Well my 10 year old daughter was out of school all but one day last week with this wonderful stomach bug that is going around. Now my 5 year old son has gotten it too. What are we are we to do when no one can eat? Well we waited until everyone got better last weekend before we made chili… We even had to laugh at the thought of having a chili incident. It would have been memorable, but not one that we would like to look back at, if you know what I mean.
Well we have stocked up on Ginger ale, and Lysol Disinfectant Spray. The poor kids that are sick are quarantined and the rest of us can go on as normal for the most part. My son is watching Jimmy Neutron on my Kindle Fire right now, he seems content. I have to get going and make dinner for the rest of us. I hope everyone is doing well. Take Care!
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
How I Found My Niche
I started writing a blog a year ago for my family to keep up to date with my mother in the hospital. Last summer I started this blog to keep a journal about the activities I did with my children while they were out of school. When the kids went back to school, I lost my purpose here. During the fall and into the holiday season I started a blog about photography, and when the beautiful colors of fall vanished so did that blog too.
I haven't lost my willingness to keep writing, I just cannot focus on one thing. But then again I don’t know too many that can just stay focused on one thing for a long period of time. I entitled this Blog “Alice’s Niche” because I was actually in search of my focus. As most people who search for things they cannot find them. But when they stop searching it finds them. Ok…
When my mother was sick last year, I had bought a Melt and Pour soap making kit to use with the kids. It got put in a box and into storage because I just didn’t have the time to use it then. After Christmas I was putting away the decorations and I came across that kit again. I pulled it back out and waited till the kids had their winter recess in February. We made a few soaps and were pleased with our craft! We gave out a few of the extras that we had to family, who were pleased as well. My father in law told me that I should start selling them, that they are really awesome.
Well needless to say I jumped in, grabbing all that I could to learn about soaping. I have watched numerous YouTube videos, read a few soaping books, researched online and even started plotting a path to take to start a business. I have been driving my family crazy with my non stop conversations on soaping. I am ready to keep going. I am bringing this up on here because I will be discussing that a lot on here in the future.
Having no prior experience with making soap, I would like to share my side of how I came to enjoy and become a soaping addict. I would also like to explain how I came up with my recipes, and why I chose to do this now. I hope everyone enjoys my new posts and sticks around to follow my journey. Take Care!
I haven't lost my willingness to keep writing, I just cannot focus on one thing. But then again I don’t know too many that can just stay focused on one thing for a long period of time. I entitled this Blog “Alice’s Niche” because I was actually in search of my focus. As most people who search for things they cannot find them. But when they stop searching it finds them. Ok…
When my mother was sick last year, I had bought a Melt and Pour soap making kit to use with the kids. It got put in a box and into storage because I just didn’t have the time to use it then. After Christmas I was putting away the decorations and I came across that kit again. I pulled it back out and waited till the kids had their winter recess in February. We made a few soaps and were pleased with our craft! We gave out a few of the extras that we had to family, who were pleased as well. My father in law told me that I should start selling them, that they are really awesome.
Well needless to say I jumped in, grabbing all that I could to learn about soaping. I have watched numerous YouTube videos, read a few soaping books, researched online and even started plotting a path to take to start a business. I have been driving my family crazy with my non stop conversations on soaping. I am ready to keep going. I am bringing this up on here because I will be discussing that a lot on here in the future.
Having no prior experience with making soap, I would like to share my side of how I came to enjoy and become a soaping addict. I would also like to explain how I came up with my recipes, and why I chose to do this now. I hope everyone enjoys my new posts and sticks around to follow my journey. Take Care!
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Eat, Pray, Love
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I loved how she described Italy, its laid back ways and its beautiful language. The people there seem to be so welcoming and free from the stresses we place on ourselves here in America. As with any culture it is intriguing to hear about the everyday lifestyles of others, for me it is anyway. I loved how free Elizabeth was to just be able to experience different parts of Italy as well. Quite unrealistic for most peoples lives, but who am I to judge.
I loved how when she went to India she talked about the soulful experience of transcendental yoga. This has always fascinated me and her description of her struggle with her meditation assignments everyday really made since to me. This part of the book was beautiful and delicate, and she really bares her “soul” here and shows her vulnerability.
In Bali she is there to learn from a wise man that she had met prior to this trip. His simple approach to Elizabeth’s questions, really shows how life is a lot less complicated than what we make of it. I can’t imagine how going to a country that seems to have so little, but is blessed with great beauty at every turn wouldn’t leave a big impression on anyone.
