Featuring the new RED Pot......

Here it is the new red pot I was talking about.

It is a 12"non stick pot from the Food Network.  The color is exactly what I was looking for.  I never used or owned a pot from the Food Network before.  I also wanted to purchase a few more smaller size pans but I decided I should test this pot out first.  The 12" pan with the cover was on sale, I was excited to only pay $59.99.  I did go back and forth on whether to still stick with the Calphalon  pots I have used for so many years.  The Calphalon  pan the exact same size was just about double the price.  I was not interested in spending that money now for just one pot.  Also the color of this pot was so appealing to me, I had to buy it.  I was also happy to have James with me to help me make a final decision.  In all honesty, I was really going for the great quality Calphalon pan but after having James do a Goggle research about the Food Network products it turns out they are really great quality pots.

Here is another great picture of the pot.

What will be the first dish cooked in this pan?  I know it's only 8:27 AM and how can I possibly be thinking about cooking dinner already.  If you read my previous blogs you would know that I already have planned out what I will be cooking mostly each day.  However, should I change it up tonight since I want a great dish cooked for the first time with my new pot.  That's just silly.........The featured dish tonight will be Lemon Chicken, side salad & green beans. 

Have a great day, stay warm and safe!!!


Today's daisy:

Don't tell the kids I used old cheese for their Lasagna....

Don't tell the kids I used old cheese to make their Lasagna today. Well technically how old is old when it comes to Polly-O Ricotta Cheese?  The expiration date was yesterday. However, when I opened the lid and smelled the Ricotta Cheese it smelled perfectly fine to me.  So my question is, how many of us really following the expiration dates on the food we use?  If it was let's say chicken would you use chicken one day or two days after the expiration date.  With chicken it can be tricky, if you bought the chicken 2 days before the expiration date and then threw it in the freezer then took it out again to use would that chicken be fine to eat?  I have definitely taken sliced thin chicken cutlets and bought a whole bunch because there was a sale and threw it all in the freezer and have used it again.  It was definitely not bad to eat at all.  However, I do prefer nowadays to get my meat from my local butcher fresh without being frozen.  Is there a difference in the taste and quality of meat that has been frozen.  I would have to say from my own experiences the chicken bought fresh from the butcher has a better taste.  It also has been cut nicer and less fat.

Back to what you would use after the expiration date.  I honestly have to say I am one of those that will say if I have to question if this is still good I would rather THROW IT OUT!!! I know this is totally being wasteful I get it but I don't usually like taking any chances.  How about bread, would you use bread after the expiration date?.  Of course I would for sure if the bread was one day old.  However anything after that one day I start that questioning in my head and OUT it goes..... So back to the question about the Polly-O Ricotta Cheese, this cheese has met the "Michele" guidelines of what is to old to eat and not.  One day older then the expiration date is fine with me.  Isn't cheese suppose to get better with age....Okay I know now that kind of cheese, this cheese I am sure will just get worse and worse. 

Do we all find that we are sometimes very wasteful with food we purchased.  I am trying in this New Year to really go through my entire refrigerator and plan my meals around what I have currently in their.  I tend to sometimes over shop and find some of my food goes bad before I get to use it.  Most of use do not want to stop at a store every few days to pick up items, however if you stop at a grocery store or your local butcher to shop for your foods for the next few days I guarantee you will save money this way.  You won't over buy and waste more food.  You simply get exactly what you plan on cooking for the next three days and have all these items in your refrigerator.  I know most would say, I can't plan that far ahead 3 days ahead is a crazy idea.  But, if you want to now be so wasteful with your food simply planning 3 meals ahead of time is not that unreachable.

Back to my Lasagna, today I am using Barilla for my pasta noodles.  I am also happy to say, I had a box of Lasagna left over from Christmas with several pieces left and will be using that to make just a small tray of Lasagna for the kiddies.  An afternoon snack after school will make them all happy.  I will be happy that I do not waste or throw out "old" cheese and Lasagna noodles.

Mission accomplished!!!

Road Rage.....

When it's 4 degrees out and the roads are full of black slippery ice, wouldn't it be wise to take it slow when driving? Why do so many people have such road rage while driving.  If a person is going "to slow" in front of you why not just wait until you can easily pass the driver.  Most drivers will either beep the horn or drive on your tail until you move over.  Do you not find this to be rude and quite frankly annoying?  In all honesty when a driver does this to me, I either go slower or just completely ignore the person.

Drivers if you are always completely in a hurry why not leave earlier instead of attacking others on the road.  Of course, we all have those days when we get up late, forget to set the alarm or are just having a tough time getting moving.  However, if you are a person who does this each and every day, then maybe a different routine is needed.  Do drivers even see what their faces look like when they are in the mist of road rage.  It's so ugly, mean,disrespectful and quite frankly they look like idiots.

