I'll Be Back, I Promise

Hello, fellow craft/cooking/educating/mothering enthusiasts!  I'm sorry I've been away for so long, and I'm sorry this is going to be such a boring post, but I have until May 2 to submit all of my papers for my final four courses of my college career (and some are due on the 28th & 29th).  Needless to say, I'm STRESSED.  Like, super stressed.  I can't make sense of my thoughts, and every time I think I do, they slip through my fingers and I'm left with new thoughts.  I can't believe my favorite paper from the semester is the first one I wrote--am I regressing in school instead of progressing? 

When I do return to my blog, I have sooo many pictures of kids, food, and who-knows-what-else to share!  It was my birthday last week, Easter this week, and it will be Snugglebug's birthday on Thursday.  I have yet to buy the ingredients for her frog cupcakes--or her present, for that matter.  I feel like such a bad mom, but I know this is almost over and then I'll have loads of time with the girls--or at least, that's the plan.  I do plan on cleaning, too.  I've been in people's houses where I thought, "Ewwww," and my house has far surpassed that "Ewwww" rating to an, "Ughh!  I can't believe humans inhabit this dwelling without contracting some funky neon glow from what is sitting around."  Yes, it's that bad.  I'm admitting it.

See you all after May 2nd, so long as I don't begin glowing in the interim. 

La Rosita...and Blooms

We tried a new restaurant this weekend:  La Rosita on Pearl Street in New Albany.  We are usually pretty hesitant about trying something new because a) our kids are so picky and b) we have kids :-P

To sum up our visit:

Final Grade: B+

Pros:  Easy parking, lots of tables, nice atmosphere (March Madness is happening, you know!), quick service, distinct Mexican flavor

Cons:  Music was a little loud (mariachi sound system), more expensive than other Mexican food we've eaten, husband didn't care for all of the distinct flavors, chips & salsa cost $

However, look at the four choices of salsa you get from your $2.50 (in four squeeze bottles):  from top left, clockwise:  spicey, tomato (more than just tomato paste), mild (smokey chipotle flavor), and guacamole (my favorite!)

I had to try one of their famous HUGE quesadillas.  HUGE isn't a big enough word to cover my steak, chicken, cheese, sour cream, and lettuce quesadilla.  This was vonderful!

Taco kid's meal Snugglebug didn't like because "it SMELLED."  Speaking of Snugglebug, here's the first funny joke she's really told:  Knock-knock.  Who's there?  Piggy.  Piggy who?  Piggy your nose!
She was rolling!

Open floor plan of the restaurant

Ok, I know this is a different subject, but I walked out of work today and saw these blossoms on the tree in front of the library--blossoms that weren't there a week ago.  I couldnt't resist taking a picture.

 

Have you noticed the blossoms yet?

On the Menu

Monday Night Menu: Gina's Pork Chops with Dijon Herb Sauce and Baked Seasoned Fries (and frozen corn on the cob and chocolate pudding)
I used to cook.  I really did.  Promise.  Past posts (very past) will testify to that.  So although I learned I was really out of practice, tonight was a nice cooking experience that reminded me...I secretly enjoy cooking (just not the mess..hint, hint, Hubby Dearest).

With cooking memories in mind, I decided to focus this post on my all-time favorite cooking blog: Ginna's Skinny Recipes. She create the blog for those following the Weight Watcher's points systems (both old and new). The idea was to give powerful flavor to low fat/calorie dishes so people losing weight would actually enjoy their new way of life.


Ok. With that said, I am not on Weight Watchers (although I probably should be), but I still love these recipes! That's how you know a good cooking blog--even when it's diet, it's still super tasty! Hubby likes the recipes as well, and the girls usually do, even though they are extremely picky eaters. (HOW I have a child who doesn't like much cheese or ketchup, I'll NEVER know)



Yummy! The above is my version of the pork chops that really boiled instead of fried, but I was ok with that--they were still tasty and are now one of Snugglebug's favorite dishes! She ate 2.5 pork chops! These are thinner than Gina's, so I reduced cooking time slightly.  I'm also not a fan of the texture of onions, so I scraped mine off onto Hubby's plate :)

Of all things not to have on hand, I was missing oregano! I couldn't believe it. But, I found some pizza seasoning and used that instead. I didn't have the Greek yogurt for the garlic aioli that goes with these, either, so ketchup had to suffice!

