I Got Nothin...

I have been MIA lately. I feel like I got nothin' to say, yet even as I type that I know it's ridiculous. I have been reflecting on the past year and realize that I have more than enough material! I am grateful for all the people, both family and friends, that I am fortunate enough to know. Maybe it's because I am on the down side of my 30's or maybe it's because by baby boy is graduating from high school this year; not sure what it is, but I have been counting my blessings lots more these days. I have always been unconditionally loved by my family, supported by my friends, and have had more than any person needs to live comfortably, however I can say the road hasn't always been an easy one. I am in an especially comfortable place right now and I feel lucky that I am aware and present in these moments. These are the top 10 things I am grateful for right now:

1. My children are beautiful, happy, and healthy.
2. My husband loves me in a way that is hard for me to comprehend.
3. My parents are healthy.
4. My children will carry memories of the relationship with their nana and papa with them long after nana and papa are gone. Some of my BEST memories are of my mam-ma and papa.
5. My sister and I have become best friends.
6. I'm thankful for those few extra pounds I have put on because it means I have enough to eat.
7. I'm thankful for that gym membership that will help me take those pounds off when I stop making a pig of myself.
8. I'm thankful for my messy house and the laundry that piles up because it means we are living life.
9. I'm thankful that when I start freaking out about the messy house and the laundry that piles up, people get to work before momma freaks out.
10. I'm thankful that TCC offers free tuition so I get to keep my boy home with me a little longer...he will most assuredly not be adding this to the list of things he is thankful for.

Happy Day

Crockpot Lasagna

I like to eat dinner at home. I like to be in charge of what goes into what I'm eating; not because I'm a health freak, but because if I ate out as often as I "need" to, I would be as big as a barn! With work, kids, and an altogether crazy schedule, a healthy dinner at home isn't always easy to pull off. I took out the old crockpot this weekend and tried this recipe. It was actually better than I expected and the family liked it too. I substituted cottage cheese for the ricotta, 'cause that's just what I had on hand. I also added onion and garlic to the meat as I browned it.

On the down side, it wasn't great leftover. The noodles got a little mushy for me, but it was still edible. If you are looking for a new way to get dinner on the table quick, try this recipe. I will definitely make it again.

Who is That Masked Man?

Do you dress up for Halloween? I haven't dressed up in years, not since I was a kid. For some reason I am itching to go to a costume party! We have been invited to several over the years but for one reason or another it never works out for us to be able to go. I am always so envious of those creative folks that come up with cute costumes that are simple to put together. You know the ones I mean, they throw together a few things they already own and bam...they have the costume contest winner. The funniest one I have seen this year was a picture on Facebook of a couple that were both dressed in pink sweats. One had H1 and the other had N1 on the front of their shirts and they wore pig noses. Do you all have any funny ideas for dressing up? If so, please share!

Pumpkin Love

Pumpkin soup...don't knock it 'til you try it! There are lots of variations, try one and see what you think.

How cute are these? I found these on Bakerella


Pumpkin Pie Smoothie, makes me feel like I am "being bad" at breakfast.






Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte, I have it done "skinny" style and only use 2 pumps of syrup for a Grande.




Pumpkin Pancakes...enough said.

Pumpkin Ravioli, and you thought it was only for sweet treats.

Pumpkin Roll, a little something different to replace pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving dinner.

I am to pumpkins like Bubba Gump is to shrimp. I love all things pumpkin! I always anticipate this time of year and I do my best to get enough pumpkin between now and Thanksgiving to last me until next year!

My New Kitchen Philosophy

I found this on another blog I read. It was originally printed on a restaurant menu, I happen to think I should make it my new kitchen philosophy...

Deletions of a specific ingredient of a meal are time consuming and error-prone due to the volume we produce daily.
Special requests and deletions cause a large back-up which means everyone has to wait longer.
Remember each meal is made fresh from scratch and we want each meal leaving the kitchen to be “the” meal we created.
We ask that when we are very busy (almost all the time), accept the meal “as is” and then YOU pick out what YOU do not like; that mushroom, tomato, onion or raisin- if consumed-will probably NOT jeopardize your health, but MY health is jeopardized when exceptions are demanded.
Please remember this is my kitchen and I’m the cook. I am not your personal chef. If the items aren’t the ones you want to eat, looks like you are out of luck.

