Sunday, October 2
Body for God: Couch-to-5k in 9 Weeks
Top 5: DIY Fancy Coffee Drinks (No espresso machine required!)
I LOVE COFFEE. I'm obsessed with it. Blame it on my Seattle roots, or the fact that I have a very energetic toddler who wakes up at 6am every morning, either way, it is one of two things that I will never part ways with. (Ummm...the other is ice cream!)
Growing up in Seattle, the very LAST place you'd go to get coffee was a Starbucks. There are just so many other quality breweries to choose from. My favorite in the PNW (Pacific NorthWest) is Victor's Celtic Coffee. Ahhh-mazing-ly delicious coffee---certified fair trade peeps. I DARE you to try it.
One thing that Starbucks has going for them is that most coffee in NYC is, well...disgusting, I don't know how to put it nicer than that. I call it "coffee water." In order to avoid Starbucks, as much as possible, I prefer to make delicious fancy coffees at home. I don't have the counter space for an espresso machine, so I've become quite creative at mimicking drinks I've had and liked or creating my own indulgences.
Growing up in Seattle, the very LAST place you'd go to get coffee was a Starbucks. There are just so many other quality breweries to choose from. My favorite in the PNW (Pacific NorthWest) is Victor's Celtic Coffee. Ahhh-mazing-ly delicious coffee---certified fair trade peeps. I DARE you to try it.
One thing that Starbucks has going for them is that most coffee in NYC is, well...disgusting, I don't know how to put it nicer than that. I call it "coffee water." In order to avoid Starbucks, as much as possible, I prefer to make delicious fancy coffees at home. I don't have the counter space for an espresso machine, so I've become quite creative at mimicking drinks I've had and liked or creating my own indulgences.
1. Peppermint Mocha
8-12 oz fresh, hot, quality, brewed coffee
5 Andes Mints or if in season…2 Godiva Peppermint Truffles
1 packet instant cocoa mix (Swiss Miss or Nestle are fine)
A tablespoon of creamer (optional)
Whipped cream (Reddiwhip or similar) if you like
Red sugar sprinkles
Directions: In a big fancy mug…put contents of packet of cocoa mix, andes mints. Pour in half of coffee, stir until mints are melted and cocoa is dissolved. Add creamer. Pour the rest of the coffee in. Top with whipped cream & red sugar sprinkles if desired. Enjoy.
Is your mouth watering for more?
Saturday, October 1
What's for dinner? Menu Plan 10/1-10/7
| Day | Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
| Sat. 10/1 | LO Date Night Food | Turkey Sandwiches | Ginger Beef Stir-fry (BHG p. 68) w/Broccoli & Brown Rice |
| Sun. 10/2 | Pancakes, Bacon | LO Stir-fry | Seasoned Tuna Sands/Warm Spinach Salad (BHG p.134/MISC) |
| Mon. 10/3 | Granola w/Yogurt | Frozen Entrees | Spinach Pesto Tortellini w/Rosemary Bread (BHG p. 10) |
| Tues. 10/4 | Egg Scramble | LO Pasta | Hawaiian Turkey Burgers (BHG p. 122) |
| Weds. 10/5 | French Toast | LO Turkey Burger | Southern Camp Stew (FFF p. 29) |
| Thurs. 10/6 | Granola w/Yogurt | LO Stew | Turkey Meatloaf, Caramelized Brussel Sprouts, Mashed Yukon Gold Potatoes (GHK p. 131) (BHG p. 176) (MISC) |
| Fri. 10/7 | Cheese Omelets | LO Turkey | Nachos & Chicken Tortilla Soup, Homemade Guacomole (My Recipes) |
Key: LO = Leftovers, FFF = Fresh Food, Fast Cookbook, GHK = Good Housekeeping Cookbook, SBD = South Beach Diet Cookbook, BHG = Better Homes & Gardens Cookbook, MISC - Some random recipe I've collected, MOM = My Mom's Recipe, GMA = Grandma's Recipe
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From Mama B's Kitchen: Five Spice Salmon w/Orange Spinach
Crispy on the outside and super moist on the inside with an amazing aromatic flavor from the spices - this dish is sure to be a hit (even with those who aren't die-hard salmon fans - like my husband!)
