{A Quick Note From A Sweet Godly Women:Mrs. Tallman}

This is a note from Mrs. Tallman. She wrote me on Facebook and I wanted to share this with you all. I thought it might be a book you all would like to get as well.

This is what she had to say:

[Start]

I had a tidbit to share with you and all the other young moms I know. Thanks giving is my very favorite holiday. There is a wonderful CD called "Thanksgivigin: A Time to Remember". 

It also comes with a book for family reading. The CD is the story of the Pilgrims journey to America, the hardships they endured, and most importantly, God's faithfulness in caring and providing for them. It is historically accurate, being taken from the journals of the Pilgrims. The narrative is by the man with the English accent complete with sound effects.

It is delightful and it is a wonderful teaching tool for parents. It is published by Barbara Rainey and Family Life. There are also some wonderful works out about Squanto and how God prepared him for the special job of helping the Pilgrims.

Mrs. Tallman

[End] 

Since Thanksgiving is coming up very soon we do need to be considering how we are going to share with our Children the story of Thanksgiving. How it came about and why we are thankful.

Starting November 1st-- I am going to start a Month of thankfullness. 

Each Day (Monday-Friday) I will post a quick thing that either my husband,my children, or I am thankful for. If you would like to join in, I would love for you too. You don't have to post a comment everyday. Just send one comment about the things you are thankful for. 

Share this with other people and lets all share what we are thankful for. 

Thanks!

 

{A Clean Refrigerator! }

A Clean Refrigerator!

Doesn't it feel great when you open the refrigerator door and it looks amazing inside? You realize that now you can find everything--or maybe not...--now that your frig is actually clean you don't know where anything is.

 Well a  good clean up on the inside of your frig never hurt any of us.

Personally, I love for my frig to be clean and organized. As I was cleaning mine out today I thought of you all. I was wondering how many of you-- love to clean-- your frig out?

Also, Do you-- ever-- clean your frig?

I try to keep mine clean from spills and stickiness daily but weekly I take everything out and toss the old stuff. I can't stand for old food or expired stuff to be laying around in my pantry or frig.

Is this just me or are you the same?

So ladies, my advice today is short and sweet...Get to cleaning and clean out your frig. Maybe even try to tackle the pantry. Get the old stuff out so you can realize what you actual have that can be eaten.

Even if--Yes... I am saying even if-- you do not like to clean...at least get the germs out of the frig.

Good Luck and Happy Cleaning!

Mommy Buzz

We have a winner!

Thank you Ladies for posting your comments.

We have a winner for the question, What would you do if you had a day to yourself?

Ashlee Davis

She will be receiving a lovely Gift Card of her choice!

Thank You!

From,

Mommy Buzz

If I had the day to myself I would?

 If I had the day to myself I would?

Oh my-- Where to begin... I can't even imagine. An entire day to myself?
Do you feel this way? Do you know what you would do if you had an entire day to yourself?
Lets hear what you would do if you had this chance...

 A small prize will go to the best daydreamer!! POST YOUR ANSWER!!!

Click on comment to post your answer.

 

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas-A Favorite and Easy "Go to" Meal

 Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

My family, Friends, and I love this recipe. I am making it for some friends that are coming to visit Friday night and I thought I would share it with you. Hope you enjoy as much as we have..
This is a great dish that can be made ahead of time and can be cooked 1 hour before dinner...

Cranberry-Lemonade Punch

 Bridal Shower Punch

This is an easy, yummy, refreshing drink that can be made at baby showers, bridal showers, engagement parties,birthday parties, etc. The list can go on-- This is a wonderful drink and you must try it!

Ingredients

2  liters  Sprite

12  oz. frozen cranberry juice

12  oz. frozen lemonade

Directions:

Just pour sprite or 7-up into punch bowl.

Scoop out frozen cranberry juice and lemonade.

Mix well. Can add an ice ring or ice cubes to keep in nice a cold

Recipes for Homemade Cereals,Which Grains You can use for your Baby

Baby Food-Freezing Chart, Thawing and Heating Directions

 Freezing Chart, Thawing and Heating Directions for Baby Food

So now you ask... I have made the baby food-- How long can I store it and how do I defrost it?

You will find a list below of foods that do and do not freeze, along with how to defrost the baby food, and how long it can be stored in the fridge.

Recipe Guide for Baby Food- Stage 1 Fruit,Veggies, and Cereal Recipes included

Stage 1 Baby Food Recipe Guide

Babies from the Ages of 4-6 Months and 8-10 Months

These are simple recipes to start your baby out with.

How to Store your Homemade Baby Food

--I found this 'How to Store your Homemade Baby Food' Directions Online--

I think it very accurate and will help answer your questions with Storing your babies food!

