Amazing 100 year old doctor

This is a short video about a doctor who is 100 years and old is still working; not as much as he used to, but he's pretty inspiring. I think you'll like him!

Cooking Thursday

Thursday is coming and with it, another new recipe. You can find more tried and true recipes, by visiting Sandra at Diary of a SAHM.

I got this recipe from my friend Betty, of A glimpse into midlife. She posted this recently and I tried it last week. Bob and I really liked it. As a matter of fact, I sent the leftovers in his lunch and he came home and said again how much he liked it.

Chicken Lasagna

2 - 3 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
9 cooked lasagna noodles
16 ounces Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese (grated 2-3 tbs )
aprox. 2 cups heavy cream
1 onion (chopped)
2-3 tbs butter
salt to taste
6 slices bacon, crumbled
1 can of corn
2 tablespoons cornstarch
milk

1. Cook and shred chicken, and prepare noodles.
2.Saute onions and salt in the 2-3 tbs of butter.
3. In a cup add the 2 tblsp. cornstarch and dissolve with some milk. Add this to the onions. Also add the 2 cups of cream.
4.Bring to a boil to make a white sauce. If it is too thick, add milk to make it the right consistency. (I had to add about 1/2 cup milk to mine)

Putting it in the pan:
• Lightly coat a 9x13 inch glass dish with a little olive oil.
• Put in 3 cooked lasagna noodles.
• Put in a layer of chicken, then spread 1/2 can of corn over top.
• Drizzle over the chicken and corn a layer of white creamy mixture.
• Put in half of the crumbled bacon
• Sprinkle 4 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese over top
Repeat this a second time making sure there is enough white sauce, so it will not be dry. The final layer is noodles, topped with 8 ounces mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese.
You could also sprinkle on a little Italian seasoning.

Bake 400 degrees for 30 minutes or until top is lightly browned.

It's time for a giveaway!

I got an e-mail last week from CSN stores offering a giveaway for my readers! I had such fun looking at their site to pick a giveaway item.
I started off here at bar furniture where I found a huge assortment of bar stools, chairs, tables and much more! I would love to have a kitchen island where I could put a few chairs like this:

This chair even swivels!


I then went to the cookware section of their site, where there is cookware, bakeware, appliances and serving pieces.

Don't you love this bowl? I can see a pretty fruit salad in it!


I checked out the furniture:

Wouldn't this little cabinet look cute in a bathroom, with towels in the bottom section?



But, it's time to get down to business. I have 2 choices for this giveaway:

The Mini-Prep Processor is the perfect kitchen helper for your small food preparation tasks. This compact processor occupies minimum counter space yet offers major advantages: more power than other choppers, 2-speed operation and large 21-ounce capacity.

Features:

• Powerful chopper/grinder
• Brushed Stainless Steel Base
• 21-ounce work bowl
• 2 speeds for precision processing
• Patented reversible blade
• Dishwasher-safe parts
• Stainless steel blade with sharp and blunt edges
• Spatula
• Instruction/Recipe Book

Specifications:

• Limited 18-month warranty
• Overall Dimensions: 8.25"H x 6.9"W x 5.2"D

or this:

Le Creuset's Stoneware is truly an All-in-One Dish that you can use for baking, slicing, serving and storage. Stoneware can be used in the oven, broiler or microwave and will not absorb odors or flavors. The durable finish resists chipping, scratching and staining. These beautiful pieces with their bold classic colors and sure grip handles go straight from baking to tabletop, making an impressive presentation.

• 10.5" x 7" Baking Dish with 7" x 5" Bonus Dish
• Made of enameled stoneware
• Strength and durability, making it resistant to chipping, cracking and staining
• Enamel glaze on interior and exterior
• Can bake in an oven up to 500° F
• Color: Caribbean Blue, Cherry Red, Cobalt Blue or Kiwi Green
  
• Dishwasher-safe

To sign up for this giveaway, leave me a comment telling me which item you would choose if you won - the Mini Prep Processor or the Le Creuset Baking dishes. If you choose the dishes, you also need to tell me the color you would like.
For another chance to win, you may leave another comment if you are a follower.
I'm sorry, but the giveaway is limited to the United States and Canada due to shipping costs.

