Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Yes we can, and we did!

Okay life has been hectic, and I finally have a chance to say...GO OBAMA! I'm finally happy to be an American, and nope it's not because our 44th president happens to be of African descent. It's because we finally picked someone who shows some intelligence, and at least gives us some type of hope that (not to sound cliche') a change will come. Like Will.I.Am's song "New Day," that is how I am feeling. To continue to show off your pride for Obama please visit http://www.yp4obama.com/tshirts.html. Their shirts are cute and simple, and easy to match with your Dunks/Chucks/Uggs (yeah some folks do it) with your favo jeans.

On a lighter note, I'm finally moving to my own place! No offense to my parents, but damnit I'm 'ret ta go (that means I'm ready to go for those who didn't understand that lol). It's in a gated community, which makes me feel extra comfortable with security, and the staff lives on the property. Well break time is over, time to get ready for work. *whistles "New Day"*

Sunday, October 26, 2008

How to make herbal tea

I've been a tea drinker since I can actually remember (probably 2 or 3), but my Mommy always made sure that if I had tea it had to be herbal. So, while scanning the net looking for tea rinse recipes (for those who are into hair, you probably know about these) I found this article on MSN.com on how to make you're own. Now I know that some might think this is expensive, but since that "r" word keeps coming up, I thought why not since I will be making it myself (no packaging to worry about, not worrying about the whereabouts of ingredients, or if a mystery herb snuck in). Well for those who dare, here are some hints. For more information check out the link http://www.delish.com/recipes/homemade-herbal-teas-2
For the best results, you want your tea to consist of three kinds of ingredients:

HEALTHY GREENS For a full-bodied flavor, you might try steeping a combination of dandelion leaves, watercress, parsley, and birch leaves.
BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS Consider using a colorful mixture of rose petals, dandelion blossoms, pansies, and violets for good taste and appearance.
NOBLE FRAGRANCES Combine chives, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, verbena, oregano, and mint with flowers such as lemon blossoms and lilac.
Herbal remedies can be administered — and enjoyed — in many ways, but when boiling water is poured over herbs, the plants' soluble organic compounds are easily broken down. The resulting fragrances are an indication of the herbs' inherent therapeutic qualities.



Plants that are safe to eat — and drink
EDIBLE (AND DRINKABLE) FLOWERS

Alliums (flowers and young shoots), bee balm, carnations, hibiscus blossoms, hollyhock, honeysuckle flowers (the berries are highly poisonous), Johnny-jump-ups (flowers and leaves), lavender (blossoms and leaves), nasturtiums (flowers, buds, leaves, seedpods), pansies (flowers and leaves), roses (petals, leaves, and rose hips), violets (flowers and leaves).



EDIBLE (AND DRINKABLE) KITCHEN HERBS

Basil, chamomile flowers, chives, dill, lemon balm, marjoram, mint, oregano, parsley, peppermint and other mints, rosemary, sage, thyme, verbena.



EDIBLE (AND DRINKABLE) BUSHES AND TREES

Birch leaves (especially when young), blackberry leaves, citrus blossoms (lemon, orange, grapefruit, etc.), elderberry flowers and ripe berries (the leaves and unripe berries are poisonous), gardenia, hibiscus flowers, honeysuckle flowers, pine needles (white and black), raspberry leaves.



EDIBLE (AND DRINKABLE) WEEDS

Chickweed, chicory (flowers and buds), dandelions (flowers and leaves), goldenrod, good King Henry, kudzu, lamb's quarters, plantain (or white man's footsteps, as the Native Americans called them), purslane, stinging nettle.



Steeping your herb tea
Put a fat handful of the plants you gathered in a big pot or sparkling clean coffee press free of all oils, and pour boiling water over them. Consider using dandelion greens and flowers for about half of the handful (resulting in a slightly bitter taste, but great for digestion; or use blackberry or raspberry leaves in bulk for a sweeter taste). Divide the rest of your tea fairly equally among plants listed in the categories above without any single ingredient dominating.

Use a glass pot; this allows you to see the green beauty of your herbs. Let them steep for a few minutes. Keep them warm on a warmer and enjoy your tea all day long. There is enough flavor left in the plants for at least one additional steeping.

