Lindsay Lady

Kindergarten

2011-08-17T06:43:00.000-07:00

Well, by God's grace David fell into a pond 10 minutes before the first day of kindergarten.

Mmm hmm. Ya.

And not the pond in our backyard. The lovely water feature OUTSIDE HIS SCHOOL! This really could have sent my first born, type A guy into a tailspin, but he took it in stride (thanks to first day jitters, I'm sure). Amidst his dripping shorts and sopping tennis shoes and socks, he stated "no problem" and "it felt great...very refreshing". O to the M to the G.

While frantically fishing into my bottomless pit of a diaper bag for my keys: "Matthew...go get his keens! I have no idea where they are!"

We are 10 minutes out from the final bell and parents are quietly gasping and while trying to non-verbally communicate empathy, but really look terrified on my behalf. Oooookay.

Meanwhile the .3 mile distance drive to our house has turned into a mile and half because you can't turn left out of the parking lot during drop off hours. Of course. So Matthew is navigating the school zone speed limit complete with the crossing guard on a mad dash for a dry pair of shorts and shoes all while having to take the backway to our house. Awesome.

I'm just going with David's reinvention of his personality and agreeing that it was indeed refreshing and it's seriously not a big deal. I'm stalling big time outside of his classroom wondering where his father is and literally a minute before the bell, Matthew rounds the corner with dry supplies.

No, my child did not wet his pants; he fell into the pond on the first day of kindergarten. We quickly yank off his wet socks and shoes, we decide the shorts can dry, give him kisses and hugs and send him into his first day.

Upon entering the classroom, David (in a rather loud voice) says "Good morning, DEDON!" Oh. My. Word....who is this kid? How about a Mrs. in front of that? Just go with it.

So there it is. My oldest went off to kindergarten. There is certainly a knot in my throat, but there were no tears. There was no time! Thank God for the comic relief this morning. Grace. God's good grace. We will never forget the first day of Kindergarten. No we won't.

The TJ Boutique

2011-08-08T07:18:00.000-07:00

Lavender bouquets on sale now at Trader Joe's. $3.99. What?! That store...sigh. It is absolutely delicious in every sense of the word.

5 months of Ruthie

2011-08-06T07:22:00.001-07:00

Well, I have been chastised enough from my out of town friends and family, that I thought I should actually draft a blog post with pictures of Ruthie! Gasp! Pictures speak a thousand words, so I'll let them do the talking. She has been an absolute blast and by God's good, good grace I truly have soaked up every ounce of her infancy. If you are really bored, you can watch Ruthie's birth story through video at the bottom. With David headed to kindergarten in about a week (tears indeed flowing), I have been really sentimental. So, I am trying to document our family better through video montages and pictures. Enjoy!

Birth: 3-4-11 around 11 am

1 month

2 months:

3 months:

4 months:

5 months:

Ruthie's Birth Story

Ruthie.

2011-03-08T16:08:00.001-08:00

She's here and we love her!

Ruth (Ruthie) Marilyn Severns was born on March 4th at 11:09 AM, weighing in at 8 pounds 2 ounces and measuring 18 3/4 inches long. After just 2 hours and 20 minutes of labor, out she came in one push! We are OVER-JOYED!

Monkey Child

2011-03-02T15:13:00.000-08:00

How many almost 3 year-olds can do this?

(sorry for the quality...it was on my phone!)

Annie doesn't have a whole lot of weight to flip, but what little meat she has on those hollow bones is pure muscle! I think she inherited her daddy's muscle tone for sure. Matthew is currently in denial that he has a budding gymnast on his hands, but this video might snap him into reality.

On another note, no news on the baby front. Baby Girl is still nice and cozy inside...but mama is not! I told Matthew I'm not sleeping anyways, so I might as well be nursing a baby! I was ready about 2 weeks ago to deliver this child, but so far she has not cooperated. She is going to get a big spankin' upon her arrival! All kidding aside, she's already got it figured out: I wouldn't want to come into this cold world either. Stay tuned for the announcement. We are brimming over here: the cameras are charged, the playlist is set, the bags are packed. COME ON ALREADY!

My Sweet Guy Turned 5

2011-02-24T02:05:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday, David! Well this has been the birthday parade year...its the birthday that just keeps on giving around here. In the attempt to make sure my little man got celebrated this year with the immanent arrival of his newest little sister, we started things off a tid bit earlier.

We celebrated David's 5th birthday and Annie's 3rd birthday with a bunch of wild and crazy friends at Pump it Up. Annie, my monkey child, was in her element! I had plans to bring everyone back to my house for lunch, but Mimi got wind of that idea and re-routed everyone to her house. She was certain that many people in my house would send me into labor and, retrospectively, she was probably right. Plus, my kitchen was in the middle of a mini-remodel. Check out the video footage of labor-inducing madness (um, thanks, Mimi!):

Chic Fil A Nuggets anyone?

Chips? Cupcakes?

Yes please!

David's actual birthday rolled around and baby girl is still cozy inside (so maybe I should have had the lunch at my house!), so the grandparents and the 4 of us headed to Fritz's for his big day. I told him he could pick whatever restaurant he wanted and he told me that he would let me know when we were in the car, headed there. Hmmm. I finally got it out of him: he wanted to go to McDonalds (insert pregnant woman throwing up). I gently suggested other "fun" restaurants, and was honestly thrilled to go to Fritz's!

David also randomly requested a bulldozer cake for his birthday. Um, ok. I googled it and this is the best I could come up with!

Here is a picture of the 4 of us. It might just be the last family picture where there are only 4 members (I conveniently hid the belly behind the other three. Sorry...its just large) !!

This was a very happy birthday, indeed! David also went on to celebrate with his preschool class at school as well as our community group. You are deeply loved, David, and the overflow of celebration reflects that. You are my favorite guy!

Before and After Series: Part V

2011-02-23T09:02:00.000-08:00

The kitchen nook. Everyone says the kitchen is the heart of the home and if there is a heart to my kitchen, it is my range. I cook most of my meals on my cooktop. Not that I don't use my oven to finish things off, but there is rarely a night I don't "click click" my burners on.

When we first moved into our home 5 years ago, it was an electric range from 1950 (and I'm not exaggerating). 2 of the 5 burners worked and they only worked on high.

I cooked on that range for 6 months in that state.

I kid you not.

I learned how to turn the burner on and off and remove the pan in order to maintain "medium" heat. I kissed low heat good-bye during that season. Matthew was in the construction field during that time and one of his buddies was doing a renovation on a really nice home. The woman wanted all matching appliances (i.e. the same brand), so she was tearing out a perfectly good, Dacor, 5-burner gas stove and throwing it away. Matthew's buddy called us to see if we wanted it.

Um, yes, please.

We had a gas line installed and momma was happily cooking not only with 5 burners again, but ones that worked with an upgrade to gas! Hallelujah!

Well, 5 years has passed and I have been cooking away on a gas stove with no ventilation. We always practice safety first here at the Severns'! Besides the fact that we could have died from carbon monoxide poisoning, I also had no light over in that corner of my kitchen. I literally could not see at night when cooking. So for Christmas I asked for a lamp that would fit under my cabinets and a new tile back splash.

Well, lets just say my husband is a wonderful gift-giver. Because here is the before of my kitchen:

And here is the after of my kitchen:

BAM!

BAM!

And BAM!

He not only gave me tile and a light, but a hood! I love my new little space and even though I'm 9 months pregnant, I can't wait to cook!

{please take note of the yellow pot on my shelves. Yes, it is what you think: a 9 1/2 quart Le Creuset Dutch Oven. The crowning jewel to my new space. Yes, he also gave that to me. It was a very merry Christmas and now I feel like a real woman with a real dutch oven. Stop laughing.}

Thanks, babe...you're the best.

You Know It's time to Give Birth When...

2011-02-21T06:29:00.000-08:00

People shake their heads in pity when they look at you, then catch you looking at them and politely smile.
When your inner thighs feel like you have done the thigh master for at least 45 minutes and your abs feel like you've done p90x and you haven't exercised in weeks.
There is no way in h#*& that you can carry on a conversation going up stairs...or for about 2 minutes after wards during your "recovery period" (this can prove problematic when you live in a 2-story house with 3 and 5 year old).
When you choose to go to bed late and wake up early because bed is no longer comfortable or very restful.
When your button down maternity shirts won't button anymore (or cover the bottom half of your stomach...classy).
When you call someone and the first sentence out of their mouth is "Are you in labor? Are you ok?" and then are sorely disappointed when they find you were just calling to get an address or phone number.
When you can't tell if the pain is a braxton hicks contraction, having to go to the bathroom or hunger.
When even your OB is surprised to see you at your next weekly appointment.

WE ARE READY for this baby girl to make her appearance! Stay tuned for "the" announcement. With all the complaining aside, I am doing great and still having moments of relishing the anticipation of this season.

Before and After Series: Part IV

2011-02-09T09:11:00.000-08:00

The nursery addition! Yes, she is almost here. Yes, I'm dilated to a 3 (is that appropriate to post on the world wide web? ...I don't know...). Yes, we are excited. And, yes, she is allowed to come now because I finally sewed those chocolate brown ribbon ties on her bumper. Sigh.

The only problem with this Before and After post is I don't have a "before" picture. Oh well. Just picture pale pink walls and other things in direct contrast with this nursery! In fact, Annie's big girl room will be my next Before and After Series post and it looks very similar to how her nursery looked. The same color scheme and everything.

The theme to this nursery is a modern twist on Mother Goose. My mom found some antique Mother Goose lithographs in my grandmother's basement that were in mint condition and I knew I had to use them, boy or girl. My only challenge was that a lot of the prints are primary colors, which I struggle with in decorating for girls. However, I went on a mad hunt for cute ABC fabric that had primary colors and still looked feminine. And I think I found it, thanks to my FAVORITE fabric site, Fabricworm, and designer Keiki's Wee Woodland Collection. Here is the glider all painted up with this fabulous fabric:

Matthew and I made the ottoman by sawing off table legs, attaching them to a piece of plywood and then yours truly upholstered the top. I'm sorry...I had to have hot pink legs, much to Matthew's chagrin! The side table I pulled out of somebody's trash and put new pulls on it from Anthropologie. Does that store ever disappoint? The glider just got recovered by my drunken seamstress who is good and cheap, but has an alcohol problem. Hmmm. I always make him promise he won't cut my good fabric after he has started drinking for the day. He always obliges and has never let me down. A very dysfunctional relationship, I realize.

Although I can sew and have made many sets of roman shades, I CANNOT STAND SEWING THEM! They put me in a perfectionist's hell. So the baby present to myself was hiring them done. Again, the drunken seamstress pulls through for me. After hanging them and seeing the quality in which they were done, Matthew told me never to sew roman shades again. Don't tell me twice! Here they are (and please take notice of his crown molding above the window that he worked so hard on for his babygirl):

Next up: the crib. This is where I decided to spend my sewing time. I re-lined my old bumper that both David and Annie used with the ABC fabric and then found coordinating fabric from the same designer for the skirt and flat sheet. I was really intimidated to try and sew a flat sheet from scratch, but it was really easy, thanks to Amy Butler's book, Little Stitches for Little Ones. I highly recommend this book. It has such fun baby projects and gift ideas for those rainy days that you are feeling crafty. Here is how the crib turned out:

One fun thing about this nursery theme is that it was actually the theme of my nursery as a baby. So, when my mom realized I was framing and using the Mother Goose lithographs she was so excited to give me the mobile and lamp that she had kept from my baby days. The mobile is the rhyme of Hey Diddle Diddle and the lamp is obviously the rhyme of Jack and Jill. I seriously have vague memories of playing with this lamp as a little girl because the well acts as a nightlight, separate from the main light. As for the mobile...I don't remember that part:

There is a lot going in this nursery already, but we decided to keep the closet open. I wanted to paint it an accent color, but I think the thought made Matthew very tired. However, I know he will do it if I really want him to! What are your all's thoughts? Keep it white or paint it? Keep in mind the walls are turquoise...not exactly muted!

Well, I think that wraps up about all the angles I can give you on this nursery short of a live tour. We had fun putting the parts and pieces together, now this baby just needs to make her debut! Although the nursery has been unveiled, you will just have to wait for the her name to be revealed upon delivery. Sorry. There has to be some element of surprise!

Chili

2011-02-02T09:44:00.000-08:00

Mimi is back by popular demand. If you missed the first post and video regarding this marvel of a lady, please pause your day for a bit of laughter.

Let me just set the stage: I get a phone call around 7 pm with my mother mocking the entire city for shutting down. This is after 8 inches of snow has already fallen with various whiteout conditions, mind you. She just can't seem to understand why schools and businesses are shutting down. It's really "unbelievable" to her.

Around 10 pm my mother calls me and declares she tried to go to the movies, but the "darn theater was shut down!" Who can believe it?! So, she decided to make a pot of chili. The only problem: she made too much and she needs to borrow my bigger dutch oven. This is where she proceeds to ask her 9 month pregnant daughter (me) to drive the dutch oven over to her. I promptly told her she was crazy, that I couldn't even get out of my driveway. At this point, roughly 10 to 12 inches of snow is on the ground with snow drifts much higher than that. We hang up the phone.

The phone rings again and she declares she is on her way over and I must meet her by my garage because she is in her pajamas. I hang up the phone and proceed to look out my window for my mom.

Me: "well, I think I see her lights at the corner up there"
Matthew: "I see flashing lights..."

Please watch this video to explain the rest of the evening:

Yes, that is my husband in zero degree weather with the police department shoveling my mother off a major street in Kansas City.

That's my mom!

Recipe of the Week: Durango Chicken

2010-10-30T07:11:00.000-07:00

Here is another easy one, folks! This is a basic, basic recipe that yields incredible flavor and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This was the first meal I ever cooked my husband and it continues to be one of his tops. If you are a beginner cook or a seasoned veteran, try this recipe!

Ingredients
4 chicken boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded to even thinness
Juice of 2 lemons
1/2 cup of melted butter
1 Tablespoon paprika
1 Tablespoon oregano
1 teaspoon garlic salt

Directions
1. preheat oven to 325 degrees
2. melt the butter and combine all above ingredients
3. dredge the chicken in the marinade (it might get a little congealed as the butter cools...this is normal and fine!)
4. cover the oven-safe dish is plastic wrap and store in your fridge until you are ready to cook it (I try and marinade for at least a couple of hours, but I have also cooked it right away and that is fine too)
5. Bake for about 30 minutes or until the chicken is done

YUM! Now, I highly recommend serving this with wild rice and canned green beans (gasp! I know!) simmered with garlic, minced fresh onions and fresh ground pepper. When the chicken is done, the sauce is so good I've been known to take a spoon to it and drink it! Pour the sauce over the whole plate and the flavors all meld really well together.

