Foodie Friday- Beans and Tomatoes

I love easy stuff! Most of the time dinner is prepared very quickly. Even if I prepare in advance, I only have a short window of time to get it to the table. I am always looking for quick recipes. But I also want them to be yummy and nutritious. This is one of my favorite side dishes. I always make extra and use it the next day for lunch.

Beans and Tomatoes

2 cloves garlic

1 Tbsp. olive oil

1 can great northern beans, drained and rinsed

2 plum tomatoes, chopped

1/4 cup parsley

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

1/8 tsp. black pepper

Sauté garlic in olive oil. Add beans and tomatoes. Heat through. Add parsley, cheese and pepper. Serve warm.

Hope your weekend is beautiful!

Your girlfriend,

Melinda

Last Minute Mother's Day Ideas

If you are like me, this year is flying by and, oops, it is Mother's Day. For us mom's this is a great time for us! Time to be spoiled and pampered. One thing I have learned though, is there are many women in my life I also want to honor. Of course I have no real plans of how to do this! If I was super organized, I would have scrapbooks made for them, or a personalized recipe book. Since I have done none of these things, I needed some ideas! And Fast! If you are in the same boat as me, (the one that has already left the dock, but one of my feet is still on the dock!) then here are some ideas for you.

Last Minute Ideas:

1. Make a gourmet food basket. Go to the grocery and buy foods you would not normally splurge on: cheese spreads, crackers, nuts, jams, fresh fruits. Buy a nice basket and wrap in cellophane.
2. Pick up a nice plant for the yard. I love this gift!
3. Make Chocolate Covered Strawberries! Enough said on that one.
4. Make some bath scrubs. Put them in nice jars and tie with ribbon. Check out this website: Do It Yourself Bath Recipes
5. Make some soup or cookie jar starter kits. Check out this website: Gifts in a Jar
6. Give a gift card for a free house cleaning. What woman would not love this?
7. Write a personal letter to this person. Tell them how they have inspired you to be a better woman.
8. If the lady has young children, offer to watch her kids. She can enjoy some free "free" time.
9. Leave a little bag of chocolates in her desk, purse, etc.
10. Take her dinner one night next week.

There are so many special women in our lives! I have to say I have many! I have an amazing grandma. She is 86 and is still a sales director in Mary Kay! My other grandma was an inspiration to many and now is resting in heaven. I am constantly reminded of patience by the way Tim's grandma lives her life. My aunt is one of my dearest friends and counselors! I have numerous girlfriends who teach me each day to live life to the fullest and don't sweat the small stuff! But my mom, she is my best friend! I never would have said this 20 years ago, now I can't imagine a day with out her.

Take a minute today to think about all those women who make you life truly great!

Your girlfriend,

Melinda

Six things every kids needs, and the one they don't...

Hello there friend! Long time, no blog! Just to let you know what has been going on in my little world... I am working AND going to school as well. I am completing my reading endorsement and am taking two classes - yep, two classes!! Ugh!! I am being crushed by the work load! I came home from work, spent about a half hour with the kids, worked on one paper, ate dinner with the family (thanks honey), and then spent three more hours working on another paper. So, if you have wondered where I have been, now you know!!

As for today's blog, we are finally to the end of our series Six Things Every Kid Needs, And The One They Don't. These are based on an article I read in the the April 17, 2010 Woman's Day magazine. If you missed the other three blogs on the six things every kids needs, you can check here, here, or here.

I think you will like the one you don't. I know I do!!

and the one they don't...
Kids do not need any more TOYS! Too many toys teach kids to always look to material things to entertain themselves. When kids are dependent on toys to entertain themselves, they are never satisfied and are always looking to see what you are buying them next. The bigger picture - kids that are never satisfied and always looking for the next big thing grow up to become adults that are never satisfied and always looking for the next big thing.

It is easy to substitute toys for affection and attention because it takes only a little time to buy your child a toy, but much more time to spend an afternoon together doing something fun. Ultimately, it’s time spent together that will lead to happier kids and happier families.

A few suggestions:

1) Save gift-giving for birthdays and Christmas only. This will teach children learn to wait for what they want.

2) Limit gifts at birthdays and Christmas to a few. This will encourage children to focus on what they really want.

3) Focus on 'free' gifts, such as watching a family video, an outdoor activity such as baking, biking, hiking, or building something together.

So there you have it... six things every kids needs and the one they don't.

Your Girlfriend,
Michelle