Thursday 31 May 2012

Make With Me- Sundried Tomato Pasta

Today is my 'baby' sisters 17th birthday...so in her honour, this weeks recipe is...

Sundried Tomato Pasta

The finished product!


Ingredients:
  • Pasta of choice
  • Garlic- either gloves crushed or powder/seasoning
  • Basil
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Olive oil
  • Sundried tomatoes
  • SEE NOTES

To Make:
  • In a container, cover the bottom with olive oil
  • Add sundried tomatoes
  • Cover the container in parm cheese and garlic
  • Add roughly two shakes of basil and cayenne pepper
  • Seal container and shake, mixing the ingredients
  • Let sit for at least 20 minutes
  • Cook pasta as directed on the package
  • Strain pasta and add sundried tomato mixture
  • Enjoy!

Notes:
  1. This recipe is from my sister. She made it one night for dinner and I just HAD to make it again.
  2. The amount of each ingredient used will depend on how many people you are serving. 
  3. My sister says the longer you let the sundried tomato mix sit, the better. She recommends at least 20 minutes. 
  4. I don't particularly like sundried tomato, so I just put in a very small handful.
  5. I didn't have any basil so I used parsley.
  6. I have this really great Italian herb and parm cheese seasoning, which is what I used in place of just plain parm cheese. I did have to add more parm cheese while I was eating it, but I also really like having parm on my pasta!
  7. Any kind of pepper can be used in place of cayenne pepper.
  8. I used fettuccine pasta, as it's my favourite, but my sister used fusilli pasta.


Wednesday 30 May 2012

Book, Song, Body

BOOK-I am a supporter of the environment and living a 'green' lifestyle. While I admit I am far from being super environmentally friendly when it comes to my lifestyle choices, I do try and incorporate many smaller choices into my lifestyle, such as buying local, purchasing organic products and turning the lights off when I leave a room. Small things, but it's something.

This weeks book is:
This book was intense! It has a lot of information on living organically and covers everything from food to clothes to home decor. A ton of information. It can be overwhelming reading about how to live a truly organic lifestyle, what I loved was that near the end of each chapter there were a single, easy suggestion that you could implement into your lifestyle. This suggestion made things less overwhelming and more applicable to the life of someone just starting out on an organic lifestyle or someone who doesn't want to live 100% organically but does what to make 'greener' choices in life. 

Even if you do not decide to follow this ideas in this book, it's a good read for the simple fact that it tells you WHY you should make more organic choices in your life. I had no idea that I faced so many toxins on a daily basis. 

What I didn't like was that so much focus was put on organic food and cut meat out of your diet. I am already very familiar with organic produce and the organic benefits of reducing the amount of meat (if not all meat) in your diet. 

Great book for anyone interested in organics or 'greener' living, especially if you are just a beginner in this lifestyle!


SONG-One of my favourite 'summer songs' by a Canadian artist...an oldie but a goodie!

Patio Lanterns by Kim Mitchell


BODY- Wear sunscreen! This is something that we should be doing year round...but especially during the warmer months as we spend more time outside. Even if you aren't going to be lying out by the pool or on the beach, you should lather up with sunscreen.

A few things to keep in mind...
  1. 1. Make sure your sunscreen blocks both UVA and UVB rays. 
  2. When it comes to sunscreen, less IS NOT more. More is better! General rule of thumb, you should be using a teaspoon of sunscreen on your face and about a shot glass worth on the rest of your body.
  3. Use sunscreen bottles that are labeled "broad spectrum designation", which means the product is FDA certified to protect against UVA rays.
  4. SPF # is protection against UVB. What the number means is how long it will take the UVB to cause damage. The higher the SPF number, the longer it will take for the UVB rays to cause damage. A higher SPF number DOES NOT mean you have extra protection. Example, SPF 15 means it will take 15 times as long for the UVB rays to cause damage not that you are 15 times more protected from UVB rays.
  5. As per new FDA regulations, the highest SPF you will be able to buy is 50+. If you see anything higher (like 60, which is what I used to use), it may not meet FDA regulations. 
  6. Sunscreen is only water resistant for either 40 or 80 minutes...this will be clear marked on the bottle. So even if you are wearing water resistant sunscreen, you will still need to reapply it. (As per FDA regulations, sunscreen can no longer be labeled as 'waterproof'.)
FDA Regulations have changed, so do a little research as to what the new regulations are and make sure your sunscreen meets the requirements so that you get the benefits of wear sunscreen.