My search for the perfect roti

I already know that there will be about 2000 people wanting to tell me that either their auntie, mummy, cousin, or even themselves can make the best roti. I came close to one of the best I have had in about 4 years (yes it has been that long, isn't that sad?). I do not like every countries version of the roti (no I am not just talking about the bread). I love my GT folks, but dangit I want my filling in my bread! lol Yardies, y'all might come close to the way I like it, but I like to taste my curry (not all of the Jamaicans I know make "weak" curry). It's really a tie between the Trinis and Grenadian versions, and I now have a Grenadian "auntie" who will make me one for a price of $6.50 lol. Unlike some, she actually makes her roti from scratch, which is a big plus in my book. The next place that I actually had a good roti, is at Lexington Market (the doubles weren't bad either). The right amount of pepper, garlic, onions, potatoes and chickpeas, oh gosh my mouth is watering right now just thinking about it. After that teaser of an experience of a good roti, I have been on my quest. I think my quest will eventually come to an end when I start making my own. I have yet to find a market out here that sells the roti skins (heck no, I don't do rolling of the dough unless for cookies). If anyone in the Southern PG County area has a clue where I can buy a pack, please leave it in a comment or shoot me an e-mail. Also, while I am on this quest to find a good roti please do not hesitate to direct me to your favorite place. I do drive, and I have no problem with going a reasonable distance for good food (I will drive to Silver Spring or Woodbridge in order to get a chance to sample a good roti). No offense to the originators of the roti, but I do love your Tandoori Chicken!

A recipe for Chimichurri

Well it's not just for Chimichurri, but hey there's a dinner that can be prepared in under 30 minutes (also a plus for us working Moms).


From Good Housekeeping
triple-tested at the Good Housekeeping Research Institute

A spicy, garlicky vinaigrette transforms grilled steak into a fast South American-style entrée.
Nutritional Information
(per serving)

Calories 480
Total Fat 17g
Saturated Fat 5g
Cholesterol 75mg
Sodium 1050mg
Total Carbohydrate 45g
Dietary Fiber 3g
Sugars --
Protein 34g
Calcium --

Tara Donne
Serves: 4

Yields: 4 main-dish servings


Total Time: 25 min
Ingredients
U.S. Metric Conversion chart

1 (7- to 8-ounce) package(s) beans-and-rice mix
2 (10-ounce) boneless beef top loin steaks, 1 inch thick, trimmed of fat
1 (loosely packed) cup(s) fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
2 tablespoon(s) olive oil
1 tablespoon(s) red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon(s) dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon(s) crushed red pepper
1 clove(s) garlic, crushed with press
3/4 teaspoon(s) salt

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Directions

1. Prepare beans-and-rice mix as label directs; keep warm.
2. Meanwhile, heat ridged grill pan on medium until hot. Evenly season steaks, on both sides, with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Place steaks in grill pan and cook 16 to 18 minutes for medium-rare, or until desired doneness, turning steaks over once.
3. While steaks are cooking, prepare chimichurri sauce: In small bowl, with fork, mix parsley, oil, vinegar, oregano, crushed red pepper, garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until blended.

Tie it all together with a Sangria
Ingredients
U.S. Metric Conversion chart

1 (1.5 liters) bottle(s) red wine
1 1/2 cup(s) fresh orange juice
1/3 cup(s) brandy
1/3 cup(s) sugar
2 (nectarines) pitted and cut into wedges
1 orange, cut in half then sliced
1 lemon, sliced
1 (Kirby (pickling) cucumber) sliced
3 cup(s) seltzer or club soda, chilled
Ice cubes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Directions

1. In 3- to 4-quart pitcher, combine wine, orange juice, brandy, and sugar; stir until sugar dissolves.
2. Stir in fruit and cucumber. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 3 hours or overnight.
3. To serve, stir seltzer into pitcher. Fill glasses with ice and pour sangria.

Ole!

It's vacay time!

Okay so nobody is too old to go to the "happiest place on Earth." Right now they are making the deal sweeter, especially for birthdays. All next year, if you go to one of the Disney Parks, the birthday boy/girl (man/woman) can go for free. I think that is a heck of a good deal, and yes if I had to sacrifice my 28th birthday next year to spend some time in Disney *wipes tear* then by golly I guess I will!
wwww.disneyparks.com OR http://information.travel.aol.com/deals/disney-travel?ncid=AOLCOMMtravdynlprim0337&icid=100214839x1211757070x1200703411
This beats a Staycation hands down!

