Eggplant Parmesan-A meatless yummy meal

We are trying to go meatless two nights a week and this is a good one to use up our garden eggplants.

Pictured: An eggplant and a pepper from our garden.

Eggplant Parmesan from allrecipes.com

Ingredients:
· 1 medium eggplant, sliced into ¼-inch slices
· 2 eggs, whisk with ¼ cup milk
· 2 cups seasoned bread crumbs
· Olive oil for frying
· Mozzarella cheese, 1/8-inch slices
· 28 oz. favorite spaghetti sauce
· ¼ grated Parmesan cheese
· Basil, for garnish - optional

Method:

Have twice as many eggplant slices as Mozzarella slices. The Mozzarella will be sandwiched in between two eggplant slices.

1. Whisk egg and milk in a small bowl; set aside.

2. Sprinkle half the bread crumbs on a large plate; set aside.

3. Heat approx ½-inch oil in frying pan. Test oil by dropping in a small piece of bread; when oil sizzles it's ready.

4. Dip eggplant slice in egg mixture, then dredge in bread crumbs, place in oil. Fry until light brown and turn, continue to cook until light brown.

5. Place cooked slice in a baking dish, top with a slice of Mozzarella cheese and then with another cooked slice of eggplant.

6. Continue process until all eggplant are in baking dish. Top each with spaghetti sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

7. Place in oven at 350 degrees and cook approx 20-30 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

My zucchini bread FAVORITE recipe (when counting calories)!

I have tried and trued Zucchini bread recipes over and over again. I am watching my waste line so I make this recipe that is low fat but tasty. Keep in mind the full fat recipes are better tasting when compared side by side. On the other hand, we care about the calories, RIGHT?! Enjoy!

LOW-FAT ZUCCHINI BREAD
Makes 16 servings

2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 large eggs
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup skim milk, rice milk or soy milk
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 cups grated zucchini (1 medium)

Combine dry and wet ingredients. Bake at 325 degrees for about 70 min and test with a toothpick.

Yellow Squash also known as Crookneck Squash

I didn't grow up loving yellow squash, but now I enjoy it. I like it raw on salads (like a cucumber) and IF it's cooked in a creamy casserole!Recipe #1-Yellow Squash Casserole from allcooks.com

4 c. cooked, drained and mashed yellow squash

1 med. onion, diced fine

1/2 green pepper, diced fine

1/4 c. chopped pimiento (I buy at Walmart)

1 stick butter (1/4 lb.), melted (I use about half this)

1 c. fat free sour cream

1 can (10 3/4 oz.) cream of celery soup (or cream of mushroom is fine)

3 c. herb seasoned stuffing mix

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese

Dash of paprika

Mix all ingredients together except cheese and paprika. Place in a buttered casserole. Top with grated cheese and sprinkle with paprika. Bake 25 minutes in 350 degree oven or until bubbly. Serves 8-10.

Recipe #2 I use this version the most!!

Yellow squash casserole

1 1/2 lbs. yellow squash sliced and boiled till soft and drained well

1 can low sodium mushroom soup

1 8 oz carton fat free sour cream

1 4 oz jar pimento (chopped) I buy at Walmart

1 8 oz can of water chestnuts (chopped)

1 stick of butter of marg. **I have a substitute see below**

1 medium onion (chopped)

1/2 package of Pepperidge farm herb stuffing mix

In a large bowl, mix cooked squash, mushroom soup, sour cream, pimento, water chestnuts and onion together put to one side. Melt 3/4 stick of butter (or use a little olive oil instead) Mix well with breadcrumbs and put 3/4 of the bread crumbs in the bottom of a 2 qt. dish. Pour squash mixture over 3/4 of the breadcrumbs then sprinkle the remaining 1/4 on the top. Bake at 35o degrees for 40 minutes.

Vinyl lettering on walls

I wanted to pass this on to those who love vinyl lettering. It was a creative entry way application with the metal scrolls below. The scrolls added some 3D dimension. I found it attractive.

Don't forget scale when it comes to mantel decor!

Do you have a small space above your fireplace?

I recommend a painting that matches the scale of the wall space above the mantel. Check out the scale of the painting in the picture shown. The rectangular painting IS IN scale and that is key. This was a neat house.

An beautiful food basket

What a great idea for a food table! Veggies arranged in a basket. The purple cabbage was the dip holder.

This would be great for many occasions: A baby shower, bridal shower, neighborhood block party, high school grad party, an outdoor 80's music shin-dig, Twilight girly gathering, Harry Potter party, or a jewelery party, and/or a wedding.

