I don't know about anyone else, but my hubby and I love love love the holidays!! Actually, my hubby will be cooking Thanksgiving for my family this year. I get out of all the cooking and cleaning stuff that day because I get to stand in the cold, on the side of the football field, hoping that no one gets hurt so that I don't have to actually work!!! Keep your fingers crossed for me! Thank goodness for Mom though, because while I'm working and Chef Hubby is cooking, she'll be dressing and monitoring the kids. It's a great little setup.
Then that weekend my mom and I get both houses all glammed out for christmas! Follow that a week later with a HUGE holiday party complete with food, drinks, and great company... did I mention we have a two tenament house? My mom lives downstairs so we open both houses and let people roam... fun! Then we finish up before Christmas with a cookie swap, the following weekend.
I've actually started decorating little books I got at Target. I figure that I will give one to each person who comes with all the recipes, and a few extras that will be served at the parties. Phew... wish me luck!! Keeping watching for some of those recipes!! I start posting some of them!
Tee's Closet
Showing posts with label Friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Friends. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
So You Think You Can Dance!!
This was the Ballywood dance... I think I spelled that correctly, if not, you know what I mean!!Yes, I am a total geek, but I absolutely love this show!!! So much, in fact, that my loving hubby bought me tickets for their tour. He even bought two extra tickets so that I could have a friend come (of course, she brought her hubby to keep my hubby company too... hehe)
Well, not only did he get me tickets and let me bring my buddy, but he went on the website and blog and found out that they sign autographs at the end of the show... SWEET!! So after an hour and a half waiting in the cold... once again... Sorry Brian and Jenny!! I got to meet them all! BUT most importantly, I got to say "hi" to Twitch. He's been my favorite since he tried out for the show last season.
He's really down to earth and super cool. I know I sound like I'm about 16 yrs old right now, but oh well!! I actually searched and found the t-shirt he wears all of the time, but I'm struggling with spending 20 bucks on a t-shirt. It's cool though... it has a big "T" in the superman emblem on the front, because he likes to fight villians... lmao!!
Well, not only did he get me tickets and let me bring my buddy, but he went on the website and blog and found out that they sign autographs at the end of the show... SWEET!! So after an hour and a half waiting in the cold... once again... Sorry Brian and Jenny!! I got to meet them all! BUT most importantly, I got to say "hi" to Twitch. He's been my favorite since he tried out for the show last season.
He's really down to earth and super cool. I know I sound like I'm about 16 yrs old right now, but oh well!! I actually searched and found the t-shirt he wears all of the time, but I'm struggling with spending 20 bucks on a t-shirt. It's cool though... it has a big "T" in the superman emblem on the front, because he likes to fight villians... lmao!!
Here he is... Twitch!!!
I'm really bummed though because I cropped out two other dancers and then saved the pic under a new name... so I thought! I actually somehow managed to delete the other pic so no more pic with Gev and Jessica.
Anyway, that was the start of my week last week! It was sooo much fun!!
Monday, August 11, 2008
Getting Out with the Girls!
Today Elizabeth, Jenny, and I decided to get together for lunch because this is my last Monday off. Starting Monday, preseason at the high school starts and I get to work usual 5-6 day work week again... good and bad.
A major plus is that I don't have to be at school until 2:00pm instead of 12:30. That doesn't seem to make much of a difference, but it's HUGE!! I mean, the zoo doesn't even open until 10, so if we want to go, we have to rush in and out in order to get home to have lunch and do whatever needs to get done before mommy heads to work. I have to admit though, i am going to miss my three day weekends!!
OK, so anyway, we decided to meet for lunch. It sounds simple until I add the torrential downpours we had. I'm not even exaggerating! My camera decided to die on me so I didn't get any pics, but there were entire streets closed off due to flooding. Chef Hubby was in downtown and said that manhole covers were blown off by mini geisers. I wish I had picks!!
But we are diehards... we still got to lunch with the 4 kids in tow. We each had a helper though. Elizabeth came with her mom and I picked up Jenny on the way. It was yummy. Phoebe was sick, so she slept on the comfy bench while we chatted etc. Oh, for all of those people thinking I am an absolute horrible mom for bringing my child out in the rain while she's sick... She has a cold. She is a drama queen, and she was completely protected from the elements... I promise!!
