Posts
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Tell Me Thursday - Rite of Passage
The boys each got their own library cards when they were 4 and able to sign their name legibly. Lydia has been able to write her own name for a while now, but we don't visit the library as often as we did when the boys were tiny. (Not because we read any less -- it's a combination of having more than a thousand children's books in our house and limited library hours and me working most of the hours the library is open.)
BUT, last week we went to the library and Lydia was able to receive her very own library card. The boys were both disappointed when they learned that library cards are no longer signed on the back. (I was, too, since now I don't know how to keep track of whose is whose.)
You can see that she was pleased as punch to check out a few books with her very own card. She even used the self checkout herself! She chose some early readers as she has decided that it's about time she learned how to read for herself.
Review: Disney on Ice Toy Story 3 in Phoenix
I wasn't sure how they would translate the Toy Story 3 movie to ice, but after watching the show, I think they did a fantastic job! There was enough of the movie plot to be familiar, but the choreography and the music made it an excellent ice show. The music chosen was upbeat and fun, and went perfectly with the scenes and the skaters.
One thing that I noticed that was even better than previous shows was the use of lights. The lights helped set many of the scenes and really brought the set to life. At one point, the center of the stage looked like an old-fashioned TV set and during another point, the ice was flooded with rainbows.
The skaters were fabulous. They have so much talent, and athletic skill, that it is fun to watch them skate. There were so many great numbers -- and we all chose different favorite parts when we were talking in the car on the way home. The aliens and the Barbies were definite hits! I'm also amazed at how well the skaters do in the elaborate character costumes.
One thing that I love about these shows is that they are wonderful for all ages! My 4 yo daughter has a great time, but my 9 and 11 yo sons also had fun and laughed and clapped throughout the show. Bo is in Florida for work today, so my mom was able to come with us and she thought it was terrific.
While I was writing this post, my giveaway winner sent me a thank you email. In part, she said:
I just wanted to tell you how much we enjoyed Disney On Ice Toy Story 3 last night. The skaters were fantastic, the costume colors were brilliant, and Barbie and Ken a hoot! *** really enjoyed himself, and laughed during the alien performance. It was a perfect evening and I enjoyed sharing it night with my little man.She even shared a picture of her and her son at the show!
Thanks!
Disney on Ice presents Disney/Pixar's Toy Story 3 is in Phoenix through this weekend. You can still use the discount code MOMMYDEAL to purchase 4 tickets for $44. (this post explains the details of the discount code) It's an amazingly fun show, and I know you will have a good time!
*Disclosure: I am a Feld Family Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and sharing my opinion, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld Shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-show events. No additional compensation is provided. All opinions are my own.*
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Portuguese Chicken Soup
I make a lousy food blogger because I have no pictures to share with you of this yummy soup I made last night -- but trust me that it looked and smelled as wonderful as it tasted.
I picked up the latest copy of the Food Network magazine because I wanted to check out the chili recipe on the cover. That turned out not to interest me, but a Portuguese Chicken Soup recipe by Emeril Lagasse did. I didn't follow the recipe exactly (I rarely do) but I kept the essence and everyone enjoyed the soup.
The original recipe called for a whole chicken -- but nobody in my house will eat dark meat -- so I substituted bone-in chicken breasts. The recipe's yield was 6 servings, which may have just fed my family, but I wanted to share with my parents and I wanted leftovers . . . so again I veered away from the recipe. The recipe also called for mint, but I didn't have any and didn't want to make a trip to the store for mint. Enough talk of what I didn't do, here's what I did.
Ingredients
3 bone-in chicken breasts
3 stalks celery
1 large onion
3 crushed garlic cloves
liberal sprinkle of red pepper flakes
salt
pepper
zest from one lemon (from our backyard!)
juice from 2 lemons (again, our yard!)
rice
juice from another lemon
Directions
Cover chicken breasts with about 2 extra inches of water in large pot. Coarsely chop celery and onion. Add spices to taste. Add lemon zest and lemon juice. Bring to boil and then turn to simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour.
