Crab for Dinner ~ Day 15

Inspired by Julie and Julia, the movie I watched last night, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and cook something I have never cooked before. I was at Costco and they have whole crabs for a very good price. Although the look of them scared the children, I decide "why not?". I grabbed two and stressed the whole way home.

I don't know what it is about seafood that scares me. Don't get me wrong, I love to eat it, I just have no idea how to cook it. I went to college in Monterey and my husband and I use to love to go out to eat at the local restaurants and seafood was our favorite.



The man at the counter told me to steam it with onions and garlic and I would love it. Worried I may some how mess it up, I looked and looked online for suggestions. Finally after 30 minutes I went with the onions and garlic. Well, the funniest part about the whole thing is they were already cooked. You would think I could figure that out but like I said, I do not cook seafood. Regardless, I steamed the crab for 15 minutes with the garlic and onion and have to say it was AWESOME. Everyone loved it but our youngest who still was freaked out by the whole thing.

We bought crab tonight and cooked it and loved it!!!! It was so easy, definitely something I will do again. Maybe next time I will try buying it live. Talk about freaking out the children.

Homemade Ornaments ~ Day 14

I laughed so hard tonight watching Julie and Julia, a movie I have seen several times and love. I can relate to so many things in both women's lives and I find myself writing down quotes through out the movie that make me laugh or that scream "me". My quote for the day, "I probably need a deadline. Why? Because it will be like everything else I do, and lets face it, I never finish anything. It's true. you know why, I think it is ADD. It is why I am so bad at housework. Oh is that it?" Written for Julie and Julia yet a statement that would come straight from my mouth. So true Julie, so true!!! :) That is also why I gave myself a deadline, to stick with it and to be held accountable. To know that someone, if only one person a day would read this and know. Who ever you are out there, thanks for reading. It is what keeps me writing and trying new things.

Today's new thing included the whole family. To my wonderful mother and mother in law. If you are reading this....STOP NOW. You do not want to ruin your surprise from the girls.

We all sat around the table cutting snowflakes, singing and talking. I finished my gift cards for my nieces and nephews who are now at an age where a giant candy bar and cash makes them smile bigger than spiderman pjs my 4 year old nephew is going to love. I could explain what we made or just show you pictures. I am sure pictures would be much easier.




I laminated them so they would hold up for years to come, and we all had fun. Even my husband, who is not so much of the arts and crafts guy, proved to be the master snowflake maker. Although, he just arrived home and the craft stuff is still on the table, and I just heard him mutter Holy Shit. ADD or not, I think I will clean that up tonight.

Our new thing for the day was homemade ornaments for our family, I really hope they enjoy them.

Grilled Cheese and S I T C ~ Day 13

I haven't had a grilled cheese since I was a kid. I just didn't see what all the hoopla was all about. My husband makes them for my kids but I was never interested. The kids were begging for them tonight and so I decided to try one myself. I used both a cheddar and a sharp vintage cheddar mix and browned them on both sides with butter. Yes, I know probably not the healthiest choice but I am trying something new and if I am going to do it, I am going to do it right. It was delicious, I see what that fuss is. I even used my Gluten free Udis bread and it was so good I was tempted to make one for breakfast. I didn't, but sure thought about it.

The next new thing was Sex in the City 2. That movie made me laugh out loud several times. A little raunchy at times, but over all a very good movie that made laugh, appreciate being a mom, and love my lovely hubby.

Two new things, Grilled Cheese and Sex in the City, both a thumbs up.

Surprise Gifts for Special People ~ Day 12

I spent the afternoon shopping for two special someones, and it is going to be a big surprise. As a mother I know that too often Christmas is about our kids and with such a tight budget, there is little to go around. I'd love to get everyone something special but with funds tight, it can be pretty hard. This year I wanted to focus on two people who are very important to me. I can't say anymore because they read my blog but two very important women in my life are going to receive special gifts, something I hope they love and something that is long over due.

My new thing for the day was shopping for two lovely ladies, It was a GREAT day!!

Treat Baskets and Caroling ~ Day 11

Well, I finished my treat baskets today, and I am so whipped. I was baking for 6 straight hours. After I was finished with the baking and decorating, the girls and I went and delivered them with a carol, Joy to the World. We love to sing but singing on the porch of someone's home is a new thing for this family, and I will say that it can be a little intimidating. Thank goodness the girls show no fear, I on the other hand, made no eye contact. If you will listen, they will sing.



It was worth the work, the mess, and the frost bite. The girls seemed to love it they are hoping to go singing again tomorrow night. Maybe not tomorrow night but this is definitely something we will do again next year.

Chocolate and Caramel Dipped Marshmallows ~ Day 10

Chocolate and Caramel Dipped Marshmallows need I say more. I found this recipe on a site called One Charming Party http://onecharmingparty.com/2010/12/09/holiday-treats-chocolate-and-caramel-dipped-marshmallows/.



I decided to make goodie baskets for my girls teachers and amazing friends in my life. I thought this looked delicious, and not to mention I LOVE marshmallows. It wasn't a hard sell.



One hour later, I'm finished. I have chocolate on my clothes, face, I smell of peppermint, I burnt my finger, have a large blister but let me say, they are sooooooo good. They were pretty easy to make, but the burn is all my fault. The caramel just look so good and here is a reminder, melted caramel sticks like glue from a hot glue gun..bad idea. What can I say, I am a hands on girl. Mine may not look as pretty as the ones on the site, but they sure taste UMMM UMMM Good!!

My new thing for the day Chocolate and Caramel Dipped Marshmallows.

New Ring ~ Day 9

Today I got to go over to my friends home, the fabulous fashionista Holly. This is something we have talked about doing all year and finally did it. She is not just an amazing person with fun and spunk, but what I would like to call a mama fashionista. She is the mother of three and she always looks good, she is beautiful both inside and out. When I really needed a lift today she made me laugh, smile, and even gave me a little gift which is my new thing for the day. My husband said, hmm it is a little big but my girls all yelled squealed and asked to wear it. I must say I felt the same way the girls did. I love it! It is fun and spunky, just what a girl needs.

My new thing for the day... tea at my friend Hollys home and my new ring.


note to self....my hands are looking old and are in desperate need of lotion