Confession is good for the southern girl's soul!
Today we met Pastor & Mrs. Ted Cox of Abbeyville, LA for lunch @ Maggiano's on Post Oak. This was our first meeting with this great couple. They are more of our online friends. Wow! This is twice in 4 days. We are making lots of friends these days. I love it!
Enroute I mentioned to Kent that after we leave Maggiano's I would love to get a cupcake. Kent mentioned my silly cupcake craving to the Bro. & Sis. Cox. They had never heard of a cupcake shop and wanted to join us. Crave Cupcake was only 4 or 5 blocks away. Unfortunately when we got there they only have a bar with about 4 seats and it was full with people standing everywhere. We left the Cox's car and they rode with us about 4 miles away to Sugarbaby's Cupcake Boutique.
Sugarbaby's Cupcake Boutique is the cutest cupcake shop ever! The color scheme is black, pink, and white. It is very charming with lots of tables and chairs. The cupcakes were delicious. They serve them on little trays. I chose an Italian Cream Cupcake. It was so cute! It even had cream cheese in the middle of the cupcake. Yes...totally to die for! I had a glass of water served in a glass patterned with black toille and pink roses. Of course they serve coffee, milk, and various soft drinks. The boutique has the cutest cupcake themed gift items. They also had adorable cupcake pedestals. I really want two sets of them. They would be adorable for desserts served at each place setting. Aaaahhhh such southern charm. They are made by Wilton if anyone is interested in researching them. I think I will buy some later this week.
Remember, our friends left their car at Crave Cupcake. You guessed it when had to purchase cupcakes there when we returned. I had to get some for my babies. Of course I got one for me for a snack later tonight, too! Redonia loved hers. I just texted Trent that I bought him a 'lil edible prize. Guess what...he and Calah are coming over after choir practice to get their treat! I know I know...my daughter-in-law is just going to giggle. She loves all my lil prizes! ha
I still haven't gotten around to making any cupcakes...I've gotta do it! I can't wait to take my sisters to Sugarbaby's Cupcake Boutique - they are going to LOVE it!!!! Twice in week...hummm I may need to exercise! ha
Ok...bake some cupcakes or at least go and buy some to enjoy. If you live in Houston another great place for cupcakes is the Dessert Gallery....
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
Cupcake Week
Ok this is it...I declare this week cupcake week! Friday night enroute to meet someone for dinner I told Kent that I have been craving a cupcake. Saturday night I did enjoy a cupcake at a party at my sister, Kristi's, home. Then this morning Kent told me that I must go to my blogging friend, Karen Hopper's, blog. Ahhhhhhhh cupcakes!!!!
I wish I had small children to help me enjoy baking cupcakes. Redonia, Trent and I certainly baked many cupcakes. I remember dragging out the colored sugars, gel icings, sprinkles, and candies for the kids to decorate the freshly baked treats. Often one color of icing wouldn't do. One child would insist on one color while the other would firmly protest another color. Normally in these cases the food coloring would be brought out and we would do two or three colors of icing.
Another great variety to our traditional cupcakes was baking them in ice cream cones. Of course these would be frosted with either pink or chocolate icing to resemble strawberry or chocolate ice cream. Of course these cupcakes would be decorated with assorted sprinkles.
Cupcakes have always been a southern tradition. Of late cupcake shops are making a popular come back across America. Unfortunately, we don't have one in Conroe. I am blessed to live in the Houston Metro and I know of two such shops in Houston. Maybe just maybe I will make it by one of them this week! yummmmm One is Sugarbaby's Cupcake Boutique and the other is Crave Cupcakes.
I do have a cupcake stand, cupcake pans, and probably most everything to make some delicious cupcakes. My only lacking ingredient is a little girl to enjoy the fun. I'm sure Redonia would love to use her artistic abilities to help but there is simply nothing like the twinkle in a little girl's eye as she puts the finishing decorating touches on a cupcake. Then to watch her bite into her first decorated cupcake with a smile and a little bit of icing left on her lips. Maybe I will borrow my niece, Madeline this week. If so I'll be sure to post a few pics for all to enjoy.