Today with a 2 hour school delay it seems with the more time we have this morning the harder it was for us to get moving.  I had one of those days when we were all rushing.  I even forgot to give the twins their lunch bags this morning.  I am already late for work and that's quite annoying that I now had to worry about driving back from the bus to grab their lunch bags to drive the bags to school.  In all honestly what can I do, that's a part of life and sometimes you will have days like this.  I still even being as late as I am and cold I took my time on the roads on the way to work.  Why did I take my time? Because my life as a driver and a mom is more important then rushing and getting into an accident.  I thought this post was fitting for today because I experienced a man behind me clearly pissed off I was driving off a off ramp at the speed limit.  He proceeded to drive his car way up my bumper and when I looked in the mirror he was shaking his head like he was having seizure or something.  I of course stayed calm.  Getting upset, angry or even trying to communicate with this driver would only put my life in danger.  Quite frankly he was not worth it nor is anyone acting this way.  So there I am my little self driving along to work on this ramp with a manic behind me, and all I did was simply drive as if nobody was behind me smiling all the way.  Of course, once we were off the ramp the manic quickly puts his blinker on and moves over.  I thought to myself, you see that was simple.  You wait and just move over when you can. 

Here is a picture of what the driver looked like behind me on that ramp:

Enjoy your day and stay safe from road rage drivers!  :)

Looking for new cooking pots & pans....

I decided it is time that I invest in some new pots & pans.  I literally think I have the same set for 15 years.  However the set I have is Calphalon and have held up really well.  I did replace or buy maybe a few small pans in the past which were not Calphalon and they seem to have not lasted all that great.

I am really interested in getting a set of red color pans.  I just love the color red and I think it really dresses up the stove top to see pans in this color.  I did purchase recently a red sauce pan from a Martha Stewart collection from Macy's. The pan is a non stick pan and of course I love the red color.  Here is a picture:

I only purchased two small sauce pans, they are so far holding up great.  The picture is kind of small but I think you all get the idea.  Macy's also has a big selection of Calphalon pans but finding a set of red pans I have not seen. I did find a few sets of Calphalon red pans on-line but not in any Macy's store.  So, the big questions here is, do I go with really great quality pans like a brand name Calphalon.  Or, do I go with trying to dress up my pan collection with my favorite color red?  Considering it's the New Year and I am ready to do different and new exciting decorating venture within my house, I am going to go with the red pans from the Martha Stewart collection.  The greatest part is they are not as expensive as the Calphalon pans.  I know the quality of the pans may not be the same but I figured if I get a few good years from the pans then it would be worth the money. 

How about a red tea pot for my stove top?  I don't usually use a tea pot at all, I prefer to just use my Keurig for tea.  However, I found this really cute red tea pot. 

This is also from Macy's from the Martha Stewart collection.  I think for now I will just stick with the red pans and see how I like them for the next several months.  I know I will get plenty of use out of the pans, as far as the tea pot probably not much at all.


The daisy for today is fitting since it's all about red:

Romance.....

Romance, let's talk about romance.  Everyone wants it but not everyone has romance in their life.  I am not an expert on romance but I know that I do enjoy being romanced.  Hopefully my mother is not reading my blog today.  My mother is a little old fashioned and since I am not married anymore the topic of romance she probably doesn't think I should be discussing.  You don't have to be married to have romance and feel good.

Romance in the beginning of a relationship is usually always wonderful.  Keeping the romance alive and exciting is what becomes challenging as we are in relationships for years. How would I describe romance for me.  I want to connect through communication. If we are communicating  we are connecting.  I find romance in the little things.  Of course, what women does not like to have flowers and diamonds but those gestures are not done on a regular basis.  It's the little natural gestures that make for romance.  Simple as, kind words, grabbing your hand when walking, a hug, a smile.  Here is one I know all of you will love, open the car door. It's a simple kind romantic gesture, simply shows that a man knows how to respect and appreciate a women.  I know some women feel they want be be treated like an equal to their partner.  Being equal and having a man romance you is completely different.  If a man suggests he would never open a car door for this reason, I would keep it moving.....just my opinion.   Being a single working mom of 3 you can't get anymore independent self sufficient then that.  However, opening a car door is a romantic gesture I appreciate from my partner.

One more gesture that I appreciate and couples lack is holding hands.  Whether you are out on a date or just sitting and watching TV.  Holding hands is a great romantic simple gesture that most forget is a great way of connecting and feeling connected to your partner.  Our lives get so busy we sometimes forget the simple things in life that make us all feel good.  Keeping romance and having kind gestures when in a long term relationship keeps your partner connected and appreciated.  

That's it for today.  I could get more detailed and elaborate more about romance but I don't want to shock everyone.  Keeping my first post about Romance very light.

Second day of the storm for the New Year!

Now we are in our second day of the storm of 2014.  The snow is slowly being cleared from all the roads and sidewalks.  Although the freezing temperatures have turned most of the roads into a sheet of ice. What are all of you doing on this day?  Have your Holiday decorations been taken down yet.  That's a great to spend a really cold morning, inside taking down holiday decorations.  I am thankful I took all my outside lights and decorations in before the storm.  For those who forgot I don't think you will be seeing those decorations for quite some time.  My inside decorations have been mostly put away, I like to get this done right after the Christmas holiday. Although, I still have my tree up of course all undecorated waiting for a certain "tall" someone in my life to take it down.  Again one of the disadvantages being challenged in height....:)

What is our next plan today now Saturday afternoon?  Well after my blog me and the children will consider seeing a movie later.  I have to honestly say I am not to keen on driving with all the ice on the roads.  But I figure my later this afternoon it will get better.  Let's think about lunch??

