Mome reads Mommy, My daughter's way to spell it when she was younger... It stuck. My son calls me Mome... just like it looks. I now sign all my notes to them "Love, Mome". It's our inside secret and makes them smile. I always want them to smile.

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Bacon Pancake Dippers

Here's another idea I got from Pinterest.  I really must get beyond the photos because, I'm sure there were directions on how to do this easier.



I started by cooking the bacon in the oven.  This really is the easiest way to get it crisp and flat.  Flat is good when trying to cover in pancake batter.

Put bacon on a foil lined cookie sheet, put in oven and THEN turn the oven to 350 and bake for 15-20 minutes.  Cold oven makes all the difference in the world.

Finish cooking and move to paper towel lined plate to drain off extra grease.

Mix up pancake batter of your choice.  

Through trial and error, I realized that the BEST way to get thin dippers is to use a plastic bottle or baggie with small tip cut off.

Squeeze a small line of batter into hot skillet, put bacon on top of it and then cover top of bacon with more batter.  Continue cooking like you would regular pancakes.

Serve with warmed syrup and sides of your choice.

The kids LOVED these for DINNER!

...with hash browns and a banana




Monday, November 25, 2013

Crock Pot Chicken Fajitas

I have to admit, I got this idea from Pinterest, but I never got further than the picture.  I saw the pin and KNEW I had to have some... so I just made up my own recipe.


I started with 3 large, skinless, boneless chicken breasts.  
I heavily seasoned them with chile powder, minced garlic and onion, and a variety of other seasoning (from a rub my Dad made for me) and topped all that with a 1/4 stick of butter.


I added to that..
2 large white onions and 2 large green peppers.
More chile powder and another 1/4 stick of butter.


After about 4 hours, I shred the chicken and added jalapenos (from a jar) some of the jalapeno juice and some crushed red pepper and then let it simmer for another hour.


Threw the mix into some flour tortillas and topped with habanero sour cream (I mix that up with sour cream and habanero sauce) and some tomatoes.



The next day...
Regular sour cream, tomatoes and jalapenos.


Super simple, not very time consuming, and makes the house smell better than any candle I've ever burned.

Getting ready to make another batch now.  The first one didn't last very long.  Putting fresh jalapeno in this time.  Just can't make it hot enough!

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Glow Sticks on a Ceiling Fan

Here is what happens when you put glow sticks on a ceiling fan, turn off the lights and turn on the fan.

6 different colored sticks, lengthwise on the blades.

Good times.







Tuesday, October 15, 2013

If I can't win...

I'm not sure why I was reminded of this today... but it feels like a story worth telling....

In my younger days... about 23 years ago, I happened across a restaurant/bar that I used to work at.  One where I dated/lived with the GM, worked at as a Manager and that my older brother was also a manager of. I had moved on, in my professional and personal life, but still enjoyed visiting with friends for food and drinks.

On this particular occasion,  our party was more than would be convenient at "the bar", so we sat at a table.

HE walked in.  I knew, in an instant, that I had to have what was his.

I walked up to him, asked where he got it (why do I remember this?) and he told me it was a gift from his "step dad".  He was a 20 something.  It didn't fit him, like it would fit me.  I asked if I could have it?  He said,  "If you can get me something to replace it, it's yours."

Mission On.

I walked to the lobby, where more of these "things" were hanging.  Trying to pick the perfect one to replace the one I coveted.

The GM (ex boyfriend/roommate) asked what I was looking at.  I didn't realize that I had my arms crossed against my chest, and he asked, "Did you spill something?"  I totally went with that, and said "yes.'

He asked what size I needed, to which I replied "extra large?"

He went to storage and gave me a shirt... free of charge... which I immediately turned over to the boy who had the shirt I wanted.

He took his new shirt and gave me his,

It was PERFECT.

A shirt I finally let go of last year (23 years later).  and sadly so. (but it was time, so many holes)

One that spoke of my personality perfectly and on that I am reminded of today, with current bullshit that afflicts our daily lives,

Here's what it said (I so wish I had a pic)  And lit was embroidered in different colored thread, kinda like a kid would write it...

