Busy busy busy!

Life is so busy with 3 boys, that I simply cannot find time to blog, or get much computer time in at all. Funny thing is that I cannot say that much of my "busyness" is all that interesting. Cleaning, cooking, nursing, breaking up fights, getting snacks and drinks for the boys, cleaning, breaking up fights, nursing, cleaning, breaking up fights.... on and on and on it goes in its uninteresting-ness. What to blog about, such a predicament!

Been reading... the one pleasure I actually find time to do, mostly while nursing. This series, titles "The Dragon Quartet" by Marjorie Kellogg is quite interesting so far. A series of 4 books: Earth, Air, Fire, Water. It lays the story of dragons and their dragon guides awakening and journeying to find "the summoner" who is calling them out of their sleep because of a great distress. One thing I have found quite interesting about the book series is the fact that in the first, you are set up in 913 German principalities, a lush fantasy story laid before you. And then book 2 launches you into 2013 African coast suffering great environmental devastation that is a clear sci-fi setting. Making the jump between the two styles, fantasy and sci-fi, took a bit to adjust into, but then really makes the story interesting. So far I have only read the first two, earth and water. Upon inspection of our book shelves, we found fire missing and I cannot continue with the story yet, which is frustrating as can be. The characters are stir-crazy in my head wanting to get out again and further their journey. I went to several bookstores and none of them had fire in stock, sigh. So I just ordered a used copy on ebay for $2 and will be anxiously awaiting its arrival.

Until then, I will continue cleaning, cooking, nursing, breaking up fights...

Black Bean and Corn Tacos

Unfortunately I cannot post a picture of my delish creation, but my camera broke on our latest vacation to the beach. Who knew sand could get inside the camera and break the lens? Darn windy beach....

Anyways, here is a personal creation that I made for dinner that was an instant hit!

2 cups dried black beans, rinsed
8 cups water
1 onion, peeled and chopped
1 bay leaf
8 oz frozen corn, thawed
8 oz pico de gallo
generous handful fresh cilantro, chopped
corn tortillas
shredded cheese
torn lettuce of choice

Place beans, water, onion and bay leaf in a large pot. Cover and bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until beans are tender.
Remove from heat, drain and remove bay leaf.
Stir in corn, pico de gallo, and cilantro. Season with salt to taste.
Heat corn tortillas in heavy skillet over medium heat, about 15 seconds per side.
Fill with black bean and corn filling, top with cheese, lettuce, and any other taco toppings of choice.
Enjoy! =)

Eclectic Organization.

In my search for a more organized home, I have decided that I want to collect and fill my house with an eclectic array of antique knobs and hooks to hang things on for organizing different things. I am going to start scouring yard sales, antique shops, and goodwill stores. But for the time being, since i am bound to the house right now, I am scheming on the Internet and am sharing some cute little finds.

from The Little Red Door on Etsy

from madampickay on etsy

from theyearoftherabbit on etsy

Japanese Style Curry.

I love curry, it is one of my favorite foods. Japanese style curry rice, kare raisu, is my favorite. It is a bit more like European/English style stew with curry flavor, not like the Indian curries. In this weeks CSA box I got some wonderful Nantes Carrots, La Soda Red Potatoes, and a Georgia Boy Onion... so I decided tonight was a great night for some curry.



1 1/2 lb beef chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces

4 red potatoes, scrubbed and cubed

2 carrots, sliced

1 onion, sliced

3 1/2 cups water

1 3.5oz box curry roux



Add a small amount of oil to a large pot over medium, add beef and potatoes. Brown beef and onions, about 5 minutes. Add water, increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer about 45 minutes. Add carrots and potatoes, simmer 10 minutes. Break up curry roux block and add. Stir until melted, simmer 5 min. Serve over rice.



I often add different veggies I have on hand: celery, peas, bell peppers, etc. Good for using up root veggies. Yummy!

Romano Beans.

A lovely new addition to my vegetable box last week was Romano Beans. In the newsletter that comes with my box was a simple recipe that is absolutely delicious.

1 lb Romano beans, ends snapped
4-5 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 tbs olive oil, dependent on personal preference
salt and pepper to taste

Steam the Romano beans until tender crisp, I did not note the cooking time on this. Toss with garlic, olive oil, and salt and pepper. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours. Good alone or tossed into a nice summer salad.

Savory Roasted Root Vegetables.

Every Tuesday I go and pick up a large box of vegetables from a local organic farm, my vegetables for the week, as part of Community Supported Agriculture(CSA). Not only am I getting great fresh organic produce for a decent price ($20/week), I am supporting a local family-owned farm. http://www.localharvest.org/csa/

Last week, I received some beets in my box, and was extremely puzzled as to how to use them. Today I finally whipped them out and used them along with the carrots, potatoes, and onions I received in this weeks box..... boy were they good!!

About 3 raw beets, cubed
4 carrots, cubed
1 onion, cubed
2 cups cubed potatoes
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon dried thyme leaves
salt and pepper to taste
1/3 cup dry white wine
1 cup torn beet greens

Preheat an oven to 400 degrees F.
Place the beet, carrot, onion, potatoes, and garlic into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Drizzle with the olive oil, then season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, stirring once midway through baking. Remove the baking dish from the oven, and stir in the wine. Return to the oven, and bake until the wine has mostly evaporated and the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes more. Stir in the beet greens, allowing them to wilt from the heat of the vegetables. Season to taste with salt and pepper before serving.

Recipe adapted from Allrecipes.com

Happy Birthday to Me!

Got my birthday present a little early this year! =)

2003 Kia Sedona LX. I am sooooo happy! Up until now, we have been unable to travel altogether as a family, we had to take separate cars because we could not fit all three car seats in either the Matrix or the Kia Sportage. With my birthday coming up we were really wanting to finally get to go on a vacation to the coast, but the whole car issue got in the way. The wonderful seller was kind enough to allow us to pay half now, then half next month. So, not only do we have a van, but we also have the financial ability to take the vacation to the coast. I am one happy Mamma!! =)