Chez Zizi

family

2011-11-26T07:32:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving.

We spent ours at the lake with hubby's family.

I just love the way the colors look in this picture

My new favorite picture of her

Happy

A picture with the grandparents

It was a nice time spent with family. The kids got to spend time with their cousins and the weather was nice enough to be outside.

We had many things to be thankful for.

Zizette

There's No Place Like Home

2011-11-06T07:32:00.000-05:00

I am sure you have heard about that crazy storm in the Northeast last week.

Yeah, it got me.

I was home about 20 minutes from my class and I heard a big pop and the power went OUT.

I called my mom (who lives around the corner, 3 blocks over), she had power so me and the kids went there.

Just an hour or so after we lost power

The storm was absolutely INSANE.

A little later I saw that we would be there overnight, I went back home to collect some essentials and unload my Fridge/Freezer.

My parent's street looked like a war zone obstacle course.

School was closed for 2 whole days. Halloween was crazy too with all the trees down. But the kids got out there early so we could see tree branches, electric lines and whatever else may be out there.

I was without power for 7 days. Yes, 7 days. We went back everyday to check on things, get things we needed and feed the cat.

This was the freakiest thing ever to happen. The trees had all their leaves and when the snow built up on them the tree limbs snapped. Broken trees all over our town. I live on a beautiful tree lined street as do my parents. The big old trees on my street lost limbs but on my mom's street the smaller trees were split in half.

Just one of the houses on the block

I have a beautiful Japanese Maple on my front lawn. I so did not want to lose the tree. I stood out in the snow knocking the snow off it's limbs so they wouldn't snap. When I would knock the snow off, I would see the limbs bounce back up. I am happy to say we didn't lose it. Only one branch fell on our whole property. We were very lucky there.

My Japanese Maple

I am happy to finally be back home in my own bed. We thank my mom and dad but, "there's no place like home."

{New} Cooking Experience

2011-10-23T07:54:00.000-04:00

Well, I haven't been doing the normal kind of cooking I like to do this year because, well, my oven died in late spring. It kills me to replace it because it is this awful little wall oven and if it was up to me I would cut our counter and cabinet out where our cook top is an put in a freestanding range. That would probably be very costly so it's not happening. I guess I will have to spring for the oven soon but right now I don't have one so I made meatloaf on the grill.

Yeah, you heard me right - Meatloaf ON THE GRILL.

I looked it up to see if it was possible and it is so I took up the task and did in fact try it. I modified a Rachael Ray Recipe a bit and followed her directions on how to cook it on the grill. Hubby was home that day and he made his famous Mashed Potatoes and Glazed Carrots.

I assembled all the ingredients, wrapped the meatloaf as directed and cooked it up. It came out GREAT! My picky eater asked for seconds to which my husband replied that I will be making this meal at least once a week!

Something new to try and everyone liked it, so I guess it was a hit. I don't have any pictures because when hubby gets involved in meal prep he sort of takes over and then my meals don't get their pictures.

Here's the recipe:

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups Italian style panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup half and half
2 Tablespoons grated onions
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
salt and pepper
1 package of the meatloaf trio (beef, veal, pork) Approximately 3 lbs
Cooking Spray

What you do:

Preheat the grill to medium. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.

Stack two 2 foot long sheets of heavy duty foil. Coat the stop sheet with cooking spray. Place meatloaf on top - shape it into a 5x8 inch loaf. Fold sides up to make a sturdy package, turn the loaf halfway and wrap again sealing the loaf in the package.

I placed the loaf in an aluminum pan just to be sure. Cook for 35 minutes, then turn over and cook for another 25 minutes (until firm to the touch). Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes, unwrap and let rest 5 minutes more. Slice and serve.

Enjoy!

New {Favorite} Product

2011-10-09T10:16:00.000-04:00

OK, many of my friends have cleaning ladies who come once a week, once every two weeks and at times even I have had a cleaning lady. BUT to be budget conscious I have stopped having a cleaning lady. I do it and a small part of me likes it better when I clean because I know it is done my way.

I live in an old house and it seems that it gets dusty quickly. My pet peeves are bathrooms and the kitchen. Last week I found this unbelievable product that I love. I am not into the latest thing just because I need to try stuff for myself.

Scrubbing Bubbles Cleaning Gel

Just hold the wand and slide the button down for gel to apply

The gel stays there even after flushing

Just apply the gel and it stays there for about a week, depending on how often you flush the toilet. It is so cool and makes my bathroom smell so nice each and every time it is flushed.

I love the way the house smells after it is cleaned. I like fresh scents and orange scents in the home.

Have you found any great new products that are helpful?

Zizette

Back In The Saddle

2011-10-02T08:19:00.000-04:00

Credit

Oh my, Sorry for taking off some time. I did not realize what or where I have been lately.

Trying to get back into the swing of things has been a little trying.

As always I am trying to be the best mom possible, best teacher possible and as of yesterday I have added best student possible.

Yes, you read that right I am back in school.

I have gone back to Grad school for School Building Leadership and at some point I need to decide if I will go for the FULL Masters or just the certificate program. We shall see. I am excited.

I NEVER wanted to go into education. I wanted Business (which I did and hated). My friends would say teaching and I would say, "No way!" But here I am 22 years later and I am exactly where I should have been all along. However, my business background is what gives me the motivation to do more than just teach. Education is such a mess. We are teaching our children to the test, making unrealistic goals/expectations for some in special education instead of concentrating on what they really need and the people who have never been in a classroom make the rules or bash us for our jobs. Sorry for that. I just want to make a difference and this program will open up that arena for me.

I have been cooking some yummies and will be posting those recipes as they came out really good. It is so cold here today I am in a soup making mood. Let's see what I come up with.

Ta-ta for now,

Zizette

Where Were You?

2011-09-11T08:21:00.001-04:00

Credit

Tomorrow is 9/11, a day we will not forget, a day I will not forget.

You see I know exactly where I was that day at the exact time the first plane hit the Twin Towers. I was going through the toll at the George Washington Bridge listening to KTU radio. The radio cut out as I passed through the toll. I switched over to a news station, at first nothing and then it really didn't have info. After I came through the toll you don't see much as the side of the Mountain/hill is in the way. I recall turning my head towards the city and seeing the twin towers smoking and then a static radio saying a small plane or something hit the North Tower. It was a beautiful clear day so you could see straight downtown from the bridge. The traffic was creeping along, almost in disbelief. A radio reporter called into the station and they were on their way to work and live downtown. As I was entering the helix to go down to West Side Highway, the reporter is saying, it seems to be a plane that hit and all of a sudden they scream, "OMG another plane is hitting the South Tower."

At that moment I was terrified. My husband does not answer his phone during work. I call my dad, who I was working for at the time and asked if he heard what was going on. He said something hit the towers and I told him they hit both towers, planes! I also said, "this was no mistake it is F***** Terrorism!"

I came down and the police had already closed the WSH, since eventually this road brings you roght down that way. They were re-routing through Harlem. I rolled down my window and asked if I could go back over the bridge and he say yes. I drove as fast as I could and as safe as I could. Lucky for me people aren't leaving NYC at the time so I made it back home in minutes (I live right across the river in Fort Lee, NJ - The East side of my building faced the City and you could see the Twin Towers from it).

I called my dad and he was going to leave but I said he couldn't they closed the bridge, I was probably one of last non-emergency people to be able to go over at that point.

I remember once I got to my building seeing a woman rushing to work and telling her what had happened and she was like, "I need to get to work." I looked at her and said, "everything is closed, turn on the news." I then walked into my building and told my doorman. He and the other staff members tried tuning the small radio. I got upstairs and turned on the TV, sat in disbelief and called my husband.
He did answer and said at that point they were staying there with all the people since there was some big stockholders meeting and most of the people were for out of town and had no where to go. He was one of the managers in their Corporate Cafeteria and was handling all of the food for those meetings and the rest of their staff. They even had a child care center at his sight so many people had their kids there as well. The good part was, it was far enough from the city so it wasn't as chaotic as it was in the city.

I sat glued to the TV, watching and crying at what happened. I didn't believe those buildings could collapse. Thinking about the unborn baby in me and what kind of world we (he) live in. Will there be a place for me to raise my child?

As I watch now, I feel that same sadness for those who were lost and effected by this horrible tragedy. My prayers are with everyone since we all lost a something that day.

Zizette

MIA {sorry}

2011-09-05T21:02:00.000-04:00

I have been MIA lately. I was spending time with my kids and my visiting nephew. It was a glorious 3 weeks. I so enjoyed it. I am now getting back in the groove. School starts tomorrow and I am very excited for the coming school year. I am also *pondering* the thought of making another blog, but it being a teaching blog. My thoughts are all over and I am excited for this school year but more on that later.

We had lots of fun in the past few weeks.

All he wanted to do at the Jersey Shore was drive a Go-Kart

My Nephew caught the first fish of our stay at the lake

Sam caught the largest fish at 2 1/2 lbs, he was proud to brag he caught 8 1/2 lbs of fish in one day

Little Miss, she caught her fish with bread, Sunnies and Rock Bass for this little lady

Cousins, great summer!

Jersey Shore House

Really thought he was going to throw up here

We had an awesome summer and we are sad to see it end. Here's to a great school year.

Ziz

A {new} love

2011-08-19T09:20:00.000-04:00

I personally love to have a cup of coffee in the am. I am not one of those people who feels it gets me through the day and if I have a cup at night I have never felt the ill effects of it and then be up all night.

However, many years ago, when I first got my drivers license and my parents got a brand new car (allowing me to get a car - not a new one but a 1976 Ford Grenada - Hey it was a pair of wheels) my friends and I would meet up for breakfast before school at Bob's Big Boy.

There we would have coffee. Coffee with Sugar. Oh boy, my friend Forest, well she loved her coffee with lots of sugar and well, I followed suit. One day in particular was very bad. Lots of coffee, lots of sugar and then a trip to 7-11 for some Jolt. Do you remember Jolt? I sure do. That day I could not sit still. I was jittery, jumpy and even worse, wanting MORE. I think Forest and I would have killed Jeremy for some more Jolt. In the end we did not get more, we did not kill Jeremy and we fell asleep early after crashing down hard.

The next day, not so much coffee and sugar.

Since then I enjoy my coffee. Some days I drink a lot, some not so much. So, I make a pot based on what I will be drinking and hubby does not drink coffee if it's been there too long. So my pots in the am are not shared as I get up with the roosters and my pot is made too early. He has been making his pot and at the end of the day I find that I am throwing full pots of coffee and always running out of coffee since we are making so much.

I made a suggestion, "Let's buy a Keurig." A few years ago he told me, "Heck NO!" I explained my rationale this time and he agreed (thankfully we were going to the lake where his parents have one and we have enjoyed using one for about a year now). He was trying to figure out cost per cup (the food manager in him that is) and I did some research as well. He agreed.

Yesterday I went and got my machine and as I type I am enjoying my first cup. Pure Heaven. One cup, no waste and all is well.

Oh and today I take my coffee with 2 splenda and half and half.

What do you like to drink in the morning?

Zizette

Gimme some {fried} chicken

2011-08-16T09:02:00.002-04:00

Credit

My son is picky.

He does not have much variety in his diet. However, lately he has been trying more things. He has eaten ribs, chicken on the bone and steak to name a few. Thank goodness the tides are changing.

I get being picky, both me and my husband were picky eaters and today we are so far from being picky. My brother was as picky as my son is now.

He asked me to buy drumsticks, all of sudden. He likes wings but they are all in sauces and he is not ready or willing to have sauce (Little Miss eats and tries everything).

I decided to make them fried chicken (drumsticks). They came out really well. He really enjoyed them. I have to really play around with some recipes as I like them with lots of crisp. He wants the smaller drumsticks and wings, like the buffalo wings. He doesn't like sauce so trying to find the smaller ones has been hard for me - unless I just don't know where to look since I have never bought them.

It was a good first try and now I made another batch and have it in the fridge for easy meals.

I got the recipe from Epicurious

Enjoy!

Zizette

1 3-lb. fryer
1 tbsp. salt
1 tbsp. black pepper
2 eggs (beaten)
1/2 cup Pet milk
1/2 cup water
2 cups flour
1 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. ground thyme
1/2 tsp. granulated garlic
1 qt. oil for frying

Cut chicken in eight pieces. Season well with salt and pepper. Set aside. Mix eggs, milk, and water. Pour mixture over chicken. Let sit for 5 minutes.

In a heavy paper bag, mix flour, paprika, ground thyme, and granulated garlic. Place chicken in bag with flour mixture. Shake until chicken is well coated.

Heat oil in a Magnalite fryer — oil should reach 350°F. Place chicken in hot oil. Fry, turning as chicken browns. Heavy parts such as breast, thighs, and legs will take 15 to 20 minutes, wings about 10 to 15 minutes. Drain chicken on paper towels.

{simple} Sundays

2011-07-31T09:00:00.000-04:00

I am *trying* to simplify things around here.
I am *trying* to shed the ~~crap~~ stuff around our house.
I am *trying* to do it with the kids not harassing me to keep this or that.

Even though yesterday was Saturday I had to start somewhere but today I will do more and *try* to dedicate time on Sundays to purge and simplify.

I did manage to purge a box from the garage. It's been there since we lived here (2 years) and if we have not touched that stuff in this time, well it's time to go. Hubby thinks I am a hoarder, that I am not but I do tend to hold onto some things for "memories" and what I may need. Eventually I do get rid of stuff.