Play This Game

Have you ever played Whoonu, as in WHO KNEW? It's a game made by the peeps that make Cranium. It is the perfect game because it's fun for kids and adults. The box says it is for ages 8 and up, but don't let that fool you. We have played this at adult only parties, and also played it for family game night. I picked it up on a whim a few years back and it is by far one of our best games. We took it to a dinner party last night and we played for hours! We ended up wanting to stay later to play so we had my son come play when his curfew was up so that he wouldn't have to be home alone. He played a few rounds with us before we finally called it a night. Since fall is here, and 'round these parts that means it will be time to hunker down with the family for a cozy night by the fire, I suggest you add this to your arsenal of entertainment. You won't be disappointed!

Annual Ugly T-Shirt Day

The one day out of the year that I willingly wear a shirt that I KNOW is ugly.

Are You Ready For Some FOOOOTBAAAAALL?

THIS today...

and THIS to look forward to.

A Happy Ending

All is right with the world!

A First Time For Everything

You know the old saying? Well, it has proven true. The people we love are not perfect. We know that, yet we love them anyway. We accept them with all their crazy quirks and flaws, because after all, that's what makes them who they are. We know them, yet we love them anyway. I am struggling, because I have been disappointed by one of these very people. Don't get me wrong, I'm no pansy...no stranger to disappointment here and there. It's part of the ebb and flow of the everyday. What makes this time different? It's that this particular time, I have been disappointed by someone that has truly never disappointed me before. Oh, I will most certainly get over it, as I am not one to hold a grudge. But, in the mean time, I don't like this feeling. You know the one I mean, that icky feeling you get when the thought creeps in your mind? Enough of the Debbie Downer bit, that just ain't me! I still count my blessings everyday, and they are MANY!

Anyone Have any Aqua Net?

'cause I gotta work some hair for this tonight!

School Days

Don't you just love the smell of a new box of Crayons and freshly sharpened pencils? It's that time of year again!

Fabulous Friends

Do you have any friends that you don't see often enough? The kind that it doesn't matter how long it's been, once you get together it seems like yesterday since you talked? We recently had dinner with a some great friends that are just that! Every time we leave them we always say "let's not wait so long!". But, life gets in the way and months go by. Let's just say that after a fabulous dinner with these folks, again I am asking myself what in the world we need to do in order to coordinate our schedules better. It doesn't hurt that their backyard makes you feel like you are at a 5 Star resort! So, share with me about your friends and how you make it a priority to make time for catching up.

Off to Play...

with my sissy!

PERFECTION

My mom dropped off the holy grail of summer the other night! HOME GROWN 'MATERS. There is just NOTHING like a home grown tomato. Even if you think you don't like tomatoes, I am telling you to try one now. I feel like the Bubba Gump of tomatoes. I have had BLT's,

Caprese salad, tuna salad stuffed tomatoes, balsamic tomatoes, and just sliced tomatoes sprinkled with salt. I am going to mix up a batch this over the weekend.

Funky Spaghetti

from Jamie Oliver, that crazy Naked Chef

1 pound spaghetti or linguine ( I also like bowtie pasta with this)

4-5 tomatoes, cut into bite size pieces

2 handfuls of fresh basil

6-8 glugs of good olive oil

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

Splash of red wine vinegar

Salt and Pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients, except the pasta. Leave this sitting out on your counter to let the flavors mingle. When you are ready for dinner, just cook the pasta and toss it with the tomato mixture. I like to grate fresh parm on top while the pasta is piping hot.

This is like a summer version of crockpot cooking. You can get the tomato mixture prepped ahead of time and go on about your business until dinner.

What's a Girl To Do?

Facebook is evil! Other than for the obvious reason, like I waste way too much time on there. Here is the thing, I find out way too much info. Things I do NOT need to know. Things like IT'S FREE PASTRY DAY AT STARBUCKS. As I sit here thinking of reasons not to go to the gym, I read that little nugget on Facebook. The cruel part of this is that my friend who posted this info could stand to eat a pastry per day, she is one of those tall drinks of water that weighs next to nothing. Me...not so much! Especially since I ate and drank my way through Destin last week. Since I can't motivate myself to get to the gym, I better not take advantage of that free pastry. It would end up costing me in the long run, as I would probably have to invest in some new pants! Let's just say that if I were going for a pastry it would be the lemon bar! What would you get?

Later...

I can't wait to put my feet in that sand!

