Just A Mom And Wife: 2012

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Covergirl's Blastflipstick Review

I was picked by Bzz Agent to try Covergirl's lipsticks called Blastflipstick. It's a dual ended lipstick where one side is a matte finish and the other side (to put on lower lip on the middle part) is shimmery shade to make your lips look full, shiny and makes them pop out more.

There are different shades and the shades I got where
820 Vixen- Light pink shimmery shade and a dark rose, berry shade
840 Stunner - Golden coral shimmery shade and a bright red (with gold and orange tones)
855 Minx - Gold brown medium shimmery shade and dark brown chocolate matte color

Left is Vixen

Middle is Stunner

Right is Minx

As you can see I swatched the one shade on the left side mixed the two colors together and on the right side is the lighter color of the lipstick.

I am waring Vixen 820

Upon application the product goes on nice and smooth, and the shimmery shade that I put on the lower lip can pick up the darker shade if you don't leave the middle part of your lips bare. The idea is to put darker shade on top of your lips and on the corners of your bottom lip, leaving the middle lower part part bare. (Are you with me?) Then you apply the shimmery shade there and it makes your lips full and it just pops out. I tried this lipstick on and it does transfer to your coffee cup, and after a few hours the lipstick was gone but there was some shade of color on my lips. By this point my lips look dry and I applied some plain gloss and it looked more finished. The color left over was rough looking on my lips, it reminded of those all day lipstick that first came out. Remember those? It was a very drying lipstick and stayed on your lips for hours, and also dried out your lips. Then you would put a balm over it. That lipstick was very hard to take off. Well, I looked like a clown before the formulas were changed and it's more hydrating now. The lipstick was easy to apply, it's long and slender and it's very pointy, so you can have a precise application without using a lip brush. Now, if you were to use a brighter redder color- probably a good idea to use a lip brush.

I like the Vixen color for my skin tone. It's something I would ware. The other two colors I wasn't too crazy about it. It's too red and brown. I have not seen the other colors, so I don't know how they look.

Over all, this product is okay for me. It's not my first choice, since I can find my own lipstick color a darker shade or light shade and just apple a shiny, gloss with similar color and put it on my lower lip. The idea is you can mix and match to have different looks and they did the matching for you.

This product was given to from Bzz Agent, I try the products and give my honest opinion.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Powder

I am really liking this product. I got the Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Powder from Physicians Formula, The color I got was Translucent. I am so glad I saw a post about this.

I use the light large colored heart for highlight. I put it on the top part of my cheeks, then a blush (either the pink heart) or another blush on the apples of my cheeks, then a darker shade under that (using the darker pink on the compact) or another blush color.
Happy Booster™
Glow & Mood Boosting Powder
I can really see the difference in my face, it's more healthy looking and just bright. The product didn't change my mood directly, but seeing that I like how I looked with this product I guess you could say made me happy because I looked healthy and I found a right make up look. I am so glad I purchased this product.
I purchase this product with my own money and was not compensated for this review. I just really like this product and wanted to share it.

Wet N Wild Make up

I remember seeing this product back in the 1990's? The compact was .99 so were the shadows, liners, lipstick and maybe other things, but I don't remember now. Being in high school and I worked part time I didn't have extra money to buy the department store brands. I tried them and I remember being pleased with the compacts- pressed powder and the lipstick.

Now, it's 2012, and this product has improved so much! The prices on some lipstick is still .99 and the liners too. Now they have new lines prices varies from .99 to 4.99. These can be found at Walgreens and CVS in my area. I think every few weeks they would be on sale for buy one and second at 50%.

I know what you are thinking 1.99 to 2.99 for eye shadow trios? It has to be terrible. These shadows are the best. It has very good color pigmentation and it last ALL DAY for me. From the time I put it on around 7 am, get my kids ready, make breakfast, take my daughter to the bus stop, stay home with my second daughter, make lunch, do errands, cook, or bake, take a nap, make dinner, and get the kids ready for bed and my eyeshadow looks the same as I put then on that morning.

I am currently using two shadows, I switch between the two colors. I know I have seen on You Tubes that the colors on some of them are a "dupe" for a more high end department store brand such as MAC (I think? and a few others ones)

This is one of my favorite color. 381B Sweet As Candy. It looks bright but it's a really nice shade and you can blend it with the sponge applicator and also comes with a small size brush. I recently picked up this other shade, it was recommended on you tube and I remember looking at the shade before but did not get it till now.

