Hot outta the oven.

Don't you love the fair? I know a lot of people who prefer to pass on all the fun. Not me. I like seeing the vendors, going on the rides, the animals, people watching, and of course the food. It is sort of a tradition to go to the fair. Sometimes we go twice! It's one of those things my husband and I both grew up doing. He even thought it would be "romantic" to propose at the fair. I know sorta sweet and sour at the same time. Let me repeat...He proposed at the FAIR! Yikes. I don't usually share that.

Anyways. I love scones. I saw this box of "Fair" scone mix at Costco. My lovely client Julie told me she buys boxes at a time because it's so good. Well, I tried it out. It was pretty easy to make. You do have to do a little bit of kneading. That isn't something I do everyday...especially with something made from a box. So the boys and I mixed, kneaded, and cut out the triangle shapes. We got the warm scones outta the oven and loaded them up with home made jam and butter. YuMmy! Mmm, Mmm, good. Nothin' like a warm scone.

The box comes with 4 pouches. You can make a dozen scones from each pouch. All you need is water to mix it and some flour to knead it. You can do a variation by adding some blueberries, cheese, or nuts. The box also has recipes for shortcake and gourmet waffles.

Enjoy!

xo M

PS. I may be blogging for the New Tribune one day during the fair. Fun.

Spicy.

Have you tried habanero peppers? Well let me give you an idea of how hot those little suckers are.

On a some sort of pepper scale a green pepper is at the bottom as far as spicy hot goes. It is ranked at zero. A jalapeno is rated at around 2300-2600. So, there is a bit of a bite. The habanero is rated at the top of the heap. It comes in at 230,000-260,000. VERY hot and spicy.

I have to tell you that I once ordered habanero chicken thinking it would be zippy and tasty. It was painful! I couldn't close my mouth it was so hot. I think I was panting like a dog.

So, my sweet boys and I decided to have a Dorito Habanero taste test. We had my mom, her husband, the two boys an myself line up with our one chip. It looks like a regular dorito. (Play a fun HOT trick on someone by switching doritos!) We had milk ready for those that needed to put out the fire. I have to say, it wasn't as hot as the chicken I had. I was sorta disappointed. My oldest son was the only one that seemed to need the milk. I really liked them actually.

If you want a spicy chip to go along with that sandwich these may be for you. Habanero Doritos!

xo M

A different kind of wedding.

Now I know not everyone will appreciate this posting. Some people have super strong feelings one way or the other. So be it.

Well, I went to a gay wedding. Yep you're read correctly. I went to see two men "tie the knot". I guess it's called a commitment ceremony.

My sister in law was invited as a guest and brought me along as her date. I didn't know these two men. It didn't matter. I had to go watch. Sorta like a reality show. I have to say that I was curious how the whole thing would be pulled off. Would there be one in a dress? Would it be like a traditional wedding? Who walks them down the isle? Would there be rings and a KISS?

As we were going to the roof top of this building to watch the ceremony I realized that we were in the elevator with lesbians. I think they thought my sister in law and I were "together". Yikes. Well, if that's the case I hope they thought I was the girl!! LOL.

Any way. There were no dresses. They wore matching suites. A mother and sister walked them down the isle. There was a song, a minister of some sort, rings, and even a kiss. I have to say that I didn't think the kiss would bother me. Well, it sorta did. It went on a bit to long.
The reception was normal with toasts, music, and cake. The food was really good! We pretty much ate and ran.

Overall I would say the whole experience was like any wedding. ..except with two guys. People were genuinely happy for them. They seemed "in love". There was nothing that caught me with my mouth hanging open. They were just two PEOPLE who want to have a committed life together.



xo M

Lemme tell ya.

Lemme tell ya. I have been so busy with hairdo's, lashes, and life.

We are going camping. This means that I work my butt off the week before AND the week after our trip. I have to cram everyone in or they freak out.

I am really looking forward to being a vegetable. That is what I am hoping for any ways. I don't want to take any major hikes or strenuous bike rides. I just want to sit there with a book and a marshmallow roasting on a stick.

I know, I know, not likely to happen. Somehow I will get sucked in by my boys. I can see it now. Me, the mountain bike, the not so cute helmet and sweat rolling down my neck. My butt checks bruising, my tummy growling, and my body aching. Oh well. I have to look on the bright side....I need the exercise.

So, have an easy week. I hope to blog like a mad women when I return. Take care.

xo M

Doggles goggles!

Oliver is a super stud in his new doggles goggles!

These are not only cool looking but they help protect your dog from getting eye injuries while hanging their head out the car window.

These are a size medium and feature flames and interchangeable lenses. I paid about $17.99 plus tax.

They carry them at my local vision center, specialty pet boutique, and online. Here is the website. http://www.doggles.com/

I gave Ollie treats and lots of praise when I introduced these. He seems fine unless he is left alone in the car. In that case he takes them off.

Have an easy weekend.

xo M

PS. Shout out to Danelle's dog. I bet he looks good in his Doggles too!

Today. Sun, toilet, and tears. Oh my.

