Easter 2010

I just noticed one of my last posts was last Easter. And look how they have grown!

Oh my... almost a year

How is it that time gets away from us... so much that we forget to blog. Of course, everyone was into blogging there until Facebook became so popular. Now no one even emails, they just post it on a wall. And I do not have a Facebook page, so I never know what is going on... the ways trends change!

Somewhat Healthy? Fried Okra

I know, fried and healthy should not be in the same title! But this is a healthier version of fried okra, if only because of the whole wheat in the breading.

2 slices whole wheat bread (I look for bread without HFCS in it)
1 cup honey nut cheerios
2-4 eggs
1 cup olive oil
okra

Wash and dry the okra and cut into cylinder pieces. Lightly beat eggs in bowl. Add bread and cheerios to food processor and pulse until they are a bread crumb consistency (here I added a few whole wheat crackers because I had them lying around). Heat oil in skillet to 350 degrees. Dip okra and cover with egg. Dip into bread crumbs. Cook until golden brown on both sides (about 5 minutes). They get nice and crispy if you let the oil heat and not over heat! Turn it down if it starts getting too hot or your okra will not cook!

I used the leftover bread crumbs/egg mixture and made little whole wheat hush puppies (without the rest of the seasonings)- hubby loved them!

Time at the Beach

Since the last few weeks of kindergarten were all about sea life, we have had a ton of conversations about what lives in the ocean, what lives in the lake, and what does a sea anemone feel like. This past weekend we went to the aquarium and the beach and got a lot of touchy feeling experiences. Nothing is better learning that touching a real life sea creature!

A hermit crab

We never figured out what this was!

At the aquarium

New Blog

Hubby started saying how there are not a whole lot of popular sites for real mom tips on decorating, shopping, child rearing, cooking, etc. Well there are a lot, but you have to look real hard. So I am starting my new venture with a new blog (haven't done that for a while).

Everyday Mom Tips

Easy Banana Cake Recipe

My friends at Confection Connection gave me this recipe- an easy fix with over ripe bananas (I added the extra sugar)!
1 box yellow cake mix
2 over ripe bananas
1/2 cup of water
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 cup pecans (optional)

Preheat oven according to box directions. Smash the bananas in a medium size bowl. Add box mix and add water. Stir all together. Add nuts, reserving 2 tablespoons for topping.

I used a bundt pan for my cake (greased well with olive oil spray). I added the brown sugar and the 2 tablespoons of nuts to the bottom of the pan. Then add the cake mixture. Make sure it is even. Cook according to package directions for a bundt pan.

My son loves this with peanut butter on top.

Initials Inc Starter Promotion for June

I have been a consultant with Initials Inc for over a year now. While I do not do many parties, I do buy lots of product. This month, they are offering a great new promotion for new recruits... The starter kit is $100 and you can personalize everything in it! So when you are done with your Initials Inc business, you have some great products of your own! And- you have only at $250 requirement to sell on a rolling quarter! That is a low amount to sell- enough you can buy on your own or for gifts. If you have ever been interested, now is the time. Leave me a comment and I will help you get started...

Walk On- A Great Video on Goal Setting

A friend of mine sent me the link to this video. It is about 12 minutes long but details the life of a man who's parents were told he would never walk- and how he proved them wrong... watch it and see!

Walk On - ESPN Video

My New Favorite Christian Artist

I love the new song by Mat Kearney, Closer to Love. Watch the video or hear the song for free at Mat Kearney's website. Then read the Closer to Love lyrics. And before June 2, get the music download for free from Borders!

A Great Chicken Salad

This Southwest Chicken salad was so yummy! The chicken, bacon, onions, mayo, and bbq sauce made a great warm dressing sitting on lettuce, with grape tomatoes, the avocado, and blue corn chips, it was delicious. A good flavor combination and an even simpler preparation. And with the grocery list tool on this website, you actually use one click to add the ingredients for your shopping list.

My mom is on the phone and she said hi!

Easter Pictures

Having two children close in age I am compelled to coordinate their outfits for major holidays. I don't know what it is, but I like them to match.

That has gotten more difficult with one child in the big boys and one child in the little girls. They just don't make many affordable, cute options for coordinating outfits.

This year, I hired my friend to make the dress and the shirt for my children. Quite cute if you ask me. And it was very affordable. I used quilting fabric that had lots of coordinating patterns. My friend added so many nice details to the dress that it came out far better than the pattern.

I am so pleased!

Of course, you really can get the full idea since they were not so cooperative with the picture taking process!