We were able to chat and eat and enjoy the warm of the local diner. We like frequenting the local places, as opposed to the major chains, because it's usually cozier, cheaper, and the service rocks! Face it, with the big chains they don't care if they aren't going to see you again. They have so much money to put into advertising that if you leave, someone else will find them. It's just as important to support the local stores, restaurants, lumber yards, to name a few, as it is to shop at the local farmer's markets. Keep it in the area!! But always have fun!!
A major plus is that I don't have to be at school until 2:00pm instead of 12:30. That doesn't seem to make much of a difference, but it's HUGE!! I mean, the zoo doesn't even open until 10, so if we want to go, we have to rush in and out in order to get home to have lunch and do whatever needs to get done before mommy heads to work. I have to admit though, i am going to miss my three day weekends!!
OK, so anyway, we decided to meet for lunch. It sounds simple until I add the torrential downpours we had. I'm not even exaggerating! My camera decided to die on me so I didn't get any pics, but there were entire streets closed off due to flooding. Chef Hubby was in downtown and said that manhole covers were blown off by mini geisers. I wish I had picks!!
But we are diehards... we still got to lunch with the 4 kids in tow. We each had a helper though. Elizabeth came with her mom and I picked up Jenny on the way. It was yummy. Phoebe was sick, so she slept on the comfy bench while we chatted etc. Oh, for all of those people thinking I am an absolute horrible mom for bringing my child out in the rain while she's sick... She has a cold. She is a drama queen, and she was completely protected from the elements... I promise!!
We were able to chat and eat and enjoy the warm of the local diner. We like frequenting the local places, as opposed to the major chains, because it's usually cozier, cheaper, and the service rocks! Face it, with the big chains they don't care if they aren't going to see you again. They have so much money to put into advertising that if you leave, someone else will find them. It's just as important to support the local stores, restaurants, lumber yards, to name a few, as it is to shop at the local farmer's markets. Keep it in the area!! But always have fun!!
Friday, June 6, 2008
Hot Mamas!!
Have you ever just needed to talk or work off some bad energy? Well, you are not alone!! Fortunately, for me, my friends feel the same way. Three of us have the mornings off so we all get together and walk. We average about 3.5miles, but don't ask how long it takes cuz that all depends on the day! The top ten reasons for stopping while on our walk...
10. Need to wipe boogahs
9. Need to take off a layer
8. Lost a toy
7. Mommy needs a drink (we're not very good at drinking and walking... hehe)
6. Need to get the kids a drink
5. Lost a sock
4. Getting the kids a snack
3. Kid jumped out of the sit-n-stand
2. Lost a binky
And the number 1 reason for stopping...
1. Somebody needs a hug!!
Now how you turn down a hug, right?!?!
I love love love my walks with my mommy friends. We were friends before we were all mommies, but I think we've all gotten that much closer after the kids. In total, there are 3 boys and 3 girls. Right now, it's just me, EL, and LH, but very very soon, JP will be joining us for our morning strolls. All of our schedules are different. One is a stay-at-home mom, two are part-time, and one is full time with summers off, but we all have the same set-up... Mommy, Daddy, and kids... animals vary between households, as well. Which typically means that we have the same frustrations, needs, and wants... lol.
We walk around the local zoo and then head in after we're through so the kids get to check out the animals. Or we head to water and walk the boardwalk with the breeze cooling us off on the hot days. OR we head to the back roads of the neighboring town and do the hills while EL explains the history behind each house. Where ever we go is special. There is always a ending we try to avoid if we only have time to walk and not play. That adds a hint of stress... but it's worth it!
The conversations change daily and we know that it's OK to say whatever's on our minds. The past week two of us have experienced a close loss, but even that was easier to deal with knowing that in the morning we would once again walk and talk with our friends. It isn't always easy to get up and head out, but it's getting better. We motivate each other and the kids (and Rebel) really look forward to it.
I know in the winter I hate being cold, so I can't even imagine going out, but right now, I'm relishing these little moments where I can be myself. I can be an ear or a voice. But most of all I get to be with my friends... I don't know what I'd do without "my girls"!
