My poor hubby's back went out this past weekend. He's been to the chiropractor twice now and will make another visit today. Thankfully Niel only throws out his back only every 4 to 5 years. He's pretty happy with the chiropractor and is thankfully getting better. The chiropractor advised lots of walking and apply heat. We brought an electric heat pad because the massage machine Niel was given as a gift was not really working for this sort of thing. Below is a picture of Niel on the floor when he thought that was a good idea also.

 


Today is National Bubble Wrap Day and National Popcorn Day. Fitting they are both on the same day since they both make popping noises. Heh.

I was supposed to post a meme I got from Shannon but didn't email it myself. I promise to do it for tomorrow's post.

Niel and I visited with Jennifer, her husband Renzo and their baby girl yesterday. Their baby is the sweetest thing. Very smart, active and verbal. She enjoys being a part of the conversation. I finally was able to give the baby blanket I knit for her to use for riding in the stroller. I know your not supposed to cover a baby with a blanket while sleeping. Atleast not that young. I used 8 large rolls of multi colored light weight cotton. I cast on 156 stitches across and 8 stitches made one inch. So it took a lot of knitting to make the blanket. Does that make sense? I am still new at this. On the other side of the blanket I covered it with a Peter Rabbit fabric. I thought it would look cute. I am miffed at myself because I took way too long to make it. I kept doing the blanket over and over again. Still not happy with the outcome but Jennifer and Renzo as usual were very gracious. I hope to be able to get better. We did enjoy the visit. They are a very nice and sweet family and we are happy to be around good people. Niel and I hope to visit more often. Below are pictures of the blanket and here are pics of the blanket from its beginning stage to now.

 


 


I was really sad when the Friday Five was over. But then I found Lisanne's blog and found out that she started the Friday Forum. So here is my first of many Friday Forum questions. Let me know if you want to partake either on my comments or your blog. Sometimes I will have 10 questions since I found a lot of old ones I would like to use.

1)If you could choose any warm-weather or tropical destination for the *ultimate* winter getaway vacation, where would you choose and why?I would like to go to Hawaii. I have heard many nice things about it and one of my favorite cartoons and television shows takes place in Hawaii. Although I wouldn't mind staying in the ice hotel. How would you spend your time while there? I would site see and eat yummy foods. Do you have any winter vacation getaway plans this year? Unfortunately not.

2)Would you prefer living in a place that had temperate weather all year round, or do you enjoy the change in seasons? I do enjoy the seasons. Although it is difficult to remember in the freezing temperatures or extreme heat sometimes. What would be the perfect weather climate for you? About 50 to 60 degrees. Not too warm or too cold. Which season is your favorite? Fall. The leaves change and its not too cold or warm. And all my favorite holidays I like begin then.

3)Are you interested in weather? I do watch the weather forecast. Do you ever watch the 24-hour weather channels? No. Have you taken any weather and climate classes No. Would you ever want to be a "storm chaser" or a meteorological? No.

4)Do you think that thunderstorms are cool or scary? When I am inside they are cool. Were you ever afraid of thunderstorms as a child? Probably. Have you ever gone out and played in the rain? If its heavy rain its yucky. Light rain during a heat wave is nice. Does rain make you feel down, or do you love the rain? Same answer as before.

5)Have you ever been in a tornado, hurricane, earthquake, or other severe weather? Thank goodness no.

I think I may have found a food that is even way too spicy for me. And trust me I love spicy foods. Indian food? Bring it on! Spicy pickled chili peppers? Oh baby! And then my coworker Susan recommend Cup A Noodles Chile Spicy Chicken Soup. It is very tasty. But when I first tried it, the back of my throat burned and that never happens! I still managed to finish the soup :) So maybe it's not too spicy for me afterall.

 

I am a big fan of Everyday Food The meals are for the most part light and always super tasty. So I was pretty happy to learn there would be a show based on it. The first show aired this month and is on every Monday at 8:30 on channel 21 in NYC.

