QUALITY TIME

Good morning everybody! How are you doing this bright Saturday morning? I’m good… in a lot of pain but good on the inside, so life is good! The gang wants to go to a local nursery called Maa’s, but I’m not quite sure if I can handle it today. Playing in my little garden is one thing… walking what’s gotta be at LEAST a 1 acre or more nursery grounds is totally different. I do need to take these clothes and donate them so I can get them out of my living room! Then of course, I could get the guys to pull more stuff out of storage too… I just don’t know what I want to do today LOL!



Well, I got more plants for my ever growing garden yesterday! I got 2 more Husky Cherry tomatoes, 2 Porters Dark Cherry tomatoes, 4 Mucho Nacho Jalapeno peppers, and 9 Brussels Sprouts. I also picked up 3 more bags of potting soil. After school my DD15 wanted to help in my garden. She and I were outside and I was teaching her how to plant the veggies and how to feed and water them. She was learning where her food comes from and how much hard work it can be. But most importantly, we were sharing quality time together. We also planted some more seeds… pumpkin, zucchini, cantaloupe, and okra. Hopefully in about 2 weeks we will see these seeds start to pop. She told me she would be so proud if her seeds actually grew. We had fun. I love spending quality time with my kids. And now I am super excited about the sprouts of Peas I have in the starter cups! I can’t wait to plant them! I got the Gardening fever! And if I can bring a little bit of Spring to my readers who cannot yet indulge and enjoy, then so be it. I will be your “Susie Springtime” LOL!

Alright kids, Easter is less than a month away, so its time to start thinking Easter crafts! Whether you decorate your house just for your family, or you host a big ol’ shingdig… we’ll cover it! If ya need ideas, leave me a comment and I’ll make sure I take care of ya! OK… I wanna start with one of the first things I think about for “decorating”… Centerpieces. You can put them on any table… dining room, coffee tables, end tables, you name it! Traditionally you are gonna find that most of your colors of spring are yellows, oranges, and pastels. Bright and cheery is your goal. Daffodils, tulips, lillies, and daisies are prevalent this time of year… especially in Easter décor. And Easter is a very religious event for many as well. I, personally, do not decorate in a religious theme as to not offend anyone. I have friends of many different faiths, and I want them to be as comfortable as possible when they come to visit.



Craft Idea of the Day: Centerpieces with food

Food can be a unique aid in decorating, but to prevent spoiling, is usually a last minute thing. You can make a beautiful centerpiece with nothing more than a glass container, fresh flowers, food and water. Make sure that the color of the food compliments the flowers and goes along with your theme.



I find fruits such as limes, lemons, oranges, apples, etc. are very good to use, and then you have jelly bean and Jordan almonds are popular candies to use. Its whatever your heart desires to make! I don’t recommend making skinned fruits (limes, lemons, etc.) more than MAYBE 3 days in advance at most. Hard candies, I say maybe one week…



You can also use those brightly colored plastic Easter eggs you find in the store. I recommend the smaller ones- but if you are making a larger vase, then the regulars will work well too. Since they are plastic, this is a centerpiece you can prepare farther in advance… just make sure you take care of your fresh flowers. There again, you could use silk and it would not need to be watered. You see how the possibilities are kinda endless here? LOL! Whatever you choose to make, I’m sure it will be a wonderful piece to your decor!

Ok, For dinner last night, we had a recipe in one of Erin Chase’s $5 Dinner newsletters. It utilizes Brussels Sprouts, which we just planted today LOL. So I would like to share the recipe with you as my gang ate it up last night… so once again Thanks Erin for another great recipe!



Pan Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Chicken & Pasta
(courtesy of Erin Chase @ $5Dinners.com)

Ingredients

3/4 lb. Brussels sprouts
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper
2 chicken breasts (about 1 lb.)
2 cups shell pasta
1/4 cup lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Rinse Brussels sprouts and remove any yellow leaves.
2. Chop off the ends and discard.
3. Cut lengthwise into quarters.
4. Add to a small skillet with some olive oil and lemon juice.
5. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss.
6. Roast the sprouts in the pan for 4-6 minutes, or until turn golden brown. Set aside.
7. In the same skillet, cook the diced chicken pieces. Toss for 6-8 minutes, or until all chicken pieces have cooked through. Cooking time may vary depending on thickness of the pieces.
8. Meanwhile, cook 2 cups of pasta as directed on package instructions.
9. Once pasta and chicken have cooked, add all to a large bowl and toss with 1/4 cup of lemon juice. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, to taste.
10. Serve by itself, or with a side salad.

Ok everyone… its that time again. I am gonna sign off and get everyone up and moving and see what it is we plan on doing today! May become a busy day, may be rather relaxed… I just don’t know. Either way I wish you all the best in whatever you set out to do! HUGS!