Monthly Archives: January 2012

Cooking

Chicken Lettuce Wraps and Bacon blue cheese Lettuce Wraps

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I needed an health-ish option for football Sunday Lettuce wraps 2 versions Blue cheese lettuce Wedge wrap a take on the steak house salad and a Fire Cracker Chicken lettuce wrap  which is spicy, sweet and sour.  These wraps are a similar favor to wings but deconstructed in to 2 options.  They have the heat in one and the blue cheese in the other.   Something green,  Lettuce Wraps easy to pick up and eat.  Great finger food.   Football Foods grown up.   I also have to say even my 10 year old like them.

Fire Cracker Chicken Lettuce Wraps (Shown above)

  • 1 or2 boneless Chicken breasts
  • 1 head of Boston Bib lettuce
  • 2 cups Orange Juice
  • 1 tbls Honey
  • 1 lime
  • 1 blood orange
  • 4 tbls Soy sauce
  • ¼cup rice vinegar
  • Lime
  • Sugar
  • Cayenne pepper
  • 1 package of shredded coleslaw
  • Salt pepper

Prep:

  1. In a plastic bag, 1 cup of OJ, 2 tbls of Soy,  1-tbls spoon of honey, 1tbls of Cayenne pepper salt pepper,  Place thawed chicken in Marinade for 2-3 hours or overnight.
  2. Separate bowl place ½ a bag of coleslaw, 2 tbls of sugar, ¼cup rice vinegar , juice of a lime, pinch of salt mix sit for 2-3 hours  over night.

Cook:

  1. Fry or grill chicken till cooked,  add marinade in pan while cooking to keep moist.  Remove chicken to a separate plate allow to cool so you can shred with a fork.
  2. Deglaze the chicken pan with 1 cup orange juice and  2 tbls soy sauce to make a reduction
  3. Clean and wash lettuce keeping leaves in tack (bib lettuce is great for wraps because the are flexible

Assemble:  Lettuce, coleslaw, shredded chicken , drizzled with oj/soy reduction, top with blood orange

For an easy printer -friendly  recipe Fire Cracker Chicken Wraps

Blue Cheese Bacon Wedge Lettuce wraps

  • 1 head of Boston Bib lettuce
  • Solid blue cheese  ¼ lb (sliced thin, shaved)
  • Thick cut bacon
  • Plum Tomatoes diced
  • Olive Oil
  • Balsamic Vinegar
  1. Clean and wash lettuce keeping leaves in tack (bib lettuce is great for wraps because the are flexible)
  2. Cook the bacon draining fat once cool slice in to thin strips
  3. Assemble
  4. Lettuce, tomato, blue cheese ,bacon, Drizzle with oil and vinegar-  Wrap and eat

I like the balsamic in a spray  container so it is evenly distributed I found mine at Trader Joes

  • Variations- add sour cream  or an hard boiled egg- for a cobb version

For an easy printer -friendly  recipe  Blue Cheese Wedge Lettuce wraps

To check out more recipes of great  super bowl food check out my fellow Red Pack Blogger Winner  Wendy Weekend Gourmet superbowl food  linkup.

superbowl health food

Philadelphia, Product Reviews, Travel

State of US Car Manufacturing What I learned at the AutoShow

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This past Friday I attended press day at the 2012 Philadelphia Auto Show unveiling of the 2013 models.  It was a really special day, I was able to bring my husband as my video camera man, needless to say he was thrilled.  General Motors hosted our visit to the auto show.  It was so wonderful to explore the cars without the crowds.

The best part of the day was having a personal tour of the show floor by James Bell Head of GM Consumer affairs.  We started at the Chevy Corvette, it looked like as James put “if Darth Vader had a car”.  The corvette is always a sexy car but this model was gorgeous black paint that sparkled with depth.  I am sure what was under the hood was sure to make you scream.(I digress but the Corvette was special.)

I feel like the tour with James was an education in the current state of the car market.   What automotive companies were doing a great job like the Subaru,  Audi, and General Motors.  James explained that the standards and rules have changed thus affecting car design.   Some company have done great job,  other well … lets say … There is always next year.

US changes to expect for Car Makers:

  • Fuel Efficiencies:  By 2020 all us cars manufactures will have to achieve an average a fuel efficient rating of 35 miles per gallon, for their entire US fleet.  IE they have to sell more little efficient cars to balance out the large gas loving vehicles.   As expected electric, hybrids, and alternative fuels are planning a large part in get the US cars manufactures to meet this standard.
  • Size of cars– The cars will continue to get smaller, because of the fuel demands, the designers will need to pushes the envelope in all areas to meet US standards.  Engineers will continued to be challenging by using less space in a vehicle but still providing comfort for the consumer.
  • What does this mean for the large cars?  The large trucks and SUVs will not go away entirely but there will be less of them and they will not take center stage.  Jim also pointed out that the average  US drivers thinks that  large cars are safer.  Jim says that is not always true, Smaller cars can react quicker in an accident and move out to the way.  I personally never thought of smaller cars reaction time, he does have a point.

