Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Mini Masters for My Little Lion
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Silpada Jewelry Trunk Show
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Layth and the Potty
Monday, November 7, 2011
And so, our adventures continue
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Shrimp in a Dates and Tamarind Sauce
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Rosemary Herb Chicken
- 2 Skinless Boneless Chicken Breasts
- 2 clove garlic cloves ( chopped)
- 1tbsp of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
- 2tbsp of dried rosemary
- 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Cover the chicken breasts with garlic, then sprinkle with rosemary, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Place in a 9x13 inch baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until done and juices run clear (baking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken breasts).
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Potty Training Layth ( The Little Lion)
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
YAY for Five Guys!!!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Baking Brownie Cookie Bars
Saturday, August 13, 2011
A New Twist on Pillsbury Cookie Dough
Monday, August 8, 2011
Honey Lemon Grilled Chicken
Since Ramadan has started I have been on the hunt for good, simple recipes that do not require too much preparation, which means I have been recycling my simple recipes. Even though we are only eight days into Ramadan, I feel trying to come with things to cook has been just as exhausting as fasting itself. I want a recipe that's quick, but filling, something worth the wait of having to give up food for ten hours, and finding some, have been difficult. They usually require preparation the night before, or 30-45 minute preparation time, which can be so frustrating sometimes, because you cannot taste whether or not you have the right spices or not. So during my search to find new recipes I stumbled upon this one while reading People magazine. It sounded so intriguing I could not resist trying to make it. I'll be having it tonight, so I can't give you my guarantee on it, but it looks promising!!
Ingredients:
- juice and zest of three lemons
- 1/3 cup of olive oil
- 1 tsp of oregano
- 1 tbsp of Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp of honey, plus a drizzle
- 1/2 cup of finely chopped onions
- 1 clove of garlic peeled and smashed
- 1/2 tsp of salt
- 1/2 tsp of black ground pepper
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken halves or 2 lbs
- Grilled lemon wedges ( just for garnish)
Directions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together lemon juize, zest, olive oil and oregano, dijon mustard, honey, onion, garlic, salt and pepper. Set aside 1/4 cup of the mixture for basting, place the chicken into the bowl, cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
2. Place the chicken onto the grill for medium heat and allow it to cook for 6-8 minutes on each side. This is where I took a short cut, and placed it on my George Foreman for 10-12 minutes before marinating the chicken once again.
3. I then intend on drizzling honey onto the chicken and decorating the plate with the lemon wedges!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Clearing Out My Closet
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Heart for Art Studio
Hello Everyone,
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Making My Own Cake: Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Hi Everyone,
Monday, June 27, 2011
Still Lusting....
Becoming a Domestic Goddess: Father's Day Paulette's Style
Father's Day Paulette's Style
For four years now, locals have been regaling about " Paulettes" even adding that it was featured in Tom Cruise's movie, " The Firm" which made it that more intriguing. And so, when my Father's Day plans for brunch at the Peabody was dampened due to my husbands' work schedule, I decided to take my chances and make a reservation. Fully aware, it would be almost impossible to find a reservation anywhere the morning of, I decided to call at 7:30, although the restaurant itself does not open until 10. Luckily, the hostess picked up and informed us of a cancelation at 11. Now, it was matter of Chafeek finishing rounding in time enough and not receiving any consults. At 10:30 am, as I was getting Layth ready and finishing applying my makeup, Chafeek comes walking in through the front door asking me what are the plans. I told him, " we're headed to Paulettes, no questions asked." It also helped that they recently relocated to Harbor Town, making it just five minutes away. He agreed, and quickly changed out of his scrubs. And then, when I thought we were ready to head out, his pager went off, making me so nervous it was a consult. Thankfully, it was not urgent.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Three cheese and Tomato Tortellini
- 1 Package of Buitoni Three Cheese Tortellini
- 1 Package of Organic Cherry Tomatoes
- 1/4 teaspoon of Basil
- 1/4 teaspoon of Oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of Italian Seasoning
- 2 Tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 can of Hunts Diced Garlic Tomatoes
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Fassoliya- Layth's new favorite dish!