Be inspired use up your veggies (store bought or from your garden). I love veggies.

Our carrots are crisp and sweet-great for COOKIES!

These are carrots picked from our garden. Here's a recipe that I have been making some of them. It's my mom's recipe. We have also been cutting, blanching and freezing them. What are you making with your carrots?

Raw Carrot cookies

1/2 cup shortening

3/4 cup sugar

1 cup grated raw carrots

1/2 tsp. salt

2 cup sifted flour

1 tsp. vanilla

1 egg

1/2 tsp. lemon extract

2 oranges used for 1 Tablespoon grated orange peel

Mix wet ingredients together first then add in dry ingredients. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes on a greased cookie sheet. Cool then frost.

Frosting:

2 oranges- Juice them

1 Tablespoon of butter

1/8 tsp salt

1/2 tsp vanilla

2 cups powdered sugar to the right consistency (a little runny is OK)

Junk emails are not for me-Inspiring ones YES!

I don't read a lot of forwarded emails. I delete them but this title was calling me to open it. I am glad I did. The title: Be happy with what you have. I wanted to share it with my fellow mommy bloggers.

I walked into the grocery store not particularly interested in buying groceries. I wasn't hungry. The pain of losing my husband of 57 years was still too raw. And this grocery store held so many sweet memories. He often came with me and almost every time he'd pretend to go off and look for something special. I knew what he was up to. I'd always spot him walking down the aisle with the three yellow roses in his hands. He knew I loved yellow roses.

With a heart filled with grief, I only wanted to buy my few items and leave, but even grocery shopping was different since he had passed on. Shopping for one took time, a little more thought than it had for two. Standing by the meat, I searched for the perfect small steak and remembered how he had loved his steak.

Suddenly a woman came beside me. She was blonde, slim and lovely in a soft green pantsuit. I watched as she picked up a large package of T-bones, dropped them in her basket.. hesitated, and then put them back. She turned to go and once again reached for the pack of steaks. She saw me watching her and she smiled. 'My husband loves T-bones, but honestly, at these prices, I don't know.' I swallowed the emotion down my throat and met her pale blue eyes. 'My husband passed away eight days ago,' I told her. Glancing at the package in her hands, I fought to control the tremble in my voice. 'Buy him the steaks. And cherish every moment you have together.' She shook her head and I saw the emotion in her eyes as she placed the package in her basket and wheeled away.

I turned and pushed my cart across the length of the store to the dairy products. There I stood, trying to decide which size milk I should buy. A Quart, I finally decided and moved on to the ice cream. If nothing else, I could always fix myself an ice cream cone. I placed the ice cream in my cart and looked down the aisle toward the front. I saw first the green suit, then recognized the pretty lady coming towards me. In her arms she carried a package. On her face was the brightest smile! I had ever seen. I would swear a soft halo encircled her blonde hair as she kept walking toward me, her eyes holding mine. As she came closer, I saw what she held and tears began misting in my eyes. 'These are for you,' she said and placed three beautiful long stemmed yellow roses in my arms. 'When you go through the line, they will know these are paid for.' She leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek, then smiled again. I wanted to tell her what she'd done, what the roses meant, but still unable to speak, I watched as she walked away as tears clouded my vision. I looked down at the beautiful roses nestled in the green tissue wrapping and found it almost unreal. How did she know? Suddenly the answer seemed so clear. I wasn't alone. Oh, you haven't forgotten me, have you? I whispered, with tears in my eyes. He was still with me, and she was his angel.

Every day be thankful for what you have and who you are.

Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings. Thank you, Lord, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf.

Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as possible. Thank you, Lord, that I can see. Many are blind.

Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising. Thank you, Lord, that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden.

Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned, tempers are short, and my children are so loud. Thank you, Lord, for my family. There are many who are lonely.

Even though our breakfast table never looks like the picture in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced. Thank you, Lord, for the food we have. There are many who are hungry.

Even though the routine of my job often is monotonous. Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to work. There are many who have no job.

Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest. Thank you, Lord, for life.

If you feel inclined pass this on to the friends you know. It might help lift a spirit of a friend who is feeling low. I know it lifted my spirit today.

Nice looking bunk beds with storage-Hard to find!

Are you looking for bunk beds with storage? I was looking last year for attractive white bunk beds for my girls. I found this one (but I didn't buy it-it's too big for my kids room). If I had the space, I would have purchased it. Oh well.