Remove chicken breasts and set aside to cool a bit. Strain broth and discard vegetables. Return broth to pot and bring to boil. Add rice (the recipe called for 1/4 cup, which didn't seem like enough to me. So I threw in a cup, which was too much, but it was what was left in the bag I had in the cupboard. Luckily, I also had chicken broth in the cupboard, so I just added more broth later and it all worked out fine. I should have done 1/2 cup) Simmer for 20 minutes, or until rice is tender.
Remove chicken skin and shred chicken. Add to broth. Add juice from another lemon. Simmer for 5 - 10 minutes. Enjoy!!
I really enjoyed the zing the lemon juice gave the soup, and the soup received a thumbs up from all 5 members of my family. If I would have had any carrots, I would have added them in as well.
And, now that I've read through this post, I also realize I'm not a food blogger not just because I forget to take pictures . . . but also it's hard to put down all the steps in a recipe when I just wing it. Oh, well . . . if nothing else . .. throw some lemon juice in the next chicken soup you make. It's yummy!
I picked up the latest copy of the Food Network magazine because I wanted to check out the chili recipe on the cover. That turned out not to interest me, but a Portuguese Chicken Soup recipe by Emeril Lagasse did. I didn't follow the recipe exactly (I rarely do) but I kept the essence and everyone enjoyed the soup.
The original recipe called for a whole chicken -- but nobody in my house will eat dark meat -- so I substituted bone-in chicken breasts. The recipe's yield was 6 servings, which may have just fed my family, but I wanted to share with my parents and I wanted leftovers . . . so again I veered away from the recipe. The recipe also called for mint, but I didn't have any and didn't want to make a trip to the store for mint. Enough talk of what I didn't do, here's what I did.
Ingredients
3 bone-in chicken breasts
3 stalks celery
1 large onion
3 crushed garlic cloves
liberal sprinkle of red pepper flakes
salt
pepper
zest from one lemon (from our backyard!)
juice from 2 lemons (again, our yard!)
rice
juice from another lemon
Directions
Cover chicken breasts with about 2 extra inches of water in large pot. Coarsely chop celery and onion. Add spices to taste. Add lemon zest and lemon juice. Bring to boil and then turn to simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour.
Remove chicken breasts and set aside to cool a bit. Strain broth and discard vegetables. Return broth to pot and bring to boil. Add rice (the recipe called for 1/4 cup, which didn't seem like enough to me. So I threw in a cup, which was too much, but it was what was left in the bag I had in the cupboard. Luckily, I also had chicken broth in the cupboard, so I just added more broth later and it all worked out fine. I should have done 1/2 cup) Simmer for 20 minutes, or until rice is tender.
Remove chicken skin and shred chicken. Add to broth. Add juice from another lemon. Simmer for 5 - 10 minutes. Enjoy!!
I really enjoyed the zing the lemon juice gave the soup, and the soup received a thumbs up from all 5 members of my family. If I would have had any carrots, I would have added them in as well.
And, now that I've read through this post, I also realize I'm not a food blogger not just because I forget to take pictures . . . but also it's hard to put down all the steps in a recipe when I just wing it. Oh, well . . . if nothing else . .. throw some lemon juice in the next chicken soup you make. It's yummy!
Giveaway: Ocean Spray Fruit Snacks
Lydia and I were in the grocery store early last week and she saw an end cap full of boxes of Ocean Spray fruit snacks. My kids all love Ocean Spray juice, and they all love fruit snacks. When she saw the boxes, she said "Oh! We need to get these!"
I looked at them, and then said "No, I think we're going to get some in the mail soon." She gave me that look that she gives me when she thinks I'm pulling her leg, but we moved on to finish our shopping.
Sure enough, when we got home, there was a box waiting for us with boxes of Ocean Spray fruit snacks! She was rather amazed (as was I, since I wasn't really sure when they would arrive!)