This giveaway will end on May 4 at 9 pm. The winner will be announced later that night.

Thanks to CSN stores for sponsoring this giveaway! Be sure to check out some of the sites I mentioned above. You'll be amazed at the huge selection!


*disclaimer - I received no compensation for this post. CSN stores offered a giveaway for my readers and I accepted!

It really works!

I've got another cleaning item I use faithfully, but this isn't one I buy. This is a recipe I got from my step mom, who keeps her house spic and span. I had asked her what she used for her windows and mirrors and she told me about this. This is so easy to mix up and is economical too! I use it for mirrors, windows, counter tops and even my painted baseboards. It's good stuff!

Cleaning Spray
2 ounces rubbing alcohol
2 ounces clear ammonia
12 ounces water
Pour each ingredient into a spray bottle and lightly shake to mix.

Sandra from Sister.Faith recommends Comet Bathroom Cleaner in the squirt bottle. I've never tried that one, but will have to pick some up. If you have a favorite, let me know and I'll share it next week.

It's Monday

So, Monday's coming and you don't really feel like going back to work? Just remember, things can always be worse!

My job beats all of these!

The Pioneer Woman

I have a feeling most of you have heard of The Pioneer Woman. I've been following her blog for some time. I like her stories of life on the ranch, stories about her family, her beautiful photography and most of all her recipes.
She recently published a cookbook and I just purchased it. What a great cookbook! It's a lot like her blog; with photo's of each step of the recipe and fun little stories interspersed among the recipes. Of course, her recipes are wonderful. I don't think there has been one I haven't liked.
If you haven't seen this, I highly recommend it!

Cooking Thursday

I've got a fun and easy supper recipe for today's Cooking Thursday. For more recipes, check out Sandra's blog - Diary of a SAHM.

Calzones
1 pound lean ground beef
3 1/2 cups (14 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
12 ounce can tomato paste
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
2 (10-ounce) cans refrigerated pizza crust
Olive oil
6 ounce can Tomato Sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cook ground beef in a large skillet and drain.
Combine beef, 2 1/2 cups cheese, tomato paste and 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning.
Unroll each pizza crust, and cut each crust into thirds. Press each portion into a 6 inch circle. Spread about 3/4 cup of meat mixture evenly over half of each circle. Moisten edges with water; fold dough over, pressing or crimping edges to seal. Place on a lightly greased baking sheet, and cut slits in tops to allow steam to escape. Brush with olive oil.
Bake at 375° for 25 minutes or until golden. Mix tomato sauce and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, spread sauce in a thin layer over baked Calzones; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Place back into oven for 5 minutes or until cheese melts.
Note: Freeze baked calzones up to 1 month, if desired. Thaw in refrigerator overnight. Wrap calzones in aluminum foil, and bake at 300° for 1 hour or until thoroughly heated.
Yield: Makes 6 servings
*These were easy to make and we all enjoyed them!

Works for me Wednesday

It's time for Wednesday's tip of the week! For a lot more tips, visit Kristen at We are THAT Family.

The cabinet you see here is an old bookcase. It was sitting in our basement, filled with assorted odds and ends. I cleaned it out and started using it as a place to keep extra grocery items. Our small group from church collects items every few months for a few families, and I like to stock up on things for myself, also when they go on sale. I've found that having a designated place to put these things seems to make me more likely to stock up. It has really worked for me!

It really works!

I've got another favorite cleaning product to share with you today. It's The Works Tub and Shower Cleaner.


I've tried lots of different tub cleaners, but this is the only one I've used for about 10 years now because it works so well. We get out water from a well, and it leaves rust spots and hard water deposits on our fiberglass tub and shower surround.
I just spray the cleaner on the tub, let it sit for about 10 minutes and usually don't even have to scrub it. I rinse it and the tub is clean!
Do you have any cleaners that you use frequently? We would love to hear what works for you!
Jennifer from I'm Having a Thought Here recommends Clorox Clean Up for it's ability to make things sparkle and leaving a nice, clean smell!

Crazy, Cute Cat!