BUT if he wants to talk about hoarding he should look at himself. Do you know what he keeps? The boxes from cell phones, The GPS we got 4 years ago, the iPod he got god knows when - you get what I mean. It's time to get rid of all this stuff.

I want clean spaces. Maybe when the kids are gone for the next two days I can get around to cleaning the playroom/guest room. We shall see.

I really want to do this because every third Thursday the Bulk pick up in our town takes away everything.

What would you like to simplify?

We {want}, we {need}

2011-07-24T20:51:00.002-04:00

Okay, I grew up with a dog. I love dogs. My daughter LOVES dogs and so does my son. My parents have a dog. We all WANT, no Need a dog. Notice someone is missing? Hubby. No Dog. No way. He does not want a dog. How do we fix that?

We have a cat. A BIG cat. A BIG, NASTY cat. She is mine. I love her but she doesn't love anyone, well, maybe me from time to time. Usually only for her long enough to like me then bite me but she sleeps with me. The kids try to love her but she wants no part of it and Hubby - he does not like her.

Blogging Kitty

We sort of made an agreement years ago. My hubby always says he needs to have some time without a pet (I had Lola before I met him so she has always been with us). So, I said to the kids, when Lola dies we will wait 6 months and then we will get a dog. He doesn't agree but last week when a friend's mom was fostering a puppy and I jokingly said, "meet our new dog." He said, "we have an agreement." So I made sure people recognized his commitment to our agreement.

BUT

We can't wait until the cat is gone. We want a dog now. We need a dog now. Who doesn't want a dog?

from here

I go back and forth between wanting a medium/big dog and a small dog. I would love to have a small dog to bring with us where we go and truly be a little lap dog. But I also love the thought of rough housing with a big ole playful dog.

How do we get dad/hubby on board? I brought the kids to our local pet shop and they played with the puppies Maya loves all dogs and Sam decided he wants a small dog, a Yorkie. Just like his mom.

Now to work on dad/hubby.

Zizette

New {love}

2011-07-18T21:12:00.000-04:00

I have a few new loves.

First, I am in love with a new website that my friend invited me to: RueLaLa

It has discounts on designer duds and such. I am not super designer shopper but I love a few brands and I am super loyal to the ones I love. I also love some brands that I really can't afford and this site allows some of that.

Anyhoo, I have wanted a Michele watch for some time. So expensive, they do have a cheaper line the Tahitian Jelly Line and last week they had them on sale.

I got one for me. After I lost internet in my classroom (on my prep then lunch). The original one I wanted sold out FAST. This is the one I got and I am so happy considering my Raymond Weil lost a diamond bezel on the one o'clock and now has to be repaired. In any case I am happy and I got myself a little treat for working 683 this summer.

I just love it when we can treat ourselves every now and then.
Zizette

Summertime {fun}

2011-07-17T22:14:00.001-04:00

Been real busy around here lately.

The kids are doing different things this summer, I am working at my school and we have been enjoying the sun.

Good Friends

Her first fish of the year

Enjoying the life

Cousins

Enjoying a Mojito like mom (non-alcohol, of course)

Just a little taste of the goings on around here. We hope you are doing the same.

Zizette

Summertime Treat

2011-07-17T09:03:00.000-04:00

I few weeks back I had seen, I think on Pinterest, a delicious idea so I just had to try it. I did it and my dad added a little treat to it.

It is a nice twist on the standard Caprese Salad.

1 container grape tomatoes (I used about half)
1 container bocconcini(small mozzarella balls in whey or water)
Basil leaves whole (approximately 25)
Olive oil
salt and pepper
Balsamic Glaze ( My dad had Crema de Balsamico that my brother brought back from Spain)
Toothpicks

Very easy assembly. Take the basil leaves, put one mozzarella ball, one grape tomato and spear together keeping them in the basil "boat". When all done assembling, drizzle with Balsamic glaze, olive oil and add salt and pepper to taste. It is so nice and easy for your guests to take one and pop it in their mouths. ENJOY!

Fourth of July

2011-07-02T08:01:00.001-04:00

The fourth of July is a big deal in our house, not only is it America's birthday it is my father in law's birthday too! We always go to the lake and have a fun filled weekend with family. This year my husband will not be here as he is working - obviously he is not happy.

My favorites are seeing the kids on the lake, swimming at the pool, lighting sparklers, hanging out with friends and family, sitting around the fire pit and of course, s'mores.

As you can see the kids have a great time. Hopefully I get some good pictures this year of the family fun.

Have a great weekend!

Schools Out for Summer

2011-06-25T07:13:00.000-04:00

Yay!

The kids had their last day of school yesterday. I can't believe it, 2nd and 4th grade FLEW by! The kids have had some parties, some long play dates (uh-hem excuse my now 5th grader tells me it's hanging out, NOT play date) and some really short days of school. Can you believe the kids had a full day on Monday but T-W-TH they went to school for 2 1/2 hours and on Friday a mere hour and a half? Crazy I tell ya!

They are done and Sam did well on his report card. So proud and Maya, well she left hers at her friend's house - it fell out of the bag. No worries I am sure she did well too.

It has been Crazy raining here which caused many a graduation parties to be canceled - bummer. My County was called into a stat of emergency and I got a major leak. Now to look for that problem and where it is coming from and where it's going.

But that's for another time.

The kids and I are doing something different this year. Usually we go to camp. Sam wasn't too interested and did not want to go and I had an opportunity to work at my school and make some very nice money. The kids will be doing Gymnastics and I am trying to get her into Brownie camp with all her girlies. Sam will be doing Lego/Space camp and possibly Boy Scout camp with his buds. This is something new and we will see how it goes. Lots of their friends are around so it will be interesting. Most go to camp but some are around. I only have to work six weeks so after that we are going to gave fun. AND big bonus for me, the kids will go to CT for a week.

I love summer. I LOVE the beach. We will be going often as much as we can. We the pool (thank goodness my parent's have one and they live around the corner). I love the BBQs and we will be setting up our fire pit this weekend. I am excited, now just stop raining.

Have a great weekend.
Zizette

Running Journal {Week 5}

2011-06-20T18:31:00.000-04:00

Okay I know I have not kept you in the loop about my running but being a teacher and a mom at the end of the school year is Brutal.

So this week I will do another condensed version of all three days for ya.

Day 1 - The usual 5 minute warm up, the repetitions of 5 minute jogs, 3 minute walks to complete 20 minutes, then the 5 minute cool down.

Not bad. Easy Peasy. Pretty good.

Day 2 - 5 Minute warm up then repetitions of 8 minute jogs, 5 minute walk and then the 5 minute cool down. This one I had to do twice because in one of the runs I went up hill and it killed me. The second time I did it I was on the Treadmill and it was okay. I almost had thoughts that this would be the end for me. I felt so discouraged before the second go around but everything I have read is that if the run is hard do it again until you feel comfortable. So I did just that, did it over. There is no specific reason that you have to do it one way, this is a guideline. I like it either way and it's making me feel good.

Day 3 - A 20 minute run! Holy Cow. I stressed for days about this one too. Even told my APE teacher at school that I was nervous and unsure I would be able to complete. Guess what?? I did it no problem! I was shocked! So proud of myself and I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD BE ABLE TO RUN 20 MINUTES. EVER.

Life shocks you sometimes BUT in these 5 weeks I have not really lost weight. I have maintained. We'll see as the weeks go by. I think I will register for my first 5K this week.

Happy Running.

Zizette

Running Journal {week 4}

2011-06-11T08:05:00.000-04:00

This running thing isn't so bad.

I am getting the hang of it and loving it BUT I have not lost weight. WTH?

True I may snack here and there but in all truth I think I have been doing really well. Some people talk of losing inches (I don't measure myself) and others talk of building muscle. I just wantnto lose that damn c-section belly. No matter what it is still there. The only time I didn't have it was when I did the South Beach diet but kidney stones were not a good alternative to a flat belly. I hope when I am really running that it will subside but then it will be summertime and then the Mojitos contribute to the belly. I'll have to save those for the special occasions ;) if you kaon what I mean.

Still I like it and I am plugging away at it.

Happy running!

Zizette

{Misunderstood} Friends

2011-06-08T21:02:00.000-04:00

Have you ever had moments that your friends took and twisted it the wrong way? Normally I would not post about something such as this but I post about my life and we're girlfriends here so, I figured give it a go.

I usually work at a camp for my summers. My kids go for free and I am able to do crafts all day. Win win, right? It is really but this year I had an amazing opportunity at my job that would benefit my family, so I took the leap. I emailed the camp and let them know I needed to take care of some family business. That was a week ago.

Today a friend emails me that she is last to know. I said there was no intention there I was keeping it private for numerous reasons. She continued to let me know I embarrassed her by not letting her know and etc. I apologized and said I was really thinking of my feelings and not her and the intention was not to hurt her. I also told her of a situation recently where I was left out of a party of hers and never said a word, because those things happen and I don't need to be included in everything she does. She gets mad, I explain myself and so on.

Where do I go now? I never meant to hurt her, I wasn't even thinking of her feelings through this whole process. She tells me she will give me a list of people who know - well I only told 2 people (one of those is my supervisor who emailed me after the director emailed her). I am too old for this stuff.

Any advice will be appreciated. I am at a loss of for words (for once).

Zizette

Running Journal {week 3}

2011-06-06T20:47:00.000-04:00

Week 3.

I will condense it into one post so it's not three short posts.

This week the three runs were the same: alternating between 90 seconds run/walk, 3 minute runs/walk. Two times each.

Not bad at all. I liked it and I am so pumped. I look forward to running. SICK. So. Not. Me.

But I am feeling good. I cannot believe that I am in this place. I hope I continue. Please give me strength to go on.

Happy running.

Zizette

End of the {school} Year

2011-06-06T20:07:00.000-04:00

It is the end of the year for me. Which translates into BUSY. Now I am also down a computer, seems that my beloved son and a DVD got caught in the DVD player of the laptop. Have no fear, Apple fixed it and I have to pick it tomorrow.

I am still running and will be updating you on my progress. I am trying to get it all together for the end of year activities in school.

Ta-ta till later.

Zizette

Running journal {w2, d3}

2011-05-29T08:14:00.000-04:00

Ahh finished week 2, I am so happy. This is not as bad as I thought it would be. I have never wanted to run, in always thought those runners were crazy and look at me. I know that this isn't full running right now but I am motivated to get my arse out there and do something. My friends have been really encouraging me which is super too.

**this post or journal entry comes when I am actually in week 6 and I am Struggling with Day 1. It is so hard for me to do and I have no idea why, I must keep motivated**

Have a wonderful day!

Zizette

Running Journal {W2, D2}

2011-05-25T21:11:00.000-04:00

Credit

April 26th, 2011

Yeah, I ran yesterday and I ran again today.

I had to, tomorrow I cannot run - just too busy.

It was easy. Hey it's week 2 it should be easy but I did it.

Feeling really good about myself. I am just nervous for when I get home. I live in a hilly area there's no freaking way I can run hills. That's for sure!

I will have to figure this one out.

Later today I go home from the sunshine.

Zizette

My Running Journal {W2, D1}

2011-05-22T16:28:00.000-04:00

April 25th, 2011

Woo Hoo! Week 2, Day 1 down.

This week is a brisk 5 minute walk (warm up) and then alternating between 90 second jogs and 2 minute walks for 20 minutes with a 5 minute cool down walk.

Not so bad. I made it.

Starting to think I like running. Even though it says to take a break in between days I am going to run tomorrow because we are flying home tomorrow night and then I would have to run on Wednesday and Maya has dance. I don't want to push it off until Thursday to keep my momentum going so I will just run two days in a row.

Very excited that I have made this commitment to myself.

Zizette

My Running Journal {W1, D3}

2011-05-19T16:42:00.000-04:00

Credit

Day Three down, Woo Hoo!!

Change of scenery today. It was nice as where I am staying has a walking/running path all around the center of the development with mile markers. Cool.

I got up nice and early, hydrated and went about my run. Not so bad. I am liking this as it is flat. I just hope when I get home I am able to keep up with it. I am motivated and will have a good base on me to do well.

Not so bad, feels good. My parents and grandma are very encouraging to me. Keep it up, I am excited.

Next run on Monday. Should be fun, that will be Week 2, Day 1.

Gotta keep moving.

Zizette

My Running Journal {W1, D2}

2011-05-17T20:19:00.000-04:00

credit

April 21, 2011
So here I go. Day 2. Can I do it?

After: Wasn't so bad. Went out much earlier so it was not so hot. Did it and have no complaints. I feel really good and I am super proud of myself for sticking to this plan.

I was running today and at times I was thinking, "can I do this?" to "what am I thinking?"

I have never been a person who loved exercising. Why on earth would I start running and 40? Ahh, it's because it has great benefits, you will look great and you will hopefully like it the little voice in side my head keeps telling me.

Another motivating factor, I got the "Pro" version of C25K and you can post to FB - this way people know I am running so I will shame myself into running.

That was day 2. I made it. Let's see what happens next...

My Running Journal

2011-05-15T07:06:00.000-04:00

Back in March I decided to start running. I needed to get in to better shape for myself and for my family. I started off and was motivated to do the C25k running program. I did the first week but the second week brought bad weather and I gave up with the hope that I would start again in a few weeks when the weather made it better for running.

Fast forward to April vacation. I am in Florida and I have grandparents to watch the kids while I run. I start the program. I decided to share my journal that I wrote in to hopefully give inspiration to someone.