All 3 of my kids (okay, and me, too) have tried them and think they are delicious. I like that they are not as sticky as other brands on the kids' teeth. The flavors are bright and fruity.
Each package is only 80 calories, contains a full day's requirement of Vitamin C, and the first ingredient is juice. They're easy to throw in my purse for snacks for the kids and I don't have to worry about them crumbling or melting.
If you would like to try them the next time you go grocery shopping, click this link for a coupon good for $1.10 off TWO boxes.
If you think it would be fun to come home and find a box on your doorstep containing 6 boxes of fruit snacks in assorted flavors, then please enter my giveaway!
Entries for my giveaway are completed on my giveaway form. Take a look at the required questions below, then CLICK HERE to pop over to the giveaway form. Fill in all the information and I will use random.org to choose which entry will win the giveaway. Comments left below will not be included in the giveaway.
NAME OF GIVEAWAY: Ocean Spray Fruit Snacks
MANDATORY QUESTION: What's your favorite fruit flavor?
The giveaway will end February 2, 2012. Good Luck!
*Disclosure: Ocean Spray® Fruit Flavored Snacks, information, and giveaway have been provided by Ocean Spray® through MyBlogSpark.*
Thursday, January 05, 2012
Tell Me Thursday - Band
Every once in a while I would think about a new one, but it wasn't really a priority. I knew I was married -- I didn't really need a ring to prove it to anyone.
In the last couple years that I've been traveling for business, though, it came to mind more often. I ran into 2 situations -- either the people who searched for a band and assumed that I could travel for business because I wasn't married OR the men who would try to pick me up thinking I wasn't married. It was just slightly annoying, but I started getting the feeling that people didn't believe me when I said "No, I'm married -- I just don't wear a wedding band."
I'm super happy with the band Bo chose. It was a wonderful surprise and now when I travel I have that physical reminder of our love, our marriage, and maybe a few less inquiries as to my marital state!
Tuesday, January 03, 2012
Friday, December 30, 2011
Disney on Ice - Toy Story - Phoenix - GIVEAWAY
It's time for a giveaway!! This will be my first giveaway of 2012, since I will choose the winner on Wednesday, January 4, 2012.
I have FOUR TICKETS to opening night of the Disney on Ice presents Disney/Pixar's Toy Story 3 show in Phoenix on January 18th to give away to one of my awesome, local readers!
I wrote about the show earlier this month, and also shared a great discount code!
For this giveaway, you MUST be available on January 18th in the evening to attend the show at US Airways Center in Phoenix. Please DO NOT enter the giveaway if you are not sure if you can attend the show.
To enter this giveaway, you must CLICK HERE and type your information onto my Giveaway Entry Form. Please enter all the information correctly in order for your entry to be included in the drawing. I will choose a winner on Wednesday, January 4, 2012 using random.org. YOU MUST RESPOND WITHIN 24 HOURS, or I will choose another winner.
Name of Giveaway: Toy Story Disney on Ice
Mandatory Question: Who is your favorite Toy Story character?
Good Luck!!
*Disclosure: I am a Feld Family Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and sharing my opinion, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld Shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-show events. No additional compensation is provided. All opinions are my own.*
2011 Meme
I've done this for the last 4 years (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010)
-- so I couldn't skip this year! If you decided to play
along on your blog, leave a comment so I can read your 2011 recap.
1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?
Was denied entry into a foreign country. I don't think I wrote about it on this blog, but I was denied entry into Canada a few months ago because I didn't have all the paperwork they wanted to see. I was supposed to teach a class, but had to cancel since Customs didn't think I had enough paperwork to prove that I was there for work. It was a stressful couple of days until I got my passport returned and was able to return to the U.S.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I kept 2 of my 3 resolutions. I am still thinking about resolutions for 2011.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Nope. No new babies close to us in 2011. Dear family members are working on adopting their foster child, though, so I'm excited for them!
