Lemon Chicken Cutlets with Couscous and Asparagus

Tonight I made Lemon Chicken Cutlets with Couscous and Asparagus. If you click on the link the recipe is for Turkey Cutlets, but I only had chicken breast in the house so that is what I used.

The Chicken got 4 stars, but the couscous only got 3 stars and the asparagus only got 3 stars. This will not keep me from making them again.

Tonight I used the fresh garlic I purchased from the farmer's market. All of the remaining ingredients were from Giant Eagle. I'm hoping when I make this again in the a few weeks I can say that the majority of the ingredients came from either the Farmer's Market or some local roadside stand.

Bruschetta Chicken Bake and Avocado Salad

Tonight for dinner I made Bruschetta Chicken Bake and Avocado Salad.

The dishes received 3 stars. Only because the daughter does not like anything with tomatoes. However, before I finished my first helping both the Husband and the Boy finished off the rest of the salad. So I would say it was a HUGE success.

I know, I know...the chicken dish used a stuffing mix. However I had one in my cupboard that I needed to use up since I paid for it. So if I make it in the future I will make a few changes, like making my own stuffing mix, and I will use fresh tomatoes instead of canned. Also, I used a low fat Shredded Mozzarella Cheese which I don't think changed the taste at all.

For the Avocado salad I doubled the recipe and was able to use the local feta cheese I got from the Farmer's Market on Saturday. I did use smoked Feta which may have altered the taste a bit, but I think for the better. I also used fresh little onions that I got from the Farmer's Market.

Now about the onions, I would usually just leave them out. I personally HATE onions, but they looked so cute and wholesome....like a magazine picture...so I bought them. I wasn't really sure what I would use them in and I just figured my husband and kids would snack on them. They were about the size of large marbles. They were bigger than ramps or scallions but not as big as a regular onion. I felt so chef like as I prepared and chopped them..and I didn't even cry. Except when I picked them out of my serving of salad.

Then I cried a little because it is sooooo irritating to pick onions out of anything.

My first experience with a Farmer's Market

I set my alarm last night for 8:00 this morning. Why would I set my alarm on a Saturday? To go to the Farmer's Market, of course!

After not planting a garden much prompting from certain friends and doing my own internet researching I've decided to try to buy local produce. According to EVERYONE the best place to do this is at a local farmer's market.

Because I live in such a bizarre location I have equal distance to two different markets. Today I chose this one. I must admit, it was both awesome and a let down.

In my mind there would be TONS of vendors with a wide variety of produce. Now maybe it's because everything is behind due to rain, or maybe it's just the way this market is, but that was NOT the case.

There were a few vendors. It was about even between vegetable vendors and baked goods vendors. There was only one Goats Milk product vendor. The only fruit on the premises were berries.

However, this did make me think that maybe certain fruits aren't in season. And the fruit I've been buying at other stores is shipped in and is not really that healthy nor does it support local growers.

Now about the prices. I did pay more for my cabbage than I would have at Giant Eagle, but I saved about $4.00 on herbs and about $3.00 on cucumbers. So that kinda evens that out.

All and all it was good. I walked in the fresh air, I bought local produce and cheese thereby supporting local farmers and goat people. Most importantly I walked out of the market feeling good about my choices AND saving money.

If YOU are going to a Farmer's Market for the first time I would keep these things in mind:

1.) Take Cash

2.) Bring your own bags. You aren't doing much for the environment if you are using the plastic grocery bags they provide. Plus by using reusable bags you will LOOK much more experienced.

3.) If you don't see what you want, ask at different tables if they will have it. If a vendor knows that you will come back they will bring it the following week.

This is a great place to make food friendly relationships which is both rare and lovely.

Parmesan Crusted Venison Roast

I found this recipe and made it for our family. It is a HUGE hit getting 4 stars. (One star for each member of the family).

Well I decided to see if it would also work as well on a roast. I know it's seems a little odd, but my family says they are up for the challenge. I'm hoping that by coating it with the mustard and Parmesan that it will stay moist. My biggest challenge with venison roast is that it dries out so much you have to have gravy to choke it down.

So I make the marinade and put it and the Parm on the roast around 3:00. I check it at 6:00 and it's not quite at 160. Everyone is starving and I need to figure something out fast. So I bump the heat to 400 and put it back in for another half hour and bribe the children with rice left over the previous night.