10. Need to wipe boogahs
9. Need to take off a layer
8. Lost a toy
7. Mommy needs a drink (we're not very good at drinking and walking... hehe)
6. Need to get the kids a drink
5. Lost a sock
4. Getting the kids a snack
3. Kid jumped out of the sit-n-stand
2. Lost a binky
And the number 1 reason for stopping...
1. Somebody needs a hug!!
Now how you turn down a hug, right?!?!
I love love love my walks with my mommy friends. We were friends before we were all mommies, but I think we've all gotten that much closer after the kids. In total, there are 3 boys and 3 girls. Right now, it's just me, EL, and LH, but very very soon, JP will be joining us for our morning strolls. All of our schedules are different. One is a stay-at-home mom, two are part-time, and one is full time with summers off, but we all have the same set-up... Mommy, Daddy, and kids... animals vary between households, as well. Which typically means that we have the same frustrations, needs, and wants... lol.
We walk around the local zoo and then head in after we're through so the kids get to check out the animals. Or we head to water and walk the boardwalk with the breeze cooling us off on the hot days. OR we head to the back roads of the neighboring town and do the hills while EL explains the history behind each house. Where ever we go is special. There is always a ending we try to avoid if we only have time to walk and not play. That adds a hint of stress... but it's worth it!
The conversations change daily and we know that it's OK to say whatever's on our minds. The past week two of us have experienced a close loss, but even that was easier to deal with knowing that in the morning we would once again walk and talk with our friends. It isn't always easy to get up and head out, but it's getting better. We motivate each other and the kids (and Rebel) really look forward to it.
I know in the winter I hate being cold, so I can't even imagine going out, but right now, I'm relishing these little moments where I can be myself. I can be an ear or a voice. But most of all I get to be with my friends... I don't know what I'd do without "my girls"!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Pork Tenderloin Marinade
I brought the same marinaded pork tenderloin to cookout this weekend and people keep asking me about the marinade, so I figured that I would post it for everyone! As I had mentioned my hubby is a chef, so I'm used to all the yummy stuff he creates and I'm kind of oblivious to the fact that some people aren't... lol!
We went a wholesale club and bought 6lbs of pork tenderloin (I think it can be used on any type of pork though). Henry peeled it so that it was free of all the fat and connective stuff. He then sliced it into medallions (pieces are about 1/2 thick).
Marinade Recipe:
1 Tbsp ground ginger
1 Tbsp garlic powder
2 Tbsp kosher salt
1/2 C sweet chili sauce
1/4 C pear vinegar
black pepper to taste
1/4 c olive oil
He mixed it all up in a ziploc bag and then added the meat. He squished it around until everything was coated and put it back into the refridgerator for about 24 hrs. I guess that it's best to marinade for 12-36 hrs. So it can be done in advance.
We brought it to the cookout and grilled it up until it's done (160 degrees) or until tender - who the heck used a thermometer at a cookout, right?! The marinade makes it super tender and keeps it moist. For the brunch, I think he seared in a skillet, but you can also pop it in the oven. Because they are so thin I would think that 350 degrees for no more than 10 minutes would be fine.
If you try it, let me know what you think! I keep trying to get him to write a cookbook, but he's a little busy... says he'll get to it someday. Phoebe and I made some homemade oatmeal cookies. I got the recipe from the Quaker Oatmeal website, they are the Vanishing Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. They were awesome!! I'll tell you all about that later. Have a great day!!
We went a wholesale club and bought 6lbs of pork tenderloin (I think it can be used on any type of pork though). Henry peeled it so that it was free of all the fat and connective stuff. He then sliced it into medallions (pieces are about 1/2 thick).
Marinade Recipe:
1 Tbsp ground ginger
1 Tbsp garlic powder
2 Tbsp kosher salt
1/2 C sweet chili sauce
1/4 C pear vinegar
black pepper to taste
1/4 c olive oil
He mixed it all up in a ziploc bag and then added the meat. He squished it around until everything was coated and put it back into the refridgerator for about 24 hrs. I guess that it's best to marinade for 12-36 hrs. So it can be done in advance.
We brought it to the cookout and grilled it up until it's done (160 degrees) or until tender - who the heck used a thermometer at a cookout, right?! The marinade makes it super tender and keeps it moist. For the brunch, I think he seared in a skillet, but you can also pop it in the oven. Because they are so thin I would think that 350 degrees for no more than 10 minutes would be fine.
