I am falling victim to numerous new social sites online these days... I just signed up for flickr, uploaded some photos, and boom! now I'm blogging from flickr - how cool is that?
This photo was taken two days ago, it was exhaustingly hot outside and lucas and ruffy had just come in from playing in the sand box... Can you feel the love in this picture?
About me, reinventing myself one day at a time...
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Mom's Pesto Recipe
I've also had requests for my mom's pesto pasta recipe from Luke's birthday party..... here it is straight from the chef herself... just add your choice of pasta and you have a delicious dish! We use gluten free rice pasta, but any will work. Thanks Mom! she didn't know I'd be posting her directions on my blog when she sent me the email... ;-)
Spinach Pesto
Here is what I put in it. Frozen spinach, I thaw it and squeeze all the liquid out really well. I used the frozen bag from trader joes.
In my Cuisinart I put garlic (as much as you like), lemon juice (as much as you like from a fresh lemon), Parmesan cheese, (I usually use pecarino cheese but I was out of it, Parmesan has a milder flavor). I usually just add as much as I want for flavor and texture, I also added a few basil leaves, but you could also use Italian parsley leaves too.
After you get it all in there add a little salt and a good olive oil. Blend while adding more olive oil until it is all blended finely. I usually store it in a jar for up to 2 weeks.... just make sure you cover it in olive oil to keep it fresh. Each time I take some out for pasta or pizza I add more olive oil to top it off in the jar. Pine nuts are really good in it too. I didn't put any in the kids dish because of possible allergies. But if you can, try pine nuts for a great roasted flavor and it adds a little protein to the sauce. I buy pine nuts at trader joes and roast them myself in a nonstick skillet over low heat YUMMY! Good luck and have fun! You can't mess this up its all to your taste.
***Note from Suzanne - The "adult" version used primarily basil instead of the spinach, and included pine nuts. There was also diced chicken, and roasted pepper, eggplant and tomato included. ***
Spinach Pesto
Here is what I put in it. Frozen spinach, I thaw it and squeeze all the liquid out really well. I used the frozen bag from trader joes.
In my Cuisinart I put garlic (as much as you like), lemon juice (as much as you like from a fresh lemon), Parmesan cheese, (I usually use pecarino cheese but I was out of it, Parmesan has a milder flavor). I usually just add as much as I want for flavor and texture, I also added a few basil leaves, but you could also use Italian parsley leaves too.
After you get it all in there add a little salt and a good olive oil. Blend while adding more olive oil until it is all blended finely. I usually store it in a jar for up to 2 weeks.... just make sure you cover it in olive oil to keep it fresh. Each time I take some out for pasta or pizza I add more olive oil to top it off in the jar. Pine nuts are really good in it too. I didn't put any in the kids dish because of possible allergies. But if you can, try pine nuts for a great roasted flavor and it adds a little protein to the sauce. I buy pine nuts at trader joes and roast them myself in a nonstick skillet over low heat YUMMY! Good luck and have fun! You can't mess this up its all to your taste.
***Note from Suzanne - The "adult" version used primarily basil instead of the spinach, and included pine nuts. There was also diced chicken, and roasted pepper, eggplant and tomato included. ***
Holiday Candy Recipes
I have gotten many requests for the recipes I used to make both the peanut butter cups and toffee at Christmas and Luke's birthday... here they are!
Chocolate Almond Toffee
INGREDIENTS
(recipe taken from allrecipes.com - http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Best-Toffee-Ever---Super-Easy/Detail.aspx)
Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips, candy bars and remaining peanut butter; stir until smooth.
Drop teaspoonfuls of chocolate mixture into paper-lined miniature muffin cups. Top each with a scant teaspoonful of peanut butter mixture; top with another teaspoonful of chocolate mixture. Decorate with sprinkles if desired. Refrigerate until set. Store in an airtight container. Yield: 3 dozen.
(Recipe taken from tasteofhome.com - http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Homemade-Peanut-Butter-Cups)
Chocolate Almond Toffee
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups butter
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup finely chopped almonds
DIRECTIONS
In a large heavy bottomed saucepan, combine the butter, sugar and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the butter is melted. Allow to come to a boil, and cook until the mixture becomes a dark amber color, and the temperature has reached 285 degrees F (137 degrees C). Stir occasionally.
