Delicious Baked Ziti...!!!

Bonjour Foodies,

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
3 pounds plum tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped (about 15 tomatoes)
1 - 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon pepper
8 ounces uncooked ziti
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Recipe:
1. In a Dutch oven, I ended up using a normal pot because I don't own a dutch oven. I cooked the beef and the onion over medium heat until the meat was no longer pink. Then drain your beef. Afterwards stir in tomatoes (I did not put the tomatoes in mine), salt, basil, and pepper. Reduce heat to low; cover and cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Since I didn't add the tomatoes to mine, I did not do this step. 

2. Cook the ziti according to the package directions and drain. Place in a large bowl Stir in sauce (I prefer to make homemade sauce but a jar of sauce will do just fine) and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Move to a baking dish; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and remaining mozzarella cheese. 

3. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 15 minutes or until heated all the way through. 

I had a lot of fun making this dish and I think my family rather enjoyed it. I also think the only way I could of improved the dish was with some homemade sauce and more mozzarella cheese. I rather like cheese. I think next time I will add a different kind of cheese along with the mozzarella. I'm thinking cheddar or some type of three cheese combo pack. Yeah, that sounds really good. I love cheese so much. 

Shepherd Pie Stuffed Baked Red Potatoes...!!!

Bonjour Foodies,

                                                Ingredients:

 
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup of beef stock
1 pound lean ground beef
1 small chopped onion
1 bag of mixed frozen veggies
1 bag of three cheese mix, shredded
2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoon of A1 sauce
5 pounds of red potatoes
8 tablespoons of butter or 1 stick of butter
Salt and Pepper to taste
A dash of ground garlic powder to taste




Recipe:

1. Peel, wash, and cut into the fourths the red potatoes. I set two of them aside to make the baked potatoes. Fill a pot with water, add some salt to help start the boiling process, and throw in the potatoes into the water. Bring the water to a boil and let the potatoes cook until tender. This usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.

2. Next I saute the onions in olive oil until tender. I then add the ground beef and cook it until it is no longer pink. I drain the excess fat from the beef and put it back into the pan. I add the beef broth, A1 sauce, and the Worcestershire sauce. Then prepare the potatoes to be mashed, adding the milk, salt, pepper, and butter as needed until you are satisfied with the texture and creaminess of your mashed potatoes. I like mine to be buttery.

3. I baked my potatoes in the microwave. The recipe called for them to be put in for ten minutes but I feel like that may have been almost too much time. The second one I put in for about six minutes and it seemed better. I believe I may have overcooked my baked potatoes so they weren't as good as I was hoping they would be. I dug the middle of the potato out with a spoon and created a nice little crater for my shepherds pie to be placed.

4. I put the shepherd's pie inside the baked potato and put mashed potatoes on top. I then put the rest of the meat in another glass baking dish and covered with the mashed potatoes. I put them in the oven for about 15 minutes and then pulled them out to add the cheese on top. I popped them back in the oven for another 15 minutes, which is probably why my baked potatoes were overcooked. I cooked them way too long. In my defense this was my first time making baked potatoes with something inside of them other than the potato itself.

5. I baked this dish at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes.

I had a lot of fun making this dish. I hope you all try it. It tastes amazing and the cheese always add an extra boost of flavor. My boyfriend and I love cheese and this recipe brings that to the table every time we make it.

Expecting in the New Year...!!!

Hey Y'all,

My boyfriend and I have been so busy preparing for the new year. We have a lot going on right now. One of those things happens to be growing inside my tummy as we speak. We found out a few months ago, maybe around October that we were pregnant. I honestly had no idea that I was pregnant. I just thought that all the things going on in my life were messing up my cycle. I never thought I was pregnant. I'm sure a lot of you are probably wondering how I couldn't know I was pregnant. The answer is pretty simple, it can happen. I wasn't really showing for most of the pregnancy, not until maybe late October to early November is when I really started to look pregnant. My boyfriend took me in December for an ultrasound.