Projects

I am not crafty, I mean like, NOT AT ALL! I have gotten into the habit of reading blogs of some of the most creative, crafty people. I can't say I am actually inspired, more like bummed out that I don't have "it". My problem is, I know what I want, or what is super cute. I just don't have any idea how to take something old and make it new again. These girls take stuff that looks like complete trash and they turn it into a treasure. I have a dresser that has been sitting in my garage for 4 years. I have 2 bookshelves in my classroom that need a fresh coat of paint. I have some dining room chairs that need to be recovered. I could go on and on, but you get the idea. Lucky for me, my mom is very crafty and it looks like my daughter has inherited that gene. So, between the 2 of them, I guess I don't really NEED to be, huh?

Fabulous 4th

Wishing you all of the food, family, and fun you can stand for a FAB 4th!

No Words...

Well...a few. If you know me, I am rarely speechless. I made these peanut butter cupcakes with chocolate genache frosting. I am taking them to a get together of some girls I work with. As you can see, I just HAD to sample one first. WOWZA, they are as good as they look (maybe better)! I was inspired to bake cupcakes because I bought the coolest cupcake tote. In this pic you can see that the cover snaps right on to the muffin pan. The red tray you see above sits on top of the pan. That is, only if you are taking all your cupcakes to the party. I am being a nice wife and leaving a few here for the hubby. The kids are both gone to summer camps, so he will be home alone with these cupcakes. Come to think of it, I better hide a couple so I can have them tomorrow with my coffee. These were so good, I am going to start making more cupcakes. I hope I get invited lots of places, cause I DO NOT need all these yummy treats laying around the house.

Shiny Teeth & Sparkly Toes

I have NEVER been afraid of the dentist. Lately though, I dread going. No reason, just hate going. My dentist however is pure genius. She has a girl that will give you a pedi while you get your teeth cleaned. Sounds weird, I know, but let me just say that it totally takes my mind off the fact that I hate the dentist. I should say I hate GOING to the dentist because clearly, my dentist rocks. The girls in her office are also so much fun, even without the perk of a pedi, but my turquoise toes don't hurt (and neither did the exam).

Pardon the scrape on the top of my foot, the result of spending the weekend at my uncle's pool. Apparently I was a little over-zealous in the kicking department and scraped my foot on the bottom of the pool.

iPhone Update

I am sure you have been feeling super sorry for me about my previous post. Let me put your mind to rest. My friend totally hooked me up! She works for ATT and she told me if I had gotten my phone on May 9 or after then I could take it in and they would simply trade it for a new one. Well guess what, I got my phone on May 8! My girl made a call and got me hooked up. I am so very happy with my new phone! What would I do without my friends?!

Story of My Life

I recently FINALLY got an iPhone. I got it just over a month ago, so my 30 day trial period is up. I found out about a week ago that the phone I purchased could be purchased for $100 less than what I paid. I got over that pretty quickly because I have been so happy with my phone. The only thing I haven't liked is that I can't send picture texts, with a new update coming soon, I should be able to. I updated to the newest software version and there are a few neat improvements. However, I am more peeved than ever because I looked at all the features of the new iPhone. For what I paid, I could have the latest and greatest. I have wanted one forever, but have held out. When I finally decide to bite the bullet and get one, they come out with the new one. I wouldn't be irritated if I had gotten this one awhile back, it's just that I waited so long to get one in the first place, what would a few more weeks have mattered?!

Date Day

The hubs and I hit up a a local winery today. We embarked on date day (think date night, but during the day). It was loads of fun. The winery had a BBQ lunch event and we wanted to go check it out. You paid $5 for a tasting glass and 5 tickets. With each ticket you could taste one of the wines. Some were good, one was bad and one was FABULOUS! The LuLu wine was like a strawberry blew up in your mouth. I am not a fan of sweet wines, but this one knocked my socks off. It wasn't sugary sweet, just the perfect fruity punch! I found my new favorite summer wine. I even bought an extra bottle to have on hand for a gift. The bottle is so cute too, it has a big red lips on it; very girly. We actually decided to skip the lunch at the winery but we sat at a table on the patio of the house there and enjoyed a bottle of vino. Then we headed back to town to have pizza at one of my favorite places, Savastano's. The salad bar is great and the pizza is amazing. We ate til we were stuffed and brought home the rest of our pizza. Once we got home we sat and ate the rest even though I was miserable, it was just so dang delish!

If you haven't gone on date DAY, I highly recommend it. Now we are home early and ready to watch the last 4 episodes of True Blood so that we are ready for the new season.