Our cat, Oliver has a strange fascination with this little canvas bag I use to carry my lunch and a book to work every day. No matter where I put it, he finds it and lays on it. He usually put his head on the handle, or even through the handle.
Here he was laying on it, on the table and although he isn't supposed to be there, I can only blame myself for leaving my bag out!
I could see he was getting sleepy so I snapped a few pictures as he started to relax...

and get tired...

and finally give in...

and take a little "catnap"!

Signs of Spring!

Spring is such a happy time! Everywhere I look I see things getting green. The leaves are popping out on the trees and the flowers are blooming!

"See! The Winter is past; the rains are over and gone.
Flowers appear on the earth;
the season for singing has come!"
Song of Solomon 2:11-12

Cooking Thursday

It's time to share another recipe. This is a new one, I just tried last week. It was a hit with Bob and Heather. Hope you like it too!

Beef and Potato Pie

1 pound lean ground beef
2 carrots, cut into 1/4 inch cubes
1 med onion, cut into 1/4 inch cubes
2 stalks celery, cut into 1/4 inch cubes
1 large clove garlic, finely chopped
1 large potato, peeled and cut into 1/4 inch cubes
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup beef broth
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 refrigerated pie crusts

Preheat the oven to 375.
In a skillet, combine the beef, carrots, onion, celery, garlic, salt, pepper and potato and cook, breaking up the meat, over medium high heat until the beef is cooked through and some liquid has evaporated, about 15 minutes. Lower the heat to medium, add the broth and cook for 10 minutes. Let cool and add the cheese.
Place one crust in a pie plate and pour beef filling in. Cover pie with second crust, crimping edges to seal. Cut slits into top crust to vent.
Cover edges with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes.

For more recipes, visit Sandra at Diary of a SAHM.

Works for me Wednesday

I got our cable bill last week and was surprised at the amount when I opened it. It was about $30 more than usual. We also get our Internet through our cable company, so I scanned through it, trying to figure out what had raised the total. There were a few things that looked like one time charges, but I wanted to make sure so I called the company. After punching numerous buttons, I finally was able to speak to an actual human.
She informed me that we had been getting a special rate and it had expired. I told her that although we enjoyed some of the channels we got, we would have to make some changes because that bill was too high. After doing some calculations, she said she could add more channels for that price, which I turned down. She then said she could let me have everything we have now, for $40 less than the amount we we billed for.
Yay! I agreed to this, and she then said that the extra on this bill would be deducted from next months bill. Bonus!
So - I am now paying $10 less a month for the same thing I was getting earlier. It pays to call and see if you can get a better deal!
For more tips, visit Kristen at We are THAT Family.

It really works!

How many times have you seen an add for a product that sounded wonderful? Then you decided to try it, only to find you had wasted your money!
I'm going to do a few posts on products I've tried, and have continued to use, because they really do work!

If you have any stainless steel in your kitchen you really have to get this. It is truly one of my favorite cleaning products. It's Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish. It's available in wipes, cream and spray. I have only used the spray. It's so easy - spray it on and wipe it off. It leaves no streaks and makes the stainless steel shine!
I have Stainless Steel appliances, and this spray makes it easy to keep then looking good.

I bet most of you use the Magic Erasers already, but they are such a great product I had to include them. They are great for walls and floors, taking most any mark off!

What about you - do you have a favorite product? I'll do another post on this next Tuesday - join me if you like!

Ikea!

Friday morning, my daughters Laura, Heather and I left bright and early to travel across Michigan. Our destination? Ikea!

It took us about 2 1/2 hours to get there, but was so worth the drive!

Along with the fun of shopping, was the chance to meet a blogging friend! Kayren, of Everything's Coming up Daisies, lives near this Ikea. She has tormented me for a few years with her stories of the great things she has purchased there! She and her husband Robert met us for lunch, then Robert went off on his own while we did some shopping.
Kayren is a sweetie and lots of fun too. The things I could tell you about her! (But I promised I wouldn't)

It was quite a hassle getting our purchases carried up to the hotel room that night. We had fun sorting and packing everything up. Here you see Laura with some of her great deals. Heather is in the background.
We actually ended up going back for a few things in the morning, before heading home.

This is what an SUV looks like after 3 women spend a day at Ikea. It took some creative packing to fit it all in!

This is Heather's big purchase. She wanted a chair that she could relax in, and do some reading in her room. It is really comfortable. She got the pillow and throw there too.

