One of my biggest worries as a parent is about when my little munchkin princess grows up and becomes a teenager. I know there were personally a lot of things I did as a teen that my parents couldn't have done a thing about- well, short of chaining me to the kitchen table. I'm not saying I was a bad kid. I didn't get in much big trouble, just normal stuff... bad grades, talking back, lying... the stuff I imagine most parents deal with. But I did have some parties with my friends, and I experimented with drugs (nothing crazy), drank a little alcohol, and had premarital sex.
My first instinct when I started thinking about all this, was that I should just get over it now, because it's just what people do when they are in their adolescence, and I should just not worry about it until I get there. Then, I had a revolution! Why should I just accept all that as ok? And how is waiting until I can't do anything about it going to help anything. Of course, she is going to make her own decisions, in the end, but I'm pretty sure there are steps I can take to set her up for successful decision making.
I was definitely not gifted with good decision making skills, and sometimes I think my moral compass is set to True South, but I do the best I can. Awesome Guy, on the other hand, has wonderful decision making skills. Once in a while, when I look back, it seems like there's a short in my system somewhere between my reasoning section of my brain, and the emotional section. But either way, I'm blessed to have such a great man in her life to help me guide her in the right direction.
One thing I intend to do is to make sure I have a good relationship with my girl. Right now, we are about the center of each-other's universe, which is where we need to be. My life revolves around taking her to the potty, planning balanced meals, and making sure she has plenty of social interactions. And her life revolves around doing everything like mommy, trying not to take naps, asking for snacks, and begging me to take her to the park. But what happens when I have less control of her world and her priorities? I hope to keep talking, asking questions, and trying to instill that she should always be absolutely comfortable at home and around her family. After all, we are going to love her no matter what. I just want to make sure I always fight for our relationship. I am going to do my best not to lose sight of it.
I have just decided to make this a multi part installment. I'm not sure how many parts it will end up being, but I'll try to pepper in some recipes and other less serious stuff.... If you guys have any suggestions or requests about what you would like to read about, just let me know in my comments below!
Peace and thoughtfulness!!
Flower
Thursday, March 29, 2012
I made something DELICIOUS...
Ok, I may have "borrowed" the recipe from a different blogger, who may or may not have borrowed the recipe from another blogger... But I think I may have found a recipe thats a keeper! I mean, one that I'll make for my family time and time again. It is ham and swiss sliders, and it's another stupid easy recipe.
Basically you just go buy a bag of hawaiian rolls, and slice it cross ways, so all the tops and bottoms stay intact. Then, you melt a stick of butter (I KNOW!!! Sounds great already!). While the butter is melting in a pan over medium heat- to buy you some time, and keep the butter from browning- dice up an onion. Saute the onion in the butter and add 3 T of dijon mustard, and 2 T worcesteshire sauce, and most people add poppy seeds, but I didn't have any, so I added parsley.
Now for the assembly! Line a 13 x 9 pan with foil, and put your bottom buns in it. Spread about 3/4 of your onion mixture over your bottom buns, again, they should be one solid piece, so it should be easy, like spreading sauce on a giant slice of bread. Now put about a half pound of sliced ham over the onion mixture. Here's a quick tip- if you chiffonade (slice onto ribbony strips) your ham, it fools your brain into thinking there's more there than there is. To do this, take several slices of your ham and roll them up like a newspaper- a tiny ham newspaper- and run your knife through it, like you're slicing a carrot. Once you've put your ham down, arrange about 8 slices of swiss cheese over top of the ham. Now pour your remaining onion mixture over top of the cheese, and replace the top buns. Cover it all with foil and bake in an oven at 350 for about 20 min. When you get ready to serve, just slice down the lines with a pizza cutter, or just use the edge of a spatula.