The ultrasound was really cool. It was kind of freaky to though. The nice lady performing our ultrasound was showing us all the different parts of the baby growing inside of me. In all honestly, the baby looked like a giant mass of blobs that were very difficult to distinguish from one another. I would never of known that I was looking at the babies feet or hands if the lady wasn't there to guide us through the ultrasound. Also, while at the ultrasound, we got to find out the babies gender. This was the most exciting part of the ultrasound for me. She told us that we were having a little girl. According to my boyfriend, Andrew, he said I got the biggest of smiles on my face and looked so happy about finding out I was carrying a little girl inside of me. I was hoping that my first baby was going to be a little girl. Of course this lead us down the path of choosing a name for our little princess. We've decided to name her Violet Anne. I wanted to name her Violet because I think the name in itself is not very popular nowadays. I choose Anne as her middle name because of a friend I have who treats me like a daughter and has always been there for me when I needed someone to talk to. I'm very lucky to have the family and friends in my life that I have. They've all been super supportive since news of my pregnancy got wind to them. I feel so blessed to have as much support as I do.

The doctors have told us that we are due the 22nd of this month. I'm super excited to meet my daughter and to become a mother. I'm also terrified of becoming a mother because its an entirely new experience for me. I hope I am a good mother. I know I won't be perfect but I'll do my very best. I know my boyfriend is worried about being a good dad. But in all honesty, he shouldn't be. I think he will make a great father to our little one. I can't wait to watch him step into the role of father. I'm excited to start this new life together. I'm excited to see where this big step leads us.

Our next doctor appointment is on Friday. I'm sure I'll have more news to share with you all then.

Do It Yourself Projects...!!!

Hey Y'all,

I want to do some kind of do it yourself project in the near future. I only have one in mind currently but I'm sure inspiration for more won't be hard to come by. So I apologize now for a short list of projects. A lot of these are inspired by pinterest, where everyone posts their own projects and advice on everything you could possibly imagine. 

1. Build my own Crate bookshelf. I can find the crates at Micheal's for a pretty cheap price. I might be able to get the paint there as well. I'm not sure yet if I want to paint them or stain them. I might stain them because I like the look of stained wood. I'd also have to figure out where to put it and how tall to build it. I think its possible. 

2. Boho Lamps made with mason jars, paint, and gold fabric paint. I actually am currently working on theses. I painted them and everything. The only thing I have left to do is get the gold fabric paint and do that to make them look as awesome as they do on pinterest. I bought everything I need for this one at Micheal's as well except for the fabric paint. I couldn't find the kind they have listed at Micheal's. 

Well I don't have anymore projects as of this moment. I hope to add more as soon as I find some I believe I can do on my own. I'm not the most handy person in the world but I like trying my hand at projects I complete on my own. I feel like its an accomplishment really. I seem to struggle with projects like this because I am a procrastinator. So I always put things off. 

The Best of News...!!!

Hey Y'all,

So after all my hard work applying to different places for a job, I finally got an interview at Kohls. On top of that, I also got a call back from Kohls after the interview, I got the job. I'm so excited, it's a seasonal position but I'm hoping that I can get a more permanent position within the company. For most of you that don't know what a Kohls is, its a clothing and home goods kind of store. I like to shop their discount racks for great deals on clothes I might not buy at full price.  I usually find all my clothes this way. It makes me feel rather accomplished too. It's always an accomplishment for me when I find great clothes that I really love at a great price. 

On top of some other things going on in my life. There's not much to talk about really. I'm still looking for a full time job so I can make the next big adult thing in my life happen, moving out. I may or may not have gotten my boyfriend on board to move out with me too. I know we haven't been dating very long but I feel like this step would be okay for us because we've known each other for a while. I believe we have known each other for almost three to four years now. He's been my best friend for that short time. I feel living together will make no big difference in our lives as a couple or as best friends. 

Honestly, my life is not very eventful at the moment. At this point, I feel slightly like a failure in my life. But really I'm still young. I still have a life to live and I should push for that. I just hope that someday that when I'm old, I wont regret the way I lived my life.

Late Goals of 2015...!!!

Hey Y'all,

So I feel like I'm already doing better with my blog. I know its only been a few days since I made that pledge to myself to start writing more. I think I'm off to a good start. This would be my third post. I hope to continue this trend that I seem to be on. 

Anyway, as many of you know of you know that this year is coming to a close. Unfortunately some of the goals I made for myself never came to pass. I really ought to write these things down more often so that way I can reference them on a day to day basis. If you'd like to see these goals, you can find them here. 