I like:

• The orientation of this bunk bed
• The rails on top
• The dresser underneath
• The cork board underneath the bed (you can make this look yourself and just copy the concept in your kids room)
• The ladder on the side

I purchased a white bunk bed floor model from RC Willey (Utah) in February (a slow furniture buying month). If it's on the floor and there aren't anymore in the back make them an offer and take it home in your truck. It worked for us-100's of dollars off. Happy furniture shopping.

As you can see my girls love it. And YES, I have lime green walls in my girls room. LOVE IT!

Wedding table decorations-For any occasion-including ME!

I have said this before, I love weddings. They are an expression of bride's (or mother's) creativity. I like the simplicity of the rectangle flower vase on a square mirror. It's a classic look for that you can use for many occasions in years to come. This is a versatile arrangement that can be used for a baby shower center piece, a new mother bouquet, or for Mother's day. Oh wait I am going to make one similar for myself this weekend. I am not going to wait for my hubby to bring me flowers...I'll cut my own. I deserve it I am a hard working mom. Follow my lead-Do something for yourself blog pals!

Summer projects-Hardware for kitchens or bathrooms.

Are you feeling the dog days of summer today? Well, how about a couple hour home improvement project this weekend? Maybe new hardware for your kitchen or bathroom cabinets? I liked this knob for $2.97 each found at Home Depot. Lowe's has in stock hardware too. Go for it!

Office Wainscoting

This wainscoting is amazing. I like bead board in bathrooms but I LOVE this application in a home office right off the front door. Do you have an interesting wainscoting in your home? Do tell or show!! Leave a comment.

A big TV on a BIG wall-What to do?

Hello! For my new readers, I am an Interior Designer and I designed this built in entertainment center for a client in Farmington, UT three years ago. I was going through some digital pictures and found it and thought I would share with you. Now a days we aren't buying those honker TV's units but the concept was worth sharing-

Built in's on big walls work great. I am not impressed with the wall mounted floating flat screen tv's now a days. In most living room applications the hardware makes them stick out too far and show the hardware behind when you walk by them. Don't get me started on the cords, etc. It's not attractive. I often have clients ask how it should be handled. Well I say HIDE all that junk in furniture or a built in. That's my not so humble opinion!

Here's a picture of the large scale wall-HUGE huh? The wall perpendicular is faux finished and has huge windows on it. This space was airy and full of light!

Shopping could be middle name!

My thoughts on myself-"Staci the grocery shopper":

I like to shop for deals.

I like coupons.

I like free stuff with coupons.

I don't like paying full price for consumable items (food, toilet paper, paper anything, etc.)

I am not a brand snooty but I like quality items on sale paired with a coupon.

I like saving money and going on vacation.

So that brings me to the point of this post-I got some great deals in a close out cart at Albertson's today. These items often are NOT expired or soon expiring foods. Do you check those carts?

Ok humor me and guess how much I paid WITHOUT coupons (minus tax too)?

8 V8 cans
3 Propel bottles
5 Super Chill sodas
2 Muir Glen organic pasta sauce bottles

The answer will be in the comments. If you feel inclined leave your answer in the comments too.

Don't pass up the closeout carts-Take a peek!

My 3rd blog award!

Hello I received this Kreativ Blogger award from Jadi at Homemaking Fun. I follow her blog and feel inspired by her fun, creative, and "do-able" party ideas. You need to click on over to her blog. Thanks Jadi!!!

The Rules to this award:
1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award.
2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.
3. Link to the person who nominated you for this award.
4. Name 7 things about yourself that people might find interesting.
5. Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers.
6. Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs, letting them know they have been nominated.

Here are 7 things you might find interesting about me:

1. I was in Calgary, Alberta Canada on business during the September 11th attack.
2. My favorite quick restaurants are Cafe Rio, Chipotle, and Einstein bagels.
3. I am the youngest in a family of 5 kids.
4. I like to haggle/bargain at garage sales. (In a nice way of course.)
5. I have been married for 9 years, have a 7 year old cat, two fish, and three daughters.
6. I got misty and teary eyed at Disneyland when my girls were with their favorite princesses. I am becoming soft, I guess.
7. I consider napping to be one of my favorite hobbies.

Here are the 4 blogs (sorry I only wanted to do 4 not 7) that I nominate for the Kreativ Blogger award! They aren’t in any particular order, they all have great ideas! Check them out.