Here's an interesting infograph I found:

Image taken from Temptalia.com

Tuesday 29 May 2012

Hey! It's Ok

Idea taken from Amber at Airing My Dirty Laundry One Sock At A Time

To blow off an afternoon of responsibilities and things that need to get done asap in order to spend time outside/at the beach. I'll either stay up late or get up early in order to get things done. This weather is too beautiful to pass up!

That I just started following Devon Sawa (@devonesawa) on Twitter. He was my ultimate teeny bopper crush. What girl didn't love him in Little Giants?!?!?

To be heartbroken that NYR was eliminated from playoffs. I may or may not have cried a little when they lost game 6 to the Devils and the hopes of them being Stanley Cup Champions 2012 was crushed. I still love them and there's always next year. Not that NYR are out, I hope LA wins the cup this year...

That I was able to finally find the last season of Greek (Chapter 6, Season 4) on Amazon! I've been waiting forever for it to be available, it final was, I ordered a copy and it arrived yesterday! I'm rewatching Chapter 5 (Season 3) before starting Chapter 6 so that I'm reminded of the story lines. Greek is one of my guilty pleasures...don't judge.

To be disappointed that I missed Luke Bryan on the Bachelorette last night! I didn't know he was going to be on the show until after it was over. I LOVE Luke Bryan! And while I refuse to watch the Bachelorette/Bachelor/Bachelor Pad, I would watch to see Luke Bryan. For sure.

To refuse to read Fifty Shades of Grey. I have heard a lot about this book-bloggers, on TV, in magazines, referenced in conversation- and the reviews have been mixed. This seems to be the 'It' book of summer and I guess I just refuse to jump on the bandwagon. And honestly, I'm not sure how much I would even enjoy this book, based on what I've heard/read about it.

Monday 28 May 2012

i & i

i(nspiration) 




&

i(dea)

May is Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month. I found this out by reading JessyLit's Blog, Country Bumpkin (which I found via Jennifer at Southern Living: Preppy Style, one of favourite blogs and bloggers!). Know what else I found at JessyLit's Blog? This weeks idea!

Gilead Sciences will donate $15 for every person who takes this quiz on CF, up to $15,000. The money will be split evenly between 3 foundations, including research. What a great and easy way to support CF! It's only 10 questions and will take you a few minutes. So go on, take the quiz. Your $15 will make a huge difference in the life of someone with CF and may even be the $15 that helps reach a ground breaking discovery in CF.

Sunday 27 May 2012

LOL

Another Sunday...and it is a rainy, overcast, cool day here. Hope my American friends are enjoying a sunny long weekend though! 

On to some MTV related humour...





Laguna Beach - Season Three - Cami Remixed
Get More: Laguna Beach - Season Three - Cami Remixed

Thursday 24 May 2012

Make With Me- Aunt Mary's Strawberry Cream Pie

Aunt Mary's Strawberry Cream Pie

Ingredients:
  • 12 oz (1 1/2 packages) cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract
  • 2 cups whipping cream
  • 1 1/2 squares semi sweet chocolate
  • 19" baked pie shell
  • 2-3 cups ripe strawberries, sliced

To Make:
  • In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar and almond extract until smooth
  • In another bowl, beat whipping cream (not too stiff)
  • Fold whipping cream into cheese mixture
  • Melt one square of chocolate
  • With the back of the spoon, spread melted chocolate over the bottom of the baked pie shell and let cool
  • Spoon half of the cream cheese/whipped cream mixture into pie shell and cover with 2/3 of the sliced strawberries
  • Cover strawberries with the remaining of the cream cheese/whipped cream mixture
  • Place remaining strawberries on top
  • Melt the rest of the chocolate (1/2 square) and drizzle over pie
  • Chill at least one hour
  • Enjoy!

Notes:
  1. Another  recipe from my Aunt Mary.
  2. I have used Cool Whip in place of whipping cream
  3. Almond extract can be substituted for vanilla extract- or use both!
  4. Make sure the pie shell is baked prior to to making the rest of the pie!
  5. I've never done this...but I'm sure the strawberries can be replaced by other berries (raspberries, blueberries) and fruit (bananas).

