Keeping things Lite

Hello my lovelies, I didn't post anything on my usual Sunday because I was just not in the mood. You know, those days you just want to veg out and not do much? Though I actually got a lot done it just wasn't writing.

I went to the park in place of my Yoga class and actually worked out there it was fun. I am not a heavy workout type of gal but some of the moves were actually fun plus it helped my friend joined me and was very encouraging.

illustration by Pinterest

I spent my afternoon visiting my niece in the hospital, she came down with Pneumonia almost two weeks ago and because she has Cerebral Palsy things are a bit more complicated lets keep her in our prayers please. I commend those nurses and her mom I don't know how they do it. They know exactly what she needs when she needs it even though she can't relay her emotions to us with words. Yesterday as I got ready to leave and was talking with her she was all smiles and wide eyed which I loved and made me very happy. It was very encouraging, she inspires me to do my best no matter
what.

illustration by quotesz.k

On my grandma front things have been dragging. Her doctors and I started her on Ambien so she could sleep. The 5mg didn't work it only knocked her out the first night and that was because she had had three days of no sleep. We have her on 10mgs now and its slow climb to full nights rest but I am confident we will get there. I still haven't lost any of my other attendants so that is a great sign. I was there three times this week a bit stressful but figuring out ways to deal.

illustration by itscolossal.com

I got a very sweet message from my BFF's daughter yesterday just as I was getting ready for my workout. Kids are so pure and honest, I needed that refreshing touch in my life. I'm hoping to set up a brunch date with my little Princess so we can catch up on our Summer. Looking forward to that.

illustration by womeninrecovery.wordpress.com

Since its been a slow week for me as far as things I've wanted to write about I wanted to just share a few quotes that have keep me going when I just want to shut down. Please come visit with me soon I'm working on a share regarding my favorite Makeup Tutorial channels on You Tube and a piece on my thoughts on clerk that refuses to marry same sex couples. I also want to share my journey in preserving a beautiful bouquet of Roses I rec'd a few weeks ago. So stay tuned and stay positive, nothing last forever and brighter days will come.

Always stress free xo.

Mari

Tuna Macaroni Salad with Cranberries

Happy Thursday!

This treat is a mix of basic with a little kick.

The other night I came home and put this together in under 25 minutes.

ingredients:

-1/2 box of elbow pasta

-2 cans of tuna 

-pinch of salt

-2 tablespoons of mayonnaise

-shredded carrots

-shredded lettuce

-cranberry

Boil the water add pinch of salt and add the pasta till tenderness is to your liking.

Drain and place in large bowl.

Shred enough carrots to make a handful and same with the lettuce.

Add the tuna and mayo to bowl of pasta, mix in the veggies.

Let it cool in the fridge for about half an hour. 

At this point it's ready to eat as is but I wanted an extra kick so I picked cranberries.

My daughter wanted the dried cranberries but I chose the canned.

The sweet/tart flavor was an added treat indeed.
We loved it, quick and easy and healthy.

Always stress free xo.

Today is My Day oh & Penne w/ Broccoli & Roast Beef

Hello everyone Happy Thursday.

What is my Thursday Treat you may ask? Well as I am writing I have no idea but one thing I do know is that it will be a two part treat.

My first treat is that today is my "SITS Day"!
Today I am the featured blogger on The SITS Girls website.
I am very excited and blessed to have my day finally come. What on earth is a SITS Day you ask?
Well first of all The SITS Girls website is a site dedicated to the blogging community that started back in 2008.
They provide great opportunities for networking, great blogging tips and shares, wonderful resources and support.

I first came across them when I began my Blog journey and was researching venues to learn from and make connections.
Once I joined them I was able to incorporate loads of tips into my writing and presentation as well as connect with some great blogs.
Thanks SITS for my special day and if you found me through SITS link to my page thanks for the visit hope you stay a little longer xo!!!

Now for the 2nd Treat!!!