• Ice Cube
• Freezer Bags
• Wax Paper
• Cookie Sheet
• Freezable containers

Eating Organic without Breaking the Bank

Eating organic foods without breaking the bank

Just a Quick Overview

• The Twelve Cleanest Non-Organic and the Twelve Uncleanly( loaded with tons of Pesticide) Non-Organic Foods
• How to get the most for your money

Now-- I took a picture of nuts--but you don't have to eat or like nuts to try organic foods... Just in case you were wondering--

Eggplant with Rice

 Eggplant with Rice

I know this doesn't sound exciting but you gotta give it a try!

I have had a few poeple ask me recently how to cook eggplant. It is a side that not many poeple cook often. Especially me.. I am not a big fan of eggplant but my husband loves it.
So I say, try this dish. You might be surprised at it!!

Ingredients

2/3 cup brown basmati rice
2 eggplants, halved lengthwise
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 small green pepper
4 oz. mushrooms, sliced
3 tbsp. olive oil
3 oz. cheddar cheese, grated
1 egg, beaten
1/2 tsp. marjoram
Salt/pepper
2 tbsp. hazelnuts, chopped

*Note: If there is an ingredient you don't like then substitute for something else or just don't put it in the dish

Methods/steps

Boil rice according to package directions, drain and cool. Scoop flesh from eggplant and chop. Blanch the shells in boiling water 2 min and drain upside down. Fry the eggplant flesh, onion, garlic, pepper, and mushrooms in the oil for about 5 min. Mix in rice, cheese, egg, marjoram, and seasoning. Arrange the eggplant in an oven proof dish. Spoon in filling, sprinkle over nuts. Chill until ready to bake. Oven on 375 degrees and bake for 25 min.

 

Pizza Margherita

 Pizza Margherita

You can follow the following recipe or use a ready made dough from the bakery. Then follow the toppings instructions. 

Ingredients

1/4 tsp. of dry yeast
1/2 cup warm (about 100 degrees) water
1 tsp. all-purpose unbleached flour
1 to 1-1/4 cups organic, stone ground all-purpose unbleached flour
1/2 tsp. salt additional flour


Margherita Topping:


1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 medium onion, minced
1 sprig parsley, chopped
1 large clove garlic, minced
1/4 tsp. dry oregano
1-1/2 cups canned whole peeled tomatoes
1/3 cup packed fresh basil leaves, torn
3 oz. fresh mozzarella (in liquid), thinly sliced
2 to 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper and salt

Methods/steps

In a medium bowl mix the yeast, water, and tsp. of flour. Foam should form on the surface in about 8 minutes (if not, yeast is past its prime; find fresher). Then add in rest of flour and salt, forming a smooth, quite soft, slightly sticky dough. Then knead 10 minutes. Place in a large oiled bowl, cover bowl with plastic wrap. Let stand in a cool place until doubled in bulk (about 1 1/2 hours).

If not ready to bake, keep dough covered and hold up to 8 hours. About 20 minutes before baking, punch down, knead a minute or two and then form into a ball, cover. To make pizza, lightly oil a 14- to 16-inch pizza pan.

Preheat oven to 500 degrees, setting rack as low as possible in oven. Roll out dough as thin as possible to about a 16-inch round (no more than 1/16-inch thick). Spread over pan, rolling in edges to form a rim. Let rest 10 minutes. Top as desired or suggested below and bake 10 minutes. Then using a spatula and thick oven mitt, slip the pizza off the pan directly onto the oven rack by pulling out rack, grasping pizza pan firmly with protected hand, and using spatula or pancake turner to slip pie off pan and onto rack. Slide rack back in place and bake 2 minutes. Slip pie back onto pan, remove from oven. Cut and serve.

In a 10-inch skillet heat 1 tbsp. oil over medium high. Sauté onion and parsley to golden, then stir in garlic and oregano for a few seconds. Add tomatoes, crushing them as they go into the pan (do not substitute crushed tomatoes). Boil, stirring, 5 minutes or until thick. Spread sauce over rolled out crust, sprinkle with basil, mozzarella, and finally the oil. Finish with generous black pepper and a little salt. Bake as directed above. Variation: In Naples, fresh or canned tomatoes often replace tomato sauce on pizza. Make sure tomatoes have big, rich flavor and use them judiciously.

More Variations: Sparingly is the operative word here. Use any of the following flavorings, but only enough to flavor, not overwhelm: Sliced red onion, pitted olives, pepperoni, anchovy, sliced mushrooms, steamed broccoli or cauliflower, salami, prosciutto, roasted peppers, shrimp, cooked Italian sausage, hot pepper, fresh herbs such as marjoram, oregano, mint, garlic, rosemary, or sage.

Chunky Candy

 Chunky Candy

 I saw this quick and simple little recipe. Thought it might give you an idea to do at your next little treat party.

