tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-308503622024-03-12T17:56:54.992-07:00PrissyCookPrissyCookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036520572827854143noreply@blogger.comBlogger123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30850362.post-77199790910236368472007-08-28T18:35:00.001-07:002007-08-28T18:35:06.485-07:00trying something new<p>I'm playing around with different blogging platforms and I'm learning a lot. </p> <p><strong>You can see my current posts at </strong><a href="http://keeshas.info/wordpress/"><strong>keeshas.info</strong></a><strong>.</strong> </p> <p>Don't update any bookmarks yet. This is just a staging area and once I get a final product I'll be updating to a new domain name too.</p>PrissyCookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036520572827854143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30850362.post-78005183675885229152007-08-26T09:16:00.001-07:002007-08-26T09:16:51.931-07:00Chicken Fried Bacon! I win?<p>I'm from Texas. I didn't realize how much people from Texas talk about Texas until I moved out of the state. People, I'm sorry.</p> <p>Not sorry that I'm from Texas, but I need you to know that we're just raised that way. We talk about Lone Star this, Big that. We can't help it. </p> <p>I blame my parents.</p> <p>AND to add to lots of generalizations and stereotypes about Texas I present you with Chicken Fried Bacon. From a restaurant fifteen minutes from where I grew up.</p><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZfbTO0GlONU" width="425" height="350" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent"></embed>PrissyCookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036520572827854143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30850362.post-32078273042078917902007-08-25T08:54:00.001-07:002007-08-25T08:54:04.278-07:00Go Bananas! B-A-N-A-N-A-S with Banana Pancakes<p>People watch rain in Phoenix. It's strange and when you move here, you see people watching the rain with an intensity. Nobody talks. They just watch.</p> <p>I thought that was odd. I like a good storm and I have indeed watched te rain, but it's different here.</p> <p>I've been here almost three years. I now watch the rain with that same odd intensity. It's such a treat. The feel of humidity in the air, the clouds. All weather elements we don't get to experience very often.</p> <p> </p> <p><a title="Phoenix sunset" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7625816@N03/1231748917/"><img height="243" alt="Phoenix sunset" src="http://static.flickr.com/1372/1231748917_ae3e54e22c.jpg" width="325" border="2"></a></p> <p>Thunderstorms rolled into the Phoenix area around 4:30AM. Yay!</p> <p>My usual weekend wake up ritual includes going to the coffee house with computer in hand for a muffin and great cup of coffee. Today with the rain- I wanted to stay home.</p> <p>That doesn't mean that I didn't still want my coffee and breakfast. I found this recipe from <a title="Mr. Breakfast" href="http://mrbreakfast.com/index.asp">Mr.Breakfast</a>.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Banana Pancakes</strong></p> <li>1 Cup All-Purpose Flour <li>1 3/4 tsp Baking Powder <li>3/4 tsp Salt <li>1 T Sugar <li>2 Large Ripe Bananas <li>3/4 Cup Soy Milk <li>2 Large Eggs <li>2 tsp Vegetable Oil</li> <p>For topping:</p> <li>1 T Unsalted Butter <li>2 Large Ripe Bananas -- Sliced <li>Nutmeg -- Freshly Grated <li>3/4 Cup Maple Syrup -- Warmed</li> <p>In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Mix to blend. Set aside.<br>Puree bananas in a food processor, fitted with a metal blade to a smoth, liquid consistency. Transfer puree to a mixing bowl. Add milk, eggs and oil. whisk to blend well. Add dry ingredients - whisking to incorporate. <br>Preheat oven to 250 degrees fahrenheit. Heat a gridle. Add butter to bottom of pan. When butter is hot, ladel 2 T of batter onto griddle, cooking until the tops of the pancake bubble and the underside is brown. (2-3 minutes) Turn and cook other side until godlen brown - about 2 minutes more. <br>Transfer to a baking sheet. Continue until all the batter has been used. <br>TO PREPARE TOPPING:<br>Heat butter in a large skillet. When hot, add sliced bananas - saute, stirring constantly until bananas are warm, about 1 minute. <br>To serve - arrange 4 pancakes on each of 4 dinner plates - top with sauted bananas - grated nutmeg and warm maple syrup.</p>PrissyCookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036520572827854143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30850362.post-6952709512678845732007-08-21T12:19:00.000-07:002007-08-21T12:26:22.943-07:00Brown Bag Tuesday<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Yay</span>! I love brown bag lunches! I forgot my fancy lunch bag yesterday at work and this morning I pulled out a good old fashioned brown bag for lunch.