Now get cookin'!

Crafts and Grocery Stores

2010-10-18T07:36:00.000-07:00

So many times Monday is my re-stock day. Now it would make sense to do my grocery store runs on Sunday when I have my husband home to watch the kids, but that would make waaaaay too much sense. Therefore, I cart my kids around Monday morning hitting multiple grocery stores, which makes for a really boring day for them and usually ends with short tempers from both ends of the authority spectrum. Monday and Fridays are our really chill days because David does not have preschool, so I've decided we need to start doing crafts on Mondays before we start the grocery store rounds. The kids love it. They are so much better behaved (and so am I). And they don't fight with each other when they are crafting. Bliss. We'll see if I can follow through with this here initiative.

At least this morning was a fun one because we 'tis-ed the season with glitter pumpkins! Plus, mommy now has some more fun fall decor to place around the house thanks to her toddlers (now that's sayin' something). So easy, so fun. Simply "paint" some good ol' Elmers on mini-pumpkins:

Next, let the kids shake orange glitter everywhere:

Mommy then does some patchwork and viola: glitter pumpkins that could find their way into Potterybarn magazine! Now, I realize this isn't an original idea or anything, but it's new to my kids and new = entertainment!

I think next week I want to tackle sock puppets. I desperately need to go through Matthew's sock drawer and do some maintenance and there will certainly be some odd socks in there. Now, there are a lot of Mondays left before my children grow up, so please leave craft ideas or links in the comments section. I did stumble upon this great post in the crazy labyrinth of the blogworld. It has some great ideas, but I've always found my girlfriends to be the best resources, so HELP ME OUT!

I will close with this classic picture of my kids. I was going for cute, but David wanted to do his quintessential funny face and once that starts in the photography session, it's over. As for Annie...well, monkey see, monkey do. She loves her brother.

Before and After Series: Part III

2010-10-16T06:58:00.000-07:00

The Laundry Room

This before and after series is the Mimi edition. A wonderful birthday, Christmas and baby present from my mom.

{Yes, I am pregnant. Most of you know this fact, but I've come across some of you who don't and are starting to nervously look at my belly and dare not say anything. So let me save you the grief and confirm your suspicions: due March 4th (exactly 10 days after David's birthday and 9 days before Annie's birthday! Hmmm).}

Anywho, back to the laundry room. The wonderful, wonderful laundry room. It has already changed my life. When Matthew and I first got married, we bought bottom-of-the-line wash machines because we didn't have any money. We thought it would get us down the road and then we would buy real ones. The only problem is that these machines are MACHINES. I haven't had to call maintenance on these babies once in 8 years. They keep humming. However, they have one pitfall: they are in the basement, which means I get to go down these stairs:

And then these stairs:

...and now have 2 kids who produce copious amounts of laundry (and so do their beds).

...and have another kid on the way.

So, Mimi took pity on me. Bless her soul. And gave me this:

High efficiency, front-loading gloriousness. Halelujah! Now, what this photo doesn't show is that these machines are just steps away from my master bedroom, hidden in a little closet. That also means they are steps away from all the bedrooms in our house, which has made this little fraction of my life very simplified. Thank you, momma. Does a mom ever stop nurturing their children? The nurturing just gets a little more sophisticated is all.

A little sidenote, these machines are going to be washing a lot more pink things come March because we are having another girl!! So excited. Annie has a sister for life. This also retro-justifies any clothing purchase I have ever made for Annie and will continue to do so in the future. Yessss.

P.S. I am looking for a little tin sign that says "wash closet" or "laundry" to put on the front of the closet door, so keep your eyes peeled and let me know!

Recipe of the Week: Shrimp with Feta

2010-10-14T08:59:00.000-07:00

If you've got 15 minutes, you've got dinner tonight, babycakes! This is the simplest recipe EVER, super yummy and uber-healthy. If you are confused as to what that grainy couscous-looking stuff is in the picture, let me introduce you to your new best friend, quinoa (pronounced keen-wah). This little grain is also a complete protein and I use it all the time instead of pasta or rice. It takes 15 minutes to make and it takes on any flavor that you want it to. It can stand alone as a salad or be a bed to a dee-lish dinner. Tonight, it will be a bed to some shrimp and its glorious sauce.

Ingredients:
1/2 to 3/4 pound uncooked shrimp (shell and tail off, ready to eat)
3 fresh garlic cloves (please do not use pre-minced garlic. I know it says "garlic" on the package, but I'm not so sure what that stuff is and it doesn't hold a candle to real mccoy in flavor!)
1/2 of a red pepper, sliced
4 green onions, chopped (white and green parts)
olive oil
kosher salt and fresh-ground pepper
6-ish ounces of feta cheese

Directions:
1. Combine the shrimp (enough to feed 3 to 4 people), minced garlic, red pepper, green onions and salt and pepper in a bowl.
2. Drizzle enough olive oil to coat the shrimp and other ingredients.
3. Let this marinate for however long you have (you can even freeze this combo to cook and eat later. I usually prepare this in the morning, throw it in the fridge and bake that night).
4. Put the shrimp combination in an oven-safe baking dish and sprinkle the feta cheese over the top.
5. Bake at 400 for 20 minutes or until the feta starts to brown.

You should have a delicious sauce form at the bottom of your pan (don't use too big of a pan or all the sauce will evaporate and that would be sad). Prepare the quinoa according to package directions, but instead of water, use chicken stock. After it is finished cooking, stir in one more chopped green onion into the hot quinoa. Spoon the shrimp and its sauce over the quinoa and you've got a gourmet meal with 15 minutes of hands-on time. Who says they don't have time to cook?!

The Little Moments

2010-10-11T06:53:00.000-07:00

The job of a stay-at-home mom is a difficult one. Finding purpose the sometimes mundane of life and praying for patience and grace in the midst of toddler attitude make it one of the hardest things I will ever do with my life. However, I don't want anyone else doing this job. No one cares more deeply about their character than their daddy and me. It's not about behavior modification, it's about character formation. And that's the role of the parents.

In the past couple of weeks, I have received a few treasures from my kids that make all the hair-pulling moments worth it. Last week, I got to help with David's school's fieldtrip to the Big Red Barn. What an adventure! David was beyond excited that his mommy was going with him and guess what: David asked me to sit by him on the bus. It simultaneously made my day and sobered me because I know he won't always want me to sit with him on the bus. One day I'll be way too embarrassing. I gotta soak this time up.

And then there is sweet Annie girl. In the past couple of weeks Annie has started coming up to Matthew and me, giving us a hug and saying "I wove you so much"...unprompted. She has long replied us with an "I love you" if we initiate it, but this is coming from her heart. So sweet. It's like when she smiled in response to me as an infant the very first time. I gotta soak this time up.

Before and After Series: Part II

2010-10-07T11:39:00.000-07:00

THE MASTER BEDROOM

The master bedroom. Now, this isn't an all-together fair "before" picture being the drapes were taken down for a garage sale and I didn't even bother to pick up dirty socks off the floor; however, it adds to the 180 degree turn this room was able to take:

A little better, eh? A bit more airy and not so cavernous as before. I love warm colors, hence the red and carmels from the prior master bedroom, but I was so over it and wanted something with a completely different feel. Together, with my husband and helpful advice from many a friend, we accomplished it. The first purchase was the duvet cover and sheets from Anthropologie. Does that store have a bad product? I've yet to see one. I fell in love with the femininity of the duvet, but there is just one problem...

my husband also sleeps in this room.

So, how can I still use this duvet, but bring in some masculine attributes? I owe it to a little piece of advice I read in Better Homes and Gardens (yes, I did research for this room!). The designer simply stated that every room should have a touch of black in it. BINGO! Black = masculine. This is not a rule I have followed in my home, but I'm starting to and I have to say, I now agree with this designer.

With the black lamps that I swapped out from my front entry hall, our engagement pictures and that spectacular little pillow in the middle, I think it says both a boy and girl sleep in this here bed.

I was able to make the 3 euro pillows from Amy Butler fabric that I already had (oh...and paid $5 a yard for thankyouverymuch). If you can sew 3 straight lines, you, too, can make euro shams. Now back to that spectacular black frilly pillow in the middle. It was not cheap and it was from that ridiculous store, Curious Sofa, that makes you want to redecorate your entire home. However I blame my mother who has always had a fetish for expensive pillows and Oprah Winfrey who has drilled into every female's head that our bedroom should be our sanctuary. So I bought it. Sue me. I think its the crowning jewel for the bed and ties in the black touches throughout the room

I acquired this piece for free while doing some community service (this was not the motivation behind doing the community service, I might add. Just simply a bonus by-product of the whole evening, so quit judging me):

This piece is how the whole room came together for me. I had the "black touches" rule filed away in my brain, but when debating what color to paint this piece (it was a stodgy antique reproduction done really poorly with horrible, gaudy brass hardware everywhere! So it was a mahogany before I started), my friend, Heather, said "what about black?". AHA! That's it and the whole room fell together.

These drapes I actually sewed from Robert Allen fabric that I purchased during the JoAnn's 60% off Home Decorator Fabric sale. Hallelujah! Drapes are expensive, people, but not when the fabric is 60% off and you have a sewing machine. Thank you, Best Mom (David and Annie's grandma, Suzy), for taking my children for the day while I sewed like a maniac.

This rug is from Pottery Barn, but did I buy it from Pottery Barn? Of course not! That would be too easy and too expensive, let's be honest. It's from this little gem of a place called Cargo Largo. It is interesting and it is in Independence, but there are some treasures amidst the trash, my friends! I'm talking Prada purses next to Lee Jeans hysteria. The place is a crack up, but a heaven for bargain hunters. I paid a fraction of what this rug retails for and the tags were still on! Boo-ya!

Finally, a shout-out to my husband because he added my most favorite part of this room, but one you might not notice: the crown molding. We have decided that every room that we paint from now on, we will add crown molding to. He slaved over this, but it turned out great and we are on the road to transforming our house with this little touch one room at a time. In fact, the Before and After Series will show yet another room with the crown molding transformation. Yup, that means I'm still blogging! I would like to take this moment and welcome myself home from my rather-long blog-cation.

Mimi's Great Adventure

2010-07-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we had a wonderful time with my cousins Johnny and Carol and their kids down at Beaver Lake. My mom (my wild and crazy mom, who most of you have met at some point) decided she wanted to get up on water ski's to prove to all of us "young whipper snappers" that she still had it. Yes, she is out of control. Yes, she is 66 years young. (make sure your volume is up from the very beginning because it is hilarious!)

By the way, I told Matthew that we need to get busy-footed this weekend because I've got some before and after posts to make. For once we are not at the lake or hosting a baby shower, so we will have time to work on our seriously-neglected 2nd story. Stay tuned!

Before and After Series: Part I

2010-06-30T11:40:00.000-07:00

I told Matthew just the other day that I had the "7 year itch"...but in a weird sort of way. I still love my husband, but it's time for a change around this here house. A decorating change. I'm pretty much sick of each room in different ways. So, I've decided to give each room a face lift. And I'm excited. The only room I'm really allowing myself to spend money on is our master bedroom because I seriously hate every square inch of it right now. I'm so over the red that I chose almost 8 years ago now. So, these facelifts will all be on budget (including the master, which just has a slightly larger line-item and has already been underwritten by my successful garage sale a month ago!).

First up: The Dining Room
Who the "h" puts a couch in their dining room? Seriously. Well, we've had one there for 4+ years. And it kind of became our mud room so-to-speak because everyone came in the kitchen door and dumped their stuff on that couch. So, I kind of became really sick of it. See ya later, couch. Hello library chest:

boom!

and boom!

Not only does this piece belong in this room, it also stores everything but the kitchen sink! I was able to clear out a ton of my kitchen cabinets and put some of these fun serving pieces on display.

This piece used to be in my living room with a bunch of frames and books in it, but I like it so much better in it's new home. I got this piece when my dad passed away. It used to be in his office. There were 4 good pieces of furniture, so when he died and we went to clean out his office, my mom let us each pick one piece. This was my pick and it will always have a place in my home. I love it.

The dining room table and chairs I got at the estate sale of the house that we are currently in. The first homeowner, Prinny, needle pointed the chair covers. When we first moved in, I liked having a piece of her through the chairs. She was a wonderful needle pointer. However, when I brought in the library chest, everything was so traditional. I felt like the chairs needed a breath of fresh air. So, I got this fabric at Joann's 60% off sale and my mom and I went to town last weekend hammering and staple-gunning:

Viola! A breath of fresh air...all for $30 and a lot of sweat.

So, this concludes Part I of the Before and After Series at the Severns' home. Stay tuned for more rooms to come. You will just have to be patient because I'm doing all the work myself (with a little help from the Mr.!)

Holla, Holla, JALAPENO!

2010-06-26T05:04:00.001-07:00

Behold:
The first "fruits" of my garden. I haven't decided what to do with this little sucker yet, but I do feel it needs to be featured in the dish I make. Pioneer Woman's Bacon-Wrapped Jalapenos are a high possibility to celebrate this momentous occasion, but please feel free to submit your favorite jalapeno recipes in the comments. I'm always on the prowl for new recipes and I have found my girlfriends are the best resource.

By the way, do you guys know how to make pesto? I made Ina Garten's Spaghetti and Meatballs last night (its Matthew's favorite, plus it makes your kitchen smell like a gourmet chef is at hand!) and had crusty bread and pesto on the side. I just wanted to make sure you knew how SIMPLE this recipe is, because it's a staple around our house in the summertime. The basil is growing like weeds and I love it.

1. a bunch of fresh basil leaves (about a cup and a half)
2. a handful of pine nuts (about 1/4 of a cup)
3. 1 garlic clove (or if you are bold and trying desperately to keep the mosquitoes away (and your husband), 2 cloves)
4. the juice of a 1/2 of a lemon
5. 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese
6. kosher salt and fresh ground pepper

Whir (is that really a word? It must be because I didn't get the red squiggly in my spell check!) all this up in your food processor. While it is whirring, drizzle in olive oil until it is the consistency that you like. If its too light (from the pine nuts), add more basil. If it is too green, add more pine nuts. Fold in Parmesan cheese by hand. Done and done.

How easy is that? Hint: grow your own basil this season or you will pay out the nose for fresh basil in the grocery stores. AND, Martha Stewart says to have a pot of it by the entrance of your home to keep the fruit flies away. This is the herb that just keeps on giving. Now go and get yourself a little start and get it in the ground.

