Healthy Meals for Busy Moms

On any given day, I see a number of busy moms taking to twitter looking for dinner inspiration. But they aren't wanting just any old recipes. They're all seeking the same thing - something quick and its gotta be healthy. 

It doesn't matter if you work inside the home or spend your day slaving away in a cubicle. We're all pressed for time and stretched thin trying to do more with less, especially when it comes to cooking. 

So is it really possible to serve the best of both worlds at the dinner table tonight? Can you whip up a home-cooked meal that tastes good and doesn't call for an hour of prep work and a pantry full of expensive specialty ingredients? 

Of course you can and Debra Shigley shows you how!

photo courtesy of indebskitchen.com

Deb created In Deb's Kitchen with us in mind. She realized the majority of us want to incorporate fresh foods with healthier, packaged options. She also put together a few food rules. Nothing real strict or complicated and some go against the "clean" eating advice you may have heard. 

I could talk about food all day. Go take a look for yourself. Let me know what you think.

CLICK HERE to join Deb on Facebook.

#FearlessMom Campaign

Maimah Karmo, a Liberian refugee and young mother of a toddler, was 32 when she received her breast cancer diagnosis. She was also engaged at the time, and her fiancé left her right before the wedding. Maimah's world turned upside-down, but instead of letting her disease beat her, Maimah turned her plight into action.

Maimah is the founder of the Tigerlily Foundation, an organization that educates, empowers and advocates for young women affected by breast cancer. The idea was born after her second chemotherapy treatment, and when she appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show to tell her story, Oprah's advice was clear. "Write a book," Oprah instructed.

So Maimah did. Fearless: Awakening to My Life's Purpose Through Breast Cancer (Brown Books, October 2012) is about "my transformation," says Maimah, "and how I learned that a challenge can be a gift."

Fearless is a stunning account of Maimah's upbringing in Liberia—which was uprooted when she was 16 years old, and her family was forced to flee to the US—to living the American Dream, watching it all fall apart with a breast cancer diagnosis, and ultimately, bouncing back. Today, Maimah has single-handedly changed the world of breast cancer diagnosis and recovery, and her work has been celebrated everywhere from Redbook Magazine to ­­­­Good Morning America.

"I am dedicated to changing the breast cancer landscape and creating a legacy of a world free of breast cancer," says Maimah.

In 2009, L'Oreal's Paris Woman of Worth chose Maimah as the recipient of their Award, and the Congressional Black Caucus Leadership in Advocacy awarded Maimah in 2011. She and the Tigerlily Foundation have been profiled in numerous national outlets: O, the Oprah Magazine, Essence, Ladies Home Journal, Cosmopolitan, Seventeen, Good Housekeeping, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, and Redbook. She has also appeared on national television media, including The Oprah Winfrey Show,Good Morning America, FOX, ABC News, and CBS.

 "The morning my life changed, I made a vow to live as loudly as possible. I would jump into the things that made me afraid; I would risk everything to feel, to live and to love. Most of all, I would be fully present in life and give of myself so that others may have the incredible joy I feel every day of my life," says Maimah.

How can you participate in the campaign for Fearless Moms?

Is there a mom in your life who is absolutely FEARLESS? Has she overcome odds that were overwhelmingly against her? Does she constantly take-on life’s curve balls with poise and positivity?  Above all, is she an overwhelming source of love, encouragement and inspiration? We’re on a mission to honor these leading ladies in our lives and need your help!

• Think of a Fearless Mom in your life and feature her on your blog. Share the post with Maimah Karmo on Twitter (@MaimahKarmo) with the hashtag, #FearlessMom and on Maimah’s Facebook page. 

• Send the link to your blog post featuring your selection for a Fearless Mom to Claire@prbythebook.com by December 31^st, 2012.

Five nominees will be selected to attend Maimah’s Fearless Female Conference next year. They will also receive Maimah’s book, Fearless: Awakening to My Purpose Through Breast Cancer.

about the author:

MAIMAH KARMO was born in Monrovia, Liberia, and lived there until fleeing to the United States with her family in 1989. She lived in New Jersey before moving to Virginia, where she currently resides with her daughter. Learn more at www.tigerlilyfoundation.com

The Emily Morgan Experience

More than 2.5 million people per year visit The Alamo. 

A couple of weekends ago, my family and I became a statistic.

I was invited to San Antonio by a client to facilitate a board leadership retreat. The kind of gig I absolutely love. You spend a few hours in a small intimate setting honing in on team building and laser focused strategizing.

As much as I enjoy meeting new people and helping them set their ideas into motion, a life of all work and no play is something I don't want to revert back to. I need both to exist in harmony with myself.

We stayed at the beautiful and historic Emily Morgan Hotel. 

The second-most photographed building in all of San Antonio.

