Austin Vacation

We had an awesome mini vacation in Austin. Since living here in Texas we've now vacationed in Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin. We really enjoyed Austin and it's culture!

On our way to Austin we stopped in Brenhem at the Blue Bell Creamery. They offered tours but we declined - they were an hour long and I don't think the kiddos would of held up well for these. So we browsed around the creamery, had a picnic and enjoyed some fresh ice cream. The price was great - $1 per serving and they give you two big scoops. The kids loved it - their favorite flavor was a snicker doodle.

Once we arrived in Austin we settled into our hotel and then headed over to Whole Foods for dinner. Whole Foods was actually fonded in Austin so they have an amazing store there. It was a happening place! There was just soo much choice!! Our favorite was International food - Mediterranean and African. After that we headed back to our hotel and settled in for the night to be fresh and ready for our next days adventures.

On Friday we enjoyed breakfast at the hotel and then headed out to "dancing fountain park" officially named, Butler District Park. This was the boys favorite, with no surprise as they both love water. It was a cute water park it offered holes that spray water and many little wadding spots as well. After this we enjoyed a picnic together and an ice cream from a nearby restaurant "Sandys". Then we headed back to the hotel for the kiddos nap. After nap time we headed out to Whole Foods again.

On Saturday we enjoyed our breakfast at the hotel then headed to a Farmer's Market. It was so nice! There was a live band playing some folk music that Andrew enjoyed grooving too! We enjoyed some snow cones here and bought some local honey that tasted amazing. After this we headed to Zilker Park and enjoyed a train ride. The boys really liked this! For lunch we went to Jack in the Box seems how Matthew had been asking for it for some time. After our nap time we headed back to Zilker Park to enjoy the playground. It was nice but more designed for older kids and it was crowded...but the kids still had fun nonetheless. And of course Whole Foods to eat again. :-)

On Sunday after our hotel breakfast we went to the "dancing fountain park" again. Once the boys dried off we went to Central Market (North Lamar location). They offer a nice outdoor lunch and playtime with again live bands. Then it was time to head home...

I eyed a Mrs Bairds Bakery Outlet on the drive to Austin...that we planned to stop at on the way home. But sadly it was closed on our arrival. Upon doing some homework I've found one close to home so that will be for tomorrows blog....

Off to Austin for a few days...Vacation Time!

We are off for a mini Vacation today. Yesterday it vacation started with a trip to Discovery Green Park. It's an awesome park - The kids LOVED it! It had a fountain place that they played in for at least an hour. Then they made their was to a playground - the floor of the playground is rubber so it's OK when they fall. How nice is that with the rate of skinned knees for Matthew and Andrew just beginning his walking days. We all enjoyed a lovely picnic on a blanket that I packed. And we shared some sweet potato fries for a treat they were soooo good!!! To top the day off for dinner last night we took the boys to Rainforest Cafe. At first Matthew was a little scared because they have simulated Thunder storms in their simulated jungle. Once he got past that part he loved it too!!!

Pillow Cases - Sewing Project!!

This is my latest project. It's homemade pillowcases. I've made a few of them so far - Race car and baseball for my son. Princess and Dora for our good friends - Mel's girls "Isabella and Eliana". A Hannah Montana one and the one in the picture for my niece Sarah. I plan to make more for friends and family for Christmas yet!!! They are fun an easy too!

Take a Hike Ike!

I haven't blogged since Ike has hit us! It's been our first real encounter with a hurricane since we moved to Texas four years ago. Yes we are hurricane rookies, see our dear friend Tim's blog to poke a little fun at us :-).

The preparations started about a week ago. Our friend's helped board up our home, we had our hurricane kit all stocked with lots of food and supplies, and our generator all ready to go. The night of the storm our little family bunkered down in our huge closet for a night of "camping". I made popcorn and s'mores to lighten the mood for our children. We really didn't sleep much. Our baby cried and our toddler didn't like "that wind sound". All and all we have been so very lucky though! We only lost our power for about twenty hours and not very much damage. Our banana tree was cracked and our fence buckled in one area. It could of been so much worse.