This is my second favorite color 380B Walking on Eggshells. If you are not used to using the pink color in Sweet As Candy, this can be subtle and natural. I am used to waring a little more color for shadows. I have yet to try the bright ones because those colors I feel like my eye brows are screaming. I do like the purple shade and it all depends on how much you put on and how you blend. I think these were either 1.99 or 2.99. They also have a 8 count set for 4.99, I believe. I have to get those next time.

Here are some other color they have:
331 I Dream of Greenie.

335 Silent Treatment

336 Spoiled Brat

They have other shades available and other products too. http://wnwbeauty.com/index.php
I am also using one of their bronzer as a face powder since the color is light for me.
I am not affiliated with Wet N Wild. I was not compensated for the products. I purchase them with my own money. I wanted to share that you can have a reasonably price or cheap make up that is better than the brand from department stores. If you are still not sure try one of the shadows, it is 2.99 and I bet you will like them. I have gotten a lot of compliments on my eye make up when I ware this brand. Let me know what you think and what color you got.

Friday, November 9, 2012

BURT'S BEES INTENSE HYDRATION LINE

I was very lucky to received this product line. It's just in time for winter too since my face gets very dry. I am currently using the Burt's Bees Intense Hydration Cream Cleanser, Night Cream, and Mask. I was not sure of the fragrance when I first used it since I am used to all the "fake" fragrance in skin care products. It smelled good as I washed my face, but smelled weird when I smelled the product itself. Weird? My daughter said it smells good. After a few uses I now like how it smells- fresh and clean. I like the night cream since a small amount goes a long way. I also used this on my 2 year old- living in Chicago area our winters are tough, harsh and very drying. It has helped her face free off red, dry patches. (My decision to use that on her and did not ask a dermatologist.) It also helped my skin from being dry and flaky. The mask I used a few times a week. I am not used to wiping it off since most mask I used in the past I rinse off. This feels nice too. Overall, I am very pleased with the product and would recommend this. Since the product is very rich and creamy it might be too much to use in the summer. Just a little dab goes a long way. There are also other products Day Cream and an Eye Cream which I have not tried. I was hoping the day cream would have SPF, but maybe that changes the formulation. I got products from BZZ Agent and I would test the product and give my reviews.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Burt's Bees Intense Hydration

Friday, September 21, 2012

Glade Expressions Collection

I am so glad to be picked for Glade Expressions Collection of Fragrance Mist and Oil Diffuser. I was given products to try from Bzz Agent and I would review about it.

I got both Glade Expressions Fragrance Mist and Oil Diffuser and I picked Fuji Apple and Cardamom Spice because it reminds me of Fall/Autumn. It is my favorite season. I like the cool weather and the spices that goes with it. Fuji Apple and Cardamon Spice is a perfect blend of it in my opinion.

I have the Glade Expressions Oil Diffuser in my kitchen counter since I cook twice a day and everyday. I also use the Glade Expressions Fragrance Mist to freshen up the air- and when ever the cat uses the litter box. Which is when I am about to eat- always!

I can smell the fragrance when I am coming downstairs and as well as I walk in from outside. It is not over powering, just a light fresh, warm fragrance that makes my house feel homey.

Here are the descriptions of the products:
Glade Expressions^® Fragrance Mist comes in a chic holder that blends with your décor for a burst of fragrance that's always out and available. Simply squeeze to release a long-lasting, light mist of fragrance; then refill the holder with your favorite true-to-life scent.
The Glade Expressions^® Oil Diffuser releases authentic and exotic fragrances without having to plug it in or find batteries. The trendy holder matches décor perfectly - and is also refillable - making it an effective, stylish option for layering true-to-life fragrances in all of your living spaces.