 


I also made a separate link to some food sites. There is also a new page for "Help in the Kitchen".. I just went to some of my favorite sites and put all the information that has been useful to me in one place. And thought I would share. And updated "My Kitchen" page to include recent recipes I posted in the "In The Pot" section. Also there are some new meals up in my "In The Pot" section. I update these recipes weekly and then post it in the kitchen section when I again post a new one. You can find all this also on my side bar.

Lately we have been eating Nature's Promise. It is a Giant Food brand. Nature's Promise products are organic. They are free of artificial or synthetic colors and flavors and have absolutely no hydrogenated oils, bleached or bromated flours. And not only being healthy they are tasty. We came upon the company by accident. I was out of beef stock and Niel went to purchase some at our local supermarket. He saw Nature's Promise on sale and purchased some. When our supermarket is introducing a new product they have it on sale first. Which on a side note amazes me more and more every time I shop there. They offer organic and international products and a variety of produce. I found blood oranges there the other day. Will post about that some other time.
Anyway we enjoyed the beef stock so much that when we saw their nacho chips we had to give them a try as well. Again we were not disappointed. I recommend Nature's Promise.

 

As most know by now NYC and most of the North East and Mid West got a foot of snow and in some parts three feet. And only a little bit in the Mid Atlantic. Yeesh. It pretty much disable any plans we had for leaving the apartment. It was cold, windy and difficult to move around in. Niel and I were going to see Jennifer and Renzo on Saturday so I could give her little baby her surprise gift which I had been working on a for a while. That was going to be my original post for today. But alas it might be for Friday. And on Sunday we were going to pay my parents a visit. That did not come into fruition either. But things could be worse weather wise and they are for some parts of the country and the world.

It was kind of cozy being holed up in our little home with nothing to do. We caught up on some shows, did some cleaning, I did some knitting and Niel did some reading for work, ate chili and some nachos, and Niel played with his candles. He loves melting the wax and putting wicks into candle holders and forming new candles. I think he might get to do the candle part of my little business. Heh heh.

I also got to try a lovely new recipe from a new blog I stumbled on. I am enjoying Lisanne's blog. I did change a few things in the recipe. Which is funny because she also changed a few things also from where she originally got the recipe. I used whole wheat noodles, ground turkey instead of beef, I added Mexi Corn, and more chiles and used Sazon instead of salt and pepper.

On Sunday morning we braved the weather to go out and clean the car. The street looked like it had been cleared a bit. Don't know if by salt trucks or just neighbors. And a neighbor who had a snow blower cleaned the sidewalk. Which was nice of him. I am considering giving him a muffin basket to thank him. Here are pics of our snowed in weekend.

Goodbye Johnny you'll be missed.

 

 


I've made bacon, egg and cheddar scones twice now. They were so easy to make!I have made scones from scratch using this recipe and also using Bisquik. I think I actually got this method from an episode of Rachael Ray. And honestly both recipes tasted and felt the same. I don't have any problem getting help with baking. I figured Bisquik is just measured dried ingredients. I am sure you can use tons of other ingredients for variety. Like spinach and cheese, pepper and cheese. Below is my recipe for the Bisquik scones. Hope you enjoy!

Faked out Scones
2.25 cups of bisquik
2 1/3 cup of milk
1 egg scrambled
3 pieces of bacon cooked
1 cup of cheddar shredded

Form into balls or blobs. The dough will be sticky. It is ok. Bake between 8 to 10 minutes at 450. You can also reheat in the microwave for 30 seconds. They also freeze well. If they are frozen try reheating for a minute in the microwave. I would start low instead of high.

A few more talented people I would like to recommend purchasing from.

The first is Jessica who runs Rainy Sunday Crafts. I purchased a pretty fabric daisy themed book mark for a friend for Christmas.

 


Here is a closeup.
 