Pan-Seared Five Spice Salmon Recipe
Ingredients:
4 - 4oz Salmon Fillets, skins removed
2 Tbsp. Five Spice Rub
1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
Directions:
1. With tweezers, remove any bones from salmon fillets. On wax paper, rub salmon fillets until coated with rub mix.
2. In large nonstick skillet, heat oil over MEDIUM heat until hot. Add salmon; cook until just opaque throughout, about 4-5 minutes per side. Makes 4 Servings.
If you ask my husband what my favorite foods are, there is a 1 in 4 chance he will say, "Spinach." I don't know what it is about this leafy green vegetable that I love so much. Perhaps too many Pop-eye cartoons when I was younger! Whatever the reason, I love love love it. In everything. No lie.I actually found this recipe attached to a fresh bunch of organic spinach from Lakeside Organic Gardens. I was skeptical but willing to try it. It can be tricky to incorporate it into a dish that the hubs will appreciate, but this one was a serious winner. Even Zion enjoyed it!
Orange Spinach Recipe:Ingredients:
2 bunches Spinach, washed thoroughly and stems removed
1 Tbsp. Orange zest
2 Oranges, peeled and cut into bite size pieces
1/3 cup Chicken broth
1 Tbsp. Low Sodium Soy Sauce
1/2 tsp. Sugar
Directions:
1. Place the spinach in a large saucepan. Cook, covered, over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until leaves are just wilted; drain well. Set aside in bowl.2. Use the same saucepan and bring chicken broth, orange zest, soy sauce, sugar to a boil.
3. Stir in Spinach and Orange pieces, heat until warm. Makes 4 Servings.
Friday, September 30
Our Little Chatterbox
Zion, our sweet little girl. You have discovered your voice. And we could not be happier. We are so thoroughly impressed by your level of understanding and your ambition in developing your vocabulary. Each day we are surprised by your many new concepts and words grasped. We know you are a gifted young lady, already surpassing our highest expectations of your brilliance. Keep doing your thing little girl, Mama and Dada are so very proud!
As of today (only 16 months old!) you can say the following words (*and signs):
Amen
Apple
Banana
Baby*
Backpack
Ball*
Bath
Belly Button
Boat
Belly Button
Boat
Book
Bike
Bye-Bye*
Boo-Boo
Bible
Car
Choo-Choo
Choo-Choo
Coffee (Okay, so you still say Ca-Ca but I think it counts)
Cookie
Cookie
Dada
Dog
Duck
Down*
God
Happy
Hi*
Hi*
Help*
Icky (Which sounds like "y tu?")
Key
Love (which is more like Vah)
Mama
Map
Me
Me
Meow
Mine
Mine
Moo
More*
Milk*
Nana
No (Which I have to stop encouraging, but you say it SOOOO cute while scrunching your little nose, lol.)
Oh
One
One
Owie
Pig
Pig
Poo-poo
Please
Pray*
Pretty
Shoes
Socks
Thank you
Three
Truck
Train
Three
Truck
Train
Turtle
Two
Two
Up*
Violet
Water
Word
World
Woah!
Wow
You also count to 3!!
You also count to 3!!
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Wednesday, September 28
DIY: Homemade Chinese 5 Spice Powder
Homemade Chinese 5 Spice Powder & RubPowder Ingredients*:
1 Tbsp Star Anise
1 Tbsp Fennel Seed
1 Tbsp Cinnamon
1/2 Tbsp Black Pepper
1/2 Tbsp Ginger
*All ingredients need to be as finely ground as possible.
For my personal recipe, I ground the Star Anise and the Fennel Seed using my Mortar & Pestle. I don't recommend this option if you don't have time or are suffering from any wrist/hand pain, it takes a lot of elbow grease!!
