tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30402106718460987392024-02-20T18:04:38.772-08:00honey, vinegar, and housewivesThe lost art of good customer service and being a housewife are two things I am passionate about! I hope you enjoy tidbits about businesses who treasure the customer (and those who don't) and thus, send your dollars their way. And if you're sure June Cleaver had a housekeeper and a cook or a substance abuse problem, I believe with a little help, we can all run a sane and happy home! Here’s to giving it our best!Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02403943355536604191noreply@blogger.comBlogger113125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040210671846098739.post-52216045240174962222012-01-29T04:01:00.000-08:002012-01-29T04:11:10.647-08:00Bart ForbesHappy 2012!<br /><br />As you can gather from my absence, joining and promoting the 90 Day challenge has become almost a full time existence! What an amazing adventure!<br /><br />While seeing what positive thinking and action can do for so many people, I could not put off any longer sharing with you a wonderful, wonderful man. We were fortunate enough to meet Bart Forbes, <a href="http://bartforbes.com/">http://bartforbes.com/</a> , through his incredible daughter. What we quickly learned about Mr Forbes is that while warm, humble, and simply fantastic in his everyday life, he is a world renowned artist!!! What?!? In our very own backyard even.<br /><br />We decided that the best gift my hubby and I could give each other was a painting of our boys by Mr Forbes. Not only did he deliver, the piece he created captures the very essence of our sons and thus, our hearts. YOU MUST CONTACT HIM! With Fathers Day, Mothers Day, and there's always Holiday Season 2012 to never be too ready for, it will be the gift of a lifetime.<br /><br />Inquire with Mr Forbes about a custom painting for your family; while you have the honor of working with a world renowned artist who happens to also be local (double bonus), the piece he creates will forever be in your home and hearts, just as Mr Forbes is in both of ours.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Bart Forbes</span></strong><br /><a href="http://bartforbes.com/"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">http://bartforbes.com/</span></strong></a><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">972.306.9753</span></strong><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac293/munchkin_land_designs/honeyvinegar/austinsignature2.png" />Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02403943355536604191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040210671846098739.post-86358511896867043702011-12-06T15:50:00.000-08:002011-12-06T16:16:19.365-08:00Christmas in a CupIt's the most wonderful (and expensive) time of year!!! You are very lucky you aren't hearing me sing right now. My children wish they were you.<br /><br />So, no matter what holiday you celebrate this time of year, we all are giving gifts! I literally could wrap and listen to Christmas music for days people, days. Some of my shopping is very specific but there is always the exception. For the parties/events/people on your calendar/shopping list who require a more general gift, here is one I gave today at a PTA Board Holiday Luncheon.<br /><br /><strong><em>Christmas in a Cup</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><strong><em>- </em>4 (or 2 if on a strict budget) holiday old fashioned (size not necessarily style) glasses - I found AWESOME glasses at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Marshalls</span> for $2.99 a piece</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>- Bottle of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Prosecco</span>/Champagne</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>- Bottle of Cranberry Pomegranate Juice</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>- Bag of Fresh Cranberries. </strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>- Christmas card/card stock with instructions as follows:</strong><br /><br /><div align="center"><em></em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>Christmas in a Cup</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em></em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>Place bag of cranberries in freezer.</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>Mix two parts <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Prosecco</span> with one part juice.</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>Cover bottom of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">glasses</span> with frozen cranberries.</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>Pour, toast, enjoy!</em></div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">As you can see, nothing fancy, just a little different from the standard candle/lotion/I-don't-know-you-well-enough-to-pick-something-out gift. I have to put this in the Honey section because of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Marshalls</span> and all of their <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">fabulousness</span> but it really is just a little fun for your creative <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">housewife</span> mind! Cheers!</div><br />On the 90 Day Challenge front, 5 days in, 3 pounds gone. This is over a weekend with a hubby birthday and a good amount of vino! Check it out... <a href="http://azgwinning.bodybyvi.com/">http://azgwinning.bodybyvi.com/</a><br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac293/munchkin_land_designs/honeyvinegar/austinsignature2.png" />Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02403943355536604191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040210671846098739.post-7907381938708901212011-12-02T11:13:00.000-08:002011-12-02T11:28:06.948-08:00Jump StartYou know me by now. At least a little if not way TOO much. I like to check things off of my list, I like to work hard, and I am a perfectionist. With faults. Many. You also know I spend most of my time in the low-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">carb</span> world. Always working, trying, losing, gaining, to be the best version of myself. Whatever that may mean.<br /><br /><br /><br />As of today, I am embarking on what I know will be a great adventure to propel me towards old goals, new goals, and wonderful wonderful things! Half way to the infamous "goal weight" I was introduced to a Challenge I am now sharing with you. Consider it my ultimate accountability tool. You! My fabulous (and very lean) husband is also doing the Challenge with different goals, but committed to it none the less.<br /><br /><br />My plan is to share it by writing to you. In all of your <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">fabulousness</span>, you now get to read the daily doings of this adventure. I will continue to cook, clean, scrutinize customer service, and improve my wifely-self but all while going forward with gusto on my 90 Day Challenge. Thanks for being my accountability, even though you didn't know you agreed to it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">I will also update the site:</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.azgwinning.bodybyvi.com/">http://www.azgwinning.bodybyvi.com/</a></div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 142px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681614608979708418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2WRu8UWhqrFjWImVfTn1rT5YARHX2Qr5oP_Kok1NNJcYx46GdLTWxCGxgSQcAGNPdh_qqDURfoP7XwEZJth7WKe9gcBlqebVoNRHdKA3bS8AwCI1OY_02uRAvTII-_IRl1-RnxiqiQlyE/s400/Logo_BBV_ID.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>Cheers friends and supporters, rest assured wine will be included on this journey!</strong></div><br /><div align="center"></div><img src="http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac293/munchkin_land_designs/honeyvinegar/austinsignature2.png" />Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02403943355536604191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040210671846098739.post-85392689777467488122011-11-15T10:51:00.000-08:002011-11-15T10:56:27.429-08:00Grandma's Sweet PotatoesThanksgiving is next week. Just so you know. We all have our favorites and family traditions. This is one that I grew up with and always has a spot on our holiday table. It's basically a dessert parading around as a "vegetable side".<br /><br /><strong>Grandma's Sweet Potatoes</strong><br /><br /><ul><br /><li><strong>6-8 sweet potatoes peeled & cut into quarters</strong></li><br /><li><strong>Whole Milk</strong></li><br /><li><strong>Butter</strong></li><br /><li><strong>Sugar</strong></li><br /><li><strong>Mini marshmallows</strong></li></ul><br /><p><strong>Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Boil sweet potatoes until done - test by piercing with a fork. Mash to desired consistency with milk, butter, and sugar to taste. Spread into a greased 9x13 pan. Top with marshmallows. Bake for 20 minutes or until marshmallows are a golden brown. </strong></p><br /><img src="http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac293/munchkin_land_designs/honeyvinegar/austinsignature2.png" />Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02403943355536604191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040210671846098739.post-263791231010609442011-11-14T11:29:00.000-08:002011-11-14T11:38:40.973-08:00Rugs to RichesReferrals are the best. Ever. Especially when they surpass your already lofty expectations!