Wednesday 23 May 2012

Book, Song, Body

BOOK-A book that I have wanted to read for ages and finally had the chance too:


I loved this book. Loved it! And it has been added to my list of favourite books! Deemed a "cult classic" and I can see why! Set in the 1950's, this book follows Jennifer (my favourite character!), Neely and Anne. While the three become friends in a glamorous New York setting, the three couldn't be more different- their upbringings, their experiences that brought them to New York and even what they encounter after meeting and forming a friendship. 

I really felt that this book was a journey and nothing was spared- the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. I liked how the book was told with sections dedicated to all three characters, focus on what was going on in their lives- if the book was written in third person, it would have been sections told from the point of view of each character. Does that even make sense?  I also liked, that while told in chronological order, it did skip sections of a time period (ex an entire pregnancy), which I felt helped more the story along and a good pace and cut out parts that were not very relevant to the storyline. 

Originally, I thought this book would be an easy, fun, beach read. I found myself reading into the night and every chance I could. In my opinion, this book is a classic! Sex, scandal, romance, heartbreak, self destruction...it really does have it all!


SONG-I heard on the radio yesterday, that some people were deeming this song, the 'song of summer':


Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen


BODY- I have mentioned before how much I LOVE My Dream Sample Box- not only is Holly (the owner) AMAZING but I love discovering new products!

My current 'must have' is:
Ava Anderson Lip Balm

The product is non-toxic and in environmentally safe packaging, both things I support. And part of the reason why I love this product.

I live in Canada, where the harsh, cold winters and the humid, hot summers do a number on our skin and lips. I have tried MANY lip balms over the years, and while I have found some that worked and I could use...I hadn't found a lip balm that I loved until now.

Ava Anderson Lip Balm is not only a product I love but highly recommend (the ONLY lip balm I've recommended). No waxy or sticky feeling, no weird taste or smell. After use, my lips become soft, smooth and hydrated. Added bonus that I can put lip balm on in the morning and not have to reapply it all day!

Tuesday 22 May 2012

Hey! It`s Ok

Idea taken from Amber at Airing My Dirty Laundry One Sock At A Time

That I am writing this from my Kindle while I wait to get new tires put on my car and get my oil changed. I could also be writing this from my Blackberry...if I had a data plan.

To track books on Amazon before buying them and then be overjoyed when the price comes down drastically. There have been a few books that I was tracking but didn't buy because they cost more than the paperback. Kindle price would be over $20 and i would end up buying them for as little as $0.99 and no matter than $4.

That we had an amazing long weekend! Perfect beach weather so we could spend the entire weekend outside. Nights on the patio, s`mores, BBQ, good company. A perfect weekend!

To hope that my American friends have just as nice of long weekend this weekend!

That even though summer is about a month away, I`m acting like it`s already here. bathing suits, tank tops, cover ups and flip flops have become my daily uniform. Trips to the beach and lying in the hammock are daily activities and nights are spent on the patio.

That one of my best friends is engaged! So happy for her and her fiance!

Monday 21 May 2012

i & i

i(nspiration) 



&

i(dea)
Go off the grid! Turn off/step away from all of your technology for at least 24 hours. No laptop, ipad, cellphone, Kindle, ipod etc.

Taking a break from technology will force you to actually DO something with your time. This could be hand writing a letter to someone, going for a walk, having friends over for a pot luck dinner...the options are endless. It also forces you to take a step back to a simpler time and allows you to take a breath and enjoy life, giving you a break from always being connected.

Friday 18 May 2012

Favourite Thing- May 2-4

This weekend is Victoria Weekend aka May 2-4 Weekend in Canada. This is widely seen as the opening weekend of Summer. This is the first time that people go camping, head to the cottage, have bonfires...the first of summer activities.


I've spent the majority of my May 2-4 Weekends at the beach/cottage. Even if I was in jeans and a sweatshirt...I've been at the beach! There is nothing better than being in cottage country with your family and friends, spending the day at the beach, BBQ dinner and finishing the night off with a bonfire. 

This weekend is my favourite. I love that it means that summer is just around the corner and I love spending such a low key weekend with family and friends, doing some of my favourite activities.