Some of the ones I did accomplish were my goals to read more, saving some money, and trying to live life to the fullest. I have been spending a lot of my free time reading. I love to read. I love getting lost in a a good book. I also love using Goodreads as a way to track my reading progress for that year. I am currently eleven books away from my goal of reading twenty-five books. I'm almost there. I also did start to try budget my money better and save more. It's a lot harder than it sounded. I'm just lucky I have people in my life who I can talk to about it and help me keep on track. I'm nowhere where I'd like to be but at least I have a nice start. Once I find a new job, I will be able to take another look at my budget and see how things will fit into my finical life. I also am allowing myself to live a little. I don't have a lot of money so trying to do some of these things is kind of hard but its not entirely impossible either. I just have to work at it. 

I wanted to add some goals to my goal list. One I want to add is to Be Healthy. To me this means taking the time to workout, eat better, and using an app on my phone to help me track it. I'm just starting out so I know I won't make a huge difference in my life. I just know the earlier you start caring about yourself, the better chances of keeping those trends later in life are usually much higher than vise versa. Currently I am trying to get at least thirty minutes of being active every day. I plan to accomplish this goal through tracking my steps with an app. 

I hope to keep up with my goals and try to push the ones I can't complete this year into next year. I still want to do those goals. I just know that some of them aren't possible for me right now. Hopefully that will change as I find a better job and start to pay off my debt. 

I'll keep everyone up to date on my progress for the rest of the year. I'd love to hear from others about what goals they set and which ones they have come to work on. If you have any, feel free to comment below.

It's been three months already?...!!!

Hey Y'all,

So as I said before I am trying to take the time to write for my blog. I want to keep doing it because it is something I have come to enjoy over the past few years. My blog is like a diary. It's like a safe place for my words to be written and seen by others to view. I like this aspect very much. I like sharing my personal struggles with others. I like to think that it helps others know that they are not alone in life. That everywhere someone is struggling with something. It may not be the same thing but it is a struggle non the less. 

Today, I come to share something or rather I should say someone that has become a part of my everyday life. This person is very important to me and they always have been. I'm not sure how long we have known each other. If I were to guess, I would say its been possibly four to five years of friendship. I like to think that our growth in friendship is what allows for what happened afterwords to be possible. As many of you know, my ex, a man I wish to not name because he is not worth mentioning by that fashion hurt me in more ways than one. He may not have physically hurt me but his words were like a punch to the gut. A loss of air to my lungs and a inability to speak or process what he was telling me that dreadful night he returned home. He came to tell me that he was ending our relationship of almost three years and that apparently I was nothing more than a past time for him. I will never understand fully what happened with us. I will never understand his reasoning or his defenses.

But those things no longer matter to me because I know have you. The person I am speaking of is known as Andrew. He has become my life these last three wonderful months that we have been dating. He is outright one of the best men to have ever walked into my life, I am without a doubt very lucky to have him now after some hardships before that made a relationship too difficult for me to handle. He was there for me when it felt like no one else was. He knew me better than anyone else. He knows how to make me smile and laugh uncontrollably. We fit well together, like a glove may fit over a hand in the winter. He was there when no one else could see how much I was hurting on the inside. He also could tell when I was lying and trying to pretend like I was not. He saw through me and all my defenses and I love him for it. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be able to be the girl I knew. Andrew helped me find myself again after the breakup. He helped me become whole again. He listened to me cry over someone that was not worth it. He listened to me when I was being hateful towards all  men because I believed that not a single one was good. It took me awhile to see what I had right in front of me, I had a man willing to do anything to make me happy. I had a man willing to do anything to make me smile. He's always there and when he can't be, he tries to make it up to me. I'm so happy you found me Andrew. You'll never know how lucky I am that we are together now. I can hardly believe it's been three months, already. It feels so much longer than that. I hope that time does us some good. We both deserve it. I'll always be there for you and be supportive of your decisions. I won't let you give up on your dreams when you feel weak. I will be your light in your darkest moments and I hope you will be mine. I hope we get to go places someday and do things other dream of. I hope so  much for us. I know we are meant to do amazing things. I also hope that someday I will tell you I love you. I hope to someday be the woman you wish to spend the rest of your days with. I hope I get to walk down the aisle and stand beside you as we recite the vows of love. I hope you know how much you mean to me baby because I know I don't always express it. I hope you know that you make my life brighter everyday. Happy Three Months baby. I couldn't be happier.