Happy Cupcake Week....it's not official...it's just what I've been craving!
I wish I had small children to help me enjoy baking cupcakes. Redonia, Trent and I certainly baked many cupcakes. I remember dragging out the colored sugars, gel icings, sprinkles, and candies for the kids to decorate the freshly baked treats. Often one color of icing wouldn't do. One child would insist on one color while the other would firmly protest another color. Normally in these cases the food coloring would be brought out and we would do two or three colors of icing.
Another great variety to our traditional cupcakes was baking them in ice cream cones. Of course these would be frosted with either pink or chocolate icing to resemble strawberry or chocolate ice cream. Of course these cupcakes would be decorated with assorted sprinkles.
Cupcakes have always been a southern tradition. Of late cupcake shops are making a popular come back across America. Unfortunately, we don't have one in Conroe. I am blessed to live in the Houston Metro and I know of two such shops in Houston. Maybe just maybe I will make it by one of them this week! yummmmm One is Sugarbaby's Cupcake Boutique and the other is Crave Cupcakes.
I do have a cupcake stand, cupcake pans, and probably most everything to make some delicious cupcakes. My only lacking ingredient is a little girl to enjoy the fun. I'm sure Redonia would love to use her artistic abilities to help but there is simply nothing like the twinkle in a little girl's eye as she puts the finishing decorating touches on a cupcake. Then to watch her bite into her first decorated cupcake with a smile and a little bit of icing left on her lips. Maybe I will borrow my niece, Madeline this week. If so I'll be sure to post a few pics for all to enjoy.
Happy Cupcake Week....it's not official...it's just what I've been craving!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Best EVER Grape Salad
There are several varieties of grape salads but this is truly the best I have tried! Let me know what you think....
Best EVER Grape Salad
2 pounds seedless green grapes
2 pounds seedless red grapes
1 8oz cream cheese
1 8oz sour cream
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup brown sugar
Wash and stem grapes, let dry and set aside. In a large bowl cream together cheese, sour cream, white sugar and vanilla. Add grapes. Add brown sugar and pecans. Toss again. Chill 2 - 3 hours before serving or can be made the night before.
Best EVER Grape Salad
2 pounds seedless green grapes
2 pounds seedless red grapes
1 8oz cream cheese
1 8oz sour cream
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup brown sugar
Wash and stem grapes, let dry and set aside. In a large bowl cream together cheese, sour cream, white sugar and vanilla. Add grapes. Add brown sugar and pecans. Toss again. Chill 2 - 3 hours before serving or can be made the night before.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Helping Adults Learn Manners
Parents and other adults typically teach good manners to their children. This is done by example and reinforcing them with direction and praise to children. However, some parents neglect this responsibility. How can you help another adult learn social graces? Good manners are essential in social situations, professional settings, and interacting with people. Adults are perfectly capable of learning these manners; however, some of them will be resistant to instruction and guidance. Following are a few helpful hints will that can be used in a subtle and non-offensive way.
Be sure to practice proper etiquette at all times. Find a subtle way to emphasis good manners when you are in the presence of someone who lacks manners. Eventually, they will follow.
Teach and talk about good manners to your children while you are with an adult lacking manners. Be careful not to embarrass your child. Do it in a teaching fun way rather than in a correctional manner. This will enable you to offer specific instruction without actually directing it toward the offending individual.
Act as an interpreter. If you witness the adult being rude to another person or persons, take him or her aside and explain how that may have come across to other people. For example: "I'm sure you didn't mean it this way, but it sounded like you were ordering her to get you a cup of coffee. A 'please' probably would have softened the request."