<br /><br />We are in the middle of a complete remodel (I'm <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">talkin</span> serious time commitment people) and while the upstairs is "this" close to completion, we won't start the main floor until post-holiday spending, I mean celebrating concludes. So.... long story short, I needed two rooms with carpets to be cleaned because I just couldn't take it any longer. And, the carpet replacement is way down the line since I picked the couture carpet (which doesn't make an ounce of sense since my own clothes come from Target).<br /><br />Enter the fabulous neighbor, TC, and her fabulous carpet man!!! <strong>Ray Waits is the owner of Rugs to Riches</strong>. Back in Colorado, we lived and died by our carpet man, Mark (owner of White Stallion Carpet Cleaning) who while never on time, was the nicest, most affordable, and amazing carpet man. TC swore that Ray was the same so after seeing his work first hand at her place, I gave him a shout. Good thing for this a-type (and for him really), I knew he wouldn't be on time or call back right away. But I stuck with it! And boy did it pay off. He is nice as can be and such a hard worker. Our IVORY (clearly the previous owners didn't have children or kept them locked in the shed) carpet in our family room and master bedroom looks F-AMAZING. He removed one mystery stain and another not-so-mysterious stain wherein my two year old poured my coffee on the carpet. You get the point.<br /><br />If you live in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">DFW</span>, want your carpet to look fab for the holidays, and don't have millions in the bank (even if you do), CALL RAY.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Ray Waits</span></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Rugs to Riches</span></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">972-241-0066</span></strong></div><br /><img src="http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac293/munchkin_land_designs/honeyvinegar/austinsignature2.png" />Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02403943355536604191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040210671846098739.post-30197868334288130602011-11-02T17:08:00.000-07:002011-11-02T17:17:13.492-07:00Sweet Potato Pie<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxEoDqJG88UnnohwxMxYdBRqPNaUatBCRGvt2ijx84ziL60bj0xmqGDYHWxzo16EfurZMgHOH1e1lySbOnySvG4s7jOo-3MyVoObvGEMRTzJXne5nYvlT_ypSRU4Qkp3QP7NdwKrDCdQIJ/s1600/potatopie.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 372px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 279px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670556630270288866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxEoDqJG88UnnohwxMxYdBRqPNaUatBCRGvt2ijx84ziL60bj0xmqGDYHWxzo16EfurZMgHOH1e1lySbOnySvG4s7jOo-3MyVoObvGEMRTzJXne5nYvlT_ypSRU4Qkp3QP7NdwKrDCdQIJ/s400/potatopie.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>Brief but important. I grew up in Colorado. I live in Texas. There is an uncanny resemblance between Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Pie. I don't know why. Recent weeks have drawn me away from writing but even this short note to you brings a smile to my face. I like this recipe because it came out perfect (bake time altered) and didn't require pre-baking the pie shell. Which I LOATHE doing because I don't own pie weights but hope Santa will bring them this year. Thank you <a href="http://www.allrecipes.com/">http://www.allrecipes.com/</a> for a wonderfully simple and delicious recipe which my six year old had two helpings of. Happy Fall!</div><br /><br /><div><strong>Sweet Potato Pie</strong></div><br /><ul><br /><li>1 (1 pound) sweet potato</li><br /><li>1/2 cup butter, softened</li><br /><li>1 cup white sugar</li><br /><li>1/2 cup milk</li><br /><li>2 eggs</li><br /><li>1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg</li><br /><li>1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon</li><br /><li>1 teaspoon vanilla extract</li><br /><li>1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust - See Cherry Pie recipe</li></ul><br /><p>Boil sweet potato whole in skin for 40 to 50 minutes, or until done. Run cold water over the sweet potato, and remove the skin.<br />Break apart sweet potato in a bowl. Add butter, and mix well with mixer. Stir in sugar, milk, eggs, nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla. Beat on medium speed until mixture is smooth. Pour filling into an unbaked pie crust.<br />Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 55 to 60 minutes, or until knife inserted in center comes out clean (*It took WAY longer for my oven, like 80-85 minutes and I had to throw the trusty ol' pie collar on to protect my crust). Pie will puff up like a souffle, and then will sink down as it cools. </p><br /><div><img src="http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac293/munchkin_land_designs/honeyvinegar/austinsignature2.png" /></div>Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02403943355536604191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040210671846098739.post-56450511965887854942011-10-15T15:36:00.000-07:002011-10-15T15:56:17.472-07:00Lasagna - Testosterone Style<strong>Lasagna</strong><br /><strong><em>Mad Hungry; Feeding Men & Boys </em></strong><br /><strong><em>Lucinda <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Scala</span> Quinn</em></strong><br />*Modified slightly.<br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><br /><ul><br /><li>1lb lasagna noodles (I use the oven ready kind EVERY time so I am skipping the steps to boil, drain, etc that is in the original recipe)</li><br /><li>5 links sweet Italian sausage, or a mixture of hot and sweet, pierced with a fork</li><br /><li>1 large egg</li><br /><li>1lb ricotta (prefer the whole milk ricotta)</li><br /><li>3/4c freshly grated <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">parmesan</span> (recipe says you can use <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">pecorino</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">romano</span> but we prefer <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">parm</span>)</li><br /><li>5 cups fave tomato sauce(I use my Mom's sauce recipe which I make on the weekend, cook with throughout the week, and freeze the extra. Lasagna will be best with a thick sauce.)</li><br /><li>1lb fresh <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">mozarella</span>, cut into 1/3 inch thick slices</li><br /><li>olive oil for drizzling</li></ul><br /><p>*Again, I am skipping instructions if you don't use oven ready lasagna and love to boil your own noodles, you're on your own.</p><br /><p>Preheat oven to 350 degrees. </p><br /><p>Fry the sausage links over medium-high heat until cooked through, about 10 minutes. Then cut links into disks and to continue to fry until crispy over low heat, about 20 minutes (I only cooked mine for a total of 20 and it was great). Drain off fat.</p><br /><p>In medium bowl combine egg, ricotta, and 1/2c <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">parmesan</span>.</p><br /><p>TO ASSEMBLE (make yourself a little station assembly line for easy assembly and clean up), grease bottom of glass 9x13 pan. Spread 1 cup of sauce in the bottom of dish, overlap one third of noodles atop the sauce to cover the pan bottom. Spread all the sausage over the noodles and spoon over another cup of sauce. Lay down second third of noodles and dollop all of the ricotta mixture on top of the noodles. Flatten with spoon to make an even layer. Top with remaining noodles to completely cover the cheese. Pour over 2 cups sauce to cover. Evenly lay all <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">mozarella</span> slices on top. Sprinkle remaining <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">parm</span> and drizzle with olive oil.</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>Bake uncovered for 60 minutes or until the lasagna is bubbling all over and lightly golden (original recipe said 40 minutes but no way was that what was happening in my oven). LET REST for 15 minutes before slicing. This was the first time in my lasagna making life I waited and it set up and came out so PERFECTLY! The patience paid off, thanks Lucinda! You can serve with extra cheese and sauce if desired. </p><br /><p><em>I called it Lasagna-Testosterone Style because it came out so hearty and wonderful. All the boys at the table gobbled it up, young and young-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">ish</span>. May have found my new go to lasagna recipe. If you make your sauce ahead, this is a snap to assemble in the morning or during nap time, then bake that evening. Heavenly smells abound and tummies will be growling! Ciao <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">bella</span>!