Directions:
1. Combine all of the ingredients listed above in a small spice jar.
2. Either shake or stir until well mixed.
3. Use to season your favorite dishes.
Rub Ingredients:
2 Tsp Homemade 5 Spice Powder (From above recipe!)
1/2 Tsp Garlic Salt
1 Tsp All Purpose Flour
Directions:
1. Combine all ingredients.
2. Rub on your favorite meat, poultry or fish before grilling.
Stay tuned for my Five Spice Pan-Seared Salmon w/Orange Spinach recipe coming in this week's "From Mama B's Kitchen"!
In the meantime, checkout these delicious, versatile recipes calling for Chinese 5 Spice Powder:
1. Five Spice Glazed Salmon w/Sesame Green Beans
2. Five Spice Turkey Cheeseburgers
3. Five Spice Beef & Pepper Stir-fry
4. Sweet Sesame Five Spice Popcorn
5. Five Spice Seared Scallops & Shrimp
6. Five Spice Pineapple Carrot Cupcakes7. Five Spice Chicken with Red Cabbage
8. Five Spice Chicken Wings!
9. Five Spice Ketchup
10. Five Spice Beef in Oyster Sauce
Tuesday, September 27
Deep Breath In, Deep Breath Out
What a day I've just had! Seriously, today was full of challenges, crazy temptations, and emotions. Before I plunge you into the madness, let me just say that, I have really changed. Not like, "Oh you hit your 30's"maturity boom, but more, "Wow, God is really changing me from the inside out" kind of change.
I've always been sort of a "hard" person - extremely tough on the outside, stoic, unshakable even. Not. Any. More. Lately, I have been repeatedly blindsided by my emotions, the outward display of them as well as the intensity. I'm not on any hormones. I am not a wimp. I am just easily moved to deep feelings over things that I used to appear numb to.
Don't get me wrong...this post is not a complaint at all, more of a revelation or an "ah-ha." I used to think that my inability to display emotion was a permanent part of my personality, but I've come to realize, over a lot of grueling soul searching over the last decade, that it was actually a self-defense measure I acquired in childhood. I am realizing how it made me seem phony, and callus to many people who I genuinely care about and longed to connect with. I fear I may have even lost out on friendships because people took my lack of emotion as indifference or contempt. Brutal introspect aside, and as uncomfortable as my newly flowing emotions are making me, there is so much joy in knowing that the huge wall that kept me so reserved, is now down. I feel, ALIVE!
I am vulnerable and it feels great. There, I said it. So, about today, already...
Monday, September 26
Top 5: October 2011 Events
Oh October, the month where days turn a little darker, a little colder and remind me how very few of them are left in the year!! Looking forward to:
1. Date Night! I am slightly embarrassed to admit that Jerry and I have not been out for a date in many months. That is all about to change! We have a sitter booked for the evening and will be heading out for a little romance - all a surprise to me at this point. Can't wait to follow up with a post for that night!
2. Mom's Group! I volunteered to host a mom's group (sans kids) on Thursday evenings (bi-weekly) starting on the 6th. I am not only excited to dig into another meaningful study of God's word, but to reconnect with some ladies I have not seen for most of the Summer.
3. Family Visit! My wonderful mother and father in-law will be joining us the second weekend of the month and we have already begun to plan a trip to farm for fall festivities including: apple picking, pumpkin picking, hayrides, corn mazes and petting fuzzy little farm animals. I can't wait for Zion to experience this for the first time, and in the company of her grandparents!
4. Fall Festivals! New York City has a ton of kid-friendly events to celebrate fall. While Jerry and I are not big on Halloween itself, we are fine with Zion experiencing the fun of the non-scary activities. We'll be hoping to attend a few different events, possibly the Madison Square Park Fall Kids Fest, Halloween Parade & Pumpkin Sail and the 69th Street Halloween Block Party.
5. Baking/Cooking with Fall Ingredients: This year I plan to make my first ever Pumpkin Pie, Fresh Spiced Apple Cider with my juicer (and the apples we pick), Pumpkin Bread, delicious roasted Acorn Squash and so much more! Don't worry I will definitely be posting up recipes as often as I can!