When I googled the property and saw the exterior, I assumed the interior would reflect the original architecture of the structure. Something I'm not a fan of. We each have our own design preferences and mine is all about modern and contemporary spaces. 

The dark wood and clean lines balance the hotel's theme. You're able to appreciate the memorabilia without feeling like you're in a museum. Everywhere you look, you're reminded of the luxurious amenities and accommodations. 

The double-bed room was spacious and the kids enjoyed waking up to an Alamo. When I got back to the room on Friday after the retreat, the hotel staff had loaded us up with freshly baked cookies, beverages, and complimentary breakfast vouchers.

The property is undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation at the end of the year. Here's what I would like to see incorporated into the upgrades:

• queen beds | traveling families often share a room and larger beds make for a better sleeping experience
• redesigned shower and tub | the jacuzzi style is nice, but the tub sits pretty high off the ground and stepping in was a bit tricky

The Emily Morgan Hotel is only two blocks from the Riverwalk, one of the most popular vacation spots in the U.S. So it doesn't matter if you're a business or leisure traveler - this conveniently located gem is the ultimate boutique destination offering superior quality and service at an exceptional value.

I'm looking forward to my next visit. 

Would you add San Antonio to your list of Texas cities to tour?!

Why I Won't Be Your Facebook Friend

While making my blogging rounds, I came across an interesting post from Denise over at Nurturing Creativity. Title: Why I Axed Facebook. She starts off saying how she'd been wrestling with the decision for quite some time. 

Yours truly has gone back and forth with doing the same. 

And while I decided not to divorce Facebook completely, I did make the decision to reevaluate my friends. 

When I first joined FB (in December 2010 I think) I dove in with the, "I'm gonna use it for business...to market and get clients" mindset. Let me tell ya. THAT didn't last long at all. One would think my awful beginner experience on twitter had taught me a lesson. Everyone assured me FB was different...it's not like twitter. And in some ways - they're polar opposites. In others - they're identical.

I found myself pretty much accepting any and every friend request that came my way. Except for the obvious creepy ones. If me and the person had a few mutual friends, they were in. 

As I started to use FB for more of a personal communication platform, I realized I didn't want total strangers in the mix. Going in and unfriending those people wasn't hard at all. I didn't know them in the first place. We were by no means friends. I went from over 500 to a little over 300 in no time. As of right now, I'm at 325. I exed two more folks today. 

For some strange reason, I was trying to get down to a certain number. The exact opposite of what most people do. I was trying to convince myself that a smaller number meant the remaining friends were more meaningful. Mirroring how it typically happens in real life. FYI: I don't know anyone walking around with 3,718 friends. 

So what's my approach? 

Instead of looking at the number, I look at the level of interaction. If I'm talking to you and you're talking to me, then obviously we enjoy each other's conversation. Are we really friends?! Probably not. 

Why didn't I do this in the first place? Well I'll tell you why. Because whether you want to believe it or not - all social media platforms are based on numbers. The more the better. Without even realizing it, you fall victim to believing this is the right way to go about it, knowing good and well it ain't. 

If we haven't "spoken" to each other in months, clearly we aren't friends. If the last conversation we had was you wishing me happy birthday last year - no mi amigo. 

If you have all of your stuff auto-synced and never respond to anything I say, I don't want to be your friend. When I stop by and say hello, and you come back with something that gives you the opportunity to promote your service or product..yep...no friendship here. 

I may not be doing it the right way, but I am doing it MY way. And when it comes to me managing my online relationships - my way is the only way that matters. 

Wow! Christmas in May

have you ever gotten something that you totally weren't expecting and it turned out to be one of the best gifts ever?! well that's exactly what happened to me recently. take a look:

If you can't see the video CLICK HERE.

Join hundreds of other people and Like Wow Gift Boxes on Facebook and connect with them on twitter too!

who would you like to surprise with a Wow Gift Box?!

Disclosure: The good folks over at WowGiftBoxes.com reached out and asked if I'd be interested in receiving their product. I said, "Sure!", and offered to shoot this video to show my appreciation. As such, the opinions therein are expressly my own. 

STIR-TRY: Black Bean Chili Bowl

This wasn't meant to be a blog post. But when I snapped the picture to share on Facebook and it turned out pretty good - it became a blog post. 

It has been a while since I cooked for you. Although I don't consider this cooking really. I made something using one pot and a rice cooker. We all know cooking consists of using all the burners on the stove - simultaneously - along with the oven and possibly a George Foreman grill or the equivalent. All at the same time. 

When The Girl was little, she had a friend whose mom would make taco soup every time she spent the night at their house. It got to the point where I think my child wanted to go over there just so she could have taco soup. 

Fast forward to present time. My friend Wendi had a Christmas get together at her place last year. Guess what she had?! Umm hhmmm. Taco soup. And I did what I always do - forced Baby Daddy to pack some to go. If anybody gets talked about for walking outta people's houses with paper plates and aluminum foil - it'll be him. Not me. 