</em></p><img src="http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac293/munchkin_land_designs/honeyvinegar/austinsignature2.png" />Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02403943355536604191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040210671846098739.post-34272916607702225862011-10-12T11:42:00.000-07:002011-10-12T11:59:35.129-07:00The Spoiled WifeIt's not so much a recipe as a position I have. Or that I take. Either way. I have mentioned on more than one <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">occasion</span> how wonderful my husband is. As a father, as a friend, as well, everything. I often feel I am the short-end of the stick member of our team because the man literally NEVER complains about anything. He is the hardest working person I know, that many know, and is always going the extra mile.<br /><br />So many times, it is I who receive the weekends away, the special presents, or extra TLC. And I have to ask myself, while I am in a fact a "spoiled wife", how do I make sure that he is a "spoiled husband"? Approaching our ninth wedding anniversary this February, I think I am much better at marriage now versus then. In my opinion, every successful team or partnership must have people who play their position well but also have overlap to avoid any shortcomings. My position has changed over the years as we have had our boys and I have become the "domestic engineer" (Thanks "Benny & <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Joon</span>"). So has his. But one thing we both try to do is make the other's life easier.<br /><br />That's where this position of mine comes in. For me to spoil him it's pretty easy, men are simple. It's the basic three which make him run at his optimum levels: clean house, good food, and some <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">lovin</span>. Now don't go getting crazy on me you gender equality proponents. You would be hard pressed to find ANY person, male or female, who wouldn't like to come home from work (outside the home) to a clean house/laundry, a satisfying meal, and some smooches. It's not about being husband & wife or bacon-earner & bacon-spender, it's about playing our positions. I am (95% of the time) happy to do what needs to be done with our children and our home because my husband is (99% of the time) engaged and thoughtful when he is home with us. That's our team.<br /><br />So if spoiling your partner means fried chicken once a week and college football on Saturday afternoons then by all means take care of it. Let's put a little less "me time" in our marriage equations and little more "team effort" and see if we all don't come out on top? wink.wink.<br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac293/munchkin_land_designs/honeyvinegar/austinsignature2.png" />Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02403943355536604191noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040210671846098739.post-32819606923434709972011-10-10T10:44:00.000-07:002011-10-10T10:56:34.548-07:00Oil Change Extraordinaire<strong><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kwik</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kar</span> Willow Bend</strong><br /><a href="http://www.kwikkarwillowbend.com/"><strong>www.kwikkarwillowbend.com</strong></a><br />972.781.2700<br /><br />I'm a franchise girl. Not gonna lie. I'm a big believer that the franchise car dealers have the latest and greatest service technology. For both warranty and non-warranty work, the manufacturer dealer is the place to go.<br /><br />However, for a quick oil change, I am happy to visit the convenient and trustworthy local shop. What a find I have for you today! If you live in far North Dallas or Plano, you should know about <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">KWIK</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">KAR</span> WILLOW BEND. Located conveniently on Midway just North of Park, the folks at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kwik</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kar</span> Willow Bend were impressive from beginning to end. I dropped my two year old off for his Monday morning <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">MDO</span> and needed to accomplish quite a lot in three <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">hours</span>. My usual oil change stop was just not within the realm of efficiency today. I found <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kwik</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kar</span> online and also printed a $5 coupon directly from their website.<br /><br />I arrived around 9:10am and was greeted in my vehicle right away outside of the service bay area. The gentleman said he could get me right in and it would take TEN MINUTES!!! Sold! I went inside their clean and welcoming waiting area and was able to see my Expedition while it was serviced. Not only were they fast, but they went above and beyond by cleaning the inside of the vehicle, topping off the fluids, cleaning the windows, and more! With my coupon I paid $45 and will be going back, no questions.<br /><br />The next time you need an oil change, stop by <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">KWIK</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">KAR</span> WILLOW BEND!<br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac293/munchkin_land_designs/honeyvinegar/austinsignature2.png" />Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02403943355536604191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040210671846098739.post-16691865922719970452011-09-26T10:52:00.000-07:002011-09-26T11:08:58.304-07:00Flank Steak Face OffI'm surfing the no carb wave and am always excited to prepare food I can enjoy WITH my family and friends rather than make two meals. Go figure. One tried and true recipe my parents always made was for Flank Steak and while at Sam's Club earlier in the week, I picked up some flank steak knowing we had friends coming for dinner Sunday night (dangerously close to the end of my son's lacrosse game). The package I purchased had twice as much meat in it as the recipe called for. Brave (and confident our friends are good enough friends I could try something new on them), I decided to make two flank steak recipes. The family favorite from <em>Colorado Cache Cookbook</em> and then a new one I invented right then and there! Here are the two recipes, which are SO easy you won't believe it.<br /><br /><strong>Marinated Grilled Flank Steak</strong><br /><strong><em>Colorado Cache Cookbook</em></strong><br /><br /><ul><br /><li><strong>juice of 1 lemon</strong></li><br /><li><strong>1/2 c soy sauce (I only had 1/4c)</strong></li><br /><li><strong>1/4c or more dry red wine (OF COURSE I had enough so I used 1/2c to adjust for less soy sauce)</strong></li><br /><li><strong>3T vegetable oil</strong></li><br /><li><strong>2T Worcestershire sauce</strong></li><br /><li><strong>1 large clove garlic sliced (I used 3 and coarsely chopped them)</strong></li><br /><li><strong>pepper to taste</strong></li><br /><li><strong>chopped green onion or chives (optional- I didn't have either)</strong></li><br /><li><strong>chopped dill (optional- I used a pinch of dried dill)</strong></li><br /><li><strong>celery seed (optional- I used a pinch)</strong></li><br /><li><strong>1 1/2lb flank steak</strong></li></ul><br /><p><strong>Combine all ingredients in a ziploc bag (use two). Marinate all day or overnight. Heat grill and cook 5-6 minutes per side for medium rare. Make sure to slice meat diagonal across the grain and serve. </strong></p><br /><p><strong>Austin's Spicy Asian Flank Steak</strong></p><br /><ul><br /><li><strong>1/2c thai chili garlic paste</strong></li><br /><li><strong>1/4c rice vinegar</strong></li><br /><li><strong>1/4c olive oil</strong></li><br /><li><strong>1T ginger powder</strong></li><br /><li><strong>1 3/4T toasted sesame oil</strong></li><br /><li><strong>3 large cloves garlic chopped</strong></li></ul><br /><p><strong>Combine all ingredients in a ziploc bag (use two). Marinate all day or overnights. Heat grill and cook 5-6 minutes per side for medium rare. Make sure to slice meat diagonal across the grain and serve. </strong></p><br /><p>The consensus in our kitchen was the new recipe won. I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT!! Try them out and you let me know which one wins at your house!</p><br /><img src="http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac293/munchkin_land_designs/honeyvinegar/austinsignature2.png" />Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02403943355536604191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040210671846098739.post-50859817435186342692011-09-12T11:00:00.000-07:002011-09-12T11:32:18.462-07:00Paparazzi Pizza<strong>972.820.8686</strong><br /><strong>Northwest corner of Josey & Keller Springs</strong><br /><br />Do you think living somewhere for four years make you a local? What about three and a half years in the late nineties and then four years now? Enough with the local babble, the reason I ask is because the term "local spot" always conjures up an intimate, under the radar eatery far from the chain infested ways of Belt Line road. Good news for you, local or not, I have found one! If you travel a little West of Far North Dallas on Keller Springs Road, you will stumble upon a fabulous family owned restaurant called <strong>PAPARAZZI PIZZA</strong>.