Everyone is a little Mad...!!!

Hey Y'all,

I'm not sure how to start this post. I went to see a concert last night with my sister and her best friend. It was a really great time. I had a lot of fun but I was exhausted by the time it was all said and done. We saw SayWeCanFly,Sounds Like Harmony, and a few other bands I'd never heard of.  I wish I had some pictures to share with you all but I don't. I'll have to see if my sister will let me borrow some of the ones she posted to her Instagram.  Oh by the way, if you guys want to follow me on Instagram, you can find me as CRAZYSNOWBUNNIE. If not that's cool too. I'm not really on there a lot. So don't expect me to post a lot. Also my profile is set as private on Instagram, so there's that as well. I also just celebrated my twenty-fourth birthday two weeks ago.

Anyway, after this awesome experience at the concert. I decided that I want to start blogging again and working on completing the books I was writing. I decided that I wanted to try and start blogging again because I haven't done it in a really long time. I've missed it. I think my goal is gonna be to try and write two to three posts a month to start out. That way I have some time to plan them out. I also want to start working on completing more chapters for my books. I think I'm gonna aim to have one chapter written a month. I know that seems like a lot of time for one chapter but I'm predicting that once I find a new job, I won't have as much free time as I'd like to commit to my hobbies.

Along side writing and blogging, I've begun my search for a new job. I'm hoping to find something that's full time but I might have to start with part time. I don't really want to go back to Giant, the grocery store I used to work at but I might have to. I need a source of income and my current job will be closing for the season soon. I've been really stressed out about it because I'm afraid I won't be able to find a full time job. My main concern is that I might have to get two part time jobs until I can find something better because I'm currently trying to pay off my debt and I can't do that with just one part time job. I'm so stressed though and I don't know if I can find one in the time frame that I need.

In other news, my friend and I are planning to move out together. We are hoping that we can move out sometime between November to December. That would be our ideal time. But if not, anytime after that would be alright too. It also depends on apartments and what's available when we go to finally sign a lease for an apartment complex we like. I'm super excited about moving out but I'm terrified as well. This would be the next big step into adulthood for me. I've never had this kind of responsibility before and its scary to know that I'd be dependent on just myself and my roommate.

Well that's all I have for now. I'll make sure to keep everyone updated on my job search. I hope I find a job soon. Wish me luck.

Life's Got Me Down...!!!

Hey Y'all,

My life is one huge disappointment after the other. I know, I know I finally come back to blogging and the first thing I do is whine. Well I'm sorry. Sometimes life just takes all my optimism right out of me. But after some long consideration. I don't want to bring everyone else down by whining about my crazy complicated life right now. By the way, while I was typing this and chatting with a good friend of mine over Facebook messenger, I almost choked on a sour gummy worm. But that is besides the point. Right now I am breathing in the sweet scent of vanilla while sitting in complete darkness and typing to my little hearts content. I haven't had much time to do anything with two jobs taking up all my free time. So I'm trying but its harder than it seems. I hope to try to get back into my blog. Not sure how soon I can make that happen, but I'll try.

Life and Stuff...!!!

Bonjour Foodies,

It's been awhile since I last did a blog post. I want to do better this year with those but life can really get in the way sometimes.I'm gonna try to start posting at least once a week. If I'm lucky I hope to start blogging more than that but I'm gonna be pretty busy this year. What with two jobs and possibly some schooling this year.

On a happier note, I am five books in to my goal of reading twenty-five books in 2015. I'm really proud of myself because I have been finding time to read. I think I let go of learning a new language this year. I was trying but life seems to like to slap me in the face a lot and take me down a peg or two. I guess life is funny that way. It tears you down to see what you can handle and then lets you pick back up the pieces.

In other news, I was with the new guy and I broke up with him twice because I'm very indecisive and a little scared of new beginnings and such that I ran away twice. It also had to do with my ex acting like he wanted us again but never fully saying it himself. I decided the second time that if he wont say it to me then there's no point in trying. If  the new guy ever gives me another chance which I know I do not deserve at all. I would try harder this time and not let my fears chase me away.