Penne w/Broccoli & Roast Beef

I was out the kitchen in less than 30 minutes, tasty 1 pot cooking and easy clean up.

Ingredients:

-penne pasta

-olive oil

-broccoli

-roast beef

-salt

-parmesan cheese

I took one large size pan added water some salt and a few drops of Olive oil, bought to a boil added the pasta.

Cooked it for 7/10 minutes.

Removed from pot, added to a large bowl.

Dropped the broccoli florets into pasta water cooked for 10 minutes.

Removed from heat, dumped the water and dropped the broccoli in with my pasta.

Took slices of my roast beef, I got from deli earlier in the week and placed them in my empty pot.

I added a few drops of Olive oil so they wouldn't stick and I cooked that for about 5 minutes.

Then I shredded the slices down a bit added to my bowl, mixed everything up and sprinkled the cheese on top.

Done!

I didn't feel need to add any sauces because I didn't want to ruin the roast beef flavoring. It already provided its own juices.

Quick serve great flavor!

Enjoy.

Always stress free xo.

Ah yes, it's finally Bedtime...revisited

I am touching on bedtime again because no one can or should mess with my sleep just joking (but not really).

We always hear about studies showing the importance of a good nights rest and sleep.
How we prepare for that is and can be a challenge for parents, especially of little ones.
As bedtime approaches for some it can become a time of torture or a time for relaxation.

I pretty much stick to a routine and now that my daughter is older she has her own routine. One thing that hasn't changed is our saying goodnight to one another and investing a few minutes tucking one another in depending on who is the last to shut the lights off.
Tucking in can vary with age but it can be a great closing day moment for all.

illustration provided by themeasuredmom.com

Let's revisit my old post:

You had a long day at work or you have spent your day home with the kid’s one task after another and when 7:30 rolls around all you want to do is say goodnight and have some alone time. But your little one has a different idea. He or she wants you to sit with them. Wants you to sing one more song or read just one more story please please please mommy you hear.

This is how I navigated that ship.

I started by setting a specific bedtime. No excuses no fuss. My daughter and I would begin to get her bed ready about 20 minutes to half hour before bed. Get book or song together for the night. This would also be the winding down time no more TV, no more food, drinks etc... Once this was all set, I would tuck her in, settle myself for a song or a story, lay next to her and proceed with our quality bedtime wrap up. Once I was done, we would say good night and share few hugs and kisses, I would dim the lights and put the radio on to a lite station with calming music and that would be that.

This routine has lasted well over fifteen years. Give or take few tweaks and amendments with age of course.
Now on the nights it didn't go as smoothly due to a cold or bad dream or potty break I would go back in reinforce with a few more kisses and leave quickly again. You cannot engage in long chatter or indulge in their whimpering because if you do, the night will never wrap up.

What is your bedtime routine? Any other tricks to share? How do you put a close to your day?

Always stress free xo.

Sauteed Cucumber w/ Tomatoes & Avocado Veggetti

Thursday's Treat!!!

On this special Thursday the day of my Birth I would like to say Happy Birth Day to me and say thank you to the powers that be for bringing me to this present moment full of such peace and gratefulness.

I am blessed to share this day with you all and I want to say thank you for your support in my dream.

You may say what is Veggetti? Well only the cutest tool to help us eat healthier. Just to be clear, I am not a paid spokes person, the company who made this did not contact me, I just saw, liked and bought.

I am a gadget girl! I love kitchen gadgets! I saw this in a commercial and was hooked. I didn't order it online Walgreens carries this.

So what it does is take Cucumbers, Carrots, Zucchini and Squash and turn it into Spaghetti!!!

Healthy pasta, hot or cold.

I bought this last week decided to use it on Saturday night.