What's for dinner at your house?

Beautiful Weekend Glimpses

BeAuTiFuL WeeKeNd gLiMpSeS

Take two.  I wrote this post once, but my internet wants to mess with my mind.  Hey, I think everything wants to mess with my mind lately!



This was a start.  No, it is a start.  Not much, not huge, but I need to get up and move instead of being stuck in front of this computer screen all day. 

I walked into my mom's house yesterday and found huge piles of "stuff" that was my grandmothers.  Knowing I wouldn't be able to deter the immediate urge to rifle through all the things I remember from my childhood.  This old Bible is one of my favorite finds, complete with beautiful black and white drawing of various scenes.

There were a lot of glass pieces in boxes.  I never used to like this style, but I'm diggin' this piece.

Anyone whose known me over the years knows my passion for music boxes and decorated boxes.  This piece immediately caught my attention and my love.

What beautiful glimpses did you have this weekend?

Choosing My Next Crochet Project

So, I've made two hats, which surprised and amazed me because:  a) I had no idea I could create something so cute with crochet and b) I had no idea I would be able to do it so quickly!  I'm now on Spring Break, and although I'm overwhelmed with schoolwork that needs completed, I can't help but wonder...what should I make next? Here's what I like so far:

This has the delicate Victorian vibe that I've always been drawn to.  Does it look too complicated for only my 3rd project?  I'm a little intimidated.

Or, I may go a "simpler" route:

I would then add a flower or something else to "fancy" it up. Which pattern do you think should win?

I really like patterns by Drops Design, but I love the pictures of the free patterns I found...in Japanese.  I know I'm ambitious, but I've decided to draw the line at foreign language patterns just yet, even if they say they contain an equivalency chart.  Call me crazy. 

Funnies

Just to let you all know, I'm finally recording funny/weird things the girls say, so they will be listed on the pages sections of the blog...may not be funny for everyone, but they give me a chuckle :) 


Speaking of chuckles, I learned of a new website in an article I'm reaidng for class...hope all you Princess Bride fans enjoy:


http://www.angryalien.com/aa/princessbridebuns.asp

Warning: I haven't seen all (or most) of the videos, so some may not be appropriate....the above link is, though.

Sales, Muck, & Mmm!

The day began with the intention of visiting the Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival in Salem.  However, since we were starving, Hubby isn't a huge fan of pancakes/waffles, and our plumbing backed up (iiicck!), we stopped at Cracker Barrel first.  Next, we headed to the hardware store to get some drain cleaner.  Finally, at around 1 p.m., we headed to the festival.  And so did the rain.  Again, iiick.  The muck just looked too deep--not exactly conducive to the girls short legs.  Once again, the weather channel had it wrong.  Down with the weather channel!

I digress.

So, we maneuvered through the country roads and headed to the Little Treasures kid's consignment sale in Louisville.  Who needs to save gas or the environment anyway?  >: /

I spent about $80 at the sale (the picture doesn't include 4 My Little Pony toys), and I got some nice stuff for the girls for this summer and next fall.  They will both be wearing uniforms to school, but they need clothes for weekend and dress down days.  I normally shop these sales instead of resale or garage sales because they are:  a) orderly, b) clean, c) 1-stop shopping for clothes, toys, kids furniture, etc.

Next, we were starving again (we didn't eat much at Cracker Barrel in great anticipation for waffles with berries, whipped cream, and ice cream...and syrup, of course!), so we headed to Buca di Beppo, a place we go about 2-3 times per year.  It was super yummy, which helped improve our moods tremendously, as you can see from the above pictures!

The store may still be open at the Maple Syrup farm next weekend, so here's hoping...

What did you set out to do today?