What are your plans for October? What do you love about Fall?
Saturday, September 24
Lessons Learned: Seasons of Lack
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| radicalgenerosity.jpg |
We were reading the articles and seeing the news about millions of Americans being jobless, but we weren't feeling the effect at all. We were in a bubble, making above average and paying below average, in the small community where we lived.
When we knew it was time to head back to NYC, we just packed up our car, made arrangements with a friend to stay for what we thought was going to be a week or so, (just until we got an apartment and jobs) and hit the road. It was a complete shock when finding an apartment became a nightmare, and jobs were few and far between. It became less about choosing a career path for ourselves, and more about just finding a job for some income.
After about 3 weeks at our friends house, we knew our welcome was wearing out, and we headed to a hotel in New Jersey where we reflected on the absolute madness of our very miscalculated plan to just "wing it" when we got back in the city.
Recipe of the Week: Cowboy Flank Steak w/Mini Cheddar Potatoes
Jerry and I LOVE trying out new recipes. I enjoy cooking so much...I could try a new recipe every night, and often times I DO!! I find that this is the best way to become inspired and familiar with flavor combinations, spices and other unfamiliar ingredients.
Confession time...so I found this amazing cookbook in the "Just added"section of my local library, like three months ago. And, despite it being LONG overdue and the fines adding up, I have not been able to part ways with it. Don't judge me! It is the BEST recipe book I have come across in a long time. I know I need to give it back, but I just don't want to. Don't worry, I am going to turn it back in, but I am not even going to blink an eye about the fines...my obsession with it is worth every dollar.
So this week's recipe comes straight from my most favorite cookbook of the moment!
What's For Dinner? Menu Plan 9/24-9/30
This week's menu! Mmmm-tastic!
Key: LO = Leftovers, FFF = Fresh Food, Fast Cookbook, GHK = Good Housekeeping Cookbook, SBD = South Beach Diet Cookbook, BHG = Better Homes & Gardens Cookbook, MISC - Some random recipe I've collected, MOM = My Mom's Recipe, GMA = Grandma's Recipe
| Day | Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
| Sat. 9/24 | Eggs, Bacon & Toast | LO BBQ/Salad | 5 Spice Salmon w/Oriental Orange Spinach (SBD/MISC) |
| Sun. 9/25 | Pancakes, Bacon | LO Salmon | Falafel Patties w/Tzatziki Sauce (FFF p.142) |
| Mon. 9/26 | Granola w/Yogurt | LO Falafel | BBQ Beans & Rice (GHK p.147) |
| Tues. 9/27 | Egg Scramble w/Toast | LO Beans | Seared Turkey Cutlets w/Roasted Brussel Sprouts (FFF p.303) |
| Weds. 9/28 | French Toast | LO Turkey | Tricolor Pasta w/Meat Sauce (My Recipe) |
| Thurs. 9/29 | Granola w/Yogurt | LO Pasta | Ginger Beef Stir-fry (BHG p.68) |
| Fri. 9/30 | Cheese Omelets | LO Stir-fry | Seasoned Tuna Sands & Warm Spinach Salad (BHG p.134,MISC) |
Key: LO = Leftovers, FFF = Fresh Food, Fast Cookbook, GHK = Good Housekeeping Cookbook, SBD = South Beach Diet Cookbook, BHG = Better Homes & Gardens Cookbook, MISC - Some random recipe I've collected, MOM = My Mom's Recipe, GMA = Grandma's Recipe
Wednesday, September 21
Far Away From Home: Why Community Matters
I have a rather large family, which continues to grow. Pictured above are my 5 sisters, 1 brother and 3 step brothers. (Not shown is 1 brother and 2 brother-in-laws, 1 sister-in-law). As crazy and ridiculous as it can be to have so many siblings, it is also a ton of fun.
When my sisters and I were younger we used to dream about living on the same street, raising our families together...growing old together. We never anticipated that we'd end up spread out across the country, thousands of miles away from each other.
