Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Meet me Monday!!!!!

Welcome to Meet me Monday :)  On Wednesday night. :)



1. Would you rather be on ABC's Extreme Home MakeOver or TLC's What not to Wear?
Well, when Extreme Home Makeover first came on the TV, they came to our little town, it was a huge thing in our town, locals and people that just lived around the area were here to lend a helping hand. A time where a close knit community became even closer. I felt bad for the family that was part of it because I think even now years later people drive up the road they live on and down the dirt driveway just to look at the house. When they were in town for the first year or so after the show was on air, people would stare and point and whisper at them, so to be honest I have to say that I loved that show but now I think I need new things to wear and look my best so i would say What not to wear!


2. Do you have any tattoos?
Yes I do, I have my first one in the one place every girl my age..... in the good old US of A and another one is on my wrist its a awareness ribbon, but I want to have a few more, in the next year I want to get one that celebrates the birth of my boys and want to celebrate my 10th anniversary with my husband. 


3. Do you tell your kids about things you did growing up?
Yes, my parents were very truthful with me so I will do the same thing with my boys. I feel like I was a good kid that didn't get in too much trouble and when I did I came home and told my Mom. I can only hope that my boys love me as I love my parents. 


4. If the traffic signal turns yellow, do you stop or speed up?
Speed up baby! Better watch out I will hit you! :) I don't second guess myself if I am going for it I will just keep going. 


5. What's your preference: chocolate or chips?
How about Chocolate chips! I would say Chips I love milk Chocolate but I have to say that my salt licks of chips especially at my favorite place to eat Masa :) 

Friday, January 20, 2012

Feature Friday..... My good friend..... from Mac Kids..

I love this girl so much.!!! She is amazing and as a fellow blogger I have to say that she is great at what she does for out community. Diane is the kind of person that you instantly feel close with, I know that this is a friendship that I knew at our first time meeting we were going to be close friends for the rest of our lives. This lady is just wonderful and what she does in our community and the connection she has made in our community and encourages other to make within our community is just a little glimpse on how special she is and her love for our little piece of the world is just why I love her and I know after learning a bit more you will too! 
Macaroni Kid answers the age old question, “Mom, what are we going to do today?” 

We've become the go-to source for everything Kid and Family in Kitsap County. Parents from Bainbridge to Belfair, Port Orchard to Port Gamble are thanking us. Macaroni Kid is their new secret weapon for streamlining their hectic lives. We help them find out about the coolest events happening in the area for their kids. We scour the internet, the cities, social media, and newspapers, getting up early to bring parents, grandparents, teachers and others the most current and comprehensive event listings. We're helping them save time and money. But most importantly we're helping them to have fun with their family and friends. 

What was there before Macaroni Kid? Well, I can speak from experience. Since my youngest macaroni kid was a baby, I've been trying to find fun (and yes, mostly frugal) activities that were largely local (and only occasionally in Tacoma or Seattle). Back then, I was looking for baby signing classes for her and mommy groups for me. Over time it evolved into more activities with more frequency as I found location after location that had something cool and exciting that would be something great for a child to experience.

So, I found myself searching countless different websites, reading newspaper calendar sections,  grabbing directories at the doctor's office, reading every flyer on every bulletin board I passed, and talking to friends about places they went and fun ideas to do at home. 

Around this time last year, I saw Macaroni Kid national in a publication (it's been featured in “O Magazine,” “Redbook”, and “Scholastic Parent & Child”) and pulled up the website. From the national page, you can choose a state from a pulldown menu and see if there is a newsletter edition for your area. The closest one to Kitsap at that time was South Sound, so I signed up! I also saw the 'Become a Publisher Mom' button and clicked on it. The rest is history.

After several emails (because I had so many questions) to national headquarters and LOTS of thought, I knew deep down that being a MacKid Kitsap Editor & Publisher was an ideal fit. Heck, I was already doing all the work for my own family, so why not share it with others!? Plus, it would put my journalism degree to good use.
I've turned my passion for research and writing into a business. While I still maintain my 'day job' as a non-profit grant writer and (print) newsletter editor and designer, perhaps one day MacKid will be my only commitment beyond home and family. For now, I balance it all because I believe so fully in the vision set forth by the MacKid founders. 