If I can't win
I don't want to play!





Saturday, October 12, 2013

Joseph Drouhin Laforet Bourgogne Wines and the REAL Crock Pot Italian Chicken

I recently received two wonderful wine for review.  No money exchanged hands and the opinions are 100% mine.




The first was Joseph Drouhin Laforet Bourgogne Pinot Noir .  This one was very berry on the nose and silky, spicy and smooth on the palette.  I enjoyed it with Pizza topped with Ham, Pineapple and Jalepeno.   The result was a complete mouth party of flavor.

Joseph Drouhin always had a passion for wine, and in 1880 in Burgundy, he founded the independent company that still bears his name.  Today, his great grandchildren, Philippe, Veronique, Laurent and Frederic, run the family-owned company.  Each has their own personality, but together, they share a common passion for the vine and the wine.

The second one was Joseph Drouhin Laforet Bourgogne Chardonnay.  I must admit, these are two of my favorite varietals..  The Chardonnay was crisp with heavy citrus on the nose.  The palette was apple and honey. 

 With this I tried a new recipe.  

Crock Pot Italian Chicken.



I found this recipe on Pinterest, but when clicking on it, after getting the ingredients, it took me to a site with a different Italian Chicken Recipe.  One with 15 more ingredients and NO CROCK POT.  I knew it was my job to get the recipe out there in the right format.  Here's what I used...

3 Large Skinless Chicken Breasts
1 8oz package of cream cheese
2 cans of cream of chicken soup
3 table spoons of Italian seasoning (not the dressing mix)

Put all ingredients in the crock pot.  Cook on low for 6 hours. Serve.

We used egg noodles and the kids LOVED it.

Share some links of other recipes or your Pinterest page so I can follow the yummy stuff YOU are making.

Friday, September 6, 2013

One More Chance

Tough Day.

Kids are adjusting to the "Back to School" routine just fine... probably better than me.

This morning, though, Handsome had a special request.

He wants his Dad to "move back in."

First of all.

Dad has never lived HERE.

Dad made choices, as did I, that caused us to lose the house that the kids were brought into.  Just saying that, makes me get teary.

I struggled,  for years, to make a family and make it right for the kids.  I lost myself, and the mother I wanted to be.
.
I, finally, made the decision to put an end to the constant disappointment, and move forward without "Dad."

The kids were too young to know the devastation is was causing them.

They no longer remember the constant fighting (Puddim Pop was too young to even notice).

They never realized my constant frustration was never about them.

All they know now, is that Dad is "clean".... and deserves another chance.

Another Chance.

I give my kids several chances to do the right thing,

They don't understand why Daddy doesn't get another chance.

Just. One. More. Chance.


Monday, September 2, 2013

Sad to see Summer Go

Just had an amazing time in Michigan, visiting family and friends.  I have to say, I'm a little sad to see Summer end.

I'm excited for the kids too start the next year of school.  Handsome is in his last year of elementary school and Puddin Pop will receive letter grades for the first time.  That is all very exciting but...

I've had a blast this Summer.

We've stayed up late.  Slept in A. Lot.  and really just (for the most part) really enjoyed our time together.

Lots of water time, lots of chill time, lots of snuggle time and possibly too much travel time.  It's amazing what the kids will tell you when trapped in a car for 13 hours.  Some of it made me furious, but I'll handle it.  It was a chance to hear what they are feeling and think.  It was precious time that I wouldn't have wanted to miss.  Glad I made the time to take the trip.

Ready for what comes next.

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Dreaming of Angels

I  had a dream last night, about  a boy I knew long ago.

I say boy because, the last time I saw him, he was.

A 20 something, almost man, I had known since 5th grade.

The dream was hot and steamy.

What does that mean?

Something to ponder.

Knowing someone in heaven can penetrate my dreams...

Comforting.

Sunday, August 11, 2013

That Guy

As a Single Parent,   I notice things.
 
Mostly, I notice Fathers with their children.