Lunch has been already thought out and made.  I was thinking something light, easy to cook and healthy.  Chicken wrap seems like a great lunch for this second day after the storm.  Let's start with what you need:

Whole Wheat Xtreme Wellness Soft Taco Wraps:

A package of Perdue sliced chicken strips or whatever chicken brand you like to use:
Light Balsamic, I like to use this brand below:

 We are also going to use crouton's to add to our wraps, I like Zesty Italian kind below, this really gives the wrap a nice crunch when you bite into it.

I also like to add some shredded lettuce to the chicken wrap for extra flavor.  I cook the chicken on my stove top in the Light Balsamic for about 20 minutes or until chicken is done.  The cooking time for the chicken will depend on the thickness of the chicken.  Once the chicken is cooked, simple add all your other ingredients and fold up the wrap.

Here is a couple of pictures of the finished wrap.  One of my pictures the wrap has a little hole in it, to avoid this be careful when putting all the ingredients in the wrap.  You can also use a toothpick to help keep the wrap closed.

Looks Yummy!!!!

Now that lunch is made maybe I will take a break from cooking dinner tonight and just order a pizza!!


For my next blog I have been asked to why not spice it up a bit.  Hmmmm, that sounds like fun. Hopefully that gets me more readers and keeps my blogs fresh and interesting.

Have a great day:

First snow storm of the New Year!

I know it's been a while since my last blog.  What have I been doing?  I think the holidays have really wiped me out and have not been on track since then.  Right after the Christmas holiday I caught a very bad cold which turned into bronchitis.  I am still not feeling 100% but each day I get just a little better.  I am trying to rest as much as possible.  But with 3 kids, a job, and about a foot of snow outside....resting is not an easy task.

Let's start with the snow, holy snow did it come down.......Do we really expect to ever get as much snow as predicted?  Well this time we got not only what was predicted but the cold and wind with it.  I am thankful that today I do not have to go to work.  I can stay in my warm house and relax.....Of course after I dig my driveway,stairs,car,walkway out of the snow.  There I go with my little shovel into the snow.  James told me make sure I go out through the garage it will be easier to walk.  I listened of course thinking I couldn't make it down the stairs because I literally  can't see the stairs.

How much snow could there be.......there I go one foot in, holy **** the snow is just about over my boots.  I say a few choice words and start to get to work.  I am clearly not happy about trying to make a path way to reach the car.  What should do first?  Okay here is my plan, attack the car first then the stairs.  Car somewhat accomplished I head for the stairs.   Stairs accomplished and I am freezing my *** off at this point ,while I look over at my neighbor who has a snow blower the size of a car heading in my direction.  I stop, look up as he is smiling and waving at me.  I think to myself, of course your smiling and waving your snow blower is blowing snow at a rate of a bulldozer.  It also has this cover in front of it so none of the snow is hitting his face.  Really, my face is just about covered in snow.  As I keep watching my neighbor I realize he is heading really close in my direction, actually at this point he is clearing my walkway.  Well that's a sign of relief for me at least my walkway will be clear.  Then he stops in front of the house and says if you move your car I will do the driveway.  Well let me tell you, I quickly ran in the house grabbed my car keys and starting trying to move my car out of the way.  Of course the snow won and I got stuck.  Thankfully my wonderful neighbor and I start digging the snow away from the wheels so we can get the car out.  Finally, car is moved and the driveway is getting cleared.  I survived the first snow storm of the New Year, but I could use a really really hot tea!!! I think my legs still have a chill in them from being outside.  What are some of the signs hyperthermia can be setting in?  This is what I found:

How Does Cold Exposure Cause Hypothermia?

During exposure to cold temperatures, most heat loss -- up to 90% -- escapes through your skin; the rest, you exhale from your lungs. Heat loss through the skin happens primarily through radiation and speeds up when skin is exposed to wind or moisture. If cold exposure is due to being immersed in cold water, the movement of waves and water can increase heat loss up to 50%. 

The hypothalamus, the brain's temperature-control center, works to raise body temperature by triggering processes that heat and cool the body. During cold temperature exposure, shivering is a protective response to produce heat through muscle activity. In another heat-preserving response -- called vasoconstriction -- blood vessels temporarily narrow. 

Normally, the activity of the heart and liver produce most of your body heat. But as core body temperature cools, these organs produce less heat, in essence causing a protective "shut down" to preserve heat and protect the brain. Low body temperature can slow brain activity, breathing, and heart rate.

Confusion and fatigue can set in, hampering a person's ability to understand what's happening and make intelligent choices to get to safety.

 Picture of the day: