Here are some helpful ideas for snacks that are healthier than that Snickers bar lurking in the cupboard…
Whoever thought of this is GENIUS.
This is such a great website!! I have a huge problem with meal planning…especially lunch. This website gives you a plethora of daily (healthy) food choices!
My grandmother was a Home Ec teacher…
Some days I laugh in spite of myself. You have to have a good sense of humor when you are challenged at something. Mine seems to be cooking. Especially over the last year when I was working full time and not using the kitchen as much. Now that I am home, there have been several “incidents” where my cooking skills have proven to be…lacking. Yesterday I poured some water into a pyrex dish I was using in the oven and the entire outer rim cracked right off. Apparently, you don’t put cold water into hot glass dishes. Who knew? Not this chick! This morning while getting Zach and Max their breakfast, I burned my hand in the toaster oven. Toaster oven’s fault! Oh, and let’s not forget the TABLESPOON of baking soda I put into a batch of Christmas cookies. I read the recipe wrong.
Which brings me to a few minutes ago, luckily Brian had left to go to work because I am sure he won’t be happy about my latest kitchen drama….
I sat the plastic crock pot lid onto the stovetop…which I had just been using. OOPS!! That burner wasn’t cooled down yet. I went to put the lid back after stirring the chili and the burner came with it! All I can do is laugh. I think the main reason I am like this is because my husband is a Domestic God. Seriously. I pale in comparison to his cooking and cleaning skills. And I’m absolutely OK with that. I know what I’m good at. I know where my place is. If you need an outfit for a special occasion or just a new pair of jeans, I’m your gal. If you need a great mix CD or help choosing paint colors for your living space….call me! If you need help with your makeup, hair, or a manicure…send me a text!
But if you need something cooked, baked, broiled, fried, braised….you get the idea…you might want to ask for the man of the house.
My happy place…
Tiburon, CA — gorgeous isn’t it? One of the most stunning views in North America. This is the landscape of my soul.
Looking back at 2011…
Here are a few of my favorite things from 2011:
The album Everyone Meet Here by Nathan Veshecco. Here is just one gem from an album of many…”Zombietown” ft. Taryn Sprenkle & Apollo’s Sun.
The album Secret Codes & Battleships by Darren Hayes. This song is one of the most beautiful tracks of the year and came to me at the perfect time…like always.
Pinterest. I dig you. A LOT. As if I needed any more “distractions” online, right? My only excuse for needing an invite to be a part of this community was that it gives me great inspiration and helps with my organization skills….Really!! I’m serious!
This song…
A few memories that made the year special…
I am so grateful for new friends and reconnecting with people I haven’t spoken to in years as well. This year has had it’s ups & downs just like any other but I know for me…it’s been a year of growing and change. I fully embraced my need to write and have committed to becoming a published author. Sometimes we lose track of what’s important to us…we lose our fire…if it weren’t for the people and experiences of this year my fire might not be burning as bright. I feel excited and inspired and determined to reach for the stars. And that is my wish for all of you. That 2012 finds you reaching for the stars…don’t be afraid to let the world know who you really are…and by all means…pour your heart out to someone.
Big love,
Kira
The New Yorker
I created this look at this fun website called polyvore.com — brings out the fashion student in me from years ago!
Um…YUM!
Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries
from Nutmeg Nanny
Ingredients:
-1 lb large strawberries
-8 oz. cream cheese, softened (can use 1/3 less fat)
-3-4 tbsp powdered sugar (4 tbsp for a sweeter filling)
-1 tsp vanilla extract
-graham cracker crumbs
Directions:
1. Rinse strawberries and cut around the top of the strawberry. Remove the top and clean out with a paring knife, if necessary (some may already be hollow inside). Prep all strawberries and set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until creamy. Add cream cheese mix to a piping bag or ziploc with the corner snipped off. Fill strawberries with cheesecake mixture. Once strawberries are filled, dip the top in graham cracker crumbs. If not serving immediately, refrigerate until serving.
Blogger Love
My friend Kim in Australia (love saying that! haha) has a lovely blog that I would like to share with you. I love it because she posts very classic, feminine, & pretty things!! Every time I scroll through her pictures and posts I feel very girlie – sugar & spice & everything nice!! Check her out!
New Year’s Resolution
Yep. Gonna try this…hopefully we don’t get any blizzards in the first 9 weeks of the year……;)
Kira Lugo 