<br /><br />I couldn't resist putting my name on it all twirly fancy like I would in middle school.<br /><br /><p align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5101236250937441426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: left" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMl9CVFVA68gTKcJ1K9oPPZ3DYe3-xC9GXNHfNnVlVJtpDTMUanWO2ySyAJcBWHebSLjJF9BUjuPWP3vZWGsIG9qOobk5V7QPATEvGh7O6RdcUaReD2O-YpTdkdG-Y1hhbVjQ/s200/lunch+bag.jpg" border="0" /></p>Let's see, other news? Oh, I put a recycle box in my office. My neighbors are starting to toss in their plastic coke bottles and I take it home on Mondays to put in the recycling bin.<br /><br />Hope you're having a good week.PrissyCookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036520572827854143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30850362.post-63693562894962890132007-08-16T17:44:00.001-07:002007-08-16T17:44:58.243-07:00Flower from Dad<p></p> <p>My dad learned how to text message and usually it drives me crazy, but today this text brought a big smile. <p> <p><a title="Flower from Dad" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7625816@N03/1142342139/"><img alt="Flower from Dad" src="http://static.flickr.com/1060/1142342139_2aaa991121.jpg" border="2"></a> <p>He sent me a flower! This is the best ever!</p>PrissyCookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036520572827854143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30850362.post-19797160056855620402007-08-14T21:10:00.001-07:002007-08-14T21:10:02.904-07:00Troubleshooting with a teenager<p>"SISSY!" That's what I heard when I answered the phone today.</p> <p>"Sissy, Paige didn't know my computer was in hibernate mode and you can't hit the power button when it's in hibernate because it messes up and she didn't know that, so she did and now when I turn it on the screen is all messed up, I don't see anything on my desktop, all my homework is on there and I don't know what to do."</p> <p>Now you and I both know that she was probably more freaked out that she may miss something on MySpace, more than she was freaked out that she maybe lost her homework (and people school doesn't start until next week).</p> <p>"Liz, turn your computer off, and take the battery out, plug it back into the wall and let me know what happens."</p> <p>"Oh Sissy, that worked! Ok thank you!"</p> <p>Click.</p> <p>She could barely breath when she called me. Her world was almost ending because her computer wasn't working. She was going to lose all her homework. This would all catapult into a downward spiral of not getting into college and it was all so horrible. OMGIDK! And, she gets off the phone without giving me the gratification of saying good-bye back.</p> <p>But people, you can rest easy tonight. Lizzy's computer is back up and running.</p><a title="liz face paint" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7625816@N03/1122692244/"><img height="261" alt="liz face paint" src="http://static.flickr.com/1166/1122692244_53d233487e.jpg" width="350" border="2"></a> <p>And this is what she was doing with the rest of her day.</p>PrissyCookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036520572827854143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30850362.post-70147347085331931802007-08-12T16:51:00.001-07:002007-08-12T16:51:07.204-07:005 things...Tagged by www.TheAdventuresofSuperwife.com<p></p> <p><strong>What were you doing 1 year ago?</strong><br>One year ago, I started my blog.</p> <p><br><strong>Five snacks you enjoy:</strong> </p> <p>Wow, I don't really snack too much.</p> <ol> <li>Hostess Orange Cupcakes <li>Homemade Cupcakes <li>Cheese <li>Cheese Doritos <li>Cheese </li></ol><strong>Five songs that you know all the lyrics to:</strong><br>I'm notorious for singing in the car and singing the wrong lyrics. So, I may think I know all the words, but they're ones I made up. <ol> <li>On the Road Again by Willie Nelson <li>Bidi Bidi Bum Bum by Selena <li>My Maria by Brooks and Dunn <li>Happy Birthday <li>Suavemente by Elvis Crespo </li></ol><strong>Five things you would do if you were a millionaire:</strong><br> <ol> <li>Summer home/ Winter home. <li>Do the family hook up thing. <li>Big family vacations yearly. <li>Travel. Exquisitely. <li>Feed people.</li></ol><strong>Five bad habits:</strong> <ol> <li>Clicking my jaw <li>Channel surfing <li>Starting projects and ... <li>Not working out <li>Eating cupcakes</li></ol> <p> </p> <p><strong>Five things you like doing:</strong><br>This is pretty vague...