Interject good manners on their behalf. For example, say "excuse us" if the unmannerly person bumps into someone. Or if he or she fails to thank someone, say "thank you," yourself. This is not as subtle as some methods, but may make a bigger impact.
A good way to help someone think about manners is by seeking their input on etiquette. Ask for their advice regarding manners in a particular social situation. Steer the conversation, if necessary, to arrive at the most mannerly solution.
Be sure to practice proper etiquette at all times. Find a subtle way to emphasis good manners when you are in the presence of someone who lacks manners. Eventually, they will follow.
Teach and talk about good manners to your children while you are with an adult lacking manners. Be careful not to embarrass your child. Do it in a teaching fun way rather than in a correctional manner. This will enable you to offer specific instruction without actually directing it toward the offending individual.
Act as an interpreter. If you witness the adult being rude to another person or persons, take him or her aside and explain how that may have come across to other people. For example: "I'm sure you didn't mean it this way, but it sounded like you were ordering her to get you a cup of coffee. A 'please' probably would have softened the request."
Interject good manners on their behalf. For example, say "excuse us" if the unmannerly person bumps into someone. Or if he or she fails to thank someone, say "thank you," yourself. This is not as subtle as some methods, but may make a bigger impact.
A good way to help someone think about manners is by seeking their input on etiquette. Ask for their advice regarding manners in a particular social situation. Steer the conversation, if necessary, to arrive at the most mannerly solution.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Scents - I Prefer the Good Ones!
I love the smell of cookies in the oven! Yummm I'm smelling that right now. Peanut Butter Cookies with a Hershey Kiss in the middle..aaahhh
I also love the smell of my scent diffuser from Bath and Body. Currently I'm burning Carmel Apple Oil. Delish....Calah came in last week while I was burning that scent and immediately wanted to know what kind of cake was I cooking! I have about a half of dozen of Bath and Body oils at all times. I don't like the floral or perfumey scents but all the spice or food fragrances are so yummy.
I love the smell of fresh sheets on a bed. Sometimes I cheat and mist the sheets with a linen spray from Bath and Body.
I love the Mexican cleaner that our janitor at the church uses to clean with on Wednesdays....this week she used the purple bottle of Fabuloosa. Despite the commercial cleaners we keep. She always finishes up with her yummy smell....I love it!
Of late I've written cleaning tips and declutter tips. I thought I'd remind us all that no matter how clean or straight the home if it doesn't smell clean it just might not be clean to a southern girl!
There are lots of tips...boil cloves and cinnamon in water....mist a cotton boil with a fragrant oil and put in the return a/c vent...and on and on we can go.
Tonight I thought I'd just simply share the yummy scents of my home....homebaked cookies and the oil scent diffuser...
Aaahhhhh inhale....exhale...refreshed!
I also love the smell of my scent diffuser from Bath and Body. Currently I'm burning Carmel Apple Oil. Delish....Calah came in last week while I was burning that scent and immediately wanted to know what kind of cake was I cooking! I have about a half of dozen of Bath and Body oils at all times. I don't like the floral or perfumey scents but all the spice or food fragrances are so yummy.
I love the smell of fresh sheets on a bed. Sometimes I cheat and mist the sheets with a linen spray from Bath and Body.
I love the Mexican cleaner that our janitor at the church uses to clean with on Wednesdays....this week she used the purple bottle of Fabuloosa. Despite the commercial cleaners we keep. She always finishes up with her yummy smell....I love it!
Of late I've written cleaning tips and declutter tips. I thought I'd remind us all that no matter how clean or straight the home if it doesn't smell clean it just might not be clean to a southern girl!
There are lots of tips...boil cloves and cinnamon in water....mist a cotton boil with a fragrant oil and put in the return a/c vent...and on and on we can go.
Tonight I thought I'd just simply share the yummy scents of my home....homebaked cookies and the oil scent diffuser...
Aaahhhhh inhale....exhale...refreshed!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Declutter Your Home
How do you feel in your home? Relaxed, in control and surrounded by things you love and that reflects who you are? If not, your home is probably being over taken with clutter.