I need to talk about my day.

I got the kids off to VBS. It's not fun to get up like it's school hours.

My husband had the day off so after VBS we went to Wild Waves Water Park. I once again contributed to getting age spots and wrinkles. I cooked in the sun and then felt guilty about it. When we were leaving my stomach felt really BAD.

Got home and drug myself to the shower. Ended up spending some quality time in the bathroom with my sick tummy. Yuck. Must've been that funnel cake with strawberries and whip cream OR was it those healthy nachos?

Got my self pulled together and called my mother to apologize for something I said yesterday. She started out calm and rational and ended up screaming at me. She was apparently not ready to accept my apology and just wanted to give me a list of all the crappy things I have done. It was also a chance to rehash why she is so kind and wonderful and she doesn't understand why no one can see how sweet she is. I ended up bawling and just letting her know I couldn't carry on any more of a conversation and hung up.

So, got up early, visited the toilet, and my mom freaks out. BUT...the boys had a really good time. Thank goodness.

I am exhausted.

Thanks for taking the time to be a friend and reading my lame problems.

xo M

Fiber One bars.

These "granola" bars are pretty tasty. They are loaded with 35% of fiber in each bar. Heaven knows that I need some fiber. LOL

I am pretty particular about granola type bars. If they taste healthy I am turned off. If they taste like kid food and sugary sweet I am turned off. If they are way chewy or way to dry I am turned off. SO..these are just right! Not to sweet, not over the top with tasting like health food, and not dry as bark.

I have only tried the oatmeal chocolate.

Let me know what you think!

Take it easy.

xo M

PS. Thanks to Melissa S. for telling me about these. :)

More fun than I thought.

When my husband wanted to take the boys to the NHRA drag races I was a bit worried. I thought about the crowds, the heat, my kids being hungry, them wanting to use the restroom, etc...

I know I am a bit of a control freak. To prove how much of a freak I am I decided that I would go along. NOT to see the races but to make sure my husband was looking after the boys. Making sure the boys were not getting sun burnt. Making sure the boys were not hungry. Just making sure they didn't get lost. I obviously had complete confidence in my husband.

Well, I went. Everyone was fine. AND....I had a really good time!! It was so FUN!!!! I know, like I said, FREAK!

Take a peek at the photos. Thoughts please.

xo M

The drivers pictured are Ashley Force (John Forces daughter), Antron Brown, Gary Schelzi, Brandon Bernstein, and Tony Pedregon.

Fun, easy, good summer read. MRS. PERFECT

Title - Mrs. Perfect Author - Jane Porter

Okay ladies. This was a great book. Thanks to my wonderful client, Michelle, for turning me on to this one.

I haven't really read anything like this. It is definitely written for women, mothers in particular.

I enjoyed it so much that I ordered another book written by Jane Porter.

I also enjoyed that fact that I live in Western Washington and the story takes place here. It was fun to read about familiar local hot spots.

I would love to hear from you if you have read this book. Sorta like an online book club. Take care and happy reading!

xo M

Try this one on the grill. Mmmmmm

This recipe calls for quite a few ingredients. I like the flavor but would change the red wine vinegar to a touch of balsamic vinegar...or both!?

I like this recipe because you can add more or less of the seasonings you prefer.

I sliced the cooked chicken and served it with a salad. The salad had a few slivers of red bell pepper, mushrooms, blue cheese chunks, blueberries, sunflowers seeds, boiled egg, and black olive. On the side were canned cooked white beans. I sprinkled a bit of balsamic vinegar over them and put a piece of fresh basil leaf on top. That was super yummy!!

Whisk together these magical ingredients.

1 lime juiced
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1/2 cup white wine
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup honey
1 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground ginger
3 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Adding red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper if you like it to have a little "kick".

6 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2 inch thick

Marinade for at least 30 minutes. I let mine sit in the fridge for 24 hours.

I sorta thought this had an Indian or middle eastern flair. I really like the ginger and cumin flavors.

You can click on the image to enlarge it.

Give it a try and let me know.

My moms birthday party.

I had a birthday party for my mom this past weekend. It turned out really well. As you can see from the photos, my family is Korean.

That is me along with my mom and aunts.

The party was held at a Korean restaurant. I posted a picture to show what I did for some of the table decorations. I made photos of her and printed words under each one. Everyone really enjoyed seeing how she has looked over the years.

I really enjoyed doing this for my mom. I had so much anxiety but it turned out fine.

Thanks.

Great website for parents and kids!

http://www.commonsensemedia.org/

This is a great website! I use it A LOT to check out movie reviews. The site is for parents that want a true take on content in movies, video games, TV, CD's, DVD's, websites, and books. It's covers pretty much all media that kids would be exposed to. There are reviews from parents and kids alike.

I like the layout of the site. You can look things up easily with age groups, media type, or just do a general search.

When it asks if you would like to sign up you can simply click "no thanks". There is no required registration or cost to use the site.

PLEASE take a minute to look it over. You'll be impressed.

Wishing you lots of fun on the 4th!