I'm Back

2010-06-23T09:35:00.000-07:00

Remember that time I used to blog? That was awesome. I have been chastised by enough people at this point, that I feel a need for an explanation for falling off the blogging planet. The short version of it is I just needed a break from the crazy pace in my life. I attribute a lot of this to an emotional spring and nothing makes me realize how over-committed I am than a bump in the road. So, when I had a down moment, I simply enjoyed the down moment. I've also just tried to enjoy my kiddos instead of frantically planning the next party, dinner party, etc. Then I got so behind in updating this little thing called a blog, that I didn't even know where to start. So, here's my stab at a comeback and here's my life in a nutshell since the last post about the greatest vehicle ever to grace our planet:

We have been total lake rats since Mother's Day Weekend. That place is magical for us. It is the one place where we turn off our phones, have no internet and truly retreat. We warp into another speed and get to create incredible family memories with our little guys.

For mother's day, Matthew helped me put in vegetable gardens. SO FUN! He built raised, cedar beds and, of course, they are perfectly level. My husband's perfectionism comes in handy quite often at this old house. We have already enjoyed a dozen fresh salads out of this thing. And my cucumbers, grape tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, jalapenos and mexi-peppers are about to take off! By the end of August, neighbors will be enjoying the plunder from my over-producing gardens.

Banannie (and David!) have loved watching the vegetables grow

We've had so much fun going to the pool, playing in the sprinkler, the slip 'n slide and just hanging with our cousins (Take note of the difference between boys and girls in this picture. Hilarious.)

Nothing like ice cream in the summertime. The long evenings are my favorite part of this season.

And catching our first fish.

Father's Day: a chance to celebrate our favorite guy.

Boo-Ya!

2010-05-05T14:25:00.000-07:00

You all know my obsession with "the mini", so here is some minivan pride for ya!

Hallelujah

2010-05-04T18:10:00.000-07:00

Let me just invite you inside my world today. It was glorious thanks to my beloved college girlfriends who sent me to the freakin' SPA today. The Mansion Girls. Sigh. 10 of us lived in 1 house together our senior year called the Mansion. Now that I think about that fact, it is amazing we didn't kill each other that year. But really just the opposite happened: a really amazing fellowship of sisterhood was created and by the end, we learned to love each other really well. We are like sisters: we love well and we fight well. I love them.

Anywho, back to the spa. SPA! You heard me. [Let the jealously ensue]

I decided to try something really crazy today. I did the full body scrub followed by The Vichy Shower. It was like a full body massage, but my skin was as soft as a baby's butt by the time they were done. And speaking of babies, that's what it felt like because she covered me up with warm towels as I laid on a massage table and then proceeded to spray me off with warm water. I seriously had the thought: "this is what babies' baths are like. Now I know! ...Wait...why do they scream?". After she was done exfoliating, she wrapped me a warm linen cloth to let all the minerals soak into my pores.

Why, of course.

And she patted me down with cold wash cloths while massaging my face and head.

Mmm hmm.

Na, night.

After about an hour of massaging, exfoliating and warm water being sprayed all over me, the experience ended with the Vichy Shower. The whaaat? Exactly. Go try it.

Now, aside from the fact that this room looked like an operating room with low lighting and good music, it was amazing and it will change your life. Here is a picture of what a typical setup will be at a spa:

They started off with a wide angle of water and then the pressure increased and so did the precision of the water jets.

Oh.

My.

Word.

It has all the benefits of jets in a hot tub minus the ces pool of bacteria. The masseuse took little jets and went up and down your whole body and on either side of your spine while the "shower" was going all over your body. When the water turned off, my whole body was pulsating. It seriously was an out-of-body experience. Then, she took hot oil and dripped it all over and gave me a final whole body rub down. That was just the teaser for the one hour massage that was to follow all of the above. You heard me.

And that, my friends, was my day.

Marriage

2010-04-10T05:26:00.001-07:00

Matthew and I have started doing premarital counseling for our church and I think it's been as good for us as anybody. It has been so good for our marriage to hear each other process our marriage. I also love laughing at each others' odd idiosyncrasies that have developed over our almost 8 years. Marriage.

What.

A.

Ride.

After watching Pixar's Up last night during David's first-ever sleep over (watch out!), Matthew and I have decided to graft this movie's premises into our premarital "sessions". What a beautiful picture the opening montage of Ellie and Carl this movie paints.

It's about having a sense of humor with your in-laws. Even when they do things "weird" (which really is just different from you. Gasp!).

It's about releasing the little things. Hanging onto the little things are what divorces are made up of in this world. They sprout little roots of bitterness that bloom into self-serving ugliness in a relationship.

It's about working on your dreams. Together. Sometimes that means laying down your own agenda for the other.

It's about walking through disappointment. Together. Sometimes that means extending grace to one another because grief takes patience. And strength.

It's about enjoying the mundane. Together.

It's about keeping the romance alive...even when you're gray and hobbling up "the hill" at the end of life.

I could go on and on about the depth found laced throughout this movie, but just watch this clip. Powerful. And it's ok to cry...even if it is an animated movie!

This clip will be played with every couple that we do counseling with. I love at the end of the movie where Ellie gives Carl permission to go enjoy another adventure. As beautiful as their relationship was, it can't be their only hope. Because one will die. And then what's left?

Validation and Distraction

2010-04-05T07:26:00.000-07:00

This hasn't been the greatest past 7 days of my life, but it has been rich. I couldn't have made it through this week with my dear family and friends. I wanted to share with you what has helped me cry as well as what has helped to distract me. Both are equally important. Both serve different ways of surviving during grief. Warning: this is going to be a very random post, but it really is a good snapshot of my emotions and brainwaves the past week because my mind has been everywhere, going 100 miles an hour.

The morning after we found out about losing the baby, David asked to draw me a picture:

David: "Mommy, this picture is of you with the baby in your belly and you are happy. The next picture is when you don't have the baby in your belly and you are sad". Needless to say, I was a puddle on the floor. I gave him and big hug and a kiss and told him how sweet his pictures were and that I would always have them. He just smiled. Spot on, David. It's amazing how perceptive little kids can be.

Jami's craft:

When Jami dropped off this gift, she said "sometimes art just says something words can't". Agreed. This picture will forever have a place in my home. Its full of symbolism that is hard to explain on a blog and it has helped me grieve many times this week. Thanks, Jami.

One night some good friends brought me Foo's (the best frozen custard in Kansas City). We ended up just sitting in the den and talking and somehow ended up watching the funniest video I have seen in a long time. I have a disturbing trait of nervous laughter when people get hurt. It's a major character defect. Anyway, it was the first time I had laughed since Monday:

Scarlett indeed took a tumble!! I was laughing so hard I think I may have disturbed my healing. I was slapping my knee. I was slapping Matthew's knee. Happy tears. Thanks, guys.

The cards, the flowers, the emails, the texts, the comments, the meals, the taking of my kids...I needed all these things at different times throughout the week. Validation. These have acted like little lifelines thrown to me. I needed them. Thank you. What is worse is when people say nothing. I went through this when my dad died as well. People don't know what to say, so they walk the other direction or don't contact you. It just makes you feel really isolated, which is already a pitfall when you are sad. So thank you ALL for "saying" something.

Fruit. Several people brought fruit platters. Is anything more palatable when grieving? The answer is no.

Hobbies. Although the thought of cooking or sewing did not cross my mind at first, by the end of the week, I ended up sewing this dress for my sweet friend who had a baby Friday. I love sewing. It helps me be alone with my thoughts. There are definitely tear stains and prayers all over this dress.

My kiddos. They are hilarious. They are sometimes very sensitive with a perfectly timed hug. They are most of the time oblivious, which forces me to keep moving. When I first found out the news, the wind was knocked out of me. My plans and my dreams dissipated as the doctor continued to drone about things I have no recollection of. But, my first instinct was to go swoop up my kids and hold them tight. They have taken the bitterness away...just not the sadness. What a gift life is.

My Bean

2010-03-30T11:54:00.000-07:00

It sucks to un-tell people you are pregnant. But you know what would suck even more? To have lost this baby and for no one to know or understand why I am sad. So, Matthew and I are not sad we told people I was pregnant. We are sad we lost the baby. We have had an overwhelming outpouring of support and it means the world to us...to know that we are not alone during a painful process.

So I am no longer expecting a baby in November, which I realize is an awkward juxtaposition to my most recent post. But that last post is the only memorial I have for that baby. No belly pictures. No sonogram pictures. But, doggone it...I have the blog post! So, I'm not deleting it, to say the least. I've also come to realize I am now a part of a rather large "club" in losing this baby. Not necessarily a club anyone wants to join, but a club with many members nonetheless.

I did get to see my "bean" on Monday, so I am thankful for that. There was just no heartbeat in my bean, so that is really painful. My pillow saw many more hot tears last night than sleep, but that is ok. I've come to realize what a gift tears are. Doesn't a good cry feel so good? I mean, it sucks the life out of you, but at least its cleansing.

So far this process has put me in awe of God's sovereignty. Its not a crap shoot the kids we are given...it is in His divine plan for our lives. He is in control and, thank God, we are not. In saying all this, I also don't feel like God took this baby from us. I think God is very sad too. This miscarriage is the product of a broken world where hurt and sadness are just rampant. It's not how it's supposed to be.

Enter: grief. A longing and an ache that is well beyond words.

I am hopeful for baby #3 someday. When that will be, I have completely surrendered at this point. And I know when I meet him or her someday, I won't be able to imagine life without him or her and again I will praise His sovereignty.

Zone Defense

2010-03-22T18:57:00.000-07:00

It's official.

I

Am

PREGNANT!

due November 5th.
yahoo!

Idonhafto

2010-03-19T18:05:00.000-07:00

Well, my sanity is questionable at this point. I have been locked inside my house for 4 straight days with a 4-year-old, a 2- year-old, a menagerie of juices and special treats. Yup, we are potty training.

Holy Moses, smell the roses.

The question of the hour: is Annie potty-trained? Well technically, yes, because she doesn't have accidents...but she also doesn't go to the bathroom. You heard me. The kid does not pee. For several days running now, she will hold her potty for over 3 hours. During the course of these hours, both David and myself have relieved ourselves several times and we both have larger bladders than my 20-pound 2-year-old. Its utterly astounding to me. And its not for lack of liquids...I'm chalking this girl full of gatorade, grape juice, fruit punch, Route 44's (...wait, WHAAAT?)...you name it.

To say we have a little anxiety is an understatement. The fear of releasing is absolutely gripping her and it makes my job next to impossible: reinforcing the behavior...because there is no behavior to reinforce! Sigh. I've even invented a game called "re-fuel". Re-Fuel is this really fun game where both kids ride their bikes in circles around my house and every time they come through the kitchen they have to "re-fuel", which, of course, entails sucking down some sort of diuretic through a straw (proven to make one drink more).

me: "Annie lets go potty"

Annie: "Idonhafto" (translation: "I don't have to")

me: "Annie lets go potty and I'll give you lots of treats and you'll be such a big girl and we will call Suzy and Mimi and everyone will be so proud of you"

Annie: "Idonhafto"

me: "Annie you have to let the potty go out of your stomach or it will make you sick"

Annie: "Idonhafto"

This goes on for THREE HOURS PEOPLE! Her little bladder finally gives out and she tells me "potty...I go" and the child proceeds to pee for at least a minute. I'll tell you what, though...she tells me and she makes it to the toilet.

So, is she potty trained? Yes. Does she have a massive and pervasive urinary tract infection? Most likely.

Oh, Annie Pants.

Holy Cow! David's 4!

2010-03-02T11:12:00.001-08:00

It was a big time here at the Severns' household: David turned 4! He had declared his fourth birthday as his "chip" birthday, so we took a trip to the grocery store and I let him loose in the chip aisle. Paradise. He would rather have a bag of chips than a bag of candy. The kid loves his chips and he has quite the sophisticated palette when it comes to his chip selection. Here was the lineup:
"Spicy Chips" (aka Art and Mary's Jalapeno Chips...not lyin', the kid loves them!)
Salt 'n Vinegar (once again, this is a 4 year-old I'm talking about)
Cracked Pepper and Salt (you heard me)
Barbeque
Doritos (classic nacho cheese, of course)
Cheese Puffs (he is 4 after all!)

There were many chips, but I knew we had to provide some sort of protein for the party as well. ...And that is when it dawned on me: I knew the Chic-Fil-A cow had to come to his birthday, delivering hot, delicious nuggets. The only problem is Chic-Fil-A is closed on Sunday, but that is not a problem when one of the managers is your brother-in-law. Sha-ZAM!

His fourth birthday turned into a Chic-Fil-A birthday with lots of chips thanks to some special hook ups from the uncles. Yes, the cow (David's other uncle who is also employed at Chic-Fil-A and didn't mind "working" on a Sunday) arrived at our house with a mountain of hot nuggets to feed this hungry clan:

And if that wasn't enough, we also had a cow pinata (or "pindyata" as David affectionately referred to it) that was filled with way too much candy for 11 children to divide. David knew about the cow pindyata, but he didn't put 2 and 2 together until there was a knock at the door and the "Chic-fil-A cow that walks" came to his house for his birthday. It was a big time.

Now was time for present opening and the kid got lots of loot. But, mom and dad take the trophy once again for this special surprise:

Oh yeah, David got a bike! We will be tearing up the neighborhood this summer for sure with this fancy dud. David is also sporting his special #4 Orange sweat shirt that his mommy sewed him for the big day. I saw this adorable birthday shirt on Chasing Fireflies, but then I saw the adorable price tag and opted for the Hane's sweatshirt at Target on clearance and my handy sewing skills. Done.

His party continued into the next day when some close friends met us at the actual Chic-Fil-A for lunch and once again the uncle hooked us up: we had the best table in the house (right in front of the play place) with a whole bouquet of balloons. Nice move, Uncle Drew! ;)

I'll close with an adorable picture of all the current 4 year-olds in the family. This picture will definitely be in the back of the high school year book as well as rehearsal dinner slide shows. So cute!

Recipe of the Week: Chewy Granola Bars

2010-03-02T08:59:00.000-08:00

This is a super-yummy recipe that has a healthy base; however, what you decide to add and subtract can change that reality quickly. I'm not much of a baker, but I have yet to turn out a bad batch of these suckers. I use them for snacks, I've put them in my kids' lunch boxes for school...I've even enjoyed them alongside my morning cup of coffee. Not gonna lie. I will post the recipe down below, but think outside the box: the last batch I made I put in smashed up pistachios, walnuts, dried cherries, craisins and raisins and they turned out great. You could also put in bran or flax seeds and your kids will never know! In my next batch I think I will add 1/2 cup of peanut butter with chocolate chips. The possibilities are endless. Enjoy the experimentation!