Ingredients

4 oz. unsweetened chocolate
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup of raisins
1/4 cup currants
1/2 cup hazelnuts or almonds, chopped finely
1 tsp dark rum or vanilla

Methods/steps

In microwave or double boiler, melt chocolate. Add raisins and currants, rum or vanilla, and nuts. Combine well. Drop onto wax paper in rounded spoonfuls, using two spoons or a cookie scoop. Refrigerate for 30 minutes, then store in a Ziploc bag in a cool place.

"Parenting in the Pew" Chapters 1-2

(My Overview) " Parenting in the Pew" 

By:Robbie Castleman

Forward by: Ruth Bell Graham

Chapter One:

I am sure we all find it easy (not purposely) to miss the truly important moments of life. Distraction, busyness, and the clamor of worry about future things rob us of what God may be up to in the present moment of our lives. We usually see the the significant minutes, the turning point of our lives, from a distance. Then we pause in wonder and mutter, "Ahh, little did I realize how important that was at the time."

"Don't Make Me Count To Three" Chapter 1- 2

(My Overview) Taken from the Book, "Don't make me count to three" 

by: Ginger Plowman

Chapter One:

The High Calling of Motherhood:
Is it not a huge challenge in raising children in the way of the Lord?

Where have I been??

I know for those of you who follow the blog you are probably wondering why I haven't written anything in a week... Right??

Well my sister got married this past Thursday night. I was planning on posting that I will be away for a few days but things got so busy that I never once got on my computer throughout the entire week.

I am glad that we were able to help and be apart of that important day!  But very glad it is over... Weddings are tons of work!!

Well I am planning on posting some of my thoughts on the 3 books that were recommended a couple weeks back.. I was able to read to about chapter 2 or 3 in all of them, and if you haven't read to that point, then you still have time to catch up so you can post your comments or questions! So go grab the books and start reading.

Stay Tuned Everyone!

Vaccines Part II

Remember: The decision to vaccinate and how you implement that decision is yours and yours alone.

This is a long post but I hope it will be very beneficial to you. See below for resources and sites visited to obtain this information.

Discussed in this article:

• Which Vaccines are given to your children

• Side Effects of each Vaccine 

• Ingredients of the vaccine 

Vaccines Part I

 

This is what is included in this Post:

• What Vaccine Schedule are Doctor's following for 2009?

• What is that Vaccine? I will give a description of what each drug is. This is given in Part II of Vaccines
  

• Side Effects- Part II
  

• Recommended Change in Schedule per the CDC

• Where can I find more information?

Parenting: "Why to Avoid These Foods for Your Infant/Child"

You are probably asking yourself, wasn't there already a post on this? 

Well there was, I just didn't list the reasons why you shouldn't give your infant/child that food.  I think it is important for us to understand why we do the things we do. Not just to go with the flow b/c that is what everyone else is doing.  

I know most of us have at one point in time (or will soon) left our children with there Grandpa and Grandma, and of course you went over the things you wanted them to eat and not to eat. They probably didn't understand why either! Now you can make yourself aware and tell them the reason as to why your child can't have that particular food until a certain age. 

Having Friends over and Looking for a Fall Dinner Idea?

Are you having friends over and you don't know what to cook? You want this to be a nice meal but not the typical things you always make, well here is an idea for you...


Dinner Menu:
Butternut Squash Soup
Fall Salad
Irresistible Garlic Bread
Beef Tenderloin with sautéed mushrooms
Apple Sage Bread Stuffing
Cranberry Apple Bake

See below for recipes!
Enjoy!

Parenting: 3 recommended books to help with Discipline

Parenting: Recommended Books to help with Discipline

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself what it is you are trying to accomplish as a parent? What exactly is your objective?
I know we have all heard these sayings," 'Do you want a spanking?' 'If you don't straighten up your going to get it.' 'You don't want me to come in there.' 'You just wait til your dad gets home.' " Sound Familiar? No matter how you phrase these statements all of them have one thing in common: They aid parents in avoiding discipline issues.
All parents want their children to obey. Some bribe, some use time out, others ignore acts of disobedience, and some threaten. Could it be that parents avoid these issues b/c they are uncertain of how to handle them?
We mothers can tend to think that after a child's birth the hard part is over. We endured months of morning sickness, were shocked by the changes pregnancy wrought on our bodies, and even survived the delivery process itself. What a surprise it was to think that the hard part was just beginning!

Wow! Now what? Right?

Well, I am in the process of reading these three books that I would love for you to pick up and read along with me. I am going to post comments on what I am reading and also give my opinion on the books and the advice it is giving. I think alot of us moms need advice or encouragement on how to discipline our children. Hopefully this will be a fun and helpful way of incorporating discipline into the blog.

Book 1.) "Teach Them Diligently"

How to Use the Scripture in Child Training

By: Lou Priolo

Book 2.) "Parenting in the Pew"

Guiding your Children into the Joy of Worship

By: Robbie Castleman

Forword by: Ruth Bell Graham

Book 3.) "Don't Make me Count to Three"

A Moms look at Heart Oriented Discipline

By: Ginger Plowman

So like I said, pick up one or all of these books and follow along with me as I read through them!!