When I check it again it is at temp and is nice and crusty. I let it rest for 10 mins and then go in to cut it. It was very tender. I cut myself and the kids (DH was not home) some of the roast. I also had some white potatoes from a can heated, but that's only because my children had opened it earlier in the day while they were playing school. Don't ask it's a long story.

Anyhow we all enjoyed our first helping and the three of us shared a second helping. This tasted awesome and I will absolutely make this again!

A wild update appears......

Is it bizarre that I post so randomly on here? Yes, it probably is, but since this blog is mostly for my own venting purposes it will be fine.

As I type this my children drive their toys over my sorted laundry in the hall and my husband yells to me from the back of the house "Honey, have you seen my bow? You know, my old one that I don't really use anymore." Right, like I was the one to use his deer hunting bow last. Give me a little credit, I would have used the newer one.

Anyhow, over a month ago my husband and I started on a weight loss/get healthy journey. We are loosely using the "17 day diet by Mike Moreno. We stuck with it hardcore for the first 17 day cycle, but have modified it to fit our lifestyle. Doing so has allowed DH to lose over 30 lbs and I've lost over 15 lbs.

Woo hooo!!! This is HUGE for me. I'm on track to feeling healthier and more involved in life and I'm doing it WITHOUT MEDICATION!

Ok, that being said I wanted a place I could rate recipes that I make and until I find a better site to do so, this is it. So be prepared form some recipe sharing going on......

Covergirl

As I have mentioned before, I am a BzzAgent and therefore I am able to try new products for free. I receive great coupons for these products to share - so please let me know if you are interested.

I am currently sampling Covergirl's new Natureluxe Collection.

I must admit when I was selected for the campaign I was sooooo excited. Who doesn't love free make up? I was giddy like a teenager.

According to the information I received with the product this "smooth silk foundation trades in a heavier emollient for a touch of cucumber water and a hint of natural jojoba and rosehip extracts. It provides a flawless coverage and a silky lightweight feel."

I agree and disagree. Before trying this new foundation I was/am using a powder foundation. So it was a bit of a change to go back to liquid. But I've used liquid the majority of my adult life so I was up for the task.

I agree that the product is silky. I really liked the texture of the foundation. But I don't necessarily think of it as light. It provides excellent coverage - although I found myself needing to use powder on top to control the oil. That's something I haven't had to do since I was a teen.

Along with the foundation came a Gloss Balm. There isn't a lot to say about plain lip balm, other than I wished I could have tried a different shade.

I've been using these products for the last three days. While my opinion may change as time goes on, I don't think that the products are amazing enough for me to change back from powder to liquid.

I will give you an update on my opinion after more time has passed. Who knows...I may fall in love with this stuff!

A long hard look at....

Myself. I know, I know. But this blog is FOR me. Some of you crazy people just decided to come along for the ride.

So I'm in the shower this morning after I worked out. (Go ME!) As I've mentioned before the shower is my thinking time. So I realize that I'm processing a post from a "friend" on facebook from yesterday.

By "friend" I mean an acquaintance that I met at MOPS and have NEVER spent any personal time with her.

I realized that most of the times her posts are usually about abortion and how ppl that believe in abortion should be treated or she posts videos of extremists etc.

Abortion is her soapbox.

I get it. Totally. She is a conservative christian with a strong belief and very strong fingers to type said beliefs.

But here was my thought process this morning:

Wow...she is starting to get a little overzealous in her posts. I wonder if she thinks that's what she is supposed to do. I wonder if she realizes how that makes her look to the general public....

Then, for some unknown reason, I start getting angry. I'm guess that at this point Satan or some other demon stepped in and started soaping up my back....

All I could think was.....Is this what Christ would do? Is this how HE would handle the abortion thing? I mean, I studied Christs life in some detail and I don't recall ANYTHING that would point saying these types of things or acting like these extremists are.

I was mentally writing my response to her post. I was calling her out and making points that would show her ignorance and I could just feel this rage building and building...

Then I heard a still, soft voice say - Bekki - I will take care of it.

That's it. That's all it said. But it was enough. Who am I to take on a challenge like that? I run my trap about how I can't believe in anything until I get Holy Spirit Conviction - and then I'm trying to shove MY personal views down this poor girls throat.

It's not up to me to act just like the people I can't stand. It's up to me to act like Christ. To show Christ through my actions and not just my words.