Chewy Granola Bars

Ingredients:

1 cup packed brown sugar

½ cup softened butter

¼ cup sugar

2 T honey

½ t vanilla

1 large egg

1 cup flour

1 t cinnamon

½ baking soda

¼ t salt

1 ¼ cup Rice Krispies

1 cup chopped almonds

1 cup chocolate chips (optional)

1 ½ cup rolled oats

raisins (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 and lightly grease 9 x 13 pan
Beat brown sugar, sugar and butter until light and fluffy
Blend honey, vanilla and egg
In separate bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda and salt
Add flour mixture to sugar mixture and beat until combined
By hand, stir in Rice Krispies, dried fruit...the kitchen sink, you know, whatever!
Press mixture into greased pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown
Cool and cut into squares

My Precious

2010-02-16T08:32:00.000-08:00

For those of you who know me well, the one thing that I do not pinch my pennies on is coffee. I am an unashamed snob in this department. I actually kind of get angry and contentious in environments where they don't take their coffee seriously. Nothing puts me in a bad mood quicker than cheap coffee. I realize that exposes some dark parts of my heart and I'm just not willing to address it. Its just not that hard to offer good coffee and you can pass the cost off to the consumer because we will gladly pay for it. Ok, I'm climbing off my soap box now. I know you all are relieved.

Anyway! Bestmom gave Matthew and I this coffee maker for Christmas this year and it has changed our life:

Hello, my precious. Hello, my beautiful. How I love you.

Let me introduce you all to the Technivorm coffee maker. All other coffee makers are horrible. You heard me, HORRIBLE! The only other acceptable form of a coffee maker is a french press, which we also have. Now, I could go into all the reasons that other brands of coffee makers are sub-par, but I found this great video that explains it all. And guess who did all the research on this video? Cooks Illustrated. Of course they did. My love affair continues....

Now go ahead and push play on that video. My precious is waiting for you.

Recipe of the Week: Roasted Butternut Sqush Soup

2010-02-16T07:52:00.001-08:00

Well, since this is the winter that never ends here in Kansas City, we might as well comfort our souls with some yummy soup. This recipe is based upon Ina Garten's Roasted Vegetable Soup recipe, but I added and changed some things and I do think mine is superior. Sorry, Ina. Thanks for the inspiration, though!

I love this soup because it incorporates the naturally sweet caramelized veggies with the savory stock and seasonings. Basically I love anything roasted. I think it brings about unparalleled flavor in just about anything! This soup is scrumptious, but I would recommend a small serving per person alongside a toasted sandwich or a salad with a light vinaigrette. You want to leave your people wanting more and not overloaded with this rich soup. Just my humble opinion.

Ingredients:
4 cups chicken stock (possibly more)
1 pound of carrots, peeled and chopped into 1 inch sections
3 large parsnips, peeled and chopped just like the carrots (looks like a white carrot!)
1 large sweet potato, peeled and chopped...
1 small butternut squash, peeled and chopped...
1 large red onion, chopped...
Olive Oil
Kosher Salt
Fresh Cracked Pepper

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. Spread the chopped vegetables that are all roughly the same size on a rimmed cookie sheet and drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper and pop into the oven for about 30 minutes, turning once with spatula (or until the veggies look like my posted picture...nice and carmelized!).
3. Add the roasted vegetables to the 4 cups of stock and take your immersion blender and blend it all up. If you don't have an immersion blender I feel sorry for you and you will have to blend this soup in your blender. Sorry. Go buy an immersion blender. They are $20.
4. You want the consistency to be thick, but not gag-you thick. You can either add stock or water until the consistency is to your liking. I added water to mine because I heavily seasoned my veggies with salt and pepper.
5. Serve with some croutons or a slice of toasted french bread on top.

Snapshots of Jamaica

2010-01-21T18:19:00.000-08:00

Several of you have asked for pictures from our most recent trip to Jamaica, so here is a little musical slideshow! Turn on your volume and enjoy the crazy ride!

The Sweat Shop

2010-01-16T06:46:00.000-08:00

Ok, remember when I stopped blogging at the beginning of December? Well it was due to my mother's Christmas present. It all started out with a fun girls' trip to Nell Hill's with my sisters and mom a couple of years ago. Nell Hill's is possibly the equivalent to the pot of gold at the rainbow's end in my book. I LOVE that place. We found these adorable gingerbread aprons, but they only had 5 of them. My mom went on a mad quest to find about 10 more (for all these granchildren that weren't even born at the time!), but to no avail.

Moving foward.

My mom gave me a sewing machine for Christmas last year and it has indeed changed my hobby life and to that, I'm forever indebted. Well, lets just say my mom manipulated my endless gratitude for my Janome (my sewing machine).

Moving to Christmas 2009.

It started as an innocent trip to JoAnn's with my mom to find pre-fabricated aprons. They had to be chocolate brown. Retrospectively, that should have been my first red flag. They also had to be small to fit the 11 grandchildren under the age of 10. Red flag #2. And, of course, they had to be a "good deal" because Marilyn is not into special orders off the internet. Clearly this was an impossible venture. Let's just say we came home from JoAnn's with slurry of red and green fabric and yards and yards of brown canvas TO CUT OUT OUR OWN APRONS AND SEW THEM. And why am I using plural pronouns at this point? I cut the aprons and I sewed them. All the sudden this had become my Christmas present to my mom.

[enter: horror film soundtrack]

I had now entered an Indonesian sweat shop that had been transported to the 2nd floor of my very own house. I love sewing, but I quickly realized I don't love sewing the same, monotonous detail 10 times over and over and OVER again. Each apron had over 25 steps on it, ok? I had 10 aprons to make. You can do the math.

At the gingerbread making party this year, we presented the THE Christmas present of 2009 and all my hard work was worth it (sort of...I just know that is what I'm supposed to say).

I had to put in a picture of my champion husband in this post because I even had him ironing and prepping sewing accouterments by the end. We almost broke up over these aprons!

The End.

Did You Know?

2010-01-15T06:04:00.000-08:00

Here are some nifty tricks that I have picked up along the way. Thank you mom, Cook's Illustrated, The Food Network, Martha Stewart and friends!

Did you know that if you soak raw garlic in hot (not boiling!) water, that it takes the edge off?
Did you know that if you soak raw, cut onion in ice cold water it takes the bite out of it?
Did you know the best way to clean wood floors is 1 part white vinegar and 3 parts water?
Did you know the best way to clean your wood cutting board of "onion smell" is to rub kosher salt with a bit of water and then thoroughly rinse it?
Did you know the best way to keep pesty pests out of your home (i.e. fruit flies) is to keep a pot of fresh basil by your entryway? They don't like the smell! Poor things.
Did you know the best way to trap and kill fruit flies to put apple cider vinegar in a bowl, place Saran wrap over it and poke holes with a fork? They fly inbecause of the smell and then they can't get out!
Did you know the best way to cure chapped cheeks on a baby is Aquaphor by Eucerin?
Did you know the best way to clean windows is soapy water and a squeegee? Just say no to Windex!
Did you know that if you must use Windex the best way to a streak-free shine is to us newspaper and not paper towels?
Did you know that if your red wine starts going bad, you can freeze it in 1/2 cup servings and its ready for cooking? Don't throw it away!
Did you know you don't need to wash your hair everyday? If your hair starts to get oily simply massage some baby powder into it and you will have healthier hair with a lot of fun texture. Stop judging me and my hygiene.
Did you know that you should NEVER use Pledge on your solid wood furniture? It leaves a film over time. Only use Old English Oil.
Did you know that if your teeth are prone to change color when drinking red wine, all you have to do is bite into a lemon slice?

What are your pearls of wisdom? Please leave your tricks in the comments section!

Annie's Lipstick Adventure

2010-01-14T09:55:00.000-08:00

Please click for your viewing pleasure. This is how I found sweet Annie Pants minutes before our dinner guests arrived.

Please note the dejected "oooh" after the purse and its lipstick contents were removed.

News Alert: Free Breakfast at Chic-Fil-A!

2010-01-13T13:53:00.000-08:00

For those of you who don't know, I have an inside connection to Chic-fil-a! My brother-in-law helps to run the State Line Store. ANYWAY! He has been texting us the past 2 mornings telling us of the FREE breakfast item of the day. That's right! For the entire month of January there is a free breakfast item of the day. No strings attached. You don't have to buy anything to get it (but who doesn't want some accompanying hash browns?!). Yesterday I enjoyed a FREE breakfast burrito and today my sweet husband brought me by a FREE chicken biscuit (which, by the way, is excellent with drizzled honey). For the rest of January, here is the lineup, so swing by your local store on your way to work, errands, etc and enjoy! If you don't live in Kansas City/Topeka, I actually feel sorry for you for the first time.

January 14th: Yogurt Parfait
15th: 3 Ct. Chick n Minis
16th Small Coffee (I feel like the Fil A can step it up a bit in
this arena, but I'm self aware enough to know I'm a snob)
18th: Bagel with Cream Cheese
19th: Bacon, Egg and Cheese Biscuit
20th: Hash Browns (a quick way to my heart!)
21st: Small Fruit Cup
22nd: Sausage Biscuit
23rd: Small Coffee (again...maybe brew at home...)
25th: Cinnamon Cluster (yes please!)
26th: 3 Ct. Chick-n-Minis
27th: Yogurt Parfait
28th: Biscuit and Gravy
29th: Chicken Biscuit
30th: Small coffee (I wish they didn't end this glorious month this way)

Recipe of the Week: Play-Doh!

2010-01-13T08:03:00.000-08:00

Well, I have found it. The perfect home-made play-doh recipe. It is soft. It smells good. It doesn't dry out your hands. It is easy to make. It is cheap. All mothers are now on the edge of their seats. The star of the molding clay show:

Yes, alum. And, yes, it's in the spice aisle. What is it? Well, after some research (i.e. reading the back of another bottle of a more expensive brand) I have come to find out that it comes from the rind of the watermelon. Interesante!

I volunteered in David's classroom at his preschool a couple of weeks ago and I was amazed at the quality of this play-doh, so his teachers shared the goodness.

Here we go!

Ingredients:
3 cups flour
1/2 cup salt
1 Tablespoon alum
2 cups boiling water
3 T oil
Kool-Aid mix

Directions:
1. Mix the flour, salt and alum together in a large bowl.
2. Pour the boiling water and 3 T. oil over the flour mixture.
3. Knead until smooth and divide into lumps (How many you ask? As many colors as you are wanting to make!)
4. Take your concentrated Kool-aid mix (not the kind with sugar already in it!!) and add to the lumps to make your colors.
5. The result: play-doh that smells like juice (according to David).
6. If you want to go really crazy, you can add sparkles for extra pizazz!

This is a great winter time activity and it entertained my kids long enough for me to do this blog post. The highlight of the process: as David was helping me measure flour, he was caressing it and stated: "Ooo, this is so nice. I want to sleep with it!".

Oh, my sweet boy.

Putting the Merry in Christmas

2009-12-22T20:17:00.000-08:00

Well, we went to go see the real Santa Claus down at Crown Center. The real Santa Claus with the real beard, glasses and the halitosis breath. Yup, we heard a rumor that he was in town, so David needed to share his list, which consisted of a "Leapster, treats in my stocking and a present from you, Santa". Awe. This was Annie's first trip to Santa because last year we decided a nap was more important than a visit to Santa...for the sake of all involved.

It all started out with great fun in Santa's Playland. Annie and David were fired up going up and down the slides...

...and in and out of the Crayola house...

Then the moment arrived to

sit...

on...

Santa's...

lap:

Hmmm, would you say Annie isn't taking to the jolly old fella with the white beard? She took one look back behind her and it was over! Let's be honest, though: it made for good blogging material! Somehow this seems to be a common theme among our holidays. Here is a picture of her this past Easter:

A very similar composition, wouldn't you say? At least she looks cute in her dresses!

Well, I had to snap of few pictures of her screaming before I rescued both Santa and Annie and she recovered. It was a fun evening and it looks like Annie half-way forgives us for taking her to a strange man's lap.

Can't say I blame her...the kid has healthy boundaries.

A Christmas Melody

2009-12-18T13:11:00.000-08:00

I realize I haven't been blogging a whole lot, but that is because I have been in a sewing hell for the holidays. I will explain later, but lets just say I have been reduced to sweat shop labor. For those of you who have taken Servant's By Design, I am a base Harmonizer, not a Dreamer! I truly am suffering here.

ANYWAY! Here are some pictorial highlights of this glorious season!

We like to support the boy scout troops with our tree purchases. Our tree of choice: the Balsam Fur. I call it the "Poor Man's Frasier Fur" because it looks just like it (a bit brighter of a green) and its half the price. Just my style. Doesn't the tree look nice on the Mini? A little ho, ho, ho magic with the red mini and the green Christmas tree!

Yes, this is my husband cutting our tree with a miter saw. We got the tree in the stand and it was a bit too tall. A normal person would have used a hack saw, but not my man! Gotta love it.

David decorating the tree in a squatted position in order to maximize the speed in which he can get back to the box of ornaments. He is so excited these days that he just takes to running around the house. He can feel the anticipation in the air. So fun. I love this age.

"No, Annie, it's not a bracelet. Put it on the tree...go ahead...put it on the tree!"

David was a shepherd in his school's nativity play. Yes, I was the first time mother crying in the audience begging the other mothers to send me their pictures because I forgot my camera...and they pulled through for me! So sweet.

Remember the day it was like 2 degrees and it snowed? Well, that didn't stop my children. It was the first snow of the season and David had to make some snow angels. It was such a privilege to be out there with him. Have mercy it was freezing.

Doesn't Annie look like the Michelin tire guy/ um-pa lum-pa? Ok, so this snow suit was given to us...as in it was free and its for playing in the snow, mmm kay?!

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ 's Spinach Dip!

2009-12-17T05:16:00.000-08:00

If you can't tell by the title of this recipe gone hang-man, it is top secret and very scandalous how I got my hands on this little treasure. For those of you from Kansas City, this spinach dip is from a restaurant located on the Plaza, across the street from Fogo de Chao and next door to the Walking Company. Got the corner? Good. I am so certain this is the real deal recipe that I don't want to get in trouble for it; hence my encryption.

My mother-in-law got her hands on this recipe from one of the ladies she used to work with. The lady's husband worked at the aforementioned restaurant and said "I'll give it to you, but you can't share it with anyone". Uh, ok. She must have been half female because what rational woman doesn't share recipes? Pa-lease! Needless to say, Bestmom shared the goodness and now its on the world wide web.

Now that we are past the Nancy Drew part of this post, onto the goodness! Be forewarned that before you dive into this recipe, know that it is restaurant quantity; therefore, have the tupperware ready! Or, better yet, have the mason jars ready and pass them out as holiday treats to your neighbors, kids' teachers, bring it to a party, etc, etc. Spread the holiday cheer while balancing out the sweets at the same time.

Ingredients

6 ounces of butter

2/3 cup olive oil

2 Cups onions

1 Tablespoon garlic

¼ cup flour

1 quart chicken broth

1 quart heavy cream

2 teaspoons salt

1 Tablespoon lemon juice

3 Tablespoon chicken base (in the soup aisle)

2 Cups parmesan

2 Cups sour cream

2 teaspoons Tabasco

3 pounds of frozen spinach, drained

1 can artichoke hearts

¼ pound jack cheese

Directions

1. sauté 6 oz. butter, 2/3 cups olive oil, 2 cups onions, 1 tablespoon garlic on medium-hi.