- 1 can of Hunts Tomato Sauce
- 1 Vegetable Bullion Cube
- 1 pack of frozen cut green beans
- 1 pound of stewed beef
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teas of pepper
- 3-4 cups of water ( enough to cover the meat)
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
April Showers Bring May Flowers
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Bistro 110
After being absent for week, I'm back! The boys and I were spending the week in my beloved Chicago for Chafeek's ENT conference. And despite being there for business, I managed to have tons of fun! Layth, too, could not have asked for a better week: spending his days with mommy, his afternoons sightseeing between various museums and dinning with fellow residents. I do not know of many 23 month olds who would pass up an opportunity of being the center of attention; Layth certainly did not. He also enjoyed all the dining we did; particularly, Bistro 110. Speaking of Bistro 110, I remember it being my guilty pleasure after finishing my afternoon Water Tower classes. So when my friend Sanaz suggested it, I quickly agreed. And having not been there for five years, it certainly did not disappoint. I thought it was so good, I suggested it to my fellow residents who were looking for place to dine near Water Tower for lunch. However, I was so worried whether Layth would enjoy it, but my worries were soon over when he attacked his meal of Macaroni and Cheese. His child size portion was equal to the size of my adult lunch salad. In other words, their meals were not very big, but still too big for Layth. And so, as a result, I was able to enjoy a few bites myself. The cheese was so rich, but not too heavy, I did not feel guilty biting into it. I did not feel I was indulging in processed cheese as most macaroni and cheese dishes make you feel. Instead it resembled what you would see in Bethenny Frankel's, " Skinny Girl" cookbook; it was exquisite. So when the next time an opportunity comes knocking for us to go to Chicago, I'm definitely taking Chafeek there.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
We're Loving Fruits!!
Monday, April 18, 2011
When does it get easier?
It's Monday, and I'm not looking forward to sending Layth to school. I'm not looking forward to seeing him cry the moment we enter the building, reaching his hands towards me crying " no" or mumbling between his tears " mama, mama", but I know it's just what I have to go through until he gets adjusted; particularly, since he loves kids! This morning as we began to enter the building, Layth did not cry, which made me believe we wouldn't have to go through the whole ordeal of separation. Once we entered the building, we made our way straight into the classroom, and opened the door. The moment the door opened, the tears began. I went to put him down on the rocking horse in the classroom to help alleviate his own anxiety, when he ran straight to Ms. Marie with open arms indicating he wanted to be held. I wanted to cry myself when I saw him running into the arms of Ms. Marie. Immediately, she held him and indicated for me to leave such that it would be easier upon Layth. I opened the back door to see him still sitting in her lap crying when the headmaster came by and told me, " mondays are just hard."
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Plums, We All Scream For Plums!!!!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
- One Large Ziploc Freezer Bag
- Hidden Valley Italian Dressing
- Two Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
- One Fresh Express Caesar Lite Kit ( includes: lettuce, dressing, and garlic baked croutons)
- One Tb of Fresh Bleu Cheese
- Skillet/George Foreman Grill
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Layth's 2nd Day of School
Monday, April 4, 2011
It's 11:37 am and I'm out!!