<br /><br />You will be welcomed by George & Dasha Kadado, a wonderful couple who make you feel right at home. Whether you enjoy some of their Mediterranean fare or one of their gourmet pizzas, you will not be disappointed. For those health gurus out there, you will be elated to know that Paparazzi works with only fresh, never frozen, ingredients. If all of that wasn't enough, be prepared to be whisked away to Europe with one of the FOUR languages they speak. Whether it's date night or a quick family dinner stop, <strong>PAPARAZZI PIZZA</strong> will leave the entire crew with happy and full tummies.<br /><br /><img src="http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac293/munchkin_land_designs/honeyvinegar/austinsignature2.png" />Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02403943355536604191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040210671846098739.post-50768740794252338052011-09-08T10:34:00.000-07:002011-09-08T10:56:19.023-07:00Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_rznn41Kk-LlDWOcot9XsYdg8a1uEqBd-m9bfVxkFFuzI8o04msCVNXQsdjkLWa4vAgcYdvvSYyIsj0HPWNbwmVCjqEIRKAlr8zton5B5ftJ3y70OEOsFP4uuK4T9y0ZepA1IaO6I0Pb/s1600/40chicken.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 299px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650044705201187394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_rznn41Kk-LlDWOcot9XsYdg8a1uEqBd-m9bfVxkFFuzI8o04msCVNXQsdjkLWa4vAgcYdvvSYyIsj0HPWNbwmVCjqEIRKAlr8zton5B5ftJ3y70OEOsFP4uuK4T9y0ZepA1IaO6I0Pb/s400/40chicken.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><strong><em>Barefoot in Paris</em></strong><br /><br /><div><strong>Ina Garten</strong></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Ah, a new dish for the repertoire. The first time I attempted this, it was SO time consuming that my note in the cookbook says, "Fabulous, NOT a week night dish." Not one to be discouraged, I decided to try this again, my way. So, the recipe below is my version (Housewife friendly), adapted slightly from the ever amazing Ina Garten.<br /><br /><br /><br /><ul><br /><li><strong>40 cloves peeled garlic</strong> (Sam's/Costco is your best friend now when purchasing the giant tub-o-peeled-fresh-garlic)</li><br /><li><strong>3-4lbs chicken</strong> (pick your poison here, I used thighs with skin but whatever your family likes as long as it's bone in and skin on)</li><br /><li><strong>Salt</strong></li><br /><li><strong>Freshly ground Pepper</strong></li><br /><li><strong>2 tablespoons unsalted Butter</strong></li><br /><li><strong>3 tablespoons Sherry, divided</strong></li><br /><li><strong>1 1/2 cups Dry White Wine </strong>(Leftover Pinot Grigio anyone? Cheers!)</li><br /><li><strong>2 tablespoons flour</strong></li><br /><li><strong>2 tablespoons heavy/whipping cream</strong></li></ul><br /><p>Dry chicken and season liberally with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat the butter in a large pot over medium/high heat. In batches if necessary, saute the chicken, skin side down, until nicely browned, about 3-5 minutes on each side. Turn with tongs careful not to pierce the skin. When all chicken is done, place on plate. </p><br /><p>Add all garlic to the pot, lower heat and saute for 5-10 minutes, turning often until evenly browned. Add 2 tablespoons of the Sherry and all of the wine, return to a boil, and scrape the brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Return the chicken to the pot with the juices, cover and simmer over the lowest heat for about 30 minutes, until all the chicken is done. </p><br /><p>Remove the chicken to a platter and cover with foil to keep warm. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of the sauce and the flour and then whisk it back into the sauce in the pot. Raise the heat, add the remaining tablespoon of Sherry and the cream and boil for 3 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Pour the sauce and garlic over the chicken and serve hot. (Goes great over rice, pasta, potatoes...)<br /></p><img src="http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac293/munchkin_land_designs/honeyvinegar/austinsignature2.png" />Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02403943355536604191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040210671846098739.post-73332305004486159612011-09-07T11:01:00.000-07:002011-09-08T10:34:21.567-07:00The Mansion<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3j5AODlsJ5KeOftUGSSEBeTzz29nVIBLFfX8hn-CXj_f6hEZI5TLRWkpY_KH6nVQg7Renpw9B99uTNzYFAVWRndyJrYJTqx2gOcZuAQvzX0dqeBR3s39YIJZbYVNgPzgESmlILSPO1lLA/s1600/mansionpool.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649687719568225090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3j5AODlsJ5KeOftUGSSEBeTzz29nVIBLFfX8hn-CXj_f6hEZI5TLRWkpY_KH6nVQg7Renpw9B99uTNzYFAVWRndyJrYJTqx2gOcZuAQvzX0dqeBR3s39YIJZbYVNgPzgESmlILSPO1lLA/s400/mansionpool.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>15 minutes from home but a world away.</strong><br /><a href="http://www.mansiononturtlecreek.com/">http://www.mansiononturtlecreek.com/</a><br /><br />Being spoiled by a husband who works so tirelessly and is such a true partner in marriage and parenting almost makes one feel guilty about gifts and surprises. Almost. Now when a surprise is a night away with a girlfriend, how can you even begin to repay such generosity? We will leave that response to another post entirely. This is a time to focus on the surprise, the gift, the amazing night away. If you have not had the sheer pleasure of staying at THE MANSION ON TURTLE CREEK, please take notice. To appreciate its elegance, you must immerse yourself in it. Do not assume it is out of reach (keep reading, you know you want to).<br /><br />There are a plethora of hotels throughout the world claiming to be luxury. If you've visited any, you know that while the rooms, and sometimes the property in its entirety, are blase and predictable, a truly luxurious hotel sets itself apart through amenities and service. Two things The Mansion knows a lot about. From the moment you arrive, little details hint to a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">wondrous</span> world of well, fabulous. Bakery cookies, fresh peaches, and iced hazelnut lattes while checking in; a surprise knock on the door with chocolate covered strawberries and herbal iced tea brought to the room to celebrate your birthday; sincere smiles and genuine interest from the staff tell you that not only are you somewhere special, but the team at The Mansion thinks YOU are special. That's their job.<br /><br />If, as a housewife, you've ever been given the second class-standard room booked-no husband with you type of brush off from high end establishments, you will be refreshed to know such ridiculousness does not exist at The Mansion. My girlfriend (who happens to be 8 months pregnant) and I were treated as if we had reserved the Presidential Suite and at any moment our famous high rolling husbands (only in our own minds) would be arriving as well.<br /><br />So, if you are lucky enough to have a Happy Husband who spoils you as I do, don't forget to look these people up for a special <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">occasion</span>. Even if it's a Wednesday and you just need to create a special <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">occasion</span>. Call The Mansion and speak to their in house reservations department. It's like they've been waiting for you to call all day and with the affordable packages they have available, you will wish you had called earlier.<br /><br />My job as a housewife is only glorified and appreciated by the people I do it for, my husband and my children. With a night away like this, I am rejuvenated and refreshed to spoil my boys every day of the week.<br /><br /><img src="http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac293/munchkin_land_designs/honeyvinegar/austinsignature2.png" /></div>Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02403943355536604191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040210671846098739.post-81642096526199654012011-08-31T10:29:00.000-07:002011-08-31T18:07:34.150-07:00A ScheduleI am flattered when people ask me how I get things done, all the things that a Happy Housewife does. I am not a schedule-nazi per say but I do believe in a little routine. The new principal at my older son's elementary school has a new motto for this school year, "EVERY MINUTE COUNTS". I love it! I believe in it! I try to live it!
<br />
<br />There are things to keep in mind when maximizing your time. You have to consider when you are most efficient and determine your priorities. For example, I am a morning person. Always have been, always will be. I was the very uncool girl at slumber parties who fell asleep first (deadly mistake) and the annoying sorority member who woke up before 7am no matter what time we got in (my apologies to my college roommate DTW). But now, as a mom, this natural tendency has benefited me! My point however is that if you aren't one to naturally bound out of bed at 6am but rather stay up until midnight working on things, figure it out for you. We have to be comfortable, happy, and motivated in what we are doing or we won't do it. Side note: I do believe that even if you are not a morning person, dragging yourself out of bed just 30 minutes before the troops awake will pay you dividends for the rest of the day. Being one step ahead of them!