2. add ¼ cup flour and mix until there are no lumps

3. add cream, salt, lemon juice, chicken base, chicken broth and paremesan

4. after the above is well incorporated and parmesan is melted, turn the heat off

5. add sour cream, Tabasco, spinach and artichoke hearts

6. sprinkle jack cheese on each serving and bake in the oven at 400 degrees until bubbly

7. dip thickens upon standing

Enjoy this dip (note: those of you in my community group, yes...this is what I served on Monday!) If you are feeling selfish and not wanting to share the gloriousness, it freezes really well. Bon appetite and remember...mum's the word!

Mama Got a Mac!

2009-12-08T08:35:00.000-08:00

For those of you who have a mac, you know only Photo Booth could create such a picture! Yes, it is true...I finally own a Mac. I have only been wanting one for about 3 years! My old laptop has 3 year-old finger grime from David all over the mouse, about 7 missing keys when he went
"a-pluckin'" when he was 18 months and when it took (I'm not exaggerating) 10 minutes to open my i-tunes about a week ago, my head almost exploded. Lucky for me, Microcenter was running a sale on these suckers during my PC nervous breakdown, so MAMA GOT A MAC! It is so fast. It is so fun. It creates great pastime entertainment for me and my toddlers. Not to mention my blogging will step up a bit because it will not take 2 hours to upload pictures to my posts. The Lord has taught me great patience through my PC days. Amen.

Matilda Jane on Tuesday!

2009-11-28T08:49:00.001-08:00

I have finally found a boutique line of clothing that matches Annie Jane's spunky personality: Matilda Jane! (warning: website does NOT do these clothes justice!). I first spotted a little girl at our neighborhood carnival in one of these dresses and I literally stalked her until I spotted the label. I was able to go to my first trunk show a couple of weeks ago and got the pictured dress for Annie. It was like one of six dresses that I wanted for her, but I exhibited self-control (for the meantime!). The adult line (although not as large of a line) is equally adorable. There are several things on my Christmas list. Anyhow, I was going so bananas over this clothing line that the woman asked if I would want to host my own trunk show. Simple answer: YES! So, please come by for a drink and appetizers and check out this adorable clothing line. If you are a sister, daughter, aunt, grandma or friend of a girl/woman, you will have some one-of-a-kind Christmas options!

Tuesday, December 1st
6 to 8 PM, come and go as you please or stay the whole evening!
My House!
Free Shipping!

If you are not in the market for an adorable boutique piece, I would still LOVE for you to stop by and say hi. The girls will just be hanging out (no boys allowed!) sipping on some cider or pomegranate punch! Yea!

A Must Watch

2009-11-23T20:07:00.000-08:00

I don't post a lot of theological thoughts on this blog because my prayer is that God's glory is seen in my everyday...despite myself. However, this video is so spot on that I had to share it. My church has been going through the book of Mark for the past year, but for the past 4 weeks, we have done a mini-series on Idols of the Heart. Sigh...its been tough. Then I saw this video and it just touched a really sensitive part of my heart that has undergone heavy pruning. Thank God for men like Piper who understand the Gospel and can teach it to people like me.

BONFIRE!

2009-11-23T10:54:00.001-08:00

We are trying to take advantage of these last mild days before the winter sets in, so last night we decided to introduce our children to the world of s'mores. Two children under the age of 3 with pointy skewers and a sticky mess of warmed marshmallows is always interesting, but we had fun. We went straight from the bonfire to the bathtub, needless to say!

Annie's first bite of s'more and she was loving it! She couldn't have been happier chomping on her monstrous treat. Is that not the most classic picture? Hilarious.

David was roasting and stuffing as masny marshmallows as he possibly could into his mouth before this dream night was over. Of course he kept saying "I wanna make more...for Annie". Sure you do, partner!

David had an interesting relationship with the fire. He was a bit of a fraidy cat about the whole thing, but I guess I don't mind him being timid around fires! However, for as afraid as he was, that's all he wanted to do: attempt to roast marshmallows. Now, they couldn't lite on fire...that would really send him over the edge, but he couldn't stand it if "nothing was happening" to the marshmallows at the same time. Oh first borns.

The Motley Crew!

2009-11-12T12:20:00.000-08:00

For those of you who don't know, there are 11 grandchildren on my side of the family and they are all under the age of 10. 9 of them are under the age of 6. CER-A-ZEE!! It is a 3-ring circus when we all get together. And here's the funny thing: my mom is taking all of us somewhere (she won't tell us where!) for our Christmas present. She just told us we are leaving at the crack of dawn and we all need passports! That's right, all 20 of us will be boarding a plane at the wee hours of the morning with this crazy crew. There will be some tales to be told on this blog, for sure!

I realized I hadn't posted any pictures from Halloween, so here you go:

We had a very "nice shark" (according to David) and...

a beautiful fairy princess (who never stopped eating candy)!

Annie figured out Halloween very quickly this year and I was soon apologizing to neighbors I had never met before for the hasty grab of much candy from their bowls from my 20 month-old. Thank you, Annie!

They are pretty cute and they actually look like they love each other in this picture ;)

Morning Revelations

2009-11-12T12:01:00.000-08:00

Like I've mentioned before, we host community group for our church on Monday nights and there are often sweet treats involved in the evening. The kids are usually down in the basement with a babysitter and the second community group is over, they race up the steps to see what sweet treats are left. Obviously Annie marked her territory by licking each of the cookies. I woke up to the pictured note the next morning...hilarious. I laughed out loud and it the visual picture perfectly painted by this note warmed my soul.

Later on the morning, I heard a disturbing sound arising from our den. In the mornings, I let David choose if he wants to watch shows on PBS or play PBS games on the computer. He always opts for video games on the "camp-pooter". It helps me wake up and him! I'm generally supportive of the games because it has helped him with letter recognition, dexterity in using the mouse, etc, etc; however, today I was distubed. Please click on this link and click on the three speakers that apparently "grow up" from the bushes. Seriously...click on it.

Um, is that not freaky? That show is off-the-charts weird. I'm not so sure they aren't sending our 3-year-olds subliminal messages to drink laced purple Koolaid at 3 pm or something. Three letters:

L C D

Lay off the hallucinogens, directors!

Pretty Please With Sugar On Top!

2009-11-05T12:20:00.000-08:00

Um, excuse me. Has anyone else received the Pottery Barn Holiday catalog yet? Well, if you have already pitched it into your recycle bin, go fish it out because there are some really fun "antique silver" pieces in there.

We host a community group for our church every Monday night at our house, so I usually try to have a pot of soup on the stove since people come to our house straight from work. And they are hungry. Therefore, I need this ladle. Hello! It says "ladle" and I love it! The fork and spoon serving pieces are must as well.

I need it.

Ok, not really.

On the Christmas wish list!

Pottery Barn also has an eclectic "antique" flatware collection in this issue too. I keep putting "antique" in "quotes" because we all know these aren't real antiques. And I heart antiques. So, I'm embarking on a giant scavenger hunt and I need YOUR help! I want to start collecting fun, eclectic, REAL antique flatware. So, if you are at an estate sale or a flee market or a garage sale or an antique shop and see some fun antique silver flatware, PICK. IT. UP. (and I'll pay you back) I just need 1 place setting and I'll mix and match place settings from all over the place. Fun. And each piece will have a story and a memory. Double fun. That's why I love antiques...the journey and the inevitable story.

1 Recipe, 2 Dishes

2009-11-05T11:24:00.000-08:00

=

Everyone is always trying to trim their grocery budget, right? Second only to our mortgage, our grocery bill easily takes second place on our monthly budget. So here is an example of how to make that dollar stretch and still have yummy food. You can do this with a lot of dishes, but I'll explain that after you see my process.

Recipe #1: Suzanne's Picnic Potatoes

This is my lovely mother-in-law's dish!

Ingredients:
2 pound shredded hash browns (in your frozen food aisle)
1 onion finely chopped
2 cans cream of chicken soup
2 cups sour cream
1/4 cup melted butter
1 pound of shredded cheese (its cheaper and better to buy a block of cheese and shred it yourself)
Corn Flakes for crispies on top

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375
2. Mix frozen hash browns, onions, cream of chicken, sour cream and cheese together in a bowl
3. Dump into a greased 9 x 13 dish
4. Sprinkle Corn Flakes on top and drizzle with the melted butter
5. Bake for an hour to an hour and a half

We love to have people over for brunch on Saturday or Sunday and this is a mainstay. I can prepare this the night before and just pop it into the oven when my lovelies wake up at the crack of dawn, before our guests arrive. Its also great as a side dish with bbq!

Now, we always have leftovers of this casserole and you can only eat re-heated potato casserole so many times. So, here is recipe #2!

Recipe #2: Hearty Baked Potato Soup

Ingredients:
1. Your leftover casserole from above, minus the Corn Flakes (just scrape them off and you don't have to be perfect...its ok if a few Corn Flakes make it into your soup, Laura Jordan!)

2. Chicken Stock (you can use chicken bouillon...its much cheaper and doens't make a difference in taste in this soup!)

Directions:
1. Dump the left over casserole into soup pot
2. Add Chicken Stock

3. Stir the pot

4. Take your immersion blender and combine the 2 ingredients (if you don't have one, dump everything into a food processor or blender!)

5. Season with salt and pepper and you are done! WHAT?!? Seriously.
6. Wham, bam, thank you, ma'am.

Like I said at the beginning of this post, you can do this with a lot of dishes. For instance, I made chicken and rice casserole a couple of weeks ago and we had left overs. What did I do? I dumped the leftovers into a pot, added chicken stock and some vegetables and had great soup! My mom taught me this trick and you know what her trademark 1 recipe, 2 dish trick was? SPAGHETTI! Yes, spaghetti soup is delicsh! In this case, I would add some tomato juice or sauce and beef stock (rather than chicken stock since there is beef, not chicken, in the original recipe.) Experiment, have fun and don't take yourself too seriously. I have dumped lots dinners down the drain!

She's HEEEEERE!

2009-10-31T11:34:00.000-07:00

I know many of you have been waiting on the edge of your seat to find out what kind of car would be replacing my Suby-Doo. Well, wait no longer. It has arrived. No, I did not forget to post about my new car, which means, yes, I have been 5 weeks without a car. We were well provided for by loners from generous family and friends, but it has made me doubly thankful to have my own car. What kind, you ask? Here are a few hints:

The body style of the car has this skirt's name in it. (No, that's not me posing for the picture. I know, I know...our bodies look so similar. She must be 5' 2" and has had 2 babies too. Crazy!) Need another hint?

Oh! Getting closer. The first word of this car is the same first word in my car. And here is a bonus: this car is the same color as my car. Still have you guessing?

And now for the big reveal....

Oh yeah, baby...she's here! The mini has arrived in sassy RED! AND to have it be a MINIVAN! I mean, COME ON! Happy Halloween to ME!

Shut up all you haters...deep down you are jealous that I am woman enough to drive one. I once told Matthew he better NEVER make me drive one. We now call those the Dark Ages in our home. I found myself about 2 years ago salivating over the mini. What can I say...I was a confused soul and I have now stepped into the light. The light that will save me on average $1000/year compared to an SUV with 3 rows. OHHHHH! MMM HMMM...who is hatin' now?!

They just make too much sense with babies. I can be walking out of the grocery store with my mongo diaper bag, holding Annie on my hip while, at the same time, holding David's hand and hit a single button and the mini's doors start opening automatically. Please. Do I need to say anymore? The mini has found its home sweet home. I guess we are officially a Honda family now.

Recipe of the Week: Grandma's (Sarah's) Enchiladas

2009-10-29T13:19:00.000-07:00

Most people who know me, know my obsession with Cook's Illustrated. It is the magazine for foodies, for sure. I seriously don't throw away a single issue and archive them in my kitchen cabinets. They are treasures and a wealth of knowledge and I continue to draw upon them for years after an article is written (no lie!). Anyway, Cook's Illustrated has a cousin, Cook's Country. It is set up very similarly to Cook's Illustrated, but its more geared toward comfort food and easy prep. My mother-in-law gave it to me last year for Christmas and it has been fun for me to receive this year. I decided to try these enchiladas out of it last weekend and they were a hit. Easy prep: yes. Comfort food: yes! Quick: no! These babies cook for like 3 hours, but they make your house smell incredible. Nothing is better on cold, rainy day than a house filled with smells from a happy oven.

Ingredients for Grandma's Enchilada's:

3 pounds of beef chuck, cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes and sprinkled with salt and pepper
2 Tablespoons oil
2 onions minced (look a few posts back on "How to Chop an Onion")
3 Tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 garlic cloves
2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
1/4 cup red wine
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
12 corn tortillas (I found this recipe made WAY more than 12 enchiladas, so prepare to freeze a pan as well!)

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a dutch oven (or a pan that can go into an oven) and add cubed beef chuck and brown (about 8 minutes)

2. Remove the meat and set aside in a bowl. Drain off all but one tablespoon of fat and add onions and a teaspoon of salt and cook until onions are softened (about 8 minutes).
3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, coriander, cayenne, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper and cook until spices darken. Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).

4. Stir in tomato sauce and wine and bring to a boil.

5. Add browned beef and accumulated juices and transfer the pot to oven.

6. Cover the pot and cook for 2 1/2 hours in a 300 degree oven (yes, 2 1/2 hours...its worth it!!)
7. After cooking in the oven, strain the sauce from the beef (you should have about 2 cups) and shred the beef when its cool enough to handle.
8. Spread 3/4 cup of the strained sauce onto a 9 x 13 baking dish.
9. Mix 1/4 cup of sauce, 1 cup cheese and toss to combine.
10. Spray corn tortillas with cooking spray on both sides and add 1/3 cup of mixture to each tortilla, roll tightly and place seam-side down onto sauced baking dish.

11. Pour remaining sauce over of the enchiladas, sprinkle cheese, cover with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes.

YUM! I promise you will like these. They have a real authentic taste to them, but they aren't that spicy; therefore, I will dedicate this Mexican dish to my sister-in-law, Sarah, who cannot handle spice, but still loves good Mexican! In fact I think "Grandma's Enchiladas" is a bad name. Therefore, I am renaming them to "Sarah's Enchiladas".

$1 Winter Day

2009-10-29T12:55:00.001-07:00

So, its getting cold. And that means long, holed up days with very energetic toddlers. Hmmmm, what to do? We took a trip to Target and wandered aimlessly through the $1 Spot and found absolutely nothing. I had given David $4 (in change!) and told him he got to pick out 4 things at "The Spot", but we all agreed they needed to make another buying trip to China because "The Spot" was rather...well...spotty.