Here's a list of the fragrances from Glade Expressions^®:
Cotton & Italian Mandarin - Open your home with the bright, breezy blend of cotton and sparkling citrus, honeydew and sandalwood*
Fuji Apple & Cardamom Spice - A ripe, spicy blend of sweet pears and crisp apple with a dash of cinnamon and clove that warms and invigorates
Lavender & Juniper Berry - Lush lavender blends with fresh juniper berry, eucalyptus and rose to relax the senses and open your home
Pineapple & Mangosteen - Evoke a tropical paradise with the blend of freshly cut pineapples and hint of tangy mangosteen, creamy coconut and passionflower

I am very please with this product.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Oral B Profesional Healthy Clean

Over the summer, I did a survey for a toothbrush. I got picked to try an electric toothbrush by Oral B Professional Healthy Clean Precision 1000. I couldn't use it right away since it had to charge. It says that it: removes up to 5x more plaque along the gumline* pulsates to break up plaque oscillates and rotates to sweep plaque away The Brush head is round and it surrounds each tooth for precise cleaning in hard to reach places. It gives me signals every 30 seconds to switch sides. The bristles fade half way to indicate it's time to replace the brush head. My opinion: It took some time to get used to it since it was buzzing in my mouth against each tooth. (Excuse what I said since there was no other way to explain that?) It was hurting my head a little bit- almost felt like a head ache. It doesn't bother me as much since I am getting use to it. My teeth did feel clean, smooth, and slick? I would recommend this product and was please with the results.

I was given the product for free from Modern Mom. I tried it and this is my own opinion. *vs regular brushing.

Saturday, August 25, 2012

COVERGIRL & OLAY 2 in 1 Rehab Updated

I was fortunate to try Covergirl and Olay Tone Rehab 2 in 1 Foundation. I am a fan of Covergirl make up and Olay products. What's better than putting the two things I like into one? I got the foundation and powder to try. The Covergirl and Olay Tone Rehab 2 in 1 Foundation with one pump helps instantly cover discolorations, lines, and wrinkles and is clinically shown to help reduce the appearance of discolorations, like age spots, over time. It also has Olay skin care ingredients including Glycerein, Niacinamide and N-acetyl Glocosamine effectively penetrate the skin's outer surface layers to moisturize skin for improve skin tone over time. The Covergirl and Olay Pressed Powder It completes your look and give luminous coverage and helps to instantly brighten skin tone. My opinions- I am not sure if the color I got was too light or just right for me. I got Buff Beige 125 for the foundation and Fair/Light 320 for the pressed powder. I usually get Medium Beige 142 or Creamy Beige 150 for the foundation and Light Medium 340 or Medium 350 when I buy Cover Girl products in the store. I picked the lighter color because the other choices would have been TOO dark for my skin tone. That being said- is it too light? It doesn't seem too be when I look in natural light. I don't see a line by my jawline - the ones you see when people have make up on too dark or too light. It should look like one color from above jaw line to below or past it. It should be one continuous color. I think I am thinking it's too light since I am not "used" to the brightening effects it's supposed to do and give me when I put the powder on. The foundation is medium to heavy depending on how much you put on. I just do one pump and rub it between my palms and pat to my face or sometimes I dot it over my face. It has a nice fresh "Olay" scent that I like. The only thing I wish this had was SPF, but I can't complain I really like it and would buy this again maybe try and different shade. I am a Bzz Agent and I was given samples of this products to try and give my own reviews. I was also given some coupons to share. I am being brave. This is me before any make up. I just washed my face. Please be kind.

This is with the foundation ONLY.

As you can see I am not so red. I didn't put a lot or any over my forehead since I can see the difference. I decided to leave it alone so you can see the comparison with and without the foundation. This picture I put on the powder and yes some blush, eye liner, eye shadow- you get the idea. I try to look natural with my make up, so when you see me it's not such a SHOCK to see me bare face.

I try not to smile too much. People always frown before and SMILE BIG on the after. I try to have the same look so it doesn't look so different. Like those before they just look so happy - not big frown almost and the after picture they are grinning from ear to ear. There you have it. I hope this helps you decide on the make up. Let me know what you thought of them if you decide to try them.

UNREAL CANDY

I was picked from Bzz Agent to try some candy called UNREAL. The packaging said
UNREAL
UNJUNKED
NO Artificials
NO Hydrogenateds
NO Corn Syrup
NO Preservatives
NO GMOs.

I got the Unreal 41 Candy Coated Chocolates.
It looks like another brand that starts with a "M" name. The similarities stop there. The colors where different. It isn't bright colors but more like a matte or jewel colors like deep purple, red or maroon, dark yellow, and dark green.
My opinion- At first bite I could tell that there weren't a lot of "extra" stuff in it. The chocolate tasted "expensive" to me. The ones you buy when you are in a different country and they have specialty chocolates or those boutiques. where the chocolate cost lost per pound or ounce. I really like it and will buy this again.