I happen to work in an industry that is mostly male dominated.

 It's the best of retail experiences.

Most of the men I deal with are 50+.  Wives are rarely in tow.

The few that come in on the weekends, with kids, rarely have the patience to deal with them.

 Typical.

But, there's this Dad.

He is awesome with his kids.

He's the type of dad I would like to meet.  How do I go about that?

What if he's wearing a ring?

That is OFF LIMITS, to me.

Would his friends be so awesome with kids?

Input Appreciated?

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Coravin Introduces Wine by the Glass, Without Pulling the Cork

It's not very often that a bottle of wine gets opened without being finished within 24 hours... in my house, but I know collectors who may be interested in sharing their wines on a grander scale.

Have you ever been to a restaurant, gawked at their wine list, only to realize that the wine you REALLY want isn't available by the glass, and no one you're with is in the mood for wine?

This could be the answer...





NEWS RELEASE
CORAVIN LAUNCHES TRANSFORMATIONAL WINE ACCESS SYSTEM
Wine Enthusiasts Can Now Pour Wine Without Pulling the Cork
Burlington, Mass., July 30, 2013 Coravin, LLC today announced the launch of its Coravin™ Wine Access System, a new technology that allows users to pour and enjoy wine from their favorite bottles without pulling the cork. Coravin will forever change the way wine is enjoyed, served and sold.

For the first time, wine enthusiasts will be able to enjoy wine by the glass without committing to the whole bottle. Coravin’s groundbreaking wine access technology leaves the cork in place, safeguarding the wine from oxidation thus allowing the wine to evolve naturally. Now wine lovers can enjoy and share the same bottle during multiple occasions, over weeks, months or even longer without wasting a drop. The Coravin System also enables wine drinkers to access wine across multiple bottles during a single occasion.

“Coravin Wine Access Technology solves the age-old problem that wine oxidizes after the cork is pulled,” said President and CEO of Coravin, LLC, Nick Lazaris. “With the launch of this innovative product, we will transform the experience of pouring and enjoying wine for everyone from the casual wine enthusiast to the serious collector, to restaurants and wineries."

World renowned wine expert Robert Parker has called Coravin “the most transformational and exciting new product for wine lovers that has been developed or invented in the last 30-plus years.” Parker, who is largely considered one of the world’s leading authorities on wine, recently posted a series of videos about the Coravin System based on his own personal testing of the system on the erobertparker.com site.

Wine Enthusiasts: A New Way to Explore WinesThe Coravin Wine Access System enables wine enthusiasts to freely explore their collection glass by glass over multiple occasions, without committing to the whole bottle. The unprecedented freedom to enjoy bottles of wine by the glass without fear of waste due to oxidation allows any wine lover to become more adventurous with food and wine pairings and to compare vintages and varietals.

Restaurants and Wine Bars: Expand Wine By the Glass OfferingsThe Coravin Wine Access System unlocks the wine cellar for restaurants and wine bars to offer a much broader selection of fine wines by the glass. Now they can serve by the glass offerings from their finest bottles without fear of waste, and encourage guests to try iconic wines they might not have tried otherwise. They are also free to create special flights, verticals and new food and wine pairings.

Wine Stores and Wineries: Customize and Expand Wine TastingsThe Coravin Wine Access System empowers wine stores and wineries to offer customized tastings to support increased opportunities for bottle sales. Retail outlets can now offer vertical or horizontal tastings, inspect bottles for flaws and faults, and customize and expand their tastings – at a moment’s notice. It also helps them educate customers by comparing and contrasting vintages, glass by glass.
“As a winemaker myself, I was very protective of the delicate nature of wine and took special care with the by-the-glass offerings at each of my restaurants,” said Joe Bastianich, American restaurateur, winemaker, and Coravin investor, well known for his role as a judge on FOX’s “Master Chef.” “Once I tried wine accessed six months prior with Coravin and tasted no difference, I knew this was a game changer. I now provide wine samples and glass selections from dozens of vintages and wines that we have never been able to offer, without any compromise in wine quality or waste. This product is nothing short of amazing for both restaurateurs and wine lovers alike.”
The Technology:  How Coravin WorksOnce you pull the cork from a bottle to pour wine, the wine is exposed to air and oxidation begins. The Coravin Wine Access System leaves the cork in place. First, a thin, hollow needle passes through the foil and cork to access the wine. Then the bottle is pressurized with argon, an inert gas in the air we breathe that winemakers have been using for years. The argon pressurization pushes the wine through the needle so that it flows into your glass without letting any oxygen in the bottle. Once the needle is removed, the cork naturally reseals itself, and the remaining wine continues to evolve naturally. For a video demonstration, please visit www.coravin.com/tech.
Pricing & AvailabilityThe Coravin 1000 will be available for purchase in the United States at www.coravin.com for $299. The Coravin Capsule three-pack will be available for $29.95.