Most people in our surrounding area were not so lucky. As of this coming Tuesday only half of the electric company's customers are projected to have power. We've loaned out our generator to a friend without electricity. His dad has diabetes and needs to keep his insulin cold. The death toll is at about 50. Grocery Store shelves are pretty empty with food. Victims are on their way to PODs for food and water. There are long lines at gas stations. So, the news is not good here!

I feel thankful yet sad. Thankful that for such great neighbors, and that we are all safe. Sad to see so many people surrounding us going without bare needs. People are resilient here, with time things will be back to normal just a little patience...

Fun Family Adventures!!

What a great day! Today the four of us went to Katy Mills Mall - not to shop but to play. The boys played and played in the play area. Then, we took them on the carousal and boy did they love that. Little Andrew was laughing out loud. We enjoyed a picnic of peanut butter sandwiches, grapes, and a cupcake. Stopped to look at a super cool fish exhibit at Bass Pro Outdoor Shop - that's where the pic of Matthew and Daddy is from! It was an all around great day!

Sure beats yesterday when Matthew got gum stuck in his hair so I had to buzz cut it and Andrew was scratched by our cat on his face! I was glad they were due for pictures!!

Menu Plan Monday

I know I'm a day late. But with Labor Day and my hubby being home I was busy with our little family! Here it goes...

Monday - BBQ Salmon and carrots
Tuesday - Penne Pasta with Sun dried tomato sauce and Buttery Bread Rolls
Wednesday - Lasagna with left over Buttery Bread Rolls. This is a TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein) dish!!!
Thursday - Vegetarian Chili with WW Cornbread
Friday - Hamburger Barley Stew with Peasant Bread
Saturday - left overs
Sunday - BBQ by my Hubby :-)

Thanks to Gayle for the inspication for some of these meals!!! Check out her Rockin Blog!!

On my way back to the swing of blogging!!

I've been busy with family time, that's my excuse for not keeping up with blogging lately.

We had our poppy (my hubby's dad) visiting (from Novia Scotia) with us for the past three weeks. We enjoyed many many adventures. From Chuck E Cheese, Incredible Pizza Company, Ice Cream, Baseball Games. And, we also had the boys birthday party!!

We had such a great time with Poppy and are happy that he may spend Christmas with us. Now it's time to get into the swing of things again!!!!

Here are some pics from our adventures....

Friday Recipe Swap - Buffalo Chicken (Weight Watchers)

It's Friday, goodness this week flew by! It was a crazy one with my hubby away on business and a Hurricane in the forecast. I'm glad it's over!!!

Here is my recipe for Friday's Recipe Swap. Visit Gayle's - The Grocery Cart Challenge to play!!!

Ingredients

1/4 cup Lousiana-style hot sauce (here is a chance to use up some Frank's!)

1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (Tobasco)

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

2 Tablespoons butter

1 pound skinless boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch chunks

2 carrots, cut into sticks

3 celery stalks, cut into sticks

1/2 cup fat-free blue cheese dressing

How To

Combine the hot sauce, pepper sauce, and Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat; bring to a boil and cook 1 minute. Remove from the heat and add 5 teaspoons of the butter, stirring until melted. Melt the remaining one teaspoon of the butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring frequently, until well browned, 8-10 minutes. Add the pepper sauce mixture and cook for about 1 minute longer, tossing the chicken to coat. Serve with the veggies and dressing.

Goulash for a frugal quick meal

There is a great blog out there that I have learned so much from that I have spoken of in a couple of my previous posts. This blog is "The Grocery Cart Challenge" the creator is Gayle. And she is doing a recipe swap on Fridays. We are sharing our own frugal and quick recipes via a link on her web page. So here is my contribution this week!

This week I am sharing Mom's Goulash. I remember my Mother making this when I was a child. I don't know if it was her reason to make it because it was frugal and easy. But nonetheless I remember her making it and she still does to this day. I have to be honest it is not a favorite of mine but my brother always loved it! I'll admit to being fussy at times - I am easy to please but picky at the same time. For example a simple bowl of cereal and I'm happy :-)

So here is the recipe for Mom's Goulash.