Fall Decor

Fall Decor!

I thought the best way to show you some ideas would be through pictures. You might want to dress up your home for fall with simple leaf wreaths or table centerpieces to full blown house decorations. I decided to show you some ideas of things that would be easy to make and create in your home and also show you things that if your not a crafty person you could out and buy.

Since I my family and I are going to a pumpkin patch this Saturday,  pumpkin is on my mind. Can you tell?

 This is a simple way to dress up the fireplace. I know in Savannah the leaves are already changing and falling on the ground. Get you some leaves, a glue gun, and candles and you could even make your own.

 Above: Get you some orange candles, a pumpkin, and fill it with whatever you desire (they have leaves, but you could do food, or flowers, etc) and napkins to decorate your table at home. Below: You could make a small version of this outside your front door or on a table as a centerpiece. I know I have found some that aren't real and then you can use them for years to come as decoration around your house.

 

 

 

Above and Below:Now this is a simple way of putting a type of decoration runner down your table

 

 

 

 Below:A Simple way to dress up the front door, Just find a simple leaf wreath

Brunch Feast

 Brunch Feast

Ingredients

6 slices thick sliced day old bread

3 cups grated sharp cheese

5 eggs

3 - 3 1/2 cups whole milk

1 tsp. salt, could take more, also pepper

Dry mustard, just a pinch

10 pieces bacon or cooked sausage, crumbled

Directions

Use whatever amount of bread it takes to fill the pan snugly. Don't leave any open spaces, cut small pieces of bread to fill in any gaps.

Trim crust from edges of bread.

Beat eggs until thick and creamy

Butter sides and bottom of pan well. Butter both sides (not edges) of bread well (butter bottom of bread slice especially well). Remove crust from outside edges.

Blend milk, beaten eggs, salt and pepper; add a pinch of dry mustard. Put crumbled meat on top of bread slices, cover with cheese and pour over milk and egg mixture. You must soak this for at least 2 hours (preferably make night before and soak up to 24 hours if necessary).

Bake at 325 degrees if in glass casserole. Must be brown on top. Cook uncovered.

Candied Apples

Caramel Apples

 

Makes: 12 servings

Prep: 1 hour
Start to Finish: 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1  tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/2  cup shelled pumpkin seeds
• 1/2  cup salted peanuts, coarsely chopped
• 1/2  cup sweetened flaked coconut, toasted
• 1/2  cup mini-chocolate chips
• 12  small assorted apples
• 12  (4- to 5-inch) Popsicle sticks
•   Vegetable oil, for pan
• 2  bags (14 oz. each) caramels, unwrapped

Directions

1. Melt butter in a medium skillet over moderate heat. Add pumpkin seeds and cook, seasoning with salt, stirring, until golden and puffed, about 4 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Place seeds nuts, coconut, and chocolate chips in separate shallow bowls, for toppings.
2. Wash apples and dry. Push a stick into stem end of each. Brush a large baking pan with oil.
3. Melt caramels with 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan over moderate heat, stirring until smooth. Working with one apple at a time, dip into caramel, coating halfway up sides. Immediately roll apple in 1 topping, evenly covering caramel, and transfer, stick end up, to prepared pan. Repeat with remaining ingredients. (Can be made 1 day ahead and stored at room temperature.) Makes 12 servings.

Hot Apple Cider

Spiced Hot Apple Cider

 

Makes: 8 servings

Prep: 10 minutes
Start to Finish: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1  quart unfiltered apple cider
• 3  (3-inch) cinnamon sticks, plus additional for garnish
• 1  teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 8  (1/4-inch-thick) apple slices, seeds removed, for garnish

Directions

1. Bring cider, cinnamon sticks, and pumpkin spice to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, 5 minutes. Pour hot cider into mugs and top with apple slices and cinnamon sticks. Makes 8 servings.

Individual Pumpkin Pie

Individual Pumpkin Pies

 

Makes: 12 servings

Prep: 35 minutes
Start to Finish: 2 hours

Ingredients

• 2  boxes (15 oz. each) prepared pie crust sheets
•   Flour, for pie crust
• 12  (5-inch) pie tins
• 6  large eggs
• 1  can (15 oz.) pumpkin puree(or you can cook your own home made pumpkin and puree it)
  
• 1-3/4  cups plus 2 tablespoons half-and-half
• 1  cup plus tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 1-1/2  teaspoons cinnamon
• 3/4  teaspoon salt
• 1/2  teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2  teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2  teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8  teaspoon ground cloves