Clutter is things no longer used, things that remind you of a difficult time in your life, or things you liked at one time but your taste or styles have changed. It may be something you paid too much for and feel parting with it would be sinful. Remember the sin was probably in purchasing costly array and not in getting rid of it. Clutter is broken small appliances, piles of unopened junk mail or old newspapers. It’s hundreds of plastic containers saved from sour cream or cool whip that might be useful one day, cans of dried up paint, or little bits of lotions.
If you aren’t someone who enjoys clutter you will immediately feel better when you start cleaning things out. The cluttery type may feel guilty for wasting money by throwing things away or like she shouldn’t get rid of presents or baby clothes. Some people are often scared that the minute they part with something they will need it. Consequently they hold onto junk. Often these feelings stem from your upbringing. Hoarding or being a packrat is a common problem in many families. My grandmother use to save bread bags and meat trays!
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and simply do nothing about clutter. Following are some helpful tips to get you started.
1. Start today
Procrastination is the major obstacle to decluttering.
2. Work a small area at a time
If you decide to sort out your messy kitchen drawer set a timer for 10 minutes. First completely empty the drawer and wipe it out. As you pick up each item ask yourself why I am keeping this. Why do you need four sets of measuring spoons? If you feel energized after cleaning out the drawer keep going. Remember; always work on one room at a time. If you have more clutter than can be accomplished at one time set aside a little bit of time every day until the mission is accomplished.
3. Parting with old stuff
Once you have decided to get rid of things, it’s important to get them out of the house as soon as possible to avoid dragging it back out. Unwanted items can be given to charity, other people or recycled.
4. Parting with sentimental items
It’s okay to be sentimental but be selective and not keep everything. Choose a box in which to keep sentimental items. Keep a few cherished baby clothes and give the rest to someone who will actually use them. Sort pictures placing each child’s in a separate box.
5. Broken things
Give yourself a deadline for broken items to be fixed or discarded
6. Presents
Remember it is your home. If you do not like something dump the guilt and get rid of it.
7. Paper
Deal with junk mail and newspapers immediately.
8. Worry
Have you ever bought something new but refused to get rid of what you were replacing? Ever thought what if the new one breaks perhaps I will keep the old one. A useful tip is “new one in, old one out”.
9. Storage
Once you have decluttered and decided what to keep, decide how you will properly store things. To maintain a clutter free home it is essential for everything to have its place where it can be easily retrieved. Store like things together. We use 20% of our possessions 80% of the time. Put this 20% in the most accessible places. Treat yourself to adequate storage items such as filing cabinets, ‘real’ storage containers, hampers, and baskets.
10. Benefits
A more relaxing orderly home will actually save time each day. You will know exactly where to find things. An orderly home will save you money. You will know what you need and what you have. Remember when shopping a bargain isn’t a bargain if it becomes clutter.
Clutter is things no longer used, things that remind you of a difficult time in your life, or things you liked at one time but your taste or styles have changed. It may be something you paid too much for and feel parting with it would be sinful. Remember the sin was probably in purchasing costly array and not in getting rid of it. Clutter is broken small appliances, piles of unopened junk mail or old newspapers. It’s hundreds of plastic containers saved from sour cream or cool whip that might be useful one day, cans of dried up paint, or little bits of lotions.
If you aren’t someone who enjoys clutter you will immediately feel better when you start cleaning things out. The cluttery type may feel guilty for wasting money by throwing things away or like she shouldn’t get rid of presents or baby clothes. Some people are often scared that the minute they part with something they will need it. Consequently they hold onto junk. Often these feelings stem from your upbringing. Hoarding or being a packrat is a common problem in many families. My grandmother use to save bread bags and meat trays!
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and simply do nothing about clutter. Following are some helpful tips to get you started.
1. Start today
Procrastination is the major obstacle to decluttering.