Your Baby is ALWAYS Your Baby

Happy Mother's Day to ALL the mamas out there! Whether you are new to the mom game, right it the midst of it, if your "babies" have left you with an empty nest, or they are celebrating you from heaven today...know that you are blessed to be called MOM.

This was Once Upon a Time!

This is them now.

I can't wait to see what the future holds for them.

Summer is Coming?

It doesn't feel like it! It's 56 degrees here in Tulsa today. I FINALLY completed my closet transition from winter to spring/summer stuff. I enjoyed it for about a week, then it started to rain. Rain, I could deal with. It has rained and rained and now it has turned cold. Cold and rainy I am having trouble with. All I really have in my closet right now are flip flops or some sort of sandal-ish footwear. My toes were cold today. When my toes are cold my whole body is cold! I can't believe that in 19 days I will be out of school for SuMmEr break. Doesn't feel like it at all. Maybe I should get a pedi and choose a really bright, summery color for my toes. At least if they are cold, they will look hot.

Catch You On the Flip Side...

...of Breaking Dawn. Sorry, every spare moment that I have is spent trying to finish the final book in the Twilight series. I got behind when I was trying to finish my National Board portfolio. Halfway through, don't miss me too much.

Tastes Like Summer

We were invited to visit some friends this weekend. Our host made raspberry mojitos... definitely got me in the mood for summer!

If you haven't tried muddling some fresh raspberries with your mint, you must try it. This is Len, our official Cuban Mojito King.

CHEERS...they were delicious! PLUS, we figured adding the raspberries provided a serving a fruit, therefore making these a "health" drink.

I am a LuCkY Girl!

My friend Becca sent me an email today. She asked what my plans for the weekend were and luckily by calendar was totally open. When she asked, I figured we would try to get together for dinner or something. We have the hardest time coordinating our schedules lately! Well...she did me one better. She invited me for some spa treatments at a new spa in town. Her husband owns the shopping center that this spa is in and she has herself a gift certificate of astronomical proportions. How lucky am I that she decided to share this with little old me?!?! I am really excited to spend some time with my girl as we spend the afternoon being pampered. I think we should for sure make plans for Saturday night...keep the fun going, right? Needless to say, I am looking forward to the weekend even more than usual.

Which One?

I got this idea from Slynnro. If you don't read her blog, you totally should. She's a funny one!

I have been told on numerous occasions that I look like
Just as many times I have been told I look like

While neither of these is a particularly heinous looking gal, wouldn't I be so much happier if I looked likeOh well, a girl can dream!
Here's the real me...vote and tell me which one I most favor.

When You Think YOU Are Having a Bad Day

Why do bad things happen to such good people? http://bevinsfamily.blogspot.com/

Come Back!

I want my sister to come back to Tulsa. Not just for a visit, but to live. I really hate it that she isn't just down the road anymore. I keep thinking I should get used to it, but I still don't like it. This really shouldn't be that surprising since I am a girl who obviously hates change. I didn't realize this about myself until the Facebook phenomenon took over the planet. As I read about all these folks I have lost touch with over the years, I am amazed at all the places they have lived or interesting things they have done. I swear I am not nearly as boring as my info makes me sound. Let's see: I was born in Tulsa, never left. I went to Union, I live in the Union district, my kids go to Union, and I work for Union. My parents live about 1 mile from me. My sister moved to Edmond and I feel like she moved to the other side of the world. Sounds lame, huh? I am SOOOO not lame. Adventuresome? No. Not lame? Yes.

My sis and I on one of my visits to Edmond.

What I'm Wearing...

lime green tank top

lime green sports bra

grey fleece jacket

grey yoga pants that I just got a rip in

brown and white striped fuzzy socks

What would Cojo say??

My 25 Random Things

If you are on Facebook you have no doubt been tagged about a zillion times for this one. I finally broke down and did it because it HAS been fun to read other people's random things. So, here are mine. Again, if you are on FB, you probably have already seen this. If you aren't on FB, WHY NOT???

1. I am a clean freak that cannot relax unless the house is clean, but I don't make my bed unless company's coming.

2. I had a complete hysterectomy when I was 25.

3. I have like no hair on my legs, I only shave a handful of times per year.

4. I have 2 DVR's and they both work overtime.

5. I love to watch tv in bed.

6. I miss my Mam-ma every day.

7. I know what it is to be truly loved.

8. I didn't know my middle name had an "e" at the end until like 2nd grade...KayE

9. I knew I wanted to be a teacher from the time I was a little girl. My 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. Evans, smelled like spiced tea and to this day it is one of my favorite smells.