While the toffee is cooking, cover a large baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
As soon as the toffee reaches the proper temperature, pour it out onto the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the chocolate over the top, and let it set for a minute or two to soften. Spread the chocolate into a thin even layer once it is melted. Sprinkle the nuts over the chocolate, and press in slightly. Putting a plastic bag over your hand will minimize the mess.
Place the toffee in the refrigerator to chill until set. Break into pieces, and store in an airtight container.
In a large heavy bottomed saucepan, combine the butter, sugar and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the butter is melted. Allow to come to a boil, and cook until the mixture becomes a dark amber color, and the temperature has reached 285 degrees F (137 degrees C). Stir occasionally.
While the toffee is cooking, cover a large baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
As soon as the toffee reaches the proper temperature, pour it out onto the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the chocolate over the top, and let it set for a minute or two to soften. Spread the chocolate into a thin even layer once it is melted. Sprinkle the nuts over the chocolate, and press in slightly. Putting a plastic bag over your hand will minimize the mess.
Place the toffee in the refrigerator to chill until set. Break into pieces, and store in an airtight container.
(recipe taken from allrecipes.com - http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Best-Toffee-Ever---Super-Easy/Detail.aspx)
Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter, divided
- 4-1/2 teaspoons butter, softened
- 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
- 4 milk chocolate candy bars (1.55 ounces each), coarsely chopped
- Colored sprinkles, optional
Directions:
In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup peanut butter, butter, confectioners' sugar and salt until smooth; set aside.In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips, candy bars and remaining peanut butter; stir until smooth.
Drop teaspoonfuls of chocolate mixture into paper-lined miniature muffin cups. Top each with a scant teaspoonful of peanut butter mixture; top with another teaspoonful of chocolate mixture. Decorate with sprinkles if desired. Refrigerate until set. Store in an airtight container. Yield: 3 dozen.
(Recipe taken from tasteofhome.com - http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Homemade-Peanut-Butter-Cups)
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
One year old!
Today is my baby's birthday. He is one year old! At this time one year ago I was on my way to the hospital. I can't believe it has been a year. I can't believe I have a toddler now. He is an actual kid, not a baby anymore. He walks, talks, and eats like a big kid. It is amazing what he has accomplished over the last year. I think I'll tell him his birth story today, not that he'll understand what I'm talking about, but I think I'll tell him anyway.... the story of how he came into the world and made me and ryan parents.
The last year has been a major blur, due to sleep deprivation, and re balancing my entire life and priorities. Here is what I remember...
Month one: a blur of sleeping, feeding, sleeping feeding, sleeping feeding, yet somehow I didn't seem to get any sleep or food.
Month two: trying to get out of the house, lots of crying, and more feeding, sleeping, feeding, sleeping..
Month three: Surgery for me, getting into a routine, started getting the hang of going out with the baby, sleeping better, still lots of feeding.
Month four: I quit my job, we remodeled our soon to be new house, I finally started feeling better after the surgery, less sleeping, still lots of feeding...
Month five: we moved, Lucas stopped sleeping at night, unpacking, started going to moms group, met some friends, less feeding...
Month six: still no sleeping for us, still unpacking, lots of mom's group activities, lucas starts eating solids in an attempt to fill him up and help him sleep longer.
Month seven: Lucas is sleeping with us, eating well, playing alot, starts sitting up and playing by himself a little, we are still not getting any sleep.
Month eight: I finally give up and let lucas cry, he starts sleeping better, I start sleeping better, he starts crawling, and everyone is happy.
Month nine: Lots of playing, eating, sleeping, and fun times for all of us.
Month ten: Lucas is walking, we babyproofed the house, I can finally get things done at home, we are eating and sleeping well.
Month eleven: Lucas is running, talking, feeding himself, and I start wondering if I may be ready for another baby...
Month twelve: I am happy to finally be able to have some time to myself, Lucas is playing by himself alot now, we are all eating and sleeping well and happy. I definitely am not ready for another baby yet!
The last year has been a major blur, due to sleep deprivation, and re balancing my entire life and priorities. Here is what I remember...
Month one: a blur of sleeping, feeding, sleeping feeding, sleeping feeding, yet somehow I didn't seem to get any sleep or food.
Month two: trying to get out of the house, lots of crying, and more feeding, sleeping, feeding, sleeping..
Month three: Surgery for me, getting into a routine, started getting the hang of going out with the baby, sleeping better, still lots of feeding.
Month four: I quit my job, we remodeled our soon to be new house, I finally started feeling better after the surgery, less sleeping, still lots of feeding...
Month five: we moved, Lucas stopped sleeping at night, unpacking, started going to moms group, met some friends, less feeding...
Month six: still no sleeping for us, still unpacking, lots of mom's group activities, lucas starts eating solids in an attempt to fill him up and help him sleep longer.
Month seven: Lucas is sleeping with us, eating well, playing alot, starts sitting up and playing by himself a little, we are still not getting any sleep.
Month eight: I finally give up and let lucas cry, he starts sleeping better, I start sleeping better, he starts crawling, and everyone is happy.
Month nine: Lots of playing, eating, sleeping, and fun times for all of us.
Month ten: Lucas is walking, we babyproofed the house, I can finally get things done at home, we are eating and sleeping well.
Month eleven: Lucas is running, talking, feeding himself, and I start wondering if I may be ready for another baby...
Month twelve: I am happy to finally be able to have some time to myself, Lucas is playing by himself alot now, we are all eating and sleeping well and happy. I definitely am not ready for another baby yet!
Friday, December 26, 2008
New Year's Resolutions
So once again I am going to join the masses and write out my new year's resolutions, full of optimism and hopefulness that I will be able to follow through and end up a better person in 2009. Forgive the cliches... I really do mean them. And for anyone who is actually reading this, please ask me if I am following through! I need some accountability. Here goes:
1. Exercise! I still look like I am pregnant, especially after I eat a big meal. I have a good stroller, I live near a walking park, our gym has childcare.... there are no excuses. I even have a bunch of home exercise equipment like little dumbells, etc. that I can use in the living room while Lucas is playing.
2. Eat better! I haven't been following the guidelines that I set with Betsy... no dairy products, no soy, less bread and packaged products, more veggies, less sugary products. It's just so hard because convenience foods are so easy, especially when I am busy with Lucas all day. And I need to be taking my vitamins and supplements regularly.
3. Figure out some way I can actually make money at home, and stick to it. I think I have concluded that the scrapbooking gig is more of a hobby thing than a money maker, which is fine b/c it is a lot of fun and a good way to get together with friends. I just need something else to make some money. I am taking over my mom's website so I will do my best to make that work to bring in a little money, but that will take a while to get started. I may need to find one other thing. Hopefully the right thing will come along.
4. Allow time for my creative side. I have been itching to learn adobe illustrator and photoshop. I want to create some of my own graphics and make some cute cards and things... I also want to sew and create some goodies for lucas and his friends. I want to learn to draw. How I will do all these things, I don't know, but I know they are good for my soul, so I need to make time.
5. Come up with a great financial plan. Ryan and I want to buy our house eventually, and we want to be debt free (or close to it) before we do so. We need to come up with and stick with a good plan to get us where we want to be.
1. Exercise! I still look like I am pregnant, especially after I eat a big meal. I have a good stroller, I live near a walking park, our gym has childcare.... there are no excuses. I even have a bunch of home exercise equipment like little dumbells, etc. that I can use in the living room while Lucas is playing.
2. Eat better! I haven't been following the guidelines that I set with Betsy... no dairy products, no soy, less bread and packaged products, more veggies, less sugary products. It's just so hard because convenience foods are so easy, especially when I am busy with Lucas all day. And I need to be taking my vitamins and supplements regularly.
3. Figure out some way I can actually make money at home, and stick to it. I think I have concluded that the scrapbooking gig is more of a hobby thing than a money maker, which is fine b/c it is a lot of fun and a good way to get together with friends. I just need something else to make some money. I am taking over my mom's website so I will do my best to make that work to bring in a little money, but that will take a while to get started. I may need to find one other thing. Hopefully the right thing will come along.
4. Allow time for my creative side. I have been itching to learn adobe illustrator and photoshop. I want to create some of my own graphics and make some cute cards and things... I also want to sew and create some goodies for lucas and his friends. I want to learn to draw. How I will do all these things, I don't know, but I know they are good for my soul, so I need to make time.
5. Come up with a great financial plan. Ryan and I want to buy our house eventually, and we want to be debt free (or close to it) before we do so. We need to come up with and stick with a good plan to get us where we want to be.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Is there such a thing as bloggers block?
Is there a such thing as bloggers block? I've never had a problem writing, but for some reason the last couple weeks I have not been able to write. I've started a couple blogs and gotten half way through, and though, "this is stupid", so I deleted them. I think my thoughts are so scattered that I can't seem to arrange them into words and instead it turns into a jumbled mess... this is already a jumbled mess, but I'm still going. I think I'll change the subject.
I can't believe it's almost Christmas. I can't believe my son is almost one year old. He is running around the house, talking to me, and I am left wondering what happened to the sweet little baby I held in my arms just a few months back. Not that he isn't sweet now.... when he isn't running around he is giving me hugs and kisses with his arms wrapped around my neck. I love hugs from him. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and we will go to Ryan's parents house to celebrate, with lots of food and fun gifts for the kids. This year we opted to go all out for the kids instead of buying big gifts for us adults. We already have everything we need, and it's more fun to see the little ones playing with their new toys anyway. Christmas day we will go to my parents house to celebrate. Once again, delicious food and lots of spoiling for Lucas. He already got to peek at one of his gifts... a table and chair set just his size!
I feel so blessed to be surrounded by wonderful family and friends again this Christmas, and so happy to be able to share it with Lucas this time.
I can't believe it's almost Christmas. I can't believe my son is almost one year old. He is running around the house, talking to me, and I am left wondering what happened to the sweet little baby I held in my arms just a few months back. Not that he isn't sweet now.... when he isn't running around he is giving me hugs and kisses with his arms wrapped around my neck. I love hugs from him. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and we will go to Ryan's parents house to celebrate, with lots of food and fun gifts for the kids. This year we opted to go all out for the kids instead of buying big gifts for us adults. We already have everything we need, and it's more fun to see the little ones playing with their new toys anyway. Christmas day we will go to my parents house to celebrate. Once again, delicious food and lots of spoiling for Lucas. He already got to peek at one of his gifts... a table and chair set just his size!
I feel so blessed to be surrounded by wonderful family and friends again this Christmas, and so happy to be able to share it with Lucas this time.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Thanksgiving Blessings
Thanksgiving this year was wonderful, and it made me remember everything I have to be thankful for. However, this year was unlike any Thanksgiving before.
As a kid I remember going to my grandma's house for thanksgiving, with my aunt, uncle, and cousins visiting from the bay area. We would watch "Home Alone" over and over again, walk to the park up the street to play, and enjoy a delicious meal. My favorite part was always the black olives.... I'd load them up on all ten fingers and eat them one at a time. My grandma always had an extra olive dish just for me.
The last few years as myself, my brother, and cousins grew older, we celebrated at my parents house with whoever was available to come. We transitioned to gluten free thanksgivings, as all other meals had become. We had fun with new recipes for stuffings and pies, and always had the delicious turkey and fun family time.
Then I married Ryan, and we started having 2 thanksgivings each year, one at each of our parents house. We spent half the day at one house eating a full turkey day meal, and then moved on to the next house to eat yet another full turkey day meal. We would leave stuffed, but happy to have had the time with our families.
Next came Lucas, and this year, a couple months before Thanksgiving I started thinking... I wanted Lucas to have a big Thanksgiving with everyone he loves. Just as I remember big happy family thanksgivings as a kid, I want to give him memories like that as well. So Ryan and I decided to join our families for a big Thanksgiving! Needless to say, it was a blast! We had so much fun with everyone together. Boys watching football, girls in the kitchen, kids playing in the living room with grandparents on their tails, music coming from down the hall once the instruments had been broken out, and most of all, lots of smiles, hugs, laughter, and good food.
I'm proud to say we pulled it off, with lots of help from our parents of course. I'm not embarrassed to admit I was freaking out about the
turkey (my first time cooking one) when my mom hadn't arrived when she said she would... Anyway, it was a wonderful experience, and I hope we can do it again in the future.
Here are some fun pictures...
The Jaeger family... (clockwise from the left) Ryan, Bill, Alan, Kylan, Kelly (and Alek), Patti, Sylvia, Me, and Lucas
The Malmin/Weber family... (clockwise from top left)... Ryan, Dave, Andy, Kevin, Brian, Jenny, Elle, Judith, Barbara with Lucas, Suzanne, Matt, and Sam lower center.
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