For all of the mamas

This goes out to the mamas, godmommas, grandmamas, playmamas, step-mamas, lol you get the picture. Well I'm surprised at myself that I did not post anything about the 2008 Amby Awards, but anyways these are the tops products that Mommies around the country gave their raves. Enjoy the list, and if you need anymore information please go to their website www.parents.com (click on the American Baby tab).


1. Boppy
This nursing pillow (helpful for bottle users too) took first place for the sixth year. "It keeps my arms from turning to Jell-O at feedings," explains Latosha Rodgers, of Muncie, Indiana ($30-$60).
2.Fisher-Price Swing
Our readers say they wouldn't get anything done without it. "It gives Mom a break by entertaining or rocking the baby to sleep," says Priscilla Durbin, of Toledo, Ohio ($140).
3. Johnson's Bedtime Line
These lavender-scented skincare products, parents swear, send babies off to dreamland. "They smell so great, calm babies down, and really help them sleep better," writes Tina Roeder, of Hunlock Creek, Pennsylvania ($3.50 and up).
4. Desitin
Lots of diaper rash creams get votes, but Desitin is the leader. "It works, and cleanup is so easy," writes Jaime Mayo, of Fort Worth, Texas. It comes in original, creamy, and clear (not shown) varieties (about $6.50 and up).
5. Fisher-Price Jumperoo
This seat for older babies brings smiles to kids and grown-ups alike. "My girl giggles every time she jumps," writes Cathy Conder, of Freeport, Illinois ($80).
*Side note, my AJ loves hers! Yes it was roughly $80, but always look online to compare.*6. Fisher-Price Bouncer
This newborn seat, sold in many designs, has won an AMBY award nine out of 10 years (and once was a runner-up). Angelina Stojakovic, of Danbury, Connecticut, writes simply: "Our baby loves it" ($100).
7. Boudreaux's Butt Paste
When you're looking at a shelf of rash creams, you have to admit that this name stands out. But it wins votes because it "works like a charm," says Kelly Robinson, of Carmichael, California (about $6 and up).
8. Playtex Diaper Genie
This improved version -- Diaper Genie II Elite -- hides more odors than ever. "No more smell, and no more twisting the bag, with the new design," explains Lara Dean, of Vernonia, Oregon ($40).
9. Dr. Brown's Bottles
Parents swear by the unique design. "These do reduce burping, spitting up, and colic," says Cristy Leal, of Pasadena, California ($5 and up). *I must try these since AJ is still doing the bottle thing, but I am tempted.*
10. Bumbo Seat
Parents turn to this when their child graduates from the bouncer. "My baby sits and watches me while I work in the kitchen," says Sara Nelson, of Plumas Lake, California ($40).
RUNNERS-UP
11. Medela Pump in Style
Still the most trusted electric breast pump. "Efficient and easy. For me, it made nursing for over a year possible with all three kids," writes Sherri Martin, of Oglethorpe, Georgia ($280-$330).
I'll have to keep this one in mind when we start planning our next child.
12. Baby Bjorn
Readers rave about the comfort of this carrier. "I get shopping and housework done while my baby sleeps close to me," says Amy Mitchell, of Boise, Idaho ($80-$160).
13. A&D
Fighting diaper rash is a constant, so using a preventive cream becomes a major part of most parents' day. "We use A&D at every change," writes Samantha Goldman, of Delanco, New Jersey (about $5 and up).
14. Balmex
A diaper rash cream can actually have other skincare uses too. "Not only does Balmex prevent and treat diaper rash, but it helped heal my crawler's rug burns," says Heidi Aiken, of Warren, Michigan (about $6 and up).
15. Baby Einstein DVDs
While not every parent likes to admit their baby watches TV, when pressed, almost all moms and dads say these DVDs save them. "It gives me an extra half hour to clean. I pop in Baby Einstein and my 10-month-old is glued to it," says Alisha Easley, of Krebs, Oklahoma ($20 each). I'm all for children having something to occupy their time, but there's controversy about if the videos are actually good for a child (hey I have AJ watch Sesame Street).
Noteworthy
Gerber Graduates
While it has never won an AMBY, this ever-expanding line of baby-to-toddler food gets plenty of reader praise each year ($3 and up).
Summer Infant Day and Night Monitor
This handheld video monitor wins raves from the parents who invest in it; being able to see baby as well as hear him helps you know whether he's fully awake or fussing back to sleep ($170).
Kiddopotamus SwaddleMe
Swaddling blankets were off our radar as a must-have until votes for the SwaddleMe came pouring in; we can attest that it makes wrapping a baby a lot simpler ($11 and up). *I loved it until my little She-Hulk successfully found a way to un-swaddle herself...at 3 months, lol.*
Gerber NUK
While many pacifiers get AMBY votes, this particular model consistently earns the most reader praise (about $3 and up).
Graco Pack 'n Play
This past AMBY winner is still a high-ranking favorite. Readers love portable cribs for convenience at home and away ($100 and up). *I have already researched these since I do have a co-worker who has limited space. This is the perfect option, and this gives you time to at least have somewhere for your bundle to sleep soundly through the..whenever!*
Similac and Enfamil
Formula-using readers give a grateful shout-out to these two brands every year (each about $20 and up). *We tried the Enfamil Lacto-Free formula, and it gave her so much gas we wanted to find a way to transfer that to our gas tank. We switch to Similac, and our baby is no longer fussy, and the gas comes and goes like any other baby lol. Try for yourself though because as they say "all babies are different."
For more of their reviews on products check this link http://www.parents.com/baby/gear/registries-buying-guides/baby-products-we-cant-live-without/?page=1

