Sunday, April 1, 2012

I can't believe it has been a year already and...

Actually, it was a year on March 10. I had no special events planned either. Shame on me. It went by so fast I hadn't even realized it. I started this blog just as something to do at first. I realized that there was a whole blog-o-sphere out there and that there were other people just like me looking to connect with others and share their family stories including the ups and downs.

I wasn't expecting to gain the following that I have so far and never imagined that this little seed that I planted would flourish into something more, but it has. I am so grateful and appreciative to all of you,  my wonderful readers who have made this seed grow into what it has. With some tender loving care perhaps it will continue to grow over time and more and more people will be connected to each other sharing special bonds through every story shared and every struggle conquered.

I had hoped that I would have been able to do some grand one year anniversary blog bash, but finances haven't allowed for that. At least not at this time. Perhaps, it's not time for a "blogiversary" bash just yet. Perhaps, the real celebrations will begin on an everyday basis. Cherishing family, friends, and the blessings that I have received including many new friendships that I have formed through the ever growing online communities that I have become part of.

I have been very lucky to be able to receive products for review (it's helped my budget a little and allowed my family to find new products worth buying, especially the great diaper change!) and has given me a chance to host some wonderful giveaways and give you guys something back for just being there.

I am learning many new things from other bloggers. Everything from products to what it's like in the day of someone else's life and how it's not too much different from mine. We all strive for what is best for our family and are constantly searching for new ways to improve our lives one way or another. We are all, each and every one of us, part of something greater. Online, there is still gender bias, racism, criticism, and ignorance, but the blog-o-sphere gives us all a chance to rise above that. To look passed differences and glimpse into others hearts and stories and see that we are all the same regardless.

So thank you to;

 Hair & Makeup by Jenn, Vanessa Coker (Ps MaMae), Sharon Lachendro,  Mark_9_35, Barbara Reggio (Trendsetter Mom), Teri Tarrant, Lexi Conklin, Rebecca Roland, Sam Buck, HavensMommy, Stephen Froese, Heather Avery, Elizabeth Aquino, Shannon (Tales of Motherhood), Sexylegsandbody (sexy legs and body), GinoBig, Animenerd13, Massiel Celi, Mary J, Amanda B, Darlene Owen, Melissa Wilson, Beckee, "FreeSamplesReviews., As Seen On TV, Brianna.Montanez, Nemoturtle, Amanda, Paula Lee, Michigan_Mom, JoeyfromSC, Jamie Brigham, Shala_Darkstone, Daiesmom, Melissa H, Shelly Peterson, Sam, Erika T, Lisa W, Roxanne K, Patricia, Gia_Pet, DnBuster, Heather, Amy, Bonny Sallee, Savingwith Saveone, Dave, Misty Vanepps, Clarity, TcogBill, Melissa Rheinlander, JaZZ, KWhiz84, CentsationalSaver, Mami2jcn, Keelyr78, Mhilton05, Jess & the boys, JanetFaye, Nifty Mom, Hillary Lynn Glaser, Vanja Savva @Emma's Lunch, Interesting places in Malaysia, 1 Fine Cookie, Mary Johnson, Darcy, 3Princesses Engraving, Jenn@Lilyboxing, Random Deals, Lattes+Juice, Rebecca, Betty Wright, LibraryBell, Epic Mom, Elle, Hannah, Heather M, Jessica Mom of all Trades, The Reason you Come, Spilled Milkshake, Rebecca, Divvy Up Diva, Kelsey, Eliza, Jennifer S, Milena, Irish Italian Blessings, Vintage Loving Mom, MMBear, AreYouAMom.com, KKFoster35, Jackie De La Cruz, Aimee, Angela, Callista, Michelle@ babycouponsand.., Jaqueline Benotti, Tree@motherofpearl, NC Sue, Jewelry by J, FancygrlNancy, Tamara, OrangeHeroMama,  Mandy Atlanta Military Mom, erica kloetstra, Marelie, Stacy, Momipseity, Melissa, Lisa Johnson, Vickie Cook, Tami Marie, Heather Bush, alexandra, Mimi, Tech Ed 4 Kids, Ferne, pc lim, suelee1998, Lioness, 411 On The Freebies, Kristy, Flair by MariaS, May, Gail Akeman, Valerie Woods, amber01sw, Holly, Frazzled Mama, Carlee Ladybird Ln,Denise MacColeman, A Time Out For Mommy, Joy, Leovi, Chauny, Cindy, Nataly Vidales, Top Social Giveaways, Jen from True Life I'm a SAHM, A Goddess of Frugality, debbiedoescoups, Veronica Lee, GLYNIS MOMS IN VENT, Heather, Gemma, Mamma Town, Sheila Rae, spanish4kiddos, Battered-not-Broken, adecheine, Dawn, Joyous Faces, Witchy Mom's Homeschool, Joi Hardaway, MG Rhodey, Melody, 'Chelle, Mommy LaDy Club, adds, greeneyes, DebK, Laura, Stacey Lyons, Nancy L, Maurenice @ Villa Bisono, MBD, Christie Corwin, Jenn at Sweet T Makes Three, Angie, L.A. Sherman, Hope Giordano, Julia, All So Cute, Avalon Cat Cartoons, atterec, Amy Horton, Opal Stevens, Miamisinglemomma, Columba Lisa Smith, greeneyesco, Jeannette,sexy_diva8272, Shelly, Renee Hand, Renee Hand,Kimberly Pauley,Tammy,Joan Shurland,Posh Pooch,Miriam Thompson,Morela,DisneyMom,Janis,Rachel Roland,Jeanette,Carolee Sperry,Jessica,Hayley Mucha,Hlín Ólafsdóttir,Rebecca Smith,Lesley,stephkandray,ossmcalc,Julie Hebb,Julie Brown,Shelly,Adrienne Hayes,Christopher Sorel,Nancy,Domestic Diva,Holly Chernoff,memoma,Esluka (Erinn A),chelesa sims,Kay Swederski,G BAILEY,Ashley Hewell,spottedjagiwar,sabrina smith,Emily (Emily Reviews),huntandride,Heinzmom,kolpin,Coupon Boss,clbjcb50,Lesley Mitchell,jessica middlemas,Marni Self,Trista Anderson,SSK,anna_k67,YulyaShenka,Jill Cook,Every day products and more,Marcia Murphy, Matt S.,Jennifer Vanzant,and hernimc22 for following and "listening" to what I have to say.