Ingredients
1 lb hamburger meat
1 (26 ounce) can tomato soup
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can tomato soup
2 (8 ounce) bags macaroni
1/4 cup chopped onion
salt and pepper to taste

All you do is brown the hamburger meat and onion add the tomato soup. While doing this boil the macaroni. Then drain the water from the macaroni and add it to the meat mixture. Add some salt and pepper to taste. You can also sprinkle some Parmesan cheese if you desire.

And if you do not have any tomato soup on hand try using ketchup!

There you go!!!

Time To Make The Donuts!!!

Inspired by "The Grocery Cart Challenge" - This morning I treated all three of my boys (that's including my hubby) to homemade donuts. My oldest son was the first one to try them, then he called on the rest of the crew to come enjoy the tasty treats! I have to admit I was intimidated with the thought of making donuts from scratch at first. I am actually a good baker but the frying and shaping of the donuts worried me at first. But the recipe (here) is actually pretty easy and they turned out pretty good! The recipe made 14 donuts and a bunch of donut holes so, I froze half. If I didn't freeze them they would be gone in no time and they are a treat in our household....we do try and eat healthy. Being Canadian it's in our blood to just LOVE DONUTS! Thanks again Gayle from "The Grocery Cart Challenge :-)

Menu Planning Monday

I know I know I'm late with this...

I did my grocery trips this weekend. I'm still intrigued with The Grocery Cart Challenge. I am a work in progress but I'll get there!!! My overall goal for this month is $450 - so let's see!? I think that is realistic and who knows with time I may improve but the goal is to maintain. I want my family first of all to eat healthy and not to feel deprived. I am pretty much up to $300 now - but I have plenty of meals planned and and abundance of food to last at least until 07/22 so I predict all is doable. My curve ball right now is the Safeway Summer Saving Promotion. Check this out over with Money Making Mom. I plan to stock up with the savings using Safeway Summer Saving Promotion, while planning my meals and grocery trips with The Grocery Cart Challenge and maintain my budget. We'll see how it goes!!!!

Menu Planning Monday

Breakfast
Any fruit breakfast cobler
amish baked oatmeal - Another big hit in our household
weight watcher pumpkin muffins
buttermilk pancakes (froznen from last week)
orange julies smoothies - my kids and are lovin these!! And I enjoy them as well!!

Dinners
Vegatarin chili with weight watchers corn bread
Oven Fried Eggplant with marinana sauce
crockpot potato chowder - a hit with both my kids :-)
salmon loaf and brocolli
vegatarian meat loaf with green beans
ranch potatos

Ground Beef Gyros

Falfels - One of my personal favs. but it's growing on my hubby!

Snacks
babysitter cookies
brownies

Fun Times!!

Yesterday we enjoyed a fun day with our special friends from Popsicles on the Porch. We went to a Memorial City Mall Play area, had lunch together and ended the day with a ride on the carousel. It was simple but fun times. The play area is very cool - it is gated with a guard on patrol so no kiddies can escape. You still have to keep a close eye on your kiddos but there is a little degree of relaxation because you don't have to be running after them to keep them contained. It was our first time there and we'll certainly be returning. FUN TIMES!!!

Grocery Shopping Day...and Happy Canada Day!

Today is Canada Day - My husband and I are Canadian and our boys are American but made with Canadian parts! LOL



To follow up with yesterdays post today was my grocery shopping day! I actually got a LOT of groceries for a total of $75.01. I have everything to cover the meals in my blog from yesterday plus lots and lots of extras. I saved $14 with coupons! Yeah! Both my husband and I are cereal fanatics. Today I got Honey Nut Cheerios for 75 cents and Kashi cereal for 50 cents. I got the Kashi cereal deal from Money Saving Mom CVS June 28 posting. Thank You Money Saving Mom!!! After reading The Grocery Challenge blog I am curious to see what my Grocery Bill will be for the month?!?!?