April 19, 2011

Ok, today decided to start the c25k program again. I really want to do this. I want to run, I see what it does for all my friends who do run. What am I thinking, I am so not a runner and my chest is big. Am I really going to do this?

I come back from my run and I did it! Now don't get too cocky now, it was only running for 60 seconds. Ahh, it was only short spurts but I did it. I made the whole run. It was 11 am which next time I need to do it earlier in the morning the beginning of the very hot part of the day is BRUTAL. Will rethink my running time.

Very proud of myself. I love this new little app that allows me to listen to PANDORA - Glee station and it tells me when to run/walk.

I did try this last year, a similar programs and forget it, I couldn't keep track of when to run/walk. I love technology!

I just can't believe that I was actually running and not dying. Go me! Here's to running on Tuesday.

I will update as I wrote in my journal. Maybe it will inspire you.

Have a wonderful Sunday.

Zizette

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T09:40:00.001-04:00

Happy Mother's Day!
I know most of you are mothers out there and make sure you get all the love you deserve today.
Last night we came up to the lake to spend Mother's day morning with my mother in law as we usually do (I can't believe hubby has the day off) and later in the day after lunch we will head down towards home and have dinner with my grandma and step-mom.
How are you spending Mother's Day?

My plan is to head on over to the White Elephant Flea Market in New Milford with my little girl. Hopefully I will have a good post about that one later on.

Xoxo Zizette

Off and Running

2011-04-25T09:18:00.001-04:00

I finally got back on track. I was doing well and then we had all that cold weather and rain (the nerve of mother nature, doesn't she know I am trying to get fit?).

In any case, sine I have been in Florida I have done the program every other day. I actually felt more comfortable running today than walking. Yay me.

I am excited. But. Since I have been here I have not eaten as well as I could have and I have enjoyed my wine most days so the weight has not come off but it has not come on either. So it's even for now. I can accept that.

Now off to the beach to sweat some more. I hope you all had a great Easter for those who celebrate it.

Zizette

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T08:38:00.000-04:00

I want to wish all my "peeps" a very Happy Easter. May you have a wonderful day with your families.

Zizette

I (heart) the Sunshine State

2011-04-22T08:10:00.000-04:00

Agh it's been two years since we were last here but yesterday we came back to the Sunshine State, Florida. We are fortunate enough to have both grandparents down here, so it is a double visit. My mom and grandma flew down with me and the kids (my parents live three block away from us - lucky me right?). The flight was good except for my intense uneasiness during take off. It just freaks. Me. Out. My cousin, the shrink, says it is normal and lots of women are like that after having kids. I have been flying since I was three days old, why now am I crazy?

Anyway I am so happy to be away with the kids and be able to see my best friend, she lives about 5 minutes from my dad's place.

Maya is so excited she has already tried on all her clothes to pick the right outfit. I swear today I am running, getting back on track. The weather had been so icky last week I couldn't run but today is a good day for a new start and afterwards my mother in law set me up with a nice massage. Whoopee!

Spring Faves

2011-04-17T06:00:00.000-04:00

I really love Spring. It is the beginning of the warmer weather and the bringing out of all my good favorite things. Here's a little peek at some of my favorites this time of year.

Credit

Is Spring your favorite time of year? What do you like about Spring?

Enjoy!

Zizette

I {heart} New Foods

2011-04-16T17:11:00.001-04:00

I made Pastelitos this past weekend in a sort of tribute to my brother Mike who passed away. He loved new and different foods and this was something new. The Dominican and Island women I work with make these fantastic treats and I thought hey, let me give it a try.

I asked them how to do it. They all had variations (Dominican, Cuban, Jamaican to name a few) but basically the same concept. The meat is similar to taco meat. Some use Guava and cream cheese or guava and cheddar cheese. I chose taco meat and grilled chicken.

I ran out of taco seasoning and made my own. Pretty good and even better for the family because it does not contain any preservatives.

I bought these for the dough/pastry.

I basically made my taco meat and I grilled my chicken with seasonings I like. I then used about a Tablespoon or two of filling on each disk. I folded them in half, sealed with some water and closed shut. I then sealed them by pressing down with the fork. I fried them until golden brown. Then we ate them.

They were delicious! Then a few days later the ladies at work told me other flavors I can make them in. The kids love them so I will be making them again this weekend.

Credit

My phone did not take good enough photos and emailing them made it worse. This is what they should look like. So next time I will do this meal justice.

Bon Appetit!

Zizette

Introducing Trooppaws

2011-04-09T08:59:00.001-04:00

Trooppaws in Army

I'd like to introduce you to my friend Marlene and her new venture:

I understand the importance of giving back, which is why for years now I have been baking cookies for the troops as a sign of support for our servicemen and women. My passion for our brave troops led me to a factory that manufactures uniforms for the military. It gave me the idea to create a stuffed animal for military families and friends. The courage of family members left behind is so admirable that my hope is that loved ones find strength and comfort in this personalized keepsake. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to a military organization.

She is super excited about her new project and I know many families out there will be excited too. Check her out and please pass the word around about Trooppaws. You can also check them out on Facebook - Trooppaws.

Hope you like it and help this truly amazing woman.

Zizette

I {heart} Flavor

2011-04-06T21:53:00.002-04:00

I am always looking for a good recipe for Beef Stew. I mean it is a simple type of meal but I {heart} flavor. I want it in all my meals but something about comfort foods ScReAmS FLAVOR. So this weekend I bought a big ole' package of beef cubed up in nice bite sized pieces.

I didn't look in the book, I winged it as you might say.

1 1/2 pounds beef, cubed
1 cup flour
Salt
Pepper
Onion powder
garlic powder
1 medium onion
1/2 bag carrots
1-2 cups wine (Cabernet Sauvignon was on hand)
1 container beef stock (32 oz)
Olive oil

Heat Olive oil in a pot. Season the flour with the salt, pepper, onion powder and garlic powder. Cover the meat in flour and cook in pot until golden/brown on all sides. Do not over crowd the eat in the pot, remove done pieces to plate while you cook remaining meat. Add oil if needed. You will see awesome pieces of goodness in the pot, leave them there it's all the flavor. When all the meat is done, add wine and cook off - making sure to scrape all the goodness from the bottom and sides of pot (if need be add salt and pepper - it's okay you are adding stock soon so it won't be too salty). Add onion, toss to coat in juices, sauce and cook for a minute or 2. Then add the meat and again toss to coat and mix, let cook a minute or 2 and then add beef stock with the onion and beef mixture. Cook on Medium with a cover on. Add carrot after 5 minutes. Still Cook until meat is tender.

This came out unbelievable. The taste is awesome. I found my goodness.

Enjoy. oh yeah, I took a slice of bread with a little bit of butter and dipped in the sauce from the pot before I cleaned it (put the meal in a container since we unexpectedly went to a movie premiere and didn't eat this for dinner) and it was great with the bread. That is so exciting to me as I am a total dipper.

Zizette

Still Not A Couch Potato

2011-04-02T08:34:00.000-04:00

I did Day 2. Did not hurt as much as after the first day. I intend on doing Day 3 today. I also want to go and get new running sneakers and upgrading to the pro version of the app. You see I listen to pandora as I run/walk (Glee Radio) and with the Lite version if someone calls me it stops the clock. Then I have to start over. Not literally but the clock does and then it throws off everything. OK. It's a $1.99.

I also am proud to say that I have lost 3.7 pounds this week. Yippee!! I will be going out soon to run, just waiting for the temperature to get a little warmer than 39 degrees.

Have a great day!

Zizette

Couch Potato No More

2011-03-27T15:06:00.000-04:00

For months I have been wanting to start running and I have seen running programs, tried them with no success and then finally gave up.

Recently I saw a friend's posting on Facebook about this running program that is an App on your iPhone/iTouch or Droid phone. So, this week I did my research. My phone does in fact have it as an available app so today I downloaded the app (C25K). I then headed out to our local High School to go on the track - my neighborhood is too hilly. I must start on an even track if I even think I want to be successful. There were soccer games going on and I had the kids so we went with Plan B. We drove over to Rockland Lake Park to start our run. I figured we could get the kids to get in some shape as well.

It was a little cold and we started. In the end the children got a little cold and tired so I went to another area where the kiddies could sit on a bench. It was nice, I picked a little area that resembled a track. It was good - during the walking times I went around 2 times and during the running times I went around once (the times were different - in the first week you do a 5 minute brisk walk then alternating 60 seconds of running/90 seconds of walking for 20 minutes). Total it's about 30 minutes with the warmups and cool downs.

So I am psyched I did Week 1 - Day 1. Let's hope I can stick to it.

Zizette

Party Time

2011-03-26T07:07:00.000-04:00

Yes, it has taken a week to recover from my party (that and just being plain busy and tired lately).

It was a fabulous party with my good friends all around and lots of fun.

I am so grateful to my parents for throwing me such a good party I just wished I would have eaten more of my food.

Grandma, my dad, me, my step-mom and my kids

Me and my Bestie, Jen

Old friends (their the best friends)

Hubby getting down with Grandma

My sister Chrissy and Hubby Nick

Dancing but I really put this in here since I look so skinny ;)

Some of the ladies

It was a very good time and EVERYONE was so sweet and chipped in and bought me an iPad2! I have to go to the Apple store since there are never any in stock. It was a nice mix of old and new friends.

There were so many more pictures, I have to sort through them.

Have a wonderful day!

Blessed We Are

2011-03-19T07:20:00.001-04:00

Credit

Three years ago our family received news that no one wants to hear, a loved one had cancer. It was Leukemia. It was my Mother in law. She had been sick with something for over a year. One thing after the other but no one knew what and now finally there was an answer.

She was a survivor. She beat breast cancer more than 20 years before. She started treatments immediately. Six months later she received a Stem Cell/Bone Marrow Transfer, from a complete stranger thousands of miles away. She was born again that day. Now two and a half years later (3 since diagnosis) she is well. Of course it's been a bumpy road but she is here and she is well. We are lucky.

This week, Dana Farber Cancer Institute gave her another gift. They gave her the name and email address of her donor. Of course she Googled him and found an article about him written in German but it also contained his picture. Not only did she have a name, now she had a face. My sister in law used Google translator and the article was actually about Stem Cell donation. They email him and he responded. He was happy to help her. He was only 25 at the time. As I read the email from my father in law with their email exchange included (I was in my carpool on the way home), I was crying as I read their words to each other (I am a huge sap, this situation even more so).

I knew I had to write about this. I knew I had to share. This young man saved my mother in law, saved our family all out of the goodness of his heart. He even sent a picture of him and his girlfriend (I am showing you the picture from the news article.

The 2nd guy on the right side with the black sweater is her donor, Patrick

This year in Religious school Sam had to do a values project. His value word was Humility. He did part of his project about this wonderful person (without his name since we did not have it) and the other part on his sister and her donating her hair to Locks of Love. Oddly enough the presentation of the values project did not happen on the date scheduled and was rescheduled to a later date (next month). When I showed Sam the picture of Patrick he said he can do a little update in his project and show the picture of him. I am really proud of my children for being good people and thinking of helping others they do not know and may never know. We have always taught them to help people who are less fortunate than themselves (human or not) and think of others in need. Maybe they will do something so selfless like Patrick did for my mother in law, in any case I know their hearts are starting in the right place.

Zizette

Hello to the BIG 4-0

2011-03-12T07:11:00.000-05:00

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Yes, my birthday was this week.

The big 4-0!

I am okay with it. I don't feel old. Remember when we were kids and your parents were the age I am now and people thought, "gee that's old." I don't think so. I feel good.

Facebook has this amazing ability for everyone you are friends with to "show you the love" on your birthday and it sure made me feel great!

My friends at work got me a birthday cake which made me feel so good.

My children, along with their babysitter, got me a cake and balloons (tthey tried to bake me a cake but forgot the oven was not working - more on that one later).

My parents came over with sushi and champagne.

Credit

Hubby was working, he did however get me a Pandora bracelet. It is a starter one, with two very nice charms. I am excited to fill it up over time.

Next week my parents are throwing me a big birthday party, so I am super excited. Overall it was a wonderful day. I got to feel lots of love from those around me.

Zizette

i need me some chocolate chips

2011-03-06T20:58:00.000-05:00

that's right, chocolate chips.

i have a fabulous recipe for chocolate chip cake.

we love it here in our house and i plan on making it today, once i get me some chocolate chips.

it is easy peasy. i. promise.

chocolate chip cake

cake:
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter or margarine
2 eggs
2 c. flour
1 c. sour cream
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. chocolate chips

topping:
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp. cocoa
1/4 c. margarine
1/2 c. chopped nuts (optional)
1/2 c. chocolate chips (see i need the chocolate chips)

cream butter and sugar. add eggs and beat well. add the rest of the ingredients and mix just until blended. spread batter in a greased 9-inch tube pan. in a bowl, cut brown sugar and cocoa into margarine until coarse crumbs. toss in nuts and chocolate chips. crumble mixture evenly over batter. bake at 350 for 50-60 minutes.

enjoy it is a tasty dessert.

Playing Around

2011-03-05T07:08:00.001-05:00

I have been playing around with my blog lately and some stuff confuses me and others, well, I get.

One minute it goes well, others it seems I am a complete moron. I will prevail and get it, sometime.

In the meantime I wanted to share some fabulous sites I enjoy reading daily, even when I am uber tired.

Lola B's

She is a great mom and tells about the adventures of her family and obviously herself. I love her honesty and her comic relief about everyday stuff. I also love how she takes great pictures of her kids and their life.