I loved Elizabeth’s journey, but that isn’t my entire opinion. It is hard to say this because I know Elizabeth is a real person, and I don’t like being mean. In my opinion, I show no admiration towards people who just walk away from a marriage, because they are unhappy with their lives. That is completely disrespectful and selfish. I understand that people can become unhappy, but I am appalled by the way she left her husband.
Her journey seems lovely and beautiful, but in truth it was a way to run away from her “real issues”. Granted she had to face them while on her journey, but what about her ex husband? He didn’t really get a vote in how his life ended up, I am not blinded by this fact. It was a beautiful, dream vacation of soul searching that anyone would be blessed to experience, but I don’t think it drew the author out of her self absorbed state long enough to accomplish anything good. Trust me! Read her next book…
Technorati Tags: Elizabeth Gilbert,Eat Pray Love,Italy,Indonesia,India,Italian,Yoga,Divorce,American,Writer,Book Review
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Recipes: Slow Cooker-Beer Chili
When I was pregnant for my son I was working full time. One of the restaurants in town served this amazing beer chili. I honestly would go there everyday for lunch and order it. MMMM!
This recipe is one that I found to recreate (our way), the beer chili I craved so much!
Ingredients:
I love to make this when we are super busy, so it will be ready when we get home. I whip up an easy corn bread to go along side it and dinner is done. MMMMM! Wonderful treat on cool fall days. Another thing you could add would be jalapenos, depending on how much spicy heat you can handle. Hope you get to try this it truly is wonderful.
This recipe is one that I found to recreate (our way), the beer chili I craved so much!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1lb. ground pork or turkey
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 tsp. garlic, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 large potato, peeled and chopped
- 1 can (28 oz.) diced tomato's, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz.) chili beans in sauce, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz.) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 1 bottle of your favorite beer
- Brown meat in large skillet with onion, garlic, and bell pepper 8-10 minutes.
- While browning meat mixture, add all other ingredients to 4-5 quart slow cooker.
- When meat mixture is browned thoroughly, drain and add to slow cooker.
- Cover: Let cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or high 4 to 5 hours.
I love to make this when we are super busy, so it will be ready when we get home. I whip up an easy corn bread to go along side it and dinner is done. MMMMM! Wonderful treat on cool fall days. Another thing you could add would be jalapenos, depending on how much spicy heat you can handle. Hope you get to try this it truly is wonderful.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Making Thank You Notes
I was brought up with the philosophy of using proper etiquette. I was told to send thank you notes after receiving gifts on my birthdays, my graduation, my wedding, baby showers, etc. . I did them, but only because I was told to.
Having a rebellious personality, I fought with the “old fashioned” expectations that my parents regularly placed upon me. Don’t get me wrong, I did appreciate the gifts that I received. I understood that I should acknowledge that it was an honor to receive the gifts that I did. Having limitations on my own expression of gratitude felt very demeaning to me.
With this said, my youngest daughter had her birthday last week. She on the other hand is impatiently waiting for me to help her write her thank you notes, even as I type. LOL! Hmmm. She loves making notes and sending cards to people in the mail. This is a great way for her to express her gratitude in her own way. I am definitely going to encourage this!
She received an American Doll creative card making pad for her birthday! This gives her the ability to create 29 cards, easily and independently. She is so excited!
Here is a peek at the card maker pad with a few tips on how to write a thank you note.
Whether its making a phone call, thanking them personally, sending an e-card or dropping them a thank you note in the mail, acknowledgement from the heart is key.
Showing your gratitude is necessary to demonstrate your humility. Teaching your children this quality will help them become unostentatious as adults.
Having a rebellious personality, I fought with the “old fashioned” expectations that my parents regularly placed upon me. Don’t get me wrong, I did appreciate the gifts that I received. I understood that I should acknowledge that it was an honor to receive the gifts that I did. Having limitations on my own expression of gratitude felt very demeaning to me.
With this said, my youngest daughter had her birthday last week. She on the other hand is impatiently waiting for me to help her write her thank you notes, even as I type. LOL! Hmmm. She loves making notes and sending cards to people in the mail. This is a great way for her to express her gratitude in her own way. I am definitely going to encourage this!
She received an American Doll creative card making pad for her birthday! This gives her the ability to create 29 cards, easily and independently. She is so excited!
Here is a peek at the card maker pad with a few tips on how to write a thank you note.
Whether its making a phone call, thanking them personally, sending an e-card or dropping them a thank you note in the mail, acknowledgement from the heart is key.
Showing your gratitude is necessary to demonstrate your humility. Teaching your children this quality will help them become unostentatious as adults.
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