The recipe Wendi gave me was so simple I didn't even have to write it down. The first time I fixed it, I served it with Fritos corn chips like she did. Not a leftover in sight. 

The second time around I decided to do something different. 

Umm hhmmm.. I served it over rice. 

When The Boy saw his plate, he yelled to his sister, "Hurry! Come eat...mom made Chipotle!"

A few months ago, someone I follow on twitter tweeted the recipe for Kraft's Cheesy Chili Soup. I searched diligently for her blog post so I could credit her accordingly (I even commented on her post), but I can't find anything and I don't remember who it was. 

Mine is closer to Paula Deen's Taco Soup recipe. With modifications and omissions, of course. 

• I use black beans instead of pinto beans. I forgot kidney beans all together when I made it last week and nobody died as a result. 
• I only use 1 can of stewed diced tomatoes. The garlic and onion kind. DelMonte brand I think.
• I skip the olives and ranch seasoning. 
• I don't have time for all those garnishings like Paula does...just scoop some guacamole on top to add color and make it pretty. 
• Don't feel compelled to crockpot it. It works in a regular pot too and cooks much faster. 

So there you have it. Another recipe. 

You're welcome. 

Just What The Doctor Ordered

Can you guess who's going to have sinus surgery in June?!

Ummm hhmmm...that's right. And can you guess who would rather run through hell with gasoline drawers on instead?!

Do you recall the whole root canal ordeal? It was supposed to be a somewhat simple procedure. Ohh noo...not mine. It lasted for months seem like. So can you imagine why I'm dreading having someone drilling up my nose in an attempt to fix my 100% deviated right septum?

And what if when the Propofol wears off I wake up with a different voice? Not this nasally Miss Piggy one I've been subjecting folks to all these years, but another one...one that sounds like gold:

Remember Ted? He hit it big! That golden voice landed him jobs with Kraft and the Cleveland Cavaliers. He made the rounds on every national morning talk show and even got to sit next to Dr. Phil. 

I can see it now. The headline would look something like this:

Struggling Blogger's Life Changed by Polyp Removal

or what about this one:

Woman Survives Half Her Life Breathing Through One Nostril

This surgery could be my big break (no pun intended)...everything is riding on it.

I could become the next spokesperson for Breathe Right Strips! And then other offers will start pouring in!

Yes yes yes. This is all going to work out for the best. Thank you for helping me see the light at the end of the tunnel. 

The Unusual Parent

I have a crush on Warren Buffett. And Jay-Z. 

I know they look nothing alike and come from two completely different worlds, but that's beside the point. Close your mouth and stop judging. I'll explain...the Warren Buffet part. Perhaps Jay-Z at a later date. 

Part of my Tuesday night routine involves watching 60 Minutes on CNBC (and no - you still aren't allowed to judge!). I sat in front of the tv the night Warren's interview aired and listened intently as he carried on a conversation with Lesley Stahl. I knew at some point he'd laugh that cute little chuckle of his and I didn't want to miss it. That and all of his wisdom. 

Lesley asked how he felt about his kids not having a college degree and Warren responded jokingly saying if you combine his three kids' college hours, they'd end up with one degree between them. He went on to say he instilled in his children to do what made them happy. Even if it meant not getting a formal education. Lesley remarked that his approach was somewhat of "unusual parenting". 

It's no secret Warren and I are both frugal to the core, but this parenting style is something else we have in common.

The Girl is graduating high school in a couple of months and recently told me going to nursing school is no longer her first choice. She wants to go to cosmetology school instead. Doesn't surprise me one bit because she's always been extremely creative and artsy. From teaching herself how to do cornrows at about five years of age to showcasing her DIY nail art as of late. 

After we talked she explained that becoming a nurse wasn't totally out of the picture. She said it made more sense to go to cosmetology school first and if she didn't like a career as a hairstylist, she could always go back to nursing school while she was still young. She didn't want to get "old" and regret not giving cosmetology a try.

I can't count the number of conversations I've had with adults who pursued a field because it was what their parents wanted or expected them to do. What my children choose to do does not validate me as a parent. Forcing kids to live your dreams is so unfair. 

I'm happy for The Girl and proud to be her mommy (she still calls me that). Despite the many times I've told her no these past eighteen years, she's managed to grasp the values I've worked so hard to instill in her. 

From Flab to Almost Fab - Wall Squats

If you missed the initial From Flab to Almost Fab post, CLICK HERE to get up to speed.

February's challenge is over. I didn't win. That's ok..I improved. My wall squat percentage increased by 42%.

When Bonni texts me to give an update on my progress, I just sit there and stare at my phone for a minute. Like - really?! Does she know I only got off my ass (insert # less than 3) times this week and did my exercise routines?! Is she completely clueless to the fact that I counted putting away groceries as a day's worth of cardio?!