10. I love to cook.

11.I was so scared of my dance teacher that I was afraid to ask to go to the bathroom...I peed my pants right there.

12. I threw a tantrum at Sanger Harris until my mom bought me the paisley Guess jeans I wanted.

13. I hope my daughter finds a husband that makes her feel like a princess every single day.

14. I hope my son treats his wife like a princess every single day.

15. I saw the wedding of the "smallest people in the world" at the circus when I was little. I was actually in it, I got pulled out of the audience and got to ride in a their horse drawn carriage...being pulled by the "smallest horse in the world" Tiny Tina. I had a poster of the bride and groom hanging in my room, my mom accidentally ripped it one day and I thought I would never forgive her. I am over it now.

16. I wore glasses in elementary school that were so big I got to put little decals on them...WHY???

17. I don't just color my hair because I WANT to anymore.

18. I love the potato chips from Which Wich, I usually eat 2 bags.

19. My dad took me out to ride horses when I was in about 4th grade, I fell off and hit my head really hard. He said "Let's not tell mom about this." That was easy for him to say...mom was french braiding my hair the next day and was getting mad that I was whining about her pulling my hair so she hit me over the head with the brush, RIGHT ON MY BIG OL'GOOSE EGG!

20. My first dog was named Cry Baby. My parents told me she ran away, I found out as an adult they gave her away.

21. My friend Caron and I have been friends since we were 5. This is how our first exchange went
CARON: Hi, I'm Caron, what's your name?
ME: Gretchen
CARON: Hey, that's my dog's name.
ME: Running in the house crying.
CARON"S MOM: ding dong
MY MOM: answers door
CARON'S MOM: My daughter just made your daughter cry.
THE REST IS HISTORY!

22. I love to go to the movies and smell the popcorn, but I don't like to eat it.

23. I would love to have had a baby with Billy. I wish I had a newborn cause they smell so good and look so cute, but I don't want any more kids.

24. I took piano for about 5 years and can't play a tune to save my life.

25. I believe expensive shoes can make a cheap outfit look good.

What Do You Do?

So Valentine's Day is just around the corner and I am curious what you do to celebrate. I love Valentine's Day (pardon the pun)! I really don't buy into the school of thought that says it has to be a totally romantic holiday and if you don't have a significant other then you should sit home and eat a half gallon of ice cream. That's crap. It's fine if you and yours go all out, but I just don't find it necessary. Valentine's Day for me is more about celebrating the fun that your relationships bring to you. Not to say I don't appreciate a romantic gesture, cause I totally do! That being said, anyone can go spend more than they should on a bauble, but I would much prefer a gift that I know had some thought put into it, one I know that was chosen just for me.

If you have kids like I do, do you celebrate with the kiddos? I love to cook dinner at home, usually some kind of sickeningly decadent pasta and a rich dessert. Food that I would normally not allow myself to make, but on V day I do and I enjoy it with reckless abandon! One must have for me on this day is a bottle of bubbly. I am not picky when it comes to the bubbly either, I just simply loves me some champagne. Even at home with the kids, a special dinner can mark the occasion. You cannot imagine what a little Cherry 7 Up in a champagne flute can do to make your kids feel like they are your special Valentine!

I am not a fan of eating out on this day. I feel like restaurants are herding people in and out like cattle. The food and service are usually lacking because they are trying to get as many people in and out as they can. Not to fault them, it's just not my thing.

What are your Valentine's traditions? Do you have any great recipes to share with me? Let me know, I would "love" to hear from you (again, with the puns!)

Dad Saves the Day...

Misson accomplished! Thanks Daddy.