About Coravin:
Coravin, LLC is a privately held company located in Burlington, Mass. focused on transforming the way wine is served, sold and enjoyed. Coravin designs and markets the Coravin Wine Access System for wine enthusiasts, restaurants, wine stores and wineries. Unparalleled in craftsmanship and design, Coravin uses proprietary patented technology to access and pour wine from a bottle without pulling the cork. Wine enthusiasts can now enjoy fine wines sealed with corks without feeling the need to commit to the whole bottle, allowing them to explore wines of any vintage, varietal or region, one taste at a time. With Coravin, the world’s first product of its kind, after being accessed the remaining wine in the bottle continues to evolve naturally and can be enjoyed later since the wine was never exposed to oxygen. For more information, please visit www.coravin.com.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Sparkle Me Wild 5K

We participated in our first 5K on the 4th of July.  Frankly, I had no idea how it would all play out.  Knowing none of us would run the whole thing, and knowing that Puddin Pop isn't a fan of running, period, I still thought it would be a fun way to get some exercise and make a new memory.

Groupon had a really good deal, and the race was VERY close to the house.  We signed up and got excited about the big day.

We've been sleeping in most the Summer.  I've been scheduling myself later shifts so the kids wouldn't have to get up early each morning.  Even if I close, I'm out by 8:20, so it's a win.

Knowing the race started at 8am, I was worried no one would want to get up to do it.  Worried for nothing.

Sparkle Me Wild puts on a GREAT Family event.  No pressure, shorter routes for those with small children, and the entire family is encouraged to participate.  You can sign up, as an adult, and children can run/walk free of charge, as long as they don't mind forgoing the free shirt and medal that come with being registered.  We. all. registered.

Before the race and color exposions

After the first color packet (we had 6 between us)

At the start line


Other people getting "colored-up"

PP after the race.  Proud of her accomplishment... and Color


Handsome got most of it on his head

Dancing to the music blaring at the finish line


Proud and Happy


Handsome and I

The 3 of us after the race

Now there is another race in our area on Labor Day.  The day before school starts.  Sparkle Me Wild is offering 50% off registration TODAY ONLY.  Want to join us?

Saturday, July 6, 2013

911, What's your emergency?


Kids were having a friend sleep-over last night.  When they came back from  getting A's stuff from his house, they had 2 extra kids in tow.  Kids were pleasant.  I asked where they lived and they told me that their dad had dropped them off near A's house and told them to stay with him.  That's fine but, A's mom wasn't warned.  A is 8 and these kids are 8 and 9.  The Father would have no idea that they were at my house.

As it started to get dark, I called A's mom to get more info on these kids.  She said she had met the father once or twice, and the kids had been dropped off before at her house on another occasion, unannounced.
They are classmates of A's and their Uncle lives close by.

I questioned the kids as to whether their uncle was home and they said he had left with their dad.  I asked them if ANYONE was home and they didn't know.  So we went to find out.

On the way over I found out that they were with their dad for the Summer but regularly lived with their mom.  I got her number and tried calling... no one would answer.

We knocked several times on the uncles door and no one answered.  The kids walked around back and could see their Aunt and cousins inside.  We knocked and knocked again, and then I called the police.