So for now I stand in prayer. I prayed really hard in the shower, and I hope it caused the demon in there with me to burn a bit. I prayed for wisdom and understanding and authority.

I'm not sure what else to do but to unfriend her. We never actually talk, and her posts are just become to "crazy extremist christian" for me. I don't really want to be associated with anything like that. I think it limits my ability to show people what Christ is like.

Until God sees fit to tel me what to do - I will sit back and pray.

Wendesday What???

Last night I was driving home from taking my civil service exam and I was able to catch a sermon on the radio.

I caught it in the middle, so I'm not certain who was preaching, or what the title even was.

But I like it. It was all about giving praise for EVERYTHING. If you hate your job, if you are broke, if you hate your house, if your husband irritates you....GIVE PRAISE for it.

God cannot bring you greatness until you do this. You must surrender all to him, otherwise he will keep these irritations and bad things so that you seek him!

So today I am making that change. I am going to start praising the Lord that my children don't pick up after themselves.

I'm going to praise the Lord that my husband is never home anymore, thanks to his job.

I'm going to praise the Lord that I have enough facial hair to grow a beard.

I'm gonna praise the Lord....

Tummy Tuesday

I was lucky enough to find some ricotta cheese on sale the same week I found pasta on sale! You know what that means...

Stuffed Shells

I could not find my tried and true recipe, so I just used my imagination.

1 box Pasta Shells
1 Large Container Ricotta Cheese
3 Eggs
2 Cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1 Cup Frozen Spinach - thawed
1 Jar Spaghetti Sauce
Salt
Garlic Salt or Powder
Parsley
1 Large Freezer Bag



Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add pasta shells and cook for about 12 minutes.

Meanwhile mix together Eggs, Ricotta, Mozzarella and Spinach. Add a couple shakes of Garlic Salt and Parsley.

Take the large freezer bag and put a scoop or two of the cheese mixture in the bottom.

After your 12 minutes are up drain the shells and rinse with cold water.

Cover the bottom of a 9x13 pan with a little of your sauce.

Snip the bottom corner of the bag with your cheese mixture in it. Start squeezing the mixture into your shells and place them in your pan.

Once you have used up all of your cheese mixture cover the shells with the remaining sauce.

You can now refrigerate the shells for a future meal, or pop them in the oven at 350 for about 35-40 minutes.

Add some garlic bread and a salad and you have a complete meal!!

Monday Movie

This week's movie was actually a mini-series, but is now available in movie form via Netflix.

Lost in Austen

Here is the Netflix description:

After a dispute with her boyfriend, Amanda lands in the 19th-century world of author Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. While helping the Bennet sisters find husbands, Amanda accidentally causes problems that could alter the course of the tale. Throughout this British series, Amanda must balance her feelings for Mr. Darcy (Elliot Cowan) with her responsibility to the one of the world's greatest love stories. Jemima Rooper stars.

I didn't read far enough on Netflix to see that this is a United Kingdom drama. I mean, in my mind ALL movies are made in America.

However my ignorance didn't detract from this witty movie one bit!

I found myself thinking about it even after I watched it. I played certain scenes over and over in my mind and imagined how I would have handled certain situations.

This is a must see for any Jane Austen fans, time travel fans, and plain ol' romantics.

I rated it 5 stars.

Tummy Tuesday

Fish version

I made a delicious fish this week and my family has requested that I make it part of our regular menu.

It was so simple and made up that I agreed. It didn't take much time and my daughter, the pickiest eater, had 2nds and 3rds, asked for it for breakfast (was denied) then ate 2 helpings at lunch. Good thing I made alot!

Ingredients:

1 bag frozen tilapia filets.
Lemon Juice
Paprika
Season Salt
3/4 Stick of butter
Pam
9x13 Pan


I purchased the whitefish Tilapia at Aldis. It's in the frozen section. I can't remember the price, but I will edit this post to reflect it next time I go.

I let the filets thaw, then "pammed" a 9 x 13 pan. I lay 4 filets in the bottom of the pan. I didn't want it to be too crowded. Since I made the whole bag I used 2 pans. I think I may have had 3 in one and 4 in another.

I sloshed drizzled lemon juice over all the filets. Then I took about 3/4 stick of butter and cut into "pats". I put a few pats on each filet.