Ice Ice Baby

It's slick out there! This means I get a snow day~that is a perk about being a teacher. I have never known a life without a snow day. Think about that for minute, will you? Funny, huh? It's a strange dichotomy. I have many friends who are teachers and we call each other, check the news etc...all to see if we will be having school. We love a snow day...for NOW, but come May, which turns into June, we aren't quite singing the same tune. By then, the kids are just DONE with school. It is difficult enough to hold their attention when they are still on, but once they are off, FU-GET ABOUT IT! So, when I am still in school after Memorial Day, I will need to remember how much I enjoyed this cold icy day that I got to stay home with my husband and kids. I made french toast and bacon and I drank coffee til noon. I am wearing my most cozy pj's and I don't plan on changing. These are pj's that one would really ONLY wear if it was an ice storm kind of day, otherwise you would begin to sweat as soon as you put them on. I just went to the grocery store for a "big shop" before the storm hit, so I have options! I am going to make Hot and Sour soup that my friend told me about. I won't have to listen to my kids gripe about it because I will have plenty of time to make them something else. That rarely happens around here. You eat what I fix. You don't love it? Well BUMMER, this ain't Mel's Diner! I mean, I am not force feeding my kids liver and onions over here (which by the way, I love and have since I was a kid). I just like to cook and we really don't eat out that often. My kids would be in hog heaven if we ate out every night. I find it difficult to eat even fast food without breaking the bank. I think because I do cook I know what kind of meal I could make for less money and it really irritates me. My kids of course do not think this is logical at all. Oh well, I tell them when they grow up and are made of money they can treat me to dinner out every night. I am looking forward to it too, I will probably be really sick of cooking by then. In the mean time, I think I will go eat some mac and cheese...the kind in the box. Cause on a snow day, calories don't count! Keep warm.

Talk Soon,

G

Holy Guacamole!

Do you like guacamole? I love it, I hesitate to order it out cause I think what you make at home is often sooo much better than what you get at a restaurant. One exception is this place. Hubby took me here for date night last summer and the guac is to DIE for. They don't make a bad margarita either, and I am a margarita snob. I made guacamole the other night and I thought I would share the recipe with you all. It is so simple and so yummy.

Here is what you will need:
3-4 ripe avocados
1/2 of a small onion
1-2 cloves fresh garlic
juice of 1 lime or 1/2 of a lemon
A few shakes of hot pepper sauce
salt
cilantro
jalapeno pepper (optional)


To get the pit out I just play ninja and slap the blade of my knife right on it and give it a twist, the thing is so terrified of my ninja powers that it pops right out. Some people say if you keep the pit and throw it in the bowl with the finished guac, it keeps it nice and green. I find if you put enough lemon or lime juice in it the guac stays green without having to look at the pit in you dip.

Once I cut the avocado in half, I just take a spoon and slip it between the skin and the perfectly ripe avocado. Truthfully I could just throw some salt on it right here at this point and eat it up. But, then the hubby would be highly disappointed since he usually picks up the avocados for me form a Mexican grocery store. These particular avocados came from the regular old Wal Mart, so now that I am thinkin' about it, I would have been perfectly justified in gettin' my eat on with that plain ol' avocado.

Well back to the good stuff. For this batch I used 3 medium sized avocados. Yes, there are four in the pic, but I saved one of them to eat the next day on a grilled cheese. MMMM! Just dump the yumminess into a bowl. FINELY chop up about half of a smallish onion. I used a yellow onion because that's what I had. You can use any onion you have on hand, I especially like red. Throw the onion in with the avocado, then add a clove or two of fresh garlic. I use a garlic press for this because it really gets the pieces of garlic so tiny and you can get it all incorporated without worrying about biting a piece of garlic. Now I LOVE garlic so I always go for 2 cloves at least. The problem here is this stuff will stay with you for days if you get too carried away, which I usually do. My husband made me turn over the other direction in bed last night because he said he could still smell the garlic...I ate guacamole 2 days before! Dude, is that normal or I am a freak for smelling like garlic for so long after I eat it.

So now you have your avocado, onion, and garlic in the bowl. Salt this stuff liberally. I use Kosher salt for most things, just cause I like it. Use whatever salt you normally do. Kosher salt just tastes "cleaner" to me, if that makes any sense. It also is harder to over salt with it, don't ask me why. At this point I use a fork and just start mashing it all up. I like a little texture so I leave it a bit chunky. Here is where you can add a few shakes of your favorite hot sauce, I like Frank's Red Hot because it give great flavor and minimal heat. There's a time and place for heat, and guacamole ain't it. Now this will probably contradict what I just told you about that heat thing, but I like to use about half a jalapeno in it for just a little kick. The trick here is to strip the seeds and the ribs out of the pepper if you don't want it too hot. The seeds and the ribs is where the heat "lives", if you remove them, you get a mild jalapeno flavor without burning your lips off. Now squeeze that lemon or lime juice in there. You do this for 2 reasons really. 1.) it just tastes good, and 2.) the acid in the juice keeps the guac from turning that yucky brown color. You can even use a T. or so of bottled lemon juice if you have to. See how I have left it chunky? You can make it as smooth or chunky as you like. The last thing is to rip off a couple good handfuls of those cilantro leaves. Give them a good chop and toss those right in there. This is what kicks it over the edge. It adds the perfect "freshness" to the guacamole that you just won't get if you skip it.