The other candy I got was Unreal 5 Chocalate Caramel Nougat Bar.
I guess this would be like another chocolate brand with the name of a group of 3 men?!
The cut it in half and the caramel was very creamy and making a sting as I tore it apart.
My opinion- It was delicious and I was not surprised this time (after tasting the other candy first.) It was very good and can also taste that there were no extra stuff in it. It tasted natural and could taste the caramel and chocolate. The nougat is my favorite.

Over all, I like this brand and I will buy them again and possibly give them as gifts in goody bags.

I am a Bzz Agent. They send my products to try and share my reviews with others.
The opinions are my own as are the reviews.

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Covergirl and Olay

I have been a BzzAgent for a few years now. I answer surveys and depending on the products I get picked to try them for free by a form of a coupon to get the product or the products itself to try. Then I buzz it to my friends telling them about the product and sharing a sample or giving them coupons.
I got picked to try Covergirl and Olay Makeup. I will try a foundation and powder. I am exicted to try them. I will keep you posted.

Saturday, June 9, 2012

A fine thin line between being green and being frugal

For the past few years, I have been using reusable bags as much as I can. There are times that I need plastic bags for garbage, to put my daughter's shoes in so she can bring it to school, dirty diapers, and other things. I have two bundles of washcloths I have been using for the kitchen, bathrooms and personal use. Kitchen is green color and bathroom is white and personal use is red and pink colors. I recycle. I use coupons for things I buy from personal products to food items.
Recently I was on other blogs and saw a post about being green and what people don't ever buy-EVER and what they do buy. For me I buy paper towels to clean up mess that I don't want to deal with cleaning such as cat hair ball, or kids getting sick. You get my point. I buy soda or pop once in a while when it's on sale and I only buy the 1 liter. I am guilty of buying bottle water. I do recycle the bottles. I buy toilet paper and wipes. The baby wipes can be flushed in my household anyways. I haven't used the toddler wipes.
I saw some post that people do not buy toilet paper- YES TOILET PAPER. I am not knocking her and her family down. It's working for her. Using cut up clothes, shirts, towels etc to squares and she washes them when they are used. (Let me give you a second or two to let that sink in.) I guess it is no different than using washable diapers? To me the difference is an adult vs a baby.

What would you buy or not buy EVER?

Friday, June 8, 2012

Enfagrow® Toddler Program

I am very excited to try this product for my (almost 2 year old.) She'll be 2 next month. I am fortunate enough that she likes to eat everything. Her favorite are peas, cheese, and pretty much everything. When she sees food commercials, or when we are the grocery store- deli, produce, and food isles- she is saying Hmmmm!!!! She wants the food now. She has been eating regular food since she was 6 months old. I worry about her getting the proper nutrients since she didn't really eat all the regular baby foods.

Here are some information about the Enfagrow. Thanks to SheSpeaks for this opportunity to sample these great products and coupons.

Enfagrow Toddler Formula

Your toddler's needs are changing, and it's more important than ever to provide the nutrition she needs for continued healthy development. Enfagrow Toddler products are tailored to nourish the development that helps your toddler reach milestones at this critical stage.

Enfagrow Toddler Formulas:

Are specially tailored for toddlers 9 months and up
Include DHA and iron—building blocks of a toddler's brain
Have 25 nutrients for growth, including calcium and vitamin D
Include antioxidants to help support your toddler's developing immune system
Are available in unflavored Enfagrow® PREMIUM™ Toddler, Enfagrow® Gentlease® Toddler and Enfagrow® Soy Toddler

Enfagrow Older Toddler Milk Drinks:

Are specially tailored for toddlers 1 year and up
Include DHA and iron—building blocks of a toddler's brain
Have 19 nutrients for growth, including calcium and vitamin D
Also include our Natural Defense® Dual Prebiotics® blend, designed to help support digestive health
Are available in delicious vanilla and natural milk flavors
Now available in convenient, single-serve, ready-to-drink Tetra Pak cartons

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Are you a Proverbs 31 woman?