Wednesday 16 May 2012

Book, Song, Body

BOOK-The past few weeks have been super busy (HUGE work event, becoming unemployed, a family issue) so I am a bit behind on my reading- haven't been able to finish a book I started last week- combined with the fact that I read a string of books that I didn't think were all that good. So...no book this week.


SONG-As mentioned in previous posts, my Aunt Mary died. Her funeral was Saturday and a version of this song was sung:
Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen


BODY-Saw this 24-Hour Tone-Up on Pinterest and had to share. This are really easy and simple exercises that can be done to tone your body. The best part (in my opinion) is, they aren't time consuming- the exercises take about 6 minutes to do!


Tuesday 15 May 2012

Hey! It's Ok

Idea taken from Amber at Airing My Dirty Laundry One Sock At A Time


To be sad that Desperate Housewives is over. I loved the last episode and felt that they did a great job wrapping up the series. The only thing I didn't like, was Jennifer (was that her name?) who moved into Susan's house having a secret. This was right at the end of the episode and I want to know what she's hiding!

That I missed the last episode of Celebrity Apprentice because I was watching the Desperate Housewives finale. Why did these two shows have to be on at the exact same time?!?!?!? Luckily, in Canada, the episodes air on a Canadian station the Saturday after the show airs on NBC.

To not have any plans for the long weekend coming up. So many options. I just need to decide what I want to do. Seeing how the long weekend is THIS weekend, I need to get my act together and figure out what I want to do!

That MTV's Undressed is my guilty pleasure. I loved that show when it aired and I discovered yesterday by chance that you can view the episodes online at undressedtv.com. I know...I know...the show isn't quality programing...and I shouldn't waste my time watching it...but have you seen the show? Addicting. And please don't judge me for watching it.

That I have friends (who are now ex-coworkers) here who care about me so much that they will stalk/track down my dad and e-mail him to make sure I'm ok, because they haven't heard from me since the morning and I deleted my Facebook account. And I didn't answer when they called my house and cell phones and I wasn't replying to their texts. Ok, typing that out seems pretty bad and if I were them, I guess I would have worried too. Bottom line, incredibly lucky and blessed to have the friends that I do.

Monday 14 May 2012

i & i

i(nspiration) 


&

i(dea)
I've mentioned over the last couple of blog posts that my Aunt Mary recently passed away. My aunt was a HUGE fan of horse racing. At her visitation and funeral, a program was handed out. It was designed to be a horse race program, but included information on her grandchildren. On the front of the program, it had admission listed as "A kind deed for a stranger".

Everyone was equal in the eyes of my aunt and she always treated everyone with kindness and respect. Kindness can go a long way in this world, especially when done for someone you don't know.

Sunday 13 May 2012

LOL

I had a great weekend with family and while it was sad circumstance that we were all together- my aunt's funeral- it was still nice to spend time with, and most importantly celebrate my aunt's life. I've written about my aunt twice already (which you can read here and here). Aunt Mary was a HUGE fan of the horse races, so in her honour and memory:


This Kentucky horse breeder had a filly that won every race in which she was entered. But as she got older she became very temperamental.  He soon found that when he raced her in the evening, she would win handily, but when she raced during the day she would come in dead last. He consulted the top veterinarians and horse psychologists to no avail. He finally had to give up because it had become ... a real night mare.


What is one of the hardest times to win a horse race?
12:31, because it is 29 to 1.



Did you hear about the guy who went to the races and while there he observed a Roman Catholic priest who went over to a horse and sprinkled it with holy water.  The horse went on to win the race, streaking ahead of the opposition.  Before the next race he saw the priest go over to another horse and sprinkle it with holy water.   Like the first horse it went on to win it's race.   The guy said to himself that if the priest sprinkles another horse with holy water I am going to bet every penny I have on that horse.  Sure enough, the priest went over to another horse and sprinkled it with holy water.  So the guy went to a bookie and bet every penny he had on this horse.

Then the race started and the horse that the priest sprinkled with holy water dropped dead about 100 yards after the start of the race.   The guy was devastated.    So he went over to the priest and said,  "What's going on here?    The last two horses you sprinkled with holy water went on to win their races, and this last one you sprinkled dropped dead after only 100 yards.  I had put every penny I had on it's nose!"