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degree F and arrange racks in upper and lower thirds of oven. Unfold 1 piecrust on a lightly floured surface. Using a floured rolling pin, roll out into a 13-inch round, then cut out three 6-inch rounds. Fit into 3 pie tins and decoratively flute edges. Repeat with remaining pie crusts to make a total of 12 pie shells. Prick bottoms with a fork and freeze until firm, about 15 minutes.
2. Line shells with foil and fill with pie weights or dried beans; bake on 2 large baking sheets, switching pans halfway through, until bottoms are pale golden, about 15 minutes. Transfer tins to racks and cool shells to room temperature.
3. Lightly beat 1 egg in a small bowl. Brush edges of shells with egg. Whisk together pumpkin, half-and-half, remaining 5 eggs, sugar, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and cloves. Pour into shells, spreading evenly, and bake in middle of oven until filling is just set and center juggles slightly when gently shaken, 25 to 30 minutes. Transfer pies in pans to racks to cool. Serve at room temperature or chilled. Makes 12 servings.

Pigs in a Blanket:

Makes: 12 servings
Prep: 25 minutes
Start to Finish: 1 hour

  

Ingredients

• 1  puff pastry sheet (from 17.3-oz. box), thawed if frozen
•   Flour, for dough
• 28  (6-inch) bamboo skewers, soaked in water 30 minutes
• 1/2  cup yellow cornmeal
• 1  large egg, lightly beaten
• 1  package (12 oz.) cocktail beef franks, rinsed and patted dry(you can also find the vegetarian ones or use a chicken or turkey sausage)
  
• 1-1/2  cups honey mustard

Directions

1. Unfold pastry on a lightly floured surface. Using a floured rolling pin, roll out to 12 by 12-/14 inches. From the 12-inch side, cut pastry into 4 (3-inch-wide) strips. From the 12-1/4-inch side, cut into 7 (1-3/4-inch-wide) strips to create 28 small rectangles.
2. Preheat oven to 425 degree F and arrange racks in upper and lower thirds of oven. Drain skewers and spread cornmeal out on a plate. Brush tops of pastry strips with egg. Roll 1 frank in 1 strip, pressing edge with fingers to seal while leaving both ends of frank exposed. Push skewer through one end of frank. Brush outside of pastry with egg and roll in cornmeal, coating evenly. Repeat with remaining strips, franks, egg, and cornmeal. Arrange, as coated, on 2 large baking sheets, placing at least 1/2 inch apart.
3. Bake franks, turning and switching pans halfway through, until golden brown, about 12 minutes. Transfer on pans to racks and cool slightly. Serve warm with honey mustard for dipping. Makes 12 servings.

Pork Chili-Filled Mini Pumpkins

 Here is the recipes I told you I would post separately.

Pork Or Turkey Chili-Filled Mini Pumpkins

Makes: 12 servings

Prep: 40 minutes
Start to Finish: 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons olive oil, plus additional for pans
• 12  mini pumpkins (3-1/4 to 3-3/4 inches in diameter)
• 3/4  pound butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch dice
• 2  orange bell peppers, cut into 1/4-inch dice
• 1  small white onion, chopped
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 1  tablespoon chili powder
• 1  teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled
• 1/2  teaspoon ground cumin
• 1  pound ground pork or ground turkey or ground chicken
  
• 1/4  pound kale (stems discarded), coarsely chopped
• 1  can (14.5 oz.) chicken broth
• 1  can (15.5 oz.) black beans
• 1/4  cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degree F and arrange racks in upper and lower thirds of oven; lightly oil 2 large baking pans. Cut tops off pumpkins; remove and discard seeds from bottoms. Arrange pumpkin tops and bottoms, cut side down, on prepared pans. Roast, switching pans halfway through, until just tender but not falling apart, about 15 minutes for tops and 20 minutes for bottoms.
2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a 5-quart pot over moderate heat. Add squash, bell pepper, onion, garlic, chili powder, oregano and cumin; cook, stirring, until vegetables are softened, about 4 minutes. Add pork and cook, stirring and breaking up clumps, until no longer pink, about 6 minutes. Stir in kale, broth, and beans; simmer, stirring occasionally, 15 minutes. Stir in cilantro; salt and pepper to taste. Spoon into pumpkins and top with lids. Makes 12 servings.

Gorgonzola Grouper with Gorgonzola Risotto

Gorgonzola Grouper with Gorgonzola Risotto

 

Ingredients

1 7-oz. black grouper filet
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 prawns (optional)
Double handful of fresh spinach
Garlic, to taste
Onion, sliced, to taste
Roasted tomato and garlic broth

Side Dish: Risotto made with gorgonzola

Directions:

1. Season grouper with salt and pepper and grill until done. You can also put on baking sheet in tin foil and bake until flaky. Bake at 350 for about 20 minutes or so.
2. While grouper is cooking, sauté prawns with spinach, garlic, roasted tomato, and onion. If you substitute the prawns you can just cook the broth, garlic, onion, and spinach
3. Plate grouper, prawns and spinach and serve with roasted tomato, and garlic broth. Serve on the side with  gorgonzola risotto. 

Gorgonzola Risotto

Ingredients

10 oz Risotto Rice

9 oz Gorgonzola Cheese (chopped)

4 green onions (chopped)

1/4 cup butter

4 cups vegetable stock

5 oz White wine (dry)

Salt/ Pepper

Directions

In a very large saucepan, melt the butter then add the green onion. Sprinkle a pinch of salt in, and sauté for about 5 minutes. While this is happening, heat the stock in a saucepan to a rolling simmer.

Add the rice to the butter and onion and stir to coat the grains of rice. Sauté a bit, then turn up the heat and pour the wine in.

Let it bubble a bit, stirring all the while, then begin to add the stock a ladleful at a time, stirring after each addition until the stock you just added has been taken up by the rice. Continue like this until all the stock is in. Half way through, stir in the cheese, then continue with the stock. Cook the rice until it is tender to the bite.

Fall Trends: "Style"

 Fall Trends

A few weeks back I went shopping in search for some more short sleeve casual everyday shirts and casual Capri's. I was very disappointed when every store I went into already had there winter clothes out. I was so upset and was thinking to myself as well as telling my husband very loudly as I walked through the store, "why are they already putting this stuff out, It HOT outside." Now, I for one will not go into a store that has the air on 90 and be in the mood to buy or try on a sweater. What are they thinking? Turn the air down in the store if you want people to buy the winter items during 90 degree weather. Right? Wouldn't that be the best way to sell the stuff in Florida? Now I can say this b/c I worked in retail for 4 1/2 years and I know it isn't as simple as answering these questions, or is it?
So as you can tell that is a pet peeve of mine. You are probably wondering what happened, right? Well that particular day I went home but I did go back a few days later to some other stores and was very happy when I finally came across stores cool enough to try the winter sweaters on.
So when this cooler weather came I started thinking about writing on the Fall Color Trends.
Here is a few ideas to get you started, but I promise I will be back with more ideas.

Neutral and Grey's Are In
Warm it up with scrumptious Grey's, Fabulous Neutrals,Warm Browns, and Chic Charcoals.
Add a splash of color, Find a perfect pant, Get that casual Jacket, Find a bold necklace and you will be ready to go.
Nail Polish
Find one or all of these nail colors: Gorgeous Garnet, Majestic Amethyst, Pretty Emerald, Smoky Quartz, or Ruby Red

Here are a few ideas for those of you who do better with visual:

 

 

 

Tips to Flatter Every Shape

Want to look thinner, taller, curvier, or smaller? No matter what your body type, it's possible! Read on for ten easy clothing solutions that flatter your shape.
1. Flatten a tummy with side-zips. Pants and skirts that zip and button in front add bulk that you don't need. The flat front of side-zip bottoms gives your belly a sleeker look.
2. Go monochromatic. A one-color-head-to-toe look is super-slimming -- and that color doesn't have to be black! Cream, charcoal, caramel, and khaki all work just as well, especially for hourglass and full-figured shapes.
3. Create a bust line. Or at least the illusion of one! If you're small chested, try a top with seams at the bust or shirring front and center. Both add interest to your top half.
4. Skip tapered trousers (unless you're very thin). Pants that taper down to the ankle are hard to pull off, especially if you have ample thighs or hips. Instead, go for straight- or wide-leg pants.
5. Add a skirt with swing. One cut in an A-line shape works well for pear-shaped bodies, as it flares over hips, thighs, and saddlebags. Go knee-length or just below the knee to look current.

Ideas for October: Autumn Treats!

All this beautiful weather lately has gotten me thinking about Fall and Winter, which includes the Holidays, Parties, and Food.And I don't know about you but I love all three. Even though being in the kitchen is time consuming and you usually have a mess by the time you are done with your holiday baking, it is so much fun!

So I have been thinking about recipes and ideas for the month of October. I just so happened to get an e-mail for some recipes that I am going to share with you. Now I am of course going to tweak them, because that is what I always do. I make them my own by adding or taking away things...Which you should try. Venture out of the comforts of the recommended recipe and do things to it that your family would love.
Here are a few of the ideas:
I will post these individually, as well. I will also post some Autumn/Fall Pies...Enjoy!!