Just as I was explaining the situation to the operator, a woman answered the door.  I asked if the kids could come in. She seemed hesitant, but allowed them in.

I told the operator that they had been let in and that everything seemed to be ok but they may want to send someone to check..

An officer called to get the story.  I told him what had had happened and he asked if they were inside.  When I told them they were, he said, "Good enough for me,"

I'm sure it's not the last we will see of these children.

I feel awful that they think this is normal parenting behavior.

Sunday, June 30, 2013

What Makes A Person Dream Worthy?


Have you ever had a steamy dream about another person and not remembered it until you saw them?

Me too.

Awkward!

Did you tell them?

I did not.


My husband and I separated 2.5 years ago.  I have not even been out on a date, but I must be close.

I'm putting off a vibe, apparently.

In the last month, 3 men have told me that they have had dreams about me.

It's been more than 20 years since I've heard that.

 I'm not bragging.  I'm merely curious as to why?  What vibe am I putting out?

First.  I know all of these men personally, but 2 are merely FB friends at this point.  I haven't seen them in more than 20 years.  The other, I have seen more recently/

What about me is worthy of Men's dreams?

and more importantly....

What about me says, "Please tell me that you had a steamy dream about me"?

Not trying to call anyone out.  I'm the only one that knows.

I'm flattered.  Really.  Why me?

Commence discussion.....

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Slacker Tooth Fairy Pays 2 kids for One Tooth




Last night around bed time...

Scratch that.  We really don't do bedtime in the summer.  It may be bad parenting but, having the kids sleep in until 10-10:30 is incredible.

So it was around 10pm.  Kids are watching TV and eating gummie bears/worms, when Handsome announces that he lost one of his molars.  Awesome.  I just happen to have cash in my purse, which NEVER happens.  I'm all set for this.  I smile to myself.

Fast forward a couple hours.  I'm falling asleep, Puddin Pop is already sleeping, and Handsome is on the couch watching videos on his tablet.  (the kids prefer sleeping in the living room when on vacation, and on weekends, and every. chance. they. get).  I decide to get up and get a dollar to put under his pillow, so I don't have to get back up when Handsome falls asleep.  I crawl into the bed and tuck it under my pillow until it's time.

 Fast forward another hour...

PP wakes me up to say there is something wet on the bed, she thinks it's pee and belongs to one of the cats. It turned out to be water, from a bottle that the lid didn't get screwed onto.  I get up, to clean the mess, and PP scooches over claiming, "I'll keep your spot warm for you."... followed by, "Hey.  Why is there a dollar under your pillow?  It must be the one I lost earlier.  Where's my purse?"

Sure as shit, she gets up and puts the dollar with her other money, claiming she lost $1 earlier in the day.  WTF? Handsome has headphones on and missed the whole thing.  I would've mentioned the whole tooth fairy thing but, I hadn't retrieved the tooth yet and, she is already leery about the validity of said tooth fairy.  I let it go, and let her have the money but, only because I had ONE dollar left.

Get her tucked back in, get the other dollar, and tuck it IN my pillow case.

Another hour passes...

Handsome wants to get into the bed,  He had fallen asleep on the couch.  PP is dead center so I give him my spot and move to the couch.

PP and I get up around 9.  Handsome awakes around 10:30 and the first thing he wants to know is, "Where's my money?"

I realize that I still haven't retrieved the tooth.  Thankfully, it disappeared on it's own (probably under the couch, I'll look later).

I pretend to help him look by shaking out the blankets and pillows until it falls out of said pillow case.

Now he's happy.

They BOTH are a dollar richer, and I'm the slacker Tooth Fairy that should have this down by now.



Sunday, June 23, 2013

Ebay Purchase Gone Wrong

What would you do?

Last week I purchased one of eBay's Deals of the Day.

A manufactured refurbished Kindle Fire for $99.  I've wanted on for a long time and finally found a price point I could justify.

I also purchased a wall charger.  The 2 items were purchased at the same time, but coming from different sellers.