I guess a lot has happened these last few months. I dyed some of the underneath parts of my hair red. It's faded now but I enjoyed it while it lasted. I'm thinking of doing it again before I go down to South Carolina with my little sister. Our trip is two weeks away and I'm excited and nervous. I've never driven that far so I'm a little worried. I also bought a baby cornsnake. I named it Holo after the character from Spice and Wolf, one of my favorite animes. I think that's all that's happened that's really worth mentioning.

I have not cooked anything worthy of mentioning lately. Its kind of upsetting that I don't get to do this more often.

Deviled Eggs...!!!

Bonjour Foodies,

So today my little sister and I made deviled eggs. They are so good. My mother makes them and we wanted ours to taste as close to hers as possible. I never seem to be able to get them to taste that good. Today I think that changed with the help of my little sister. I don't know how but they taste exactly like hers.






I don't have a exact recipe for this, we kind of just guessed and did the best we could. You'll need mayo, apple cider vinegar, dry mustard powder, paprika, a dozen eggs and yellow mustard. The brand really doesn't matter. I used mostly store brands because the are cheaper to buy than name brand.





First we boiled the water and then placed the eggs in the water for fifteen minutes. Once they were done boiling we poured out the water. We placed the eggs in ice water to chill the eggs faster and make the peeling process easier.


 

Then we cracked and separated the white from the yolks. Then we began the process of making the filling with the yolks and the items above.

This is a great recipe for parties or fun quick snacks.

My Goals for the New Year of 2015...!!!

Bonjour Foodies,

It's a new year and that means its time to make goals for myself. I have been thinking about my personal goals for this year and there are a few that I think are worth mentioning. The sad thing is that sometimes goals are made and never completed. This year I plan to complete every single goal I make. I won't let these goals go untouched this new year.

- Travel More -

Lately I have had some huge life changes happen to me and I decided its time to make explore the world that I live in. I want to go places and see new things. I would really like to go to Salem, MA. This summer I would like to go camping somewhere I have never been before. I also really want to go to Florida to see sea turtles laying their egg. I then want to go back when the eggs are going to hatch and watch them make their way to the ocean. 

- Read More -

I want to spend more time reading this year. Last year I only met my reading goal because I had to change it. So this year I would like to read my goal of twenty-five books. 

- Save More and Spend Less -

I work at a grocery store so finding things to buy is easier than it should be. I would really like to start saving more money. This would be a good skill to enforce now while I am still young. 

- Focus on the Important Things -

For the last couple months my life has been very stressful. I want to put the main focus on things like my job and my schooling. Both of these are very important and essential to further my dreams of life.  

- Live Life -

These are so many things I want to do with you with my life. This is the year that I complete some of them. I want to have more fun and do things I normally don't take time to do. For example, I've decided  I want to learn a language. I think I'm gonna pursue french but I might also try my hand at Spanish. It would be best to do one language at a time.

- Garden and Cook More -

I really want to grow my own vegetables. I also want to cook more. I really enjoy it and I don't get to do it enough.  I also want to start working out and eat better.

Garden Talk...!!!

Bonjour Foodies,

I learned a few days ago that I might not be able to grow a garden this year. I'm really bummed about it because I just started to get into this new hobby and it's already being taken from me. I guess I could still grow some flowers inside and possibly enjoy some home grown herbs and vegetables. I just won't get to enjoy the great outdoors the same way as I was hoping I would. I wanted to start gardening to grow my own food for the table and to get outside more. I guess I'll have to sit back and wait and see what happens. I'm not the most patient person in the world and waiting is always hard for me.

Also I just wanted to let you know that I plan to start cooking again. I just kind of have to have everything before I decide I'm gonna cook. Sometimes this means buying my own groceries to make it happen.

Life Lesson's and New Beginning's...!!!

Bonjour Foodies,

If you haven't already noticed, I have been away from my blog for quite some time now. It was not intentional to stop blogging. I just had a lot on my plate. I lost interest in the blog and nothing seemed to brighten my day, well almost nothing.

I guess I should tell you all about what happened. In November, the guy I was dating broke up with me. He gave me this speech that it wasn't me and something was wrong with him. I cried and it really hurt and now we don't talk to each other anymore. I guess I got over him because I decided that he wasn't worth waiting for and there were a lot of things about him that annoyed me to no end. And of course the fact that he lied to me during our entire relationship of two years and eight months. That was the icing on the cake right there. So yeah my ex really sucked and I honestly don't give a shit about him anymore. He broke it off and I moved on. It was actually not as difficult as I expected.