DIY: Homemade Spa Water
| Photo from Laundryontheline.wordpress.com |
While visiting Austin, Texas during the Summer, I discovered a way to truly enjoy cucumbers. I personally have never really liked cucumbers - except when pickled. While enjoying one of the best pedicures I have ever had, I was treated to cucumber water.
It is very simple to make, basically peel and slice a cucumber into rounds, place in a pitcher, fill with cold water, refrigerate for at least an hour. Pour a glass and enjoy. After 24 hours, toss the cucumbers and start over.
Honestly, this is the best way to drink water, ever!!! Rather than buying a sugary juice or tea mix, or something with artificial flavoring, you can create delicious naturally refreshing and tasty drinks using fresh fruits and veggies.
Click below for my latest favorite Spa Water Recipe:
Monday, September 19
Body for God: My Home "Gym"
While Jerry is blessed with a complimentary gym membership including personal training three times a week, I have to be much more creative in my approach to physical fitness. Being in good health is extremely important to me. When you feel good and look good it shows, and it makes a huge difference in the life of a homemaker. I have to keep all those cookie-baking, gourmet-recipe-trying, toddler-running-circles round me, lazy pajama day calories at bay, you know?
There are likely a million reasons out there for why you should get regular exercise, a few that are personally important to me are: stress relief, mood elevation and libido. I also believe that God wants us to be good stewards of our physical bodies, taking the best care of them possible. My cure for the no-time for a gym-membership blues is my ever-evolving home gym. Lets talk about what I have created so far, and what I hope to gather in the coming months.
Saturday, September 17
Whats for Dinner? Menu Plan 9/18-9/24
In this new weekly segment, I like to call "What's for Dinner?", I will be sharing my meal plan and recipes with you. I have a love of trying new recipes, so any time I am being adventurous (which is most of the time, ha!) you will see what cookbook I am using. I will also site online recipes by linking to them, and my own recipes by sharing them in the blog (and linking to the post). Just looking at this coming week my mouth is watering!!!
Day Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Key: LO = Leftovers, FFF = Fresh Food, Fast Cookbook, GHK = Good Housekeeping Cookbook, SBD = South Beach Diet Cookbook, BHG = Better Homes & Gardens Cookbook
Day Breakfast Lunch Dinner
| Sun.9/18 | Oatmeal | LO Pollo Relleno | Zesty Spinach Soup w/Crostini (FFF p. 13) |
| Mon.9/19 | Yogurt Parfait | Frozen Entree/LO Soup | Mushroom Stroganoff (FFF p.174) |
| Tues.9/20 | Egg Scramble | LO Mushroom Stroganoff | Arugula Salad w/Prosciuto & Pears, French Bread (FFF p.117) |
| Weds.9/21 | Oatmeal | Frozen Entree/LO Salad | BBQ Beans & Rice (GHK p.147) |
| Thurs.9/22 | Yogurt Parfait | LO Beans & Rice | 5 Spice Salmon w/Oriental Orange Spinach (SBD/MISC) |
| Fri. 9/23 | Pancakes & Bacon | LO Salmon | Falafel Patties w/Tzatziki Sauce (FFF p.142) |
| Sat. 9/24 | Eggs Sandwich | On the Go | Seared Turkey Cutlets w/Roasted Brussel Sprouts (FFF p.303) |
Key: LO = Leftovers, FFF = Fresh Food, Fast Cookbook, GHK = Good Housekeeping Cookbook, SBD = South Beach Diet Cookbook, BHG = Better Homes & Gardens Cookbook
Friday, September 16
Developing a Theology of Homemaking
| Image from TheWayEverlasting.com |
Pastor Tyson gave the example of placing a strong Christian in a "CEO" type position at a major cable company in order to create lasting change in broadcasting and programming. He refuted this idea by stating that even if that were to happen, any major changes would be usurped by the demand of the masses for the very material we would want removed. It wouldn't take long before the board of directors would send the Christian CEO packing.
Instead, he suggested, that same Christian could get thoroughly invested in the philanthropy oriented area of the company, where he could offer suggestions where large amounts of profit could actually be used to do good in the world, therefore redeeming it for the Glory of God.
