Archives for December 2013

Selecting Belle Peppers for Home Cooking

December 29, 2013 by
Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on selecting belle peppers.  If you want to experience the true flavor of belle peppers, you must have knowledge of how to select belle peppers for home cooking.

So, each year I plant a combination of belle, cayenne, and jalapeno in my backyard vegetable garden.  At the end of the season, I freeze the belle peppers, dry the cayenne, and pickle the jalapenos.

I love planting a variety of belle peppers.  Furthermore, I try to grow a variety of colors that include green, yellow, red and orange.  I even tried a white variety, but was unsuccessful.  All belle peppers start out green.  With patience, they will turn yellow, red and orange depending on what you have planted.
selecting belle peppers
Belle peppers are great in casseroles, omelets, sauces, chili and other dishes.  I also use my belle peppers in veggie trays,  pasta dishes, jambalaya and anything else I can cook up. The red, yellow and orange peppers make an impact in dishes.  They’re really pretty in omelets and vegetable trays too.  They give dishes a little color as well as flavor.  Presentation is everything when it comes to eating.

 

Selecting Belle Peppers

 

Know the difference between male and female belle peppers?  Using the right peppers will enhance the flavor of your dishes.  Males should be used in certain dishes and females in others.  That is why selecting male and female peppers is important.

 

  • Lesson 1 – Male peppers have 3 bumps on the bottom.

 

selecting belle peppers

 

 

  • Lesson 2 – Male peppers are usually a little taller and have less seeds than the female.  Most shoppers go for the biggest peppers; however, they don’t consider the dishes they will be preparing at home.  Male peppers  are better for cooking foods like chili, tomato sauce and other dishes that require heat.

 

 

selecting belle peppers

 

 

  • Lesson 3 – Female peppers have 4 bumps on the bottom. Females are more round and have a sweeter taste than the males.  I use these for vegetable trays, fresh salads and cold pasta dishes. However, they have more seeds than the male.

 

Finally, the next time you’re at the grocery store, use your new knowledge on selecting belle peppers.  Simply flip those babies over and check out the bumps.  Most importantly, make your selection according to the dish you’re preparing.

 

Filed Under: Vegetable Garden Tagged With: , ,

Using Suet Feeders for Backyard Birds

December 28, 2013 by
Today, I’m going to discuss using suet feeders for backyard birds.  Food sources for backyard birds become scarce during the winter.  So, I decided to put up a couple of suet feeders in addition to my regular feeders.   What is suet you ask?  Simply put, it’s fat mixed with corn, fruit, peanuts, hot peppers and/or  dehydrated insects.  Furthermore, it comes in a brick or log form.  The bricks fit into most suet feeder cages.

suet feeders for backyard birds

Also, you can use suet cakes year round.  So, they’re not just for winter feeding anymore.  That just happens to be the time of year I use them because the birds need the fat and protein.  If you’re going to use suet feeders for backyard birds in warmer months, I recommend using the No Melt Suet.  Check the package to ensure you have the No Melt version before you leave the store.  It’s easy to get the packages mixed up.  Also, using suet feeders are cheaper than buying bird seed.  So, if you don’t want to invest a lot of money in bird seed, a suet feeder is the way to go.

Furthermore, I’ve discovered that some birds prefer suet rather than seed.  Suet is important to birds, especially during the colder months.  It helps to keep them warm.  Mostly insect lovers like Mockingbirds, Orioles, Nuthatches, Woodpeckers and Chickadees flock to suet feeders.  I have been able to get my Woodpeckers and Chickadees to eat from my platform feeder too.  They love black oil sunflower seeds.

 


 

 

As a matter of fact, I really hoped to attract Orioles this past spring.  I tried using oranges this spring, but no luck.  I did manage to attract a Mockingbird and Catbirds.  They are both beautiful birds.  The Mocking Bird loves my bacon birdseed cookies.

 

 

suet feeders

 

 

The Downy and Red Bellied Woodpeckers are frequent visitors to the suet feeder.  I purchase the bricks made specifically for woodpeckers; however, I think they will eat any that contain nuts and fruit.  They love it.  Also, they will visit the platform feeder and indulge in the black oil sunflower seeds.

 

 

suet feeders for backyard birds

 

 

It’s cheaper, and the suet cakes last longer.  That’s if the squirrels, Starlings or Grackles don’t find the suet cages.  They can devour a cake or two in a day.  As a result, I purchased this bottom suet feeder to try to deter them.  So far it’s working.  I can put 3 of the suet cakes in this feeder.  The woodpeckers love it.  I have both Red-Bellied and Downy Woodpeckers that visit.  For larger woodpeckers like Flickers, the cage suet feeders are better.  They are large birds, and it seems easier for them to hold on to the cages rather than the bottom feeder.

