Ever Cry Cutting an Onion??

I just balled my eyes out. Cutting an onion is NOT a pleasant thing.

Word of advice from my mom AFTER I cut the damn thing up.....put it in the freezer for 10 min prior to cutting or run it under ice cold water....won't hurt as bad.

Thanks mom for the late advice...I'll remember it next time.

Tuna Pot Pie

When I was a kid my mom used to make Tuna Helper Tuna Pot Pie. I LOVED it. Then they stopped making it. It has been years since I have eaten Tuna Pot Pie. When my mom came to visit for Christmas, we decided to try and make it. I do believe we succeeded. Tonight I decided to make it on my own as I had all the ingredients for it. I must say it turned out yummy yet again, for those that wish to try:

Tuna Pot Pie (serves 4)

Ingredients for filling:

1 large pouch of Tuna or 3-4 regular cans
1 bag of Mixed Frozen Vegetables
1 can Whole Potatoes Drained and cut in 1/4's
2 can Cream of Celery soup
Salt & Pepper to Taste
Ingredients for crust:

2 cups Busquick
1 cup milk
1 TBSP Parsley Flakes
2 Eggs

Directions:

Spray 2 1/2 quart casserole dish with cooking spray.
Combine all Filling ingredients in a large bowl.
Place filling in casserole dish.
Combine all Crust ingredients in a large bowl.
Pour over top of filling.
Bake 30 min @ 400 degrees.

Variations:

For a lighter filling use 1 can cream of celery soup and 1 can chicken broth.
For a lighter crust use 1 cup Bisquick, 1/2 cup milk and 1 egg.
You can also vary the type of cream of soup and vegetables to taste and/or add 1/2 cup cheese to tuna mixture.

ENJOY!

Healthy Eating....already 2lbs lost

I just ate the BEST salad ever and I made it.

1 1/2 cups Romaine Lettuce
3 oz Chicken Breast cut up
15 Grapes sliced in half
1 Stalk Celery sliced
1/4 cup Blueberries
1/4 cup Pomegranates
handful of sliced Almonds
Non-fat Balsamic Vinegarette


I forgot how much I really do love salad. I was planning on eating something WARM...cause its 23degrees here, with a windchill making it feel like 9degrees....but it just jumped out at me from the fridge.

Currently looking through the crock-pot cookbook to make something homey and warm for tomorrow night. I'm also thinking Tuna Pot Pie might be on the menu for this week. Will post recipes later.

It's not over till you take the tree down

So I am home sick from work today....fought the cold hard.....finally gave in. One day of doing absolutely nothing but sleep and movie watching....I feel 100 times better. Back to work tomorrow, but now.....

I am sitting on my couch looking at my Christmas tree.....yes we are already in 2010 and it is STILL up. I haven't had the heart to take it down. It is the first year I have ever owned my own Christmas tree and I just don't want to take it down.

In the process all my Christmas presents are still surrounding the tree! Yes I am this lazy.

I got some great presents this year.

From the momma:

1. Orzo: I've had an obsession with Orzo since my mom cooked it for me....however have been unable to locate the stuff....so she gave me some for X'mas.

2. Wine Marker Tree: If anyone knows me....I love wine. This tree has the little decorations you put on the bottom of your glass to identify at parties. LOVE IT!

3. Handmade Leaf Plate: I'm obsessed with leaves. Seriously every room in my house has some version or another....even my Christmas Tree has leaves on it...more about that in a few.

4. Crock-Pot Cookbook: My mom gave me a crock-pot for a housewarming gift and I am in love with it....now I can use it more with my wonderful cookbook.

5. Handmade Leaf Pendant: Again obsessed with the leaves....mom knows how to step it up a notch.

6. Lots of cute stocking stuffers: Tissues w/an A on them. Dreamerz Tea, Star Candles, Cork Candles, Pie Crist Shields, etc.