Since the break up happened, I had to move in with my dad, little sister, dads girlfriend, and the girlfriends daughter. The house is beautiful and I love that we are out in the country. The only thing that kind of sucks is I'm forty-five minutes away from my job and the new guy in my life. But I can make it work. The drive isn't even that bad. Oh, I almost forgot. We can't have pets here and it sucks. I had to leave my cat and leopard gecko at ex's house. But I plan on bringing the gecko here when it gets warmer. I want to move the cat but I don't know where to move her too. I really wish I could bring her here. I think she'd like it here.

Also a few days ago, I started to have car trouble and it had to be towed. I'm waiting for a call from the dealership with news as to what is wrong with it. So I've been driving my dads jeep to work. It's weird not having a car. 

On brighter news, I did meet someone and we have started dating. We are taking it slow and everything. I must say though he is a much better man than any guy I've ever dated before. I think this one might just be a keeper. I mean its no big deal with a man decides to wait for you while watching you be with someone else. There aren't many guys in this world that would do that for a girl. I'm really lucky to have him in my life. So wish us luck.

Also, a stray cat has kind of adopted my family. He or she just showed up one day on our porch and now he or she lives in a cardboard box and a blanket behind the house. The kitty is so friendly and loving. Its great having animals around the house, even if we can't keep it inside the house.

Indian Madras Pie...!!!

Bonjour Foodies,

Indian Madras Pie

This recipe makes about 6 servings. It takes about 20 minutes to prep.

 Ingredients:

2 1/2 pounds baking potatoes, peeled and cut into 2 inch pieces.
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 package of lean ground turkey
1 1/2 cup baby carrots, sliced
3 medium parsnips, peeled and sliced
2 tsp ground ginger
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup frozen peas or frozen vegetables
2/3 cup milk
2 tbsp unsalted butter
Pinch cayenne pepper

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat; cook, boiling, for 12 minutes. Drain and return to pot.

2. Meanwhile heat oil in a large lidded 3 to 4 quart flameproof dish over medium, high heat. Crumble in turkey and cook, breaking apart with a wooden spoon, for 4 minutes. Stir in carrots, parsnips, ginger, 3/4 tsp of the salt, the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, cayenne and 1/2 cup water. Cover and cook over medium heat, stirring once or twice, for 17 minutes adding more water if necessary. Uncover and stir in peas or frozen vegetables. Cook for 2 minutes, then remove from heat. 

3. Mash potatoes in pot with milk, butter and remaining salt. Spread potatoes over turkey mixture in dish and sprinkle with cayenne pepper, if desired. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

I made this dish last week and it was good but not nearly as good as my shepherds pie. I think I should change the amount of cinnamon in this recipe.

Where my Garden Grows...!!!

Bonjour Foodies,

I was walking among my garden earlier this morning and enjoying all the things I currently have growing there. I found some batteries for my boyfriends camera and started to take photos of nature at its best.

I found this little guy exploring my marigold flowers. I thought he was pretty cool and got some great photos of him. I was really surprised at the quality of the photos considering this is my first time I using the camera. I think they the photos turned out really good.




Is that caterpillar just the cutest? I don't know if he is good or bad for my flowers but I thought he's pretty cool.

I just love this picture of my tomato plants. I love taking the time to enjoy nature.




 I also harvested some produce while clearing out the garden for spring. I planted some bulbs that hopefully will come back every year. I also currently have two other flower plants that are growing that will also come back as well. I'm so excited for the spring season.


I also started my herb garden indoors. I currently have some seeds sprouting. I love watching my plants grow. Its really fascinating and a lovely wholesome experience.

Gardening Season is Coming to a Close...!!!

Bonjour Foodies,

I started Gardening earlier this Spring. I was sadly a late bloomer in this new found hobby of mine and now winter fast approaches. I'm so sad to see the gardening season go away so soon. I have a boat load of things I must do to prepare my garden for the coming spring. I also want to start composting to build better soil for my garden bed. I planted some herb seeds for my indoor herb garden a few days ago to keep the harvest going.

