Category Archives: Domestic

Happy August 1

Posted on August 1, 2011 by Terri | 2 comments

Wow! August. Already!

Woohoo! August. Already! 😀

Thank you for commiserating with me over everything. It was sort of good to get it out of my system and down on paper, so to speak.

I had an exceptionally lazy weekend. I didn’t do a single thing on my to-do list and I don’t feel any guilt about it, either. I did do some cooking from my childhood on Saturday. While I was home my mom and I talked about old recipes she used to make and I recreated one of them. Smothered steak and mashed potatoes. Yummy! I used her quantities (she was feeding 6-8 people) forgetting I was just cooking for M and I and I had enough for supper Sunday night and still have leftovers! Need to learn to pare down those recipes.

One thing not on my to-do list that did get accomplish is we hired a realtor! Woo.to.the.hooooo! We are very confident that he is the right person for us and that he’ll find us what we’re looking for. I spent a ton of time emailing back and forth with him on Saturday (which is part of the reason above mentioned to-do list didn’t get touched). He’s already sharing properties with us and we are getting very excited. Or at least I am. M is pretty much “I’ve been happy with what you’ve been showing me so I know I’ll like what you pick out.” 😉

Work is really getting busy for me as well. Co-worker had her baby this past weekend (I saw a picture and she’s beautiful!) so I’m back to covering both attorneys. A little déjà vu, if you will, but only 61 days until I don’t have to worry (too much) about it anymore.

Tonight I have got to get some laundry and stitching done.

2 Comments

Posted in Food, House hunting, Work

Weigh In and a Recipe

Posted on February 17, 2011 by Terri | 1 comment

Thank you all for your support over my last couple of posts. As expected I did have a gain today. I was up .2 #s!

Work was chaotic today and I ended up leaving an hour early. I came home and made some comfort food for supper. It’s super easy and even has the HarleyQuinn seal of approval.

Vegetable Beef Soup

1/2 pound extra lean ground beef
11 oz can of whole kernel corn
14 oz can of cut green beans
14 oz can petite diced tomatoes
1/8 cup of Emeril’s Essence or creole seasoning

Cook the meat and seasoning together. Pour in the veggies, juice and all. Bring to a simmer for 30 minutes and enjoy!

This makes 6 1-cup servings at 3 PP each. Double up and it’s still only 6 PPs!

I normally double the recipe and use 1 or 2 pounds of beef depending on what’s in the freezer. The only ingredient that is NOT a power food is the seasoning!

HarleyQuinn almost loses her little mind when you open a can of green beans so we fondly call this ‘green bean soup’ 🙂 M will pull out a couple of green beans to cool off for her (and Jasper) to eat at the end of our meal.

1 Comment

Posted in Recipe, Weight

Tagged emerils, weight watchers

Oh the joys of a busy life

Posted on February 16, 2011 by Terri | 4 comments

I can’t believe it’s been almost a week since I last blogged. There has been so much going on since my last post.

Work has been crazy CRAZY! We’ve had a case fall apart on us, one settle, and there have been so many little post-its on my desk that I had to stop what I was doing and just get them done. I hate when that happens.

Last Saturday was my monthly stitching day. Thank goodness, because that’s the only time I’ve made for myself to stitch lately!

I stayed the night with Melissa and the two of us were joined by Darla that night at Downtown Disney‘s Rainforest Cafe to celebrate Melissa’s upcoming birthday. The next morning Melissa and I headed back to Downtown Disney and had chicory and beignets at the Jazz Kitchen. Oh calories, how I love you! Especially donut-y calories! I actually have chicory coffee at my house and drink it all the time. It’s been a very long time since I made beingets though.

Then of course, Monday was Valentine’s Day. Much to my surprise, especially since he never said a word beforehand, M called me at 4:30 asking me if we were going out to dinner that night to celebrate. I left it totally up to him where we were going and since we couldn’t get early enough reservations at his first choice we went to El Torito’s and split a carne asada platter. It was the perfect amount of goodiness for my Mexican food craving self (I swear I could eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner — in the same day!). My gallant knight also came sweeping in with a dozen long-stem red roses, purchased from my favorite little mom and pop corner flower stand.

This morning’s weigh in at home for the Power of One challenge at Sisterhood shows me up some more, but you know…I don’t care! Ok, I care, but I’m living with it. After last week’s near meltdown over being up one pound I had a long think with myself — and a good talking to from M. This is lifetime. There are going to be times when the scale is going to go up, I just have to not let it defeat me, and get right back into the swing of things immediately.

Tuesday I packed a very healthy and filling lunch.