The second is Theresa who runs Sewing Star. I brought this cute kitty bag also for someone for Christmas.

 


And check out Meghan's blog. I hope to be able to purchase one of her lovely prints.

So if you haven't already visited their stores and/or blogs, today is a good day to do so. Happy visiting:)

This sweet little sheep I purchased from Tammy over at Polkadot Mittens.
For now he is going to go into my craft room for inspiration, along with the other trinkets that make me smile. A picture of Niel, various posters and books. Thank you Tammy he is adorable. Check out Tammy's blog if you already haven't.

 

Growing up in my household we loved munching on popcorn. My mom would put a bit of olive oil in a pot and sprinkle in some kernels and a few minutes later mountains of tasty goodness. When I went to school I heard about microwave popcorn. Tasty also but not as fun. Just more convenient. But a bit too pricy for my family. And then I heard about Jiffy Pop. Something similar to what my family did but with a twist. Niel
and I recently got to try it after I saw it on sale at Target for a $1.00. Pictures here.


 

I remember when I was a little girl reading one of the most beautiful pieces of writing. It was Dr. Martin Luther Kings Jr's "I have a Dream."
And then I learned what this baritone voiced gentle man gave up so everyone can have rights. I was very moved. I still am.
Sometimes though I worry that people have forgotten or have just ignored his struggle. And no changes have been made. I hope I am wrong.

 

I made a Caprese salad this week. I was inspired by Little Things Jan. 7 post. I had most of the ingredients already. I saw the smoked mozzarella at the supermarket and decided to give it a try with the salad. I had been curious about smoked mozzarella for a bit. I love smoked fish so I thought smoked mozzarella had to be yummy also. And I do adore cheese. Well it turns out I really do not like the taste of smoked mozzarella. Maybe it was the brand. I will try another brand and then finally decide if I will never eat it again. So sad. There wasn't really any cheese I do not like till now. Even if my stomach can't digest it too well.

The weather has been so dangerous in some parts lately(California and South East/Africa). I wish I could snap my fingers and make it go away.

And snow in Las Vegas and in Hawaii. What is up?

And may I ask WHAT IN THE HECK IS WRONG WITH PRINCE HARRY!!!! He should have stuck to sending money and supplies to the tsunami/quake victims.

In need of a baby name? How about Yahoo.

I used to be into quizzes a lot. Then I stopped for a while. But I've been finding some fun ones as of late. From http://j-mo.com/

You Are 24 Years Old

24 Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe. 13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world. 20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences. 30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more! 40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax.

What Age Do You Act?

And Jenn is back!!

Today's post is how I constantly hurt myself. I am just a clumsy person. Falling down stairs, slipping, tripping, etc. Physical therapists welcome me because of the damage I have done to myself. I burned three fingers on my right hand a few nights ago cooking Jambalaya. I let my hand get too close to the rising steam as I lifted the pot and within seconds my hand was pink and puffy. For two days it hurt if my fingers became wet. Which made it difficult to shower and wash my hands. I think dogs two towns away heard my howls. I tried to take a picture of my fingers but since I am so pale they don't come out too well. Yesterday I developed a huge blister. It was as if my finger decided to chew gum and blow a bubble. My knee still has not healed properly from when I crashed my go cart a month ago. No pictures to post from that either. Because the picture I had looked like a purple stain on some pale foreign object. That foreign object is my knee. And there was a the time I stepped on a nail and had to be hospatilized, and another time where I fell down a flight of stairs. Oh wait that was two times. Time to sew myself a full body suit with padding. Well maybe just kitchen mittens.

And not to have a completely gross post today. Here is a quiz I found on the cute Gnome G's blog.


Deb
(Please rate my quiz)


Which Napoleon Dynamite character are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

I love Napoleon Dynamite!!! Which character are you?

Goodbye creator of the bundt pan. Thank you for helping make cakes pretty.