And then my brain switches gears and I start to think, Wow - what if I exercised five days a week like she suggested? How much stronger would I be right now?

Here's the bottom line: I don't want to run a marathon...at least right now. My only focus is improving - consistently. And I'm doing that. I don't have to break any records and win every challenge in the process. I'm staying committed to my initial goal. Being more active now than I have in the past. I'm leaving the over-achieving hype on the sidelines. 

But I can't help but ask one last question -  Could I have lost the five pounds I wasn't trying to lose if I had done absolutely nothing at all?!

For March, it's all about the V-Crunch. This articulate young man with a nice pair of shoulders was kind enough to make an internet how-to video!

Where do you stand with your wellness goals? Did you participate in the wall squat challenge?

From Flab to Almost Fab...Kind Of

Before I officially get started, let me share a blogger tip. 

No - I haven't saved alot of money on my car insurance by switching to Geico, BUT I have saved a ton of time by:

1. omitting photos from my blog (no more countless hours on flickr trying to find the right one)
2. taking my own pictures whenever possible.

What you see pictured above isn't borrowed inspiration from a fitness magazine or gym. Those are my Nike walking shoes given to me by The Girl for Christmas 2010, 5 lb. weights I dug out of my mama's garage before she had a chance to say, "No...don't take those...I still use them sometime!", and a knee brace I can't possibly live without. 

You may not remember I participated in my very first 5k last year. Bonni, my then blog reader now friend turned personal trainer invited me. (Yeah...go ahead and feel free to re-read that if you need to). 

Bonni started a challenge with her regular clients in January. I was not one of them, but she was kind enough to include me because I'd mentioned to her one day while we were working together at the Crackhouse that I needed to get up and get active. Exercise is the area of my life where I lack all self-discipline. She took it a step further and volunteered to stop by Headquarters and help me with the exercises on the routine. I needed that. I really really needed that. I didn't know a side-step lunge from an oblique crunch.

Our first challenge was pushups. We had to count how many we could do without stopping. The position didn't matter so of course my outta shape ass opted for the modified-on-your-knee kind. These were called "girl pushups" back when I was in P.E. At the beginning of this month, we had to do-over and give Bonni our new number. The person who had the highest percentage increase would win. 

As I was strapping on my knee brace Wedneday night to head out for my 30 minutes of cardio, I got a text from Bonni telling me I won January's challenge. I demanded a recount immediately. Turns out I had a 48% increase and the person who came in 2nd was close behind me with 43%.

Shut your mouth wide open! Are you serious?! I can't believe it to tell you the truth. 

Bonni and I will be getting together soon so I can get my prize. It'll probably sink in at that time. 

Between now and then, I'm on to the next challenge. Wall sits. Care to join us?!

UPDATE

For those of you who said you were up to the wall squat (I called it a 'sit' - my bad!) challenge - here goes!

Position A is modified and usually easier on your knees, B is the full position.

1. Get into position and start timing. Hold the position for as long as you can and record your time. 
2. Follow your normal exercise routine over the course of the next 4 weeks and time yourself again. 
3. We'll celebrate our progress when I write the next Flab to Almost Fab post.

I'm excited!!

Disclaimer: You should consult your physician before beginning any exercise regimen.  

You've Got Mail: Eggplant & Glimmer

Back in October, I told you about my encounter with girdles and opportunities. That's when I ordered Avon from my online friend - Jan. I told you I would shoot a video so you could see what I bought.

Honestly, I forgot I had the stuff tucked away in my closet. Blame it on the devil.

A few weeks ago, Stesha shared some of her must-have beauty products and that's when I

remembered my box of unopened goods.

 I ABSUHLOOTELY love that bedazzled makeup bag!

I bought it as a gift for someone, but to tell you the truth - I don't think she's gettin' it.

The Girl has her eye on it too. She looked at it this morning and said, "If this sits here any longer, it might come up missing..." Oh yeah?! Touch it and you might come up missing!

Glimmer and Glow Bag                   $5.99

Big Color Eye Pencil (eggplant)       $3.06

SuperExtend Mascara (black steel)  $3.93

The above items were purchased from Avon's outlet. Equivalent to being on clearance I guess. I say that because those three items are no longer available. According to the representative, nothing came up when I gave her the product numbers so I can't even give you the regular price for each.

This is my all-time favorite thing from Avon:

If you want some of your own, you're in luck!

Moisture Effective Eye Makeup Remover Lotion (2oz)   $4.00

**Please don't send hate mail when I tell you I got mine for 99¢ per bottle.**

How much savings percentage is that?! Just what I figured. A whole helluva lot.

All of this, plus tax and shipping was only $19.44. The order shipped super fast - placed it on 10/14 and got it on 10/19.