<br />
<br />Now here is a sample day (leaving MUCH room for error and honesty):
<br />
<br /><strong>5:30-6:30am-</strong> Wake Up! My hubby is usually up first recently since my insomnia has been winning the sleep battle from 12-3. Before the boys get up(usually just my older son since nobody can guess when the almost two year old will or will not be up), I try to:
<br />
<br /><ul>
<br /><li>Start a load of laundry</li>
<br /><li>Unload the dishwasher</li>
<br /><li>Make our bed</li>
<br /><li>Get breakfast started</li>
<br /><li>Make D's lunch for school</li></ul>
<br /><p><strong>6:30am</strong> - Mr D the Champion 1st Grader arises! Lucky for him, he is a morning person like his father and I! While he eats breakfast (possibly joined by Mr. M the precocious younger brother):</p>
<br /><ul>
<br /><li>Go over spelling words (LOVE that we have spelling words now, I am so excited!!!)</li>
<br /><li>Clean up breakfast</li>
<br /><li>Change over laundry, start next load if needed</li>
<br /><li>Balance checkbook </li>
<br /><li>Review calendar for the day</li></ul>
<br /><p><strong>7am</strong>- Move boys to bathroom for teeth brushing, clothes changing, hair fixing, etc.</p>
<br /><ul>
<br /><li>Help D make his bed and straighten Mr. M's crib from the plethora of "friends" he chose to sleep with the night before. </li>
<br /><li>Brush my teeth</li>
<br /><li>Any last minute pre-school time items</li></ul>
<br /><p><strong>7:30am- </strong>Walk all the way (across the street) to school. Back in five! Usually my husband walks D over and M goes with them. He had to carry his own lunch box over today even though he is not yet two. During these minutes, I shower. Blissful, hot, alone (because I have all boys), shower time!</p>
<br /><p><strong>7:30-11:30am - </strong>This is a very fluid part of my day consisting of but not limited to:</p>
<br /><ul>
<br /><li>Finish, fold, put away laundry</li>
<br /><li>Confirm dinner recipe/ingredients/prep/plans</li>
<br /><li>Some days we have play dates or play group</li>
<br /><li>Errands, Target (to give them the $100 they require me to give every time I go), bank, etc. I'm not a big errands with little one person. I try to keep it to a minimum. Although, Target is a great, free (kind of), air conditioned outing to look at toys and burn energy.</li>
<br /><li>Home or out for lunch depending on the day.</li>
<br /><li>Some days we are home all morning, playing, coloring, organizing, etc.</li></ul>
<br /><p><strong>Noon-Noon:thirty-ISH</strong>- If you know my younger son, you know that saying everyday at this time he goes down for a nap would be ridiculous. It's getting better and we do try. </p>
<br /><ul>
<br /><li>Normal nap time routine, milk, book, pick the eight friends you want to sleep with you. You understand.</li>
<br /><li>Pray for a two hour nap.</li></ul>
<br /><p><strong>Beginning of Nap until....</strong> This is where I try to pack in as much as I can that still needs to be done before school gets out. Sometimes it's a long list but usually its very do-able and I like tackling it while the house is quiet.</p>
<br /><ul>
<br /><li>Clean. Whether it's the bathrooms, the bedrooms, what have you. Seriously, its so fantastic to clean the bathrooms and have them sparkle in 20 minutes. Love it!</li>
<br /><li>Blog, write to you, or maybe to myself, I never know!</li>
<br /><li>Do any dinner prep I can. So much easier than when I am playing referee later.</li>
<br /><li>Emails, PTA stuff, phone calls. </li>
<br /><li>Workout **Important item: I was working out in the morning at a gym until I re injured my knees. I am in the midst of getting back after it and figuring out what I can and can't do. This element of my schedule may in fact change if I go back to the gym rather than working out here at home. Then gym time would be in the morning and showering would happen during nap.
<br /></li></ul>
<br /><p><strong>2:45pm</strong> - School is out and then it's any body's game! Sometimes friends are coming, sometimes we have sports, sometimes we are swimming because it's so dang hot, you get the idea.</p>
<br /><p><strong>After School - Dinner- </strong>This time of my day is very hard to predict and usually depends on Mr 1st Grade. Whether its homework or study time, play time, or snack time, I try to keep things low key if possible when we are in fact home during this time. One thing that always happens though is toy clean up. If it hasn't already. Heading into dinner the toys are put away and we have little to fuss over besides each other. </p>
<br /><p><strong>Dinner- </strong>The key to our family meals is everyone around the table. Sure I love to cook, and to watch my boys eat, but even if it's a PB&J night, I like everyone around the table. Ten minutes or thirty, we will take what we can get. To make this the focus and not the kitchen mess or clean up, I try really hard to clean as I cook which makes dishes after a snap. I also have an amazing husband who helps/does dishes and also cooks periodically. The team approach makes us all the more successful. Thanks Honey!! </p>
<br /><p><strong>Post-Dinner-Bedtime - </strong>Everyone has a job here!</p>
<br /><ul>
<br /><li>Kids clear their own places and push in chairs.</li>
<br /><li>One parent cleans up kitchen while the other gets shower time ready.</li>
<br /><li>Boys get pajamas, etc.</li>
<br /><li>Dad & boys shower, I turn down beds. </li>
<br /><li>Clean boys out of the shower, lotion, PJs, teeth, etc</li>
<br /><li>Out to the family room to read.</li>
<br /><li>Bed for the boys!</li></ul>
<br /><p><strong>Mama & Dad Pre-Bed -</strong> This is my lazy time of day friends. I am worth nothing at this point. Whether we visit, watch SportsCenter, read, or drag our tired butts to bed, I am not a productive night/evening worker bee. </p>
<br /><p>So friends, that is some kind of crazy outline to a day. My secret is I work. I work like I am working outside of the home still. I don't nap, I try to "Make Every Minute Count". But don't be hard on yourself if your priorities are different than mine. Every housewife makes her own magic. I take pride in a clean house, home cooked meals, and time with my family. Maximize your time and schedule to the best of your ability. I relish in the opportunity that I can always do better at something or work harder. Make it your own, you can do it! </p><img src="http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac293/munchkin_land_designs/honeyvinegar/austinsignature2.png" />
<br />Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02403943355536604191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040210671846098739.post-18288257767474731732011-08-29T09:54:00.000-07:002011-08-29T10:13:44.525-07:00Five Star Ford<a href="http://www.fivestarfordofplano.com/"><strong>www.fivestarfordofplano.com</strong></a>
<br />
<br />I have worked in two of the three most hated professions and I am only 31. First politics, second the car business; which means all I have left is law! My family background is the car business though, a unique animal providing me and my immediate family with an interesting perspective of other car dealerships sales and service department.
<br />
<br />There is good and bad in every industry. Whether or not you love or hate the car world, I have recently had an OUTSTANDING experience at Five Star Ford of Plano in their Service Department. In the last week we have warranty and non-warranty work performed and our service advisor, <strong>DOUG</strong>, has surpassed all expectations. From follow-up, to communication, to general friendliness, <strong>DOUG</strong> and the team at <strong>FIVE STAR FORD of PLANO</strong> has been wonderful.
<br />
<br />The next time you are in need of an oil change, recall work, or anything having to do with your Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury, give <strong>DOUG</strong> a call at <strong>888-384-4958</strong>. Five Star service is what they do and who they are.
<br />
<br /><img src="http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac293/munchkin_land_designs/honeyvinegar/austinsignature2.png" />
<br />Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02403943355536604191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040210671846098739.post-12979454746230742862011-08-24T10:30:00.000-07:002011-08-24T11:33:25.645-07:00Man Crepes<strong><em>Mad Hungry</em></strong>
<br /><strong><em>Feeding Men & Boys</em></strong>
<br /><strong>Lucinda Scala Quinn</strong>
<br /><strong></strong>
<br />I love when you are surprised by a recipe. Surprised by how easy it is, how it turns out just like the picture, and how my boys gobble it up! Yay! I am always on the lookout for new breakfast items. Raised in a house where hot breakfast was a staple, I gave my mother hell every morning because, to be honest, I just wasn't hungry yet. An hour later, I would've been but school just doesn't allow for breakfast hour flexibility.
<br />
<br />I don't offer cold cereal in the morning to my boys because I want something "that sticks with them". I also enjoy being in the kitchen in the morning and the smell that fills my home as Dominic heads out the door. We do a lot of pancakes and the like, so when I came across these <strong>MAN CREPES</strong>, I was curious. We had them Monday to celebrate the first day of 1st grade and they were a hit! I had batter leftover yesterday and so I made more crepes for the moms in our playgroup. With the boys, they enjoyed them plain with butter and powdered sugar and then the next day filled with fresh strawberries. For the mommies, I served them with Nutella and peanut butter.
<br />
<br />It's been years since I was in Paris watching my sister create a diet solely from street vendors making crepes, but this recipe is so easy and smells so wonderful, you can't help but feel like saying Bonjour!
