Sunday, November 23, 2014

Take life in stride

Its a whirlwind of action these days. With the incoming holidays, stress from work, daily tasks in relation to my children, and just getting my everyday to-do list done... I find myself being stretched thin. I also find my time management skills in need of honing.
In the next couple of weeks, I'll be training towards a position in leadership. I've come to terms with the need to fulfill a short term goal of staying at my retail job, and in so doing, I'll need to build up that pay check to keep my other goals in focus. I have no desire to stay in retail for a full career. Someone has to do it, just not me.
I'm also preparing for a long distance trip back to my friends and family in Florida. Almost a year has passed since I've had the comfort of being around people I love and trust so strongly. Besides, its also a chance to see a childhood friend graduating college, another good friend should have her baby by then, and being reuniting with a college friend that I hold in the highest regards. My excitement cannot be contained. Its certainly shining out in other aspects of my life.
This week, I get to deal with a 48 hour work week, Thanksgiving Day plans, and somewhere in between these, finishing my little projects. I doubt I'll find much time for me, but if I can just make it through....
I have another Shoplet review I'm working on for you guys.
I'm working on potty training my daughter. She loves her potty chair, but loves running around naked from the waist-down more. I'm beginning to wonder if she's going to be more difficult than her brothers after all.
There's a story that has been trapped in my head for too long. Being a creative writer at heart, I can't keep it locked up anymore. So every chance I get, I write it down. Then later I type it up. It may never be printed or sold. Maybe no one else will ever read it. But I have to get it written, nonetheless.
So what am I really getting at? 
My mother used to remind me quite often, "Don't lose yourself." I'm so-and-so's wife, mother to (insert child's name here), and so on. But who am I on my own? I'm a woman who goes by both her names. Who has many talents that mean nothing in the working world. I can weld, use pretty much every tool in my dads collection, build chopper-style bicycles, ride motorcycles, drive stick and automatic, spin a tale that is so unbelievable you have to believe, speed read, and kill almost everything I try to grow. Am I proud of these accomplishments? Most definitely... okay not the killing plants one. There isn't anything I can't do when I set my mind to it. So why are there days when I feel useless or as if I have nothing to offer? Partly because I have lived with someone who takes the time to put me down for everything I haven't done instead of recognizing what I do daily. Partly because, despite my best efforts, I don't seem to achieve too many of my ultimate goals. I see my failures in a stronger light than I do my completions. Let's be honest though, we are our worst critics. We put ourselves down needlessly. A dear friend of mine has been reminding me of this lately.

So what goals am I setting for myself now? To put out a more positive outlook. Instead of seeing the negative first, I'm going to search for the positive. Instead of saying yes to every request, I'm going to learn to say no. And instead of feeling rushed to finish everything for everyone, its time to manage what time I have a little better. Priorities will be made again. Even if it means going back to making lists.
Take everyday in stride, folks. And look for those positive things, no matter how small.

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Mrs. Cavanaugh's Candies review via US Family Guide

I was recently chosen to write a review after trying some of Mrs. Cavanaugh's fine chocolates.
I was sent an assortment one pound pack and a few of the bars to base my review on.
The Mindy Mint bar is 1.8 ounces or fine milk chocolate truffle.
                It had to be my favorite out of everything I received. 
It's smooth, with a beautiful amount of mint to balance it out.The sample box contained truffles of orange creme, raspberry, caramel, and even some with pecans among other flavors.
Sorry I didn't get a picture before digging in... but I couldn't help myself!
Each one was creamy and a delight to the palette. The white chocolate Trinidad was a mix of nuts and caramel, covered in white chocolate. I'm not often a fan of chocolate having nuts mixed in, but these chocolates were fantastic! They are creamy and rich in flavor. The pecans or nuts in each one are mixed well enough to make the amazing blend. My only complaint would be not having a better guide to know what was in each truffle. I like being surprised from time to time, but I don't like all the flavors. Coconut wouldn't have been a pleasant taste to me. Knowing what each one was would have made my selections easier. The picture guide included in the box wasn't as helpful as it could've been.
This is perfect for sharing with friends, whether at a party or just because.
There is no trans fat, preservatives, or hydrogenated oils in these chocolates. I'm also happy to say they are made right here in the United States. You aren't just eating healthier, but you are boosting our nations economy.
Go to http://www.mrscavanaughs.com/  to checkout what they have to offer. Christmas is right around the corner. Parties, incoming visitors, and gifts to give all come to mind with such a sweet treat! You can create a box or pick something already designed.
You can also get free gift wrap added!

Making this weekend special

I not only got out of work early on Friday, but had the whole weekend off. There were a few family events (free of course) that I couldn't pass up. 
The Lego Store at the North Star mall, for instance, had a pre-Black Friday VIP event. It was one VIP card holder and a guest going in 9-10 AM (before opening) to get free bags of goodies and special extras. While my husband was there with the middle son, I took the oldest and little lady to stand and wait by the Disney store. We had run into a friend who let me in on the knowledge that the first child at the door would get to "open" the store.
They also got a free key ornament.
My oldest son didn't want to do it so I took my lady out of the stroller.
She was so excited. I found it amusing that all 3 of us were dressed in Disney style. I had worn a Maleficent ensemble.
Afterwards, we took the kids to the Target Frozen event. Each of the kids got a goodie bag regardless of what they were wearing.
My little "Elsa" was posing and smiling. 
The Cartwheel toy of the day is the Lettlest Pet Shop Style set. 
We also stopped by our friends at San Antonio Plastic Bricks. They have recently moved to a larger retail store front. Definitely going to be amazing once it's completely set up. 
Hope you all have an amazing weekend! Remember those deep breaths as you try to get through the Thanksgiving week next week!!! 

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

gatti's pizza coupon and information!

Great food, fun games and good family times all under one roof! Find an unlimited buffet filled with pizzas, pastas, a full salad bar, desserts and more. So much food! Plus, there's plenty of space to eat with the family in multiple themed dining rooms. Then it's on to the game room - which is huge! Video/arcade games, Bumper Cars and more!
My readers receive these special offers:
  • $10.99 - One Kids buffet, drinks & $10 game card - valid anytime
  • $39.99 - 2 adult buffets, 2 kids buffets, drinks, 2 $10 game cards - valid anytime
 
My family has been to Gatti's only once before, but we enjoyed it a great deal. I'm glad to share this awesome deal with you all! Let me know if you will be going.
 

Saturday, November 8, 2014

A month in review...

Have you looked back through your pictures in your phone recently? Do you relive those memories? All those good times caught in a still frame. I was transferring photos to my laptop to be saved. So much happening in the past month. Good and bad. 
Sharing a laugh with my princess on October 5th. Her personality is addicting. So outgoing and smartalic at times. There's no doubt, she's my daughter. 
On October 7th, I took my oldest to the prescreening for Alexander and the Horrible, Terrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. We don't get a lot of one on one time, so I try to make it count. 
October 8th we went shopping and decided to play dress up in Targets halloween section. Don't scoff. You know you wish you were doing that too. 
October 11th, we went to the Star Wars Lego build at Toys R Us. Not a bad mini Ghost Ship, huh? 
The 25th was my oldest sons 6th birthday. We went to Bootacular and had a small party with my in laws. 
He's growing faster with every passing year. 
On the 29th, I worked my last shift with this goofball. He wasn't at our store long, but "Clydesdale" was definitely one of my favorite coworkers. 
On October 30th, I went to a job interview with the Lego Store. I designed and built a "set" that described me somehow. 
Creative yet detailed. 
Halloween involved free donuts, trick or treating at the Lego Store as well as in my in laws neighborhood. 
So why am sharing all this? Because I think everyone needs a dip in the fun memories from time to time. Relive the past month. Would you change anything? Did you learn or grow? 
Remember that the past was once the present, shaping the future. 
AND HAVE FUN WHILE YOU LIVE IT! 

Feast brings cute, wordless fun. Enjoy!

Disney has a penchant for making funny "Short" films. Their newest one is called Feast. Watch how time passes with a puppy finding an owner... dealing with the "woman"... and then reuniting the two when things go sour.


Don't forget some of these other titles, coming soon.

Into the Woods brings several fairy tales to life but connects them together.


Tomorrowland. Not really sure how to describe this one just yet, but it has George Clooney, so I'm sold!

Big Hero 6 movie review

This was an amazing movie! Great graphics, comedic moments, and family-friendly. I took my 4 1/2 year old with me to see the prescreening.

Hiro Hamada lives with his older brother and Aunt. Their parents passed away when Hiro was very young. Now that he's a teenager, he's prone to getting into trouble. Particularly when it comes to Bot Fighting (robot fights). His older brother comes to his rescue and their Aunt bails them out when things go too far.
Both Hamada boys are science geeks. Tadashi is in school, putting his brains to good use building medical robots for the future. He designs and builds Baymax, a personal medical robot. Baymax responds to "Ow" and makes you better with his huggable, tech-filled self and won't stop his care until you are "satisfied with your care".
Hiro Hamada, however, has a penchant for getting in trouble and skipping school. His older brother sees potential though, and he intends to show Hiro where he could go if he applied himself better. Hiro is a natural born, robotics prodigy. His mind is sharp, his inventions are innovating.
Tadashi shows Hiro where he goes to school at a big university with a large laboratory for developing technology. Imagine a place where the future is born. That would be this University! And the things that Hiro witnesses, has him changing his tune. Tadashi introduces Hiro to his fellow classmates. Honey Lemon, Wasabi, Fred and Go Go Tomago. Each one has their special gifts. They show him a world of possibilities that has him wanting to pass on Bot Fighting. He enters the contest for showing off his abilities and reasons why he should be chosen and given a scholarship to the University. He creates a project that has eyes popping. All using mini bots. Millions of them. And all controlled by his neuro system. But just as he given the future in the form of a white envelope and things seem to be going along gloriously, there is a tragic accident at the show. Flames claim the life of someone Hiro holds dear in the attempt at saving a professor. Tadashi's world is plunged into sadness. He doesn't know how to go on or how to proceed with his future. His aunt tries to push him into still enrolling in the University. His brothers friends are continuously reaching out to Hiro. Then Baymax comes back into the picture. Hiro didn't realize that his older brothers invention had so much potential until a single "ow" wakes him up.
A series of events uncovers a sinister and dangerous plot that plunges Hiro into crime-fighting and maybe even revenge mode. He recruits the four friends from the University and transforms them all into the Big Hero 6 group that will save the world, starting with San Fransokyo.
This movie was fantastic. Its family-friendly, funny, and touches the heart. Hiro learns what true friendship is. He learns to deal with heartache and move on in a positive way. I definitely recommend this one!

Check it out for yourself and enjoy! http://www.disney.com/BigHero6


 

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Chicken étouffée recipe

The weather is changing and cold fronts are moving in. With this, warmer foods are far more pleasurable. One of my favorite recipes is Chicken Etouffée. Its a Cajun tradition that my family ate more often when we were around my Nana and Papa. While I haven't mastered it like they had, I'd like to think that I came close. My children and even my picky husband enjoy it from time to time. Bon appetit!

You will need:

3 large chicken breasts
Any spices you want (I use oregano and garlic)
Oil (about 3-4 tablespoons)
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
Onions chopped (how much you want. I use about half an onion)
1 green bell pepper
1 red bell pepper
Fresh garlic if you want (I use powder)
2 cups of chicken broth
1 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (I add mine to my food and not to the whole pot, and its more than 1 teaspoon)
1 bunch of green onions, trimmed and chopped


 You will need to cook rice to eat with it, so make however much your family uses.

Time to cook!
Cut each chicken breast into strips then season with your spices. Heat a large, heavy, covered pot over medium-high heat until it is hot. Then add a couple spoons of oil until it's hot (lightly bubbling). Add chicken and cook until light brown. Put the chicken aside and add the rest of the oil.
Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly until it's a golden brown. (3-5 minutes) This is your roux. Add the onions, bell peppers, and garlic - stirring for 5 minutes. Stir in the chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste and hot sauce. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Add the browned chicken to the pan.
Cover and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is tender. Skim any fat from the surface, then stir in the green onions. Serve hot over cooked rice.


***I enjoy it spicy. Adding hot sauce, or even red pepper to give it some tang is always a plus.

 Serves 8, though you can certainly freeze portions to be used later.

Monday, November 3, 2014

Wreaths Across America

Its that time of year again. A time when wreaths are purchased by sponsors and donors to lay across the graves of our fallen military heroes. This event is held before Christmas. The Mayport Naval Sea Cadets Corps has been dedicated to this ceremony for several years now. Sadly, the number of wreaths they have been able to provide has been dwindling as the number of graves is on the rise. Our World War 2 veterans have been dying in larger numbers with each passing year. Last year alone the Mayports Cadets had about 1200 more graves than the year before. The only way to ensure that every grave gets a wreath is through sponsorship or donations. Being a former Cadet Instructor for the Mayport group, I plan to direct my own donations to them.
Our heroes, both alive and fallen, are not often celebrated. Some of them gave their limbs or ability to live "normal" lives while others gave their lives. All in the name of American freedoms. I met a Marine veteran who went in search of what places offered discounts or services specific to military personnel. That list wasn't very long. And the discount is often quite small. Or specialized to certain holidays only. Is this how we repay them? Is this what we really think they are worth? Its disheartening to say the least. Especially for one such as I who tried to join and was turned down for medical reasons. Instead, I support our troops. Past, present, and future.
If you are interested in learning more and possibly becoming a donor this year, check out the website and link below.
Also, if you want to recognize a cadet as being your referral, you can enter "Carter boys" in the recognition box. They are offered incentives for being active in the community with events such as these.
 
 
Online form for wreaths.