</p> <ol> <li>Writing, reading and learning. That's why this blog thing is so neat. I can do so much here. <li>Window shopping. I love going to cooking stores and browsing the shelves for inspiration. <li>Baking. I love trying new techniques in the kitchen. <li>Traveling. Even with travel state-side, I want to absorb as much as possible. <li>Eating cupcakes. Hmmm, I detect a trend.</li></ol><strong>Five things you would never wear again:</strong> <ol> <li>Tiva sandals <li>Bass penny loafers <li>NKOTB t-shirt <li>Banana clip <li>Metallic skirt</li></ol><strong>Five favorite toys:</strong><br> <ol> <li>Casio key board <li>Pogoball <li>Twirling baton <li>Scooter <li>Cabbage Patch Kid</li></ol>PrissyCookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036520572827854143noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30850362.post-17896148646094074922007-08-09T20:44:00.001-07:002007-08-09T20:44:37.563-07:00Yay! It's Thursday, let's try making Calimochos<p>Change. Some of us are better at than others. If you were to ask me four years ago if I was adaptable to change, I'd say yes. Because it's good to welcome change, but in reality, I didn't like it very much.</p> <p>Fast-forward four years later and I think I can honestly say that I'm better at rolling with change than I ever thought possible and I'm getting where I welcome it.</p> <p>Not like it, I'm just more welcoming. I guess there's a whole faithful element to all of it too, but my brian hurts too much to contemplate that right now. </p> <p>A friend recently made a huge change and moved to Minnesota for a total career change. While talking to her today, she said, "I'm having a mojito and watering the lawn." Is there a better way to water the lawn? Seriously!</p> <p>Well, I don't have to water the lawn, but I do have to do laundry. So, I'm doing laundry and drinking a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calimocho">Calimocho</a>. Ha!</p> <p><a title="Calimochos" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7625816@N03/1067586640/"><img alt="Calimochos" src="http://static.flickr.com/1313/1067586640_5bb9f5400c.jpg" border="2"></a></p>PrissyCookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036520572827854143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30850362.post-42931431798495490792007-08-08T20:53:00.001-07:002007-08-08T20:53:25.304-07:00Double decker cupcake toter to hold these explosive cupcakes<p>OooooWeeee! Man oh man, did I make some tasty cupcakes. While trolling elite food blog <a href="http://vanillagarlic.blogspot.com/">Vanilla-Garlic</a>, I stumbled across a recipe for <a href="http://vanillagarlic.blogspot.com/2007/01/chipotle-cinnamon-chocolate-cupcakes.html">Chocolate Chipolte Cinnamon Cupcakes</a> (C4 for short).</p> <p>C4, that's appropriate. They're spicy and sweet and delicious.</p> <p>To tote these little babies, I got a chance to use a new cupcake tote I found at Fry's. You may think it's overkill since I already have <a href="http://prissycook.blogspot.com/2006/09/grande-mocha-latte-ya-ya-cupcakes-but.html">one</a>, but this one holds 24 cupcakes snugly in double decker fashion.</p> <p>I love it.</p> <p><a title="Chocolate Chipolte Cinnamon Cupcakes" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7625816@N03/1013837066/"><img height="232" alt="Chocolate Chipolte Cinnamon Cupcakes" src="http://static.flickr.com/1372/1013837066_46acd7c6a1.jpg" width="350" border="2"></a></p> <p>If you check out the C4 recipe on Vanilla-Garlic you'll see several variations. I chose to top mine with dark chocolate frosting and then sprinkle them with cinnamon spiked powered sugar.</p>PrissyCookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036520572827854143noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30850362.post-493264851951477432007-08-07T19:26:00.001-07:002007-08-07T19:26:06.331-07:00Giving sincere thanks...<p>I think about this a lot. My job requires me to be an effective communicator and what I'm not so effective at is giving praise and thanking people for their efforts and talents.</p> <p>I get really shy. </p> <p>I don't receive compliments well and I know that I don't give them because I'm afraid I'll receive them. AND then I would be so freaking uncomfortable.</p> <p>For example, I got busted this past week when a friend opened my glove box in my car. I had at least 10 thinking of you, get well soon cards, all composed and not mailed. I *think* about my family and friends all the time, but I don't always demonstrate it.</p> <p>That needs to change. Really.