The act of 'creating' has always run heavily through my veins. It gives me energy, life and a deep sense of joy. It's truly hard for me to put into words how important this is to me. However, the past few years have been a bit rough for us and 'creating' has definitely taken a seat on the back burner. As with any passion that is bottled up or ignored, my hindered creativity has been causing severe frustration. I was grieved by it and was sure that I had neglected it for so long that it had packed up and left me. Our most recent move has been an interesting phenomenon for me. Ever since the relocation, I find myself with all sorts of artistic ideas and a burning desires to make something. So I finally put the procrastination and fear aside... and did it. I made something! It all started with a Ziploc bag full of large red glass beads a friend had sent me years ago. One of her favorite necklaces had broken and she asked if I would restring it. Of course I would... too bad it only took me years to do it. Be that as it may, her bag of beads gave me the jumping off point to get back into the game. So, I made her a necklace and with the remaining beads, made her a dazzling pair of earrings too.
February 29, 2008
Yeah, I Made Something!
The act of 'creating' has always run heavily through my veins. It gives me energy, life and a deep sense of joy. It's truly hard for me to put into words how important this is to me. However, the past few years have been a bit rough for us and 'creating' has definitely taken a seat on the back burner. As with any passion that is bottled up or ignored, my hindered creativity has been causing severe frustration. I was grieved by it and was sure that I had neglected it for so long that it had packed up and left me. Our most recent move has been an interesting phenomenon for me. Ever since the relocation, I find myself with all sorts of artistic ideas and a burning desires to make something. So I finally put the procrastination and fear aside... and did it. I made something! It all started with a Ziploc bag full of large red glass beads a friend had sent me years ago. One of her favorite necklaces had broken and she asked if I would restring it. Of course I would... too bad it only took me years to do it. Be that as it may, her bag of beads gave me the jumping off point to get back into the game. So, I made her a necklace and with the remaining beads, made her a dazzling pair of earrings too.
February 28, 2008
Swing Into Spring
The weather has been amazing the past few days, and with more snow in the forecast we wanted to take advantage of it. Sarah took her first ride in a park swing today! Although, I don't think she thought it was as exciting as watching all the other kids run around.
Chile Verde
In celebration of the beautiful preview of Spring we've been having this week, I decided to cook up some Chile Verde. Now, I've been told that this is some of the best Chile Verde a Gringo (like myself) can make.
2. Stir in poblanos, jalapenos and bell peppers. Puree the tomatillos and cilantro in a blender, and add them to the pot. Cook an additional 30 to 45 minutes.
Ingredients:
3 pounds cubed pork stew meat
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large yellow onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-1/2 teaspoons sea salt
freshly ground pepper, to taste
2 teaspoons ground cumin
7-9 cups chicken broth (depending on desired thickness)
4 fresh poblano chile peppers, seeded and chopped
2 fresh jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1-1/2 pounds fresh tomatillos, husks removed
1/2 bunch cilantro leaves, coarsely chopped
Directions:
3 pounds cubed pork stew meat
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large yellow onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-1/2 teaspoons sea salt
freshly ground pepper, to taste
2 teaspoons ground cumin
7-9 cups chicken broth (depending on desired thickness)
4 fresh poblano chile peppers, seeded and chopped
2 fresh jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1-1/2 pounds fresh tomatillos, husks removed
1/2 bunch cilantro leaves, coarsely chopped
Directions:
1. In a large stock pot, over high heat, sear the pork in the vegetable oil until golden brown. Remove the pork from the pot, reserve 2 tablespoons oil in the pan, and . Cook the chopped onion and garlic, seasoned with salt and pepper, in the reserved oil until onions are tender. Season with cumin, then stir in pork and chicken stock. Simmer for 30 minutes.
2. Stir in poblanos, jalapenos and bell peppers. Puree the tomatillos and cilantro in a blender, and add them to the pot. Cook an additional 30 to 45 minutes.3. Serve with sour cream, cheese and/or warmed tortillas.
February 26, 2008
February 20, 2008
Homemade Baby Wipes
Yes, I make my own and you can too... it's so easy!
1. Cut a roll of 'Bounty' paper towels in half with a bread knife. (I've tried most of the other paper towel brands and 'Bounty' really is the best for wipes. All the other guys tend to turn into a wet ball of mush.)
2. Mix:
4 tablespoons Baby Oil
1 1/4 cup water (distilled water keeps the wipes smelling fresh longer)
2-3 squirts of baby soap (choose the brand based on your baby's sensitivity)
3. Put the paper towels in a storage container (a 'Rubbermaid' #6 works great) with the messy side upright. Pour 1/2 the mixture over the top.
4. Flip the paper towels over and pour on the remaining mixture. Snap the lid in place and let the paper towels soak for a couple of minutes.
5. After the paper towels are completely moist, pull the cardboard tube out of the center.
6. Pull from the center to use.
* If the wipes start to dry out, just add more water.
* Soap amount based on how sudsy your brand is... you don't want too much soap left on the baby's bottom.
February 12, 2008
Here She Comes
Sarah started crawling! Well, it's more of a "scoot" right now, but I'm sure it won't be long until it's developed into a "move out of my way, here I come" crawl.
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