Since the introduction of Macaroni Kid in the Hamptons in 2008, MacKid has branched into hundreds of other communities across the nation. Other mom (and a few dad!) editors and publishers have found the value and extraordinary power of Macaroni Kid.
MacKid remedies a problem. It saves parents time. It's the perfect avenue for organizations seeking to get the word out about their events and programs, and for businesses to make their products or services known to the parenting population in Kitsap County.
Remembering how important MacKid is to so many thousands of Kitsap residents keeps me motivated. I appreciate the feedback I've gotten online and at events from parents, grandparents, and teachers such as: 


"I love macaronikid because I have three young and busy boys and it's awesome to have a place to find activities inside out of the rain!"
-Hannah H., mom of 3 boys


"My favorite thing of Macaroni Kids is that I am a Grandparent and it gives me the opportunity to see what activities are happening best way from me to keep up to speed."
-Gloria C.

Military families, too! Macaroni Kid is the ideal resource for families that are transplanted somewhere new.


"Macaroni Kid has been such a gift to my family! We moved here just 4 months ago. When we get to a new area, we love to explore and see all the sights, but getting here (our first duty station on the West Coast) it was a little overwhelming findings things to do. A friend suggested Macaroni Kid, and now when I see the email, I get excited and begin planning our next outings!"
-Jodi U.

What was the world like before Macaroni Kid? It's like explaining to your kids the difference between a cassette tape and iPod. Either way, you get your music. One is just way more convenient, accessible, user-friendly, and holds more variety.
With one click of a mouse you can answer that dreaded age-old question – What ARE we going to do today?
Macaroni Kid is FREE and you get just 1 weekly email on Friday letting subscribers know the skinny on what's going on in Kitsap. Sign up for Macaroni Kid Kitsap now! 
(when you do tell them Kingstongirl sent you!)
www.kitsap.macaronikid.com


Thursday, January 19, 2012

Thrifty Thursday..... Laundry for a year for $20.00????



Another week of Thrifty Thursday!
Can not believe all the fun things that I find on pinterest!
This is completely changed my life.
I found this recipe at my new favorite blog
being creative to keep my sanity

Also follow her on her Laurie's Pinterest!


With just having Twins and trying to get out of debt 
( like most we have a bit of it and it just seems to never go away
Especially with two babies in the NICU for 75 days!!!) 
So I am doing everything and anything to make it so we can live 
richer, saving money as we go along. Money that is for the important things in life. 
Making my two baby boys in to two great men with riches of experience and fun. 
I found on Pinterest


I am so Sick of buying laundry soap!! This stuff I found through Pinterest  is amazing not only because it is so much stronger then the store bought soap, but You only have to use 1 Tablespoon per load. This recipe makes a huge cookie jar full of soap ( I got my cookie jar at Wallmart)  
 1 year of laundry soap for less than 20 dollars? 
Seems like a steal to me.!


Seems like the monthly amount I was spending on soap can now go in the cookie jar for savings!

 I love the idea of not having to buy laundry soap all the time anymore. **This laundry soap also works just fine in  HE washers**
Here is the directions to make this great soap! 
Used it today on this nice shut in snow day and it turned out great!! 
Love, love, love it!

1 ~ 4 lb 12 oz box Borax (2.15 kg or 76 oz) found in the detergent isle

1  box Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda 55 oz (3 lb 7 oz) found in the detergent isle

3 bars of Fels-naptha soap, found in the detergent isle

1 medium container of oxyclean or store brand oxyclean (try to get about 3.5 lbs total (1.58 kg)) found in the detergent isle.
(this is optional, I added it into mine because I like the idea of the extra stain fighter and did I mention I have twin baby boys? :)

Enjoy! 
Next week make sure to check in to see what else thrifty I have going on..... 

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Wordless Wednesday......


