Friday, February 13, 2009

Wouldn't THIS make a dandy Valentine's Day gift?

Isn't Twitter just wonderful? I have found marvelous articles, resources, giveaways, blogs, and general encouragement just from my twitter stream. Many times, from gals I don't even know and will probably never meet this side of heaven.

Valentine's day around here is looking pretty low-key because it falls before the next pay-day and I didn't think to budget any extra to cover a night out. But because of my twitter friends I just found out about this contest which I had to both tell you about and enter for myself. If I won, it would make for a great rest of the year. If you won, I won't lie...I'd be a little jealous, but happy I could be a part of letting you know.

Bid my Cleaning is an online maid service provider/contractor that can provide you with a variety of cleaning services including window cleaning, maid services, even eco-friendly cleaning! They are giving a away ONE YEAR's worth of cleaning services! What mom couldn't use that??!

My home is generally straight but to have someone else come in and really deep clean would be so wonderful. I just don't get around to that very often...*ahem* What with the four kids and homeschooling and all the running we seem to be doing. Plus, I just don't really LIKE to clean when I do have some free time (if you do, come right over and I'll give you a job or two. LOL).

I clicked through their site and it's very intuitive and easy to use. Just enter your zipcode and what kind of cleaning services you are looking for and it matches you with a local provider and gives you some quotes. Even if I don't win, it looks like an easy site to use if ever I needed to find services of this nature. Have a look and if you have time, enter for yourself. What have you got to lose?? =)

Monday, February 2, 2009

Necessity is the Mother of Invention

We live in east Tennessee.  We used to live in Florida.  My children's entire memory bank is full of hot, muggy Florida weather.  Prior to moving here, our definition of cold was below 70*.  Today was an unexpected surprise, snow.  For the second time since we've been here, it was snow that 'stuck.'  It only really stuck for a few hours, but it was enough to play in and be excited about.

 


This is in front of the neighbors house because they have great grass and it was sticking so well.  Our yard was rather spotty.

 


Can you see the ice crystals? (snow!)



It was also enough to keep me from running to the grocery store.  Just in time for Jo-Lynne's carnival, I learned that necessity is the mother of invention. You see, those silly kids went out and played hard in that snow, and then came in and wanted dinner!  I had been busy documenting the momentous occasion, so I have not been to the store and supplies are at an all time low.

After pilfering in the pantry, I came up with the ingredients for Tuna Casserole and decided against it.  Instead, I thought I would be creative.  It was such a hit, I am sharing it with the bloggy universe.

 


Mexican Chicken and Rice (or what ever you want to name it)

You will need:

A couple chicken breasts (I used 2 because that's what I had.  Use more if you'd like.)
Packet of Taco Seasonings
2 cups of rice (uncooked)
1 can of rotel type tomatoes and green chilis, drained
1 can black beans, drained
Corn (I used frozen, canned would work too)
Cheese

Preheat oven to 350*

Cook your rice with about half the seasoning packet of taco seasoning stirred into the water.  I also used a couple tablespoons butter for a richer flavor.

While rice is cooking, brown chicken breasts.  I sprinked mine with more taco seasonings and threw them on my George Foreman countertop grill.  When chicken is browned, cut into cubes/chunks.

Rice and chicken done?  Okay...

In a 13X9 dish, layer rice, chicken, some tomatoes, beans, corn, cheese. Then layer a second time sprinkling remaining taco packet lightly over top of dish.  Heat at 350* for 15-20 minutes until heated through and cheese is melty.

Top with sour cream and enjoy!

I learned to live a little in the kitchen this week?  You?  =)