The priest replied, "You're not Roman Catholic, are you?" 

The guy admitted that he was not and asked, "But, how do you know that?"
The priest said, "Because you don't know the difference between giving a blessing and administering the last rights."



 

Friday 11 May 2012

Favourite Thing- Aunt Mary

Last Friday, I wrote about family and at the end of my entry included a note to my Aunt Mary. You can read the entry here. She died earlier this week (which would explain my absence from the blogging world) but I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to see her on Tuesday.

I struggled with what to say in order to honour her and I just couldn't come up with the right words or tribute. My aunt (and I) live(d) in a small community and she was a high profile resident- very involved, well known and respected. When walking around town yesterday, I overheard so many people talking about her, how great she was and how much she will be missed.

Earlier this week, someone had asked me about my aunt and I said; everyone who knows her, knows how great she is. How kind, giving, generous, caring she is. She is an amazing role model and inspiration, anyone who knows her, knows this. I feel so blessed to have a woman like this not only in my life, but in my family too.

My cousin Teresa wrote my Aunt Mary's obituary, which I feel was beautifully written and paints an excellent portrait of the woman she is:

Mary Elizabeth

was born on May 23, 1933 to Alma and Wyllie; an older sister to John, a step daughter of Sadie. As a child, Mary and her family spent summers at their cottage outside of Goderich. Their cottage neighbours were the [name] family. It was at the cottage, that Mary met Jim. They married on December 31, 1955.

Mary trained as a nurse at Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto. After marriage, Mary switched careers - leaving hospital nursing to become a full-time mother and community volunteer to which she added Race Secretary at Goderich and Woodstock Raceways in the late 1980s. Mary and Jim made raising 10 children look easy - swimming lessons, bowling, horseback riding lessons, sailing lessons, baseball - the kids did it all. Even with 10 children, Mary had lots of room left to love - so she added pets into the mix - a donkey, ponies, dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, fish and a monkey named Floyd.

Family celebrations are steeped in tradition, family meals are legendary - and Mary did it all. Thirty-four people for dinner - daunting for most - not for Mary. For her the more people who were home, the more she loved it. Our families and friends were always welcome in her home and at her table.

Mary loved her expanding family - her children were her pride and joy but if it is possible she was even more proud of her grandchildren and their accomplishments. Mary knew she had many blessings in her life - her husband, her children, her grandchildren, her faith. She also knew that many people were not so fortunate. For 30 years she was a tireless, committed volunteer for Community Living Central Huron. She was passionate about her politics - Conservative of course. She was the Financial Officer for the local riding association. Her volunteer work included the local Blood Donor Clinic, the Separate School Board, Chairman of the Goderich Recreation Board, Member of the Nursing Home Review Board, Director of the Canadian Pari-mutuel Association and canvassing for cancer. She was an avid gardener, horse racing enthusiast, and a Life Master Bridge player.

By her example, she taught us about tolerance, acceptance, respect and inclusion. She was loving, proud, bright, strong, courageous, and fearless. An inspiration for us all.

Tuesday 8 May 2012

Hey! It's Ok

Idea taken from Amber at Airing My Dirty Laundry One Sock At A Time


To have had my Blackberry for almost two weeks and still not always hit the right button to answer calls. And I have no idea how to check my voicemail. So, if you call me and I don't answer, call back until I answer. And if I hang up on you, I didn't mean to. And for goodness sakes, don't leave me a voicemail message!

To deactivate your Facebook account. It's something I've wanted to do for ages, but because I needed it for work, I never felt I could delete my account. But, now that I am no longer in that job, I was free to delete my account today. I have to tell you, it felt great!

That, as my brother said to me yesterday, I'm on to my next adventure! I had always thought of the end of my contract as the start of a new chapter in my life, not the start of a new adventure. But I'm going to...I'm excited about what the future holds and am thinking about next adventure. I think the best way to start an adventure is in a new location...the big question is, where should I move to?

To eat nothing but popsicles for a day, especially if they are organic and gluten free. Because that's exactly what I've done today and I don't want to feel bad about doing it.