Let's Have a Cocktail

Ok, she is just so lucky to have so many interesting and funny stories in her lifetime. She makes me laugh and think of stuff that has happened to me (and stuff I am grateful that has not).

Just a little taste for now, it could inspire Saturday Saturdays. I enjoy their blogs and others so I will working on a few ideas as I play around with my blog.

Have a great weekend!

Zizette

Cooking Soothes My Soul

2011-02-27T20:08:00.001-05:00

I really enjoy cooking. I really enjoy baking. There's something about cooking on a Sunday for your family that makes you feel so good.

Today I tackled Pasta Fagioli. I think I am in love. I enjoy it while out but today I made it and I don't think I will ever enjoy it as much as my own.

AND

I even managed to photo my cooking as I went along (a little secret, taking the flash off was amazing - even in my terribly lit kitchen. Mucho happiness).

Here's the recipe and some yummy photos...

Pasta Fagioli (adapted from Rachael Ray)

2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3 oz Pancetta
2 Sprigs Rosemary
1 Tablespoon Thyme (or 2 sprigs)
2 dried Bay leaves
1 medium onion chopped
1 carrot chopped
1 rib celery chopped
4 large cloves garlic
1 can cannellini beans
1 can red kidney beans
1 can crushed tomatoes (next time I may add more)
2 cups water
1 quart vegetable stock
1 1/2 cups dilatini
grated parm/reggiano cheese for table
crusty bread for "mopping"

Directions

Heat a deep pot over medium high heat and add oil and pancetta. Brown the pancetta bits lightly and add herb stems, bay leaf, chopped vegetables and garlic. Season vegetables with salt and pepper. Add beans, tomato sauce, water and stock to pot and raise heat to high. Bring soup to a rapid boil and add pasta. Reduce heat to medium and cook soup, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes or until pasta is al dente. Remove Rosemary stems and Bay leaves. Place pot on table on a trivet, let rest and cool. Ladle soup into bowls and top with lots of cheese. Crusty bread for mopping.

The finished product, which was/is delicious.

Here it is in a favorite dish we received as a shower gift when we got engaged. I so love it. This soup just really seemed fitting for it.

Enjoy! Bon Appetit!

Zizette

Cleaning House

2011-02-27T08:37:00.000-05:00

Literally.

I need to get rid of some stuff.

Crib. Table and chairs. Pram stroller. Pack 'n Play.

See what I mean? Stuff. It needs to go. It is all in the basement and I want it out.

Craigslist? Is it worth it? I guess so. I have never had a garage sale and don't know how I feel about having people go through my stuff in front of me and than asking to pay a quarter. I think that leads me to thinking that if you do stuff like that, garage sales, you need to not be attached to your stuff anymore.

So, here's to not being attached to stuff anymore. I will *try* to post some stuff today to start cleaning house.

Wish me luck!

Motivation Mondays

2011-02-21T16:02:00.000-05:00

Have you ever felt unmotivated? Either by the sheer thought of a task or not knowing where to start of just plain, lack of motivation?

Lately I felt that way. Things have been going on that left me down in the dumps and I want out. I want out of the dumps and get moving on some stuff around here. I want to paint my room, get some decorating done in my family room, get some tables in the living room and do some decorating there and the list goes on and on and on...

I need motivation. This motivates me today. This will be a brand new week.

Life is a Daring Adventure or Nothing - Helen Keller

What motivates you? Keeps you going?

Bond, James Bond that is

2011-02-15T20:57:00.000-05:00

We went to my brother in law's 50th birthday party over the weekend.

It was a James Bond Themed party. Here are some of the highlights

It was truly a good time. Everyone was good sports, even my hubby who does not like to dress up.

Hubby and his siblings

Great time had by all and enjoyed ourselves. Nice to get out once in a while.

Zizette

Healthy Eating

2011-02-08T21:39:00.000-05:00

The other day grandma picked up some fresh flounder to make for dinner, before her purchase she asked me if I would make it. I said absolutely and the wheels got a turning.

(courtesy of Healthyirishman.com)

I took the filets, washed and dried them. Laid the flat, put frozen spinach on center of the filet, sprinkled parm/reggiano on top of the spinach, rolled the filet and put into a baking dish. I repeated with the rest of the fish filling the dish. The dish was oval shaped (I only cooked 4 filets). I added the remaining spinach and tri-colored peppers (they come in the bag at Costco) sliced in half around the filets. Drizzle olive oil over the fish. Then I sprinkled Sea Salt, a little pepper and smoked paprika on top of the filets. Finally I topped the fish with chopped (little cubes) tomatoes. Covered baking dish with foil and baked at 350 for about 20 minutes, then removed foil for another 5-10 minutes.

You can serve over more spinach or even rice. I just ate it with a salad but everyone else had a little pasta.

For the children I fried the flounder after dredging in egg and then a panko/breadcrumb mixture. That had leftovers which I had for lunch the next day. I need to make fish more often.

**Recipe for Baked Flounder

4-6 Flounder filets
frozen spinach
1/4 cup parm/reggiano cheese
Sea Salt
Pepper
Paprika (I had smoked paprika)
6 tri-colored peppers (yellow, red, orange)
1/2 tomato
olive oil

Enjoy!

Zizette

Party Planning Mode

2011-02-06T15:58:00.000-05:00

This is a big year for me and most of my friends, we are all turning 40 this year.

Yep, the BIG 4-0.

No biggie, it's just a number and I am okay with it, really.

We have been going to parties and there seems to be more on the horizon (yay!).

My brother in law turns 50 this year and my sister in law is throwing him a James Bond themed party. She wanted to do this for his 40th but he wanted no part of it. Clearly this time he lost out. She is requesting people dress as their favorite Bond character, bond girl, henchmen or villain. I am thinking of Solitaire - Jane Seymour's character, the Tarot card reader.

My sister in law is trying to do food themed around the name of the movie, so now I am thinking...

On another note, my parent's are throwing me a big 40th birthday. The invitations are through this site http://bit.ly/i53G6b it is really cool and very nice stuff.

I will let you know more stuff as it comes along and if you know any recipe that could be used for the Bond party let me know.

Zizette

Savory Snowday

2011-01-29T07:32:00.000-05:00

Yes, another day of snow. BUT Mayor Mike actually closed NYC schools. 5:15 am I got a text from a friend with the good news.

In anticipation of snow I had done some shopping and bought these really great fried eggplant slices from a local Italian grocer. I envisioned making Eggplant Rollatine. I had also purchased some fresh whole wheat pasta. Hubby had gotten the bread.

Eggplant Rollatine

4 large slices of thin cut fried eggplant slices
1 pint of ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
1/4 cup grated parm/reggiano cheese
1 jar sauce (Bertolli Marinara)
Fresh Mozzarella

Mix ricotta, italian seasoning and parm/reg. Pour enough sauce to cover the bottom of a small baking dish (I use an oval dish - 9x13 will be too big unless you're making more). Start assembly - lay eggplant slice take a quarter of the cheese mixture and lay in center of slice. Roll slice eggplant up and lay seam side down in the sauce. Repeat. When complete slice mozzarella up and lay on top of eggplant. Put in refrigerator for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350. Cook for 20 minutes with eggplant covered, remove cover and cook 10 minutes more. Enjoy the eggplant with some pasta or alone.

I wanted to do this recipe because eggplant rollatine is one of my favorite dishes. Now you can enjoy it too.

Zizette

Comfort Foods

2011-01-25T08:11:00.000-05:00

As you may know we (in the Northeast) are continually being SLAMMED by snow every few days. Now I love a good snowstorm but this my friends is getting ridiculous. Seriously, getting on my nerves. So I decided the other day that I would make chili this weekend knowing it was going to be FREEZING.

For years I have been making an Indian Summer Chili courtesy of Rachael Ray, I know ironic I want a summer chili but really Chili is for anytime and I think she calls it that because it has turkey not meat.

I love it with cheese and a really good crusty bread.

Chili Recipe
3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 1/2 lbs of ground turkey meat (2 packages)
4 Tablespoons dark chili powder
2 Tablespoons grill seasoning blend
1 Tablespoon cumin
2 Tablespoons worcestershire sauce
1-3 Tablespoons hot sauce (how you like it)
1/2 Large onion
2 large peppers, any color combination, chopped
1/2 bottle beer (alcohol cooks out)
14 ounce can of tomato sauce
1/2 cup smokey barbeque sauce (we have been using bone lickin' sauce - yum)
1 can of kidney beans (if you like)

Heat pot over medium to medium high heat. Add EVOO and the turkey meat. Season the meat with chili powder, grill season blend, cumin, Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce. Break up meat with a wooden spoon into small crumbles.
Chop the onion. Brown meat 5 minutes, then add onions and chopped bell peppers - cook 10 minutes more. Add beer and deglaze pan, scraping up the drippings and cooking off the alcohol Add tomato sauce and barbeque sauce and bring to bubble. If using beans add them now. Let chili simmer 10 minutes. Adjust seasonings and heat level to your taste. I let simmer longer, usually cooking early in the day and serve later on.
Also, a dark beer works nicely (I am not a beer person but it really gives it a nice flavor).
Enjoy!

Zizette

She's Cooking Again

2011-01-16T09:09:00.000-05:00

Yep, I have been cooking. I mean I always cook but I was cooking some new things this week. We were expecting a HUGE snowstorm so I decided what a better way to really stay in the kitchen and cook it up, so I did.

I made Fettuccine with a Sage Butter

Fettuccine (or pasta of choice)
4 Tablespoons of butter
10 Sage leaves
1/4 lemon juiced
1/4 cup grated Parmagiano-Reggiano

While your pasta cooks, melt your butter in a 12-14 inch sauce pan, until golden brown color ("noisette") appears in the thinnest liquid of the butter. Add Sage leaves and remove from the heat. Add lemon juice and set aside. Drain the pasta but leave some cooking water, and gently pour into the saute pan and return to the heat. Add the cheese, toss to coat and serve immediately.
(Adapted from Mario Batali)

So, tasty! I thoroughly enjoyed this pasta dish. I will be making it again, especially since it was easy-peasy.

I made it with some skirt steak, also easy peasy.

Skirt Steak
2 Chipotle Chilis in Adobo
Salt
2 tablespoons Olive Oil (add more if needed)

Blend Chilis, olive oil and salt in mini chopper or blender. Brush on steak, let marinate for 1/2 hour. Grill. I did not grill as it is out of gas so I did it in a pan on my stove and it came out FANTASTIC! So tasty and a nice little compliment for my pasta.

I hope you will try the recipes, I truly love to cook and really like it when you write your comments to me.

Back to Cooking

2011-01-06T19:50:00.000-05:00

I really love to cook and since I was sick I did not want to pass on my heebie-jeebies, I didn't even do my baking this year.

I had a package of chicken in the fridge and decided to make Chicken Picatta. Yum.

It came out fabulous (if I don't say so myself).

It went a little like this... (sorry no pictures from Moi as I was too lazy to go upstairs and get the camera).

Chicken Picatta

1 lb of think sliced chicken breasts
3/4 of a stick of butter
Kosher salt
1 cup (give or take) flour
2 eggs
1 cup of wine
1/2 jar of capers
1 medium lemon
olive oil

Heat Olive oil in a pan with two tablespoons of butter. Dredge the cutlets in flour and then in egg. Fry cutlets in the pan until golden brown. When all cutlets are cooked pour the wine into the pan, cook off alcohol. Add the rest of the butter (in slices) to thicken the sauce. Slice a lemon and squeeze juice into sauce. Add the capers (drain off the liquid first) and then add the chicken. Cook about 2-3 minutes to heat up. Add salt as desired (capers are salty so careful). Serve over anything you like, today I did plain cous cous (I used a chicken stock instead of water). Sometimes I like it over spinach.

I really like this dish as the sauce really sticks to the chicken in a glossy kind of way and the taste stays on your tongue - reminds me how tasty it is.

Enjoy!

A Year in Perspective

2010-12-31T07:53:00.001-05:00

2010 was a year of many trials, tribulations and yes, even happiness.

It was the year I was not working, which was heartbreaking for me but in the end a good rest of sorts.

A year that I got the most amazing job that has the potential for me to have my dream job and get me where I would like to be in life.

The year that I let go and really let my children be who they want to be and not care what everyone thinks - they are children and let them have their style. It's only clothes, bracelets and hair for pete's sake.

The year I really explored my creativity and was not afraid to use it.

The year I made some life decisions and hopefully I can follow through with them.

Taught and gave examples to my children on how to help others less fortunate than we are.

Went through a week's vacation without fighting with my mom! (That's a biggie)

Made some really awesome friends, ones I really would like to keep and build great friendships with.

Connected more with my temple and the community surrounding it.

The year hubby got a really great job and is finally happy with himself and looking forward to being with this new company.

Watched my daughter, completely on her own, donate her hair for "sick children" who don't have hair (her words).

Got a new camera

Hosted a joint family event that went really well (I do love having everyone around)

There are others I am sure but I do know that these here did come to mind first. I feel like I did different sorts of growing this year and for that I am grateful.

I see from some of my blogging friends that it is okay to get away for a while with your girlfriends and I intend on doing that. So, in the new year I plan to get away with my friends a little bit. Starting next month. This year is my big 4-0 and my philosophy is birthday week, month, etc. Lots of friends are turning 40 so it should be a great year! I am very excited.

I also made a bucket list. It only has one thing on it but it is a start. I want to live abroad for some time in my life. I need to figure that one out.

I want everyone to have a wonderful, happy, safe and festive New Year!