Ingredients:

-Veggetti

-cucumbers

-1 medium avocado

-plum tomatoes

-garlic heads

-basil leaves

-olive oil

I drizzled olive oil in the skillet and heated on medium till hot, added 2 garlic heads and cooked down for a few minutes. When the garlic was tender I added the cucumber pasta. I moved it around a few times so all the strands would get a good coating.

As that cooked I cut up the avocado and tomatoes. I used 1 medium avocado half for me other half for my daughter and 2 plum tomatoes 1 for each of us as well. Set it aside.

I cooked the Veggetti for about 5 minutes tossed it around and cooked for another 2 minutes. Done

I transferred it to a plate, sprinkled some basil leaves, added the avocado and tomatoes, dinner was served.

All under 30 minutes start to finish and as always easy clean up.

The options this little gadget offers is great so I plan on trying many different meals in the next few weeks. You can even make dishes with potatoes!

The meal was a success, we loved the taste, the texture and variety of it.

I am including link to site for a peek and it does come with a mini recipe book.

veggetti.com

Now back to me lol. 

Again thanks for visit hope you enjoy the share. Today I plan on enjoying a nice Sushi dinner with my loved ones AND of course some type of Red Velvet treat. This was a mini preview of what is to come given to me by my sweet friend!

to ME!!!

Always stress free xo

Peppers stuffed w/ Mashed Potatoes & Tomatoes

Thursdays Treat!!!

Talk about flying by the seat of your pants.
I was so hungry on Monday when I left work but I knew I had to workout first before I ate dinner. While I was still in my office I started to think about what I could possibly make that would be under 45 minutes tops. I wanted to go for my walk after dinner as well and I didn't want major hassle in the kitchen.
I remembered I had bought some large peppers over the weekend while visiting my grandma in Brooklyn. I didn't want to stuff them with meat so I chose potatoes. I had also picked up 2 small plastic containers of red potatoes. I always find those boil faster than regular potatoes.

When I walked in my door I changed to my workout clothes and headed to the kitchen.

Ingredients:
- 2 large Peppers
- dozen small red Potatoes
- 2 small tomatoes
- mayonnaise
- salt

I boiled the potatoes for about 20 minutes added pinch of salt to the water.
I cut the tops off the peppers and diced the tomatoes into small but biteable pieces.
Around 10 minutes in on the potatoes I put the peppers in my toaster oven for 20 minutes.

I checked on the peppers after 10 minutes because I wanted them toasty enough to be soft but still hold their shape and have a crunch.
Once my potatoes were soft enough to mash, 20 minutes worked great, I removed from stovetop dumped the water and added 3 tablespoons of mayo. I love mayo so 3 for me was actually too little but I compromised for my Lil Mama. I mashed up the potatoes making sure the mayo was well blended in then I added the pieces of tomatoes and set aside.
I took the peppers out the toaster oven, let cool for a few seconds then grabbed with a paper towel and with a spoon began to stuff away.

This whole process took me 35 minutes start to serve. I got my workout in as it cooked and when I was done shortly after dinner was done as well. I must say delish!!! I served it for myself with some lettuce and splash of balsamic vinaigrette.

My daughter ate afterwards and gave me 2 thumbs up. We both agreed next round we would try adding some cheese and cranberries in place of tomatoes or avocado and cranberries. Great thing about cooking is you can think outside the box and create just about anything.
I left her enjoying my treat and went for my long walk, ah what a great evening!

Always stress free xo.

Eggplant w/ Ziti Pasta

Thursday's Treat!!!

I hope you guys didn't think I was too busy to share something yummy lol.
I hope you have been enjoying my September Challenge shares and my Tuesday guest hosting duties on Turn It Up Tuesdays.

My love for Eggplant lives on...

Ingredients:
- 1 large Eggplant
- pasta
- favorite pasta sauce
- grape tomatoes
- salt
- 6 small sweet peppers
- olive oil
- parsley
- Parmesan cheese
- black pepper

Use 2 tbsps of olive oil in a large skillet on med heat add the peppers cook for 3 minutes. Add the Eggplant cubes, the sliced grape tomatoes and the sauce cook for 20 minutes or until Eggplant is tender.