Then I sprinkled season salt and paprika over top. I baked at 350 for about 40 mins total. Depending on how many you are cooking you want to start with 20 mins and go from there. You want them to be flaky but not dried out.

I served them with white rice and JJ's fried zucchini.

Let me know if you make them and what you think!

Homemade Laundry Soap

A few months ago my fellow Frugal Frannie shared with me a recipe for homemade laundry soap.

I must admit this is a nice way to shave a few dollars off your monthly grocery bill. I've been using it for several months now and am still pleased with the product.

Here is the basic recipe:

1/3 Bar of Fels Naptha
1/2 Cup Washing Soda
1/2 Cup Borax
A 2 Gallon Bucket
A clean Gallon Jug


Grate the soap and put it in a sauce pan. Add 6 cups water and heat it until the soap melts. Add the washing soda and the borax and stir until it is dissolved. Remove from heat. Pour 4 cups hot water into the bucket. Now add your soap mixture and stir. Now add 1 gallon plus 6 cups of water and stir. Let the soap sit for about 24 hours and it will gel. You use ½ cup per load.

I have played with this recipe to suit my hard water. I've added an additional bar of soap grated and added with the Fels Naptha. I've increased the Fels Naptha to 1/2 a bar and I've changed water amounts to be 8 cups to start and dissolve, then 6 cups in the bucket and 1 gal plus 8 cups to the bucket.

When it gels it will look a little like egg drop soup.

I've also added some scent into the mixture. It doesn't seem to scent the clothing, but it smells nice when you start your wash load.

A few more tips:

Do not use fabric softener with a load of towels. This makes the towels develop a film and causes them to not dry as well.

If you fill your fabric softener cup with vinegar in each load the vinegar acts as a natural fabric softener. I promise, your clothes will not smell like vinegar once they come out of the dryer.

Monday Movie

Timer

You can view the trailers and synopsis on the website here


This was a really cute movie. I love Indie flicks and this one was recommended by a trusted friend who shares my interests.

I viewed this movie via Wii Netflix.

This movie raises some great discussion questions.

Would you have a timer, if you could?

What if you were initially disgusted at the first meeting with your soul mate?

Are you betraying your soulmate if you date and/or have sex before you meet them, since you know the exact time you would be meeting them?


+++++Spoiler Alert - Do not read below if you haven't seen the movie++++

I must admit, the thing I thought about the most was "where have I seen the guy that plays Oona's soulmate?" Of course I googled it right away.

No wonder I was drawn to him. He is a main character on one of my fave TV shows, Dexter!

I highly recommend this movie to those that love romances.

Forming an LLC Step One

The first thing we did was purchase a generic forms software from Staples. Our disc of choice happens to be Socrates Limited Liability Companies Made E-Z.

After playing around with this software for about an hour and getting really frustrated I started searching the internet.

What I found out was that I could go onto the Ohio Secretary of State website. There I was able to locate the preferred form for filing the Articles of Organization for a Domestic Limited Liability Company.

I filled out the form. DH and I signed the form. I am mailing in the signed for to the state with a check for $125.00 along with a SASE. After my form is filed I will move onto step 2.

Forming an LLC

Well you don't know what we can find. Why don't you come with me, little girl, on a magic carpet ride.

Those lyrics were on repeat in my mind as I started this LLC process.

Who knew that this would be such a pain in the....well you know.

The even worse news? I'm only on step one. That's right. I'm a whiner.

Ok, I'll back up a bit. My DH and I decided, a few years ago, that it would be in our best interest to form an LLC. My DH does a lot of side jobs that he is paid cash for, and I may someday figure out what I want to be when I grow up. So, for liability sake, we should form an LLC.

Fast forward to present day, I have finally got around to starting this process. I'm doing as much research about it as I can, and trying to follow the advice of my mentors.

My goal is to update my blog on the steps of the process and keep my imaginary friends updated.

Stay tuned for Step One.

Cake Baking Mama....

My daughter's birthday party was this past weekend. She turned 6. Well, actually she turned 6 on June 25, but due to time and money constraints we didn't celebrate it until this past weekend.

One things I did this year for both of my kids is to make their birthday cakes. I figure that at this age they will see my baking and think it's totally AWESOME.

The rest of us all know that it's not so great.

But I thought I would share some pics anyhow.

Here is the first cake:



This is a "Barbie" cake my daughter liked the idea of. I say this because I only had a written description of the cake to go by. I think it turned out pretty cute...and it was pretty easy.