 

 

suet feeders

 

What backyard birds visit you?  Do you feed them?  If so, what methods do you use to attract them?   Check out my other posts on attracting backyard birds before you leave.

 

suet feeders for backyard birds

 

 

This is a Downy Woodpecker on a cage suet feeder filled with raisins and cranberries.  So, you can get creative and use other food besides suet in your suet cages.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Backyard Birds Tagged With: , ,

Shari’s Berries Review

December 28, 2013 by
I decided to splurge this Christmas and order a box of Shari’s Berries.  So, I’m sharing my Shari’s Berries Review.  I’ve seen the advertisement on TV and listened to the promotions on the radio for years.  And, they looked so delicious.  I finally gave in and ordered a box.   The lowest price was a 1/2 dozen at $19.99.  They offered an additional 1/2 dozen for $4.99 more so I ordered a dozen totally.  However, the shipping was quite expensive, $12.99.  Wow!  Because I had my heart set on those delicious strawberries, I decided to treat myself and ordered them anyway. 
Shari's Berry Review

The package that the berries were in was very nice.  The original packaging had an ice pack ensuring they arrived fresh and in tact.  The white bow gave it a little class.  And the box was sturdy.  The strawberries themselves was disappointing.  My reaction was what the hell?  I was expecting the berries to be more colorful and appetizing.  As you can see from the picture below, the presentation was not great.    Two were dipped in white chocolate, 2 in nuts, and 2 in chocolate chips.

 

 

Shari's Berries Review

 

 

My reaction went from what the hell to I paid good money for this?  Never again, and I mean never again.  I decided to try the strawberries, and I must admit the berries were fresh.  They were quite delicious actually and I did enjoy all of them.  So, the taste was much better than the presentation.  But, presentation is everything for that price.  I wondered what went through the company’s head before they shipped these out.

 

Shari's Berries Review

 

 

Finally, would I order them again, no.   Not for this price, and for the strawberry assortment I received.  I don’t know if everyone receives this particular assortment, but it was my destination.  It is supposedly their most popular request.  I felt deceived.  The beautifully decorated and delicious strawberries on TV and on their site was an enticement.  But, what I actually received wasn’t close.  Spending $40.00 to only be disappointed is not how I like to spend my money.  I hope my Shari’s Berries review has been helpful to you.

You may also like my Allenbelle Essentials Oils Review.

Filed Under: Product Reviews Tagged With: ,

2013 White House Christmas Decorations

December 19, 2013 by

I love the White House decorations.  Each year I look forward to the First Lady unveiling the massive trees and display. The theme this year was Gather Around.  The theme focuses on holiday traditions and each tree will tell a story.  There are a total of 24 trees on display to the public, and than the Obama’s tree in their private residence totaling 25.  With the exception of the Obama’s personal tree, which will be decorated by Sasha and Malia, 83 volunteers from across the country participated in tree trimming, wreath hanging and other displays.  I think the trees and decorations are amazing.

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Filed Under: Life-Thoughts Tagged With: , ,

20 Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Teen Girls

December 19, 2013 by

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on stocking stuffer ideas for teen girls.  We know that teenage girls can be difficult to purchase for and are usually the last and most difficult to purchase for many. Shopping for my daughter and teenage nieces was a mixed experience.  Figuring out what to buy was difficult, but once I went into the stores to start shopping for them it was fun.

I’ve eliminated the what to get for you.  I’ve put together a list of what has worked for me.  So, if you’re strapped for time, pick a few items from the list before you head out.  This will keep you from wondering around the store and reduce your shopping time.

One thing that I learned is most teenage girls are into makeup, fashion, movies, music, boys, and good food.  Think about that.  What makeup are you comfortable allowing your daughter to wear, lip gloss, nail polish, lipstick, eyeshadow?  Gift certificates are always a win.  

Google the top artist for teens, and listen to a sample of their songs.  Better yet, have your teen give give you a wish list.  Personally, I never asked for a wish list I ventured out on my own and must say I got lucky with my purchases.  