I found out that Sunmaid sells mini boxes of craisins, dried cherries, currants, dates, apricots and yogurt covered raisins. They are quite yummy! Great when you just want a little something something, lunchboxes and work. Look at their product page for all that Sunmaid offers.

 

Look at what I got this weekend from my honey!

 


A fondue pot shaped like a Hershey's kiss. It's adorable! (Niel knows how much I like cute shaped items that have a purpose. I have ice packs shaped like an M & M, and a Oreo cookie, ice cream and a Jolly Ranchers. And small snack holders shaped like a Goldfish and a Cheerio.) Now I can have a fondue party. Maybe at our first monthly movie night we are considering having. I have two other fondue pots that I can use for a cheese sauce and another type of sauce. And now I have one for dessert (chocolate of course!). I know fonduing (is that a word?) was popular in the 70's in America and has sort of made a comeback. I have wanted to have a fondue party for a while now and now I can. Mmmmmm cheesy goodness!

A good movie I want to recommend I saw this weekend. It's called Dwarfs: Not a Fairy Tale Life.I saw it on cable. The film is about people who are born with skeletal dysplasias. It focused on various people that are born with with it. One person is a doctor, another person had the controversial limb extending surgery. The film is so well done and a little sad.

My first attempt at cooking dinner for Orthodox Christmas/3 Kings Day went pretty well. I realized later on that I made a low carb dinner without trying. This means I am in the mindset of just making a low carb meal without having to think about it too much. I am more comfortable with the idea of it. I made deviled eggs, spinach and artichoke dip, pesto mold, whole wheat baked chips with garlic and cheese, salad, roasted chicken marinated with olive oil, adobo, black pepper and paprika, and roasted root vegetables(turnips(in England they are called manglewurstler. Cute!)parsnips and carrots). And for dessert baked apples. My mom brought over Baklava and Niel's mom brought over meatballs. Here are a few pics. The camera died before we could take a picture of the mom's and the rest of the food.

And you would think that everyone would be banning together to help the people who are suffering because of the Tsunami Quake. These people do not think they have to.

On a daily basis I can think of so many things that can depress me. But if people are satisfying there needs who cares right? Hypocrisy and double standards are also rampant. Thank God for crafts and a good husband.

To my dear friend Maria I would like to wish you a very happy 30th birthday. You are funny and along with Niel keep me sane. Thanks for being my second oldest buddy and someone to talk to during the day.

It is always nice to come home and find a package. I received my Gifty 2 package from Enid yesterday! It was a very thoughtful package. I used to collect Beanie Babies, and ADORE the Ramona series. Plus I received an extra salt scrub to add to my collection. Thank you so much Enid! The gifts were lovely and out of the ordinary.
And thank you to Leslie for coming up with this fab idea. It is a great way to bring more bloggers together. I guess blogs are the modern way to make new friends. Hope everyone will have a wonderful weekend!

 

I would like to wish everyone who celebrates Orthodox Christmas or Three Kings Day a happy holiday!

People of the Orthodox sect of Christianity follow the Julian Calendar for Christmas. And the various cultures have their own way of celebrating the Orthodox Christmas. Some celebrate on the 6th while others the 7th.

In Israel Armenians celebrate Christmas on Jan. 18.

My family has been celebrating American Christmas since beng in America. This years marks our 25th anniversary. My mom usually makes Anoushabour for Christmas. It is a pudding filled with dried fruit, nuts and cinammon. Niel likes it. Here is a link for various foods eaten on that day.

In Armenia Santa Claus is referred to as Winter Grandpa. And the way people would greet one another is "Christ is born".

 


Pic from Amazon.

The Post Office has a special program where people can purchase phone cards for soldiers. So they are able to call their loved ones. Isn't that a nice idea!

I read in the Metro yesterday about a mother of three in Sri Lanka that was only able to take two of her three children to safety when the Tsunami hit. Imagine having to decide that! She figured her oldest who was only seven could run and did not need to be carried. Well the little boy did not run. He just hid in the family's home. But the family dog nudged the boy all the way to higher ground and saved both of their lives. What a wonderful dog!