The Saddest Day Thus Far
After months of researching and deliberating, the day had finally come to send my sweet Layth to school. Ideally, I wanted to send him to the Maria Montessori School which is just 1.75 miles away, but their waiting list was until March of 2011 when I began researching in October of 2010. I had found an alternate Montessori school in Midtown which goes by the name of Evergreen Montessori School, but didn't know of anyone who had sent their kids there. As a result, I had my reservations of sending Layth there; although, he seemed to fit right in when we went for a trial. Little did I know then, it would be the school Layth would eventually attend.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
The Great Sale
Hello Everyone,
- http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220762798282&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT#ht_500wt_1156
- http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220762804885&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT#ht_500wt_1156
Spinach Linguine in Pesto and Tomato Sauce
- De Cecco Linguine with Spinach
- Buitoni Pesto with Basil Sauce
- 1 lb of Fresh Mozzarella Cheese
- One package of Organic Cherry Tomatoes
- Olive Oil with Pesto and Basil ( optional)
Monday, March 28, 2011
Hidden Treasure Box: My Garage
- Brand new with tags size 26 Joes Jeans
- Two brand new pairs of Victoria Secret silk boxers ( female)
- New and unopened Victoria Secret Shampoo and Conditioner
- A pair of 3T Amy Coe Pajamas
- Brand new with tags Betsey Johnson bracelet ( still in it's case)
- An unwrapped photo frame
- Gift Bags ( something I'm always in need for)
- 5 new with tags Ralph Lauren layettes ( baby boy, size 6 months)
- New unopened packages of tissue paper ( again, something I'm always in the need for)
- TULLE charcoal sweater
- Brand new with tags beaded Banana Republic Belt
- Unopened Lacoste 8 oz perfume
- 4 unwrapped Blockbuster DVD's from their Going Out of Business Sale
- Two Sesame Street Themed Counting Books
- Sz 12 month Paul Frank T-shirt
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
" Pump It Up"
Friday, March 11, 2011
Lime Blossom Photography
Hello Everyone,
Lazy Day Pot Roast
Hello My Lovely Readers,
- One 2.25 lb Kosher chuck pot roast, trimmed of all its fat
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper
- 4 large organic carrots, cut into thin pieces
- 4 organic potatoes, cut into thin pieces
- 1 yellow onion ( optional)
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 cups of water
- 1/2 cup of vinegar
- 3 tablespoons of butter
- 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- Crock pot/slow cooker
Sunday, March 6, 2011
In Search of the Perfect Ankle Boot
In Search of the Perfect Ankle Boot
I haven't forgotten about you!
Hi Readers,
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
A Modern Day She-ra
A Modern Day She-ra
Thursday, February 3, 2011
In the Wake of the Superbowl...Chipotle & Cheese Sliders
Chipotle and Cheese Sliders
Serving Size: 12 sandwiches
Ingredients:
- 1 lb of Ground Beef
- 1/2 Med. Onion, finely chopped
- 3 Tbsp of Hunts Tomato Past
- Salt and Pepper ( sprinkle to your taste)
- 1 cup of Hellman's Mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp of Tabasco sauce
- Olive Oil ( sprinkle to your liking)
- 12 dinner rolls, halved
- 12 leaves of lettuce baby greens
- 3 medium vine tomatoes, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
- 12 mini slices of Cheddar cheese, or 6 pieces halved
Preparation:
- In a medium bowl, you will need to combine the beef, onion and tomato paste. Since you will be using your hands to mix and a diva's hands are just to precious to smell of mixed meat, be sure and wear gloves. It also helps to preserve those beautiful manicured hands. And don't forget to mix 2 tsp of salt and 1/2 tsp of pepper along in with the meat.
- In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and Tabasco until you believe it is well mixed, and set aside until it's ready for use.
- Lightly toast the buns in either a toaster oven or oven whichever one you prefer. As you are doing that, cook the meat patties on medium heat in olive oil on a nonstick saute pan. If you're like me and need exact timings and measurements, I would say, about 2 minutes per side.
- Spoon the Tabasco mayo onto the bottom of each bun. And then, go about preparing a burger as you normally would, by placing the meat first, then garnishing it with tomatoes, cheese and lettuce. Once you have completed this, top the sandwich, and it's ready to serve!!! I would recommend topping each sandwich with a toothpick to prevent it from falling apart and getting all the grease and mayonnaise over your beautiful blouse.
* I wish I could take credit for this great recipe, but unfortunately, I improvised from George Duran's recipe. I guess, it takes a man to know what a real man likes, since he wrote a book all about the perfect Super Bowl snacks!