Last night I made up a quickie broccoli and beef stir-fry. I winged it with some pre-cut sirloin for fajitas that I tossed in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, added in some garlic powder, garlic pepper powder, kosher salt, ground ginger and “fried” it in 1 tablespoon of olive oil, I then poured in 1/2 cup of chicken broth, 3 tablespoons of soy sauce and while that was bubbling up I steamed up some broccoli, then tossed that in. It made 3 large servings. Well, it should have been 4 but M ate 3/4 of it!

Today, I packed the same healthy and filling lunch as yesterday and added in a banana and blueberries. Tonight it’s BFD (which we do a couple of times a week).

Is my official weigh in tomorrow at Weight Watchers going to show that scale going up? Probably. Am I going to freak out about it like I did last week? No. Am I going to be disappointed in myself. I’m going to try hard to not be, but I’m only human.

4 Comments

Posted in Food, Recipe, Weight

Tagged el torito's, weight watchers

TGIF Happy Dance #409 & Recipe

Posted on December 17, 2010 by Terri | Comments Off

Okay, that’s a lame title! Of course the 409 is for days left, but I’m really happy it’s Friday. This is the first weekend in a long time that I don’t *have* to do anything. I’m going shopping though.

I have a list of *trinkety* type items I want to look for for decorating, gifting, etc. I’m going to hit up TJ Maxx, Dollar Store, Target, Pier 1, etc. I’m also thinking of going to Joann’s to look for some FQs for Christmas/Holiday fabric for ornamentifying.

I cannot believe there were no comments about what I want for Christmas 😆 Didn’t anyone like my sweet little Pink Lady? 😉 M and I had great fun discussing the ramifications of some thug being shot by a girl with a pink gun. His jailmates would have a blast with it I’m sure. And can you imagine some female judge’s outrage if that girl had to shoot through her Dooney and Burke purse? Lifetime sentence, I’m sure!

M loved the recipe I mentioned and I’ll post the recipe when I get home. The ingredients are super easy and you probably have them all in your home right now, except maybe the capers. You know I may even remember the recipe….let’s see:

1 1/4 pound chicken thighs

1/4 cup flour

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 cup chicken broth

1 1/2 tablespoon capers

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Mix the flour and black pepper. Sprinkle it over the chicken. Spray a non-stick pan with cooking spray. Cook the chicken for 6 minutes, turn and cook for another 4. Remove the chicken. Pour in the broth and scrape any bits off the bottom of the pan. Return the chicken, add the lemon juice and capers, bring to a simmer, cover and cook until heated through.

Yep, I remembered! Easy-peasy. I used chicken breasts cut in half (through the middle). I used 1 tablespoon of olive oil instead of spray. I steamed green beans to go with it. M wants me to serve it with rice or something next time for the extra juice. The recipe as posted above is 5 Weight Watchers points per serving (2 thighs).

Still trying to tweak my 2011 Stitching Challenge. I was emailing back and forth with Melissa last night and she and I are also going to do a *no spending* challenge. Since I just started thinking about this 2 days ago I can only think of a few exceptions:

The fees for the stitching *class* I attend once (sometimes twice) a month. Because I’m paying that fee I’m going to be diligent about taking ONLY my needlepoint project and get my money’s worth of help from the teacher.
Anything needed to complete a current WIP from my challenge list.
Only finishing items for an ornament.
SANQ magazine.
JCS magazine after I look though it at the bookstore. This year I bought 3 issues. I know I can have a yearly subscription for just about what 3 issues cost, but I’m trying to *save* trees, too.

Guess I’ll have to post this at the bottom of my challenge page to keep reminding me that I’m trying to buy a new “stitching room” 😉

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Posted in Finances, Life, Recipe

Chocolate Peace Offering

Posted on December 12, 2010 by Terri | Comments Off

Since I’ve been super busy this weekend playing Marine wife and house decorator, I haven’t had time to take pictures…or stitch. M had his unit Christmas Party yesterday so I was tied up doing that after a mani/pedi appointment. Then last night was movie night for us so we settled down to watch something from our extensive library we haven’t seen in awhile.

Today has been spent at the grocery store and then cleaning. I have an old buffet that belonged to my grandmother that her brother built for her out of wood he found on Galveston beach after Hurricane Carla. I am setting out my small Santa collection on it for the holidays. I also baked today and as a peace offering for not having photos to share, here’s the recipe. It’s my own ‘creation’ and I’m calling them Brickle Brownies:

Brickle Brownies

1 package of fudgie brownie mix (I used Duncan Hines because it was on sale)

1 cup of Heath brickle (found by the Nestle Tollhouse chips in my baking aisle)

1 jar Caramel topping

1 tub of dark chocolate icing (I used Pillsbury because it was on sale)

Make the brownies by the directions on the box for fudgy brownies (not the cake type). Add 1 cup of the Heath brickle. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes in a 9×13 pan that has had the bottom only sprayed with non-stick spray. Test for doneness with a toothpick. Let cool for 15 minutes, then poke holes about 1 inch apart using a bamboo skewer. Pour the cararmel topping over the top and then let the brownies cool completely. Pull the lid and foil off the icing and microwave for 30 seconds. Stir it then pour it over the top and let it set (about 30 minutes). Enjoy!

I’m sending them to work with M tomorrow for his Marines.

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Posted in Decorating, Recipe

Quinoa Tabouleh

Posted on August 22, 2010 by Terri | Comments Off

1 cup prepared quinoa
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1 1/2 cups packed fresh parsley leaves (chopped)
1-2 tablespoons olive oil
juice of 1/2 lemon
salt

Toss all ingredients together and serve at room temperature. Serves 4

Nutrition facts:
Calories: 101
Calories from fat: 40
Total Fat: 5g
Sat: 1g
Trans: 0g
Sodium: 57mg
Total Carbs: 13g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 0g
Protein: 3g

Triathlete Sept 2010

WW points: 2

Personal note: Next time I make this I will increase the quantity on the tomatoes and lemon juice. I served it with oven “bbq’d” drumsticks. Yum!

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Posted in Recipe

Adobo Chicken

Posted on February 26, 2008 by Terri | Comments Off

Just for sweet Sue!

This is the way I do it. There are thousands of versions of this since Adobo is to the Filipinos what Apple Pie is to Americans 😉

These quantities are more than enough for 4 large chicken thighs. I happen to love the “juice” after it’s cooked and will make extra rice and vegetables to eat the next day for leftovers.

1/2 cup soy sauce

3/4 cup distilled white vinegar

2 teaspoons minced garlic

1/4 teaspoon minced ginger (not the powder stuff)

1 tablespoon dark brown sugar

If you take the skin off the meat before cooking, be sure to leave it on at least 1 piece. You really want a little “fat” in this recipe. I leave the skin on while cooking and just toss it before serving.

If you’re in a hurry: Mix all ingredients in a small bowl and set aside while you cook the chicken. Put your chicken in a pan large enough to spread it all out. Add enough water to just cover, bring to a boil, turn down the heat, cover the pan and simmer for 40 minutes*. Pour off the water, add the above mixture and cook on low heat for 20 minutes, turn the chicken, and cook for 20 minutes more. I usually cook my rice during the 1st 20 minutes, then let it sit the 2nd 20 minutes while I’m steaming my veggies.

If you’re not in a hurry: Mix all the ingredients, place your chicken in a slow cooker, pour the “juice” over it and cook it on slow for 6-8 hours. I do this when I’m cooking a lot of chicken and it’s great for when you’re using bone in breasts. Warning….the meat will be falling off the bone, and you’ll need to strain it so you don’t choke on a small rib bone – trust me on this.

I almost always serve steamed broccoli flourets with this.

*If you’re using chicken breasts, you may have to cook the chicken a little longer to make sure it’s tender. You won’t have to worry about this in a slowcooker.

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Posted in Recipe

And something I forgot

Posted on February 13, 2008 by Terri | Comments Off

I am going to probably start making my own bread again. Nothing fancy in the past, just my bread machine, but now I’d like some good french and whole wheat recipes and the recommendation of a good bread knife. I hate it when I try to cut my bread and the knife smooshes it. Just ruins the whole dang experience.

🙂

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Posted in Food

Give a gal a hand?

Posted on February 13, 2008 by Terri | Comments Off

I was off work again yesterday while 90% of the world went to work. If you read my blog then you’ll recall that staying home when most everyone else is at work makes me yearn to be a kept woman. I’m still on that quest. Yesterday, I spent lot of time thinking on how best to get me there. I have a couple of areas that need some major straightening out. They both revolve around money. We do not want for anything right now, and I’d like for it to remain that way when Kahuna finally retires.

I am trying to get my act together to where I don’t H.A.V.E. to work. Not today, next month, or probably even next year, but at the most in 5 years, I want to be able to be voluntarily unemployed. I don’t know if I’m the type of person who could just quit and be 100% financially dependant on Kahuna, but I would like to find out, and if I find myself going cabin crazy, I’d like to be able to either just be a volunteer somewhere, or if I feel the need for pocket money of my own, temp, or at the most work part time a few days a week. So, while I’ve been working on that, I’m wanting to ramp it up a bit.

With that I stand here, hat in hand, sort of, and ask you for your help.

I want Kahuna and I to start “eating clean.” If you have any resources that you personally swear by, I would appreciate the referral.
I want to only spend $300 a month to do the above and am looking for some “shopping lists” that accomplish that. So far I’ve only found $200 a month for 1 person. Right now I’m spending close to $500 and I feel like I’m wasting a lot of money.

I’m hoping by putting this out there, someone may suggest something that I haven’t thought of. I’m planning on going to the bookstore this weekend for a sit and browse and any books suggestions will be hunted down.