Mommy's Little Helper, Daddy's Little Princess
Zion is growing and changing with each passing day. We are incredibly blessed to have such a beautiful, charming and spirited little girl. We can't help but look at her now with pure delight, even as she begins to explore her independence and test her limits.
I have found that where she used to love to follow simple commands, and as a result receive lavish praise from Jerry and I, she now gives me a little smirk as if she's saying, "What if I don't?" In order to combat this, I have noticed that I now need to make every simple task a fun and exciting one. This is actually pretty easy...I just ask her if she will be Mommy's Big Helper, to which she enthusiastically nods her head. Granted, it does take sometimes 3-4 times as long to do the simple things, it prevents a melt down and keeps her busy, while making her feel proud and purposeful.
Zion has always loved being a girly girl. From the very beginning she has loved it when I have gotten her dressed in "Prih-tee" clothes or have spent time doing her hair. She loves to gather all of the materials from my bedroom - her hair pretties, brush, spray bottle and comb. She plops down on my lap and away I go doing her hair. The minute I finish, she pops up quickly and toddles over to the full length mirror to admonish herself.
To see her big smile as she looks at herself and loves what she sees, is adorable. She appears to be getting close to the age where twirling and showing Daddy her "Prih-tee" dress or "Prih-tee" hair is a part of the day to day ritual. We sure love our little princess, who's personality is certainly blossoming before our very eyes.
Wednesday, September 14
Faith Filled Marriage: The "For Worse" Times
While some people believe that being in a marriage where Christ is at the center means a flawless and uneventful home life, the reality is that Christian marriages are just as susceptible to hurt, pain and trial, statistically ending in divorce just as often.
The truth of the matter is that we are all dealing with brokenness to some degree, and as a result, face many trials, and sometimes more than our "fair" share of heartache. So, if suffering to some degree is inevitable, even in our closest partnerships, what can we do about it?
I have been meditating a lot on this recently because I have been battling issues from my childhood for what feels like over a decade now. I was naive in the beginning of my marriage in believing that Jerry would only bring out the best in me, imagine my surprise when I realized he could easily bring out the worst!
There are three major mistakes we can make in our marriages when faced with the reality that it is not all sunshine and roses all of the time.
From Mama B's Kitchen: Italian Style T.S.A.M. Burgers
Unfortunately I forgot to take a picture of this week's creation, so it will be sans picture, however; future posts in this series will include photos of special ingredients as well as the finished product. And now without further suspense, your recipe of the week.
Italian Style Turkey Swiss Avocado Mushroom (TSAM) Burgers!
Ingredients List:
4 Italian Hoagie (Sandwich) Rolls
4 Pre-formed Turkey Burger Patties*, Seasoned as Desired and Ready to Grill!
1 pkg Baby Bella Mushrooms, Sliced
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp italian seasonings
1 tsp garlic salt
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
1-2 minced garlic cloves (can be fresh or from the jar)
1 Avocado, thinly sliced lengthwise
4 thick slices deli style Jarlsberg swiss cheese
*Look for 1/4lb. burger patties, or feel free to make your own burgers!
Friday, September 9
Where Do I Go From Here?
I never realized the amount of introspection and reflection that would absorb my time in the weeks and months leading to my big 3-0. It is as if a complete inventory of my life was somehow mandated.
I struggled through a lot of inner turmoil and as a result struggled outwardly as well. I wrestled with questions, so many questions, about my life and the current direction set before me.
Who are my friends? Who am I? Am I happy? Is this where I want to be? Am I doing my best? What is God's plan for my life? Am I living according to His will or mine? Do I have joy? What example am I setting for my daughter? Does my husband still love me? Am I failing?
I'm not going to lie, I uncovered a lot of hard truths in the process. Truths that I didn't want to face. But I also discovered that I have choices to make. If I am to live the life I long to have, I have to be the woman I am called to be. I need to rise to a new level of understanding, of appreciation, of devotion to my Lord and His purpose for my life.
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