Blizz of 2010

2010-12-27T15:46:00.000-05:00

Hey, haven't been feeling to great lately and actually coming out of my fog (been sick).

We have been hit with the Blizzard of 2010!

Quite crazy actually.

Snowed all day and night.

Looks like a winter wonderland now.

Took the kids sledding today. They lasted quite a lot longer than I expected. Now we are inside, nice and warm.

Get them kids to do a little work

Then some snow angel from the original angel

Ready, set, go!

Momma it's cold out there

Now I am off get warm in front of the fireplace.

Zizette

Long Time

2010-12-19T18:43:00.000-05:00

I keep telling myself how to get on the stick and I don't follow through. So, the week I am off from school I will set myself straight.

It's been crazy busy times here as of late.

Last week I had the massive party here and it went great. We made the St. Peter's Fish and Israeli Cous Cous, actually my hubby and my dad made it and EVERYONE loved it. They truly are wonderful cooks.

One thing about entertaining, I over prepare stuff. Not over cook but over buy, over feed and ultimately have tons of left overs.

We didn't cook the 5 flatbreads I purchased, the spinach/artichoke dip and lord knows what else. Hey it made for easy meal planning this week.

The kids had a blast and that is what counts. I won a Fire Pit for our backyard in the gift exchange, yay me!

The recipes for the food were as follows (dad gave me a cheater method to speed things along).

St Peter's Fish
1 lb of fish (I use Salmon - you can use swordfish, halibut any hearty fish)
1 jar of spaghetti sauce
small jar of capers
onion
garlic
cilantro
olive oil

In a 5 1/2 quart pot, saute the onions and garlic until translucent (season with salt and pepper). Add sauce to onions and garlic, simmer on low for 10 minutes then add about half a jar of capers. Add the fish to pot. (if you do lots of fish you can transfer to a roasting pan and cook in the oven - it can bee cooked stovetop or in the oven). My dad cooks it for 10-15 minutes but he likes his fish not fully cooked so I would say it took about 30 minutes to fully cook. Plate up and serve with chopped cilantro on top. Serves 4 people.

Israeli Cous Cous with Mushrooms

1 cup Israeli Cous Cous (also called pearled cous cous)
I use the box variety, it is plain so I follow the directions on preparation on the box)
1 pint (small container) shitake mushrooms (you can use any type)
1/2 shallot
olive oil

Chop the mushrooms and saute in pot with chopped shallots, season with salt and pepper. Add in Cous Cous to flavor it up. Add the water and cook as per box instructions. Serve with fish or any dish you desire.

I am sorry some of my recipes are not super technical and "perfect" they are recipes we do at home and sometimes off the cuff so to speak. They are tasty.

Enjoy!

Rainy Days and Sundays...

2010-12-12T07:30:00.000-05:00

I know it's not the song but close enough, however I am not down just busy.

Today we will have both of our families over today for the holidays. We couldn't do it last week since Maya was in the Nutcracker all weekend. With Hubby's family we are 15 and I asked my parents and brother to come and then my other brother in law asked if his brother could come since he lives not too far from us. Sure, the more the merrier!

I was out all day shopping with Maya. It was nice to have a little time with just one, not schlepping two kids and no fighting in the car. We also had a nice dinner out as a family.

Today I will be making St Peters Fish. It is a Moroccan dish that my dad's family has made forever and my aunt actually makes it the best! I have to convince my dad to make israeli cous cous with mushrooms.

We have some fabulous appetizers and desserts! So it's a busy day.

Also in my shopping yesterday I got a new chandelier for my dining room, which today is actually our sitting room. I am so happy to finally get that in (my brother in law is coming early to put that in).

I can't wait for everyone to come over but I have to get busy.

Have a great Sunday!

8 Festive Nights

2010-12-08T19:04:00.000-05:00

I am so happy this year with Hanukkah.

With my son going to Hebrew school and learning the traditions of our religion his motto or saying for this year's holiday was, "it's not about the presents." I am so happy that he was able to realize this this year.

We even used a whole box of the candles, actually 2 boxes! We did our candles every night, said our prayers and yes, gave gifts.

It was very nice for all of us to gather around our menorahs, say the prayers, light the candles and even sing songs.

This is what religion is all about to me. The Traditions. Like Tevye says in Fiddler on the Roof, "Tradition!"

When we were getting married the cantor, the one who sings along with the rabbi during services asked my beloved and I if we were religious the two of us basically scoffed at the idea. She had asked us seriously what we felt about religion. The two of us being on the same page said we didn't like how religion, all of them basically told you what you needed to believe in and practice in such a such way. We wanted to (and still do) want to teach our children about the traditions, the history behind our religion and let them decide how much or how little they choose to practice.

We by no means are very strict with our religion but our beliefs are in the right place. We want our children to know where we come from and how to be good people. I think that is what we all strive for, to be good people.

So, this holiday, this year my child showed a true interest in the holiday and what it truly meant and that is the greatest gift of all.

I wish each and ever y one of you a very happy holiday season - Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and a very Happy and Healthy New Year.

Something Spontaneous

2010-12-04T08:16:00.005-05:00

Life is so busy sometimes and we really tend to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of it all. As you can see that's where I have been lately and not posting. I feel like my work is sucking the life out of me and my blogging. I want to do so much more but in the end I don't do it. So I have been thinking about where I want to take my blog.

I love my cooking, I want to do more decorating and I want to do my crafting. So I am going to take time each day to do a little something. Like this year was the first year that I actually made the potato latkes for my kids (one kid and the rest of the family said they loved them, then the other kid tells me that they were terrible because he could taste the very tiny bit of onion in it).

I am SWAMPED this weekend with The Nutcracker. My little girl is an angel in the show this year so it is a Nutcracker weekend.

So, hopefully in the next few weeks I will be sharing more with you what I am doing around this place and my crafts!

I need to get back to making the things I love.

So here's to a busy weekend and trying to do something spontaneous. Oh, I did do something spontaneous this weekend, on Friday a friend called me after 10 pm and asked me to come over for wine and cheese with some other ladies, I told her I was in bed. She said, come in your pjs and another friend has already poured your wine. So, I did and you know what? I had a great time and stayed until 1 am just hanging out with the ladies. AND I tried this awesome cheese I think it was pecorino and truffles (two of my favorites!). You know that will be served at our Hanukkah party next week.

Ta-Ta

Zizette

Missing you

2010-11-25T06:51:00.002-05:00

Right about now 9 years ago I got a phone call no on would ever want to get, my brother had died.
I was a new mom with a baby only 9 days old. It was supposed to be a joyous occasion this day, my son was to have his Bris, instead it was a very sad day. In our religion the Bris still goes on and then you change gears preparing to bury my brother.

My brother Michael.
The most wonderful human being out there, really. I don't just say iy because he is my brother but because he had a heart like no other. He loved and cared about everyone. He loved spending an afternoon with the old, retired people in old aged homes to hear about their lives, he stood up for the people who no one would stand up for, he loved history, his religion and his new nephew.

He was a typical teenager. You know at some point teenagers arevery self centered, it's just part of human nature, life is about them and their world. I had just had a baby and he called me out of the blue in the hospital on a Saturday night to chat. I was blown away. It meant so much to me. You see, my brother and I had a 13 year difference so there is little place for having something in common when you are younger. He was the annoying little brother and I am sure I was the bossy big sister but something changed the summer before he died. He was growing up.
It makes me so sad that my kids do not know him. He would have been a great uncle and they have a great uncle in my other brother but it would be nice if he was here too.

So, today, I am thankful that I have my baby brother watching over me and my children. I love him and miss him and I always will.

I love you little brother and miss you everyday.

Tired

2010-11-20T11:40:00.002-05:00

Plain and simple, I am beat.

Stick a fork in me.

Get the picture?

Last night I did the awesome mother sacrifice and I allowed Sam to have a birthday sleepover. Not just his bestest friend, but his 4 bestest friends. (I know there is no such word but the kids, I borrowed it from them)

They were not bad, really.

I invitd them over at a time that I thought I would be off the hook for dinner. Um, no they are 9 year old boys who are ALWAYS hungry.

They played video games the whole time, in the playroom with the door shut. Not bad. At 11:30 I said off with the Wii and they set up camp in the living room. I even got them all to brush their teeth.

I went back down at 12:30, they were playing Itouch, netbook and the DS. At 1:30 I said, enough was enough and it was bedtime. They went to bed and I sort of did.

I woke up at 5-ish. That stinks. My body gets up everyday at 5:15 am so I am sort of in my routine, UGH.

I made them pumpkin spice chocolate chip muffins, recipe to follow. They ate cereal and were all gone by 9:15 am.

I am ready to crash and it is not even Noon!

In the end, my Sam had a fabulous night and he is very happy.

9 years ago

2010-11-16T05:49:00.004-05:00

** I just realized this never posted**

Everything seemed so different.

We were a couple, with a cat.

Then one fine Friday morning I woke up to go to the hospital to have a baby.

Just me and my man, driving on the highway. NERVOUS. I was set to have a c-section. I had resolved myself to having it so I was not upset but had no idea what it would be like.

We get to the hospital, check in, prepare.

We were convinced by EVERYONE that we were having a girl. We would have named her Isabella. We were so excited and freaked out at the same time. But I was ready. I wanted to be a mom so bad.

I get the spinal, hubby comes in, we're all set.

The doctor is taking out my baby and he says. "It's a BOY!" I look at hubby and say, "we have a son?!?" We asked the doctor what he thought was a good name between Sam and Ben (remember we were thinking Isabella) and he said Sam. Hubby liked it and said, "that's it Sam." (he wasn't really partial to Ben and we threw that name out there in several of our talks)

So, Sam it was/is. Our parents were waiting downstairs and then came up. So happy. I had this beautiful baby boy.

I am so grateful for the wonderful son I have who is imaginative, creative, loving and his own person. People like him and he is funny. I hope he grows up to be a good man and that he is happy.

I love him so and wish him the best of birthdays today. Happy 9th birthday my Sam. Mommy loves you and thinks you are the greatest.

Weigh In

2010-11-14T21:27:00.003-05:00

I have been bad about weighing in lately but this week I did and I had a 3 pound loss! Yippee! I am determined more than ever to lose 10 lbs in the next 4 weeks. I know I must be crazy but I did my BMI and it did not make me happy but I have an ulterior motive. Aside from being healthy I want the weight off but I want something more. I want a breast reduction. I know TMI but for years it has bothered me. This is so ironic because back in the day when all my friends were getting boobs I had none - in fact I really had no body (ahh to think I wanted boobs and curves back then).

So, I have an appointment with a surgeon. I have suffered back pain, headaches and the fact that anytime I find clothes I have to go up a size because of my breasts. So I think the weight loss will help and it's a consultation. So that is my motivation for now.

Sunday Dinners

2010-11-07T19:24:00.007-05:00

I have really wanted to get into the mode of making nice family dinners. Last week was Halloween so we just had pizza but this week I had a plan.

I had a nice London Broil and decided it was time to make it.

Pepper Crusted Steak with Horseradish cream on Garlic Crostini

Marinade

3 cloves of garlic, crushed

1/2 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes

1 Tablespoon peppercorns, cracked

1/3 cup of olive oil

2 lbs of London Broil

2 teaspoons kosher salt

Combine all ingredients in a Large ziploc bag completely covering meat. Let all air out of bag and let sit at least 6 hours, or overnight.

Preheat grill or broiler for 15-20 minutes. Sprinkle meat with salt, grill or broil until med rare (or however you prefer your meat to be cooked). Cooking time will depend on thickness of the meat.

Let the meat stand for at least an hour, then slice thin. Serve on Crostini. Top with Horseradish sauce.

For my Crostini I had some roasted garlic from my butternut squash soup that I mixed with olive oil, salt and pepper.

I cut the bread on an angle and then with my silicone brush put the garlic/olive oil mixture on them. I then put in the broiler (Our grill did not have any propane).

The Horseradish sauce I made was

1/3 cup of horseradish

1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

1/2 pepper

1 teaspoon dijon mustard

1/2 cup of sour cream

I also made a Butternut Squash Soup. The recipe is from my husband (who attended Culinary school - The Culinary Institute of America)**

1 Butternut Squash

1 1/2 head of garlic

1 onion

1 leek

salt

pepper

1/2 ginger

2 sprigs of thyme

1/2 lemon

Olive oil

32 oz Chicken Stock

Preheat oven to 350. Oil, salt and pepper squash. Place on a baking sheet and bake, rotating squash every 15 minutes until tender. Sweat the onion and leeks in olive oil, season with salt and pepper. When squash is tender, immediately remove squash from skins - very hot but it comes out easier this way. Add squash to onion and leeks. Puree squash, onion and leeks. Simmer 15 minutes. Add warm chicken stock, slowly, pureeing as you go. I tend to like it think but make it a little thinner because you will let it simmer for 20-30 minutes and it thickens up then. You don't need to use all the stock but I usually do. While it simmers I put the ginger (chopped) into a sachet and the same for the thyme (2 separate sachets).

I do another puree in the middle of simmering. Serve warm with Cream Fraiche on top. It is great to keep in the house during the winter. It is one of my favorites. Enjoy.

Enjoy.

Proudest Day

2010-11-06T18:37:00.008-04:00

Today my baby did something so selfless and giving I am brimming with utter happiness and joy.

She donated her hair, 11 1/2 inches of it, to Locks of Love.