From the bestest and her family:

1. An apron w/an A on it
2. Fingerless Gloves/Mittens
3. Best Friend Precious Moment (I cried when she gave me that).
4. Earring from her parents
5. Pampered Chef Square Baker in Cranberry

From my friend Ray:


1. Coach wristlet (awesome gift and WAY over the top)
2. Ralph Lauren HOT perfume (I'm in love with this stuff and I hear they discontinued!)




From the dad and the rest of the family:

1. MONEY!!

Okay so back to my obsession with leaves. I bought the coolest ornaments for my tree.

Pewter Leaf Ornaments!!! and then after X'mas I found Bronze ones. Love it!















I imagine this weekend I'll get around to taking down my tree but for the next few days, I am going to enjoy the beauty of the lights and the ornaments and eventually put away all the presents. I just don't want the holidays to end.....am I crazy?!?!

2010- Bring it.

Well 2009 was a bust. 2010.....I think it's time.

I went through A LOT of ups and downs. Lots more downs than ups, but I am one tough beotch. My grandma always instilled a "do or die attitude."

So I say out with the old. Ended some friendships. Started some new ones. 2010 this is my year!!! Bring it on!

2008/2009 NYE:

2009/2010 NYE:

My 2009

1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before? There were so many things on my list I wanted to try....but Skiing for the first time and not breaking anything is at the top of my list.
2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I don't make them, because I constantly break them.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Nope, not that I can think of.
4. Did anyone close to you die? Not this year thankfully, I did lose my g-ma end of 08.
5. What places did you visit? Florida, Western MD, WV. I stuck close to home this year.
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009? Love
7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? June 2009. It was the month I learned I am not invincible when it comes to alcohol.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Going a month without alcohol and realizing I don't have to be drunk to have a good time.
9. What was your biggest failure? Alcohol poisoning
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Alcohol poisoning and wrecking my new car.
11. What was the best thing you bought? My new car....which was totaled 2 days later.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Definetly not mine
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? Friends I am no longer associated with.
14. Where did most of your money go? All over.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Nothing really. I am pretty low-key.
16. What song will always remind you of 2009? Not really sure.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? happier
b) thinner or fatter? fatter
c) richer or poorer? poorer
18. What do you wish you’d done more of? relaxing
19. What do you wish you’d done less of? drinking
20. How did you spend Christmas in 2009? My mom came to town at the last minute and we spent it with my friends.
21. Did you fall in love in 2009? Nope
22. What was your favorite TV program? Grey's Anatomy, Glee, True Blood.
23. What did you do for your birthday in 2009? Went to Florida and hung out with my mom.
24. What was the best book you read? Twilight and the True Blood series
25. What did you want and get? Nothing
26. What did you want and not get? Love
27. What was your favorite film of this year? So many to choose from.
28. Did you make some new friends this year? Yes Yes I did.
29.What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Love
30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009? I'm pretty comfy/casual with a trendy bit tossed in.
31. What kept you sane? Myself
32. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? I don't think anyone
33. What political issue stirred you the most? Healthcare Reform
34. Who did you miss? My nephews
35. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009. I've learned that life is short and to take stock of all your blessings and live in the moment.

Reminder of Life

Today is the one year anniversary of my grandmother's passing. She was the light in my family. The strength. The tenacity and hope. I remember her every day and remember that I strive to have the same values and morals as this woman.

She was my Nana. My Muriel. My Mother's Mother. Without her, I would not be here.

I have an unbelievable relationship with my mother. She is my best friend and I can feel her even when we are apart. This evening I was sitting on my couch watching TV and just knew something was wrong. I called my mom. She was crying. She took the passing of my grandmother very hard and I know when the time comes that I have to say goodbye it will be extremely hard for me to do so.

So to honor the memory of my grandmother. I pray to the heavens that she is happy, healthy and wise. I pray she is with my grandfather. I pray that she will see my mom and let her know she is okay. I pray she watches over me and see's that I am happy and successful. I pray that I will one day see her again. I love you Nana and know in my heart of hearts you will always be with me.