If you try it, let me know what you think! I keep trying to get him to write a cookbook, but he's a little busy... says he'll get to it someday. Phoebe and I made some homemade oatmeal cookies. I got the recipe from the Quaker Oatmeal website, they are the Vanishing Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. They were awesome!! I'll tell you all about that later. Have a great day!!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Sunday Brunch
So Sunday brunch went well. We had a light showing. Usually we are crammed around the table with the kids playing in the other room, but this time we waited until the last minute to call people to come. Those who were in attendance raved about the food though... it was yummy!!
Henry didn't come up with anything spectacular, but the usual good stuff rocked! We had scrambled eggs, homefries, marinaded pork tenderloin, two kinds of chicken sausage (one was feta and spinach, and another was onion, red pepper and parmasen cheese) and regular or pepper crusted bacon... mmmmm.
BUT... my dish stole the show! I made Monkey Bread. For anyone who's never had, you have to make it (with lots of people though so you aren't the only one consuming mass amounts of calories and fat!!) I was going to get a pic, but we started to eat it and forgot all about the pics... sorry.
Here is the recipe... I had found a few on the web, but I modified them and this is what I created!
Monkey Bread
3 cans of refridgerated cinnamon rolls
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 stick butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
cooking spray
Grease a bunt pan well. Preheat your over to 350 degrees. Then open all of the cinnamon rolls and into 4-6 pieces (depends how big you want the bites). Mix the cinnamon and granulated sugar and roll the pieces in it. They don't have to be balls, they bake up all squeezed together anyway.
Stack all of the pieces into the bunt pan. Cut the butter into pieces and add the brown sugar. Microwave for 1min approximately. All the sugar should be melted into the butter. You may need to mix then zap for another 15 secs. Mix until completely combined then slowly pour over the goodness inside the pan, being sure to cover as much as you can.
Place in the oven for 45 mins. The top looks like it gets dried out, but once you flip it onto a plate all the sugars and syrups run down and coat it. It's fabulous... and very very hot initially! You may want to use a fork to take pieces off, at least initially. Enjoy!!!
We ended up spending most of the day lounging... ok, well Daddy mowed the lawn. The girls and I cleaned up and played. It was what a Sunday was supposed to be. We ended the day, by heading to the ice cream shop down the street. hmmm.... monkey bread and ice cream, I wonder how long I'm gonna have to walk to work that stuff off. I don't think I want to think about it.
Henry didn't come up with anything spectacular, but the usual good stuff rocked! We had scrambled eggs, homefries, marinaded pork tenderloin, two kinds of chicken sausage (one was feta and spinach, and another was onion, red pepper and parmasen cheese) and regular or pepper crusted bacon... mmmmm.
BUT... my dish stole the show! I made Monkey Bread. For anyone who's never had, you have to make it (with lots of people though so you aren't the only one consuming mass amounts of calories and fat!!) I was going to get a pic, but we started to eat it and forgot all about the pics... sorry.
Here is the recipe... I had found a few on the web, but I modified them and this is what I created!
Monkey Bread
3 cans of refridgerated cinnamon rolls
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 stick butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
cooking spray
Grease a bunt pan well. Preheat your over to 350 degrees. Then open all of the cinnamon rolls and into 4-6 pieces (depends how big you want the bites). Mix the cinnamon and granulated sugar and roll the pieces in it. They don't have to be balls, they bake up all squeezed together anyway.
Stack all of the pieces into the bunt pan. Cut the butter into pieces and add the brown sugar. Microwave for 1min approximately. All the sugar should be melted into the butter. You may need to mix then zap for another 15 secs. Mix until completely combined then slowly pour over the goodness inside the pan, being sure to cover as much as you can.
Place in the oven for 45 mins. The top looks like it gets dried out, but once you flip it onto a plate all the sugars and syrups run down and coat it. It's fabulous... and very very hot initially! You may want to use a fork to take pieces off, at least initially. Enjoy!!!
We ended up spending most of the day lounging... ok, well Daddy mowed the lawn. The girls and I cleaned up and played. It was what a Sunday was supposed to be. We ended the day, by heading to the ice cream shop down the street. hmmm.... monkey bread and ice cream, I wonder how long I'm gonna have to walk to work that stuff off. I don't think I want to think about it.
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