Two hours after purchase, I realized (from the email notification) that the ship to address was incorrect.  Somehow, while changing my home address to the new one, eBay defaulted to an alternate address.  One I have never resided at, but have sent gifts to.

I immediately notified BOTH sellers.  Neither was showing shipping information, so I knew I was in time.
The next morning I received an email that the charger had shipped.  I later received confirmation of my change of address and a message saying they would send out a second charger to the CORRECT address.
That, is awesome customer service.

From the seller of the Kindle I received this...

Hello,

Thanks for contacting us. Unfortunately, we are unable to change any shipping addresses. We ship to the address that is connected to your Paypal account. If the address is incorrect, only the account owner can correct it.

Sorry if this causes you any inconvenience.

If you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to contact us.

Thanks,

To which I replied...

The paypal address is correct. The email address that ebay provided was incorrect. If you are using the paypal address, it should be going to the address I emailed you about.

Thanks for clarification.

They reply with...

 Hello,

Your order will be shipped to 11 (wrong address) VA 23666.

Really? All this BEFORE it is even marked as shipped. Why wouldn't they change it?

I reply...

That is the incorrect address and is not, nor ever been, connected to my paypal account. Not sure why it couldn't be changed since I notified you before it shipped. Your sending it to my EX In-Laws. Thanks for that.

...and get this

 Hi,

Thank you for contacting us! I apologize for this inconvenience. The address was provided via PayPal; we would not select this information for you. Furthermore, we do ask that customers review the information provided because we have such a short time frame to modify orders. I understand you emailed us shortly after; however, due to the increasing number of correspondences received, we were unable to receive your inquiry before the order was confirmed as shipped.
Please let us know if you have any further questions or concerns. I appreciate your patience.




I feel this is crap.

Now it's been sent.  Tracking shows that it was delivered yesterday.  Ex, who lives with his parents, sends me a text to say the charger came, yesterday.  Funny enough, the replacement charger came to my house 2 days earlier.  The kindle has NOT arrived, according to him.

How would you proceed?

Do I contact eBay?

Would you ever trust this seller again?

Have you had similar issues?

I've never had issues with eBay but feel this seller did themselves and me, a huge injustice.


*UPDATE:
hours after this post went live, the package was found at the alternate address.

Monday, June 10, 2013

Summer Fun with Coppertone

We received Coppertone products as part of their Coppertone Moms campaign.   The opinions are honest and my own.


Two days left of school.

It can not come quick enough.

I love the opportunity to spend full days with the kids and not have to worry about a specific bed time.

We are registered for the Sparkle Me Wild 5K on the 4th of July, so will be walking/running the track at the school to make sure we can all finish.

Water Country, Busch Gardens and the pool are all some of our favorite ways to spend time together.

Thanks to Coppertone, we are armed with all the sunblock we need to keep us protected from the sun.



Spending the weekend at the pool, I can confidently say that these products are as good as they claim.  No one got too much sun, and no one ever complained about stinging.  We loved the ease of the spray sun block, but the kids often thought it stung a little when applying.  The lotions we received this year go on like any lotion but are tear free.  Putting it on kids who just want to be in the water is a breeze since you can cover the whole face without worrying about stinging eyes.

We try to re-apply every 2 hours (80 minutes is suggested).  I am thrilled that they stay protected even though Mome can't follow directions.

How do you like to spend your Summer?

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

White Sangria~ Perfect for Hot Summer Days

I was recently picking up a few items at Walgreen's.  I wasn't there for wine, but always check out selections wherever I am.

I came across a GREAT deal on Franzia's Crisp White and knew I had to try it.  Just $12.99 for a 5 liter box, how could I go wrong?


A medium bodied wine with hints of grapefruit.  It is refreshing on it's own and even better in a homemade sangria.


I added random fruit from the fridge.  Watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe and cherries.  Use whatever you have on hand, there's no rules here. The added fruit flavor was amazing and the wine infused fruit at the end was even better.

I didn't even know I liked sangria.

This is my new go to drink of the summer.

What new recipes have you come up with?