Today is the weekly post of Wordless Wednesday! 
Because it is snowing outside here,  
thought you would enjoy these amazing photos! 
makes me love that fact that it only snows here a few times a year!
















Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Smokey Veggie soup. Tempt my Tummy Tuesday..

It is snowing out and they say it will be snowing a lot and we hear it is going to snow between 4 and 8 inches in the next 24 hours. I would like to snow like that if its going to snow. The roads where we live are so hilly that when it snows and freezes, you are on lock down..... So here is a yummy favorite that I make because it will warm nicely on the wood stove if there is a power outage. 

Smokey Veggie soup.....


1 (14 ounce) can chicken broth
1 (11.5 ounce) can tomato-vegetable juice cocktail (Like V-8)
1 cup water
1 large potato, diced
3 carrots, sliced
3 stalks celery, diced
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 cup chopped fresh green beans
1 cup fresh corn kernels  ( I use the frozen kind and it works fine too) 
salt and pepper to taste
Creole seasoning to taste
1 Tsp liquid smoke
1 tsp  smoked paprika 
Directions

In a large stock pot, combine broth, tomato juice, water, potatoes, carrots, celery, undrained chopped tomatoes, green beans, and corn. Season with salt, pepper, liquid smoke, smoked paprikia and Creole seasoning. Bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes or until all vegetables are tender.
Nutritional Information  

Amount Per Serving  Calories: 110 | Total Fat: 0.6g | Cholesterol: 3mg
* Photo credit from google. I forgot to check to make sure my memory card wasn't full and well it was and the pictures didn't save when a person like me hits delete all............. Crap! :) *

Monday, January 16, 2012

Meet me Monday...

Meet me Monday....again. Time is flying by so fast! I wouldn't want it any other way. Would you?  


1. Do you sing out loud in the car when you're driving?




Well, Yes, Yes I do. I am the next big thing in my car...maybe in my mind :) 
 I will sing. I will rock it out and sing my heart out. But, only until I pass a car or a car passes me or I come to a red light. Then, I'm all cool as can be and acting so very nonchalant. What I would do should someone see me same thing comes to play when I am in my car eating alone. Oh the things I will pass on to these boys! :) 


2. What would you never be caught doing?


Singing in my car? ;) He!He!




3. Will you go #2 in a public restroom?


Heck to the no!!


Well...unless it is an EMERGENCY!!! 


I have to have some major urgency going on before I allow myself to poo in public. And, then, I make as much noise as possible (flush toilet, grab tp, cough), or wait for someone else to flush before I go. It's a major thing, I can not wait to get out of there, Looking at my shoes the whole time thinking that the person next to me is going to notice what shoes I am wearing and then look me up and down in the middle of Barnes and Noble. Oh hell this is sad I am even answering this question on my blog. .


4. Have you ever broken a bone?


this past summer for the first time but nothing but an air cast. 


But, judging by my crooked fingers and wonky hangy down rib, I think yes a few times... Unless the crooked fingers were caused from my ultimate sweet basketball playing skills that I hurt trying out for the girls basketball team my 9th grade year....never tried that again. . DId I tell you that I failed PE? For a few reasons but one of those reasons is because I didn't want to look stupid in front of people in school, I might not have acted like it but I was very insecure. I have to say at many times I am still to this day. 


5. Do you prefer cooking or baking?


both but neither at the same time, I have to be in the mood for both. I am into healthy cooking and being that I am type one diabetic I can't have all the sugar so I try to learn new things all the time that have less sugar in it, I truly think that if I do this now it will help my kids not know the difference. 
I know I said in pervious posts that I love my diet coke, and I truly do I love it because I can drink it with out it raising my blood sugar, I also love my Chrystal light and lemon and lime water. So to answer the question I love to and hate to do both my moods have to be right.....








Monday, January 9, 2012

Meet me Monday..

W


1. What is the weather like where you are and do you like it?.


This year the weather has been so crazy mild.  I am LOVING this weather. Today I went out without a coat. the temp reached 50 with the sun out and shinning and the sunset tonight was amazing as if we were in the middle of sumer. 