Wishing all of you a fun 4th of July.

This is Oliver. Our super sweet dog.

Toscanos cafe and wine bar

http://www.toscanospuyallup.com/directions.asp

This was a nice place. It is located in Sumner, not far from the freeway.

My friend Melissa and I had lunch there with my son's teacher Caryl. It was really pretty good. We each had a DREAMCICLE martini, turkey avocado panini's, and salad with a really nice dressing. We also treated ourselves to creme brulee. YUMMMMY.

This place was located in almost a business building sorta area. There wasn't a great view. That didn't seem to matter. We ate in the outdoor seating area which offers an outdoor fireplace. The indoor area was mature with dark wood and cool lighting. It would be perfect for appetizers and cocktails with friends or date night. The place isn't big which adds to the charm. It's sorta intimate.

I would defiantly go back. The menu was tempting, nice atmosphere, and the service was perfect. It receives an A- from me. Only downfall is the lack of something nice to look at in the out door seating area. You are looking at a road.

Side note. Definitely an adult restaurant.

Let me know what you think. I would love to hear from you.

Yummy with a capital "Y" - Homemade donut holes!

Well, well. What do we have here? How about some YUMMY donut holes?

I saw this idea on a TV show and had to make it my own. It turned out awesome and was super easy to make.

Break open a tube of biscuit dough from the grocery store. Role pieces of the dough into donut hole sizes. The kids enjoyed doing that part.

Heat a pot of oil. I used canola oil.

While the oil is heating up I got brown paper bags. I put a bit of white sugar, cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg into the paper bags.

I also mixed a side of powdered sugar with milk. This made a sort of glaze.

Once the oil was heated I carefully placed some of the rolled dough into the pot. I turned them frequently to brown on all sides.

Once golden brown I place them on a paper towel for just a moment then put a few in the brown bag with sugar mix. The boys bunched up the top of the bags and shook them. They were coated in sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Mmmmmmm

I drizzled with the glaze and ATE them!! Warm and yummy.

Super easy and not very time consuming. Loved it. Hope you do too. Please comment and let me know what you think.

Made approx. 24-30 donut holes.

Asian Flair Chicken - Great for grilling.

This is Called Korean BBQ Chicken Marinade. It is a quick and easy marinade to make ahead and I usually have the ingredients on hand. Super simple with a lot of flavor.
YUM!

I mixed together 1 cup each of white sugar, soy sauce and water. Add onion powder, ground ginger, and garlic to taste. I added about 1 teaspoon of the onion powder and ginger and one clove of garlic. You bring those ingredients to a light boil. Reduce heat and simmer for a few minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Once cool you can add some lemon or lime juice as well as hot chili paste or hot pepper flakes to add some spice.

I pounded down some chicken breasts so they would cook evenly. I place them in a zip-lock bag an refrigerated for about four hours. There is enough marinade for 6 or 8 chicken breasts. You could set some aside to spoon over rice and use the rest for the marinade. They cooked for a few minutes on each side. I cooked two in a frying pan of sorts and cooked the others on an outdoor gas grill. Both were quick, easy, and yummy. I would use fresh ginger if it was available. Enjoy!

Please let me know if you try it or if I missed something.

xo M

Pretty nails

I don't wear artificial nails but I do usually wear polish. For some ladies keeping polish on natural nails can be challenging. I have found these items that seem to keep the polish on longer.

There is a top coat and base coat from Creative nails. The top coat is called "Speedy" and the base coat is called "Sticky". I also use and "orange wood stick" to clean up when I color outside the lines. The can is purchased from Sally's Beauty Supply. It is Beauty Secrets Nail Enamel Dryer. It helps dry the polish faster. I apply the sticky, then two coats of polish, then one coat of speedy, then I wait a few minutes and spray with the dryer.

I usually treat my self to pedicures but do my own nails. I end up polishing about once a week. The polish does not peel off it just gets rough looking.

Pretty nails are always in style.

Crafty card

Here is a card I made a while back. I like the blue and brown together. I used Stampin' Up punches for the flowers and added a button. On the inside I stamped with craft ink.

Thanks for lookin'

Have an easy day.

xo M

$$$

Guess how much we made on our unwanted treasures?

The garage sale was crazy busy.

Take a guess!

Pretty lashes

Aren't these pretty? Just wanted to show you some recent lash extensions I did.

The ladies have been lovin' them. I think when the weather warms up people want the lashes. It's way easier than mascara. A lot of my clients are going on vacations and want to lay by the beach or pool with out worrying about mascara running down their face.

These are very light and natural. It wasn't a full set. Only 75% of her lashes were full in this photo. Still very pretty.

M

Pretty hair

Here is my fabulous client Melissa. Her color looks so great!

Love ya Mis! Love your hair do too!

OMG - What a mess!

Here it is. My shame. My mess. My GARAGE SALE. Hope people come and buy this stuff.

We have a four car over sized garage. We have managed to fill three of the four! Can you believe it. This goes to show ya that people have more than they need. I am embarrassed.

Lesson...don't do this!