<br />
<br />
<br /><p><strong>Man Crepes</strong></p>
<br />
<br /><ul>
<br />
<br /><li><strong>3/4 c flour</strong></li>
<br />
<br /><li><strong>1/2 t coarse salt</strong></li>
<br />
<br /><li><strong>1 t baking powder</strong></li>
<br />
<br /><li><strong>3 large eggs</strong></li>
<br />
<br /><li><strong>2/3 c milk</strong></li>
<br />
<br /><li><strong>1/3c water</strong></li>
<br />
<br /><li><strong>1/2 t vanilla</strong></li>
<br />
<br /><li><strong>butter for frying and serving</strong></li></ul>
<br />
<br /><p><strong>Place the flour, salt, baking powder, eggs, milk, water, and vanilla in a blender and blend until completely combined and the consistency of heavy cream. The batter can be refrigerated up to one day in advance.</strong></p>
<br />
<br /><p><strong>Heat a 6 inch skillet or crepe pan until very hot to the touch but not smoking. Swirl around enough butter to coat the pan. Gently and slowly pour a 3-4 tablespoon portion of batter, immediately swirling to cover the entire bottom of the pan in as thin a layer as possible. When the edges begin to turn golden and pull away from the pan, use a spatula to lift and flip the crepe. Cook until it is just set, about 30 seconds. Serve immediately and enjoy!</strong></p><img src="http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac293/munchkin_land_designs/honeyvinegar/austinsignature2.png" />
<br />Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02403943355536604191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040210671846098739.post-78990682472474363402011-08-23T10:08:00.000-07:002011-08-23T10:16:28.595-07:00Photo Affections<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitVt8GKYPf7Rplaultw18hDhG_e63gHl37h8Ch55J-7RrMBOFg5OqS8EXVp5hf7HJu8ni_q5njmlL__deCpWsUAzkH3-OVn9RfQYPDjs3CpNDJlvgbysILlAJI3dNmucMF3L2P7FPJsBWt/s1600/PA_logo.gif"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 239px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 81px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644099745966377074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitVt8GKYPf7Rplaultw18hDhG_e63gHl37h8Ch55J-7RrMBOFg5OqS8EXVp5hf7HJu8ni_q5njmlL__deCpWsUAzkH3-OVn9RfQYPDjs3CpNDJlvgbysILlAJI3dNmucMF3L2P7FPJsBWt/s400/PA_logo.gif" /></a>Hello new friend, I love you. There are literally a plethora (great word) of online sources for invitations and the like. I am a little obsessed with them because they always have such fabulous looking things like invitations, stationary, etc. I love how my boys pictures look on these genius creative peoples' creations. A new recent online crush is <a href="http://www.photoaffections.com/"><strong>www.photoaffections.com</strong></a> . Searching for Max's 2<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">nd</span> birthday invitations I selected them based on selection and price. I cannot tell you how impressed I was with the RAPID turnaround time on the invitations. CRAZY fast, crazy. Now, being that I am awesome and would never make a mistake, it came as quite a shock to me when the darling invitations arrived with the date printed as SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 11<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>. If you aren't already laughing, you soon will be since there is no such date, at least not this year. The party is of course on SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 11<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>. Now shocked as I was with this mistake I MADE, I put a note in the invite and sent them away to little friends. I received an email from Photo Affections asking me to take a survey to receive a discount on a future order, I love me a discount, and filled it out. Everything about the order was wonderful but I did note that due to my mistake the date was wrong. Not their mistake, MINE. Within a couple of hours, I had an email from some fabulous person at Photo Affections offering me a reprint at 50% off! And I made the mistake! I let this kind gentleman know that I had already mailed the invites but sincerely appreciated the gesture! Customer service awesomeness people! With the holidays coming, swing on by <a href="http://www.photoaffections.com/"><strong>www.photoaffections.com</strong></a> and see what they have to offer. And check your dates.
<br />
<br />
<br /><div></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /><div><img src="http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac293/munchkin_land_designs/honeyvinegar/austinsignature2.png" /></div>
<br />Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02403943355536604191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040210671846098739.post-78205277412706627162011-08-22T10:57:00.000-07:002011-08-22T11:20:24.603-07:00Pantry Follow-UpWell hello world! First day back to school for my now 1st GRADER!!! WHAT?!?! And last week was full of end of summer fun and PTA prep work. Good times but busy busy just like the rest of you I am sure.
<br />
<br />I wanted to follow up and let you know the outcome of my challenge. I made it one week. That's right, one. I guess I over estimated what we had in our freezer and pantry, ha ha ha! The good news about it is that I used almost everything I had! A couple creative <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">hodge</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">podge</span> ideas and meals but now, after shopping, I know exactly what is in there and what I have to use.
<br />
<br />I am interested in who else has tried this and what you discovered? One website I think is great to find quick recipes searching by ingredients is <a href="http://www.allrecipes.com/">www.allrecipes.com</a>. I wanted to share two things with you that I have not made before but did with this challenge. Enjoy!
<br />
<br />Item I needed to use: <em>Lucky Leaf Peach Pie Filling</em>
<br />Recipe: <strong>Peach Coffee Cake</strong>
<br />Source: <a href="http://www.luckyleaf.com/">www.luckyleaf.com</a>
<br />
<br />
<br /><ul>
<br /><li><strong>2 1/2 cups sifted flour</strong></li>
<br /><li><strong>1 cup brown sugar</strong></li>
<br /><li><strong>3/4 cup butter (softened but not melted)</strong></li>
<br /><li><strong>2 eggs separated</strong></li>
<br /><li><strong>1 cup milk</strong></li>
<br /><li><strong>1/2 t salt</strong></li>
<br /><li><strong>1/2 t cinnamon</strong></li>
<br /><li><strong>2 1/4t baking powder</strong></li>
<br /><li><strong>1 can (21oz) Lucky Leaf Peach Pie Filling</strong></li></ul>
<br /><p><strong>Mix flour, sugar, and butter. (*The mixture should be lumpy when you pull the cup out for topping and then you can mix the rest up so it's smoother.) Reserve one cup of mixture for topping. Mix egg yolks with milk and add to remainder of flour mixture (the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">smooth</span> one). Add salt, cinnamon, and baking powder, and mix until very smooth. Gently fold in stiffly beaten egg whites. Pour into grease 9x13 glass baking dish. Put pie filling evenly over top. Sprinkle with crumb mixture. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes. </strong></p>
<br /><p>Item I needed to use: 2 cans Garbanzo Beans
<br />Recipe: <strong>Hummus
<br /></strong>Source: Adapted from Hummus III on <a href="http://www.allrecipes.com/">www.allrecipes.com</a></p>
<br /><ul>
<br /><li><strong>2 cups can Garbanzo beans, drained</strong></li>
<br /><li><strong>1/3 cup toasted sesame oil</strong></li>
<br /><li><strong>1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (*you can add a little more, I love lemony things)</strong></li>
<br /><li><strong>1 t salt</strong></li>
<br /><li><strong>2 garlic cloves halved</strong></li>
<br /><li><strong>2 T olive oil</strong></li>
<br /><li><strong>1 pinch paprika (for serving)</strong></li></ul>
<br /><p><strong>Place all ingredients in food processor. Blend baby blend. And VOILA! Fabulous homemade hummus!!! Serve with veggies, pita bread, or a yummy <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">spoon full</span>!</strong></p>
<br /><p>So there you go. A couple newbies from the challenge. The challenge that proved I have no concept of time or supplies. All the more reason I can't go camping. That's an entirely different post. Maybe two. </p>
<br /><img src="http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac293/munchkin_land_designs/honeyvinegar/austinsignature2.png" />
<br />Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02403943355536604191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040210671846098739.post-49084505565121334072011-08-14T16:28:00.000-07:002011-08-14T16:54:52.733-07:00PerfectNobody is. I guarantee it. Even that mom you know from school who always looks fantastic (but not like she's trying), has everything together, is never late, kids behave perfectly, and she puts Martha Stewart to shame with her skills, is in fact, not perfect. Isn't it wonderful to know that we all have strengths and weaknesses too? If we as women were more honest with ourselves about these things we could do a little less self loathing, less competitive <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">caddy behavior</span> with other women, and more embracing. Embrace who we are and run with it!