2. When you're sick what do you seek comfort from?


A few things, My bed, my hubs and 7 up! .


Plain and simple, if I'm really feeling down and out, I just want to sleep. I'm pretty sure I've mentioned it here before, but my method of dealing with stress is to sleep. It's like my body just wants to shut down.


3. What do you need to do before the end of the month?
I need to get the house in order and figure out when I can re-do the Craft shed :) I want to do this so when both boys are home after our very long 3 months in the NICU in Tacoma, so I am doing what I can to get ready for when that time comes. 


4. Have you ever served on a jury?
.
No. I haven't. I have been selected for a summons for jury duty. I forgot about the date and missed it so I have a bit of guilt about that but didn't get in trouble. A small Part of me thinks it would be fun and the other, the bigger, the much MUCH bigger part of me thinks it would be a mess.


I've already thought up several "mistruths" that I could use to get me "deselected". Depends on the case, of course. ;) SHHHH!!!!! Don't tell on me. 


5. If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
I would want to be my parents dog. Spoiled and loved to pieces. They are amazing to their pups. 

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Weekend blog hops that I did this weekend.


Free Hot Samples


           I use to do these often and know that meeting new blog friends is so very important. 
SO today I am doing a blog hop and can't wait to meet some new friends. Join in on the fun if you feel like it. 
Join in with this as well if you feel like it. 
Also make sure that you check out these other bloggers. 

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Keeping up with the Cantelmo's


Blog Hops Everyday





Friday, January 6, 2012

Thrifty Thursday.....



The world around me is overwhelming on where to pinch pennies and where to keep it real. I have been learning from the best my sister Erin she is a coupon queen.  Now we are not the stock pile coupon ladies that don't have a cat that buys 100 cans of cat food.   With that being said I do get the things that I need to have and know that I will be using. 


I have always been thrifty so I am going to try some things each week and on Thursdays I will give you the updates and what I thought of it.  


How are you keeping warm this January? If you are in the Good old PNW it has been freaking crazy with warmth and not nearly the rain like we should have. Not even any snow. We have to go to the Mountains for that. 


Our heat is from a wood stove and with two new babies in our house to keep warm we need to keep the cost down of the power, save on the wood for the cooler nights and keep them nice and toasty.  


So this Thrifty Thursday I have had to adapt to the cold with some cleaver ideas......

Tights are being worn under my PJ bottoms and babies are wearing the fleece Pj's. 



to keep the blood flowing with out new games we were given at Christmas.... The new Disney game, Some sports games and the new Dance game. :)  



Home made warm and soft blankets are being used to their full benefit. A few extra on the bed and three on the sofa. Adding lots of lovely layers are being piled on. Its so cozy in the evening to snuggle and read by the fire or watch a movie on Hulu.....


Here are a few tips for keeping you and your house warm on the cheap.

* Place tin foil on the wall behind your radiators. Seriously it works. ( an old trick that most of our grandma's knows.) 

* Find the draughts and stop them! Got the wind rolling in under the door and through the window cracks? Make a draught excluder(Google it) If you need a very quick fix grab an old pair of tights or a stocking and stuff full of newspaper. It's not pretty but when it's cold it will keep you warm!

* Put a spare duvet or blanket underneath the bottom sheet on your bed. It should warm you up on the VERY cold nights!!! It is a great idea to help keep in the warmth. I use a feather bed and that makes us nice and toasty as well. You can get them at Target for a King size for a little over a hundred dollars. 

* Let the sunlight in. As tempting as it can be to tuck the curtains in to keep the warmth in, open them up to let sunlight do it's job. When the sun goes down make sure to shut them back up. You can add the sheets of clear plastic to your windows as well this keeps in the heat as well. Especially if you are in a home that was built in anything before the mid to late 70's.

* Get cooking and baking! Then leave the oven door open after you shut it off. This will give you a little extra warmth. 





*Sleep naked under all those covers and cuddle with your spouse! :) I wonder if this is why we have a high amount of Fall babies. 



Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Wordless Wednesday......