I am always looking up things on the internet- looking for blogs, about cooking, baking, school ideas, crafts and printable things. I came across WomenLivingWell.org. I really liked her site. She is doing a Bible study. Are you a Proverbs 31 Woman? That got me curious. It's been a long time since I read a Bible. I decided to join and do the readings. It has renewed my spirit, instead of doing my best- I try to do the next level. I am enjoying (even more) cleaning up, organizing, feeding my family, all the household stuff. I want to nurture them, provide for my family, love my daughters and husband. Be there for them. Yes, there are days when I feel - tired, or this stinks. Then I think about P31 and I readjust my attitude. It's up to you what you want to do. For me this site and this woman- Courtney has been an inspiration to me. I can do my best to be like her.

Friday, May 25, 2012

Beauty in the mail.....

I am on Facebook, everyday, okay, every few hours, alright, every hour. I have a couple of friends that got Birchbox. It's a site where you pay $10.00 a month and you get 4-5 samples. You can't pick the samples, but they have tried and tested it, so you don't have to waste time and money trying out different products. I ordered my first box. I prefer to be in a group or club where they send you the stuff to try for FREE. I wasn't too impress with the products they sent me. They were nice, but not worth the $10.00. If you are like me- a stay and work at home mom, then $10.00 seems a lot.

There is another group- Julep. I came across them online on a search and found a code to get the products for a penny instead of $19.99. It wasn't worth the $19.99. I do like the nail polishes and I am looking forward to trying out the Best Pedi Cream.

I will be trying out the products and will post how they are. I will also put pictures up. If you want to see them sooner, they are on my FB pictures.

Saturday, May 19, 2012

I am back

I have been away. I had surgery and was feeling great, but also healing. I feel better over all, but still have stomach pains. I had my gall bladder removed since it was not doing it's job. I had 2 pains in my abdominal area and at that time did not know it was gall stones. I see my GI for my Ulcerative Colitis and also taking medications for that. Certain foods still bother me, but over all I do feel better. I am not as bloated and it's been a year since I stop taking Prednisone, a steriod medication. It does it's job, but I was hungry and eating every 2 hours. Luckily, I ate fruits and veggies, but I still gained weight and got all puffy. I think I am losing some weight, and should walk again when it's not too cold or too hot since I have to take my almost 2 year old with me.
I have some new things coming my way to try and test. I am looking forward to that. Summer is coming, so I have been trying to clean up. My 7 year old brings so much paper from school. I keep some things and the others I throw out. I kept some of her worksheets, so we can go over those over summer. I don't want her to forget, and we're doing some extra work in writing and math. She's doing good in reading and I just need to work on her comprehension skills. So much for having the summer off. My 22 month old is doing good- great! I am teaching her more sign language and she is remember them. She is still eating the foods I cook, unlike her older sister, she got picky when she turned 18 months and got worst when she turned 2.

Monday, April 9, 2012

MIA

I have been away. It was last week on Tuesday, that I had surgery. In December and January, I was having pains in my abdomen. It wasn't my usual Ulcerative Colitis pain, or flare up. The pain lasted from 24-36 hrs and I just stayed in bed. I saw my GI and he suspected gallstones. I had an ultrasound done and it was gallstones. I never felt that pain before- it was in the center between by chest, by the sternum. The pain was so intense that the first time it happened I woke up from sleeping. The pain was also in my back. I had my gallbladder removed. I was worried about stomach issues since I have read from others that they were having bathroom and stomach pains. I can actually say, I feel better. Yeah, the surgical site hurts, but over all I feel a difference. I am slowly getting back to "normal" as I can be. Watching my 2 girls, I did not get the prescription of meds. I just took 2 Tylenol as need for pain. I felt for me it was too risky to take them since I need to be "aware" watching my kids. I hope to catch up later this week and post my pictures from my Shrimp Toast.

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Shrimp Toast

I am planning to make shrimp toast for dinner. If you've ever had Dim Sum before then you're familiar with this dish. Dim Sum is like little plates of different kind of foods similar to a 1-2 bites food good for 1-4 people or more. Usually you get other dishes-LOTS of other dishes too so you would have a variety of 5-8 foods. I know it's a bite or two multiply that times 5 different dishes. They also serve larger portions. The menu varies from Shrimp Toast, Egg rolls, Shu Mai, Pot stickers that type of dishes to Chicken Feet, some kind of tripe, and other dishes. I am not a "hardcore" Chinese food eater. I usually stick to Chicken, noodles, ToFu that kind of dishes.