Food, oh how I love thee!

Okay I love food, can't live without it, but for the life of me I don't understand why it is so hard for me be ashamed of it. Oh yeah, I remember because if I'm seen eating something besides a salad or vegan/gluten-free/cruelty-free/taste-free (fyi, not saying that all of these foods are taste free) I get the look of death. I'm one of those happy ladies, who just so happens to have a couple....30lbs on my frame that need to be toned/exercised off. It's a work in progress, but believe me with my obsession with what I put in my body has really paid off in the past month or so. I have lost 10lbs., which is an accomplishment for me because it has stayed off. I did do one thing, make a lot of food on the weekends, and then from there we have saved money and calories in the long run. It has now become a habit of mines, when my mother and I go book shopping at Border's I scour over the reduced priced cookbooks. My recent purchase was a dessert cookbook (lol no I'm not sabotaging my "new" life) since I needed to make sure that I had something new to add to my gift baskets this year (recession proof gift). I did see some that tickled my fancy: Sweet Potato Cheesecake, Brownies with espresso (yes for my coffee addicted Aunts and Uncles lol), but that is not why I'm posting.
I'm posting because I did say that I would provide you with recipes, which has not been done except from the help I get from Whole Foods (chuckles). So, one thing I have done was pretty much been giving out advice on what every woman should know how to cook (and yes I mean EVERY woman). One thing is the infamous Oven Roasted Chicken, and nope it's not as hard as it seems. You need:
One whole chicken in between 3-5lbs
3 cloves of garlic (slice one and leave the other two whole)
1/4 of an onion sliced
the skin of one lemon (this is to place in the cavity and under the skin)
Italian Seasoning (this prevents you from buying sep. spices)
Black Pepper
Kosher Salt (a little goes a very long way)
1 1/2 tbls of butter or margarine (this is to massage the skin)
roasting pan (if using disposable use foil to tent the chicken)
1. Preheat the oven at 375
2. Clean the bird by rubbing the juice of the lemon on the inside and outside of the bird (thought I was going to have you waste a lemon????). Make sure to remove the bag of surprises (that's the innards of the bird that some of us love)
3. After you finish giving your bird a thorough washing, dry the skin.
4. Stuff the inside of the bird with the garlic cloves, the sliced onion, and 1/2 of the lemon skin. Make sure that you rub some of the salt on the inside of the cavity, believe me this helps with the seasoning.
5. Under the skin push the sliced garlic cloves and lemon skin as far as possible so the breast will be thorougly seasoned (flavor is good!)
6. Rub the butter on the skin (this helps the seasonings stick the skin), but make sure that you don't mess up your hard work with the garlic and lemon. Add seasonings (Italian seasoning, pepper, and salt).
7. Place in your roaster pan, and tent with some foil (if using the disposable pan)/ cover with lid. Leave in the oven covered for about 45 mintues, and then for another 40 (yes another 40) bake uncovered.
8. Remove from the oven, but do not cut yet. Let it rest for 20 minutes so the juices can redistribute (nobody likes dry chicken).
Serve with mashed potatoes w/ gravy (you can always make your own, but I buy the jar) and your choice of veggie (I like frozen squash or mixed vegetables). The leftovers will make for a good addition to a salad, sandwich, stir fry, and soup. You can also use this method for a turkey (or turkey breast).

Coupons.com...get your savings on! :-)

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