1. Thrifty Decor Chick I just found this blog a few weeks ago. I like Sarah’s new pillows made out of place mats and table runners. Her writing cracks me up too. She says "luuurve" for love a lot.

2. Crafting Chicks. I just came across this blog. I was looking for a job chart. I like the free template they offer. The job chart was posted in January. It's on my to do list. I hope they post more and more ideas for all of us soon. You should check it out.

3. homemade by jill. Oh my, I wish I would make time to sew. If you have a baby and want to sew go to her site. Templates too. I want to make her quiet books for church. One day I’ll get one made—even if it’s for my future grandchildren in 17 or so years from now. I am glad I found her blog. If you haven't already checked it out then you should!

4. Ramblings of a Crazy Woman She has some creative kid craft ideas for moms. I like the cow appreciation Chick fil A outfits/masks for a free meal. Funny. Check it out.

Break out of the norm & invite the neighbors over for dessert.

We are lucky to have some neat neighbors. As you know now, I love to entertain and have fun. I am always looking for a way to get out of chores too (I hope my hubby doesn't read that one). So, we invited our favorite neighbors over on the 4th of July for desserts, a backyard fire to roast marshmallows, and to watch fireworks from our driveway (my two yr. old was sleeping inside). It gave me an excuse to attempt my first sweet fresh cherry cobbler. YUM!

The recipe was courtesy of Emeril Lagasse found Here!

Here's our informal backyard set up with the fire bowl. (look off to the right). We roasted marshmallows and little smokies on the fire. I would encourage you this summer to break out of your comfort zone and invite a neighbor or friend over for dessert and chatting. The kids ran around, jumped on the trampoline, and played on the swing set while the adults visited. Here's my shout out to Laura-thanks for coming over!

I don't want summer to end.

A Luau wedding rehearsal dinner for the bridal party

I hosted this Hawaiian luau for my sister in law and now brother in law. The bridal party and their families were invited to celebrate the night before they were married.

For decorations: I used simple Hawaiian print tablecloths, tiki torches, some of my indoor plants, large and small sea shells, Hawaiian lays, star fish, fresh pineapples, and of course photos of the bride and groom for table decorations.

We served Hawaiian Haystacks. They are not a traditional Hawaiian food. I believe someone in Utah made them up. My out of state friends have never heard of Hawaiian Haystacks. They are yummy, easy, and a crowd pleaser! I used a lot of fresh vegetables from my garden for the toppings too.

You can get the recipe & see a photo of a finished haystack HERE on Real Mom's Kitchen blog. She has a great blog by they way.

My toppings at my luau included: Olives, coconut, shredded cheddar cheese, fresh pineapple tidbits, sliced olives, diced green onion,chopped celery, shredded coconut, Chow mien noodles, diced tomatoes, peas, mandarin oranges, mangos, raisins, and diced green pepper.

This table had extra foods: Bananas, limes, lemons, rolls, peaches, mangos, etc. The fresh pineapple was also used as a serving dish for fruit. YUM!

We had sweet and sour meatballs too.

The drink & extra table area- I made a simple homemade Hawaiian punch (in my punch bowl) and a coolers of various beverages. Most of the tables were off to the left in the shade (not pictured). The tables had Hawaiian lays and sea shell necklaces for decorations. All the guests wore Hawaiian print clothes too. It was fun.

Aloha!

Have you hosted a luau recently? Have pictures? Share your party or ideas with me for my next luau? Share!! Share!!

An easy party napkin folding trick!

Directions: Take the neat stack of napkins and punch your hand down and twist in 180 degrees. Lift your hand up and repeat the same 180 degrees until you get the desired fan look (see below). Turn punched side down so the top napkin isn't wrinkled.

Wahhhlaaa a pretty fanned stack of napkins.

What napkin tricks do enjoy making for your food tables?

My daughter's dog party Part 2-THE FOOD!

The Menu:

Hot Dogs (some in crock pot and some on the grill)

Chips

Puppy chow

Kibbles and Bits

Pasta salad

Dog bone rice crispy treats

Paw print cup cakes

soft drinks & lemonade

Adopt a puppy food table

Tablecloth: I used what I had on hand, A Little Pet shop tablecloth

Napkins: From my party stash box they were clearanced packs for $.75 at Walmart

Plates: White Chinet plates from a coupon deal this spring

Cups: Free Solo cups from a coupon deal this spring **Always think ahead when shopping!!**

Cutlery in a Mason jar: A clear & white cutlery purchased on clearance from after Super Bowl sales in February

Drinks: Watch for sales on 2 liters as low as .69 **Watch expiration dates too.