I grew my very own pumpkin patch in one of my raised garden beds. Something has been eating one of my pumpkins. I'm so disappointed. I wanted to use these pumpkin for carving for Halloween but they have yet to change color. I don't know if I'm doing something wrong or if that's just normal. I think next year I'm gonna skip the pumpkin patch.

It's so sad. My garden is decaying as the fall season rolls in. It makes me sad to see all my produce start to die. The only thing that keeps me going is knowing that next season I have more experience and have a better plan of what I want to grow and what I want to try to grow. I can't wait to get started but first I need to draw out my garden bed. I must make plans on what I'm growing and what I'm not.

Thankfully cooking and baking will be able to fill the void until the Spring.

Sweet and Sour Sesame Seed Chicken...!!!

Bonjour Foodies,

Sweet and Sour Sesame Seed Chicken

Ingredients:

3-4 Boneless chicken breasts
Salt and Pepper
1 cup cornstarch
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 - 1/2 cup canola oil

Sweet and Sour Sauce:

3/4 cup sugar
4 tbsp ketcup
1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp garlic salt
Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
Sesame Seeds are Optional

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.

1. Trim and cut the chicken into cubes. Season with salt and pepper. Place the cornstarch into a gallon - size plastic bag and add all of your chicken cubes into it. Seal and shake to coat. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the chicken to a large dish. Pour beaten egg over the chicken and stir gently to coat.

2. Heat the oil in a large skillet and pan fry the chicken over medium high heat on both sides until slightly brown. Place chicken into greased baking dish.

3. Mix all of your sweet and sour ingredients in a bowl with a fork. Pour or drizzle evenly over the chicken, save some as a dipping sauce. Bake the chicken for 45 minutes at 325 degrees. During this process, stir chicken a few times. Add the sesame seeds. Increase the oven to 375. Bake for 15 more minutes. Watch the chicken to make sure it doesn't burn.

I thought I wouldn't really enjoy this meal but as it turns out. I loved it. I can't wait to make it again. I encourage you all to do the same. I promise you won't regret it.

Sugar is my Addiction...!!!

Bonjour Foodies,

First off, I want to apologize for not posting everyday like I wanted. I am having a hard time downloading photos of all the amazing food I have made this past few weeks. I think I might ask for a camera this Christmas. That would be nice. Then I wouldn't have to take photos on my phone. Or I could just use the one my boyfriend got last year or two years ago, not sure which at our Christmas Raffle at work. That would work as well. I might ask for a memory card for it. Then I can use it as my main source for photos.

Second, I have a sugar addiction. I am seriously addicted to anything sugary and sweet. Its such a terrible mix fr me because I adore baking. But I need to find ways to make these foods better for me. I need to work on giving up sugary foods that are bad for me. Like I love chocolate, especially those Halloween Reese's Peanut Butter Pumpkins. They are so delicious and the goodness factors seriously spike with that food. I need better options. If you anyone has some advice on how to do such things, please leave a comment.

I'm having a hard time keeping up with my calorie counter on my phone. I try and then I just stop using it. I need to use it because it might help me loose weight. I really need to loose weight. I'm not fat per say. I just need to loose a few pounds.

The Salty Saloon - Salt is the Enemy #1...!!!

Bonjour Foodies,

Salt can be a wonderful thing. It help bring out the flavor in foods that sometimes taste bland. It also enhances the foods natural flavor. Salt however can also be a very bad thing. Too much of it and it can cause some serious increase of your bodies natural salt intake. Most foods already have salt built in, so the need to add more isn't necessary. But I am one who likes to sprinkle some  on food, especially mashed potatoes. I think mashed potatoes taste better with salt. I need to break this habit I really do. I am currently working on revamping myself to be a better me for a better tomorrow. I'm slowly working in making it less of a thing for myself. I encourage others to do the same. It will be hard but it will be worth it in the end.

I think it would be helpful to season food well. That way there is enough flavor from the spices that salt doesn't make a play on food. Then the consumer won't have to worry if they are eating too much salt or not. I believe in a healthier you for tomorrow. My theory is that once salt is cut from the diet, you will be able to move on and cut other things as well. Some of the things I need to cut are junk food like ice cream and chocolate. I am particular to anything sweet. I have a major sweet tooth. I always have, ever since I was young. I think that cutting those things from my diet will help me loose weight and feel better about my body, my health, and myself.