Then a brilliant thought entered my mind: shaving cream. Yes! Shaving Cream! I brought the picnic table in from outside, filled it with an unusual amount of shaving cream and let the kids have at it. They had so much fun and I got dinner cooked. We were mutually pleased. Of course it got all over them, despite my bib attempts, but, hey, it smells good and eventually dissolves off their clothing.

I have had many conversations with moms around town in what they've decided to do to fill the time sans sun, pool and outside, this is what we've come up with:

* Story times at your public libraries
* Playdates, playdates, playdates. We have 1-2 regular times a week
*Sylvester Powell Community Center: they have an indoor park for kids to run around in Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from 9:30 to 11:30
* Funky Mama is playing on 11-4 at 10 AM (for free!) at Matt Ross Community Center in Overland Park

...and the list will continue. I have developed eagle ears for fun outings (especially ones that are free)!

Crafternoon

2009-10-25T19:08:00.000-07:00

Special thanks to Laura Jordan for the spectacular play on words that I plagiarized...when are we crafting next, "Laurla" ;)?

Nothing like a rainy day to get some crafts done (and it helps that the husband was home, so the kids were entertained!). Now, I usually think that burning bush is an absolutely wretched shrubbery that is an absolute eye-sore 10 months out of the year. Its scraggly and doesn't even look good pruned. However, during the months of October and into November, it TOTALLY redeems itself because it puts out these fabulous berries. That is why I haven't ripped those suckers out of my garden yet. I mean, I'm obsessed with how beautiful these things are, so this year I decided to try and make some garland out of them. All I used was paper leaves, all the berries off my 3 nasty bushes and some florist wire in green. I think it turned out pretty well and is fun on a table with other fall accouterments.

Second craft on the list today: the recipe box. Um, this has been on the to-do list for quite some time, but I just couldn't get my act together. So literally when I'm cooking, I have my stinkin' laptop on an unused burner on my stove while I read the recipe instructions. Ridiculous! Now I have all my recipes on these handy-dandy 4 x 6 cards and I simply pull out the recipe card that I'm cooking and my laptop is safely tucked away on my computer desk (imagine that).

I found this fantastic little box at Pryde's in Westport, which is this delicious little culinary store here in town. It is like Williams & Sonoma on steroids. I could get lost in there for hours. Its floor to ceiling dishes, cookware, utensils, glassware...you name it. If they don't have what you need, you have a serious problem and, chances are, you don't really need it. This place has everything and it is such bliss for me to walk through. Anyway, I found this little treasure months ago and I'm just now filling it with my recipes.

I got the fun paper at Urban Arts and Crafts, which is another must-stop in Kansas City. If you are not a creative person, you just walk into this store and you become creative. Its like osmosis. This store is fabulous. Incredible fabric. Incredible paper. Incredible ideas oozing with creativity. It gives me ideas that make me look way cooler than I actually am.

Ok, that's all I could muster today, but I just bought some really great vintage-looking fabric for an Annie dress, so stay tuned.

How to Chop an Onion

2009-10-24T17:53:00.000-07:00

Learning to chop an onion can literally cut your cooking/prep time in half. However, a lot of cooks don't know how to do it. So bookmark this post until you've got it down! The faster you can cut an onion the less tears they will create. Here are step by step instructions to cutting an onion.

Step #1: find the root of the onion and slice it in half, down the center of the root.

Step #2: lay onion on flat edge and lop off the top of the onion (NOT the root) and that makes it easier to get the peel off. A good rule of thumb is to take off one more layer than you think on an onion. Onions are CHEAP, so don't worry about waste.

Step # 3: With onion peeled and laying on its flat edge with the root in tact, slice perpendicular cuts towards the root. Don't cut all the way to the end of the onion because you want the root side in tact to keep it all in place. If you want smaller diced onion, then put your perpendicular cuts closer together.

Step # 4: Cut the onion perpendicular to the 1st set of cuts.

Step #5: VIOLA! A diced onion in literally under a minute. Don't waste your money on chopping devices. Just have a good knife and a good cutting board as recommended in this post. Hope this helps!

Recipe of the Week: Chicken with Basil Cream Sauce

2009-10-21T17:02:00.000-07:00

Ok, I realize this post title should be "Recipe of the Month" since I haven't posted a recipe in quite sometime. However, my new excuse is residual affects of the H1N1 virus: David got an ear infection and Matthew has pneumonia. FANTASTIC!

Anyway, as we sat down to dinner tonight, Matthew stated "this is my most favorite meal that you make" (keep in mind he hadn't had one bite and I haven't made this meal in years...I think his appetite is finally returning). I have made this dish several times and I have changed it, so I think this is the best version. I hope you preemptively enjoy it as much as my husband!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup flour

1 egg

3/4 cup bread crumbs (with some garlic salt and dried basil mixed in)

3 tablespoons butter (or olive oil)

1 cup heavy whipping cream (you can substitute half and half!)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

½ cup chicken broth

¼ cup chopped fresh basil

Fresh ground black pepper

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and place flour with a little bit of salt and pepper on one plate, a beaten egg on a 2nd plate and breadcrumbs with spices on a third plate.

2. Pound chicken breasts with a meat tenderizer (the blunt side...no teeth!) until they are about 1/2 inch thick (helpful hint: put the chicken in a plastic bag so you don't get chicken juice on you!)

3. Dredge the chicken breasts in this order: flour, egg, bread crumbs

4. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter (or olive oil) and saute breaded chicken until golden brown.

5. Place the sauteed chicken on a cookie sheet and throw in a 350 degree oven to continue cooking and keep warm.

6. Pour chicken broth into the same pan you sauteed in and get all the bits and pieces off the bottom of the pan as you bring it to a boil (this is called descaling the pan).

7. Pour in cream and bring to boil and cook for 1 minute, reduce heat.

8. Add 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil and pepper to taste (note: this sauce is not overly thick. It will thicken upon standing, but it is runnier and not quite as thick as an Alfredo sauce)

9. Pour over sauteed chicken and serve.

This is a really rich meal, so I serve it over spaghetti noodles and put some of the sauce in the noodles as well. Pick a green vegetable and you've got a meal!

Books for Every Mom

2009-10-15T11:49:00.000-07:00

In my very limited experience as a mom, I have 3 book recommendations that I think you should read. All of these books helped me tremendously during different phases of my kids' lives, but keep in mind, my oldest is only 3 1/2!

The first book is BabyWise by Ezzo and Dr. Bucknam. Now for whatever reason, this book has come under fire from some people and after reading it multiple times, I still don't understand why. This book was so helpful for me as a first time mom. It explained nursing positions, how many poopie diapers to expect from a healthy newborn, etc, etc. It also advocates for getting the baby (and the mommy) on some sort of a schedule. This is where the book has faced harsh criticism and usually by those who have never even read the book. Hmmm. It never says to only feed the baby every 3 hours and it never says to only look at the clock instead of listening to your baby cues for eating. It simply explains that regular eating (verses erratic eating schedules) helps to normalize the babies' metabolism, helping the baby to sleep through the night faster. Um, I'm on board for that and so is any other mom who is getting up multiple times every night.

David was a champion baby and started sleeping through the night at 9 weeks. Annie, on the other hand, didn't sleep through the night until she was 5 months old and that was kind of forced by me ;). This book still helped to regulate both of them and I knew what our days would look like, which gave me a semblance of sanity as a mother of a newborn.

The second book I would recommend is Toilet Training in Less than a Day by Drs. Azrin and Foxx. Matthew and I started having babies a little earlier than our friends, so we had to go through things like potty training first. This book, recommended by my sister who has successfully potty trained 4 children, is AMAZING. This is probably the #1 question I'm getting from my friends with babies right now: "how on earth did you potty train?". It is a daunting task, needless to say. With the help of this book, David was getting the hang of it after about a day and a half (not too far off from the title!).

My first piece of advice: go cold turkey. You can NOT use pull-ups during the day. The little monsters love the warming sensation of peeing in those quasi-diapers. Just block off 5 days in your schedule and plan to go NOWHERE. Take a fun trip to Target the night before and let them pick out obnoxious Disney underwear, treats and ceremonially put away those diapers. They will have accidents...do not cave and bring out the diapers again. Oh and another thing...poopies in the toilet take a little longer to master. Have a major piece of bribery available. Mine was the largest lolly pop you have ever seen. I put it on the mantel and told David it was his as soon as he pooped in the toilet. Low and behold, three days later, he laid a terd in the toilet and the sugar was his. Its all about bribery.

The last book, I owe my life to: Don't Make Me Count to Three by Ginger Plowman. David is a very strong-willed child and I had no idea what I was doing with my first experience in the "Terrible Two's". For those of you who weren't around during this glorious phase, David was assaulting other children.

As in hitting them.

For 9 months.

It was horrible for all parties involved.

This book was like a life preserver thrown to me in the midst of a swirling ocean. I realized a lot of my struggle during this phase was embarrassment. I was embarrassed by my child. I thought his behavior reflected on me as a parent. Now I'm not advocating for delinquent parenting, but I wasn't delinquent and he was still behaving badly.

This book focuses on heart-oriented discipline: getting to the heart of the disobedience instead of just behavior modification. It helps focus on character formation instead of behavior in the short term so the parents can look more put together. Plowman is a wise, wise woman and this book has been instrumental for me.

I have a final book recommendation, but I haven't read it yet. Ha! However, Don't Make Me Count to Three is the techniques birthed from the principles found in this final book. Believe you me, its on my list to read. Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp has received rave reviews from everyone I know, love and trust. It was a major influence on Plowman and, therefore, is a must read.

Re-Emerging

2009-10-14T18:21:00.000-07:00

I realize I have been one of those super-annoying bloggers who hasn't posted anything for over a week. I'm sorry. My family I took a week long trip to hell...

...but we are back.

Yes, the H1N1 virus invaded our home. It started with Annie, moved to Matthew, then David and finally brought me down last.

OH.

MY.

WORD.

We had someone with a fever for 9 straight days, with all 4 of us down at some points. God help us all. It was beyond miserable and here is the bad news: 40% of America is going to get it this flu season. I'm so sorry to you all. We now have the antibodies...na, na, a-boo, boo! We earned them. Here is the good news: we didn't die. I know, I know! The news media has us believing that the second we contract this virus, we are goners. Well, its just the flu. It sucks, but its the flu. Gain perspective.

Anyway, back to hell. By Friday (i.e. 7 days into having fevers), Swine Butt (what I affectionately referred to my husband as) decided he wanted chicken biscuits for breakfast. I thought, "well, whatever Swine Butt wants, Swine Butt gets", but then something hit me: fried chicken and hydrogenated biscuits is not the fuel that our bodies need to fight this thing. I mean this is the dreaded H1N1 virus...its brutal.

So, I whipped this out:

Oh yeah, baby, the juicer. It creates juice that looks something like this:

You get spinach, carrots, strawberries, apples, oranges and grapefruit (or whatever fruit and vegetable you desire!) in ONE cup. And here is the great news: my 3 year old says it tastes great and he's right! It passes the litmus test of a toddler. You heard me! David is literally drinking spinach and loving it.

The next homeopathic trick up my sleeve was this:

No, its not a bong. Its a Neti Pot. It helps to cleanse the sinuses and clears out extra mucus. Part of the misery of Swine Flu is the throbbing headache, which, in part, is due to sinus pressure. This little mechanism helps tremendously. We did it every day. I have plans to perform the Neti Pot throughout this winter because I am prone to sinus issues. I will report in the spring how my little experiment goes. Hopefully no colds/sinus infections with regular use of the Neti Pot. Dr. Oz swears by them and I like him. Shut up. Yes, I know he's on Oprah.

Finally, for all you that care and if you have read this post to this point, chances are you have the H1N1 virus and are desperate, take a regular regimen of Tylenol, alternating with Advil. Also, double up on JuicePlus, which is an incredible whole food supplement with TONS of antioxidants (if you want to start taking these vitamins, email me...they are incredible). You will also need to take daytime/nighttime decongestants, otherwise you won't be able to taste food for a week. At the end of your illness, you will need a cough syrup and I swear by Delsym. Matthew and I are still taking Delsym at night. The cough has still not left.

Un.

Believe.

Able.

Suby Suby-Doo...Where Are You?

2009-10-03T12:09:00.000-07:00

Suuuuby, Sub-ba-dee-doo! Well, folks,the Subaru is gone! Can you believe it? Ever since I had Annie, this car has been a tight fit. We were on the brink of having to do some maintenance on it and we decided the money would be better spent on a larger vehicle. So, last week, we thought "well, let's put it up on Craig's List and see if we get any bites". Umm, 4 1/2 days later we had cash in hand and the car was gone.

Sooooo, we are currently a 1-car family. Awesome. But, its a good problem to have. We are going to auction on Tuesday and Wednesday this week, so hopefully an option comes up for us. What kind of car, you ask? Stay tuned...

Dubliner Cheese

2009-10-03T11:40:00.001-07:00

You must go to the store this very minute and buy this cheese. It is a snooty cheese without the snooty price, which fits well into my frugal foodiness. Now, it has a slightly more salty price in the grocery store, but for those of you who belong to Costco, you're in luck. You can get this stuff for five bucks a pound there! Now, I know what you are thinking: "we could never get through all that cheese in our house". Well, you are right...but you can freeze it. Gasp! I know. I just recommended freezing cheese, but it works, people, and saves you money. So shut up and just do it and thank me later.

Now, back to the beauty of this cheese. This stuff is so versatile. It is a wonderful substitute for Parmesan Reggiano, but here is the good news: its not $18 for 6 ounces! So its great on pasta, salads, sliced with fruit for a appetizer platter...you name it. I just shaved some into my quiche this morning and it added a wonderful sharp, but sweet, nutty taste. I'll close with my most favorite Cesar Salad dressing recipe that pairs incredibly with this cheese. I always get rave reviews for this salad and all props belong to this cheese. Enjoy!

Meg Grossman's Cesar Salad Dressing
(This is my neighbor who is a fabulous cook and brought this to me after I had Annie...I had to get the recipe from her!)

3 Tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 lemon)

2 teaspoon white wine vinegar

1-2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

½ -1 teaspoon anchovy paste

½ teaspoon salt or to taste

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Combine first 8 ingredients in a small bowl. Slowly add olive oil, whisking constantly until smooth. Alternatively, combine first 8 ingredients in food processor or blender. With food processor or blender running, slowly add olive oil until combined. Makes 1 cup.

Now, load grated Dubliner Cheese on top, mix it in and VIOLA! Incredible, restaurant-quality Cesar salad.