Today is Wordless Wednesday and because of that lets stick to the same theme. 
I will keep the words down but check out this link Historic Tacoma and see all the great pictures and read the rich city history. 



11th st. Tacoma July 4, 1928http://earthseaimagery.com/images/Circus_Parade_in_Tacoma_WA_circa_1900.jpg

Monday, January 2, 2012

Tempt my tummy tuesday

So many yummy things to eat.... going with the Tacoma post so here is some Southern fried Chicken. 

Ingredients

  • 1 (3 pound) whole chicken, cut into pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • salt to taste
  • ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 quart vegetable oil for frying

Directions

  1. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. Roll in flour.
  2. Add 1/2 to 3/4 inch oil to a large, heavy skillet. Heat to approximately 365 degrees F (185 degrees C). Place chicken pieces in hot oil. Cover, and fry until golden, turning once, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain on paper towels.                 

  • If you want to make fried chicken, you can get good results using a fryer, broiler, capon, young chicken, and roaster or game hen.
  • Soaking the chicken overnight in brine or buttermilk makes the meat more tender and juicy.
  • Slice whole chicken breasts in half for more even cooking. They also cook faster like this.
  • Adding celery sticks to the frying oil enhances the color and flavor of the fried chicken.
  • Dry any wet utensils before they touch the hot cooking oil to avoid the hot fat spattering.
  • Use tongs instead of a fork to turn the chicken. A fork might pierce the skin and the chicken will lose juices.
  • If you like your chicken fried, try peanut oil. It gives the chicken a great flavor.
  • Drain fried chicken on a brown paper bag or metal rack. Draining it on paper towels might make it lose crispiness. In addition, covering it will make it lose all crispiness.
The above tips should help to ensure your fried chicken recipes are delicious. If you are using a whole chicken and you have some left over, you can put them in a pot with carrots, parsley, and water to cover. Simmer until the liquid reduces by half, strain and refrigerate. When the mixture is cold, skim off the fat and use it in soups and sauces. You can also freeze it.

A few things I love.... to eat in Tacoma.

I have to say that I am pretty happy that the holiday season is very close to be under wraps and put away for a year. This season just blew past me with out warning, I do miss that I didn't really get to be home and that I was stuck in the hospital and the hospital housing. 


While I have been down here something I never thought could happen has......... I have fallen in love with the City of Tacoma. It was always a city that I never really spent to much time in. A town that I would simply drive past. Now that I know all the back ways to get to and from places without taking the freeway. Ever sense my parents accident in September. In doing that we have fallen in love with some amazing places to eat and shop.  6th Ave runs from the first exit once you leave the Tacoma Narrows bridge you can drive it all the way down to down town Tacoma. 


We have fallen in love with Masa a Tex Mex Restaurant that has a to die for Chips and Salsa and the best happy hour that is all day SUnday thru Wednesday.


 There is a place to eat some wonderful.  southern food called Southern Kitchen it has the most wonderful fried chicken I have ever eaten in my entire life. 


My Dad took us to Red hot. Where I stepped out on the wild side and got a hot dog that had bacon and Peanut butter, it is a bar so you have to be 21 or over to go there but they go once a week to the Seatac airport and pick up hot dogs flown in from Chicago!   


After long days at the hospital walking to the local areas to have a different bite besides the lunch room food at the hospital we found a few other places all within walking distance to the hospital. that we found we liked as well... A place called the Hub that has a brewery right below them, & the best Yogurt shop Called Gibsons, just to name a few of the places we have been making our regular stops in at.  


Over the time that I have been here in the darkest emotional days of being here with my boys so sick I have become a person in love with the community of Tacoma, the business people, the people on the sidewalk and walking in the park, it is amazing to me that in this big city second to Seattle in our state that you can still feel like it is a small town. A love that I was very embraced and loved in. The town that has held us and continues to hold us and our boys while we make it a home away from home will always have a very important and special place in my heart. Do yourself a favor and make some time to go down to Tacoma and plan a trip on a tank.  I will post the next few weeks about what to do and where to do it in Tacoma. Just try it 
& you will Fall in love like I did!!