</p> <p>So (my favorite transition word), this week I'm going to actually write cards for my peeps and I'm going to actually mail them. To help me get started, I got a whole book of stamps. </p> <p><a title="Cupcake Card" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7625816@N03/1013836900/"><img height="199" alt="Cupcake Card" src="http://static.flickr.com/1213/1013836900_aea8bcfa95.jpg" width="300" border="2"></a></p> <p>I'm also equipped with my new crafting goods from <a href="http://www.stampworksaz.com/index.htm">Stamp Works</a> I'm ready to go.</p>PrissyCookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036520572827854143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30850362.post-64917469049047794732007-08-06T22:15:00.001-07:002007-08-06T22:15:13.944-07:00Drug Store Must Haves and Cool Finds<p>Maybelline BLACK mascara and Neutrogena oil-free eye makeup remover are my drug store staples. It's on these restocking runs that I usually peruse for a bit before I leave. </p> <p>Here's what's made the cut this summer:</p> <ol> <li>Caress Exotic Oil Infusions body soap- It really does moisturize.</li> <li>Suave Exhale Lime Verbena body soap- A good wake up smell.</li> <li>Pony tail holders- I call them ponys and you can't have enough</li> <li>Draino- Because I'm a girl and have long hair, it clogs the drain (I know I crossed the line between gross and TMI)</li> <li>Goody combs- They've got wide bristles, they're cheap and I have one in every drawer in the bathroom</li> <li>Maybelline black mascara</li> <li>Neutrogena oil-free eye makeup remover</li> <li>Aquafresh Extreme clean</li> <li>Burts bees lip balm</li> <li>Orbitz gum</li></ol>PrissyCookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036520572827854143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30850362.post-26752181633177046932007-08-05T16:03:00.001-07:002007-08-05T16:03:48.735-07:00Happy Birthday Karsen! Peach Blueberry Thyme Cupcakes!<p>PRESSURE!</p> <p>Rob and Shayna asked me to bring cupcakes to Karsen's first birthday party. I was so excited! Cupcakes and birthdays totally go together right? Plus, I think Rob and Shayna are extra fabulous, so I was feeling a little pressure to find a cupcake that was eclectic and tasty.</p> <p>I found inspiration at <a href="http://cupcakeblog.com/index.php">Cupcake Bake Shop</a>. This is an awesome site. One very thoughtful thing <a href="http://cupcakeblog.com/index.php/about/">Cheryl</a> does for us more novice bakers is that she photographs some of the more complicated steps of the baking process. The <a href="http://cupcakeblog.com/index.php/category/ingredients/peaches/">Peach Blueberry Thyme Cupcakes</a> really caught my eye and I thought these were just funky enough for a party Rob and Shayna were hosting.</p> <p>I was so engrossed in picking the right cupcake, that I totally spaced that these cupcakes were for a baby's first birthday. </p> <p>PRESSURE!</p> <p><a title="100_0503" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7625816@N03/1013894134/"><img height="199" alt="100_0503" src="http://static.flickr.com/1437/1013894134_e504e98c03.jpg" width="300" border="2"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>I think this is my best cupcake picture to date...Happy Birthday Baby K-Lo!</p>PrissyCookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036520572827854143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30850362.post-10799175141138668342007-08-03T20:24:00.001-07:002007-08-03T20:24:11.476-07:00What's for dinner in Phoenix in August...Eat Local!<p><a title="San Francisco Locavores" href="http://www.locavores.com/">Locovores</a>. Have you heard the term? It's a movement that started in San Francisco. A group of people are trying to bring awareness to eating locally grown food. By eating local you're supporting the local economy, not heavily relying on big trucks to get your grub and it's healthier.</p> <p>But I live in the desert. When I check out the local <a title="SF Food Wheel" href="http://www.localfoodswheel.com/">food wheel</a> for San Francisco my mouth waters. What am I supposed to do in Arizona? Eat sand and wash it down with a cactus? (ok, maybe I'm being a little dramatic.)</p> <p>So, I should just go the local <a title="AZ Farmer's Markets" href="http://www.arizonafarmersmarkets.com/calendarharvest.htm">farmer's market</a>, right? Not so quick. Just as important as looking for local organically grown food, is to select food that grows with the least amount of environmental impact for our area. For example, strawberries take a lot of water to grow, not the best idea in the desert.