Here is the second one:



This is a picture of two pair of flip flop cakes. Kya actually picked this cake out. It had ice cream in the center and whipped cream as the icing. I didn't get to taste this cake, so I'm guessing it tasted pretty good.

Yes, I made two cakes. We cannot possibly have a small party. All of our friends are too dear and important to us to ever consider not inviting them to party with us. Even if the party is centered around children of all ages skating their heart out in a skating rink, in July, with no air conditioning.

We are just lucky enough that almost everyone invited shows up.

A major life change...

So I decided I am done smoking.

For good.

I hope.

I'll be honest, I get mild anxiety attacks when I think about it. I know, I know. It's a good thing. I have mentally made a list of all of the wonderful reasons I am quitting. My friends and family are cheering for me. They are all very supportive.

But I'll be honest. I loved smoking. Smoking was MY thing. When my husband would take the kids somewhere and I would be alone I could smoke in peace and enjoy myself....

Now what am I going to do when I have some free time? From the looks of things I'll be blogging. Which is good as it keeps my hands busy.

Pray for me as I start this difficult life change!

I love to try new things...

I think everyone that knows me is very aware that I LOVE to try new things. Well thanks to Jen's recommendation I've found a great site that allows me to do this - FREE!

I am a BzzAgent! This allows me to try new things and share what I did, or did not, like about the product. I've been a member for about a month now and I am currently in one campaign. I'm still learning the ins and outs - but so far it's been pretty easy to navigate.

Come visit my BzzSite and see what it's all about!

Tax Time

Yeah, it's that time again. There are always two camps of people during this time of the year.

Camp 1:
These people KNOW they are getting money back, and alot of it. They usually have their taxes done by the end of the first week of February and usually have it spent within days of getting their check back. You can easily spot these people. They are going out to eat ALOT and buying large ticket items. It's a beautiful time of year for them.

Camp 2:
These people KNOW they are going to owe money. They wait until the very last minute to file and when taxes are mentioned they sigh and groan. Their life doesn't really change much, other than to be inconvenienced by the task of getting their taxes filed.

I really, really wish I was in the first group. I wish that I looked forward to the beginning of each year as a countdown to getting a lump sum of "free" money.

Unfortunately I'm not in that group. DH and I decided a a few years ago after listening to RICH DAD, POOR DAD that we were foolish to give away our money to the government thru the year. That our cash flow would better to take the most exemptions we could and have better cash flow throughout the year.

Don't get me wrong. The rest of the year we are pleased with our decision. We are very seldom tight. We can spend money any way we want. We go out to eat whenever we want. In a few short weeks we usually can save up for big ticket items we want or need. But we don't get "spending sprees".

I read an article in the paper this week that said that by getting large refunds families are missing their budgets by $300 a month - sometimes going into the hole, accumulating late fees etc, while they are overpaying their taxes by $400 a month. That by putting aside money for a big refund they are giving the government their hard earned money and allowing the government to use it as they see fit.

I agree. It's more important to me to be comfortable 12 months out of the year, not just "quick rich" for one month. So why am I so bummed that I don't get a big spending spree during 1 month of the year?

I swear I never learn...

Today I decided to do some couponing and to get some much needed groceries before the snow set in.

What I thought would be a 4 hour trip turned out to be an 6 hour trip. I did not factor in that some of the coupons I needed were in my husband's car at his work.

I also did not factor in the amount of time taken up by my son becoming possessed by a demon.

Now I've blogged on this before. I know that it takes about 2 hours for my children to become possessed once we've started shopping.

For some reason I was hoping that since I only had my son that the demons would not enter his body.

I was very wrong. At right around the 2 hour mark he started touching people. I don't mean walking up to them and touching them I mean he was walking along, dragging his fingers on the items on the shelf, and if a person was standing there he drug his fingers along them too.

This made for a very red faced mom! I was apologizing with a smile on my face while squeezing the bejabbers out of his arm as I held him behind me. Then when we walked into an unoccupied aisle I got on his level and gave him a firm warning. Where he cried and said he was sorry that he was starting over.

Then a few seconds later....he's doing it again. When I reach into my purse to pull out my handy dandy whipping spoon he promptly throws himself on the floor and creates a HUGE drama.

So I did what any mom would do....

I walked away and pretended he was someone else's kid.