Menu Planning Monday

Breakfasts

Apple Pie Muffins
Buttermilk Pancakes
Starbucks Scones
German Apple Pie Pancakes
Swiss Muesli
Yogurt Pops

Dinners

Crock Pot Potato Chowder
Black Bean and Tortilla Bakes
Ground Beef Gyros
Falafels
Broccoli and Rice Quiche

These recipes can be found on The Grocery Cart Challenge page. I am intrigued by her challenge. And while I know I'll be spending more then $50 a week to feed my family of four - I'm playing a game of sorts!!!! We'll see where it goes?!?!?!

Mumsie's Visit

I know - it's been a long time since I blogged.

I thought I'd post some pics from our visit from Mumsie. She stayed with us for a little more then a week at the end of May. It was fun times!! Our time was filled with things such as trips to the pool/park and the Children's Museum. Chris and I got out on a nice date together - we got to enjoy a nice quiet dinner together. I had a nice break from cooking dinner. Did I mention before that she's a fantastic gourmet cook?! We certainly had some great family time with her.

As with all family visits the hard part is when they leave. We all miss them so much!

My Family From Calgary

For the past week my one and only sibling "Sheldon" and his family (wife "Shannon", children "Hannah" and "Sarah") have been visiting. We all had a wonderful time getting together again. Our last rendez-vous was June, 2006 - So we were due for some good times together! Our week consisted of lots of fun - Chuck E Cheese, A road trip to San Antonio (later blog), Easter Egg hunt, yummy eats, and of cousre shopping. :-)

Matthew totally enjoyed seeing his Canadian family! He awoke from his nap the first day saying "Where's My Sarah". They had a brother - sister kind of bond. They played and fought, we would here things such as "Mommy, He's touching me!" ,"He took my puzzle"etc.. Then when they would be briefly separated they would say "I like playing with my cousin". Or, "Can Matthew ride in my car".

Now today is the sad day...they've left and returned home to Calgary. Today Matthew was sitting rather still in the living room and I asked him "what's wrong little buddy ?" His reply "I miss my cousins". And, he's said "I need to find Sarah and Hannah". So today we are playing together - blowing bubbles anything to cheer up my little guy and take his mind off his missing family....

We've made lots of memories to Cherish the past week!!!

Books Are Our Friends!!!

One our our favorite things to do with our boys ever since the beginning, is to read with them. It is part of our routine to read before our daily nap and read before bedtime. Lately, Matthew's favorites have been the Mercer Mayer Little Critter books.

His first Little Critter book was the "Little Critter Collection" it was a gift from Auntie Lindsay. And it got me hooked! They are so cute - The character in them "Little Critter" reminds me so much of Matthew.

Tonight we read "Just Me And My Little Brother". After it, all Matthew said was "again, again, again" - after the third time through I had to say it's night night time now sweet angel. And to my amazement he listened and settled down for the night. It is such a cute read though!

Week At a Glance...

I've been inspired my Mel to get a little more organized. And this girl is right...it does feel good!! It makes your week less stressful, all of us moms can use that right!? So, I briefly last week jotted down my chores and did up a little schedule. I mostly followed this week and it did feel good. I didn't get 100% of it done, I'll be honest. I found myself busy early morning and nap time. I did do a little when the boys were awake too, trying to balance spending qt time with them and getting things done too!

At the end of the day I could visualize what I accomplished besides tackling monsters for my toddler and comforting my babies crys. Yes the later are the most important but it's nice to have our home running smoothly.

I welcome any feedback on how to make my schedule run even smoother ... and with time I hope to get there....