</p> <p>I've got good news. Knowing more about what you eat, where it comes from and how to balance your grocery bag- just makes you smarter. I've compiled a list of what's in season in August in Phoenix. Use this as a guide to help you the next time you're at the store. </p> <p><a title="Eat Local August AZ" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7625816@N03/1002715113/"><img alt="Eat Local August AZ" src="http://static.flickr.com/1055/1002715113_293c82f224.jpg" border="0"></a></p>PrissyCookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036520572827854143noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30850362.post-29153566963783517362007-07-30T20:09:00.001-07:002007-07-30T20:09:31.841-07:00It's still at 3:00PM? Crunchy Salad<p>"I'm bringing a salad Rob! It doesn't have dairy." Is that the usual response when someone invites you over for a birthday party? A normal person would say, "Awesome! Thanks for inviting me. Can I bring anything?"</p> <p>Last time when I was home, I copied a bunch of recipes from my mom's cookbook and I've been waiting to make this Crunchy Salad. </p> <p><a title="Crunchy Salad" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7625816@N03/958010782/"><img height="250" alt="Crunchy Salad" src="http://static.flickr.com/1053/958010782_f9d9de71ff.jpg" width="375" border="2"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>So, when I called on Saturday to make sure we were still on. I got a message back:</p> <blockquote> <p>That's great Kee, but the party is next Saturday.</p></blockquote> <p> </p> <p>CRUNCHY SALAD</p> <p>1 bag cole slaw</p> <p>1 cup sunflower seeds</p> <p>2 packages Oriental Ramen noodles</p> <p>1/2 cup toasted almonds</p> <p>1/2 cup sugar</p> <p>1/2 cup Wesson oil</p> <p>1 cup white vinegar</p> <p>Dump everything in a bowl, crunch one package of the Ramen, mix in two of the seasoning packets and chill for a bit.</p>PrissyCookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036520572827854143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30850362.post-40934579740336113242007-07-23T19:48:00.001-07:002007-07-23T19:48:15.422-07:00The tastiest darn Blueberry Muffins<p></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p></p> <p>Mmmm. Ummmm. These are so good. Like so good you'll want to look at them and say, "Thank you little muffin for being so darn tasty." </p> <p><a title="Blueberry Muffins" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7625816@N03/871553574/"><img height="250" alt="Blueberry Muffins" src="http://static.flickr.com/1211/871553574_f50940f2cf.jpg" width="375" border="0"></a></p> <p> It's great to find local, in season food. When you shop this way you can cut down on the carbon emissions trucks produce to get food to you, support local farmers and the food just tastes better. I've got a link in my blogroll to the Arizona Farmer's Market Web site. Find the one in your neighborhood.</p> <p>Here's the recipe for Blueberry Muffins.</p> <p>INGREDIENTS</p> <p><em>Makes 4 large muffins.</em></p> <ul> <li>1 cup and 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour <li>1/2 cup and 1 tablespoon white sugar <li>1/4 teaspoon salt <li>1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder <li>1/4 cup vegetable oil <li>3/4 egg <li>1/2 cup milk <li>3/4 cup fresh blueberries <li>1/4 cup and 2 tablespoons brown sugar <li>1/4 cup all-purpose flour <li>3 tablespoons butter, cubed <li>1 teaspoon ground cinnamon </li></ul> <p>DIRECTIONS</p> <ol> <li>Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease muffin cups or line with muffin liners. <li>Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 3/4 cup sugar, salt and baking powder. Place vegetable oil into a 1 cup measuring cup; add the egg and enough milk to fill the cup. Mix this with flour mixture. Fold in blueberries. Fill muffin cups right to the top, and sprinkle with crumb topping mixture. <li>To Make Crumb Topping: Mix together 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup flour, 1/4 cup butter, and 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon. Mix with fork, and sprinkle over muffins before baking. <li>Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until done.</li></ol>PrissyCookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036520572827854143noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30850362.post-18603646686908237352007-07-22T11:12:00.001-07:002007-07-22T11:12:11.863-07:00Tread lightly on Earth Day 5<p><em>(this post is a little late, but this is how my Green Week ended)</em></p> <p> </p> <p>I've learned so much this week and become aware of so many other things I can incorporate into my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/404900@N20/pool/">everyday life</a>. This week has given way to so many great conversations.