I didn't buy anything big, but got some great deals on pillows, towels and some assorted kitchen things. This glass bowl cost $3.49 and the stainless steel utensils cost $4.99.
Laura said that shopping there has ruined her for shopping elsewhere. The prices are wonderful!
We got such great deals, had a great time meeting Kayren and Robert and had a lot of fun together. It was a winning weekend!

Let it rain, or maybe snow...

Our forsythia bushes after a long downpour on Wednesday!


It's been a week of crazy weather here. The week started nice, but on Tuesday it really stormed. We had a lot of flooding around us. Wednesday brought more rain, with occasional moments of sun. Thursday brought much colder weather and occasional snowflurries. I don't know what will happen on Friday, but it won't matter, because I'll be on my way to Canton, Michigan to spend a day at the Ikea store there. I'm going with my 2 daughters, to spend some fun time together! I even get to meet a blogging buddy for lunch, and if it works I may be abke to meet another one also.
It's been a long time since Laura, Heather and I have been able to spend a day together, just having fun, and we are really looking forward to it. I'll take some pictures and report back to you next week!

Cooking Thursday

Sandra is hosting Cooking Thursday again. For more recipes, stop and see her at Diary of a SAHM.

This recipe is one you can make ahead and freeze, then pull out when you need it. We enjoyed it!

Swiss Pepper Steak
2 lbs round steak, ½” thick cut
¼ cup flour
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
2 tbsp oil
½ cup green pepper, thinly sliced
1 ¼ cup onion, minced
1 16-oz can tomatoes
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
Cut steak into 8 individual pieces, using a fork to pierce each side of each piece. In a small bowl, combine flour, ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper. Top one side of the steak pieces with half this mixture, then use a meat mallet to pound the flour mixture into the steak. Flip the pieces over and repeat.
In large skillet, heat oil and brown meat for about 15 minutes, turning frequently. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover skillet and allow to simmer for 1 hour, adding small amounts of water as needed.
In a separate bowl, combine green pepper, onion, tomatoes, salt and ¼ tsp pepper, mixing well. Add to skillet, cover and simmer for an additional 15 minutes. Divide skillet contents in half (including tomato sauce mixture), and place in 8×8 freezer containers – foil is best so you can reheat right in container. Allow to cool, seal and label with cooking instructions.

On cooking day: Place thawed steak in 400 degree oven. Remove lid and bake for 30-40 minutes or until steak is tender. Serve with rice or noodles.

* I put mine in the crock pot on low for about 5 hours. It was nice and tender this way. I was afraid cooking it for such a short time in the oven would leave it tough.

Works for me Wednesday

Do you ever have something to bake, with cheese on top, that needs to be covered with foil? You know what happens when you take the foil off, right? Half the cheese comes with it!
If you spray the foil with non-stick spray, before covering your dish, it doesn't stick.
Try it - it works for me!
For more tips, visit Kristen at We are THAT family.

What's Up?

I thought I better update you on how things are going over here.

First - Thanks to all of you who voted for my photo in the contest I talked about here. It didn't win, but it was still fun! I'll get an 18x 24 enlargement of it as a runner up prize.

Second - Several of you have asked how Heather is doing. She has been started on a new med, which made her really tired. She is getting used to it now and is feeling better. The hardest thing she is dealing with at the moment is not being able to drive for 6 months.

Third - I also get asked how Andy is doing. He was originally supposed to be deployed to Iraq about now. We were then told it would be Afghanistan. Now it has been put on hold; it's still expected to happen, but we don't know when. I'm not complaining about it! He is still in Colorado, and although he gets tired of Army politics, he does enjoy working on the Apache helicopters.

Fourth - I'm looking forward to a getaway this week. Laura, Heather and I are going to the IKEA in Michigan on Friday. We're staying overnight and will come back on Saturday. We can't wait to shop and spend time together. I'm also going to meet on of my blogging friends while I'm there!

Last - I was cleaning and thinking how much I liked a particular cleaning product. Of course, that made me think I should share that information with all of you. So - next Tuesday, I'm going to do a post with some of my favorite cleaning products. If you want to share some of your favorites, I may put up a link, otherwise I'll just share mine.