only 24 hours

I want to learn so many different things right now- crocheting, cooking, knitting, sewing, canning, etc and I am surrounded by some of the most fabulous women, who can teach me all of these things. The only problem- I have so little time in my day. I am making a goal to use my time much more wisely and to be mindful of how much time I just waste when I could be doing something much more productive. Not only will I learn more, but I'll make great friends in the process - what a wonderful way to use my time! Another perk is you'll have things to do while hibernating during the winter months and have something to show for it.

I'd encourage all of you lovely ladies to do the same and take advantage of these amazing women in your neighborhood/ward.

fall food. yum.

Lately I have been doing as many freezer meals as my little freezer can hold, which isn't much. But they have been lifesavers for days when I just do not have time or the energy to create a meal. I have found a wonderful website- Once a month mom, where they plan a month's worth of recipes. I usually just pick and choose a few from their menu that sound appealing (they have a traditional menu and diet menu). I plan my grocery menu around these meals and a few quick ones I can do on days I have more time/energy- works great for keeping the grocery bill lower too since I'm not constantly going for this and that or grabbing random things I may not use. Here is one I recently tried that I did like...

Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

• 1-2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into small chunks)
• finely chopped onion, celery, and carrot (maybe 2 cups total?)
• 1 cup uncooked long grain and wild rice blend
• 4 cups water
• 2 cans cream of chicken soup
• salt and pepper to taste
• additional herbs, if desired (such as rosemary, parsley)

In a stockpot, saute vegetables and chicken until almost done. Add water, soups, seasonings, and rice. Simmer until rice is cooked, about 20 minutes.

Adding the Rosemary and parsley really add a fall flavor and I thought tasted quite yummy.

If you plan on carving pumpkins this season, don't throw away those seeds! Here is a yummy treat that I have tried in the past and we really enjoy them. 

 
Spiced Pumpkin Seeds

• 1 & 1/2 tablespoons margarine, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups raw whole pumpkin seeds

Directions:
Preheat over to 275 degrees. Combine the margarine, salt, garlic salt, Worcestershire sauce and pumpkin seeds. Mix thoroughly and place in shallow baking dish. Bake for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

fried onions

Yesterday, I was sauteing onions and managed to forget about them. Once I remembered, I ran to the stove... too late! After a few tears shed for ruining my AlClad pot and the beginnings of dinner (which we had company coming to) I began looking online for solutions. I found one on eHow and it worked fabulously-the pot looks good as new! I thought I would share it on here in case someone else has a forgetful moment like myself.

1. After scrapping as much gunk as I could out of the pot, fill it with water. Add 1 to 2 tsp. dishwashing liquid and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes, then cover the pot, turn off the heat and leave the pot to soak for 30 minutes

2. With a wooden spoon, scrape away as much of the burned food as possible. Rinse well.
3. If burned areas still remain, cover them completely with a generous amount of baking soda. Drizzle in just enough water to create a thick paste, smearing the paste up the sides of the pot if needed. Set aside for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
4. Without rinsing the pot, add 3 parts water to 1 part distilled vinegar to cover the burned food by at least 2 inches (5 cm). Boil for 10 minutes and then leave overnight.

I had to do all steps only once. When I rinsed and cleaned it the next morning, all those icky brown spots came right up and it's back to it's shiny self!

Conference Weekend

We traveled to Park City this weekend to visit with family. It was great to watch conference and football with the family and of course eat some yummy food.
Since we have moved out west, we have been fortunate to attend several conference sessions and this was one of those times. We were able to attend the Sunday AM session, which was wonderful. I am so grateful that our Father in Heaven allows us to know His will through prophets in the past and today.

Above: Kevin and I in front of the Conference Center.
Below: The Salt Lake Temple peaking above the trees.

Twinsies!

My little cousin, Kendall, and I matched today.

Isn't she a cute little tiger fan?

supersticious

"I'm not superstitious, but I might be a little stitious."
-Michael Scott, The Office

I got these shoes right before the LSU's amazing 2007-2008 season. They're special shoes. They went with me to every single game-including the SEC championship against Tennessee. The end result that year-a National Championship. Which is why I have and will continue to wear these shoes every single game day.
Geaux Tigers!