</p> <p>At work, I have people asking me how we can incorporate recycling in our office. How great is that?! If people want to know how we can do it there, I hope that means they're looking to see how they can do it at home.</p> <p>Personally, I've had friends share some things they're incorporating into their everyday lives. Molly is working in a more corporate environment and she's recycling her hangers. Another friend, put a recycling bin in the kitchen and a third is composting. How awesome is that?</p> <p>Thank you to everyone who shared some tip or words of encouragement, this week has been really fulfilling for me.</p> <p>Now, there was one piece of unfinished business. My office trash can. If you'll remember, I confessed that I was guilty of filling it up multiple times a day. My office mate on the other hand, hardly tossed anything out.</p> <p><a title="trash can" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7625816@N03/864719216/"><img alt="trash can" src="http://static.flickr.com/1142/864719216_657d7ab038.jpg" border="2"></a></p> <p>Here's where I was on Friday. One small plastic bag, a tissue, a string cheese wrapper and 2 pieces of chewed gum. How about that! </p>PrissyCookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036520572827854143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30850362.post-15329873280612373612007-07-20T10:13:00.000-07:002007-07-20T10:30:23.932-07:00Tread Lightly on Earth Day 4Chicken.<br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089328693467699378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: left" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbITdgtfhUPAU_jMV-lfLg3ji5AWVzCkoKsQeZ8JJqxsLY-nriT4tVpJ_dVlq52Re4rgB71Xz-DSzuq8N5INfjFfUTp012vypnRibyCVSVTb_KgIjtWcrvrCY56FID9T25vMC/s200/egg.jpg" border="0" />That's what I am. I was at a wine party on Wednesday night when I noticed that the hostess was tossing all the wine bottles in the trash. I saw it happen, I thought, "Just ask her if you can take the bottles home."</p><p>I didn't. I chickened out. I feel bad.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p>PrissyCookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036520572827854143noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30850362.post-54341947286017395562007-07-18T16:43:00.001-07:002007-07-18T16:43:58.432-07:00Tread Lightly on Earth Day 3<p>Geeks can be greenies too. Before <a href="http://www.africankelli.com" target="_blank">AfricanKelli's</a> challenge, I was very envious of my office mate's trash can. Now hear me out before you think I'm over the top strange.</p> <p>I noticed that there was never anything in his trash can. I on the other hand had to have the crew clean mine out by mid day to make room for more crap.</p> <p>As part of my challenge this week, I also wanted to see how little I could toss out this week. I'm doing really good so far.</p> <p>There's a tie into geeks...just wait for it.</p> <p>So, we (he and I) have been talking about different eco things we do. He mentioned that he had read about the energy used for white screens (ie, the white search engine screen on Google).</p> <p>I'll let you be the judge on if you want to make the switch or not. Read up on it for yourself <a href="http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/02/black_google_wo.php" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> <p><a title="Thumbnail via WebSnapr: http://www.ninja.com/" href="http://www.ninja.com/" target="_blank"><img height="189" alt="Thumbnail via WebSnapr: http://www.ninja.com/" src="http://images.websnapr.com/?url=http://www.ninja.com/" width="250" border="2"></a></p>PrissyCookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036520572827854143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30850362.post-81418642593038991362007-07-17T21:29:00.001-07:002007-07-17T21:31:32.740-07:00Tread Lightly on Earth Day 2<p>Which has less impact powder or liquid laundry detergent? I haven't given it much thought until this week. I've found a few different forums discussing the pros and cons of each.</p> <p><a title="100_0426" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7625816@N03/843167110/"><img height="250" alt="100_0426" src="http://static.flickr.com/1098/843167110_c6fa73bcf6.jpg" width="375" border="2"></a></p> <p>I decided to go with the powdered on this trip because of the information point I found on the <strong><a href="http://www.clintonfoundation.org/cf-pgm-cci-ar-live-the-green-life-10-easy-steps.htm" target="_blank">ClintonFoundation.org</a> </strong>web site.<strong> </strong></p> <p>I also found a homemade laundry soap recipe, sounds interesting. I'll let you know if I'm able to try it.