Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Cancer strikes again

It is with dismay that I share the news of my father-in-law Jim recently being diagnosed with Bladder Cancer. We’re thankful in the fact it’s been caught early and he is scheduled in May to go in to tackle the latest tumors discovered. The initial diagnosis was found last summer when he and Mom were out here visiting us for the Fourth of July. He had had a case of diverticulitis and during a CT scan in the ER, something else had popped up on the screen. He was told at that time to enjoy the rest of his vacation, but once he got home to get in for a checkup. This is now his second time finding and addressing the tumors.
 Like Dad does, he’s staying strong and keeping a positive spirit as best he can. He, along with many members of our family, will be walking in support of the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network on May 5th in Troy, Michigan. If anyone would like to donate to his walking campaign, here is the link. http://www.stayclassy.org/fundraise?fcid=196127

 
I know not many of you know Phil’s dad. He is the Fire Chief of his community back in Michigan of many years, a teacher, and of course the amazing family man we all love so very, very much.

Just thought I’d share in support of this wonderful cause, most importantly just asking for your positive thoughts & prayers.

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Springtime Inspired

My beautiful manicure from Jen's new technique of using foils. 
English rose...



Sunday, November 20, 2011

Phil's latest project

Phil has been quite busy and excited with this project lately. He has two 1962 Cub Cadet Lawn & Garden tractors that he's had lying around for years.  He's rebuilding one for his Dad, and the other for himself.  I think its pretty cute if I do say so myself. 

Before:  Rear end/axle

After:  The frame and rear-end/axle

This is a snapshot off the internet of what the end result will look like. 

Chicken with Lime Dressing


This recipe is from my South Beach Diet Cookbook.  I was a bit hesitant to try this one, but thought why not its something different.  So glad I did, Phil and I both loved the outcome.  And when I say loved it, I mean oohhhing and ahhiiing with each bite.  So yes, this is one to try if you like Chicken, Lime and Avocado.  Refreshing, light, and full of flavor!

Lime Dressing
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup chopped cilantro (I prefer parsley)
1 tbsp chopped onion
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp sugar substitute
1/2 tsp salt

Chicken
1 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pound out to 1/2 in. thickness
2 medium avocados, peeled and pitted
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tsp picante sauce
1 tsp + 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 red bell pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup sliced almonds ( I found a black pepper blend at Winco, delish!)
2 tbsp whole wheat flour

To make the dressing:
In a large bowl, combine lime juice, cilantro, scallions, oil, sugar substitute, and salt. 

To make the chicken:
In a large glass dish, combine the chicken with 3 tbsp of the lime dressing.  Cover/refrigerate for 10 minutes. 
In a medium bowl, mash the avocados with 2 tbsp of the lime dressing.  Stir in the lemon juice and picante sauce.  Reserve the remaining lime dressing.
Heat 1 tsp of the oil in a large nonstick skillet.  Add the pepper, and cook while stirring occasionally for 6 minutes or until peppers are tender and lightly browned.  Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.  Remove to a bowl and toss with the almonds.
Remove the chicken fro the dressing and pat dry with paper towels.  Sprinkle flour over both sides of the chicken. 
Heat the remaining 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add chicken and cook 6 minutes on each side until cooked.  Place chicken on serving dishes, top with the pepper mix, and drizzle the remaining dressing over that.  Serve the mashed avocado mix on the side.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

2011 Garden

100% Phil's handy work, he's such a great gardener. This is the yield he pulled out tonight, I couldn't move the wheel barrel it was so heavy.  I've got some carrots prepped and ready for dinner in the the steamer, yummy!

Monday, October 17, 2011

It's like Christmas every Tuesday...

...Why may you ask?  Because I get THIS on my front stoop, delivered by the lovely and local Boise Milk Company.  The milk is so rich and creamy, definitely better than store bought.  And you can't beat the fact that you no longer have to lug milk through the store switching from one arm to another.  And the chocolate milk...its basically liquid crack, best cocoa concoction I've ever tasted!

Along with the milk is the fresh fruit pack they offer.  For $15 I have enough fruit to last me well over a week.  I'm talking peaches, nectarines, apples, oranges, key limes AND plums.

So yea, seriously - You must give this company a try! 
Love ~ Love ~ Love

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

The Wives Club +1

Laura & Mihai tied the knot on 9/10/11 @ 12:13 
It was a beautiful day at the Treccani ranch where the happy couple said their vows under the grape arbor.  A delicious and decadent luncheon followed, and a little later on we all turned out our beach gear and headed for the river.  Most relaxing wedding I've ever been to.  Congrats you two!!