There are a few things about this recipe that I super love. The first is that I can make it ahead of time and refrigerate it until I want to use it, so it's great for nights when you have activities for the kiddos scheduled, or other commitments. Also, there is very little clean up, especially if you use paper plates. Your baking dish should be clean, because this isn't an extremely messy entre, so all you should really have to clean is the frying pan you sauted your onions in and maybe some plates and cups after the meal. The last thing I am wild about is the fact that the possibilities are endless! You could do the same thing with reuben ingredients, or regular cheese burgers, or even regular sandwich stuff. I've always thought that toasting a sandwich enough to melt the cheese always made it a little more special.
So here ya go! Enjoy a super fast and easy dinner, and spend more time doing what you REALLY wanna do... read my blog, and tell the world how amazing I am... well, maybe that's what I want to do...
Peace, and cheesy melty goodness!!
Flower
Basically you just go buy a bag of hawaiian rolls, and slice it cross ways, so all the tops and bottoms stay intact. Then, you melt a stick of butter (I KNOW!!! Sounds great already!). While the butter is melting in a pan over medium heat- to buy you some time, and keep the butter from browning- dice up an onion. Saute the onion in the butter and add 3 T of dijon mustard, and 2 T worcesteshire sauce, and most people add poppy seeds, but I didn't have any, so I added parsley.
Now for the assembly! Line a 13 x 9 pan with foil, and put your bottom buns in it. Spread about 3/4 of your onion mixture over your bottom buns, again, they should be one solid piece, so it should be easy, like spreading sauce on a giant slice of bread. Now put about a half pound of sliced ham over the onion mixture. Here's a quick tip- if you chiffonade (slice onto ribbony strips) your ham, it fools your brain into thinking there's more there than there is. To do this, take several slices of your ham and roll them up like a newspaper- a tiny ham newspaper- and run your knife through it, like you're slicing a carrot. Once you've put your ham down, arrange about 8 slices of swiss cheese over top of the ham. Now pour your remaining onion mixture over top of the cheese, and replace the top buns. Cover it all with foil and bake in an oven at 350 for about 20 min. When you get ready to serve, just slice down the lines with a pizza cutter, or just use the edge of a spatula.
There are a few things about this recipe that I super love. The first is that I can make it ahead of time and refrigerate it until I want to use it, so it's great for nights when you have activities for the kiddos scheduled, or other commitments. Also, there is very little clean up, especially if you use paper plates. Your baking dish should be clean, because this isn't an extremely messy entre, so all you should really have to clean is the frying pan you sauted your onions in and maybe some plates and cups after the meal. The last thing I am wild about is the fact that the possibilities are endless! You could do the same thing with reuben ingredients, or regular cheese burgers, or even regular sandwich stuff. I've always thought that toasting a sandwich enough to melt the cheese always made it a little more special.
So here ya go! Enjoy a super fast and easy dinner, and spend more time doing what you REALLY wanna do... read my blog, and tell the world how amazing I am... well, maybe that's what I want to do...
Peace, and cheesy melty goodness!!
Flower
Friday, March 23, 2012
I think I may have just made the most delicious muffins in the world...
Holy cow!!! I May have just made the most spring-inspired muffins EVER. They are probably horrible for me, but I'm not sure if I care. They are amazing. I'm taking both of my grandmas some tomorrow. They're blueberry lemon, and they are magic.
Here is a picture of them just to get you salivating.
And if that didn't do the trick, here is one of the inside. It's kinda blurry, or are you shaking with anticipation?
Anyway, the recipe is easy, like, STUPID easy, as long as you know how to use a microwave, measure, stir, and use an oven you're all set. So you start with... WET THINGS! Melt a stick of butter and stir it into 1 cup of sugar. Grate in the zest of one lemon (or, if you're like me, and don't have a grater- don't ask me why, it seems essential now- then just carefully peel the lemon, leaving the pith... thick white stuff... on the lemon and chop up your peels with a good sharp knife), then stir in 2 eggs until fully incorporated. Next, stir in ½ cup of milk (any type is fine)
Now for the... DRY THINGS! Stir this stuff into your Wet Things: 1½ cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and a ½ teaspoon of salt
And onto the... OPERATIONS THINGS! Do you have paper liners for your muffin tin? Fantastic, cuts down on cleaning. No? Break out the cooking spray, and spray the pan. Fill the muffin cups about ¾ of the way full with batter—this will be enough for 12 muffins. You can also make the recipe as a loaf but I prefer the muffins.