 

 

stocking stuffer ideas for teen girls

 

 

Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Teen Girls: 

 

  1. Nail polish in bright colors
  2. Gift certificate for a manicure or pedicure  (Big Hit)
  3. DVD
  4. Movie night gift basket or bag with Popcorn, Candy and a drink
  5. A Journal
  6. CD of their favorite artist
  7. Lip gloss
  8. Gift certificate to their favorite salon 
  9. Bath and Body products
  10. Loofah/sponges 
  11. Hand lotion for her purse
  12. Socks 
  13. Infinity scarf in her favorite color
  14. Perfume
  15. Hat and gloves
  16. Bangles
  17. Nail designs
  18. Gift certificate to a Cosmetic Counter such as Lancôme , Mac or Estee Lauder
  19. Pre-made Scrapbooks
  20. Magazine Subscription

 

 

 

stocking stuffer ideas for teen girls

 

 

Be sure to check out the bargain bins and clearance items too.  They have great deals on nail polish, movies, socks, hats gloves etc. Get creative and your imagination on a gift.   

 

Filed Under: Parenting Tips, Shopping Tips Tagged With: , , ,

Backyard Birds – Dark-eyed Junco Visits

December 15, 2013 by

Attracting backyard birds is a fun and interesting hobby.  I ‘ve had new visitors at my feeder recently, the Dark-eye Junco.  These backyard birds are also known as “snow birds”.  We had about 8 inches of snow, and they appeared on que.  They are beautiful birds, a grayish black with a white belly.  Some look almost coal black with a white belly.  They prefer colder climates, which explains why they have suddenly appeared at my feeder now that it has snowed.  Today, lets discuss how to attract Dark-eyed Junco to your backyard.

 

 

dark eyed junco

The Dark-eyed Junco visits backyard feeders in the winter, but breed in forests across Canada, the western U.S., and in the Appalachians.  I recently added a tube feeder to my feeding station, my tree, because the platform feeder holds the snow.  However, the Dark-eye Junco actually prefers the platform feeder.  They are called snow birds because they love the snow.  So, forging for seed buried under the snow in the platform feeder doesn’t seem to faze them.

They have interesting habits too.  I’ve seen them lay in the snow covered platform feeder and just chill.  Or, you will find them scouring the snow covered ground for dropped seed.

                                     Dark-eyed Junco
So, if you want to attract these entertaining birds to your backyard feeder, use a platform feeder.   and fill it with millet, bread crumbs, cracked corn or hulled sunflower seeds.  Platform feeders need to be emptied and clean more often than tubes or other feeders.  Why, because they are open to the elements.  Make sure the seed is fresh rather than wet and moldy.  I try to add fresh seed at least twice a week to my platform feeder.
Dark Eyed Junco
Furthermore, Dark-Eyed Junco like bread crumbs.  However, not just any bread is acceptable.  Make sure it is multi-grain.  Just like us, birds need to consume healthy foods.  As a result, rather than throw out the end of my multi-grain loaf that everyone refuses to eat and other pieces that are getting old,  I save them for the birds.  I stick them in the freezer.  I toast a slice and spread peanut butter on it.  The birds love it.
attracting Dark Eyed Juncos
Another trick to draw Dark-Eyed Juncos to your feeder is to spread birdseed on the ground.  Use a mix of black oil sunflower seeds mixed with cracked corn.  To avoid rodents or unwanted animals, limit the amount of seed that you spread on the ground.  I’m looking forward to watching my new visitors frolicking in our fresh snow.

 

Filed Under: Backyard Birds, Nature-Gardening Tagged With: , ,

Easy Recipes: Crockpot Cube Steak

December 15, 2013 by


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  • Family pack of cub steak
  • 2 cans (10.75 ounce size) cream of mushroom soup or 1 large family size
  • 1 envelope onion soup mix
  • 3/4 cup water (I did not use water)
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:
Place all ingredients in a crock pot. Cook on low all day.  The recipe calls for a 3/4 cup of water; however, I didn’t include the water.  This recipe makes a nice gravy and is best served with mashed potatoes.  I didn’t want to put the energy into mashed potatoes today, so I fixed a baked potato and a side salad.  You can also serve it over rice, noodles or with your favorite side dishes.  Enjoy. 
Filed Under: blog recipes, crockpot recipes, easy recipes, family meals, Food-Recipes, free recipes, Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

Christmas Carols and Their Meaning

December 14, 2013 by

 

Have you ever wondered what some of the phrases in Christmas Carols mean.  I’m in a festival mood, and was singing We Wish You A Merry Christmas. I got to the part where you sing Bring Me Some Figgy Pudding and a Cup of Good Cheer, and wondered what is Figgy Pudding.  I’ve been singing the song for years and had no idea what it is.  I have learned that it is basically a cake made from figs and walnuts. 