Decorations: Stuffed dogs for table decorations from our toy box

Birthday Girl Photos: I like to show some current and baby photos of the b-day child.

**We ate outside under the trampoline and in lawn chairs.**

My puppy themed party foods!

Yummy "Puppy chow"

Puppy Chow Ingredients:

1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup butter
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 tsp. vanilla
9 cups Crispix cereal (any flavor)
1-1/2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Combine peanut butter, butter and chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl.
2. Microwave for one minute then stir to blend all ingredients thoroughly. Add 1/2 tsp. vanilla. Stir well.
3. Place the 9 cups of Crispix cereal in a very large bowl.
4. Pour the peanut butter-chocolate mixture over the cereal and toss evenly, making sure all the cereal gets a good covering.
5. Coat with powdered sugar, sprinkling evenly over the cereal and tossing as you sprinkle to cover each piece well.
from HERE

The table shown with Kibbles and Bits- Pretzel sticks (from Dollar store) and shredded carrots

Puppy paw print cupcakes

I used Rasinetes and Junior mints The paw print birthday cake (shown before frosting it).

A frosting the cake tip- I bake my cakes the day before and freeze them. I pull out the cakes and frost them when they are still frozen (about 3 hours before serving). Frosting is so much easier this way. When it's party time the cakes aren't frozen but really MOIST!

Puppy bone rice crispy treats

I used a caramel flavored marshmallow which gave them a darker brown appearance.

I wrapped them in a sandwich bag with some curly ribbon I had in my wrapping box. I put one in each take home doggie bag. The "Doggie bags"

The bags included ball (Dollar store pack of 4), a wrapped doggie bone, play dough, and some candy.

Adopt a Puppy Party-Part 1

I enjoy giving the gift of a theme party to my girls. I view the b-day parties as a gift of love from mother to daughter. (and I do it with a thrifty heart & mind). I am glad I had the energy to do this party in May for my 4 year old daughter.

When I shop I am always thinking ahead. I saw these cute puppies for 75% off at Walmart in late February. They were on the after Valentine's day clearance and they came to be $2.50 a piece. They don't scream Valentine's day red or a "lovey dovey" V-day theme. It was right then I had the idea-How about an adopt a puppy party for my daughter's birthday? The idea stemmed from the Build a Bear workshop concept. You know the concept-you go to stations in the store with a stuffed animal. I can't afford to take 9 girls to Build a Bear and this sounded like fun to create my own party at home.

Welcome to the Adopt a Puppy Party stations in my backyard.

Station 1-The puppy adoption table.

I used our washed cat crate for the puppies. I made puppy adoption certificates in Microsoft Publisher for each child. (A lot like the build a bear certificates with: height, eye color, weight, new puppy name, date, and signature of the new owner)

Station 2 & 3- Grooming and Bathing

I used things from our house- Doll brushes & combs, a Fisher Price vanity, pretend tub, pretend soap, pretend scissors, etc. The girl puppies received ribbons on their ears and the boy puppies received a blue ribbon around their necks. Station #4- Veterinarian clinic check up

We used our play house and our doctor kit.

Station #5 Take a picture with your puppy.

We had a couple play cameras for the kids to use.

Station #6- Puppy water and snack station.

I put out human and "puppy" friendly snacks. I made puppy chow (see Part 2 the food for the recipe) & a cooler with water bottles.

Station #7- Read a book to your puppy.

I picked some books out about dogs or puppies for the kids to read. Station # 8- Owner and puppy obstacle course

The picture doesn't show it really well but I had a slide, hula hoops, and little kid bikes for a mini obstacle course. The kids of course gravitated to the trampoline and swings with their puppies.

**I has this party on a friday from 5-7 p.m. I invited the whole family to stay for the party. I had a simple dinner for everyone. I prefer this over a "drop you kids off party on a Saturday afternoon" party. All the kids enjoyed the puppy stations and the adults chit-chatted in lawn chairs by the stations. It was the best of both worlds, in my opinion.**

Stay tuned for adopt a puppy party part 2-The food!

My birthday adventure-

For my birthday last year, I wanted to celebrate and feel young again. So my husband and I went to a local amusement park for the day (with out the kids). We had a blast (with out the kids). I was so glad we went in September because we missed the crowds and the heat. We were lucky to ride some rides multiple times in a row. We felt like kids on the loose. I highly recommend this adventure with your spouse if you love roller coasters. It now is a fun birthday date memory for us.