Toss a few frozen blueberries into each muffin cup. I used about 5 for each one, but you can adjust to suit your interests.
Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes (50-60 minutes for a loaf)—the 22 minute mark is my stopping point for whatever that’s worth. Cool for five minutes and then poke holes on the top of the muffins/loaf. I use a fork, but the person that I got the recipe from used the end of a wooden spoon, whatever ya like.
And here's the BEST part... GLAZE THINGS! Use the juice of one lemon and 1/4 cup of sugar to make a syrup. I just popped it all in the microwave to get it all syrupy and warm. Now pour! Pour like you've never poured before. It doesn't look like much, but I assure you, it's more than enough for all of the muffins.
Now enjoy your magical muffiny creation, I know I will!
Peace and magic deliciousness!!!
Flower
Here is a picture of them just to get you salivating.
And if that didn't do the trick, here is one of the inside. It's kinda blurry, or are you shaking with anticipation?
Anyway, the recipe is easy, like, STUPID easy, as long as you know how to use a microwave, measure, stir, and use an oven you're all set. So you start with... WET THINGS! Melt a stick of butter and stir it into 1 cup of sugar. Grate in the zest of one lemon (or, if you're like me, and don't have a grater- don't ask me why, it seems essential now- then just carefully peel the lemon, leaving the pith... thick white stuff... on the lemon and chop up your peels with a good sharp knife), then stir in 2 eggs until fully incorporated. Next, stir in ½ cup of milk (any type is fine)
Now for the... DRY THINGS! Stir this stuff into your Wet Things: 1½ cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and a ½ teaspoon of salt
And onto the... OPERATIONS THINGS! Do you have paper liners for your muffin tin? Fantastic, cuts down on cleaning. No? Break out the cooking spray, and spray the pan. Fill the muffin cups about ¾ of the way full with batter—this will be enough for 12 muffins. You can also make the recipe as a loaf but I prefer the muffins.
Toss a few frozen blueberries into each muffin cup. I used about 5 for each one, but you can adjust to suit your interests.
Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes (50-60 minutes for a loaf)—the 22 minute mark is my stopping point for whatever that’s worth. Cool for five minutes and then poke holes on the top of the muffins/loaf. I use a fork, but the person that I got the recipe from used the end of a wooden spoon, whatever ya like.
And here's the BEST part... GLAZE THINGS! Use the juice of one lemon and 1/4 cup of sugar to make a syrup. I just popped it all in the microwave to get it all syrupy and warm. Now pour! Pour like you've never poured before. It doesn't look like much, but I assure you, it's more than enough for all of the muffins.
Now enjoy your magical muffiny creation, I know I will!
Peace and magic deliciousness!!!
Flower
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Engagement Dreams-- Crushed
My anniversary was last weekend. Awesome Guy and I made it a year. *pause for sounds of clapping an noise blowers* I am very glad.... but I would like to rant for just a second. First, I can't tell you the measures I went through praying, hoping, and wishing on wishbones (also eyelashes, and 11:11 wishes) I did that my man would finally get down on one knee and ask me to marry him. My close friends keep asking me what he's waiting on. All I can say is, it ain't for fear of rejection... thats for DANG sure! I can't think of a thing I've ever wanted more, my whole life. He has this horrible habit of trying to get me to infer that whatever holiday it is (Christmas, Valentine's Day...), is THE holiday that he is going to ask. For example, at Christmas, the "silver, round, shiny" thing I got was.... a Slinky. Now don't get me wrong, I really LOVE Slinkys. They really are lots of fun, and bring someone like me endless hours of enjoyment. However, he KNEW what he was insinuating. Valentine's day... my gift that was "made of silver, has diamonds, is jewelry, and can be worn around something," was my beautiful necklace. And this time, our anniversary, it was "shiny, jewelry, can be worn around something, and I have been waiting a long time for it".... This is what I got. . .
Again, don't misunderstand; I love pearls, and have never had real ones. They are gorgeous and are going to look great with almost anything, but that is not an engagement ring! I really wish he would stop leading me on with this stuff. I told a friend that if it weren't for the fact that it would feel like I was stealing something from him, I would just say, "Hey! I love you, and I know you love me. So here's the deal, we are getting married. Meet me here, on this date, at this time. I'll be right behind you, coming down the long aisle. You can't miss me, I'll be the one in the white dress... looking super gorgeous. Now, give me money, and have a great day." Sadly, it can't be that easy. He has to ask my dad, and then apparently my mom (his idea), an THEN me. Then I tell the world, haha.
Also, we didn't do what I wanted to do ( except go to church, the park for a few minutes, and start a game of RISK we didn't finish... because he just HAD to play his game... have I mentioned I can't STAND that game??) I wanted to go to the Carnegie Library because there was an awesome art show going on there... nope. I wanted to go get our couch, so I could feel like I have a living room... nope. I wanted to go to Applebee's for dinner... nope, we got pizza for lunch instead. That last one wouldn't be so bad, except he told me the plan was to go to Applebee's for dinner, and when he asked what I wanted for lunch (i said Arby's) he decided to get what HE wanted. Ugh... men, I doubt they'll ever get it. I guess my left hand will just keep looking like this:
Again, don't misunderstand; I love pearls, and have never had real ones. They are gorgeous and are going to look great with almost anything, but that is not an engagement ring! I really wish he would stop leading me on with this stuff. I told a friend that if it weren't for the fact that it would feel like I was stealing something from him, I would just say, "Hey! I love you, and I know you love me. So here's the deal, we are getting married. Meet me here, on this date, at this time. I'll be right behind you, coming down the long aisle. You can't miss me, I'll be the one in the white dress... looking super gorgeous. Now, give me money, and have a great day." Sadly, it can't be that easy. He has to ask my dad, and then apparently my mom (his idea), an THEN me. Then I tell the world, haha.
Also, we didn't do what I wanted to do ( except go to church, the park for a few minutes, and start a game of RISK we didn't finish... because he just HAD to play his game... have I mentioned I can't STAND that game??) I wanted to go to the Carnegie Library because there was an awesome art show going on there... nope. I wanted to go get our couch, so I could feel like I have a living room... nope. I wanted to go to Applebee's for dinner... nope, we got pizza for lunch instead. That last one wouldn't be so bad, except he told me the plan was to go to Applebee's for dinner, and when he asked what I wanted for lunch (i said Arby's) he decided to get what HE wanted. Ugh... men, I doubt they'll ever get it. I guess my left hand will just keep looking like this:
Mass Effect 3 can suck my big toe... I mean it!
I don't like Mass Effect 3. It has stolen my boyfriend. We literally had to have a talk about him managing his time wisely. It all started innocently enough. He invited me to go to the launch with him and his best friend. I was shocked, but mostly I was honored to be invited to something so special to him. I was moving up in the girlfriend ranks. It was an ok time. There were some clingy gamer kids that seemed to really want to stay included in our conversations. No big. We got home, and the first thing he wanted to do was import his old character. I can handle that, it's a shiny new game... yay. We went to bed with his Xbox on that night.
Since that night, he has literally played Mass Effect EVERY gosh darn night except one (last night because he had a date with his momma)!!!!! It is making me an angry girlfriend. You guys know the saying "if momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy."? Well I assure you, it holds true. Even our anniversary... ! ... I don't know what you think about video games, but in my own personal opinion, they belong nowhere NEAR my anniversary. Especially when they are a regular part of my guy's life.
I try to be understanding because I know how hard he works, seriously... he works like, 60 hour weeks- every week... but I don't think I'm overreacting when I say that Mass Effect has stolen a big chunk of the man I love, and I know I want to spend the rest of my life with him, but I am not sure if I want to spend the rest of my life competing with an Xbox (or any other console- I'm not prejudice solely against Xboxes) for the attention of my guy.
Rant complete, peace!
Flower
What a beautiful place, I live in!
I live in a truly beautiful place. I live about 5 blocks from the Ohio river and am blessed to be within walking distance from my local farmers market, a few antique shops, one of which my grandma owns (which is where I get almost all of my aprons), and lots of neat shops and restaurants. We also have a very nice park on the river that I often take my daughter and any kiddos I'm watching that day to. It has an amazing sense of community, its just nifty.
I also live in an historic neighborhood. There are plenty of beautiful houses to look around at. One in particular is very popular to tour. It's called the Culbertson Mansion, and it is breathtaking. I'm going to try to get a couple friends to go tour it with me. But if nobody wants to, I guess I'll just go alone. There is so much beautiful stuff to look at, I doubt I could show everything, but here is one of my favorite places to walk through.
Now it's your turn. Tell me about the beautiful stuff surrounding you. I'm sure there's stuff that people forget to stop and notice. Have a wonderful day!
Peace!
Flower
I also live in an historic neighborhood. There are plenty of beautiful houses to look around at. One in particular is very popular to tour. It's called the Culbertson Mansion, and it is breathtaking. I'm going to try to get a couple friends to go tour it with me. But if nobody wants to, I guess I'll just go alone. There is so much beautiful stuff to look at, I doubt I could show everything, but here is one of my favorite places to walk through.
Now it's your turn. Tell me about the beautiful stuff surrounding you. I'm sure there's stuff that people forget to stop and notice. Have a wonderful day!
Peace!
Flower
Readership Extravaganza!
In an effort to feel like I am writing to SOMEONE, I have decided that maybe I will try my hand at Stumbleupon... I don't know. I really love writing this blog, I just want to feel like there are other humans out in this wide wide universe that are reading it. So, if ya like me, click the badge, if not... click it anyway... pleeeease, pretty please with a cherry on top? And whipped cream... and sprinkles???
You know I love you guys!
Lacy
Also, I will post this in my sidebar so it is easy to find later
You know I love you guys!
Lacy
Also, I will post this in my sidebar so it is easy to find later
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
A to Z Challenge!
Ok, like the other 1000+ bloggers, I am going to do the A to Z challenge. I think it will be a great way to discipline myself and make sure I blog often, like, everyday. The deal is that I have to blog everyday starting April 1st beginning with a subject that starts with A and work my way through the alphabet all the way to Z I'm posting a badge beneath this so you can sign up, if you want, too.
Peace!
Peace!
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Valentines Day rant + pretty jewelry
So here's my rant about what I believe is one of the coolest holidays ever. *Disclaimer-- Valentines Day has never and will never define my relationship or my relationship status* I mean, it's a holiday devoted to one of the most beautiful things in the world, LOVE. I am seriously SICK of people dogging it. Particularly my roommate. She is making it unbearable! There is nothing wrong with being happy about being in love, or just being simply loved. Whether or not you have a significant other, chances are you are probably loved by someone, and if not, I promise, God loves you. He loves you more than any person ever could... (would you send your only child to die a horrific death for the sins of everyone alive and everyone that will ever live? I know I couldn't!)
It is very frustrating to go online, or talk to someone and hear them talk with so much anger and hate about a holiday and the people that celebrate it. Even when I have been single, my mom was always my valentine, and now I have my own daughter to be my forever valentine. I honestly have a whole network of people that love me, and I pray that I never forget that!
Now for the mushy stuff...
Awesome Guy got me the prettiest necklace for Vday. It's beautiful and captures exactly what I like. I don't wear gold because I personally think it looks outdated, and it also looks bad against my skin, in my opinion. I secretly like butterflies (guess it's not a secret anymore) but I don't make it widely known partially because as soon as you tell someone something like that, they want to bombard you with butterfly stuff, also I think it's a little cliche, but I likes what I likes! Here's a pic of this lovely necklace:
I don't know if you can tell, but it has diamonds, and the word "Love" is kind of made into one of the heart's sides. I personally think it is gorgeous!
It is very frustrating to go online, or talk to someone and hear them talk with so much anger and hate about a holiday and the people that celebrate it. Even when I have been single, my mom was always my valentine, and now I have my own daughter to be my forever valentine. I honestly have a whole network of people that love me, and I pray that I never forget that!
Now for the mushy stuff...
Awesome Guy got me the prettiest necklace for Vday. It's beautiful and captures exactly what I like. I don't wear gold because I personally think it looks outdated, and it also looks bad against my skin, in my opinion. I secretly like butterflies (guess it's not a secret anymore) but I don't make it widely known partially because as soon as you tell someone something like that, they want to bombard you with butterfly stuff, also I think it's a little cliche, but I likes what I likes! Here's a pic of this lovely necklace:
Vid Blogging... way of the future?
Here's the deal guys, this is my first vlog ever, so please be nice, I am in no way experienced, so just leave a comment, and let me know what you think!
peace!!!
Lacy
Aprons... a way of life
So, I flipping LOVE aprons... they are awesome. But not just any aprons, they have to be vintage, or at least practical. I love when they are old, and handmade, and preferably used by some mom or wife that made many happy meals for her family or friends. I have probably over ten, and I use almost all of them regularly. One of them is a hostess apron, so I don't really host a lot of nice dinner parties...yet, but hopefully someday!
This is the apron that started the obsession. I bought it at a festival in a small town I used to live in. I love it because its pretty, has lace, and kind of embodies me, like, my personality.
This is the apron that started the obsession. I bought it at a festival in a small town I used to live in. I love it because its pretty, has lace, and kind of embodies me, like, my personality.
This next one is one I use pretty often, it is reversible, so that's pretty practical. Also, I think it's super adorable!
side one
side two (my favorite)
OK, this one isn't exactly like the others, but blue is my favorite color, and in addition to polka dots, I love love LOVE checked patterns
My laundry day apron is usually the next one, I just don't think it's as pretty as the ones above, but it definitely isn't what I would call ugly.
Alright, this is the last one I'm going to cover today, it's my hostess apron. It's beautiful and made of chiffon, but not quite practical. I'd love to have an occasion to wear it, but I'm pretty worried about getting it dirty, since chiffon isn't easy to clean.
So there you have it! My aprons. I know this seems like a lame entry, but I just thought I'd showcase one of the things I collect, I don't think I'll stop anytime soon, and you probably don't think it's "cool" but I think it's pretty neat to try to keep old traditions alive. Do any of you collect anything interesting? Let me know! Leave a comment below.
Happy Spring Cleaning!!! Or cooking, whatevs...
Monday, March 19, 2012
Now Hiring,,,, professional butt kicker needed immediately
So if you are one of the few and proud that read my posts as I post them, you will notice LARGE gaps of time where I don't post. Like, months. That's usually when I'm swamped with work, or baby stuff, or SOMETHING. But the excuses must stop. That's what I'm trying to do by hiring a professional butt kicker. I need someone to email me every week and remind me to post something. Anyone who knows how to send an email is surely qualified. Shoot me an email, or comment below, and the hiring process will begin.
Well for a short period I didn't have internet, so for the last few months, I have been compiling un-posted blog posts, so I wouldn't forget anything... so this particular one is a preface to the bloggurgitation that is about to happen. It may appear that I just have massive amounts of time today to devote to telling you my unedited life story, rest assured, I'm busy as ever (... ok well maybe not as busy as EVER... but still quite busy) I am just posting some much elated material.
Love and procrastination to all,
Lacy
Well for a short period I didn't have internet, so for the last few months, I have been compiling un-posted blog posts, so I wouldn't forget anything... so this particular one is a preface to the bloggurgitation that is about to happen. It may appear that I just have massive amounts of time today to devote to telling you my unedited life story, rest assured, I'm busy as ever (... ok well maybe not as busy as EVER... but still quite busy) I am just posting some much elated material.
Love and procrastination to all,
Lacy
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