<br />
<br />I feel good about a lot of things I am able to do. 95% of why I feel good about different things is because I know I always give it 150%. But you know what? This super A-type, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">perfectionist</span> has a big area of weakness too. My weight. There it is. All out there. I'm not hiding anything. That's my battle, that's my challenge. That's the one area of my life I can't seem to master. In the grand scheme of things it doesn't really matter. I say that like it's not on my mind every second of every day and has been since I was about 9. I try, I should try harder. But that's it. By telling you this I hope you just know that we all have our stuff. We all fill 24 hours in our day. Nobody has extra. At the end of our time here, I don't know of anyone who said, "I have all these hours I didn't use." Not true. Everybody is busy and everybody has big stuff going on in their life relative to them.
<br />
<br />The point? I don't know really. Just for you to know we are all human and we can all help each other. (Sound like a damn socialist already) I want to work less on perfection and more at fulfilling my life with people and activities I love and enjoy. I don't want to turn 50 and still worry about the size of my jeans. If I'm in my skinny ones or my fat ones or what swimsuit I will buy when summer is 9 months away. These are things I aim to change about myself. Can I do it? We will see.
<br />
<br />
<br /><img src="http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac293/munchkin_land_designs/honeyvinegar/austinsignature2.png" />
<br />Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02403943355536604191noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040210671846098739.post-73331008718669111722011-08-13T05:53:00.000-07:002011-08-13T06:05:15.554-07:00A Drinker<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDBs2uiDh9lsmWjGUXW8jiUKJk6DDidF51W-K7nuWwa7QMiL6PBwfd4YbKLuzpkEvtRRD6dn-VpVtfHNkSa6f2IE1tx58GpSDjt_2xFLtG1D7Wln5eaJJ9wi3LCV9Zk6d-3Y61hAZXywhx/s1600/wine.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 88px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640325549978713874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDBs2uiDh9lsmWjGUXW8jiUKJk6DDidF51W-K7nuWwa7QMiL6PBwfd4YbKLuzpkEvtRRD6dn-VpVtfHNkSa6f2IE1tx58GpSDjt_2xFLtG1D7Wln5eaJJ9wi3LCV9Zk6d-3Y61hAZXywhx/s400/wine.jpg" /></a> How to categorize this post? Honey, Happy Husbands, or Full Tummies? Mommy tummies that is! A drinker is a bottle of wine that you never feel guilty opening it up and enjoying it because it's so economical. To be frank, that's my entire wine collection these days. Ha! Some people may have very expensive wine that is too sacred to enjoy, a concept far outside of my realm of understanding, and others may have expensive wine they get to drink because they have no wine "budget" per say.
<br />
<br />
<br />For the rest of us, it's important to find "drinkers". My Dad always said that any guy can find a good bottle of wine for $40 but HE could find a GREAT bottle for under $20. Now that's what I am <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">talkin</span> about! My latest and greatest find is one I was a little <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">embarrassed</span> to admit I had purchased because it is a large producing label. A little small <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">vineyard</span> snobbery there. Once I opened it however, I was hooked! And the best part is, even at regular price it's under $15!! If you live in Texas, Tom Thumb has the best price on this bottle hands down. If you buy 6 bottles and receive their 10% off AND it's on sale, it costs about $9.50<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">ish</span>. If you buy 6 bottles and receive their 10% off and it's not on sale, it's right under $11.
<br />
<br />
<br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Drum roll</span> please!!!!
<br /><strong>KENDALL JACKSON VINTNER'S RESERVE SUMMATION RED</strong>
<br />
<br />Buy it, drink it, share it; LOVE it. Cheers!
<br />
<br /><img src="http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac293/munchkin_land_designs/honeyvinegar/austinsignature2.png" />
<br />Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02403943355536604191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040210671846098739.post-67448262977564608802011-08-11T11:39:00.000-07:002011-08-11T11:48:26.874-07:00Ivan & Mary<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHTe9YITO_RuwlC2ktDlHcQfcgLYGNSKjKmTLqW2lg1wpDM405EbvTN7pryImTfxrF-GFl_NtGcuzK0kZyAqZ4IuJTdvwx6BjqJ7quQ34IXf8zm14fGBcx0AK1JGsvtTH5ZKrRrQGMsly/s1600/belt.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639672058660456498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHTe9YITO_RuwlC2ktDlHcQfcgLYGNSKjKmTLqW2lg1wpDM405EbvTN7pryImTfxrF-GFl_NtGcuzK0kZyAqZ4IuJTdvwx6BjqJ7quQ34IXf8zm14fGBcx0AK1JGsvtTH5ZKrRrQGMsly/s320/belt.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<br /><div>If you haven't been on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Etsy</span>.com you are missing out! Very unique and wonderful treasures await! One particular shop on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Etsy</span> is <strong>IVAN & MARY</strong>. </div>
<br />
<br /><div><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/IvanandMary?ref=pr_shop">http://www.etsy.com/shop/IvanandMary?ref=pr_shop</a></div>
<br />
<br /><div>This proprietor makes the most darling belts for children and is very reasonable. We purchased a golf belt for a little friend's 2<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">nd</span> birthday present who is obsessed with golf. Not only was it unique, affordable, and darling, it arrived so quickly and Mindy, the owner, was a pleasure to work with! So, if you are searching for different ideas from the usual Target trip for birthdays, visit <strong>IVAN & MARY</strong> on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Etsy</span>.com. You won't be <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">disappointed</span> Honey!</div>
<br />
<br />
<br /><div></div>
<br /><div><img src="http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac293/munchkin_land_designs/honeyvinegar/austinsignature2.png" /></div>
<br />Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02403943355536604191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040210671846098739.post-81546280434128379152011-08-10T18:11:00.000-07:002011-08-10T18:32:01.302-07:00Bits and BitesDuring this lovely Pantry Challenge time, I thought it pertinent to pass on to you new and easy discoveries for your own kitchen. Especially if you live here in Texas where the last time we say under 100 degrees or rain was when God was a boy. Seriously.
<br />
<br />It's important to be flexible during Pantry time and it's important to have fun easy things to throw together for friends and family. Today, I have two random additions, I hope you like!!
<br />
<br /><strong>Pantry Chicken</strong> (*Namely because I'm that creative to call it this during my new endeavor)
<br />
<br /><ul>
<br /><li><strong>Chicken of any kind, I used three of those GIANT frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts that come 50 to a pack at Costco or the like. You could use any piece of chicken you like but maybe frozen will work better in the crock pot?</strong></li>
<br />
<br /><li><strong>Large jar of your favorite salsa, I used a garlic type.</strong></li>
<br />
<br /><li><strong>1-2 cans of Black Beans, drained.</strong></li></ul>
<br />
<br /><p><strong>Combine chicken, salsa, and black beans in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">crockpot</span>. Cook on low all day. Voila! Dinner! Combine with rice and wrap in some tortillas, throw over salad mix for taco salad night, or stand in the kitchen and eat it plain with a fork since it's too dang hot to do anything else!!</strong></p>
<br />
<br /><p>And now for a sweet treat easy to make and the kind that makes your dieting friends feel like they can participate... a little. *Wink wink.</p>
<br />
<br /><p><strong>Shortcake Bites</strong>
<br /></p>
<br /><ul>
<br /><li><strong><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Pound cake</span>. I made my own but for the sake of easy, let's say you grab a Sarah Lee's <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">pound cake</span> from your grocer. I mean that girl never over<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">cooks</span> her <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">pound cake</span>.</strong></li>
<br />
<br /><li><strong>Fresh Strawberries</strong></li>
<br />
<br /><li><strong>Fresh Whipped Cream (*This is crucial, it's just so much better)</strong></li></ul>
<br />
<br /><p><strong>Slice <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">pound cake</span> into 1 1/2 to 2 inch cubes (no measuring please). Slice strawberries into quarters. Prepare whipped cream with whipping cream, vanilla, and sugar in your stand mixer or with a hand mixer. Dip strawberry quarters in sugar. Place dollop of whipped cream on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">pound cake</span>, top with strawberry. There you go! Shortcake Bites!</strong></p>
<br />
<br /><p>Just a couple of ideas, inexpensive, yummy, and none that keep you over a hot stove for very long, if at all! </p><img src="http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac293/munchkin_land_designs/honeyvinegar/austinsignature2.png" />
<br />Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02403943355536604191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040210671846098739.post-90811897952166146012011-08-09T17:51:00.000-07:002011-08-09T18:04:14.023-07:00Pantry ChallengeI try to be budget minded. I try not to be wasteful. But, without fail, I am always buying more, spending more, and throwing more away! Especially when it comes to groceries. We try very hard in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Casa</span> G to eat through leftovers and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">hodge</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">podge</span> pantry items one week a month. Today I am upping the ante. And here's the reasons why.