It was her decision. She has heard of other girls doing it, her aunt and cousins participate in a HUGE Relay 4 Life at their school ad a salon comes and does the cuts for people and my sister in law told me of another salon that does cuts for free and takes care of everything for you.

So when Maya came to me and I said I want to do it, we set up an appointment. She looks so amazing!

Here is her before:

Here is her after the braiding:

No turning back now

The full treatment was given by Everson from the Adam Broderick Salon and Spa

I am so proud of her and when my sister in law asked her for a video why she was doing this she said so she could help people, kids who are sick and don't have hair.

This was prompted from 3 years ago my sister in law getting Medulary Thyroid cancer and then after having all her lymph nodes removed and getting the all clear my mother in law being diagnosed with Leukemia.

So that was our day. I am truly so proud of my little girl.

School Projects

2010-10-31T13:38:00.004-04:00

At the kid's school every year the librarian runs a little activity called "PumpKans." Basically you, umm I mean the kids, make a character from a book they read out of a can.

Maya wanted the Three Little Pigs. We made them out of small water bottles, felt, styrofoam circles, markers, paint and googly eyes. Oh yeah and a very hot glue gun (I still feel the pain on my nail - OUCH!).

We had fun making it together. It was fun. I just had to take a picture of the pigs with our haunted house.

Sam on the other hand wanted to do Dan from Bakugan. We had fun making his hair with pipe cleaners. This is also who he is for Halloween.

At the end of it all Sam said, "Mom, you always help us with our projects. Thanks."

That's what it's all about and I am happy.

Zizette

Cake Pops part 2

2010-10-31T10:28:00.004-04:00

So I let my cake pops chill overnight as the recipe stated.

I melted the orange chocolate since Maya wanted to have "pumpkin" cake pops. I dipped the sticks in the chocolate and then put into the cake ball.

After that I started to dip them in the orange chocolate. It was not coming out well. The chocolate started to harden so I melted it some more BUT one of the balls broke in the chocolate and needless to say, there was a mess. Dump orange chocolate. No more orange.

Day 3: White chocolate. Modified the recipe a little. Good coverage. All covered. Then I drizzled chocolate to make them look like Mummies. Drew some eyes on them, very good.

I let them dry in a floral foam block. They came out pretty cool for a first time, I think.

Cake Pops Part 1

2010-10-26T21:32:00.004-04:00

Okay, my baby had decided that she wanted a Halloween party for her birthday, so me being the mom I am obliged.

So, now I am doing everything I can to put togethe

r something that will be really awesome.

I am making her Cake pops. I started this evening.

Step one was to bake a cake as per directions. Cool cake and then crumble. Recipes have suggested to put it into a Cuisinart. I only have a small one, the blender was not really an option so I used my Cuisinart Blender stick (LOVE). It worked out great.

Step two was to mix with frosting and then roll into balls.

Step three was to let it sit on the tray overnight in the refrigerator (tomorrow I will be dipping them in chocolate and decorating them).

I am so excited to see what happens. I chose for these pops to make a confetti cake mixture and cream cheese frosting.

If I am able I am going to attempt to make a bunting with some fabric I have had for a few years.

Some eyeball cupcakes, bones chocolates and maybe, just maybe homemade candy corn. Hmm maybe I need a day off. Oh and Maya just asked for petit fours like the ones I made for her party last year! Thank goodness I have those ingredients in the pantry. I also was thinking of doing caramel apples with the kids.

That reminds me, I need to call one of my sitters to come and "assist" the party. Toodles for now.

Zizette

Sunday Dinners

2010-10-24T20:47:00.004-04:00

As a teenager I recall having Sunday dinners made by my dad. My dad would be making shrimp on skewers with my bestie Jen and I putting it together and enjoying a great meal with my family. Everyone loved coming to my house on Sundays for dinner. I really enjoy having Sunday dinner for my family. It gives me a chance to cook and make fabulous meals (or not so fabulous meals) and at the same time have my children eat outside of their little boxes.

So, on some Sundays I am able to make fantastic meals that the children will try and we both enjoy. Tonight was one of those nights.

Tonight I made a Roast, with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Green beans with dill.

We actually had an added guest this evening (son's best friend) and we had a great time (I even made them chicken nuggets in case they wouldn't eat the roast).

Roast Beef with Dijon Caper Sauce

Roast Beef:

1 3-pound eye of round beef roast, trimmed of excess fat and sinew
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Sauce:

1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon all purpose flour
2 cups low-salt beef broth
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons drained capers

For roast beef:
Sprinkle beef with 1/2 teaspoon salt; let stand 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix thyme, basil, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in small bowl. Heat oil in large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef; cook until browned on all sides, turning occasionally, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle with herb mixture. Transfer skillet to oven. Roast until instant-read thermometer inserted into center of meat registers 130°F, about 40 minutes. Transfer to cutting board; let rest.

For sauce:
Place skillet with juices over medium-high heat. Add butter; stir until melted. Add flour; whisk until smooth. Gradually whisk in broth; bring to boil. Boil until sauce is reduced to 1 1/4 cups, whisking often, about 6 minutes. Whisk in mustard and capers. Season sauce with pepper.

Cut beef crosswise into very thin slices. Transfer beef to platter. Serve with sauce.

Roasted Garlic Mashed potatoes

2 lbs of potatoes

1 head of Garlic

Salt

Pepper

Olive oil

Butter

cream

Truffle oil

Cut off the top of the head of garlic, drizzle with oil, salt and pepper. Place in foil and wrap with top exposed. Put into an oven at 350. Peel and cut potatoes in quarters. Put into boiling water. When tender, remove from water, melt butter and cream.

Add warm butter/cream mixture to potatoes as you mash them, add the roasted garlic (just squeeze the garlic out of the skins and add truffle oil (Fairway has a nice olive oil with truffles that is fabulous). Add salt and pepper to taste.

Green Beans with Dill

Melt 1 TBS of butter in pan. Add Green beans. Little salt and Dill, toss. Serve. Very tasty.

It was a fabulous meal by all. I look forward to making some more in the future.

Zizette

New Recipe!

2010-10-21T20:03:00.003-04:00

I think I have made meatballs a few times, just winging the recipe and other times adapting others. Well, tonight I tried a recipe of someone whose cooking I absolutely love, Lidia Bastianich. I really love her food. I have been to several of her restaurants (one's she has with her son and Mario Batali - they really are a great team). In any case, I decided to try her meatball recipe this evening and I am in LOVE.

These meatballs were so moist on the inside and just absolutely delish. The kids liked them too and you know my picky kids (I have one who does not like sauce so I have to rinse the sauce off with hot water - please). My son's only request is that the meatballs have cheese in them and he can actually tell when I have not had it in them.

Here's her recipe:

Spaghetti con Polpette di Carne

Meatballs

1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 pound ground beef
1 cup fine, dry bread crumbs
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
2 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped fine
1 large egg
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
All-purpose flour
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup vegetable oil

Meanwhile, crumble the pork and beef into a mixing bowl. Sprinkle the bread crumbs, 1/3 cup grated cheese, the parsley, and garlic over the meat. Beat the egg with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a small bowl until blended. Pour over the meat mixture. Mix the ingredients with clean hands just until evenly blended. Don't overmix. Shape the meat mixture into 1-1/2 inch balls.

Dredge the meatballs in the flour until lightly but evenly coated. Heat 1/4 cup olive oil and the vegetable oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Slip as many meatballs into the skillet as will fit without crowding. Fry, turning as necessary, until golden brown on all sides, about 6 minutes. Adjust the heat as the meatballs cook to prevent them from overbrowning. Remove the meatballs, and repeat if necessary with the remaining meatballs.

Add the browned meatballs to tomato sauce and cook, stirring gently with a wooden spoon, until no trace of pink remains at the center of the meatballs, about 30 minutes. Serve over pasta. Enjoy!

Then I was being a bit ambitious this evening and even baked my family my chocolate chip cookies. They were very happy. I am sure they will be gone by Saturday. I will make more or try something new this weekend. I am thinking about trying Bakerella's cake pops for Maya's Halloween party next week.

Happy Friday!

Amazing Art Show

2010-10-16T08:36:00.006-04:00

I think I have told you in the past about my wonderful artist friend Emily.

She can be found here.

Last night I went to her art show in NYC.

I met up with a few of the camp ladies and we went out for the night.

The show was called ParTY.

My FAVORITE, I so love this picture

These are pretty cool too.

I love this piece

Truth is I love all her art. She even had some from what we did this summer which was pretty cool; not only seeing it but seeing people wanting to buy it. She really is talented and she gives me lots of inspiration. There was so much more art there and it was/is all fabulous. It was held at the Prince George Ballroom. One side it has this gorgeous art gallery and the other side it has this beautiful ballroom. The nice Emily told me was that the rental fees for the Gallery portion of the space go to support the Homeless.

It was a fabulous night and after the artist's reception we went for some BBQ at a pretty good place where you go up with tickets, get your food and then come back to your seat. The end of the night the waiter collects your tickets that shows a price for what you ate and done. They had a band, which my friend kept remarking about the "short" Cowboy - ironic since my friend is a petite gal herself.

It was a great night, Bravo Emily!

Zizette

Birds Nest Breakfast

2010-10-09T15:36:00.005-04:00

We were invited to have breakfast this morning at a friend's house. Gorgeous day for a lovely breakfast outside on the patio.

I decided to make a breakfast that I have not tried before. I could have gone with my standard Creme Brulee French Toast (but I forgot to buy the necessary bread for the recipe last night).

I made Birds Nests but I think I prefer the name Eggs in a Basket. You decide.

Eggs in a Basket

1 dozen eggs

4 Tablespoons of butter

Cheese (I chose a dill harvarti)

Fresh Dill (again I chose this to pair with my cheese)

Loaf of Whole Grain Bread

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter, grease muffin pan. Take slices of bread and put into the muffin pan as you would a cupcake liner. They will stick out a little. Butter the bread with a silicone brush (easier to clean), crack an egg into each bread basket (it may overflow a little but the bread does absorb a little of the egg). Grate your cheese if you buy a block (I used about 3/4 of the block) and then sprinkle on each egg basket. Bake for about 10 minutes. You can do less, depends on how runny you would like your eggs. Mine were soft not runny.

Remove from oven and season with salt and pepper. Serve warm out of the oven.

ENJOY!

Everyone loved them. I may need to serve that at my Moms and Mimosas brunch next month Thanks Kasey ;) for the idea. Oh, and I forgot to take the after picture all pretty on the platter since I was rushing out to get it to my friend's house while they were warm.

Zizette

Happy Dance

2010-10-07T21:08:00.004-04:00

Well, this week I did myself one better, actually two better.

I lost 3 pounds this week!

I have been trying so very hard to do well. I was actually lower before the summer but evidently, I had a good time. :) Consistently I have bee losing 1 pound and this week I did so much better.

So I have been religiously eating my salads every day for lunch and having my 100 calorie snacks, even cut back on my wine during the week (even though some days I really do need it).

I even went to the dr today, regular check up and he even said I was doing well and his scale said the same as my home scale (morning weight) in the evening. Very happy, so I can do my happy dance today. Thanks for the inspiring words from my friends.

Another Good Week

2010-10-01T20:04:00.002-04:00

I am so proud again this week.

Even though I am overwhelmed with a new position and in a place where you would think I would splurge I have been able to stick to it and lose the week.

I am down 1.1 lbs this week.

I know it seems slow but as the saying goes, "slow and steady wins the race."

Here's to next week.

Zizette

Thanks Kim

2010-09-30T21:19:00.004-04:00

About a week ago my dear friend Kim made a delicious meal that I really enjoy making, Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic.

I think she first introduced it to me last year and when I tried it I knew I loved it. I never felt that it was a difficult recipe and even today I did not feel this way.

I have sort of been MIA a bit lately. The new school year has kicked my booty. Just adjusting to a new situation and staffing has been quite a challenge for me.

So, I am starting to get myself back in the groove. The cooking and baking, the things I want to do and I am not.

I took on the big task of a carnival but I should not have taken it on. It really is too much but I can never say no. The only benefit is that it will be over this weekend and then I can go back to working on myself and my family.

So, this evening I made this fabulous dish. AND I finally took pictures of me cooking along the way (the picture taking is something I want to do better).

Sauteed chicken

The garlic smelled so good (not sure if there are exactly 40 cloves in there)

The final product with all the yummy sauce

I chose to put it over egg noodles to save the time with what the children will eat and I really was not in the mood to make roasted garlic mashed potatoes. Actually that is hubby's signature dish and he was busy using the wet vac on our flooded basement. It was a very good dinner and I am so glad Kim brought it back into my memory.

Enjoy!

Zizette

Bad Mommy Award or Just Evil Mommy?

2010-09-27T20:50:00.004-04:00

I think that is what I am in the running for today.

You see I have told my children a little white lie.

Actually I didn't lie, it was an omission, or rather an assumption by them (see I am putting it off on the little lads - bad mommy, huh?)

I decided that my little children needed some variety in their diet.

They love the same foods all the time. I try to have some diversity but they are who they are and I guess it is mostly my fault so now I have to work hard at getting them to eat new foods. The thing is there was a time when my pickiest eater son, did eat any and all foods his nanny, Julie gave him and then one day something changed.

So, tonight I did a trick from the past.

I have done it before but one day got caught so I have not dared to do it again,

until

TODAY

I was shopping and bought Boneless Pork Loin Chops.

You know, the thin ones that you can totally pass off as chicken, specifically Chicken Cutlets?

I did it.

