Meatballs: Quick, Simple, and Home-Cooked!

Hello Everyone!!

A real domestic goddess would have had her child's clothes set out the night before, a list of all the errands she had to get done, and a better way to micromanage her time to ensure she gets it all done while still remaining sane. And since, I am still in training to become one, I still have to learn how to better manage my time to take advantage of the three and half hours Layth is in school. I was quite proud of myself today I was able to go the bank, to the Children's Clothing Exchange, Sugar Plum Consignments, while still managing to make it home to make dinner ( all before Layth got out of school). I could have chosen to make dinner, while Layth takes his nap, but I had other plans with what to do during that time! And so, here is the quick and simple home cooked meal managed to make in the forty five minutes I had at home: meatballs! The previous night I had taken the meat out, which made it so much simpler to add in the spices and roll them into shape. Once the spices are added and mixed into the meat, all you simply need to do is roll them into shape and put them on the stove!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb of ground beef
• 1/2 teaspoon of Italian Seasonings
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon of basil (optional)
• 1 can of Hunts Diced Tomatoes
• 1 can of Hunts Tomato Sauce
• 1 cup of water ( optional)

Directions:

• Mix the spices into the meat
• Roll the meat into balls
• Put them into a pot with a the sauce and water
• Bring the mixture to a boil
• Once it has boiled, leave the pot partially covered for 30-45 minutes ( depending on how soft you like your meat), and your meal is done!

Hunting For The Perfect " Hunter"

For months now, I have been on the prowl for the perfect rain boot i.e. the perfect "Hunter" boot. Hailed by many as the only and last rain boot to ever buy, I decided it would be best to invest in a pair before we move to Palo Alto. And so, for months now, I have been trying to wear out the GAP " wellingtons" that I already own to justify my purchase of $300 rain boot. While my wellingtons are your standard black glossy boots with red lining, very typical of your standard Hunter boot, I wanted to make sure the next rain boot was very different. It would be pointless and a complete waste to buy two boots of similar stature when one costs me $35 versus $300. Therefore, I made sure when I did purchase my first pair of "Hunter" boots they would well be worth spending the fortune on them. I did not want your typical pair of glossy wellingtons, particularly since there are so many other brands who market their boots along the same design as " Hunter" boots. So after endless searching, I instantly fell in love with a pair: the special edition Jimmy Choo Hunter Boots. Although they are not your typical pair of rain boots, they sure do speak fashion and I would expect anything less for myself. The hubby hates, the girlfriends love them, and Layth still tries at each chance he gets to try them one: they're perfect!

The Dinosaurs Have Landed in Memphis

Caught by surprise as he was digging for fossils

Trying to re-create a food chain for the dinosaurs

Still his favorite thing to do, to search for " roars."

And so, our adventures continue with a recent trip to CMOM ( The Children Museum of Memphis). Last Friday, the museum opened up its doors to members only for a sneak peek of their latest and newest exhibit: Dinosaurs. On loan from The Children Museum of Minnesota, we wanted to make sure we took advantage and visited the museum before they leave in April. Of course, I knew from experience that members only night was going to be overcrowded, with no room to breathe, making it miserable for both Layth and I. So we opted for Valentines Day instead, it was the perfect way to spend the day meant to symbolize love with my little lion.
Normally, Layth runs to the Fed Ex plane and pretends to be shipping and packing, but instead ran with excitement to the newest exhibit. Layth was so enthralled by the dinosaurs, he made sure to pay them a second visit before we left the museum. In addition, to climbing and riding the dinosaurs, you can have a picture emailed to you of your child riding a Triceratops. After making sure he climbed every dinosaur, Layth made his way into a sandbox where he could search for fossils with his own shovel and magnifying glass. Although Layth enjoyed searching for fossils, it was stacking up painting pipes to create a food chain for the dinosaurs that really caught his interest. And judging from his unwillingness to leave, I can attest this has been Layth's favorite exhibit thus far and we will definitely be returning.

The Art of Hosting: Strawberry Marsh mellow Creme Fruit Dip

As I mentioned in my previous post I will be dedicating my next few posts to the art of hosting, and so, this recipe will be perfect of any occasion; particularly, since it involves fruit. I recently stumbled upon it while attending a picnic play date last week with some of Layths' buddies and their moms. I was so impressed by its simplicity, I could not help but share.

Depending upon how much time you have, you can either buy the fruit and cut them up your self, or in my case, buy a pre-cut fruit tray. From there, all you need is a jar of a marshmallow creme and a can of strawberry Philadelphia creme cheese. Once you have both ingredients, mix them together until they form a uniform substance and refrigerate ( this is unnecessary, depending upon when you are going to serve it). In my opinion, the dip is better served cold, and is perfect for any fruit, or if you are anything like Layth, simply enjoy the dip!

The Art of Hosting: Shrimp Cocktail Shots

Hello Everyone,

It seems the past week was filled with grocery shopping, party prepping, and party attending. It also did not help it was Super Bowl weekend, and had to make sure I came with the perfect party snacks. And so, I have decided to dedicate my next few posts writing about light party snacks perfect for almost any occasion. The first one being: Shrimp Cocktail Shots. Sure everyone has dreamed of taking a shot and with these shrimp shots no one has to worry about religion and/or age restricting them. First, you will need: ready to serve cocktail shrimp, plastic disposable shot glasses, and cocktail sauce. Then take each glass, and fill them halfway with cocktail sauce. And depending upon how much shrimp you have to serve, fill each glass with anywhere from one to four pieces of shrimp. Once each glass is filled, the " shrimp shots" are ready to be served.