Love this face

Not much to say here. Just wanted to mention that I love this face. As tough as he is, he is such a lover. It also doesn't hurt that he is a shrunken, pale version of his daddy. :)

J

The Omnivore's Hundred

Came across this as I was blog-hopping today.

Below is the list of the Omnivore's Hundred. In their words, it is "a list of 100 things that I think every good omnivore should have tried at least once in their life. The list includes fine food, strange food, everyday food and even some pretty bad food - but a good omnivore should really try it all."

The one's in bold are the foods that I have tried.

The VGT Omnivore’s Hundred:

1. Venison
2. Nettle tea
3. Huevos rancheros
4. Steak tartare
5. Crocodile
6. Black pudding
7. Cheese fondue
8. Carp
9. Borscht
10. Baba ghanoush
11. Calamari
12. Pho
13. PB&J sandwich
14. Aloo gobi
15. Hot dog from a street cart
16. Epoisses
17. Black truffle
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes
19. Steamed pork buns
20. Pistachio ice cream
21. Heirloom tomatoes
22. Fresh wild berries
23. Foie gras
24. Rice and beans
25. Brawn, or head cheese
26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper
27. Dulce de leche
28. Oysters
29. Baklava
30. Bagna cauda
31. Wasabi peas
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl
33. Salted lassi
34. Sauerkraut
35. Root beer float
36. Cognac with a fat cigar
37. Clotted cream tea
38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O
39. Gumbo
40. Oxtail
41. Curried goat
42. Whole insects
43. Phaal
44. Goat’s milk - does cheese count
45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more
46. Fugu
47. Chicken tikka masala
48. Eel
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut
50. Sea urchin
51. Prickly pear
52. Umeboshi
53. Abalone
54. Paneer
55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal
56. Spaetzle
57. Dirty gin martini
58. Beer above 8% ABV
59. Poutine
60. Carob chips
61. S’mores
62. Sweetbreads
63. Kaolin
64. Currywurst
65. Durian
66. Frogs’ legs
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake
68. Haggis
69. Fried plantain
70. Chitterlings, or andouillette
71. Gazpacho
72. Caviar and blini
73. Louche absinthe
74. Gjetost, or brunost
75. Roadkill
76. Baijiu
77. Hostess Fruit Pie
78. Snail
79. Lapsang souchong
80. Bellini
81. Tom yum
82. Eggs Benedict
83. Pocky --my kids make me get these every time we go to the Asian market
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant.
85. Kobe beef
86. Hare
87. Goulash
88. Flowers
89. Horse
90. Criollo chocolate
91. Spam
92. Soft shell crab
93. Rose harissa
94. Catfish
95. Mole poblano
96. Bagel and lox
97. Lobster Thermidor
98. Polenta
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee
100. Snake

So, I'm lacking 44 out of 100 (if I counted correctly). And, I must say, some of those I will never try (i.e. horse). But, I'm up for some of it. I found it interesting to learn what some new foods are and maybe this will tempt me to try something new if I get the chance.

To my dance show friends

OK, I know at least a couple of my friends out there are fans of the dance shows like me - I mean So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars. Well, the new cast was announced yesterday for Dancing with the Stars. And, while I excited about some of the celebrities (like Misty May, who just one the gold in beach volleyball and Toni Braxton) I am more excited about one of the new pros. She is a crossover from last season of SYTYCD. If anyone else watched that season, it was the great latin dancer, Lacey. I loved watching her and I'll be excited to watch her dance again (this time with Lance Bass). Just thought I'd share the news with my fellow dance show lovers. If you don't watch, please disregard this post. :)

First of day of school

Today is the first day of first grade. Evie sprung out of bed this morning and was getting dressed so quickly, I had to tell her she could slow down. As usual, she filled the morning air with the sound of her voice and her funny little stories. Everyone in my house knows I certainly am not chatty in the morning, so it's her job. She was so excited to get to school, never hinting at a bit of nervousness. Not until I turned to leave her in her class. She looked nervous then, but I know she'll pull through. This kid loves school. Everything about it. I love this girl.

J

What can happen when you leave kids to themselves

They had so much fun they even got the neighbor boy involved. Way to go Murata kids, capable of corrupting a whole neighborhood. Their favorite part was stipping naked in the front yard, I'm sure. At least Evie knew to be embarassed.

J

Another food post

So, tonight I'm making my number one go-to meal. This meal is all-in-one healthy, kid friendly, easy to double or triple batch and capable of making you feel like you've created something wonderful. Okay, this is really nothing that new, but it's my take on classic "spaghetti" sauce or bolognese. I wanted to share this with you today for any of you looking for something to add to your cooking repertoire. I've been making this recipe for about 3 years, so I can say that I've had some good luck with it. Here we go.

Ingredients
2 lbs(ish) ground turkey 97% or 99% lean
84 oz total tomatoes (3 big cans) can include crushed, diced or sauce
1 large finely chopped onion
4 cloves finely chopped garlic
1 C finely chopped carrots
salt and pepper
1 lb pasta
optional extras:
mushrooms
fresh basil
Parmesan cheese for the sprinkle

Begin by browning turkey in a drizzle of olive oil in a medium hot pan (you'll need a big one if you make this entire recipe). After meat is half-way browned, add onions, carrots and garlic. When I make this recipe, I chop my veggies in the food processor because it is so much quicker and the kids can't pick out the onions. Let the meat and veggies cook together for 10 minutes. Add a generous amount of salt and pepper (remember, there's nothing pre-packaged here, so the salt and pepper are very important).

Once that has cooked together for awhile, add the tomatoes. I use a combination of 28 oz petite diced tomatoes and 56 oz of whole tomatoes which I pulverize in my food processor (it's already dirty anyway). I prefer to use whole tomatoes when I can because manufacturers use their best tomatoes for this packaging. You will also need to add a little more salt now. This is also when I add the mushrooms (I prefer the baby bellas - it's a whole container from the produce section). Bring this to a good bubble. Then turn down heat to simmer and cover.

Now is when it's up to you. If you have time, let it simmer for an hour. If you're rushed, it will still be good served quickly. At least give it the amount of time to boil the pasta. If you notice that the sauce is not thick enough, let it simmer with the lid off for a while (the sauce will reduce). I add some fresh basil just before I mix the sauce and noodles.

Pasta recommendations: To add nutrition, use whole wheat pasta. Remember to salt your water for flavor. Set your time for the time on the box (if I don't do this, I end up with over-done pasta). Don't rinse your pasta after. Pre-mix pasta and sauce before you serve it, you get better sauce coverage on the noodles this way.

I will hope to get 3 batches out of this recipe (if I can keep Ryan out of the extra sauce). But for me, that means feeding 5 people dinner and Ryan lunch tomorrow with one batch. Each batch should easily cover 1 lb of pasta. When we have a busy schedule (like we will starting next week with school), I try to keep at least one batch of this in the freezer. I buy my pasta at Costco now, so I always have a GOOD meal available.

Now I realize that I am not the only one who knows how to cook and many of you already have a tried and true recipe. But, if you're looking for a good, basic and healthy meat sauce, give this a try.

Cheers! J

The tooth fairy has to be tired of coming here

Just two days later and tooth #2 popped out. I believe another sandwich was involved.

The funniest thing was watching her in the backyard yesterday playing air guitar and singing (probably something from the Chipmunks). She looked maniacal rocking out with those teeth missing. Priceless.

Mom, I take a picture with your camera?

Lately, Aiden has decided to become a photagrapher. When he can't think of anything else to do, he's been asking to use my camera. This was not as big of deal with the old point and shoot. Now that I got this, I'm a little more wary. But, I'll still allow him to take a few (which translates into about 200 - digital is awesome). I've posted some of his best shots. I love his composition and how he breaks the rule of having the subject in the middle of the picture. My favorite is of Goosie-boy (the dog). Don't know why, just love it. That pic of me was after probably 20 shots. It was hard to keep smiling. And finally, the gun. What can I say?

I should have called this "Vignette of Boy: his dog, his gun and his mom - and other stuff".

We've been waiting for this

For at least a few months now, Evie has been wiggling those top two teeth. Just recently, the one has gotten VERY loose. She had fears of pulling it, which I understand. I can't even watch her wiggle it. It's kind of like nails on a chalk board to me. I just can't deal. So, we just wait until it falls out.

Well, last night at dinner, she took her first bite of her cheeseburger and it popped right out. We all cheered. She told me later that she was so excited that she was shaking. Little did I know that the gap would make her even cuter.

The tooth fairy did make an appearance overnight. Thank goodness for that. She is now 75 cents richer. And before you ask, yes she has purple eye shadow on in the picture. That's the first thing she wanted to do this morning.

And, Grandpa Steven, if you're reading this, sorry. I know that I am probably not handling these teeth issues appropriately. Oh to have you closer. (FYI, for those who don't know, Grandpa Steven is an endodontist, i.e. very smart dentist guy.)

J

Roasted Eggplant Dish

Roasted eggplant is probably one of my favorite veggies. It just gets the best flavor and consistency when it's been in a 400 degree oven for 45 minutes. So, last night for dinner, I wanted to roast an eggplant. When I do this, I usually prepare it with a greek style salad including some combination of the following: lettuce, chicken, kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, hummus, pita, feta and tzatsiki sauce. Alas, last night I had no lettuce, and I knew that I would get to eat the entire eggplant with Ryan still gone (sorry, the kids will NOT eat eggplant, can't seem to force that issue).

I hashed a new plan. Just had to share it because it was SOOO good. After peeling and dicing the eggplant (I don't like the skin, it gets really hard once cooked), I drizzled it with olive oil and sprinkled with salt and pepper. Baked it at 400 degrees for 45 minutes give or take.

Meanwhile, I started perusing my fridge. I had run out of my fresh veggies already this week. But, I did have a jar of kalamata olives and roasted red peppers. And, some minute brown rice. I cooked 1/4 cup of rice (one serving) and at the end of the cooking, added the chopped olives and one chopped bell pepper.

I piled the roasted eggplant on a plate (took up most of the plate...and it's a veggie!). Layered the rice mixture over the top. Sprinkled some fat free feta (which is great) and a dollop of tzatsiki sauce (which is the kind from Costco that I could eat with a spoon).

All in all, my favorite meal of the week. And, very gourmet for the amount of time put in. Also, not a single thing in that meal was bad for me.

I would have taken a picture, because is was pretty, too. But, I was too hungry. The pic above is just eggplant. But, let it inspire you.

J

That's my girl

While Ryan's been gone, I've had many of my training sessions at my house. Unfortunately for my clients, my children are sometimes in the room working out with us. Evie especially will do every exercise with us. We have a set of 2 and 3 pound weights, which seem to be perfect for her. It is very encouraging to see how much she wants to "work out." I make a point to say that I work out so that I can be healthy and be around for a long time. I want to hold off the inevitable body image issues that we all have to certain extent as we grow up. So, I am pleased to see that she has an interest in it. Hopefully, I've at least planted the seed for a future healthy girl.

J

Feeling Inspired

So I was feeling inspired yesterday. First, I saw pics of Brittany's kids on Facebook making cookies. I felt guilty that I never want to go through the trouble to let my kids help in the kitchen. Secondly, I was inspired by my neighbor, Clare, with 5 very over-ripe bananas. So, we made banana bread yesterday. And, it is getting easier to enjoy them in the kitchen now. And, I love the ability to use the time for a math and cooking lesson...not to mention a sharing lesson (i.e. we need to share the licking of the bowl and the beaters).

On a side note, it was also very pleasurable for me. I've been trying to do South Beach diet while Ryan has been gone the last two weeks. I have been moderately successful (while needing to modify a bit for my own good - I just can't get used to eggs and meat only in the morning). I've eaten A LOT of salads and lean meat again and a whole bunch of lowfat cheese. I definitely feel better. And, doing this with my kids reminded me just how much I do love to cook and even bake sometimes. The main purpose for me doing SB was to remind myself to think about what I'm eating again. Not just shove things in my mouth because they are in front of me. If it's got a few extra calories, is it worth it? So, now I can say that the cheese sticks at Sonic are not worth the extra calories, but another meal at Dough would be.

J

How sweet is this?

I had the pleasure of babysitting baby daxie from next door for about 15 minutes last week. His momma had to run a quick errand and did not want to take him out in the rain. I was so excited to get to hold and cuddle for even that small amount of time.

Unfortunately, I was usurped. I expect gentleness from Evie. But something happens to Aiden when he sees a baby. He turns so sweet and is so soft and gentle with them. He loves this baby.

After the last hour that I had with him (which led me to take 3 things away - sorry Britt), it's good for me to see this picture and be reminded that there is a very sweet boy inside of this sometime rough exterior.

J

Olympics - Men's Relay

So I have been dutifully watching the Olympics. It's just something I love to do. I get real excited every 2 years when it comes on (I'm an equal opportunity Olympics lover).

Is anyone else watching this amazing swimming? I just love to watch swimming. Those swimmers are really cool specimens. And last night was no exception. If you didn't see the race where the USA men won the 4x100 relay, you can watch it here. Watch it, you won't be disapointed.

Doris Day

So, last night as I was trying to force myself to sleep (doesn't happen quite as easily when Ryan is out of town), I started cruising through the channels and found my self a Doris Day movie. I remembered that my mom told me there was a marathon on TCM yesterday.

This was about midnight, and I new I should just turn it off. But, almost immediately, I got caught up in Teacher's Pet. I've seen this one before, but as with any DD movie, I love it. There is just something so great about her movies. She was all at once, proper and sophisticated, in the best possible ways. After watching last night, it makes me want to wear my pearls and pencil skirt. Love that fashion!

So, I don't know how many of you have ever watched this kind of movie. My mom made sure to introduce them to me when I was kid. I remember many Friday nights watch old musicals with my mom (and loving it). Thanks Mom!

In case you've never enjoyed one of these lovelys, here's a short list of some of my faves from that time period:

• That Touch of Mink (Doris Day)
• Pillow Talk (Doris Day)
• Sabrina (Audrey Hepburn)
• Funny Face (Audrey Hepburn)
• An Affair to Remember (Carey Grant and Deborah Kerr)
• An American in Paris (Gene Kelley - yowsah!)

If you've never had the pleasure of seeing any of these, I urge you to.

Have a good day. J

Cool New Music Website

Hey all,
Found a cool new website today. It's called pandora, and it allows you to customize radio stations based on artists and/or songs that you like. I put in a few of my favorites, and they compile music that is by that artist and others that are similar. For instance, I put in John Mayer and Michael Buble (my favorite guys to listen to while I'm chillin). My station played those artists, plus some Ella Fitzgerald, Dave Matthews and Third Eye Blind. Nice compilation, right? It even gives you the ability to "vote" a song away if you don't like it. Try it. It's free! (It's playing right now.)

Have a good weekend.
J

Evie's first polyvore

Evie saw me doing polyvore, so she wanted to as well. Parts of this outfit are actually what she picked out for the first day of school (dress and leggings). She even thinks the model looks a bit like her. I agree.

Uh oh, found a new way to waste time.

I just ran across a post about polyvore. Really scary. I have all but stopped wasting time by watching tv anymore (my first procrastination love). Now I have found polyvore, where you can compile outfits like above. I would love to have this outfit. Again, I would not be able to wear it for 2 or 3 more months, but I still love it. I realize that most people aren't as nutty as I am about design (home or fashion). Oh, but this will be fun.

J

I have to come clean

I have a love affair with Anthropologie. If I won the lottery, I would by a house and furnish the entire thing (including my wardrobe) from Anthro. I got the new catalog yesterday. This company really knows how to merchandise so beautifully. It's that time of year for all the yummy sweaters an jackets to come out. Really? It's very rude to us Southerners. Anyway, I've been salivating my way through the catalog and website. These are just a few of my most recent favorite things.

Back to School Shopping

It's amazing the difference a year can make. In just a year, my girl went from being a timid almost kindergartner to an experienced almost first grader. She seems so much more mature now. Over the past year, she has discovered Hannah Montana (heaven help me), really started to style her own hair and completely owned her style. She really has her own opinions about what looks good and she will occasionally take suggestions from me. I really have to bite my tongue about some of her outfits. But, I figure it's just part of figuring out who she is. I mean, come on, I'm her mom. My style is very personal to me, so I should be proud that she's already figuring that out.

So yesterday, we finalized our back-to-school shopping. Up until now, everything has come from Target or Old Navy. Since she no longer grows quite as quickly, I told her she could have a couple of outfits from Gap. And, I let her pick everything out (while I retained final veto power). When we got home yesterday, she performed not one, but two fashion shows. And today, this is what she's wearing.

Love my girl.

Canyon Lake Camping Trip

We returned home on Wednesday from a wonderful camping trip. It was Ryan and I and the kids to include my 16 year old step-son, Ryan.

We arrived at Canyon Lake on Monday morning. We went to the Air Force recreational side of the lake. Even with it being late July, the weather was nice, especially with the breeze coming off the lake. We spent our time eating s'mores, swimming in the lake, and taking nature hikes.

We spent our first night in tents. The heat wasn't too bad, but the wind was insane. Nevertheless, we did get sleep. But, I did begin the notice that by early afternoon, it was hard to escape the heat. By Tuesday afternoon, Ryan and I were able to take a nap (thanks to the laptop loaded with a movie and the help of that 16 y/0). But, the heat was too oppressive for that nap.

While on our many trip to the bathroom (4 trips in one swimming break alone) I noticed the quaint little "cabins" right on the lake. When I had called earlier the week before, I had been told that the cabins were all booked until school. But, these "cabins" did not look booked to me. Then I noticed that these were labeled as "shelters." So, Tuesday afternoon I went and rented us a "shelter." Thank you very much.

These 10x10 buildings consist of 3 bed, a potty, a shower, a microwave, a ROOF and most importantly, an A/C. That was the best night's sleep ever. They are also covered in shade trees an each have their own grill and fire pit. And, they are a mere 50 feet to the beach that we had been driving to.

Ryan and I decided this was how we wanted to camp from now on. Just as I thought before, I can be a camper if I can have the following: 1. a roof, 2. A/C, 3. my OWN POTTY.

Hope you enjoy the pics. It really was a precious time.



J