in protein.
Pine Nuts
Zinc is a key mineral necessary to maintain male potency and pine nuts are rich in zinc. Pine nuts have been used to stimulate the libido as far back as Medieval times. Serve pine nut cookies with a dark espresso for a stimulating dessert.
Pineapple
Rich in vitamin C and and is used in the homeopathic treatment for impotence. Add a spear to a sweet Rum drink for a tasty prelude to an evening of passion.
Raspberries and Strawberries
Perfect foods for hand feeding your lover. "Both invite love and are described in erotic literature as fruit nipples" Both are high in vitamin C and make a sweet light dessert.
Truffles
The Greeks and the Romans considered the rare Truffle to be an aphrodisiac. The musky scent is said to stimulate and sensitize the skin to touch.
Vanilla
The scent and flavor of vanilla is believed to increase lust. According to the Australian Orchid Society, "Old Totonac lore has it that Xanat, the young daughter of the Mexican fertility goddess, loved a Totonac youth. Unable to marry him due to her divine nature, she transformed herself into a plant that would provide pleasure and happiness." Fill tall Champagne glasses to the rim and add a vanilla bean for a heady, bubbly treat.
Wine
A glass or two of wine can greatly enhance a romantic interlude. Wine relaxes and helps to stimulate our senses. Drinking wine can be an erotic experience. Let your eyes feast on the color of the liquid. Caress the glass, savor the taste on your lips. Do remember that excessive alcohol will make you too drowsy for the after-dinner romance. A moderate amount of wine has been said to "arouse" but much more than that amount with have the reverse affect.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
My ABC's of marriage
A – Always say you’re sorry, no matter how hard it is to say
B – Be honest
C – Compliment the cook
D – Do it from time to time without being asked
E – Eagerly greet each day together
F – Forgive
G – Go the extra mile every chance you get
H – Hugs, hugs, hugs
I – Intimacy is a must
J – Just say she’s right, it makes life easier
K – Kiss when you make up
L – Love more than you ever thought you could
M – Make everyday memorable in one way or another
N – Never go to bed or leave each other angry
O – Offer your support
P – Praise is a wonderful thing to hear
Q – Quit bringing up past mistakes
R – Remember important dates (birthday’s anniversary’s…)
S – Say I love you often
T – Take less from your partner than you give to them
U – Up-close and personal – share your thoughts and dreams
V – Value your partner; they are as unique as you are
W – Water the garden where your love grows
X – XOXO
Y – Yearn for each other
Z – Zip it sometimes & avoid an argument
B – Be honest
C – Compliment the cook
D – Do it from time to time without being asked
E – Eagerly greet each day together
F – Forgive
G – Go the extra mile every chance you get
H – Hugs, hugs, hugs
I – Intimacy is a must
J – Just say she’s right, it makes life easier
K – Kiss when you make up
L – Love more than you ever thought you could
M – Make everyday memorable in one way or another
N – Never go to bed or leave each other angry
O – Offer your support
P – Praise is a wonderful thing to hear
Q – Quit bringing up past mistakes
R – Remember important dates (birthday’s anniversary’s…)
S – Say I love you often
T – Take less from your partner than you give to them
U – Up-close and personal – share your thoughts and dreams
V – Value your partner; they are as unique as you are
W – Water the garden where your love grows
X – XOXO
Y – Yearn for each other
Z – Zip it sometimes & avoid an argument
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