The Shrimp Toast is my own version. I don't measure anything. I will post pictures later when it is time to make it. I use frozen kind in a bag with the tail on that is raw. Pretty much just have to peel off the shell.

Shrimp a handful or two or more depending on how many people are eating
Salt and pepper,
green onions- cut to small pieces green and white about part 2 stems
crushed red pepper flakes
garlic salt
sesame oil -optional
Mirin (rice wine vinegar) - optional
white bread- has to be white bread (let it sit out to dry on both sides)
2 eggs scrambled
oil

Shrimp use a food processor to make it to a paste or can chop with knife to resemble paste (a little mushy) add all ingredients just put in a dash to three depending on how much shrimp you have.

Put shrimp mixture to the bread. You can leave the crust on or cut it out. It's up to you.
Spread it like you would peanut butter- you can make it thin or a bit thicker. Sometimes my last few pieces are thin because I am running out of the shrimp mixture. I hate to waste the bread.
Then dip to scrambled egg on both sides. Dip enough to make them wet but not soggy.

Pour oil in the pan add enough to cover the lower half of the bread slice.
Put bread with the shrimp side down first.
Fry till brown about 3-5 minutes then flip over.
Drain on paper towels.

You can serve as an appetizer or main dish. I serve mine with steamed white rice. I also have Chili garlic sauce huy fong.
http://www.amazon.com/Chili-Garlic-Sauce-Huy-Fong/dp/B000Z4JISQ
Most supermarkets carry them now. You can also use sweet and sour sauce.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Adrenaline junky???

When I was in school for Surgical Technology back in 2000. My professor was talking about working in the O.R. She was big into adrenaline or adrenaline junky. A surgical tech's job is to prepare the OR for surgery, working with a RN. I am the one that prepares the instruments, they are all sterile. I set it up from 1 trays to I don't know 5-8 trays of instruments. There are about 25-75 pieces of instruments in each tray. I know ALL the names because we have to count them before we start surgery, and as we close each layer and at the end. We count those, needles or sutures, lap sponges and what ever we use. Each tray have different instruments but there are the basics in there. Pick- up forceps, now I can say there is Adson Forceps, Adson Brown Forceps, never mind, as you can see it can be specifics. They all look alike. I am not an adrenaline junky. I like things calm and quite. I panic easily, but I also draw diagrams on how the OR back table is set up. One rotation I went to, the head RN was specific to where each instruments were placed. That being said, if I was going to lunch, a RN from that specific team would cover my lunch, and Viola, the instruments are on the same place where she would put them. There were sutures with no needles. I would fold the towels and in between the creases, I put the sutures in them or they would be all tangled up. Yes, I would label them too. And some of them where attached to a hemostat, like a forcep. I am so not an adrenaline junky. As the semester went on, and went to different hospitals for clinicals. I scrubbed in, and watch, scrubbed in and assisted with the help of my preceptor. Then finally I scrubbed in alone, set up the OR table all alone, counted the instruments, started and finished the case alone. My preceptor was nearby if I needed help, but some cases were so easy, that she didn't need to scrub in with me. It also helped that I have worked with the nicest surgeons. They are very nice, polite, knows my name and doesn't yell. To me, they know what they are doing and they don't brag. Now, the ones that yell, and throw, YES Throw instruments at me because I handed them the wrong instruments.
He said, "Forceps"
I ask, "Which ones?" There are about 5 different kinds here.
"Anything" he yelled back.
So I handed them one that was close to me. They were not happy with it.
THOSE, those type of surgeons are arrogant and they don't know what they want. One guy yelled at me because he thought I gave him the wrong suture. He didn't know what kind he used, but the RN knew. This was when I first started working and after a while you get to memorize the steps and know to give them what they want before he asked. I have reached that point in my hand surgery rotation.
I am no an adrenaline junky, if I know all my instruments, and I know what he is asking for and I am ready then I say, "Bring it on!" As my professor said, "You KNOW what you KNOW." They can't argue with you no matter what.
I saw pictures of a friend at a hospital in the OR and made me miss the OR. Then again, I don't miss the yelling. I do miss working at a dermatologist medical office.