2. Work a small area at a time
If you decide to sort out your messy kitchen drawer set a timer for 10 minutes. First completely empty the drawer and wipe it out. As you pick up each item ask yourself why I am keeping this. Why do you need four sets of measuring spoons? If you feel energized after cleaning out the drawer keep going. Remember; always work on one room at a time. If you have more clutter than can be accomplished at one time set aside a little bit of time every day until the mission is accomplished.
3. Parting with old stuff
Once you have decided to get rid of things, it’s important to get them out of the house as soon as possible to avoid dragging it back out. Unwanted items can be given to charity, other people or recycled.
4. Parting with sentimental items
It’s okay to be sentimental but be selective and not keep everything. Choose a box in which to keep sentimental items. Keep a few cherished baby clothes and give the rest to someone who will actually use them. Sort pictures placing each child’s in a separate box.
5. Broken things
Give yourself a deadline for broken items to be fixed or discarded
6. Presents
Remember it is your home. If you do not like something dump the guilt and get rid of it.
7. Paper
Deal with junk mail and newspapers immediately.
8. Worry
Have you ever bought something new but refused to get rid of what you were replacing? Ever thought what if the new one breaks perhaps I will keep the old one. A useful tip is “new one in, old one out”.
9. Storage
Once you have decluttered and decided what to keep, decide how you will properly store things. To maintain a clutter free home it is essential for everything to have its place where it can be easily retrieved. Store like things together. We use 20% of our possessions 80% of the time. Put this 20% in the most accessible places. Treat yourself to adequate storage items such as filing cabinets, ‘real’ storage containers, hampers, and baskets.
10. Benefits
A more relaxing orderly home will actually save time each day. You will know exactly where to find things. An orderly home will save you money. You will know what you need and what you have. Remember when shopping a bargain isn’t a bargain if it becomes clutter.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Easy Shrimp Recipes
Tropical Broiled Shrimp
2 pounds shrimp
1/2 cup margarine
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Jamaican Choice Tropical or Pickapeppa sauce
1/4 teaspoon red pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
Wash, peel and devein shrimp. Melt margarine in saucepan. Add lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, pepper sauce, red pepper and salt. Let simmer 5 or 10 minutes. Pour over raw shrimp in 9x12x2-inch baking pan. Place on next to lowest rack in oven. Broil 20 minutes, turning shrimp every 5 minutes. Serve shrimp in gravy with plenty of hot French bread for "dunking."
Sizzling Shrimp
1 1/2 lbs large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 garlic cloves, sliced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup olive oil
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place peeled shrimp in a 9 inch ovenproof baking dish or pie pan. Tuck slices of garlic in among the shrimp. Sprinkle with salt and pepper flakes. Drizzle oil evenly over the top. Bake shrimp in oven for 10-12 minutes stirring once or twice. Shrimp shouldbe pink and oil will be bubbling.
Serve immediately with crusty bread.
2 pounds shrimp
1/2 cup margarine
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Jamaican Choice Tropical or Pickapeppa sauce
1/4 teaspoon red pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
Wash, peel and devein shrimp. Melt margarine in saucepan. Add lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, pepper sauce, red pepper and salt. Let simmer 5 or 10 minutes. Pour over raw shrimp in 9x12x2-inch baking pan. Place on next to lowest rack in oven. Broil 20 minutes, turning shrimp every 5 minutes. Serve shrimp in gravy with plenty of hot French bread for "dunking."
Sizzling Shrimp
1 1/2 lbs large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 garlic cloves, sliced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup olive oil
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place peeled shrimp in a 9 inch ovenproof baking dish or pie pan. Tuck slices of garlic in among the shrimp. Sprinkle with salt and pepper flakes. Drizzle oil evenly over the top. Bake shrimp in oven for 10-12 minutes stirring once or twice. Shrimp shouldbe pink and oil will be bubbling.
Serve immediately with crusty bread.
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