You guys all rock! Thanks!






This weeks Healthy Eating Challenge # 2; Adding a new twist to veggies: Roasted Cauliflower "Popcorn"



Healthy Eating Challenge # 2; Getting kids (& adults) to Eat more Veggies

I have found that sometimes even I get tired of the same old hum drum of steamed veggies over rice, over pasta, and as a side. This week we're spicing up our veggies and making Roasted Cauliflower "Popcorn". I stumbled upon this recipe when I was making my monthly shopping list for my one & done trip. If we don't get it the first time, then we probably don't really need it to begin with. We shop once a month because 1) it's not easy taking 3 little boys grocery shopping and 2) I really enjoy planning out my meals for the month ahead of time. Sure, I have to stop and get milk or eggs once a week on my way home from work, but that is easier & far cheaper the shopping daily or weekly "on the fly" with no idea in mind of what we're making. With a well stocked pantry we can change the menu up at will because we usually have everything we need on hand already. We'll talk about a pantry makeover next week. Without further delay; Here is this week's recipe challenge:







Wegman's Roasted Cauliflower Popcorn
Makes 5 cups.


Ingredients:
1 1/2 #s Cauliflower florets, trimmed to bite sized pieces (about 5 cups)
2 Tbs. Basting Oil (we use Wegman's brand in our home)
Salt & Pepper (to taste)
4 tsp. Parmigiano - Reggiano 

Preparation:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

Toss Cauliflower in large bowl with basting oil, season with salt & pepper to taste.
Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast on center rack of oven for 15 minutes; turning once halfway through cooking. Remove from oven; sprinkle with Parmigiano - Reggiano.

Nutrition Info: Each serving (4 oz) contains 70 calories, 6 g carbohydrate, (1 g fiber), 3 g protein, 5 g fat, (1 g saturated fat), 0 mg cholesterol, and 40 mg sodium.
Calories: 70

Have fun trying out this new recipe & I hope your family enjoys it as much as we do! If you are taking the weekly challenges please share with me below your thoughts, comments, and variations that you've come up with below. Thanks!