I'm really happy right now. I've got stuff to make my eyes pretty and stuff to take it off with when I'm done and something snazzy to carry it all in too.

Damn. That's right. The bag isn't mine. My bad.

October is The Devil

Dear October 2011,

I need for you to get the hell outta my life ASAP! Yes, I know you're gonna show up like clock-work, but was it really necessary for you to be such a bitch this time around?!

It started with the pitiful blog stats you threw at me. Like really...85 pageviews per day?? Give me a damn break!

When you saw that was starting to consume me, you did what you thought was the right thing by pushing my elderly mama down while she was trying to plug in her candle warmer.

NEVER again do I want to be responsible for a 73 year old woman set in her ways who refuses any kind of help and turns extremely vicious when you take away her nicotine! It's not a pretty sight. Trust me.

But ooohhhh noooooo...you didn't stop there. You had to go and do this:

no caption needed. his body language speaks for itself.

You see that look up there on his face? That's the look of a kid who's pissed off at October!

leaving after-hours doctor visit. nurse not included.

Did you miss the memo that The Boy plays FLAG football?! A low-to-no contact sport?! You were considerate enough though to break his right tibia on the same day his Granny had surgery on hers.

And as a result, I'm waaaayyyy too familiar with the orthopedic procedure known as 'open fixation internal reduction'.

A fancy way of saying, "You're getting Propofal while we cut you open and stick screws in your broken bones".

Which brings us to this:

pre-surgery. post-crying episode.

You know good and damn well I had no intentions of ever going public with Baby Daddy! His role is behind the scenes. Paying bills and other duties as assigned. Your tactic to get us photographed together was evil!

The look on his face says, "Yippee! She finally put my pic on her blog!"

Mine says, "Don't let the fake grin fool ya...I'm still bustin' a cap in October's ass when this is all over with!"

The poor kid has no idea what's going on. Look at his eyes. He's feeling kinda Charlie Sheen-ish thanks to the pre-Propofal cocktail the nice nurse lady gave him. Winning!

I'm convinced October is really 'Satan on a Calendar'. Halloween has been abolished up in here.

we need to work on his non-verbal communication.

No. That's not the on-call physician making his rounds. That's the private bedside entertainment provided by Dell Children's Medical Center.

Note to Aetna Insurance: If above mentioned entertainment isn't covered by you, please remember to bill Baby Daddy accordingly.

After day-surgery that turned into an overnight hospital stay, you sent us home. With a wheelchair, crutches, and codeine (the urinal Baby Daddy walked out with, as if it were some kind of a trophy, is irrelevant.)

The look on The Boy's face was priceless when he got home and saw these:

the infamous biceps he asked the physical therapist to measure.

If I have anything to do with it, those will be the only footballs he ever holds again for the rest of his life.  

Dr. Oz Is Going To Be The Death Of Me

The clueless non- coffee drinkers of America probably didn't know National Coffee Day was September 29th.

I celebrated. With coffee. Nothing fancy, just my usual Folgers instant. 

Coffee addict - yes. Coffee snob - no.

With a different study out on any given day giving conflicting and confusing information about the health benefits or lack thereof when it comes to drinking coffee, you can imagine how torn I am trying to decide if I want to kick the habit altogether.

I gave it up for lent a couple of years ago and didn't die, but the thought of divorcing it for good makes my heart rate drop.

What I have decided to do is make a few healthier choices...choices that work for me. 

Dairy creamer is out. No more french vanilla flavoring in my cup. I'm using almondmilk in its place.

Bye-bye sugar as of this month. I finally followed Dr. Oz's advice and stirred in a little agave nectar.

photo courtesy of drugstore.com

I bought the exact one pictured above (from Wal-Mart..no trip to a specialty store) and I absolutely love the taste! 

It costs like $3 and change so I just closed my eyes when the checker scanned it. This certainly qualifies as one of those items that make you say, "Um...can you take that off please?!", when you get to the end of your transaction and see your total. Don't even act like you ain't never done that before!

In the event I don't give up my java and considering the changes in how I 'take mine' now, I'd still like to work up to drinking it straight black. 

THAT would make me feel like a real woman!

Quinoa For Dummies

I had a plethora of titles for this post. Some of which included:

• Shit Dr. Oz Says
• Shit Dr. Oz Says to Eat
• It's Oprah's Fault He's on TV in the First Place
• Black Folks Eat Quinoa AND other Healthy Stuff Too

As not to offend anyone, I stuck with Quinoa for Dummies.

Dr. Oz introduced me to quinoa. Not personally, but via his tv show. He's also the reason why The Boy asks for these. The first time I ever tasted quinoa was earlier this year when my friend Chris gave me a bite of hers. She'd mixed together mushrooms, onions, other vegetables and pasta sauce. Meatless. Really good!