That I am not girly. Sure, I wear skirts and heels practically every day to work- but only because it makes me feel more professional- but I do not do my hair everyday and I don't wear makeup and I'm not up on the latest fashion trends. As for the hair and makeup, I'd rather sleep an extra 20 minutes. And for the fashion? I live in rural Ontario...there are no fashion trends here.

Monday 7 May 2012

i & i

i(nspiration) 





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i(dea)

Be nice.

This might seem like a no brainer but it seems that a lot of people forget to be nice to others. It's as simple as saying thank you or even telling someone they are doing a good job. Treat people with respect. These simple and nice acts can make all the difference in the lives of others.

It amazes me how people can treat others so poorly and think it's ok. It really isn't that hard to be nice and/or kind to one another. So please, be nice.

Thank you.

Sunday 6 May 2012

LOL

Two pieces of humour this week- Canadian humour and musical humour!







Friday 4 May 2012

Favourite Thing- Family

Another week has come and gone! After a 10 hour work day, I'm happy to be home! We have our Dinner Auction for work tomorrow night and we are pretty much good to go. A co-worker and I just have to finish the centre pieces tomorrow and we're done. After that it's just a matter of the evening playing out. Hopefully everyone has a great time!

On to this weeks favourite thing:


Family

I am so lucky and blessed to have the family that I do- this includes my extended family. They are all so loving, encouraging and supportive of me. I really, really, really do appreciate all that they do- for me, for one another and even for those who are not a part of our family. 

It's during the tough times, that you realize how amazing family is, how important they are to have around. 


On a personal note, to my Aunt Mary: I have always admired and respected you. I feel you are one of the most elegant, caring and giving people there is. You have done everything in life with such dignity and grace. No matter what you had going on, you were always able and willing to give to the community. Your recent volunteer award (from the Province of Ontario) recognize 30 years of volunteer service with one organization speaks volumes. I'm so happy and proud of your recognition and achievement and I know that this was just one of many organizations you volunteered your time with.  I had emulated you and gave freely of my time to organizations. I found I has spread myself too thin, took on more than I could handle and was just done... How did you do it?!?!? And as a wife, mother and grandmother, you had less time and more responsibilities. You amaze me!

I also want you to know, I appreciate your kindness and welcoming spirit when I first moved to town. I appreciate you reaching out to me, inviting me to dinner and make sure I felt and knew I was part of the family and always welcome at the house. When I moved here, what you don't know, was that I burnt out. I needed to be alone, I needed to do things for me, I needed to unwind and figure out who I truly am. And, I wasn't in a place to be social and I wasn't in a place, I felt, where I was good company. This is the REAL reason I kept my distance. No other reason. I had gone from doing too much to doing nothing. I guess you could say, in a way, I felt unworthy to be in your presence.

I have so many fond and cherished memories of time spent with you over the years, specifically at the cottage. My favourite memories were the ordinary cottage days- reading on the beach, family dinner at the cottage and a bonfire afterwards. It was the simpleness of these times spent with family that mean the most to me. It was always so important to you that I knew my cousins and that they knew me...It's because of you, that I have such close relationships with your children and grandchildren. You always said that not only were we all family, but we should all be friends too. 

Thank you for all you have done for me. Thank you for all that you have taught me. Thank you for being an amazing woman, role model and inspiration. But most importantly, thank you for being my aunt, my Aunt Mary.

Thursday 3 May 2012

Make With Me- Creamy Green Chili Enchiladas

Creamy Green Chili Enchiladas

Ingredients:
  • 1 to 1 1/2 pounds ground round beef
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1 pound Velveeta cheese, cubed
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 large can of evaporated milk
  • 1 small can of chopped green chilies
  • 1 cup sharp cheese, shredded
  • 1 pack of tortillas

To Make:
  • Brown the ground round and chopped onion
  • Drain off fat
  • Sauce: Simmer cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, evaporated milk, green chilies and 1/2 of the cubed Velveeta cheese in a saucepan until cheese melts
  • Add remaining cubes of Velveeta to ground round and onion mixture
  • Add shredded sharp cheese to above
  • Soften tortillas as directed on package
  • Roll ground round/cheese mixture in tortillas to form enchiladas
  • Line enchiladas  up in a 9x13 pan
  • Pour sauce on top and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes
  • Enjoy!