Pork Chili-Filled Mini Pumpkins

Makes: 12 servings

Prep: 40 minutes
Start to Finish: 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons olive oil, plus additional for pans
• 12  mini pumpkins (3-1/4 to 3-3/4 inches in diameter)
• 3/4  pound butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch dice
• 2  orange bell peppers, cut into 1/4-inch dice
• 1  small white onion, chopped
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 1  tablespoon chili powder
• 1  teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled
• 1/2  teaspoon ground cumin
• 1  pound ground pork or ground turkey or ground chicken
  
• 1/4  pound kale (stems discarded), coarsely chopped
• 1  can (14.5 oz.) chicken broth
• 1  can (15.5 oz.) black beans
• 1/4  cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degree F and arrange racks in upper and lower thirds of oven; lightly oil 2 large baking pans. Cut tops off pumpkins; remove and discard seeds from bottoms. Arrange pumpkin tops and bottoms, cut side down, on prepared pans. Roast, switching pans halfway through, until just tender but not falling apart, about 15 minutes for tops and 20 minutes for bottoms.
2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a 5-quart pot over moderate heat. Add squash, bell pepper, onion, garlic, chili powder, oregano and cumin; cook, stirring, until vegetables are softened, about 4 minutes. Add pork and cook, stirring and breaking up clumps, until no longer pink, about 6 minutes. Stir in kale, broth, and beans; simmer, stirring occasionally, 15 minutes. Stir in cilantro; salt and pepper to taste. Spoon into pumpkins and top with lids. Makes 12 servings.

Pigs in a Blanket:

Makes: 12 servings
Prep: 25 minutes
Start to Finish: 1 hour

  

Ingredients

• 1  puff pastry sheet (from 17.3-oz. box), thawed if frozen
•   Flour, for dough
• 28  (6-inch) bamboo skewers, soaked in water 30 minutes
• 1/2  cup yellow cornmeal
• 1  large egg, lightly beaten
• 1  package (12 oz.) cocktail beef franks, rinsed and patted dry(you can also find the vegetarian ones or use a chicken or turkey sausage)
  
• 1-1/2  cups honey mustard

Directions

1. Unfold pastry on a lightly floured surface. Using a floured rolling pin, roll out to 12 by 12-/14 inches. From the 12-inch side, cut pastry into 4 (3-inch-wide) strips. From the 12-1/4-inch side, cut into 7 (1-3/4-inch-wide) strips to create 28 small rectangles.
2. Preheat oven to 425 degree F and arrange racks in upper and lower thirds of oven. Drain skewers and spread cornmeal out on a plate. Brush tops of pastry strips with egg. Roll 1 frank in 1 strip, pressing edge with fingers to seal while leaving both ends of frank exposed. Push skewer through one end of frank. Brush outside of pastry with egg and roll in cornmeal, coating evenly. Repeat with remaining strips, franks, egg, and cornmeal. Arrange, as coated, on 2 large baking sheets, placing at least 1/2 inch apart.
3. Bake franks, turning and switching pans halfway through, until golden brown, about 12 minutes. Transfer on pans to racks and cool slightly. Serve warm with honey mustard for dipping. Makes 12 servings.

 

Individual Pumpkin Pies

Makes: 12 servings

Prep: 35 minutes
Start to Finish: 2 hours

Ingredients

• 2  boxes (15 oz. each) prepared pie crust sheets
•   Flour, for pie crust
• 12  (5-inch) pie tins
• 6  large eggs
• 1  can (15 oz.) pumpkin puree(or you can cook your own home made pumpkin and puree it)
  
• 1-3/4  cups plus 2 tablespoons half-and-half
• 1  cup plus tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 1-1/2  teaspoons cinnamon
• 3/4  teaspoon salt
• 1/2  teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2  teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2  teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8  teaspoon ground cloves

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degree F and arrange racks in upper and lower thirds of oven. Unfold 1 piecrust on a lightly floured surface. Using a floured rolling pin, roll out into a 13-inch round, then cut out three 6-inch rounds. Fit into 3 pie tins and decoratively flute edges. Repeat with remaining pie crusts to make a total of 12 pie shells. Prick bottoms with a fork and freeze until firm, about 15 minutes.
2. Line shells with foil and fill with pie weights or dried beans; bake on 2 large baking sheets, switching pans halfway through, until bottoms are pale golden, about 15 minutes. Transfer tins to racks and cool shells to room temperature.
3. Lightly beat 1 egg in a small bowl. Brush edges of shells with egg. Whisk together pumpkin, half-and-half, remaining 5 eggs, sugar, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and cloves. Pour into shells, spreading evenly, and bake in middle of oven until filling is just set and center juggles slightly when gently shaken, 25 to 30 minutes. Transfer pies in pans to racks to cool. Serve at room temperature or chilled. Makes 12 servings.