Sweet Annie Girl

2009-09-29T19:44:00.001-07:00

Like I said in my previous post, it was Mother's Day Out today, which equals very tired children by the evening hours. I just put them to bed early on Tuesdays and my glorious day continues as far as I'm concerned (hence there are 2 new posts on Tuesday). Anyway, I just had to share this moment with you all. I was fixing dinner tonight and Annie had gotten into their bags from "school" and had pulled out David's blanket, her lovie and pillow. She just decided to go to bed in the middle of the kitchen floor and David generously covered her up. Night night.

It Simply Was a "Must Have"

2009-09-29T19:23:00.001-07:00

Well, I obviously had mother's day out today because like I would ever take 2 toddlers shopping for a new bag. It was an "L" day as my mother-in-law has coined it. That is I took the day all to myself and did incredibly amazing things like sit and drink coffee with girlfriends and finished many sentences without being interrupted. Enough said about that.

I was actually on my way to a children's consignment shop today to find Halloween costumes (sorry, I would rather spend the $50 on me and not my children's outfits for 3 hours) and I couldn't resist the magnetic pull of TJ Maxx as I drove by. Sooooo, I pulled in. And found this. Mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm, MMMM! Love it! I actually have been looking for a new bag for quite some time, but I'm a frugal one and this is very difficult for me to justify...until I realized I haven't gotten a new bag since before David was born. WHAT?! I know...I've totally lost my purse identity and its very embarrassing. I was really wanting a black patent leather one, but I wear so much brown. And since I am a tight wad, there was no way I was buying a new brown purse and a new black. So, I settled on the latest of colors: mustard. Goes with black. Goes with brown. Done. La, la la, la, la, la, la, la TJ MAXX!

Doesn't this bag look at home on my shoulder? Yes, I thought so too.

Peace

2009-09-25T06:47:00.000-07:00

So I sat down to a cup of coffee this morning and my Mustard's Cookbook. Sounds absolutely divine, right? (Stay tuned). Cindy always makes me look way better than I really am in the kitchen. Anyway, its Friday, so I'm feeling inspired to try a completely new and slightly more advanced recipe, which I will report on tomorrow morning after I have actually consumed the more advanced recipe! As I call it, its guinea pig night at the Severns'.

So, anyway, back to the peaceful morning of good coffee and good food. As I'm flipping through my most favorite cookbook as of late, I stumble upon my sweet birthday note tucked into the pages from my dearest friend in the world, Mel Palm. Oh nostalgia. The last time I cooked from this book she had surprised me for my 30th birthday by coming in for the weekend (a conspiracy with my most amazing husband!). We had the greatest meal of wild mushroom burgers and talking late into the night over incredible wine from our Napa Valley trip.

Ok, I realize I'm getting sidetracked, but am I painting a good picture? Yummy coffee, sun coming through the window, perusing beautiful pictures of food masterfully concocted by my new idol...sounds refreshing doesn't it? Almost peaceful. Here's the other half of the story (click "play" for your viewing pleasure):

The amazing thing is I was actually enjoying my version of a peaceful morning with Cindy. Two thoughts: women can multi-task with the best of them and we have the uncanny ability to dichotomize.

Can we Appreciate?

2009-09-21T19:15:00.000-07:00

So I just had to share what David was wearing a few days ago (sorry, I've been a little preoccupied with a fundraiser I'm on a committee for, so this didn't get posted the lovely day he was wearing this very fashion-forward get-up!). David obviously dressed himself...like I would ever allow him to be seen like this! But, it just made me appreciate him on such a deep level. He also was wearing a bike helmet around half the day to complete the outfit, but I didn't capture that in the midst of my eating bon bons, etc. HILARIOUS! Please note the camo snow boots on the wrong feet. Sigh. Love it.

Balloons = Hell

2009-09-16T12:10:00.000-07:00

What is it about balloons? Yesterday was my nephew's 9th birthday. So we all loaded up and headed over to Aunt Margi's for the festivities. Upon arrival, Annie starts flailing her limbs and screaming "baaa-oooon!" "baaa-oooon!". Translation: balloons and therefore hell awaits me. Its always fine at the party because there are tons of balloons and kids running around everywhere. Happiness, laughter, frolicking....everything you associate with balloons. Its when you get home with your very own balloon (i.e. 2, only 2 balloons) that something very strange and disturbing happens. Its like my adorable little children are taken over by evil.

Screams: the balloon has floated up to the ceiling and they can't reach it. Screams: David has taken Annie's balloon. Screams: Annie is licking David's balloon. Hysteria and inconsolable tears: one of the balloons has popped. More screams: a toddler and a 3 1/2 year old now have to share one balloon. Awesome. Are you serious? Other mothers, please chime in! Do I have possessed children or is the balloons = hell phenomenon universal? As soon as my children go to bed, I pop those monsters and put them in the trash can. Out of sight, out of mind. Peace once again.

The First Day

2009-09-01T19:27:00.001-07:00

How many blogs have had entries with this title in the past few weeks?! Well, I don't care...I'm another proud momma! It was David's first day of preschool today and he about came unzipped he was so excited. We met his teachers last week and I don't know how many times I was asked if this was the day we got to go preschool. The kid was ready!

He had a great day and the reported favorite activity was playing in the black sand and looking at a fish that wasn't a picture (I'm thinking they have a fish tank in the classroom!). He also had "new crackers with new cheese and different cups". It was a first for many things today.

David entering his classroom...can't you see the bubbling explosion of giddyness in that smile?!

I just can't believe David went to preschool today. I wasn't too sad because I was so overly excited for him; his enthusiasm over the past few days has just been contagious! Apparently hanging out with Annie and me doing play-doh all day just doesn't cut it anymore. But, this is the beginning of the end so to speak...he will forever be in school, under somebody else's care (for a short time;) from here on out. So, we prayed together and I sent him in. And guess what, he was excited to see me when I picked him up and "just had a great day".

Little sister, Annie, was feeding off of the excitement as well. We were all excited for David's big day.

My Janome Has Found a Home-y

2009-08-29T13:19:00.000-07:00

I got a sewing machine from my mom last Christmas out of nowhere. I was really surprised by the gift that I had asked for 2 years earlier, didn't receive and moved on. I had been using my girlfriend's machine for years and it was good enough for me and the projects I used it for...until I experienced the Janome. I have the Magnolia by Janome, which is one of their more affordable machines. I was going to buy the next model up, but it was $200 more and all it had on the Magnolia was more stitch options. Uh, no thanks! I'm a simple girl and I don't quilt (yet!); therefore, I did not need to spend that kind of money for more stitch options.

I have surprised myself and have primarily been making clothes...for Annie. I just can't resist buying a yard of adorable fabric on sale and making her a dress for like $5! Please! I also love to make off the wall things like princess capes for my neices, onesies for the babies, etc. Here are a few of my projects:

A turtle onesie I made for dear friend and her new baby (born just a few days ago! Yea Hinkle!)

A bird dish towel that I love giving as hostess gifts or house warming thoughts.

This is Annie's 1st Birthday dress...a tradition I decided to do for each of her birthdays until she is too cool for mommy's homemade jobbies.

The "Princess Cape" that every 3 year old must have...especially if she is Sweet Caroline, my niece!

If you have a girl, you have heard of "Babylegs", well these are my versions of the adorable leggings (and doesn't Annie model them so well?).

I might be launching Lindsaylady Sews because I have had lots of interest from other moms for these gifts. I haven't gotten my act together quite yet, but stay tuned because I think its on the horizon!

Little Boys, Little Girls

2009-08-29T07:05:00.000-07:00

I love that David gets to wear cool, beat up Chuck Taylors and Annie gets to wear peep toes. I love that David will find the biggest stick in the yard and its his "sword"

and anything with a handle on it quickly turns into Annie's "purse".

David and dirt and Annie and beads

Its muscle man and capes or ballerinas and fairy princess. We love our boy. We love our girl.

Recipe of the Week: Severns' House Seasoning

2009-08-28T17:47:00.001-07:00

One seasoning, two recipes. I love this compilation of seasonings that I gleaned from Emeril (BAM!) and have slightly changed over the years. It is interesting with just a kick of spice. I make fajitas at least twice a month and this is the seasoning that I use (forget the hydrogenated store-bought nastiness). I also love this seasoning on salmon. I simply spread a little butter on raw salmon, liberally sprinkle the House Seasoning, wrap in foil and pop in the oven for about 15-20 minutes. Done and yum. So, grab a little Tupperware container and get ready to make some House Seasoning that you can use as you please and store the rest for months:

The Severns' House Seasoning

2 1/2 Tablespoons paprika
2 1/2 Tablespoons garlic salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme

Everyone loves fajitas, but the preparation is key. Here are a few hints:

Don't use green peppers. They are bitter and get more bitter the longer you saute them. Splurge on the red, yellow or orange (or go to Costco and buy them for cheap!)

I learned a great tip from a chef that you need to preheat your pan for a couple of minutes, pour in your oil and let that heat for a couple of minutes before starting to saute. There should be some sizzle when the food hits the pan. A simple tip that you would think I knew, but I didn't! This is a tip for cooking ANYTHING in a pan, not just fajitas!

Saute the onions and peppers first in oil on high heat. Let them reduce down just a bit and then add some House Seasoning. Continue to cook on high heat.

You don't want to overcook your chicken, but you want your onions and peppers to carmelize, so add the meat about 3/4 of the way of the cooking process and then add more house seasoning.

Too many people under cook their onions and peppers...DON'T! They should have a nice caramel color to them.

Finally, you have to steam your tortillas. Simply drip some water on each individual tortilla, stack them and wrap in a damp towel and microwave for 2-3 minutes. That's it and it makes the fajitas so much better.

Enjoy!

Recipe of the Week: Chicken Piccata

2009-08-20T18:25:00.000-07:00

This dish is a guaranteed crowd pleaser and a go-to when I entertain. I love the technique of pounding the chicken thin (note the eveness of chicken in picture above) and it is something that I have carried over to many recipes where the chicken is marinated or breaded. It makes the chicken more tender and easier to cook since its all the same depth. One thing you'll need for this dish: a meat tenderizer (without the teeth!). If you don't have a tenderizer, I suggest you invest in one because you will use it over and over again; however, a rolling pin works pretty well as a substitute!

Ingredients:
Special thanks to Ina Garten for mastering this restaurant favorite!

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 extra-large egg beat with an tablespoon of water
3/4 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs
Olive oil
3 tablespoons butter, divided
1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons), lemon halves reserved
1/2 cup dry white wine (buy a cheap bottle and drink the rest with dinner!)
Sliced lemon, for serving
Chopped fresh parsley leaves, for serving

Directions:

1. Hammer the chicken out to about a 1/2 inch in thickness
2. Get 3 dinner plates and on plate #1 put the cup of flour with about a teaspoon of salt and couple of grinds of pepper. On plate #2 put the beaten egg with water. On plate #3 put the seasoned bread crumbs.
3. Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture, then the egg, then the bread crumbs and place on a cookie sheet until you are ready to cook (you can do this step way ahead of time to help give some sanity during dinner prep!)
4. Heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in a non-stick skillet and brown 2 breasts at a time (about 2 minutes per side or until golden brown).
5. Place the browned chicken in a 400 degree oven for 5-10 minutes.

For the Sauce:

1. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
2. Add the juice of 2 lemons and 1/2 cup white wine.
3. Bring to a boil and reduce until the sauce begins to thicken slightly (note: this is a runnier sauce!)
4. Take the sauce off the heat and add 2 more tablespoons of butter.
5. Pour over the chicken breasts after removing them from the oven.

This dish pairs really well with buttery mashed potatoes and roasted onions (as pictured). If you are afraid of roasted onions (and I think you need your head examined if you are!), then any roasted vegetable will do. A lemony vinagarette drizzled over the roasted vegetable compliments the lemon butter sauce on the chicken. Bon Appetit!

Oh My Dear!

2009-08-20T14:02:00.000-07:00

Well, I am just an elated mother of a daughter today...we have entered the world of pigtails! I don't see myself returning to the old "do" anytime soon. I mean, please...look at her, would you?! My dear friend Katie brought over rubber bands during her nap today and for the first time (maybe ever!) I couldn't wait for naptime to be over. The second she woke up, we were puttin' in the 'tails! I think this style just suits Annie and her little personality. Matthew and I often think of her as Dr. Suess's Cindy Lu Who. The pigtails really put her over the top for this character. I love it! I love her. Here's to pigtails and all things little girl.

Let the Photos Do the Talking

2009-08-12T13:37:00.001-07:00

I shared the highlights of our trip in my previous post, but a pictures tells a thousand words...enjoy:

This was the entryway into Del Dotto Caves. They obviously age their wine the old fashioned way, letting the natural humidity of the caves reduce evaporation rates.

Del Dotto did our tastings right from the barrels in the cave. We learned a lot about wine and the different varieties. One thing that surprised us all is we came away from the trip not really liking white wine....red is so much more interesting!

This was my meal at Mustards. Sigh. It was a pan roasted pheasant with a balsamic reduction...yes please!

O Bliss...Oakville Grocery, a gourmet little piece of perfection.

There are rose bushes everywhere out there because there is an old wives tale that if there are pests or disease, the weaker rose bush would show the effects sooner.

Matthew and I at Domaine Caneros...a beautiful champagne winery that had amazing grounds. The bubbly was a nice change of pace!

Matthew and Matt rolling out pasta dough. We took a cooking class and a chef from San Francisco came in and taught us how to make homemade pasta and some amazing recipes.

Tasting the wonderful filling to our ravioli!

Our last night at Ledson Vineyards tasting room. Until our next visit...cheers!

Sorry...I've Been in Napa!

2009-08-09T18:37:00.001-07:00

Matthew and I just got back from a long weekend in Napa Valley and it was [pause] incredible. We actually stayed in Sonoma at this completely hip (and economical) hotel and by the end of our time there, we understood why the locals call it "Slow-noma". It is wonderfully laid back. It was long enough to feel like a vacation, but not too long to where our children forgot who we were and the grandparents still loved their grandchildren (they were the babysitters, God bless their souls).

We met our good friends, the Dallmans, out there. We all agreed it was the absolute perfect spot to go to with friends...especially good friends. Good friends that we don't see near enough, but have created incredible memories with throughout the last seven years.
Highlights of the trip? We all had different ones, so I will include all of them! For Matthew it was sitting in our very cool coffee shop that was attached to our very cool hotel.

uninterrupted.

without children.

reading the newspaper.

every morning.

For me, it was sleeping until I felt like waking up.

uninterrupted.

without children.

drinking good coffee.

every morning.

For Kimi, it had to be the restaurant, Mustards. She said after finishing her nearly perfect meal, and I quote "I have never been so happy in my life". It was a foodie's dream come true eating at this place. Needless to say, we both came home with the absolutely gorgeous cookbook. WE LOVE CINDY PAWLCYN!