As the Eggplant is cooking 10 minutes in begin to boil and prep your pasta. I used 2 cups of Ziti this time around because that's what I had in my pantry but you can use Penne or Angel hair or Linguine. I would dare say just about any type of pasta you like because I just don't like to follow many rules lol. I made enough for dinner and leftovers.

After 20 minutes and Eggplant is tender remove from heat, sprinkle pinch of black pepper, some parsley (to your liking) and set aside.
In a large bowl I mixed the pasta and Eggplant and was ready to serve. The bowl will be on double duty as my leftover saver and I can wash the skillet once cooled.

I sprinkled some Parmesan cheese as an added flavor kick and done.
Start to finish about 30 minutes.
Another great quick what do I have in the kitchen for dinner tonight.
Yummy, tasty and very little fuss

Enjoy,
Always stress free xo

Tacos de Camarones con Platano Amarillo (Shrimp Tacos with Yellow Plantains)

Thursday's treat!!!

When you find yellow platanos (plantains) in good shape and on sale at that you should I would even say you must grab them.

I have loved them since I was a kid and my daughter has followed right behind me.

I was in Brooklyn the other night on grandma duty when I picked up a few. When I got home lil mama was like "oh you must do something with them and that tortilla pack we have".

I was all for it because I knew it would be quick dinner and clean up.

Ingredients:

-1 yellow plantain (large)

-shrimps peeled, pre-cooked and ready to go (amount depends on serving size and people)

-salt

-oil

-tortilla pack (soft or hard shell depends on texture you prefer)

In medium pot I added some water, a pinch of salt and about 16 large shrimps bought that to a boil.

As that was happening I sliced the plantain evenly into quarter size, 1/2 inch slices.

Used my small skillet added cooking oil and bought that to frying temp.

You must make sure oil is just right or the plantains will burn too quickly and not cook inside. You do not want that!

I usually test it by taking a plantain and dunking tip in oil if I hear the sizzle we ready to go lol.

Don't drop them in the oil either or you will splash yourself and that is not a good look. Place them evenly spaced, lower flame slightly and cook till they start to get some color. You want a nice toasty shade, crispy ends but not burnt.

Turn them over for a few more minutes, done. Turn off flame, remove them from skillet and place them on a plate with a paper towel to soak some of the excess oil.

I then turned toaster oven on and turned knob to bake.

I placed 2 tortillas in tray for a few minutes just enough to be warm and easy to manage.

After a few minutes I removed and started to build my Taco.

I kept mine simple with just the shrimps and plantains but lil mama went another route with hers.

I was too busy eating I forgot to take pics of her creation. She added avocado and balsamic vinegerette.

There you have it. Quick, simple and easy.

Not a lot of clean up and very filling.

You can try adding so many different things. I want to try making them with avocado, shredded cheese and cranberries!!!

Enjoy.

Always stress free xo

MaMa I can read!!!

As an avid reader I can't tell you how much I looked forward to teaching my daughter how to read.

She had her own library early on so I looked forward to the day and days she could read on her own and out loud to others.

I wondered what would be the easiest approach, that would be fun and stress free. Something that could be accessed easily and possibly kept out at all times.

When teaching, routine and repetition is extremely important. Especially with little ones you have to be consistent and always follow up.

I started these lessons as soon as she could talk but perhaps got more specific in structure at age 2 1/2 to 3.
This is what I came up with and did.

Tools:
-flash cards
-sticky notes
-sharpie pen/marker
-tape
-pencil/crayon

So with these tools in hand I sat down and proceeded to write words on flash cards. Big and bold.
Simple one word on each card and taped it to subject.

Door
Chair
Book
Bed
Hat
Shoes

You get the picture? These cards were all over my house, in the bathroom, on the fridge, in the bedrooms.
They were always visible and I was always pointing them out.

