Words today....Even celebrities struggle to pull it all together

“[I’m] trying to figure out time management, You know, you want to give every piece of your life — all of it. So, I want my kids to have all of me, I want my husband, I want my mom and dad, my brother, my friends and, of course, work. And so it’s just really hard for me to figure out time management.” —Jessica Alba

Words on Wednesday: A children't poet reminds us that anything is possible

"Listen to the Mustn'ts, child. Listen to the Don't. Listen to the Shouldn'ts, the Impossibles, the Wont's. Listen to the Never Haves, then listen close to me...Anything can happen, child. Anything can be." —Shel Silverstein

Flexibility is key...

I work with my clients to build in flexibility to their daily and/or weekly schedules in case they get a last minute work assignment, the kid gets sick or their elderly parent falls and is rushed to the ER. Well, today it paid off for me. My daughter's school bus was running really late, so we and the other parents and kids waiting, hopped the subway to get o school on time. Since I was just headed to the gym after she got on the bus, I had the flexibility to do this. Having kids, makes flexibility a must.

Family is what you make it....

After my daughter's 5th grade graduation, a set of her grandparents went out to lunch. They ran into the teachers and commented how nice graduations was. The teachers asked who they were their for and they told them. A teacher said that she the resemblance between Grandma and Sylvie. Only, they are not biologically related. These grandparents are very close friends that have been in Sylvie's life since she was in my tummy (in fact I meet Grandma when I was 13) and so they became grandparents. It is nice that I can teach my daughter that family is what you make it and not just biology. Sylvie is close to my mom and this grandma with no distinction between the two. This warms my heart.

Been a while....

I have moved back into my home despite the fact that my kitchen renovation is not quite done, necessitating that I wash dishes in the bathroom up stairs (only working sink) and so I am grateful for canned items with pull tabs (my can opener is packed away in storage), the automatic water dispenser on my new fridge and my patient daughter especially when she asks, "Mom, what's in the sink?" and I reply "I washed pots this morning."

In the kitchen on Thursday.. A recipe from a friend.

Last night I made Chicken and Rice from the Family Plate Cookbook by Marie Isner and my family loved it.

Full Disclosure: Marie is not only my health coach but also a dear friend. My hat goes off to her for writing a cookbook.

To purchase the cookbook at Amazon, click the link below.
http://www.amazon.com/Family-Plate-Cookbook-Real-Families/dp/1500147273/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1429219452&sr=8-1&keywords=marie+isner

(P.S.I made the Italian Meatball recipe too and thought it to be better than the one in the Joy of Cooking.)

What's important?

While traveling, I am learning that being there for your family is just as important as having a good time and that you can truly only have a good time when your whole family (those traveling with you) feel at ease.

Wednesday's words from Eeyore

"A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference." — Eeyore

The end of the week blues

My daughter was complaining this morning about it being Friday and she is tired after a long week at school and I realized that I am tired like her and so call it the "Friday Blues", where you are just pushing to get the day done to start a weekend of R&R (Hopefully!).

Tuesday's Tip on pet "accidents"

Pour baking soda on pee spot on a rug or carpet and it will soak up the pee and remove the order, then just sweep or vacuum up after a few minutes. (Can you tell we got a puppy?!)

Wednesday's words on exercise

”A bear, however hard he tries, grows tubby without exercise.”― Winnie the Pooh

Im the Kitchen on Thursday: Recipe for an Apology of sorts

I want o apologize to my readers and followers for not keeping up with my blog of late—life got busy with the start of school, more clients, frizzy hair (that needed taming) and some personal needs that needed not be neglected any more and so now I am back in full force and ready to go.

(P.S. The main ingredient in an apology is honesty with a pinch or two of humility and humor.)

Wednesdays words on homework

"Home computers are being called upon  to preform many new functions including the consumption of homework formerly eaten by the dog." —Doug Larson

Tuesday's Tip: Diaper Change

Use a plastic shopping bag to line a public changing table and then use the bag to discard the dirty diaper and wipes.

(P.S. I learned this by observing a mother in a public restroom.)

It's Friday!

Most people relish when Friday comes because that means a weekend off and not for me with soccer games Saturday and Sunday and kid who has soured on Daddy so I am the it mom for know, so my weekend is all kid and more kid and strangely that makes me smile until I remember the Saturday game is at 8 am.

In the kitchen on Thursday...Buying in bulk

A few months back I made my fist trip to a bulk store. I was so excited to get large packages of items that were gigantic sized or multiples of a smaller size. Friends and family had raved and my mother, who I went with, was dying to check it out. She liked  it and I didn't. Why? She is one and I am three in my household. Whatever she buy is just for her. My daughter was with us, so we bought some snacks for her and I still have some left and she is tired of them. The cleaning products were a steal, the food items not so much. I am glad that my local grocery store is still in business and won't be folding anytime soon. Just my thoughts.

In the kitchen on Thursdasy: Easy Pasta Meal

1  jar Vodka sauce
3-4 slices cooked Turkey or Pork bacon
1/2 box Spaghetti, cooked according to the package directions.
3/4 C. Grated Parmesan or other cheese

Cook the bacon until crisp. Allow to cool and then crumbleHeat up the sauce. Put the cooked pasta in 4 bowls. Ladle sauce on top. Then add crumbled bacon and cheese. Serve immediately. Seves 4.

In the Kitchen on Thursday: Sinful Mac n' Cheese

1 box. Ziti Rigate
2 Tbsp. Butter
2 Tbsp. Flour
1 1/2 C. Milk
1/4 lb. American Cheese
1/2 lb. Cheddar Cheese
1 1/4 C. Corn Flake crumbs
1-2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
1/4 C. grated Parmesan or other hard cheese

Cook Pasta based on directions on box and drain. Melt butter in sauce pot. Whisk in flour until it is all incorporated. Add in milk and whisk for 2 minutes. Then pour in cheese and whisk until all covered by milk mixture. Place on lid leaving an opening. Let cook until cheese is melted. In the meantime in a bowl mix the crumbs, olive oil and cheese. Toss the pasta with the cheese sauce. Place in an oiled large baking dish. Top with crumbs. Broil for 5-7 minutes. Serve warm. Makes 6-8 servings.

(I almost ate 1/4 of the dish after I made it, so beware.)

In the Kitchen on Thursday: A classic with a twist

When I spoke to the caterer about my families food dislikes, I mentioned tomatoes, and so the vegetable lasagna was sauceless, like a white pizza and in my opinion equally as good as the classic and better than white pizza, a favorite of mine and so, I recommend you try your next veggie lasagna sauceless.

Wednesday's Words From Winnie the Pooh

“If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together... there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart... I'll always be with you.”  —A. A. Milne