For Matt, it was going to Del Dotto Winery. It was incredibly educational and the wine...it was such great wine. I don't think I'll be able to look at 3 Buck Chuck ever the same. Bummer. This place actually took you into caves and poured your tastings straight from the oak barrels. It was an experience and we got suckered into spending way too much money on 750 milliliters of liquid.

What a great trip. I once heard someone say to stop buying the designer jeans and wasting your money on take out and, instead, spend your money on vacations. Vacations are the experiences that you continue to draw upon for stories you will tell the rest of your lives. I have to say, I agree.

Recipe of the Week: The Best Sloppy Joes You've Ever Eaten

2009-08-09T18:17:00.000-07:00

Nothing says "America" louder than a good Sloppy Joe. I've been on the hunt for the best recipe since I got married to a ravenous carnivore seven years ago and I think I have arrived. My mother-in-law actually got this recipe when she bought her 12-inch fry pan from All Clad (yet another reason to buy these pans...they come with killer recipes!). As with most my recipes, if you can read it, you can cook it (its that easy). So read, cook and enjoy!

Ingredients

serves 6 unless you are serving a Severns boy

2 Tbs. olive oil

1 yellow onion, diced

4 garlic cloves, minced

2 lb. ground beef (I substitute ground turkey all the time and it tastes great!)

1 cup ketchup

1 1/4 cups tomato puree

5 Tbs. barbecue sauce

2 Tbs. prepared mustard

1 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

2 tsp. hot sauce (optional)

6 hamburger buns, warmed

Directions

In the nonstick fry pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, 7 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally and breaking up large chunks with the back of a spoon, until the beef is no longer pink. Add the ketchup, tomato puree, barbecue sauce, mustard, Worcestershire and hot sauce and stir well to combine. Reduce the heat to low, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is cooked through and the sauce has reduced slightly, about 20 minutes. Let cool briefly, then serve on the warm hamburger buns.

I usually make this first thing in the morning and simmer it for 20 minutes and then let it sit and marinate the rest of the day. I also like grilling the buns (insides only!) with a little butter.

Hello, Gorgeous!

2009-07-27T06:30:00.000-07:00

Well, she has arrived...the first tomato of the season. I feel like it was some sort of pregnancy in the birth of this first fruit. I planted it in late May and have been watching, waiting and watering for months in anticipationg of this day. And let me tell you, enjoying a tomato from vine to table in less than a minute... it doesn't get better (or fresher!) than this. Matthew and I enjoyed this for breakfast this morning (yes, breakfast!) and there are many more coming down the pipe. We experimented with the Topsy Turvy upside down tomato planter this year and so far its yielding some awesome tomatoes without all the pests. Matthew will eat tomatoes like an apple, so this was a very economical decision for us this season. We did the Heartland variety this year, but next year I'll be doing the Heirlooms! They are the ugliest little tomatoes you've ever seen, but they are sweet and delicious!

Recipe of the Week: Green Tacos

2009-07-22T05:49:00.000-07:00

Now, I realize that I have committed bad blogging behavior and its been more than a week since my last recipe. However, Annie has been vomiting (among other things) and that has consumed my spare time. With that said...please...enjoy the food!

I have yet to make this dish for someone who didn't love it. These tacos have a few simple ingredients that meld into the perfect taco and you'll never go back to ground beef again! This dish is also the perfect summertime entertaining dish because you use the grill, its low prep and it easily feeds 4 to 6 people.

Now I realize the "pickled onions" sound disgusting and you might be tempted to make this meal omitting that topping...DON'T! They are an essential, sweet counterpart to the herby, spicy beef. Just trust me on this one and you can thank me later ;)!

For the Tacos:

1 flank steak
1 1/2 Tablespoons sugar
salt and pepper
3/4 cup fresh cilantro
4 green onions (white and green parts)
1 clove garlic
1 jalapeno
olive oil

Cilantro Pesto and Pickled Red Onions

For the Pickled Red Onions:
1 red onion
1 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
special thanks to Cook's Illustrated

Directions for the tacos:

Liberally sprinkle the flank steak with sugar, salt and pepper on both sides and marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours
Take the 3/4 cup cilantro, 4 green onions, 1 diced and seeded jalapeno and garlic and whizz in a food processor. While it is mixing, drizzle in olive oil until it reaches the consistency of the above photograph (this makes a "cilantro pesto")
Grill the marinated flank steak until desired tenderness, let rest 5 minutes and slice
While the flank steak is grilling, grill your corn tortillas on your gas stove (if you don't have a gas burner, use a grill) until black speckles appear on tortilla on both sides.

5. Toss the grilled flank steak in cilantro pesto
6. Serve with blackened tortillas, sour cream, pickled red onions (recipe follows!) guacamole... whatever else you want!

Directions for the pickled red onions:

Slice the red onion and seeded jalapeno in thin rings
Take 1 cup red wine vinegar, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon salt and sliced jalapeno and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar
Pour the boiled vinegar mixture over the raw, red onions and cover with plastic wrap
Let the onions marinate for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally and serve with the tacos

That is it! You will absolutely love this dish and it will become a summertime staple on your table. Enjoy!

Summertime

2009-07-21T19:22:00.000-07:00

Is there a greater symbol of summertime than the Ice Cream Truck? I think not! When Matthew and I hear the ringing of that bell, its like two grown gorillas racing through the house trying to flag the truck down while simultaneously searching frantically for our wallets. We want so desperately for David and Annie to experience this summertime tradition and spend $6.50 on a freakin' ice cream cone. Admittedly, the Ice Cream Truck has a deeply disturbing trait if you sit there and think about it and why do the drivers tend to be these disheveled freaks? At any rate, everyone runs to the Ice Cream Truck...and in the end, its a very tasty treat and well worth the while!

Gobbledigook

2009-07-21T19:12:00.000-07:00

So Annie doesn't have too many words quite yet, but I'm not worried because she is fluent in her own invented language. Whenever I try to work with her on body parts or naming objects, David boisterously interjects before the poor, pre-verbal child can even process my question. Sigh.

Moments with the Piggies

2009-07-14T12:58:00.001-07:00

Yes, David is embracing cotton candy = sticky mess all over him and thus the car seat from the ride home from the stadium!

My husband and I have affectionately started referring to our children as the "Piggies". Wherever they go, they are either covered with food or leave a trail of books, Cheerios, Hot Wheels...you name it... behind them.

Its...

really.

unbelievable.

I guess one day they will be free slave labor.

Kitchen Essentials

2009-07-14T09:32:00.001-07:00

Probably the most common question I get from my girlfriends who are just learning how to cook is what equipment they need to buy. I always remind them that it takes years to accumulate all the gadgets and there is no need to blow hundreds of dollars. Slowly adding to your collection creates memories and easy gift ideas for the man in your life ;)! However, everyone needs a starting point and from my experience here is a recommended path:

Pots and Pans! You can't do much without these, women, and although I'm a frugal one, you need to throw that trait out the window when it comes to pans. Get the best and the best is All Clad. Truly, it affects how evenly your food cooks and how well your pans will hold up over time. You will not buy another set if you go with the All Clad Stainless. I'm a fan of the stainless steel because I prefer not eating Tephalon on a regular basis; however, suit yourself. I recommend the 4" and 8" omelet/saute pans, the (at least) 8 quart stock pot and two covered saucepans, preferably in the 2 quart and 4 quart sizes. You do need at least one non-stick pan and I would recommend getting the All Clad 12 inch fry pan. You have to have non-stick with some foods (i.e. pancakes, fish, etc) , but I like to limit my family's exposure to it.

You are only as good (and fast!) as your knives, ladies! Invest in good knives and it will change your life! Once again, if you buy right, you will only buy once. I recommend the Wusthof Classic grip knives and don't buy the block set; buy one knife at a time and build the collection you desire and then have a block made or use a magnet (as pictured above). Start with a chef's knife (I love the Santoku by Wusthof!) and a paring knife and move forward from there. I don't recommend sharpening your knives yourself because they can get out of balance. Find a sharpener in your town and pay $5 every 6 months or so to have them professionally sharpened.

Just the picture of this pot makes me smile. The Dutch Oven...sigh. It screams of an inviting kitchen and this sucker is capable of the greatest pot of soup ever! Because its cast iron, you can brown that peice of meat on the stove, add sauce and finish it in the oven all in the same pot, making full use of all the flavor of those crusty little bits on the bottom of the pan. The cast iron also maintains heat really well, which makes it optimal when simmering soup or beans all day. Of course the top brand (and one I would highly recommend!) is Le Creuset, but you will spend hundreds of dollars. I read an article from a highly reliable source rating Target's brand, Chef Mate, in the top three of all Dutch Ovens (Le Creuset being #1, of course!) and it only cost $50 bucks. HELLO! Therefore, the Frugal Foodie went with that option and I have yet to be disappointed (although I'm secretly jealous of anyone who owns the 8 quart Le Creuset because lets be honest...it just looks cool on your stove!)

This is the hub of my kitchen. I literally use this 3 times a day (as in every meal!). I never take it off my counter. Don't get a cheap cutting board because if you take care of it with mineral oil rubs, its a friend for life. Obviously the Boo's Block is my recommendation!

The zest of kitchen life comes from the Microplane (accept no other brand!). This tools shaves cheese beautifully and you no longer have to roll your eyes when a recipe calls for zest. This tool takes the sweat out of zesting any citrus fruit (or nutmeg!).

My final recomendation for the kitchen is a subscription to Cook's Illustrated. I have learned more from this magazine than my own mother about cooking. It truly is my best friend in the kitchen and at $25/year, even the Frugal Foodie can justify that expense! I will probably do a whole posting just on this magazine because my love affair with this publication is slightly embarassing.

I'm Going Public

2009-07-12T18:56:00.000-07:00

Ok, so the blog isn't exactly where I want it, but its a work in progress. Isn't that what a blog essentially is...a work in progress? ANYWAY! You can stay tuned for two more sections to be added (drum roll please): "Culture" (music, books and movies I'm currently into) and "The Sewing Closet". Of course there are a ton more posts that I want to do in each section, but my husband has already declared himself a "blog widower" and thinks he has permanently lost me to this new found world of mine. So, here is my first stab and I'm officially hooked, so you can log onto Lindsay Lady and be guaranteed fresh postings quite regularly. Until nap time tomorrow...good night.

Annie in a Nutshell!

2009-07-12T12:52:00.001-07:00

Since I just started blogging and Annie is already 16 months, I thought the best way to summarize her life thus far is with the picture collage. Welcome to Annie's life...thus far!

The Gospel According to David

2009-07-11T15:33:00.001-07:00

So many times we bog down the simplicity of the gospel with our theology, passion or cynicism. Listen and be reminded by his simple words (and then enjoy a little jive and an eating of a cereal bar...oh, and a crotch grab, which is just part of little boys!).

"Heaven's about...Jesus got a boo-boo then he got alive again!"

The Story Behind the Pizza Dough

2009-07-11T09:10:00.000-07:00

I have been on the hunt for the perfect pizza crust and I think I have arrived, thanks to my college girlfriends...and Bestmom! Crunchy on the outside, yet chewy and delicious on the inside. How did I get my hands on this bit of paradise you ask? Here is the road: every year my college girlfriends gather for our annual reunion and drink wine, cook and laugh late into the night...and we must be getting old because this year we were all up by 8:30 each morning back at it again, sans wine and add coffee. We were at Kate's house this year with all its mid-century coolness and she and Dustin made us INCREDIBLE pizzas upon our arrival. So simple, yet so divine. Now, I've made several batches trying to get it just right and I have to admit, Bestmom (my mother-in-law) gave this to my husband for his 30th birthday and it has made all the difference:

Yes, folks the Komado Joe Smoker has found its home on our patio and it makes INCREDIBLE pizzas because this sucker can get up to 800 degrees. Yes, it is true. This little piece of equipment has taken the pizza dough to the next level. The dough is now that of restaurant quality that boasts of its wood-fire grill. Now, just because you don't have this smoker doesn't mean you can't make this pizza. Simply invest in a pizza stone and hike your oven up to a toasty 500 degrees and follow the recipe posted.

Recipe of the Week: Pizza Dough Perfected

2009-07-11T05:37:00.000-07:00

Crispy. Chewy. Party in your mouth! This recipe is so simple and so delicious.

4 1/2 cups of chilled organic flour (why not spend $2-$3 more and go organic?!)
1 3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon instant yeast
1/4 cup olive oil
1 3/4 cup cold water
(thanks to Peter Reinhart)

Preheat your oven to 500 degrees (preheat your pizza stone too!)
Mix the first 3 ingredients and put into an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook
Slowly add the olive oil and water while it is mixing on medium speed
Mix for 8 minutes to develop the gluten
Add flour if its too sticky (it should be sticky, but not tacky) and add water if its too dry (i.e. completely clearing the bowl while mixing)

(this is the proper consistency!)

Take the dough out, divide it into 3 balls and put into greased containers and store in freezer
Take out the dough the day before and thaw in your refrigerator
Take out the dough at least 2 hours before making your pizza
Top the pizzas with your desired toppings
Bake in the oven on a pizza stone (or if you're lucky, The Komado Joe, see posting: The Story Behind the Pizza Dough for a full explanation!) until bubbly and gorgeous!

Obviously I Had Mother's Day Out Today!

2009-07-10T12:10:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this isn't how my table looks everynight, but as I told my husband "this is the treatment you get when momma gets a break!" Jot this lesson, FELLAS!

Share Your Table

2009-07-10T11:55:00.001-07:00

art by Nikki McClure

Is there anything better than good food, good wine and good company? I love cooking up a feast with the aromas filling up my house and then slowly enjoying the meal late into the night, candles lit with my husband and friends. This atmosphere is never without belly laughs and thought-provoking stories that is good for my soul. The thought of meal prep and clean up can be a daunting one with two toddlers running around with their demands...in fact, a lot of afternoons as I'm prepping, I reflexively start mumbling "have mercy". I know its my brain and hormones trying desperately to maintain control of downward spiral happening in my kitchen, but hey, its better than screaming at my kids! However, as I load my last dish into the washer late at night, I undoubtedly have a smile on my face and somehow have selective amnesia about the afternoon's stresses. Its good to break bread with friends.

Is There a Better Friend?

2009-07-10T11:22:00.000-07:00

Ladies, put away your expensive chemicals and return to the roots of our ancestors! Bar Keeper's Friend first graced our shelves of this great country in 1882 and Bar Keeper's Friend is a friend indeed. I use this stuff on everything from my All Clad Cookware to my bathtubs. Nothing works like this stuff after a long day in the kitchen and my pans are caked with cooked-on food. It has the consistency of Comet, but works like a miracle and its CHEAP! A can will last you several months and its only a couple of bucks. So go to your local hardware store (or if you're into the chains, so be it) and let your life be changed. Its simple, its versatile, it will become your friend.