I wondered what other carols I had been singing for years and didn’t know what I was singing.  I found a few others.  Here we go:

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.  (a nostalgic desire)  

Away In A Manager – The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes
But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes
I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky.
And stay by my side and the morning is nigh,  (Near in time or place)

Deck the Halls with boughs of holly Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
‘Tis the season to be jolly Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Don we now our gay apparel  (Festive attire, party clothes)

Jingle Bells – Dashing through the snow On a one-horse open sleigh
Over the fields we go Laughing all the way. Bells on bob-tail ring  ( tail of a horse that has been braided.  It was also common to put bells on horses pulling carriages to warn pedestrians)

Over the river and through the woods Trot fast my dapple gray  (a type of horse)
Spring o’er the ground just like a hound For this is Christmas Day.

Honestly, I have been mumbling lyrics for years because I can’t get past the first verse on most of them unless I have the written words in front of me.  I have no idea why it suddenly dawned on me tonight that I didn’t know the meaning of some of the lyrics that I have been singing for years.  I do know that Christmas Carols make me happy and put me in a festive mood.  Happy Holidays!

 

Filed Under: Life-Thoughts Tagged With: , ,

Dreams Really Do Come True

December 9, 2013 by

                                                                     

  

Dreams really do come true.  My daughter has been a Tar Heel fan as far back as I can remember.  I purchased Tar Heel gear for her all through high school so she could show her love.  She has passed her love on to Xavier.  He has on his University of North Carolina colors, light blue and white shirt, and a smile bright enough to light up the sky as he stands in front of the NC Chapel Hill logo.  A big moment for a little boy. 


My daughter was given 4 tickets to see the Tar Heel basketball team play this pass week-end at the Dean Dome, which seats 21,750 fans.  That’s a huge stadium.  I don’t know who was happier, Xavier or Marisha.  My SIL, who is not a UNC fan, swallowed his pride and made arrangements to take the family and one of Xavier’s friends to Chapel Hill, NC for the week-end.  They had seats directly behind the team, 12 rows away.  How great is that.  To put the icing on the cake, the Tar Heels won 80-51.  Go Bighorn Rams. 

Wondering where the name Tar Heels comes from.  Here’s the history:  North Carolina settlements provided tar, pitch, and turpentine for the navy, in particular the British navy. It was used to paint the bottom of wooden British ships to seal them and to prevent damage to the hull from shipworms.  During the Civil War, it was stated that troops stuck to their ranks like they had tar on their heels. The nickname “Tar Heels” was born. 

This is a picture of Marisha, Xavier, and Xavier’s friend with Rameses the Tar Heel mascot.   Rameses first appeared at a pep rally before a football game against Virginia Military Institute in 1924.  The Bighorn Ram was officially adopted as the mascot and continues to cheer on the Tar Heels. 
Some well known graduates from UNC who went on to play pro ball are Rick Fox and Michael Jordan.  Rick Fox was married to one of my all time favorite singers, Vanessa Williams, and he turned out to be a great actor.  
Family is important and making memories with family is just as important for children.  This family event will live in Xavier’s memory.  He will always remember being at Dean Dome and all of its surroundings when he’s watching the Tar Heels play on TV.  He will always remember daddy making arrangements to take him and mommy to see their favorite NCAA team.  He will be able to look at these pictures and remember one of the most exciting activities ever with mommy, daddy and friend Prince.  I see a scrapbook of this trip in his future.     


Filed Under: family, family memories, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , ,

ABCya

December 8, 2013 by


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ABCya!  ABCya is an educational site that we found for Xavier and he loves it.  He’s outgrown Nick Jr. so this site is the replacement.  The site has educational games and activities for Kindergartner’s through fifth grade, and has become the leader in on-line education for kids.  One of the great things about the site is that you don’t have to create a username or password to access it.  The site was created by teachers and it’s goal is simply to assist parents and children with education.       


The site has math and language arts as well as basic computer skills. Many of the kindergarten and first grade activities are equipped with sound to enhance understanding. You can found holiday activities in the grade sections as well. 

Xavier has become astute in navigating the site.  We use it primarily for spelling, math and occasionally game play.  The site makes learning fun.  There’s Bingo to help with spelling and math.  There’s an app for sight word recognition, learning the coins and how to tell time.  

ABCya.com has been featured by Apple, The New York Times, Disney Family Fun Magazine and Fox News and has received many awards.  I understand why.  I suggest that you introduce your child to this site.  They will love learning in a creative and fun way. 

                                                                    

Filed Under: ABCya, educational websites, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,