Happy New Year!

Do you have any new year resolutions to make housekeeping changes?  Um... Yah I do for sure.  I resolve to get the house de-cluttered and organized.  I resolve to make a dinner plan each week (hmm already failed at this but I believe in second chances... 56th chances...).    There is also... keep the toys organized, keep up with the laundry every week, keep the house "visitor drop-by" ready at all times, try to save money at the grocery store by couponing....  When I look at my list I get a little excited, but I also get a little nervous.  Here is to 2011 and hoping it is the best housewife year ever.  :)

Maya Angelou

I don't really like sending out forwards, but sometimes there are good ones out there.  A former neighbor of mine sent me this, and I thought there was some good stuff in it.  Instead of forwarding this I'm just going to put this here.  I find a lot of her wisdom very inspiring!

Here ya go...

Don't  break the elastic!
In April, Maya Angelou  was interviewed by Oprah on her 70+ birthday.  Oprah asked her what she thought of growing  older. 

And, there on television, she said it  was 'exciting...'
Regarding body changes,  she said there were many, occurring every day  ...... like her breasts. They seem to be in a  race to see which will reach her waist, first.

The audience laughed so hard they cried.  She is such a simple and honest woman, with so  much wisdom in her words!

Maya Angelou  said this:
'I've learned that no matter what  happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go  on, and it will be better tomorrow.'

'I've learned that you can tell a lot  about a person by the way he/she handles these  three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and  tangled Christmas tree lights.'

'I've  learned that regardless of your relationship  with your parents, you'll miss them when they're  gone from your life.'

'I've learned that  making a 'living' is not the same thing as  making a life.'

'I've learned that life  sometimes gives you a second chance.'

'I've learned that you shouldn't go  through life with a catcher's mitt on both  hands; you need to be able to throw some things  back...'

'I've learned that whenever I  decide something with an open heart, I usually  make the right decision.'

'I've learned  that even when I have pains, I don't have to be  one.'

'I've learned that every day you  should reach out and touch someone. People love  a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the  back....'

'I've learned that I still  have a lot to learn..'

'I've learned  that people will forget what you said, people  will forget what you did, but people will never  forget how you made them feel.'

Please  send this to five phenomenal women  today... and back to me if you think I'm one  also.
If you do, something good will happen:  You will boost another woman's self-esteem.

If you don't....the elastic will break  and your underpants will fall down around your  ankles!
Believe me, I didn't want to take any  chances on MY elastic breaking..... I sent it to a lot of special  women I care  for.

There you have it!  I hope you enjoyed, and have a great day!
Amy 

A Hug

I was going through my email after a little camping trip, and came across this one from a friend. It felt like a beautiful sentiment...
Some days I sure could use a divine hug!

I Thought you could use a hug.



It's on you

IN 9 MINUTES SOMETHING WILL MAKE YOU HAPPY,

BUT YOU HAVE TO GIVE 9 SISTERS A HUG INCLUDING ME !!!! 


I'm not really big on forwarding email, but I thought I could add this here to give out hugs to anyone who reads this.
I especially liked the quote at the bottom... lol

Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit
the ground each morning the devil says,
"OH CRAP, SHE'S UP"!

The Healthiest Foods On The Planet

I was doing a little menu planning (I KNOW what a good house wife I am!!  lol)  and I came across a website that claimed that the following foods are the healthiest foods on the planet.  The site is called bellybytes dot com and here is a link the article I am referring to: CLICK

Fruits

01. Apricots
02. Avocados
03. Raspberries
{04. I don't know they didn't list #4 ?}
05. Cantaloupe
06. Cranberry Juice
07. Tomato
08. Raisins
09. Figs
10. Lemons and Limes 
Vegetables
11. Onions

12. Artichokes
13. Ginger
14. Broccoli
15. Spinach
16. Bok Choy (Chinese cabbage)
17. Squash (Butternut, Pumpkin, Acorn)
18. Watercress and Arugula
19. Garlic
Grains, Beans, Dairy and Nuts
20. Quinoa
21. Wheat Germ
22. Lentils
23. Peanuts
24. Pinto Beans
25. Yogurt
26. Skim Milk 
Seafood
27. Shellfish (Clams, Mussels)
28. Salmon
29. Crab

Another thing to try!

Do you like coffee?  I am afraid I am a bit of an addict.  I think most people that live in this region (the great NorthWest) are pretty much hooked.  The birthplace of Starbucks is in Seattle, three hours north of here.

I want to try this coffee recipe too...
(from homemadesimple)

Here is the recipe; an excerpt from HomeMadeSimple:

Begin with the Perfect Brew
All delicious java drinks begin with a rich, robust cup of coffee, so use your favorite beans and a coffeemaker or French press to get started. Brew your coffee on the stronger side, as the coldness can dull the taste.
Tip: Create your own flavored coffee at home by grinding together your beans and favorite spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg, before you brew. Be sure to clean your grinder thoroughly afterward to make sure the flavor doesn't transfer to your next batch. For complete instructions, watch our Cooking Maven Deborah at work!
Coffee Over Ice: Forget the barista! To quickly create your own iced java:

1. Fill a glass or to-go mug with ice.
2. Pour in cooled coffee. Add 1-2 tablespoons flavored syrup and stir, or use your usual milk and sweetener.

Tip: Before you pour out brewed coffee that's gone cold, consider putting the pot directly into the refrigerator. Coffee develops deeper, more intense flavor over time, so don't let it go to waste!
Blended Coffee: For a smooth, creamy beverage that rivals your favorite coffee shop:

1. Fill your blender with ice, and then add 2 cups coffee, a dash of heavy cream or your preferred milk and 2-3 tablespoons flavored syrup, honey or sugar.
2. Blend until smooth and pour into a tall glass.
3. Garnish with whipped cream and a drizzle of sweet sauce or a dusting of cocoa powder. Don't forget the straw!

Tip: Make it a coffee shake by adding 1/2 cup frozen fruits like strawberries, raspberries or blueberries to your blender first. For a truly decadent treat, drop in a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream, too!

Making these sounds like a great party idea to me!

I have to try this recipe

I think I can actually do this one LOL
http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/breakfastbrunch/stuffed-french-toast-2/

The picture is from the Pioneer Woman's Blog

wishing...

I wish I had the ingredients in the house to make these (from the Pioneer Woman's Blog)...

click HERE to get the easy recipe... do NOT click if you are on a diet lol

I actually have the ham, so maybe I'll have my husband run to the store to the potatoes and other stuff.  I know not very housewife-ish to have the hubby do the store run, but I'm still working on it.  :)