There also have been reports about parents who lost children during the Tsunami are taking children who lost their parents. Some organizations are making sure that this runs smoothly. Good luck to them!

Editor update:
Squilky sent me a link to how some people are stealing these children for the black market. Disgusting!!!

I did do some cooking on New Year's Eve. Well baking actually. I made Key Lime Tarts. They were pretty tasty and easy. The only changes I made to the recipe were the cookies. I couldn't find just plain key lime cookies. The cookies I purchased had white chocolate in them. And the recipe called for store brought whiped cream, while I made the whipped cream from scratch. Ok I didn't actually milk the cow. I used half a cup of whipping cream, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of sugar. And mixed it all together with my mixer. Then added it on top of the cooled tarts. I used a Food Network picture because I forgot to take my own.

Key Lime Tarts 

New Year's Eve was nice and relaxing. Niel, and I ordered some Chinese food and waited for his mom to come by. We just ate and hung out. Niel's brother and Erin came by a bit later and we all watched the ball drop. I called my parents who were at another relatives house and wished them a Happy New Year. I think next year I will take a cue from Lisa and Laura and have a surf and turf dinner. It sounds like fun.

For a year now Niel has been talking about going into the waters of Coney Island with the polar bear club. His brother decided it was a fun idea and joined him. So the next day Niel, me, Mike and Erin head to Brooklyn. Erin and I just document the event and went along for support. The weather was beautiful. After getting to a bit of a late start we end up looking for a parking spot for quite a while. We finally found one and head towards the beach. Coney Island was of course packed with people enjoying the weather, walking on the boardwalk, having some lunch and also with people who wanted to jump into the water. We even saw this creepy guy in a thong. Niel ended up walking back to the car in his bathrobe. It was a lot of fun and I am glad Niel put his mind to something and did it! We were both apprehensive but prepared. There is talks of more wackiness. You'll hear about it when it happens. I wanted to get a hot dog from the original Nathan's but they appeared to be closed for Winter. Maybe when the weather gets nicer Niel and I will take a walk on the board walk since we already have been to the aquarium there. Here are pics of the event.

The next day we saw Blade Trinity I liked it. I knew I wasn't going in there to see and epic or anything so I was pretty prepared for some bad lines and acting. I thought Parker Posey was the worst. Triple H a wrestler from the WWE was also in the movie. I was pretty surprised at how many scenes he was in, considering this is his acting debut. Ryan Reynolds(a Canadian hottie and soon to be married to Miss Alannis Morisette) really stole the film. He is so funny and really made crappy material awesome!

Sunday I spent doing some cleaning and putting away laundry. Niel and I also managed to finish the guest room. For the longest time it was just that, a guest room. It had a bed in it and everything. But since we never had a guest that needed to sleep over, it ended up being a place to store laundry. Niel decided it should be a place for me to craft since I have been using the dining room and coffee tables. So we put the bed against the wall, vacumed and put back together my computer desk. (Thank goodness I did not throw it away) and used the mattress as a shelf. I brought these cute inexpensive bins I saw on Shannon's site from Ikea to store my fabrics, sewing supplies, craft supplies, wreaths, frames and other assorted items. Now I have a place to store and use my sewing machine that Niel gave me as one of my Christmas gifts! Very thoughtful of Niel. He also did a ton of purging, cleaned up his closet and "man" room and an accomplished assorted other projects in the apartment during his break. And it was all his own idea. I am very proud and impressed!

As I told Lady Gypsy Saturday Niel and I are going to have family over to celebrate Orthodox Christmas and Three Kings Day. Even though both those holidays are on the 6th. I wanted to wait till we have kids to celebrate them officially so they can know about both sects of their religion. But I figure why not celebrate it now? It extends Christmas, which I am bummed is over.