At night when I would read to her I would have a sticky notes pad with me so I could write words out as I read them so she could practice and feel she was reading to me too.
This was another great way for us to bond and enjoy each others company.

When her dad would play with her she would point out things and feel proud she new it's name.
When company came over she would walk them around to the notes taped on things.
Her rewards were simple, a hug, a kiss, extra play time or a treat. Animal crackers or extra play at bath time but we always made sure we told her why she was getting these things so she could match action to reaction.

An inexpensive method of teaching that brings a priceless reward!
What other methods can you think of to encourage and teach our little ones to read?

Fun in the Kitchen

Today’s post will be sort of a gift.

For those of you who love to try new recipes and enjoy your time in the kitchen.  These are the links to the many wonderful women I have come across in my short time in the “Blog World”. They have some great shares and awesome things for us to try. I have given a few a taste and have come back for more.

Have fun trying some out and remember…Everything in moderation, stress free living!!!

http://therebelchick.com/
http://www.sugarconfetti.com/
http://www.theidearoom.net/
http://kitchenfunwithmy3sons.blogspot.com/
http://sweetopia.net/
http://www.sweetsugarbelle.com/?bloggerURL=/
http://www.hungryhappenings.com/
http://www.cutefoodforkids.com/
http://www.eatcakefordinner.net/
http://www.serenityyou.com/
http://rzacsmom.com/
http://cookingwithcurls.com/
http://thegrantlife.com/
http://www.lovebakesgoodcakes.com/
http://memoriesbythemile.com/
http://doitdelicious.com/
http://www.callmepmc.com/
http://flourishingathome.com/
http://jovinacooksitalian.com/
http://creative-food.blogspot.com/
http://www.keeleymcguire.com/
http://www.familyfreshmeals.com/
http://www.thegunnysack.com/
http://growingupgabel.com/
http://apumpkinandaprincess.com/
http://simplycalledfood.com/
http://www.cleverhousewife.com/
http://life-is-better-in-pink.blogspot.com/
http://www.mamashighstrung.com/
http://www.smartsavvyliving.com/
http://www.tammileetips.com/
http://www.aboutamom.com/
http://mysweetsanity.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ATeaSpoonofLove

Baby's First Library

I believe there is just something so soothing and connecting about reading. It can transport you to another place and time or it can educate you on other cultures and ways of living. You can get lost for a few days or a few hours. For this reason I wrote this post.

In no particular order these are some books I suggest should be part of a new baby’s library.

I had many of these as I started my daughter’s library before she was born. I’m an avid reader so I couldn’t even imagine not having books as part of my child’s life, let alone her own treasure of books.

Today many children have Tablets and other gadgets that they use as learning tools and entertainment but I feel that an early start for the love of an actual book never hurts.

Here are my suggestions:
-Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
-Hush, Little Baby by Brian Pinkney
-Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed by Eileen Christelow
-In the Tall, Tall Grass by Denise Fleming
-Baby Dance (Harper Growing Tree) by Ann Taylor
-Are you My Mother? By P.D. Eastman
-Peek-a-boo! By Roberta Grobel
-Time to get Dressed! By Elivia Savadier
-Wheels on the Bus by Raffi
-Curious George books by Margret Rey & H.A. Rey
-Disney Classics series by Golden Books
-Dr. Suess
-Classic Winnie the Pooh books by A.A. Milne & Ernest H. Shepard
-Disney Baby Einstein 12 book Library series by Editors of Publications International Ltd.
-Golden Books variety of The Three Little Pigs, Red Riding Hood, Goldie Locks etc…

Your selection can vary and will. The additions will be loads of fun once your child can pick for themselves and read on their own. My daughter’s library today ranges from some of her childhood classics to Harry Potter to Hemingway and Dickens.

Reading is fundamental and fun!!!! Start early and enjoy. Build bonds and precious memories.