List of chores
Laundry - Tues/Friday
dusting - our bedroom, boys bedroom, office, living room - weds
beds - daily making, weekly washing sheets (Monday)
wash kitchen floor - Tuesday
meal planning - Friday
bathrooms - Chris weekend
grocery shopping - weekend
windex windows - Monday
vacuuming - living room daily. the rest Monday
ironing - Monday
cleaning out fridge - Thursday
coupons - Sunday
towel/dishcloths washing - Monday, wed, Friday

schedule
Monday - vacuuming, windex windows, ironing. sheets, towels
Tuesday - Laundry, wash kitchen floor
Wednesday - dusting, towels
Thursday - cleaning out fridge
Friday - meal planning, laundry, towels


daily chores
make beds
clean kitchen
sweep
wipe down counters

Buffalo Chicken!!!

Here is a recipe that I want to share. My sister-in-law shared it with me! I made this during superbowl for my hubby who has recently lost changed his eating lifestyle (we don't like the word "diet" - dosn't sound fun!). He loved it!! My two year old actually enjoyed it as well. It tastes very much like buffalo wings.


Weight Watchers Buffalo Chicken Recipe

1/4 cup Lousiana-style hot sauce (here is a chance to use up some Frank's!)
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (Tobasco)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 Tablespoons butter
1 pound skinless boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch chunks
2 carrots, cut into sticks
3 celery stalks, cut into sticks
1/2 cup fat-free blue cheese dressing


Combine the hot sauce, pepper sauce, and Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat; bring to a boil and cook 1 minute. Remove from the heat and add 5 teaspoons of the butter, stirring until melted. Melt the remaining one teaspoon of the butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring frequently, until well browned, 8-10 minutes. Add the pepper sauce mixture and cook for about 1 minute longer, tossing the chicken to coat. Serve with the veggies and dressing.

The Cup of Chocolate

The Cup Of Chocolate

A group of graduates were talking at a reunion and decided to go visit their old university professor, now retired. During their visit, the conversation turned to complaints about stress in their work and lives. Offering his guests hot chocolate, the professor went into the kitchen and returned with a large pot of hot chocolate and an assortment of cups - porcelain, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some very exquisite - telling them to help themselves to the hot chocolate.

When they all had a cup of hot chocolate in hand, the professor said: "Notice that all the nice looking, expensive cups were taken, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal for you to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. The cup that you're drinking from adds nothing to the quality of the hot chocolate. In most cases it is just more expensive and in some cases even hides or distorts what we drink. What all of you really wanted was hot chocolate, not the cup; but you consciously went for the best cups... and then you began eyeing each other's cups to see whose was best.

Now consider this: Life is the hot chocolate. Your job, money and position in society are the cups; they are just tools to hold and contain life, the cup you have does not define, nor change, the quality of life you have. Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the hot chocolate God has provided us. God makes the hot chocolate, man chooses the cups. The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything that they have.

Live simply.

Love generously.

Care deeply.

Speak kindly.

And enjoy your hot chocolate!!

Cheers!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Wishing a Happy Valentine's Day!!

Happy Half A Year To Our Baby Boy!!!

Our baby boy turned six months yesterday. Cherishing every day with him!!!

Cindy's Rosted Red Pepper Soup

This is on our menu for tonight...

This recipe is from my mother in law. She made it for us while visiting during Andrew's birth. It is simply delicous...


Cindy’s Roasted Red Pepper Soup

3 red peppers
2 tablespoons butter
1 large onion diced
1 teaspoon Thai Red Curry Paste (I add a little extra if you prefer it hot – not too much)
3 cups chicken stock
1 cup coconut milk
½ teaspoon salt
1 green onion, thinly sliced
Under broiler, roast peppers (turning occasionally) for 15 minutes or until skins are charred black. Place in a glass bowl and cover or seal with saran wrap. Leave for about 10 minutes. Peel and cut in half, reserve any juice you can, discard the charred skin, stems and seeds.
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onions, cook five minutes or until soft. Stir in curry paste, cook three minutes. Stir in stock, roasted peppers and any reserved juice, bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about ten minutes. In a blender, puree mixture in batches. Return to saucepan and heat until hot. Stir in coconut milk and salt. Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with sliced green onions. Enjoy!

Good Times!