I liked it so much that she gave me a whole bag. No recipes, just told me to follow the cooking instructions on the back. She did say I could use it in place of pasta and rice.

My first attempt at making something turned out good. I pretty much followed Chris's lead and did an all veggie mixture with pasta sauce. The Boy and The Girl loved it!

This time around I experimented a bit more. I initially set out looking for a recipe calling for SilkPure Almond Almondmilk Vanilla. Being the experimenter I am, I thought it would taste good mixed with tomato sauce. Like using it in place of heavy cream.

I googled, found a pasta recipe using almondmilk and sun dried tomatoes, and created this

The quinoa is the white puffy stuff on top.

I took the next two photos using the food setting on my camera.

Is there a big difference in how it looks?

The Girl wanted to know what it was called. I told her I made it up.

She said we should call it

Quinoa Asparagus Trio with Tomato Almondmilk Sauce

Care to know what's in it?!

I made sure to write down what I was throwing in the pan as I went along. And in case you didn't know, measuring stuff when I cook is unheard of. 

Except the sauce. I made sure to get those measurements right for you. And measuring the quinoa for the first time can be tricky. This stuff multiplies like rabbits.

I only cooked a small amount because I didn't know what it was going to taste like. It was enough for me and The Girl to have seconds of the portion size pictured. 

The Boy couldn't have any...tree nut allergy. Bless his heart. 

What You Need: 

1/2 cup Almondmilk

1 6oz can tomato paste

1 1/2 cans of water (using the tomato paste can)

1 bundle of asparagus

As much red onion as you like (I like alot)

1 pkg of chicken sausage

garlic powder

dried basil

dried parsley

salt & pepper

1 tblspoon of butter (you can't possibly have sauce without it)

extra virgin olive oil

What You Do:

• Combine tomato paste, almondmilk, and water. I didn't add all the almondmilk at one time. I put in 1/4 cup, tasted it, decided I wanted more, and added another 1/4. That equals half, huh?! Now you can add your garlic powder, basil, parsley, butter, and salt & pepper. Stir all this up and simmer over low heat.

While the sauce is doing its thing, put your quinoa on. It only takes 15 minutes to cook.

Get your trio stuff together. It'll be ready around the same time your quinoa is done.

• Put the olive oil in the pan and throw the onions in to let them start to soften. Or would this be considered carmalizing?! I'll stick to what I know. Sautee the onions and add the asparagus. The chicken sausage I used was fully cooked so I added it when I had my asparagus almost as tender as I wanted it - just so the sausage could heat up and soak up all the flavor from the veggies. 

Now listen. You can make your trio out of whatever you want. You can even turn it into a quadruple. I was really wishing I had some mushrooms. You can add chicken breast, or thin sliced beef or pork. 

There's absolutely nothing wrong with omitting meat altogether.

Are you a quinoa virgin? What would you add to make this your own unique dish?

Mama Knows Best...You Should Know Better

As I sit here at the kitchen table, I keep reflecting on a comment my friend Zara made on her Facebook page recently. It's not verbatim, but it boiled down to her saying we should let go of some of the beliefs our parents ingrained in us and adopt our own. Neither one of us could remember the context in which she said it, so I'm going to give you an example of how it relates to me.

Sunday dinner was a big thing when I was growing up. My mama would ask the day before what I wanted and that's what she'd cook. It was never anything simple. That's not how traditional Sunday dinners are supposed to be. Often times it consisted of something freshly picked from a friend's garden and was the epitome of southern soul food. Alot like what my dinner is today. 

I seasoned the pork chops and turkey wings last night. Sundays are reserved for two meats, a green vegetable, a starch, and a wildcard side dish (but not a starch because double starches are a sin). Even if it's the hottest day of summer, you have to turn the oven on because dinner ain't complete without cornbread.

Did you know if you drop a fork on the floor while you're cooking, it means someone is gonna show up unexpectedly...hungry?! Heaven help you if you don't have enough to feed them! 

The turkey wings are in the crockpot and the chops are still resting in the fridge. It's not time to cook those yet because everything has to be ready and hot - at the same time. No microwaves on Sunday unless you're warming up seconds. The hand-selected cabbage from the produce section at Wal-Mart is prepped and will be last on the stove. Overcooking makes it mushy and you lose all the nutrients.

The Zatarain's Dirty Rice counts as a starch. Even though you add ground beef, it's not a third meat. The only prepackaged thing mama cooked on Sunday was Corn-Kits cornbread. She never could quite learn from her mama how to make it from scratch. And by the way, Jiffy ain't real cornbread because cornbread ain't supposed to be sweet. I've been rebellious my whole life so I add sugar and melted butter to mine.