<br />
<br />1. I cleaned out my pantry today so I could reorganize and see what was actually in there. Honey, it was not good. Nothing alive or dead in there thank goodness, but oh the food we have. Now you can see it, the pretty maids all in a row!
<br />
<br />2. A friend of mine (CY), quite the entrepreneurial philanthropist, has been organizing a sack lunch drive every week this summer to give out to kids who <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">probably</span> wouldn't get lunch, since the schools which feed them are closed during the summer. The food pantry she works with for distribution is having to close a couple days of week due to overwhelming need and under-whelming supplies and money.
<br />
<br />3. Money. While saying my affirmation "Money flows <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">freely</span> and abundantly to me", I am, like many of you, looking for ways to save and stretch my family's dollar.
<br />
<br />In summary, a surplus of food, a reality of our own abundance and blessed life, and desire to save more has given fuel to a new kind of Housewife fire. <strong>THE PANTRY CHALLENGE. </strong>I am committing to you, my readers, followers, supporters (even if it's just one of you out there) to not grocery shop for anything but milk (trust me, nobody wants to see my Max without milk) for the next three weeks. Between my pantry, current fridge items, and freezer, my goal is to wade through all of the food we already have before buying more. It may not be pretty, it may not have a delightful theme the Barefoot <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Contessa</span> would be proud of, but it will serve the purposes mentioned earlier.
<br />
<br />So I say to you lovelies, are YOU up to the Pantry Challenge...
<br />
<br /><img src="http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac293/munchkin_land_designs/honeyvinegar/austinsignature2.png" />
<br />Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02403943355536604191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040210671846098739.post-50919339563398445862011-07-10T18:13:00.000-07:002011-07-10T18:34:58.051-07:00The A TeamKeep it simple, keep it consistent. Just like I tell my oldest son, if you keep practicing it will eventually become habit. Same goes for us as adults. Maybe you feel like your house will always be in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">disarray</span>. Maybe the cleanest your house ever is is the day before the "keepers" come. Thanks WW! I tell my housewife friends, one thing at a time.<br /><br />And one "thing" in my book of secrets, is a core group of A Team cleaning supplies. A list of items I always have on hand, which are tried and true in keeping my world shiny. Now your list should be personalized to you and your needs; if you don't like the product what are the chances you're going to use it?! So, here's my list...<br /><br /><br /><ul><br /><li><strong>METHOD All Purpose Spray: </strong>Kitchen use mainly, highchair, granite, stainless <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">steel</span>, you name it! The bottle says if the surface can be cleaned with water, this spray is safe! Gentle!</li><br /><li><strong>CLOROX Wipes: </strong>Bathrooms, doorknobs, light switches, etc. I've talked about my love affair with these babies before but seriously. Everyone needs these. Wipe down a bathroom in less than ten minutes and don't forget those scary-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">germy</span> door handles and light switches!</li><br /><li><strong>METHOD Le Scrub: </strong>Bathrooms. So safe and non-toxic, I just take this fabulous-spa-smelling scrub in the shower with me and clean after I shower. A warm shower/tub area is the key to speedy and effective cleaning. You can throw a little on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">counter tops</span> too but I wouldn't use it on granite or marble.</li><br /><li><strong>WINDEX: </strong>Mirrors, etc. Pretty self explanatory friends. Nobody wants to look at their own gorgeousness with somebody <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">else's</span> toothpaste spit spots on the mirror. </li><br /><li><strong><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">ORECK</span> Vacuum: </strong>It weighs 8lbs people! Come on! Why don't you own one? If they use it at the Four Seasons then it's good enough for me. I vacuum all floors, no matter the type. If you don't have the time to mop or steam the hard surface floors, run your vacuum it's fast. I vacuum every other day at least. </li></ul><br /><p>Like I mentioned, your A Team is your A Team. Not mine. But find things that make your routine easier. You'll do it more. Try to clean one thing every day this week. Even if you only wipe down one toilet to start for your first day. You'll be amazed at how it becomes simple to keep it up. Cheers!</p><br /><img src="http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac293/munchkin_land_designs/honeyvinegar/austinsignature2.png" />Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02403943355536604191noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3040210671846098739.post-60810901138020602982011-07-08T04:58:00.000-07:002011-07-08T05:16:56.388-07:00Easy Peasy Lemon SqueezyI do not believe all cooking is easy. Or needs to be for that matter. But, I do believe when you find something that's easy, versatile, and tasty, it is nice to have it in your <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">repertoire</span> for entertaining or family dinner. That's what I love about the Barefoot <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Contessa</span>. Her ingredient lists are not overwhelming and most importantly, 9 times out of 10, your food turns out like the picture in her cookbook!! Heck yes!<br /><br />I like to stock my pantry with items I use frequently with many recipes and keep a few items in the freezer that are company and family friendly. Pork loin is inexpensive and so versatile. The classic mistake with pork loin is that it typically is overcooked and comes out dry and bland. Um, not good. This is an easy recipe sure to please little people, big people, and everyone in between.<br /><br /><strong>Herb-marinated Loin of Pork</strong><br /><strong><em>Barefoot <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Contessa</span> Back to Basics</em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br /><br /><ul><br /><li><strong>grated zest of 1 lemon</strong></li><br /><li><strong>1/4 c fresh lemon juice (4-6 lemons) *In a pinch last week I used 3 limes and 4 clementines and it was great!</strong></li><br /><li><strong>1/2 c olive oil</strong></li><br /><li><strong>2 T minced garlic (6 cloves)</strong></li><br /><li><strong>1 1/2 T minced fresh rosemary leaves </strong></li><br /><li><strong>1 T chopped fresh thyme leaves</strong></li><br /><li><strong>2 t <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Dijon</span> mustard</strong></li><br /><li><strong>salt</strong></li><br /><li><strong>3 1 lb pork tenderloins (I just buy one package with two in it)</strong></li><br /><li><strong>pepper</strong></li></ul><br /><p><strong>Combine lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, mustard, and 2t salt in a gallon zip <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">loc</span> bag. Double it up with two! Add the pork and cover in marinade. Seal bag and place in refrigerator over night or at least first thing in the morning on the day you are going to grill it.</strong></p><br /><p><strong>When you are ready to grill, preheat grill, and remove meat from marinade. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Grill tenderloin over medium to medium-low heat turning a few times for 15-25 minutes until the meat registers 137 degrees at the thickest part. Remove from grill and place on platter, cover tightly with foil and allow to rest for 10 minutes. Carve in diagonal slices. The thickest part of the tenderloin will be pink which is fine and the thinnest part will be well done. Serve warm or at room temperature.</strong></p><br /><p>This is a great recipe and can be mixed with anything depending on what you have in your fridge or what the season is! We had it for dinner as a family last week and I served it with julienned red bell peppers (so crunchy and good!) and brown rice. Tonight I will make it for our dinner club and with friends bringing a side and salad, and I bought crunchy sourdough to go with it as well. It's healthy, inexpensive, and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">delish</span>! So grab those grill tongs and let's get <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">grillin</span>'! </p><br /><img src="http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac293/munchkin_land_designs/honeyvinegar/austinsignature2.png" />Austinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02403943355536604191noreply@blogger.com0