I made the pork cutlets and the kiddies thought they were chicken cutlets. I never said chicken, I just said cutlets. Sam even asked to have his with cheese on top - like his chicken - "No problem" says his evil, I mean Wonderful mommy.

Can you believe they ate EVERY.SINGLE.MORSEL?

They had a fabulous dinner, Pork with Cous Cous and Green beans (fresh from the Farmers Market - more on that later).

Oh yeah, my other time. In the past I have passed off fresh fish fried as a cutlet and the kids have loved it as well, until one day I bought frozen flounder from a favorite place. It was not good, too salty or something off but I did not know until Sam tells me after one bite, "this is the WORST chicken you have ever made MOM!" I said, "No it's not, it's the worst fish I have ever made!" He could not believe I tricked them. For a while he wouldn't eat my chicken and he loves my chicken. So, I had to wait until the memory was out of his head. Today it was. My husband asked if he should tell the kids about the pork, I told him "NO WAY."

So, am I really that bad since I did something good? I am happy they liked it and it gives me more to give them.

Zizette

Good Day

2010-09-23T22:09:00.002-04:00

Another good week. I lost 1.2 lbs!!!

I know it seems small but every little pound or even ounce is a triumph.

I stuck to it and it paid off.

Thank you for all of the kind words from my wonderful friends and supporters.

Zizette

Fasting = Feast

2010-09-18T09:25:00.006-04:00

I am fasting today as part of my religion. While this may be my least favorite holiday obligation it is sort of my favorite holiday.

I love the "Break Fast" food.

All my faves bagels, cream cheese, lox, whitefish oh the list goes on and we traditionally break it first by having an nice Bloody Mary. That's the way we roll in my house.

Years ago I made an egg salad. No biggie but it has now become a MUST HAVE at our table. I know I am making it but a few nights ago, late by my standards (9:30) my step mother calls and says, "you are making egg salad, right? Hugh and Jeannette are coming over and you know how they love your egg salad." To which I replied, "absolutely, how could I not?"

So, this am while I am fasting I will make the egg salad.

Zee's Fab.U.Lous Egg Salad (at least to my peeps it is)

1 dozen Large Eggs

2 1/2 Tablespoons Mayo (more or less to your liking)

2 Tablespoons finely chopped Capers

1 Tablespoons finely chopped Shallot

1 Squirt of Dijon Mustard (again more or less to your liking)

2 Teaspoons finely chopped Tarragon

Place eggs in pot with 1 inch of water covering, once water is boiling cover for 1 minute then turn off water and let covered pot sit for 15 minutes. Prep other ingredients. Remove eggs from water and put into ice water bowl to cool. Peel and cut eggs, separating whites and yolks. Chop whites. Mash egg yolks and mayo. Combine all ingredients. Serve on top of a salad or your favorite bread.

Bon Appetit!

Falling off the Wagon

2010-09-17T21:13:00.003-04:00

Ok, I am ashamed.

So much so I have not even logged onto Weight Watchers, like the computer is going to berate me.

What is wrong with me?

I really don't know. I mean, I had a few cocktails over the summer and all that BBQ, somewhere I fell off the wagon and I was doing so good.

SO, school started last week and I said to myself, it's time to pick your self up and do it.

So I did. I weighed myself and put it into the computer (made myself accountable).

I stuck to my eating plan.

And, you know what? I Lost weight.

YAY! I lost 2.5 lbs!

So here I am, being accountable to you my friends from now on.

BTW the being accountable for last weeks weight, yeah, I did it after I lost the weight this week. I am sorry but I needed to show a loss to myself to get me going. I know Pitiful. But I lost and now I am am sticking to it.

So, every week I will report back to you, here.

Here's to a good week.

Lots of Love.

Zizette

Old Fashioned Fun

2010-09-13T21:37:00.006-04:00

Before the New Year celebration was the Labor Day Weekend at the lake.

As always we went to the Goshen Fair.

We love it so much and have gone I would say, for the past 8 years.

It is so cool to see the tractor pulls (I don't get it but we watch it), the sheep, the goats, all the livestock, the rides, the food and oh so much more.

My sisters in laws (is that right?) took the kiddies, sans men, to the fair. The kids ranged from 3 1/2 to 14. LOTS 'O FUN!

My youngest nephew with my niece vs the two boys

Check it out.

What's a fair without a snow cone and cotton candy?

Never too old for the carousel

Ahh, the 3 amigos

They couldn't get over the pigs fighting to eat and the momma not moving.

It was a great time by all and we can't wait for next year to continue our tradition!

Have a Sweet New Year

2010-09-09T18:25:00.009-04:00

Today is the New Year in my religion.

Last night we had dinner at my sister in law Emily's house (the foodie remember?).

She made the traditional foods, we all do.

But I offered to do tonight's meal. No one from hubby's family is coming as we all gathered last night, my other brother in law and his family are going to the other side of their family and my in laws live further away and we saw them last night.

So, this evening is for my family. My dad always cooks and I said I would do it. I want to give my children the tradition of their mom cooking as well.

On the menu for this evening is:

Brisket (only my 3rd time making it and I think it rocks - this time I went with a little different than all the recipes out there and I think it tastes great)

Noodle Kugel (my sister in law made one last night that absolutely rocked but my boy said it was too sweet - I should document that comment) I did a little different of a recipe and he can't stop from eating it.

Roasted Red Bliss potatoes

Roasted Asparagus

Banana Chocolate Chip Cake

Fruit platter

Traditional Challah (I did not bake it)

I will share all my recipes with you. Last night I also made a chocolate chip cake that hubby forgot to take out of the pan after 10 minutes (I had to get to bed it was the night before the first day of school) and he forgot until 5 hours later and it got a little broken. A little creative plating and it looked fabulous AND tasted FAB.U.LOUS!

Brisket

3-4 lb brisket

1 jar of chili sauce

1 packet of onion soup mix

1 medium/large onion

Slice onion into rings and put on bottom of pan. Mix chili sauce and onion soup mix and cover brisket completely in pan. Let sit overnight (you don't have to you can cook right away but it worked for me). Add water to pan, covering onions. Cook brisket at 300 (basically cook 1 hour per pound) until tender (160 degrees). Cool, then slice and put back into sauce, cover and put in refrigerator. It is best if it sits sliced in juices/sauce overnight (more important than sitting in marinade). Warm up at 350 and serve.

Noodle Kugel

1 (16 oz) pkg. med egg noodles

8 eggs

1/2 c. sugar

1/2 pt. sour cream

1/2 lb cream cheese

1 lb. cottage cheese

2 tsp. vanilla

1/2 lb. butter (melted)

pinch of salt

Cook noodles as directed on package. Beat eggs, combine eggs, sour cream, sugar, cottage cheese, cream cheese, vanilla and melted butter. Beat again. Combine noodles. Put noodles in a greased oblong baking dish. Bake for an hour at 350 degrees.

Roasted Red Bliss Potatoes

2 lbs. Red Bliss potatoes

6 cloves Garlic

Salt

Pepper

Paprika

Olive Oil

Slice potatoes in half. Put in a roasting pan (can be an aluminum one - easy clean up) , cover with Olive oil, salt, pepper and Paprika. Chop up the garlic (we like bigger rough cuts as they are real tasty when eaten) and add to the pan. Toss all the ingredients together. Bake at 350 for about an hour or until tender. We like them crispier so I may do it at a higher temp for an extra 10-15 mins. Every 20 minutes or so I give the potatoes a good mix.

For my asparagus I just oil, salt and pepper them on a roasting pan until tender then serve with Fresh Grated Parm/Reggiano cheese. Yum-O!

My dad was so nice to bring over some Spanish Wine (he has a fabulous wine cellar in his house).

We had a fabulous dinner.

Last Days of Summer

2010-09-04T07:30:00.006-04:00

Wow, has this summer flown by?

It was a great summer filled with camp, friends, family and fun times.

The kids had a a great time at camp.

We all had great times at the lake, swimming at Papi's and going to the beach.

There were some birthdays, visiting grandparents and even a fair or two.

I love the beach and next year have to go much more.

BUT

I love fall.

I love the leaves changing, the food cooking in my home, the apple and pumpkin picking. I love how the weather gets to be just right - warm during the day but a little cool at night.

So even though I love the summer, I look forward to the fall.

Zizette

Lake Time

2010-09-01T08:48:00.006-04:00

I am getting in some last minute time at the lake.

The kids and I are going up for two days, then coming back so I can see my new classroom and then heading back up on the weekend with the hubs for the weekend.

I still have so much to do but I will do it on Friday, somehow.

Here's a little peek into where we will be

A view of the lake from the pool

Maybe I will get some alone time in the pool

Pool Table / Grandpa's office

Dining room where we gather for big meals (during the cold seasons)

Breakfast room with mural of the houses on the lake (way back when)

We are very fortunate to have a beautiful place like this to go. My in laws have expanded the home to fit the expanding families as their children got married and had kids.

My children love it here and as a child I had a lake house to go to and hang out with my cousins (who were like siblings because at the time I was an only child). I am happy that my children also get to have close relationships with their grandparents and cousins. (My parents live just 3 blocks away and the lake is only and hour and a half away).

I will hopefully get more pictures today and post them, my mother in law has a kitchen I would die for.

Have a great day my friends.

Zizette

Made By You Mondays

2010-08-30T09:31:00.003-04:00

Okay I am going to give it a try

Here's a link to my project

It's the Wave Board for Sam's room

I hope it works!

Zizette

Experiences the Spice of Life

2010-08-29T09:11:00.004-04:00

I have always been told that children not only learn from school but from experiences. If they cannot apply the things they learn in the classroom there cannot be definitive connections.

So, we always try to give our kids experiences.

Just last night my sweet girl experienced her first concert.

Justin Bieber over the audience

She was screaming just as loud as the whole arena. We were fortunate enough to get seats in a suite from an old friend of mine. Let me tell you, that is THE WAY TO GO. So nice.

Maya even made a friend with another little girl that was there.

It made me recall my first concert KISS. I was staying with my godmother and her son LOVED KISS and she took us. WOW.

I am just happy she got to enjoy herself.

Blast at the Beach

2010-08-28T10:20:00.004-04:00

We had such a great time at the beach.

It made me remember how much I love the beach and I want to go some more.

The kids had a great time and I was allowed to not be in the water with them so much as they are better swimmers now (since our last time there).

I love the smell of the beach, the looking for shells, the crashing of the waves and the all day excitement from the kids as they splash in the ocean.

We truly had an awesome time.

Very odd that I love the beach but love living in NY rather than San Diego where I grew up.

I want to pull more beach elements into our home now that I have been there and felt so relaxed and at home.

I took over 200 pictures in just two days!

Have a peak

Have a lovely weekend!

Off To The Beach

2010-08-26T08:00:00.005-04:00

We had plans for earlier in the week to go to the beach.

We cancelled them due to weather, rather we postponed them.

So, today, in just a little while, we are off to the beach!

We will only stay one night because we have to come back for Saturday.

What will happen on Saturday you ask?

Little Miss will be seeing this guy

She sort of knows but doesn't know that we got suite seats (I have never been in a suite either!).

She will be so excited!

So, speak to you tomorrow after we get back from the beach. I could really use the relaxation after a week of family and entertaining.

Zizette

Week 8, Day 5 Even

2010-08-19T19:13:00.008-04:00

Balloon release

I worked at camp this summer.

I love camp.

I was a camper for 4 years and I have worked there for 5 ( take note people who count, as it may be 3 consecutive but it is still 5 years - 2 as a teenager and 3 now).

Anyway.

Camp ended today.

Burning the year

There were tears, there were hugs and there were memories.

My daughter, little Miss, was a mess.

Boo, hooing all the way with all her little friends. It made me tear up. I am a sap like that.

Little Miss and her ladies

You see, I went to that camp as a camper. LOVED IT! that is why when the option for camp came up in young Sam's life I thought of no place other than Ramaquois. I made my BESTEST FRIEND there. She is the greatest friend anyone could have, I love her more than anything. We had our first babies at the same time (4 days apart). She is the best.

Anyway, not all people get to experience the wonderful word of Day Camp (some experience Sleep Away Camp but I have never been so I don't know that), but it truly is wonderful - at least for me it was.

Back to my story, when I decided it was time for Sam to enter camp I thought Ramaquois. I enter the "visiting" day to show young Sam and run into a wonderful woman who I knew from "back in the day" Joan. Now I went to camp with her son and daughter. She remembered me, she asked as I walked in. "are you Z...?" I said yes. Now she did not even finish her sentence as there is NO ONE with my name in my county, State or even country. She said she thought so and we worked on getting little Sam into camp.

Sam @ closing ceremonies (notice he is not in uniform - felt the last day he would go "regular")

A few years later I did not have to work summers so I was able to work at camp. Woo Hoo (BTW Camp is VERY expensive). Here I would get some kind of discount AND be able to be around my kids in a place I LOVED!

So three years later I am working at camp and today we ended the season - Week 8, Day 5 Even - yes we have one of those weird Odd/ Even - 6 Day schedules to get everyone to every awesome activity we have available.

It was a great year and I look forward to the next. We work hard at the camp and enjoy it. I do a craft I love and I enjoy making the kids happy. Here's to 2010.

Me and one of my camp besties

** As part of camp there is color war and you can read about it here but last year they implemented a 5th team on our roster and it included the Specialists (all the people who run the activities). We had to make up a song and plaque. I helped make the plaque with my bestie (Miss Artist) you can find her here. You can guess the theme this year was Disney and our team was Toon Town.