One time mama called and asked what I was cooking. I said tacos. She said, "Tacos on a Sunday? That's a Friday or Saturday meal". She didn't give me a chance to tell her I was making boxed spanish rice and the lettuce and tomatoes counted as vegetables. Not garden fresh, but fresh enough and I had cut them myself.  She obviously missed the memo that my generation doesn't go near the stove on the weekend and if we do, there's a good chance whatever we're preparing contains chopped and frozen onions, celery, and bell peppers.  

About eleven years ago I hosted my first Thanksgiving dinner. My friend Charlene told me to serve mushrooms. She said put them in the oven and add steak seasoning and they'd taste just like steak. My niece hasn't stopped asking for them since. I wish she was here today because it ain't nowhere near the fourth Thursday in November and I'm getting real fancy. Adding sweet golden tomatoes and red onions, cooking them on top of the stove.

I continue to evolve as an individual and as a cook. I still heed what mama says, both in and out of the kitchen, but part of the wisdom she imparted on me is knowing when to lean on her teachings and when it's best to embrace and apply my own.

Real Geeks Don't Cry

My technological prowess isn't all that advanced, but I strive to make improvements. Sometimes it consists of something as simple as learning a new feature on my two-year old Samsung phone.

I outsource video editing to The Girl. She's good at it. I'm not. She enjoys doing it. I never tried it until today, but I knew in advance I didn't like it.

In an attempt to streamline processes at Headquarters, I'm slowly transitioning from the desktop that's on its last leg. The only thing it's good for is about six straight hours of Runescape. I'm consolidating all blogging functions on my laptop. 

Today I learned how to:

1. convert a .wlmp to a .wmv (you save the file as a movie - don't save it as a project)
2. edit the beginning and end of a video (I'm gonna be dangerous when I learn how to do the middle!)

I celebrated briefly. And then pronounced myself brain dead.



photo: Rakka

Tutti Frutti Tonga

O.P.I. Tutti Frutti Tonga is a light peachy-pink shimmer polish color

Blogging from my bed instead of The Crackhouse is a beautiful thing. I appreciate the hospitality the staff showed me, but I prefer Headquarters. However, I will make it a point to work from my other campus at least once a week.

I was sitting on the floor watching Lifetime Movie Network when I should have been writing my monthly post for The Work at Home Woman. An hour and forty-five minutes into Seduced by Lies gave me the sudden urge to go get a pedicure.

I'll have to catch the last fifteen minutes to see if What's-Her-Name killed the new boyfriend who murdered her best friend and tried to convince her it was really her ex-boyfriend who was kinda stalking her too.

CLOSED FOR BUSINESS

At 4:52pm, I reached for my phone to call Annie's Nails & Spa. They do my feet and eyebrows. I don't particularly care for manicures. Andy, the owner, answered:

Me: What time do you close?
Andy: Now. You can come tomorrow?!
Me: No. Justin won't be there tomorrow. Thank you though.
Andy: Ok. Come now.
Me: Thaaank youuuu, Andy! You'll know me when I get there.
Andy: I don't know you.
Me: Ok...I'm on my way!

When I walked in, Andy was doing nails. He looked up and said, "Oh - it's you." I'm certain he was excited, but I'm reluctant to put an ! at the end of his sentence statement.

JUSTIN IS HI

Andy asked who I wanted to do my pedicure and I pointed and said, "Justin". Maybe the smell of acrylic was getting to him because I know I told him that on the phone. Justin finished up with his customer and came over to start on me. That young man rubs my feet like nothing I've ever felt before! As Justin was walking me over to sit my toes under the table light, Andy struck up a conversation:

Andy: What's his name? (pointing to Justin)
Me: Justin
Andy: No it's not
Me: Yes, yes it is. His name is Justin. (looking at Justin) Ain't your name Justin??
Justin: No. My name is Hi...like Hello!
Me: Well, why do I think your name is Justin?
Justin: I don't know (laughing out loud along with the other people in the salon). It's not Justin (as he pulls out his driver license to prove it)...see it's Hai..like hi.
Me: (speechless. with a dumb ass look on my face)

VOICES IN MY HEAD

When I jumped up and decided I needed (yes, need - not want) Hai to put his hands on my feet and calves, I knew it was a purchase Suze wouldn't approve. As a matter of fact, as I was driving home, I heard Suze some more telling me I had no business spending money on a pedicure. Sometimes Suze needs to be ignored. This was one of those times. The last thing I want to do is feel guilty about spending $30. My time would be better spent figuring out how I'm gonna make that $30 back.

I think this is one of those instances where over-indulgent people would make the "you only live once" comment. Baby Daddy got the internet turned back on. I felt it was my duty to show my appreciation by getting my feet did.

24 Hours Before 39

I celebrated my 39th birthday yesterday. I'm not one of those women who gets all depressed about getting a year older and as you can see, I have no problem telling my age. Here's a recap of what happened before the big day:

On Monday I got a free massage. One of my Facebook friends has a friend who's getting her license and she needed warm bodies to practice on. 

