Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Hanging on to the Holidays

Christmas has came and went... really? The movie trailer to this Christmas had me anticipating the "Best Christmas Ever!!" - but it was not much different than years past. People tend to get moody and even nasty in the weeks leading up to Christmas and for no really good reason. I suspect that they do not want to socialize with their own family or feel obligated to gift, well, ANYONE. Believe it or not, there are really people out there that would much rather hear finger nails scraping on a chalk board than to swap gifts with family.

I am not one of the bah humbuggers... I try to make it magical for my kids. We decorate the tree, put lights up outside, hang the stockings, and bake cookies for "Santa". I light pine scented candles to add to the Christmas ambiance. There are many community events and attractions for kids of all ages. The Lights Before Christmas at the zoo, visiting Santa at his house up town, and the various children's parties that occur for 2 weeks straight. It gets very exhausting! That is why I look forward to New Years- It is the ideal adult holiday that lets you unwind and refresh for the next year.

I love entertaining and socializing on New Year's Eve. Being with friends and laughing is much needed after all the hustle and bustle since Thanksgiving. We are planning on a sushi dinner again this New Years and hope many friends will join us. I have my heart set on some Playstation 3 Singstar and champagne to finish my night. I know there are plenty of events and parties being held on New Year's Eve in our area, but I would much rather enjoy the best food and settle in at home with close friends. There is always a table, no hassle parking, and no cover charge to entertain at home.

This being my last post for 2010, I would like to wish you all a happy New Year and hope 2011 is amazing for you!!

Try my holiday martini:

Festive Martini, 419 Style

*2 oz ginger ale
*1 oz Grand Marnier (or orange liqueur)
*1 oz Premium vodka

Mix in shaker with ice, strain, and pour into martini glass.
Garnish speared cranberries and orange twist. Cheers!!!

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Tackle It Tuesday



I was fortunate enough to participate in a program that 5 Minutes for Mom offered. It is Tackle it Tuesday and today features the laundry degerant Arm & Hammer Power Gel. I received a coupon for a free jug of this detergent to use then blog about it here. I know I usually blog about what is going on in Northwest Ohio or some interesting food I have prepared. After much thought, I concluded that this program fits very well within my blog. I have gotten tomato sauce, red wine, and grease spatters on some very good clothes. I need an apron! But besides that, the odors that get within the clothes also need adressed too. I chose the Arm & Hammer Essentials Power Gel because I like how it smells and love the detergents that are more natural than others.

The results: This was my first time using the Power Gel but not my first time using Arm & Hammer. I have always liked Arm & Hammer laundry detergents and dryer sheets because they effectively remove odors and keep the clothes smelling fresh. I have 3 boys and a toddler daughter, so I encounter a lot of smelly clothes! The knee stains on my 9 year old son's jeans came clean and it is wonderful for washing "accident" undies from my 2 year old. I am very impressed with the results of the Power Gel, I didn't have to use a stain treater or bleach. And guess what?! The clothes smell amazing too!! The detergent is very thick and powerful, not to mention several dollars cheaper than the leading detergent.

Arm & Hammer Power Gel laundry detergent... You get my recommendation!! Thanks goes to the 5 Minutes For Mom blog that allowed me to try it.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Fire Up the Grill!

It's a beautiful day here in NWO... perfect day for grilling and chilling! We entertain a lot in the summer and one of my favorite things to put on the grill is kabobs. These are remarkably easy and fast! My meat of choice is chicken and pork which I cube before marinating. Use your favorite marinade, or explore a new one. You can add fruits and/or vegetables to your kabobs or just skewer the meat. We often just do the meat alone depending on the side dishes we prepare.

♥ Try this:
Marinade chicken chunks with Franks® Red Hot sauce, a 1/4 cup of your
favorite barbeque sauce, and a splash of beer. If you like your sauce a
little sweeter, add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Refridgerate for at
least 30 minutes before grilling. Put 4 to 5 chunks on a skewer, less if
you are adding vegetables. Grill for 15-20 minutes or until chicken is
thouroughly cooked through. These go very fast!!

*** Can also bake these in the oven for 20-25 minutes on 350.
I would suggest lining baking sheet with foil and spray
with a non-stick oil. Cooking time may vary due to
thickness of meat, adjust accordingly to make sure meat is
cooked through.



– –––

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Welcome!

I am a Foodie at heart and always have been. I LOVE food- All of it! Northwest Ohio has some great places to eat and socialize with friends and I am going to help you find just the right place. This blog is for the adventurous, no picky eaters allowed! I love sushi and seafood just as much as I love a great flame grilled steak. And let's not forget dessert... I can't wait to share all my favorites with you!!

A true Foodie also cooks and entertains. I have many quick and delicious recipes that will WOW your friends. I will also provide some party themes and suggest coctails as well. Who knows, I may throw in a giveaway every now and then. Have an idea or question? Please leave a reply and I will respond accordingly. I would love to know where all your favorite dining spots are in and around Northwest Ohio.

I am looking forward to a fun filled summer packed with lots of food, friends, and fun!!