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Nobody close to me died in 2011.
5. What countries did you visit?
Canada
6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
Balance
7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
July 5 - 8 and attending the National Stuttering Conference with Nate in Fort Worth, TX. It was a wonderful experience to travel alone with Nate, and spend time with amazing people.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Having 2 articles published in a local parenting magazine. Recovering enough to take Nate to the National Stuttering Conference in Texas. It was up in the air as to whether I would be healthy enough to go, but willpower made it happen.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Nothing I would share with the Internet :)~
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I suffered some serious kidney issues over the summer that landed me in the hospital 3 times, 2 surgeries, and flat on my back for over 6 weeks. It came on suddenly, and it feels like I'm still catching up from the time I lost. Health is precious.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
I can't think of any outstanding purchases.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My kids. They all stepped up and were amazing taking care of each other while I was sick. My brother, who helped immensely when I was sick. Also, Colin who stood up to the bullies that harassed his brother.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
The kids who teased and bullied Nate about his speech. I wouldn't say appalled, but I am disappointed with both boys' teachers this year and they have definitely brought about depressed feelings. They're just not a good fit.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Mortgages, medical bills
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
My parents finally moved in next door. Our trip to CA in October and the time I was able to spend on the beach.
16. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Someone Like You
For no other reason than I really liked it, and I listened to Adele's 21 album quite a bit this year.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
a) about the same; b) about the same; c) about the same
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Played. Spent time outdoors.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
worried (this never changes, does it? Maybe 2012 should be the year I work on changing that)
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
Christmas was even better this year because my parents live here now. They are thoroughly enjoying the time they can spend with their grandkids and I love watching their relationships develop.
21. Did you fall in love in 2011?
Never fell out of love.
22. How many one-night stands?
None.
23. What was your favorite TV program?
Top Chef, American Pickers, Storage Wars (still a reality TV junkie . . . )
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No.
25. What was the best book you read?
A Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire
I picked it up for free over a year ago, but didn't read it until a couple months ago. Got very interested in it, and read the next 3 in quick succession. Felt that Book 4 got really long, with too many new characters, and was too frustrated to spend the money on the fifth book. I'm sure I will read it when either the price drops, or I can get it from the library.
26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I was a little slow to the party, but I fell in love with Adele
this year.
27. What did you want and get?
A new wedding band. My wedding set hasn't fit since I was pregnant with Colin, and I got a little tired of being asked if I was married -- especially when I was traveling. Bo found an absolutely gorgeous band and gave it to me for Christmas. OH! And he also found us a wonderful couple that cleans our house twice a month.
28. What did you want and not get?
Can't think of anything. I'm pretty blessed.
29. What was your favorite film of this year?
Dolphin Tale
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 44 this year. Bo was in Vegas. I think I worked. Nothing exciting.
31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Can't think of anything.
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
Simple (boring)
33. What kept you sane?
My sister. I depend on her for quite a bit, and I can always count on her even temper and cheery attitude. Traveling for work, and sleeping in quiet hotel rooms.
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Mark Wahlberg. He's still my celebrity boyfriend and I'm excited he has a new movie coming out in January.
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
I'm not a big political issue type of person. I have my views, and I keep them quiet for the most part -- doing what I can to further what I believe is important. Nothing stirred me enough to prompt me to post on the Internet about it.
36. Who did you miss?
Close, intense friendships. I think social media has watered down relationships.
37. Who was the best new person you met?
I met a ton of people while traveling, and teaching. Can't single out one person, but there were lots of people that made my days go by easier.
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.
Work can wait, and money can always be earned. Enjoy the people in your life.
39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
I'm not big on quoting song lyrics . . .
1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?