Sign. Me. Up!

Candid Confession: In all of my 38 years and 364 days, I'd never had a professional massage. The bribed foot rubs from The Girl and The Boy certainly don't count. I thought they did. I know better now. 

I was feeling a little anxious about driving across town to meet a stranger who would end up putting her hands all over me. This free offer didn't sound so good any more. I woke The Girl and left her a copy of the address and directions to where I was going - just in case I didn't make it back. I called Baby Daddy upon my arrival and gave him a description of the house. I told him if he didn't hear from me in an hour, call the authorities. I'd fallen victim to sex trafficking. 

A soft spoken lady greeted me at the door and ushered me to the room where it was about to go down. I carefully surveyed the place. Looking for clues. Signs of a previous struggle.  Anything out of the ordinary. She asked if I had any injuries she needed to know about. I started naming off all kinds of ailments - everything I've ever self-diagnosed with the help of WebMD. Clearly this would make a human smuggler change their mind about holding me captive. My astigmatism, seasonal allergies, and tendinitis would hinder my sex-slaving abilities.

She told me to get undressed to the point where I felt comfortable, get on the table underneath the sheet,  put my face in the cradle, and she would return in a few minutes. As soon as she left, I grabbed my phone and sent Baby Daddy a text:

Me: I'm about to get undressed! Start praying and be on standby!

Him: Ok, but if there's any trouble I'm sure you can take em down!

Dude - this IS NOT the time for a pep talk. My ass could literally be on the line here. 

When she entered the room alone - minus duct tape and rope- I knew everything was ok. I could lay there and enjoy the experience. After about 15 minutes of total relaxation, I came to the conclusion that I never wanted to leave. This quaint little room would be my new home.

Fully equipped with a soon-to-be licensed masseuse.

Relationship Status with My Dentist - It's Complicated

This was originally written and posted on 5/11/11. I've reposted due to technical difficulties.

I've been telling my brain for the past few days it's time to get out of mini-vacation mode and back to business. Today is the day it finally decided to listen.

Let me bring you up to speed on a couple of things:

• I had a wonderful Mother's Day weekend in San Antonio with my sister and The Girl. Seventeen years ago on Mother's Day, God blessed me with the most beautiful little girl in the world. She loves to tell people she was "my gift".

• My root canal saga still isn't over. I can't get the impression made for my crown because the ragedy ass tooth is still healing. I'm ready to be done with this already! Despite having to eat mashed potatoes for like a week straight and only being able to chew on the right side of my mouth, I did manage to find a great dentist. And no - he's not paying me to write this, nor do I get a discount of any kind. I have the receipts to prove it.

I was reclined back in the chair watching the Oprah Winfrey Network (the hygienist already had it on my station when I got to room #2 - my room). When Dr. Gupta walked in, the first words out of his mouth weren't, "So...how does that awful cavity invested tooth of yours feel?"

He came in and much to my surprise began the conversation by saying, "Donna - you haven't written a blog in over a week!". What the hell? Who died and made him the blog police?!

Just like any other dumb crimimal would do, I started confessing. Explaining about how I didn't take my computer out of town and I don't have web capabilities on my phone. I truly wanted to be unplugged and connected to my family. Something I intend to do more often.

I know...you want me to answer the burning question, "How did your dentist know you had a blog?" That's not the typical dentist-patient kind of conversation. I'll spell it out for you:

HIS JOB as my dentist is to educate me on his expertise and how that relates to me as his patient. My job is to ask questions so I clearly understand expectations - his and mine. I have to know what he does and why he does it so I can go out and refer business to him. Not because I have a financial incentive to do so, but simply because that's what we as entrepreneurs and small business owners should do. I'm pleased to say that since my initial visit in April, I've sent him seven new patients. That's how exceptional customer experiences and word-of-mouth works. For me at least. If you do a great job and treat me like I matter, I go out and become one of your biggest advocates.

 MY JOB is to find the opportunity to share what I do with anyone who'll listen. I can't dismiss anyone. Meaning, I couldn't say to myself, "Nah..he's my dentist..he could care less if I'm a blogger." I have to toot the horn and not worry about people tuning me out. The checker at Wal-Mart got my autograph in 2008 when I went in to buy copies of Redbook magazine. I bought about 10 of them and he asked why I was buying so many. Not only did I tell him I was in the magazine, I held up the line and flipped to my feature and showed him.

You miss out on opportunities when you judge and over analyze. You miss out on opportunities when you allow fear of rejection to consume you. You never know when that one person you tell is going to be the person. The person who takes you from almost famous to an eleven-year overnight success.

photo: United Planet

God Bless Our Country

America can do WHATEVER we set our minds to. ~President Barack Obama (5/1/11)

 
 
photo: keviikev