Next time you get a hankerin' for some guac, whip it up yourself. It beats paying an arm and a leg for a tiny scoop of bland green stuff. The only down side is that garlic breath I mentioned...

Little Ave doesn't seem to mind!

Talk Soon,

G

Follow Me...

Follow me, yeah everything is alright. You should have been singing that last line. You know the song, right? I bet you are thinking if only you could hear me sing then you would know it. Well, I can't sing so you probably wouldn't recognize it. None of that really matters since the song has nothing to do with what I want from you. YES, I want something from you. Please give it to me. I hate to beg. But I will. Begging ain't pretty, so please, don't make me go there. I just want you to FOLLOW ME! This little lady prompted me to ask for followers to show themselves. I really may be kidding myself that anyone would actually follow this blog, except for my dad and uncle. My dad is prompt to tell me when I slack on posting, telling me that I am not a "real blogger", my uncle is quick to tell my dad when I misspell something. You see, I am a teacher and I should NEVER make mistakes. I want you to click the FOLLOW ME link on the right so I can see you. It'll make me happy to see who I am "talking" to, or it might make me feel crazy because I am only talking to myself. Oh well, blogging is cheaper than therapy! So, just follow me and I won't sing to you again.

American Idol

Did you watch it? I like the auditions, but dang, there sure are a lot of folks with nothing to do. You could not pay me enough to sit around in those waiting areas with all the crazies. I am talking about the people that absolutely cannot sing and they know it, (this would be the category I fall into), yet they sit around there and wait anyway. And how about Bikini Girl? Not necessary for sure, but if I looked like her in my swim suit, I think I would totally go on national television in it.

Talk Soon,

G

P.S. The knowing I can't sing thing...doesn't stop me from whipping out a karaoke tune given the opportunity.

Things That Bug Me

My mascara is working great one day, and the next it's like TOTALLY out.

When I can't decide between two sizes of an item, no matter which one I end up with, I end up thinking I chose the wrong one.

It takes forever to get a good gym routine in place, but not forever to get out of one.

I can't make pie crust.

Blocked websites

Wrinkly sheets, even though I hate to make my bed,

When I eat something that I usually won't let myself eat and it isn't good but I go ahead and eat it anyway (example being McDonald's fries)

People who make weak coffee, a.k.a. brown water.

The guy at the pretzel place that was a jerk because HE forgot to put salt on my pretzel.

When people are on a health kick so they order the salad...with fried chicken, cheese, croutons, bacon, ranch...

Soggy pizza

People who know a little about everything, but not much about any of it.

When I leave for work 20 minutes earlier than usual and still get there at my usual time because of traffic.

When I go to the grocery store I always end up forgetting at least one thing.

When I eat out and spend more than I should on a meal, then I realize I could have made the same thing, only better.

One flirtini isn't enough, two might be too many.

Clutter

Restaurants that have Pepsi products instead of Coke

I don't color my hair just because I want to anymore.

If I don't put my contacts in or have my glasses on I might as well not get out of bed, I literally CANNOT see.

I dust my house and the next day it looks like we are living in the dust bowl.

I cry when I get mad.

Sometimes I sound like my mother.

ENOUGH ALREADY, huh? Believe me, I could go on...but I won't. What bugs you? Leave a comment and let me know. I am not one of those cool bloggers with prizes, like say, this gal or this one. I just really want to know what bugs you, k?

So I Made the Sassy Water

UUUUHHH, not so much. I peeled, sliced, and grated to prepare my water so it would be ready for me to take to school. When I got up and saw it, it did NOT look pretty. The grated ginger pieces were floating all around and the water was a bit cloudy. I knew I couldn't drink it with those floaters in it, so I strained the water through a fine sieve. That helped, although the water was still a touch cloudy. I went ahead and poured it in my water bottle and thought I would give it a try. I keep a large insulated mug on my desk and drink water all day anyway, so I figured it wouldn't be too tough to get it down. I tasted it and it just wasn't that good. I thought it needed more mint and lemon, less cucumber and maybe slicing the ginger would keep those floaters out of it. As the ice started to melt in my cup, the water tasted better. I did finish it today, and have another batch in the fridge for tomorrow. I did make the changes so I hope it's better. If not, it'll be back to regular water for me. Oh well, I am sassy enough as it is.