Summer Days

2010-08-15T20:37:00.005-04:00

We have been real busy this summer, between parties and visiting family and camp that we have not had too much down time.

This weekend we chose downtime.

We hung around the house, did some errands and in the early evening we had some friends over. Thankfully the weather was GORGEOUS. I spent the afternoon sitting in my screened in porch finishing up my book, The Help (only took me a week - not bad eh?).

When our friends came over the kids were in the yard and we were having cocktails in the porch area. We ordered in some food and the kids finally watched a movie inside. It was so nice a relaxing.

Today my grandma came up to stay a few days at my folk's house (they live 3 blocks away).

I went and picked up some food for us to have a nice Sunday dinner.

I did all the cooking since my dad was feeling a little ill from bad food last night.

I made Cedar plank brie and peaches on the grill (oh with grill toasted baguette), grilled Shrimp on skewers, grilled chicken breasts, fried chicken breasts (for my picky eaters), grilled asparagus and salad.

Everything was delicious (and I was happy that I was able to time everything pretty well).

I also had my tasty new drink (found the Vodka).

Hangar One Mandarin Blossom Vodka

Elder Flower Liqueur

Blood Orange Soda

Mandarin Seltzer

Nice little refreshing drink.

So it was a very nice dinner all made on the BBQ. Nice way to end a great relaxing weekend. (Oh yeah, I spray painted some bookcases I got on clearance at Target for Sam's room and 4-5 months later I finally painted them - they have been in his room the ugly brown color AND oddly enough I came out looking like a smurf! I had a nice blue tint to myself).

Have a great week!

Zizette

Lookie What I Made

2010-08-11T20:53:00.007-04:00

I have been busy at camp lately.

Great inspiration from a great artist.

I started with a 24 x 24 piece of plywood. I sanded it down, made it real nice.

Mixed up a nice blue and then distressed it with my handy dandy Black and Decker hand sander (a real favorite with my camp buddies).

I wanted a wave and was not confident enough to want to paint it right on the board so I drew a wave out on a piece of contact paper, cut it out and laid it on the board. I then painted it the lighter blue color so the dark blue would be the wave. I distressed that too.

Then I put a white wash over and would apply a little and rub it off. It gave it a nice cloudy/worn look.

I loved the wave but needed something else. I took to the National Geographic Magazines my friend had laying around for the campers to cut and found this awesome pull out of the Titanic - a picture, rather 70 some odd pictures making one, from undersea cameras. The colors were screaming my name.

I then tore the picture for a rough edge. Thankfully the Titanic and a surfboard are the same shape :)

I Modge Podged the "surfboard onto the wave. I sort of put it running off the board.

I wanted some color in there to make it more surfboard like, so I added the yellow stripe.

I have been playing with stamps lately and was trying to think of what to write on the board. I was going to do Surf Shack. My friend suggested "Sam's Surf Shack" since it was for my son.

I tried black but it did not work (thankfully with the modge podge and a clorox wipe it came off real quick).

I decided to use Orange because when I was taping out the stripe I had Orange painters tape and it looked real good, not to mention that I pulled up the color wheel and orange is next to yellow and across from blue. JACKPOT!

I am very Happy with my result and next week I will add the wire to the back and hang it in his room.

Have a great weekend!

Zizette

Proud

2010-08-03T20:39:00.004-04:00

This is my latest piece.

This photo does not do it justice.

I love it!

Just another possibility.

Funny thing is, this started by a friend at camp and has taken on it's own life. Everyone wants to do one.

Let's see what is next....

Zizette

Picture Taker or Photographer?

2010-08-01T08:45:00.004-04:00

I am loving my camera and I am getting more comfortable taking it with many places I go and just snapping away

But

Am I picture taker or photographer?

I would like to think I am a photographer.

I was sent this great deal to take pictures in Central Park, check it out here it is a Photography Hike of Central Park. How cool is that?

I got a friend or two to join and we are deciding on dates - we are thinking late September, early October when the park really looks magnificent.

A few weeks ago we were up at the lake and I shot these:

This guy kept coming closer and closer to the fence

These pictures are taken across the street from my in laws house. Most days we see and HEAR them early in the am before they are fed but this day they were just grazing in the field.

So, are you a picture taker or photographer?

Zizette

Busy, Busy, Busy

2010-07-31T08:15:00.006-04:00

I have been crazy busy at camp (do you see a theme here with me, always busy?) and with life.

This weekend my boy is away at sleep away camp for the weekend. It's like a trial weekend with another camp in the camp group I work for/the kids go to.

Very weird. The house has no fighting but Little Miss is talking my ear off.

Anyone want a sweet 6 1/2 year old girl? (Just for the weekend though).

Anyhoo, I have been busy creating.

Here is a little looksie:

The bracelets I made with glass beads, some with a fimo type bead and some with decorative flower/spacer beads on a memory wire.

It reminded me of my grandma and how she used to love making jewelry and I loved making it with her.

The sign was made from wrapping papers that I bought last year in Wisconsin. It is a map of the city of Paris that I ripped then put onto the painted board (I mixed a paint color that I pulled from the map). I stenciled the saying and then applied two coats of RL Smoke Glaze.

Actually more than that done but I am giving the short version I would be more than happy to post a tutorial and probably will next week when I do my next piece that is in the works.

This saying I saw on a blog after a friend told me about it (it may be from the same source but we can't figure that part out). When I did the search to find it for this post I saw that it has been in many places (Domino Magazine to name one).

I am so proud of my accomplishments in these past few weeks.

I look forward to some more creativity flowing from me. I have a few thoughts in the works. And maybe, just maybe I will get some stuff up on Etsy.

Zizette

The Winner is....

2010-07-27T21:11:00.002-04:00

Maggie From The White Farmhouse!!

Maggie email me your address so I can get the clutch and the clips out to you.

Congratulations!!

Thanks again for participating in my giveaway.

Zizette

OOPS

2010-07-24T08:54:00.002-04:00

Such a big Sorry.

I had posted my Vintage clutch giveaway with the wrong date.

So So Sorry.

The real date is Tomorrow, Sunday July 25th. My bad. Real bad.

SO in honor of my mistake, I will extend the contest to Tuesday July 27th, 8pm.

If you would like, enter over here for your chance at the vintage bag and Anthro clips.

Again, sorry and good luck!

Zizette

I Might Melt

2010-07-24T08:29:00.002-04:00

Today in the North East it is supposed to be dreadfully HOT!

And

We have a birthday party, no scratch that we have a Birthday POOL Party.

That means being OUTSIDE. IN. THE. HEAT.

No Fun. Not to mention the fact that there will be approximately 30 kids there.

Again, not so much fun, actually chaos.

Don't get me wrong I LOVE pool parties but they make me really nervous.

This means I will have to be on guard (watching me kiddies, even though they know how to swim) with so many kids in the pool.

I quite possibly might melt out there.

I will be dreaming of this:

this:

and this:

I can dream can't I? I do love a good pool party but I am dreading this dangerous heat.

We will have lots of fun since there will be lots of food, music and fun.

The kids party is only from 2-5 pm and then we will stay with our good friends and be more relaxed.

The party is supposed to be for our friend's 7 year old (Little Miss' BFF) BUT my friend (the wife) thinks her husband turned it into his 40th celebration since he keeps adding things to the agenda, menu, guest list (OH BOY!).

That part will be fun! We always have GREAT BIG Fun with our friends.

I'll be sure to take lots of pictures (hopefully I can post them ;) on here -hehe).

Have a great Saturday and Keep COOL.

Don't forget the contest ends tomorrow - I just realized that I made a mistake on the date - I said Sunday July 22nd and it was supposed to read SUNDAY JULY 25th.

You still have time.

Zizette

You Must Try This Despite the Name

2010-07-22T22:17:00.002-04:00

Over the weekend a friend was telling me about a great dessert she makes.

Me, always in for a good recipe says, sure what is it?

She is describing tasty goodness to me and I ask what is it called? She says the first time she smelled it at a friend's house (amazing) her friend told her she could not tell her the name until after she ate it.

But this was not going to be the case but before she told me she did tell me how much EVERYONE loves this new dessert she is making ALL THE TIME NOW (and so is her mom ;) ).

Are You Ready?

DUMP CAKE

Yes I said it, Dump Cake!

So EASY AND SO GOOD.

Here we go:

2 Cans of Cherry Filling (21 oz cans)

**Some recipes I looked up called for 1 can Cherry and 1 can Pineapple - not so into pineapple so went with double cherry - but you could probably use any filling - next time**

1 box of vanilla cake mix (my friend uses white cake mix but I used Vanilla)

2 Sticks of butter

Preheat oven to 350. Dump cans of filling into greased 9 x 13 PYREX baking dish (do not spread). Sprinkle cake mix over the filling (do not spread, sprinkle). Cut butter up into little slices (I did teaspoon slices) and spread them out evenly over the cake mix. Bake for 50 minutes to an hour (looks golden and bubbly).

Serve warm with Vanilla Ice Cream. It is delish. Can you believe my kids even liked it? A dessert with fruit. It is almost cobbler like. YUMMY!

Enjoy it!

Zizette

Another Give away to Check out!!!

2010-07-21T21:33:00.003-04:00

Here's an excellent Give away from one of my favorite sites to visit. Check it out here

52 Flea is the place to be.

It's an awesome give away for for 500th post! Can you believe it?

Good Luck (even though secretly I hope to win).

Zizette

Vintage Giveaway

2010-07-21T07:33:00.004-04:00

Hey Ladies.

A great way to start the day is by a giveaway (I'm a poet and I didn't know it ;) ).

So onto the giveaway:

I have this fabulous clutch bag I got on one of my excursions to the fabulous flea market and these awesome clips from Anthro (when I saw them I thought WOW they will be awesome with that clutch!).

As you can see it is a gold toned metal clutch with rhinestone flower designs. One of the clips can be used as a pin too.

I love a good clutch and I wanted to thank all of you for following me, leaving awesome comments, inspiring me to do more and just being there.

I never did a 200 post but then again I am not your average gal and life got ahead of me SO here is a giveaway for you.

All you need to do is leave a comment for 1 entry.

If you blog about it please leave me the link back to your blog and that is another entry.

And if you become a follower (let me know) and that will get you an entry as well.

So, you can have three entries (if you are already a follower and leave a comment you will get 2 entries).

The Giveaway ends at 6 pm Sunday July 22nd, 2010. OOPS - JULY 25th - still have time.

Good luck everyone!

Zizette

Inspiration

2010-07-20T21:08:00.002-04:00

I have a fabulous artist friend who I met about a year ago.

She has incredible talent and she has inspired me to dig deep into my own talent and work it.

You can find her here.

She had mentioned something a few weeks ago and then I saw it on another blog. Today we worked together. She giving me some inspiration and guidance on how to work it. Just an offering from the eye of an artist.

I will wait to show you as I did not have my camera with me today when I made my piece and it was still unfinished.

I really like working with EMK because she inspires me to use my talent.

Thanks EMK.

Zizette

Friday Funnies

2010-07-15T21:17:00.004-04:00

I love a good road trip, I really do. I have driven cross country and back. One day I hope to tour the USA with my kids, I really think it is cool.

As a kid I went back and forth between San Diego and Phoenix by car to visit my grandparents.

Easy drive, done it a million times.

A few years back I visit my mom in San Diego with my children for the first time. They were 3 and 5.

My mom, wanting everyone in AZ to meet my kids for the first time, suggested we take a two day trip there. Sure, I say.

Now, my mom is not one to have the greatest of cars and on one of my last visits to her, before kids, her own car broke down between Sand Diego and Phoenix, But that is another story.

So, when she suggested said trip I asked if her car was okay. She assured me most definitely is the car ok, she just had it checked. Okay. In fact she said she has NEVER had a problem with this car (famous last words By the way).

Now, since this was the first time I traveled anywhere with my kids by myself I was prepared - DVD player, LeapFrogs, Coloring package, you get what I mean, right?

So we head out. Now we stop in Yuma (halfway between SD and Phx) to use the bathroom at a McDonalds. When we get back to the car, it won't start!

I am in the middle of the DESERT and the F****** car won't start! Are you kidding me? Is g-d playing a trick on me?

So, dear mom, who has a history of bad cars DOES NOT HAVE TRIPLE A. Why should she? This car has always been good to her.

I actually have Triple A but in an effort to not carry so much crap in said wallet I only brought the necessities. I had to call my husband for the number.

Some nice tow company jumps our car, my mom, ever the New Yorker asks him to follow us to the gas station while we pump gas - just in case.

Good thing for just in case, because the car DIED AGAIN!

Now we are stuck in a gas lane with tons of cars waiting and the car is DEAD.

He finally gets us to his garage, where we wait. We waited 4 hours, 4 hours I tell ya. My kids were so good.

There was tons wrong with the car, the battery, the alternator, and blah, blah, blah.

Finally we got back on the road. And finally we got to our little motel in Phoenix in the dead of night. What was supposed to take 5 hours took 12.

Can you say, I wanted to shoot myself? And the funny part here is that when I would recite this story either to someone else or to my mom explaining my trip, she would just laugh. Actually she would Cackle because that is how she laughs.

I look back now and it was funny and I guess that is what road trips are made of but I swear I will NEVER go on a road trip with her again.

You want to know something else even funnier? My mom recently remarried and her new husband travels in a 60 or 70 foot Massive Motorhome with a Prius towed behind them AND they are touring the USA. Can you believe that? I hope her luck has changed since then or I really feel bad for her new husband.