Caramel Apples

Makes: 12 servings

Prep: 1 hour
Start to Finish: 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1  tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/2  cup shelled pumpkin seeds
• 1/2  cup salted peanuts, coarsely chopped
• 1/2  cup sweetened flaked coconut, toasted
• 1/2  cup mini-chocolate chips
• 12  small assorted apples
• 12  (4- to 5-inch) Popsicle sticks
•   Vegetable oil, for pan
• 2  bags (14 oz. each) caramels, unwrapped

Directions

1. Melt butter in a medium skillet over moderate heat. Add pumpkin seeds and cook, seasoning with salt, stirring, until golden and puffed, about 4 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Place seeds nuts, coconut, and chocolate chips in separate shallow bowls, for toppings.
2. Wash apples and dry. Push a stick into stem end of each. Brush a large baking pan with oil.
3. Melt caramels with 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan over moderate heat, stirring until smooth. Working with one apple at a time, dip into caramel, coating halfway up sides. Immediately roll apple in 1 topping, evenly covering caramel, and transfer, stick end up, to prepared pan. Repeat with remaining ingredients. (Can be made 1 day ahead and stored at room temperature.) Makes 12 servings.

 

Spiced Hot Apple Cider

Makes: 8 servings

Prep: 10 minutes
Start to Finish: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1  quart unfiltered apple cider
• 3  (3-inch) cinnamon sticks, plus additional for garnish
• 1  teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 8  (1/4-inch-thick) apple slices, seeds removed, for garnish

Directions

1. Bring cider, cinnamon sticks, and pumpkin spice to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, 5 minutes. Pour hot cider into mugs and top with apple slices and cinnamon sticks. Makes 8 servings.

 

 

 

 

Mommy Buzz

Welcome to Mommy Buzz...

 PLEASE JOIN IN!!

So I have decided to start something called, "Mommy Buzz ." You will find it at This Site. This is going to be for all wives, moms,wives-to-be, and moms to-be. I have with-in the last two years been asked by numerous people all kinds of questions regarding these topics and decided that I would start a go to "blog" discussion board.
I know you are wondering " what is she talking about?" hang in there with me a minute and I promise I will get to what this is ALL about. I am excited to actually put it into writing and have other ladies share their questions, concerns, and ideas as well.
I know we are all very busy and don't have lots of extra time on our hands BUT as moms and wives we need that extra encouragement, idea, advice, etc. So we don't have to wear our poor husbands out with all this stuff.
I know we have great husbands and they are probably the person who you would go to (besides your mom, sister, or close friend) to confide in. But Ladies... let me remind you, our husbands work hard and are indeed human, they don't always have the answers about what they want for dinner, how to deal with a crying baby, when I should change the babies schedule? how will I decorate this?etc.  I can imagine, maybe, one of the first things that happens when your husband comes in the door is he either gets bombarded by children running to them screaming, "daddy's home" (which don't get me wrong, is cute and very sweet...) or they get handed a crying baby, or you immediately start saying, "Guess what happened today?" and on and on you go... Talking to him aimlessly b/c you have been with your sweet children all day and actually want an adult conversation to occur...
Okay.. So on the other hand you may be an experienced mother and wife who has it all figured out (or maybe not)and knows all the ins and outs of getting everything done in the short 24 hour time span, and have time to actually eat, sleep, and shower...Then your perfect for this blog... Post your advice.

So, I say all this to say...We are moms and wives who are commanded to put our Lord and Savior first, then our husband, and then our children. Being a wife and mother is a difficult task but God would not have given us this magnificent role if he didn't think we were capable and could handle the challenge.

Now that I have rambled on a bit too long, let me tell you what this is about...You will need to take part in this to reap the full benefits. So here is how it is going to go:
I will be posting all kinds of post that are going to include numerous topic from the list below and will occasionally have a post from an experienced mother or wife who has written to me or a guest writer. I hope that these will find somewhat of an interest to you. I would also like to post recipes or meal ideas to help those of us who sometimes get stuck in a rut with making and buying the same old stuff. If you don't see topics that are of interest hang in with us b/c not everything is listed. Please send me comments of topics that you would be interested in reading or things you want to know or need help with. 

So here is how you can get involved.
1. Post a comment you might have, ask questions, give some feedback for that topic, or post what you would like to see in the upcoming post.
2. Send girlfriends, wives, moms, sisters, or anyone you can this way... The more participation the better...and that is it....

Thanks for your time and don't forget to check out the following topics:
Remember these are very broad categories and lots more stuff will be discussed!

*Kids
*Husband
*Working Moms
*Entertainment
*How to stop those bad habits
*Recalls or Health Alerts
*Finance
*Style, Fashion, and Beauty
*How to get organized
*Every day advice for moms
*The Family Kitchen- "food recipes" and ideas for dinner, desserts, parties, gatherings, holidays, finger foods, healthy snacks, etc.
*Cake Decorating
*Crazy sayings!
* Overall Parenting:
Questions and Answers as to How to deal with:
Newborns, Toddlers, Young children, pregnancy, vaccine updates, general health and medicine questions,
* Stuff we would love to do but don't always have time for:
Hobbies and Crafts, Interior Design-Home and Garden,
*Diet, Health, and Exercise
*Photography
*Wedding... Ideas and places to get things
*Religion
*Miscellaneous and Many more topics!!!!