I Love My Kids

I love my kids, I really do!  But we all have to admit, it is so peaceful and relaxing at night after they have all gone to sleep!  I can sit back and relax and enjoy the quiet...WAIT!  Who am I kidding?!  That is when I get all of MY stuff done! No one is in the way, no one is asking me a thousand questions and interrupting my flow.  It's mommy time!  

OK, so not exactly mommy time, more like catch up time.  Its the only time I can clean a toilet and it stays cleans.  I don't have finger prints, (or whole hand prints) on the bathroom mirrors.  I can make a clear pathway so I don't trip over, step on and smash a toy.  It's a glorious time, it lasts until I can no longer keep my eyes open...the other night my 8 year old told us as he walked off to bed, "You guys are so lucky you get to stay up late."  HA! If he only knew! LOL  

  

Some days it bothers me, feels like a work my ass for nothing.  The house gets destroyed time and time again.  And I spend many more late nights cleaning and cleaning.  Other days I am grateful for the time I get to spend with my kids.  I am not wasting that time cleaning and such.  I am there to help with homework, play a game, read a book, watch a movie or just hang.  Its nice, because let's face it...they are not going to remember that you left a sink full of dinner dishes or a ring in the tub. They are going to remember that they "beat" you at tic tac toe, they are going to remember that you were a good "hider" with hide and seek.  They are going to remember the fun walks, sharing laughs and making memories.  I love my kids, I really do...but once in a while that silence is nice, too.

Copy Cat

Since I am required by law to feed my kids, I like to do a good job at it.  And since they all have fairly good taste in food, I have to be on top of my game.  I am always searching for new recipes and easier/better ways to make them.  And some of my favorites are the ones that tell me how to make my favs from restaurants and store bought pre made items.  I have scoured the internet to put together a fairly good sized list of these.  I thought I would share a few with all of you...all are tested and not too bad, if I do say so myself!

KFC Chicken Seasoning Mix

1 tablespoon rosemary
1 tablespoon oregano
1 tablespoon sage
1 teaspoon powdered ginger
1 teaspoon marjoram
1 1/2 teaspoons thyme
3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons minced parsley
1 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon paprika
2 tablespoons garlic salt
2 tablespoons onion salt
2 tablespoons chicken bouillon powder
1 package Lipton tomato cup-a-soup mix

Place all ingredients in blender with on\off speed for 3-4 minutes to pulverize, or rub through a fine strainer. 
Store in an airtight container. 
Add 1 oz. mix to cup of flour for coating chicken.








Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

1 pt heavy cream
1 stick butter
2 T cream cheese
1/2 to 3/4 c Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder

in a saucepan combine butter, heavy cream, and cream cheese. Simmer this until all is melted, and mixed well. Add the Parmesan cheese and garlic powder. Simmer this for 15 to 20 min on low. (can be left on low longer, just watch it and stir) I have done this with half and half, but we prefer the heavy cream. But wouldn't try it with plain milk.



Outback Onion Ring Dipping Sauce

1 pint Mayonnaise 
1 pint Sour cream 
1/2 C. Tomato chili sauce 
1/2 tsp. Cayenne pepper 

Combine and mix well, enjoy!






Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

2 C buttermilk baking mix (small box, Jiffy Mix equals 2 cups)
2/3 C milk
1/2 C shredded cheddar cheese (extra sharp?)
1/4 C butter
1/2 tsp garlic powder

Preheat oven to 450*. 

Combine mix, milk and cheese with a wooden spoon until soft dough forms. Beat vigorously 30 seconds. Drop dough by heaping tablespoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 8 - 10 minutes until golden brown. Combine butter and garlic powder; brush over warm biscuits before removing from cookie sheet. Serve warm. Makes 10 large biscuits.

This is a little bit off from I normally post, but damn it...I was hungry!  This is just a few, I have many more. If you want to see them, comment and let me know!  Try them out and let me know what you think.  Until next time...

Guilty Pleasures

I pride myself on putting my family first, for the most part...but hey, every mom needs to indulge in a few pampering for herself every now and then, right?!  Well, it's not often that I get to go and "get my nails did", so I usually do them myself.  That means that I have had a lot of trial and error and a LOT of practice.  I buy all the gadgets, different nail polishes and stuff to go along with it.  I usually look up ideas on the internet and practice, practice, practice...here are a few designs that I found and really like!

None of these are easy, but with a little practice I might be able to come up with something close.  It is my little reward, to buy dozens of nail polish, many from the same hue family, lol...(yes, I have many shades of pink!).  I wish I had the time to go to a trade school and learn the fine art of nail design, but even with school I would still have to practice like crazy because I lack the easy talent gene.  Without practice, my nails would look like this...

Practice DOES make perfect!