Saturday, November 21, 2009

Keen on Quinoa and Finally Forty

I just discovered Quinoa (keen-wah) recently. It is easy to make and very good. It has many health benefits as it is high in protein and other nutrients. It is not a grain; it is a seed. We eat it at least once a week. YAY, my girls will even eat it. Have you had it before? Here's the scoop on it:

I buy it out of the bulk bins at the grocery store. You can also find it boxed in the rice section of the store.

I usually buy about a scoop plus a little more at a time. Before you cook it, rinse it thru a fine strainer. Then add it to your pot of water. If you are using a cup of dry quinoa then put 1 1/2 cups of water in the pot. Toss in some salt. I also add a bouillon cube for flavor. You can add mushrooms, spinach or whatever you like to this too. Bring to a boil, lower heat low and place the lid on and let it absorb the water. It is done when you see a white little rim form around each seed.

This is what it looks like when its cooked.

It makes a great side dish.
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My other favorite side dish: Sweet potato fries. I just cut up sweet potatoes or yams in to fries. Toss with olive oil and then sprinkle with chili powder. Lay out in a single layer on a pan and bake. I have a convection oven so at the end I turn on convection roast to get them a little crispy. They are sooooo good.



Finally, I share this:

My friend Karen is FINALLY FORTY! I flew to Birmingham, Alabama last weekend to attend her birthday party and celebrate. Our other friend Janet surprised us by flying in from Virginia. Trust me when I say SURPRISED! Karen and I were sitting at her kitchen table in our pajamas drinking coffee and eating bagels (and bacon) when the phone rang. It was Janet. She was at the Birmingham airport. We jumped in the car still in our pajamas and drove to get Janet at the airport. These are two of my dearest friends. We met over ten years ago when we lived in the same neighborhood in Birmingham. I'm blessed to have them in my life.

Joy, Karen & Janet

Happy Birthday Karen!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Coupon Clipping is Back In Style Article

If you are visiting my blog after reading the article from The Houston Chronicle and Ultimate Woodlands

Welcome!

I'll give you a quick tour of my blog so you can go straight to the post you came here to read.



If you are looking for ABC's of Couponing go click here.



If you are looking for the recipe for homemade laundry detergent click here.



If you are looking for the post on how to save money on your electric bill click here.



Other money saving ideas can be found at each of those links.



Feel free to take a look around.



If you come here often and wonder what is going on. Well, go read this article about my couponing efforts.



If you have a money-saving idea. Write it in the comments.





Wednesday, November 11, 2009

A Wedding in New Orleans

Last weekend Buster and I drove to New Orleans. We attended the wedding of one the men from his office. It was in beautiful, Historic St. Patricks Church in downtown New Orleans. This church was founded in 1833. I forgot to take a picture of the outside of the church and found this on the church website:


The interior of the church: Isn't it a beautiful church to be married in.


This is a picture of the Port of Baton Rouge where the bridge crosses over the Mississippi River.
You have to drive over a lot of water when your driving thru south Louisiana.


The Atchafalya River Basin: It looks like that for miles and miles.

(from the internet)


The Beautiful Bride Noelle:




Me and my groom:




Keith and I don't go to many weddings anymore. I guess we're at the age where most of our friends are married. So it is a real treat for me to attend a wedding, I love weddings.
We wish Josh and Noelle a happy life together. Thank you for letting us share in the beautiful beginning of your marriage.


Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Fourteen



My sweet Paige turned 14 on Monday.

I wish you could meet Paige in person. She is such a blessing to know.


She is growing into a beautiful young woman.

I'm so proud of you Paigie-pooh.

Please indulge me as I take a stroll down memory lane.

Paige at 8 months old:





Paige at 4 years old:




Always has time for Daddy:




Wasn't she just the cutest. OK. back to the here and now~


Paige at 14 years old:








Leah giving Paige her gift
(a day early because she couldn't wait):


It's a Snuggie!


She had a great birthday at home with us and tomorrow she

is lunching with friends to celebrate some more.




Happy Birthday Paige!


I Love you,

Mom