Notes:
  1. Another recipe from one of Rhonda's friends: Suzanne Coffman from Brownwood Texas.
  2. I had never heard of ground round before and had to look it up. It is a term used for the leanest ground beef.
  3. Any kind of ground meat (ie pork, chicken, etc) or vegetarian option (ie meatless ground round) can be used in place of ground round. 
  4. I actually don't eat ground meat, so I have used a vegetarian substitute and I have used small chunks of chicken breast.
  5. Sharp cheese, while best, can be replaced with whatever kind of cheese you like/have around the house. 
  6. Both flour and corn tortillas can be used. 
  7. Suzanne noted to serve with Spanish rice or refried beans.

Wednesday 2 May 2012

Book, Song, Body

BOOK-I am a fan of Sophie Kinsella and the Shopaholic series, so I of course have read:




This is the latest book in the series, which came out about 2 years ago. Like all books in the series, it centres around Becky Brandon (nee Bloomwood) and is a fun, funny read. While not the best book in the series and following a similar formula as previous books in the series (Becky shops, spends too much, finds herself in a crazy situation that she needs help getting out of, web of lies, etc) still an enjoyable read.

The book has a number of storylines; financial crisis, dealing with an out of control 2 year old, planning a party, shopping (obviously), Minnie and Elinor getting to know each other. Some better than others. Even though I did enjoy the book, there isn't much to say about it...it's not that the book was predictable...it was just standard shopaholic fair. If you've read any of the previous books, you'll know what I mean.

Like I said, I'm a Sophie Kinsella fan, so I liked the book. If you're not interested in the Shopaholic series, didn't like any of Kinsella's other books or don't like chic lit, give the book a pass. Great book to read at the beach or poolside, to pass sometime or to escape reality for a bit.


SONG-One of my all time favourite songs...perfect to sing and dance along to:



Hit Me With Your Best Shot by Pat Benatar

BODY-We have all been in a situation where we've needed to lose a little bit of weight, especially right before an event. I came across this 7 day diet, which I tried this past week.

I wasn't sure if this was going to work, but I found myself down 10 pounds this morning. This is surprising because I didn't follow the diet exactly- I had fast food one night, a ham & cheese sandwich for lunch one day and ate some chocolate.

I'm not sure if the weight will stay off or if this is a 'quick fix'. If nothing else, it's a good cleanse and a way to eat a bit healthier (if you're like me and don't follow it to a T). As an added bonus, the site has some great information (like the grocery list).

Tuesday 1 May 2012

Hey! It's Ok

Idea taken from Amber at Airing My Dirty Laundry One Sock At A Time


To be preparing a Last Will & Testament (Sorority Style) for my last staff meeting. My boss has yet to tell the staff that May 18 is my last day, and I hope she brings it up during the staff meeting. I figure my Last Will & Testament will be something fun and a way to keep things lighthearted.

To be amazed that I am less than 50 views from reaching 1000 views on this blog! When I started this, I had no idea so many people would stop by!

That I'm sad Desperate Housewives is coming to an end. I know there are a handful of episodes left...but there's a huge storyline going on right now, and I'm curious to see how it's all going to play out. I love this show and I will be sad when it's over.

That I accidentally put my cell phone through the wash last week. I threw my phone my bad when a friend came over, forgot it was there, took the sheets off my bed and put them in the wash. I went to go text a friend...couldn't find my phone...and freaked out. I was able to stop the wash and take it out, but my phone was toast. I went about 18 hours without my cell phone and I freaked out. Like was crying and having anxiety attacks freaking out. Still freak out when I think about what I did and the fact that I lost 200 contacts.

That it took me 10 years to ruin a phone because of my actions. The phone that went threw the wash was my third phone and I've had it for 4 or 5 years. I usually have to replace a phone because the screen died. When I told my dad what I did, he said "I knew I couldn't trust you with a cell phone."

To have FINALLY made the switch to a smartphone. I had to replace my phone and the store didn't have any flip phones (or red phones for that matter). Because I never had any desire to have a smartphone, I wasn't sure if I wanted a Blackberry, iPhone or Android. I ended up with a Blackberry because it's what my dad and brother have (sister has an iPhone), I'm told Blackberry is aimed more at business people and it has a keyboard. I hope I made the right choice.