Was denied entry into a foreign country. I don't think I wrote about it on this blog, but I was denied entry into Canada a few months ago because I didn't have all the paperwork they wanted to see. I was supposed to teach a class, but had to cancel since Customs didn't think I had enough paperwork to prove that I was there for work. It was a stressful couple of days until I got my passport returned and was able to return to the U.S.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I kept 2 of my 3 resolutions. I am still thinking about resolutions for 2011.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Nope. No new babies close to us in 2011. Dear family members are working on adopting their foster child, though, so I'm excited for them!
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Nobody close to me died in 2011.
5. What countries did you visit?
Canada
6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
Balance
7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
July 5 - 8 and attending the National Stuttering Conference with Nate in Fort Worth, TX. It was a wonderful experience to travel alone with Nate, and spend time with amazing people.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Having 2 articles published in a local parenting magazine. Recovering enough to take Nate to the National Stuttering Conference in Texas. It was up in the air as to whether I would be healthy enough to go, but willpower made it happen.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Nothing I would share with the Internet :)~
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I suffered some serious kidney issues over the summer that landed me in the hospital 3 times, 2 surgeries, and flat on my back for over 6 weeks. It came on suddenly, and it feels like I'm still catching up from the time I lost. Health is precious.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
I can't think of any outstanding purchases.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My kids. They all stepped up and were amazing taking care of each other while I was sick. My brother, who helped immensely when I was sick. Also, Colin who stood up to the bullies that harassed his brother.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
The kids who teased and bullied Nate about his speech. I wouldn't say appalled, but I am disappointed with both boys' teachers this year and they have definitely brought about depressed feelings. They're just not a good fit.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Mortgages, medical bills
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
My parents finally moved in next door. Our trip to CA in October and the time I was able to spend on the beach.
16. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Someone Like You
For no other reason than I really liked it, and I listened to Adele's 21 album quite a bit this year.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
a) about the same; b) about the same; c) about the same
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Played. Spent time outdoors.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
worried (this never changes, does it? Maybe 2012 should be the year I work on changing that)
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
Christmas was even better this year because my parents live here now. They are thoroughly enjoying the time they can spend with their grandkids and I love watching their relationships develop.
21. Did you fall in love in 2011?
Never fell out of love.
22. How many one-night stands?
None.
23. What was your favorite TV program?
Top Chef, American Pickers, Storage Wars (still a reality TV junkie . . . )
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No.
25. What was the best book you read?
A Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire
I picked it up for free over a year ago, but didn't read it until a couple months ago. Got very interested in it, and read the next 3 in quick succession. Felt that Book 4 got really long, with too many new characters, and was too frustrated to spend the money on the fifth book. I'm sure I will read it when either the price drops, or I can get it from the library.
26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I was a little slow to the party, but I fell in love with Adele
this year. 27. What did you want and get?
A new wedding band. My wedding set hasn't fit since I was pregnant with Colin, and I got a little tired of being asked if I was married -- especially when I was traveling. Bo found an absolutely gorgeous band and gave it to me for Christmas. OH! And he also found us a wonderful couple that cleans our house twice a month.
28. What did you want and not get?
Can't think of anything. I'm pretty blessed.
29. What was your favorite film of this year?
Dolphin Tale
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 44 this year. Bo was in Vegas. I think I worked. Nothing exciting.
31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Can't think of anything.
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
Simple (boring)
33. What kept you sane?
My sister. I depend on her for quite a bit, and I can always count on her even temper and cheery attitude. Traveling for work, and sleeping in quiet hotel rooms.
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Mark Wahlberg. He's still my celebrity boyfriend and I'm excited he has a new movie coming out in January.
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
I'm not a big political issue type of person. I have my views, and I keep them quiet for the most part -- doing what I can to further what I believe is important. Nothing stirred me enough to prompt me to post on the Internet about it.
36. Who did you miss?
Close, intense friendships. I think social media has watered down relationships.
37. Who was the best new person you met?
I met a ton of people while traveling, and teaching. Can't single out one person, but there were lots of people that made my days go by easier.
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.
Work can wait, and money can always be earned. Enjoy the people in your life.
39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
I'm not big on quoting song lyrics . . .
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