This is How We Roll

This is funny, huh? This past July my sweet friend Kerry invited me and Hallie to stay a night at the beautiful Chateau on the Lake in Branson. She and my other dear friend Deb were going to be there because they had to go pick up their girls from camp. Hallie and I packed up and got on the road as soon as we got the call. It was a pleasant surprise and one of the reasons I love being off in the summer. One minute you're in the dressing room at Academy and the next, you are hitting the road to Branson. Crazy huh? Well, that's just how we roll over here. So as Hallie and I are packing up, Deb and Kerry spent the day shopping. In one of the stores they found this shirt and decided it would be just the welcome present for me. What does that say about me? Hmmm...I won't dwell on that. Then they got really crazy and decided they should get one too. Well, pictures don't lie. Upon my arrival they presented me with the shirt and then...TAAA DAAA, they broke theirs out too. We put those babies on and had the girls take our pics. I bet they were so proud of their moms huh? So here we were, sporting our Party Girl shirts, what else could we really do? We took a walk around the hotel looking for the party. We got some looks since we are 3 middle aged "ladies" wearing twinkie Party Girl shirts. Well, sorry to say, we just had to make our own party. Turns out the Chateau on the Lake wasn't really that hoppin'. Luckily, any time I am with these girls we do make our own party. The rest of the evening was spent eating Pringles in bed with our girls. Now THAT'S a party! Pringles...in bed...COME ON. I would never allow that kind of behavior at home.

Cause I'm Nosy

Do you make New Year's resolutions? Take the poll and leave me a comment to tell me about the resolutions you made OR tell me you think resolutions are silly and set you up for failure...YADA, YADA, YADA. I just really want to know where you all stand on this one.

Sassy Water

Have you heard of this? It's part of Prevention Magazine's new Flat Belly Diet. I am not really into following an actual "diet", but this water sounds tasty to me. Just might be the thing to help me detox from all that bubbly! What do you all think, anyone tried it?

Sassy Water

2 liters water (about 8 1/2 cups)
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1 medium cucumber. peeled and thinly sliced
1 medium lemon thinly sliced
12 small spearmint leaves
Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher and let flavors blend overnight.

Happy New Year!

So, what did you do last night? We had a delicious dinner and an evening of fun and games at the Farve's. The Mahan's were in town and and we had a great time catching up with them as well. Deb and Tony are always such awesome hosts. They love to cook and dinner at their house is always a treat. We had a Mediterranean feast! One of our favorites is when they do cabbage rolls and stuffed grape leaves with all the traditional sides. Deb makes the best hummus, for a white girl anyway, that I have ever had. So anyway, last night did not disappoint. They made Kafta. Have you heard of it? It's a Mediterranean meatloaf! Now, I loves me some meatloaf and this one was no exception. They served it with some tasty Greek greenbeans and hummus with pita bread. There was also this yummy cucumber sauce, sort of like what you would put on a Gyro. One of the best things about having meatloaf for dinner, is that you get to have meatloaf sandwiches the next day. I couldn't stop thinking about how you could use some of this meatloaf, put it in a pita bread with some of that cucumber sauce and VOILA', you've got yourself a Mediterranean Meatloaf Sammy! I think Deb actually hid the leftovers from me at that point. So after dinner we began our evening of imbibing. Because I am a princess, I like to sip on champagne ALL NIGHT. I mean, really, why wait until midnight. That is really such a waste. You get one glass and then off to bed...heck no, not me! From Thanksgiving to New Years Night I cannot tell you how many bottles of the bubbly I go through. Luckily, I am a princess with cheap taste, if it's got bubbles in it, I'm good. I think I have 2 bottles left and just talking about it makes me think I better get started on those today. After tonight, I really have to start being better about what I am putting in my body. In the last year I have gotten healthier about my eating and have made working out a priority. However, in the last 2 weeks, I think I forgot how to do those things. Why does it take so long to start new habits, but it's so darn easy to go back to the old ones? Well, I'm off, that champagne really is calling my name, I bet even you can hear it. Does that mean I have a problem?

The Boss Man and Me at 12:00, his first glass of champagne

A New Years hug from my favorite girl in the world...

...my favorite boy was in Edmond with his Nana and PaPa.