Valentine's Day is getting close... To start celebrating - Matthew, Andrew and I had two of our favorite princesses and their mom (Mel) over to decorate some cookies. What a blast we had...Matthew just keeps asking for his friends to come back :-)

Simple ... good times!

Friendship Month

Hey there! I learned today that this is "Friendship Month". I am in Mom's Club and this was posted in our monthly newsletter it was written by our president "Liz Rodrigez"....


"Friendships – who needs them? I do, I do! Most of us have at least one true friend in our lives. Whether we have one or more true friends, it’s important to realize that we need our friendships to give us fulfillment. At different stages of our lives, what we need in a friend may change. Sometimes we outgrow friendships or move to a new place and long for our old friends. This month is International Friendship month. So, it’s a month to notice and nurture existing friendships and perhaps build new friendships to enrich our lives.

Our lives can be so hectic at times and it may seem that it’s hard to connect with people that truly matter to us. Time for connecting with friends is essential to our well-being and quality of life. Whether it is a regularly scheduled lunch date, a handwritten "just thinking about you" note, or a regular phone call, we should strive to connect consistently. Making the effort to be there for friends at a critical moment will mean so much. And, telling your friends that they are special is an easy and small gesture but makes a great impact on the feelings of your friends. "

I thought this was so nice, so I had to share it here!

I've lived in Canada most of my life, then California, and now home is Texas. I've made friends with these travels, that I'm greatful for. Thankfully, I have my best friend beside me everyday, my dearest hubby!

Happy Friendship Month To ALL my dear Friends!!!!!

Disney Movies at a good deal - at least I think!

Another wet rainy day here. And my baby has some sniffles, a touch of a cold I think. No fever so that's good!

I found a good deal on Disney movies that I thought I would share. The first three are $1.99 and free shipping! The catch is you have to buy five at regular prise in the next two years. Sounds pretty good to me! Thoughts welcome??

http://disney.videos.go.com/General/Acquisition/SignUp/Index?locale=en_US&promoCode=92801&splash=yes

Home Made Dressing Recipe

Since the new year I've decided to make my own dressings. Here is a recipe (from my mom) for one that I just made and it tastes so yummy!!!

• 1/4 cup splenda

• 2 tsp sesame seeds

• 1 tbs poppy seeds

• 1 1/2 tsp red onion

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1/4 tsp worcestershire sauce

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 1/4 cup cider vinegar.

All you do is mix all the above together. You may want to take it out of the fridge half hour before using it because the oil solidifies a little if not. I actually put a little less splenda. And I use a little more vinegar and a little less oil. The next time I make it I'm going to double the batch so it lasts a little longer. Hope you Enjoy!!!

A Happy Marriage

I'm all about a nurturing my marriage. I believe it's the foundation of our family. While most of the times the pieces just fall in place as they should, sometimes it does require work! Yesterday while at Starbucks (enjoying some much needed mommy time), I was reading an article in Real Simple that had a couple of nice tips to the secrets of a good marriage. Here's a couple to share....

1. My personal favorite....Never argue with your cloths on. If you are out and about to fight you know that you have to wait until you are home and undressed. By then you've usually forgotten what the trouble was all about. he!he!

2. Choose to stay in love. Do things for each other to help out ie watch a chick flick with your wife or a football game with your hubby. Things will change over time but don't let your being in love change.

3. Kiss every day!

4. And this one was really cute... asking an elderly neighbor the secret to a happy marriage and his reply ... "My wife and I agreed long ago that I'd make all the big decisions and she'd make all the little decisions. And in all these years together, there just haven't been any big decisions! :-)

Vineger & It's Many Uses

This post is from Popsicles On The Porch's website! Please check out her cool post on the many uses of vinegar. And to add to it here is my tip!!

In our household we actually use vinegar as glass cleaner. It does wonders on car windshields. And the best part of all is it's environmentally friendly :-)

Here is how it's done...

Heat up half vinegar and half water in microwave. Dampen newspaper with it (not the fliers, but the actual newspaper part). Wipe window and keep wiping in circles until the vinegar and water has evaporated. Now give it a try! You'll be impressed!!!!