</p> <p><strong>Homemade Laundry Soap</strong></p> <p>3 pints water <br>1/3 bar Fels Naptha soap, grated <br>1/2 cup Borax <br>1/2 cup washing soda <br>1 quart hot water <br>cold water <br>Mix fels naptha soap in a saucepan with 3 pints of [w]ater. Heat on low until barely dissolved. Stir in borax and washing soda. Stir until thickened, then remove from heat. Add l quart hot water to 2 gallon bucket. Add soap mixture to bucket and mix well. Pour soap mixture into the bucket, mix well. Fill bucket with cold water and mix again. Let set for 24 hrs. If too thick or separated, stir before use. Use 1/2 cup per load of laundry. <br>I can make this in the US for about 75 cents a gallon. It works great. There are no sudsing fillers so your clothes won't get stiff and need fabric softeners. I use it as a pretreat on stains, too. It has saved me a lot of money. If you'd like to put this on the money saving tips forum I'd be flattered and it might be helpful to somebody on a tight budget.</p>PrissyCookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036520572827854143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30850362.post-11095152984387660352007-07-16T06:37:00.001-07:002007-07-17T21:17:28.411-07:00Tread lightly on Earth Day 1<p>That's the challenge <a href="http://www.africankelli.com/2007/07/12/green-week/" target="_blank">AfricanKelli.com</a> gave to her readers last week. I've been doing small things, but like a lot of us I could do better. I took those words to heart and this week, I'm going to see if I can break some habits. Check out the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/404900@N20/pool" target="_blank">Flickr group</a> to see what other ideas people had.</p> <p><a title="Everyday changes" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7625816@N03/828560992/"><a title="Everyday changes" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7625816@N03/828560764/"><a title="Everyday changes" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7625816@N03/828560992/"><a title="Everyday changes" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7625816@N03/828560764/"><a title="Everyday changes" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7625816@N03/828560992/"><img height="250" alt="Everyday changes" src="http://static.flickr.com/1105/828560992_9f7cf553e4_m.jpg" width="375" border="0"></a></a></a></a></a></a></p> <p><a title="Everyday changes" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7625816@N03/828560992/"></a> </p> <p><a title="Everyday changes" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7625816@N03/828560798/"></a></p>PrissyCookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036520572827854143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30850362.post-86515056604302863762007-07-15T16:04:00.001-07:002007-07-15T16:04:09.602-07:00Blue sky and Blueberry Iced Tea<p>Iced tea got a lot of discussion this past week on Andrea's Recipes. I can see how it is one of those things where everybody has their own secret or technique for brewing tea.</p> <p>I found this <a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1634663" target="_blank">Blueberry Iced Tea</a> recipe in a Southern Living magazine. It was very refreshing. I used less blueberries and half the sugar and the result was a milder blueberry taste.</p> <p><a title="Blueberry Iced Tea" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7625816@N03/822752888/"><img height="250" alt="Blueberry Iced Tea" src="http://static.flickr.com/1107/822752888_36c4ccc686.jpg" width="375" border="2"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Have you heard the advertisements on Food Network for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/ingrid_hoffmann" target="_blank">Ingrid Hoffmann's</a> new show Simply Delicioso. I hope her show in English is a success.</p> <p>I used the basic tamale casserole recipe and added and subtracted a few things to get what you see below. It's yummy.</p> <p><a title="Tamale Casserole" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7625816@N03/822752852/"><img height="250" alt="Tamale Casserole" src="http://static.flickr.com/1131/822752852_7984021ecc.jpg" width="375" border="2"></a></p>PrissyCookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036520572827854143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30850362.post-8395083575138352252007-07-15T15:43:00.001-07:002007-07-15T15:43:20.821-07:00Dance as if no one is watching<p>Dance as if no one is watching. Yesterday on my flight home, some very interesting people sat around me and the thought of dancing as if no one is watching went through my mind. </p> <p>The person to my left across the isle, a heavy metal kind of guy, black steal toe boots, HD t-shirt and listening to music loud enough where I could hear it. Let me tell you, he was playing every air instrument you could think of; Guitar, drums, keyboards. Sometimes all three at once.