Monday, March 26, 2012

First Day of Spring Break

I got three things done. I went to an appointment, took a nap and did laundry. I just now need to fold the laundry. I still have the to do list on the back of my mind. I also wanted to take the kids to the park, but it got cold. In the 40's type of cold. I am not complaining since I like, no I love the cold weather. Last week was torture for me. It was nice in the 70's to 80's. I like 60's better. I can open the windows have a breeze, the bugs are non existent, and I can hear the birds outside. I hope Tuesday will be a better day of getting things done.
Since it's cool outside, it's probably in the 60's in the house. I didn't make Butter Braid. http://www.butterbraid.com/ And OH.MY.GOODNESS. Those things should be on the naughty list. My daughter's school always have the fundraisers for them and each year I ignored them. Finally, this time my husband and I thought we would try them. We got two- Apple and Cream Cheese. They had other flavors too Almond Creme, Cherry (not a fan but he is) Raspberry, and something else? We got two and it takes 10 hrs or so to "make" them. I had to let it sit, thaw and rise for 8-10 hours and baked for 27 minutes. They were SO good! Flaky and very buttery. I had to text my friend Angela, because she also ordered and she never tried them. OMG was my text. Then I went on telling her how good it was. A day later, she text me and she also said OMG. Good thing we didn't order more or we would be in trouble. I have the Cream Cheese in the freezer and I am for once waiting for a warmer weather so I can let the Butter Braid, sit, thaw and rise. Then I can sit, eat, and drink coffee and read a book while I eat them. If you find one selling them, order 1 or 2 maybe 3 for yourself and I promise you - you won't be sorry. Your family will love you and if you give them as gifts your friends will love you. They will also hate you too for making them love them and they want more of it.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Spring Break

Spring Break for my first grader is here. I am excited like a little school girl. I don't have to get up early. I can sleep in late. I can start on my to do list. For some reason, I am up early or earlier I guess my internal clock doesn't know it's Spring Break. I can stay up late and so can the kids, but I end up paying for it. They are crabby in the morning and so am I. We are off our "routine" and much harder to get back to it when school starts next week. In the mean time Spring is here. Fresh new start, grasses are turning green, trees are coming to life, and windows are open to get fresh air. I am just going to enjoy each minute in between keep the two kids busy, laundry, my to do list, sort out winter clothes, put away older clothes to save for younger sister, figure out how many clothes my older daughter have, put away my own stuff, and did I say keep the kids busy and maybe do practice writing? Do some math, so she won't forget it? Just thinking of all this I am tired. I think I will sit for now and read a book.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Shrimp the easy way.

I am always looking up recipes on cook books, online, magazines and on TV. I have a lot of Cookbooks, recipe cut outs, binders, and recipe holders. I told you I have a lot of recipes. This one I found on Pinterest. I would like to give credit, but the link is not taking me back to the original post. Their version is different from mine, but they gave me the idea of baking it on top of lemon slices.
They used butter, lemon and Italian seasonings. I used less butter, the lemons and my choice of spices.

I made it my own by using less butter and adding what ever spices I had.
I melted 1/2 stick of butter, and used 2 whole lemons and sliced thin it to cover the glass baking dish.
I put the shrimp on top and I left the tails on. I used the EZ Peel Frozen Shrimp. Then I sprinkled, garlic powder, garlic salt, Steak Seasonings- yes, steak Seasonings- Have you looked at the spices in this thing!? Mrs Dash, the regular kind, Mrs Dash the lemon blend kind. (The more lemon the better right?) I also added crushed red pepper and for a good measure I squeezed the 4 lemon ends on top of this sucker. Then I baked it at 375 for 15 minutes or so.

Let me tell you, it was good and none of the mess making shrimp in the pan? Is it done? Did I cook it too much? Is it now rubbery? I can see this will be a great party appetizer.

Here is the recipe that is my own.
1/2 cup melted butter

2-3 lemons sliced thin to cover the baking dish.
shrimps peel the skin and can leave the tail or take off
seasonings what ever you have, sprinkle evenly over shrimp and lemon
squeeze the lemon ends before cooking or after...
bake at 375 for 15 minutes depending on your oven...you can always grab one to taste it.

You can say yummy after your tongue cooled off a bit......

Finally Doing It.

I've been thinking of starting a blog. I've looked at books and blogs online and finally decided to do it. I am taking the plunge. I will share cooking, baking, couponing and what ever stuff I can think of. I hope I will have readers. Thanks for checking in as I start this adventure and join the trillion, well millions of bloggers out there.