</p> <p>The person sitting to my right was a quiet crossword puzzle guy. Button up short sleeved shirt, brown belt and khaki pants. Every so often, I spotted him conducting to an invisible orchestra.</p> <p>The couple behind me were on their way to a cruise. They were having a discussion about what birds they were going to see in Alaska. If the lady knew the bird sound, she would start imitating bird sounds and he would either confirm or deny the accuracy of it.</p> <p>Dance as if no one is watching. I was so moved by these people all engaged in something I hope they were passionate about. </p>PrissyCookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036520572827854143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30850362.post-1242482203577733012007-07-14T06:49:00.001-07:002007-07-15T16:05:32.278-07:00Rain<p><a title="Caldwell, TX Garden" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7625816@N03/807908485/"><img height="250" alt="Caldwell, TX Garden" src="http://static.flickr.com/1141/807908485_166b64ac74.jpg" width="375" border="2"></a></p> <p>My mom is really proud of her tomato plant.</p>PrissyCookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036520572827854143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30850362.post-61206674337430274802007-07-13T12:00:00.001-07:002007-07-13T12:00:47.913-07:00Summer Recharge<p>Life can move too fast. So when it was time for the family summer beach vacation, my mind immediately went to all the things I needed to do at work and how would I fit in a vacation around my schedule.</p> <p>I know I need to sit back and appreciate my family and my life. I hope you can take a second to do the same thing.</p> <p><a title="100_0373" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7625816@N03/801384800/"><img alt="100_0373" src="http://static.flickr.com/1065/801384800_0437bd99e4.jpg" border="2"></a></p> <p>Garden gate in my parents back yard.</p> <p><a title="100_0374" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7625816@N03/801384980/"><img height="250" alt="100_0374" src="http://static.flickr.com/1108/801384980_0598e4ea02.jpg" width="375" border="2"></a></p> <p>Orange Canna Lily</p> <p><a title="100_0377" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7625816@N03/801385116/"><img height="250" alt="100_0377" src="http://static.flickr.com/1134/801385116_18e37c5aed.jpg" width="375" border="2"></a></p> <p>Texas Pink Crate Myrtle</p> <p><a title="100_0376" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7625816@N03/801385080/"><img height="250" alt="100_0376" src="http://static.flickr.com/1026/801385080_5f59cd6fd6.jpg" width="375" border="2"></a></p> <p>Purple Wisteria</p>PrissyCookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036520572827854143noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30850362.post-33143754618324797152007-07-11T08:12:00.001-07:002007-07-11T08:12:48.948-07:00Making a French Connection<p>14. What's more fun than being around a <a href="http://prissycook.blogspot.com/2007/07/y-where-are-we-going-to-eat.html" target="_blank">16 year old</a>? Mixing in a few 14 year olds. I have two cousins who are 14. They're freshmen. </p> <p>My mom is a high school history teacher. She's been teaching the subject for the last 25 years. Let's just say she knows the whole Texas curriculium for each grade, what should be taught each year and what you should leave each grade knowing. This is important information for the dinner conversation my mom had with cousin Chris.</p> <p><a title="100_0352" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7625816@N03/777295122/"><img height="250" alt="100_0352" src="http://static.flickr.com/1125/777295122_1d3c367a73.jpg" width="375" border="2"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Scene: <a title="Bennos of Galveston" href="http://www.bennosofgalveston.com/" target="_blank">Cajun seafood restaurant in Galveston</a>.</p> <p>Chris- What are they saying in this song? I don't understand it?</p> <p>Mom- It's in French.</p> <p>Chris- Why in the world is there a French song on in a Cajun restaurant?</p> <p>Mom- (looks wide-eyed at Chris)</p> <p>Chris- What? I don't understand.</p> <p>Mom- Who did we <em>purchase</em> <em>Louisiana</em> from?</p> <p>Chris- Ummmmm.</p> <p>Mom- You're a freshman, right? You had to have learned this.</p> <p>Chris- I don't know, my teacher is Canadian.</p>PrissyCookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06036520572827854143noreply@blogger.com1