State of General Motors : James Bell explained that GM is back on top as the #1 car company in the US, as president Obama reiterated in 2012 State of the Union address.  General Motors was for many years the best selling US car company, then for a brief time Toyota was, but they are happy to say they are back where they should be.  While Test driving the GM cars I was really impressed  the attention to detail throughout the entire car.    They really are competing on all levels of style, comfort, and consumer’s needs. The GM designers really did achieve amazing quality and luxury at all price levels.

Thanks to James Bell for taking to the time to walk the Philadelphia 2012 Auto show with us.

For more about check out my upcoming post:

-Outside the US …learning about the car manufactures in the world how it effect the US consumer.

-My Test drive of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco with the Vehicle Line Manger Malibu Tracy Mack-video

-My test drive with the 2012 Cadillac SRX with Social Media GM Northeast Lauren Fitapelli- video

 ATS by Cadillac

2013 Cadillac ATS available in April

Disclosure: I did receive free entrance to the auto show with my husband but the opinions in this post are my own.

 

dogs, LIfe

Neutered Dogs: Cut Them Balls Off

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I don’t know what it is but I can wait to get my dogs balls cut off (neutered).  I have never had a animal that has not been neutered.  My new Doberman puppy Lloyd is not neutered yet and the 1st thing I asked the vet was when could be.  He said somewhere between 4-5months some vets say any time after 8 weeks to do the neuter deed.   So about a month ago I noticed that the puppy’s little boys were dropping. I became aware (my husband’s says obsessed) with get them cut off.  He says I mention the neuter all the time.  I just think my husband is being super sensitive,  you know him being male and all..

It just every time I see Lloyd and he rolls on his back. I see those  2 little nuts staring me in the face. It is only a matter of time before they are swinging in the wind  Ewe.. time to neuter him.

Also Lloyd has been mounting Grundy our bulldog  I know it is dominance but still, MANNERS.

doberman puppy

I am hyper aware of what un-neutered dogs do like… RUNAWAY.  Hershey my last male Doberman was fixed, right before we adopted him after a year of age.    Needless to say the male hormones got to his brain,  he was always looking for a Bitch(female dog) to score.   Hershey was a runner, hit buy a car and survived type of runner.(cost us $$$$)  Needless to say Lloyd took off out the front door Christmas day right in front of a car .. CUT THEM BALLS OFF. Neuter your dog.

Medical Opinion:  The vet experts say the earlier you get your god neutered the better.  I have no intention of breeding this dog, so theys need to go.

Guess who is 4 months !  Tomorrow is the day!  Lloyd loses his boys.. I say goodbye good riddance. Neutering is my only option.

I guess my husband may have a point,  I might be a little obsessed.

 

To learn more about Spaying and Neutering   American Humane Society

To find  your low cost spay and neutering clinics

No I dont let let Lloyd chew on scissors normally they we just used as a prop for these photos  and he did not run with them either.

Neuter your dog.

 

Parenting, Travel

Visit to NJ Capital

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So recently we were invited to NJ State Museum and The NJ Statehouse.  We had a fun day and learn somethings too.  I grew up in New Jersey  but never tour the Trenton Nj capital till recently.  Jersey Family fun planned the day for us and it was such a treat.

We started with the NJ State Museum which is free,  (you leave a donation if you wish).  The have wonderful museum 3 floor.  Which contains Dinosaurs, Nature, Nj History, and art exhibits.  So a little bit of everything.  The also planned a head for kids and through out the Museum is a kids stations so children can also do small interactive things as well. Like designing a quilt or looking to a microscope.

While we were there that had a singing performer and a large Dino puppet(man ) walking around.

Also the Museum has a Planteriam and for a small fee of about $6.00 you can see there exhibit.My daughter and son loved it because it was 3-D

Then we headed over for a NJ Statehouse Capital Building Tour.  Where we heard about the building and the legistrative process.  Because the house and Nj congress was not in session we really got to see the behind the scenes.

Take a look at the building:

My son got to attend a Mock hearing of law making which he loved in the bottom of the capital building which he loved.  I have to say we had a great day.  I would recommending packing a lunch because there is no place to eat near the capital or museum.

I loved the idea it was in with in a 1/2 drive from where we live in north Philadelphia.  We had a great day it was a fun way to spend the afternoon. Thank you to Jennifer at Jersey Family Fun, NJ State Museum and NJ State House for having us for the day.

LIfe, Uncategorized

Internet Goes Black


Do you want a limited view of the world?

Today you might have noticed the internet went black and so will many other sites. The reason is Sopa and Pipa laws that are up for a vote in the US  if passed will end the internet as we know it. They are laws suppose to help protect copywrite but they are reckless and need to be rewritten not just a blanket fix.  I urge you to read more.  Then call your Sentor and tell him you are opposed to censorship on the internet.

SopaStrike

Google reason for blackout

 

I know  you think how does it effect you but it does.. sites will be taken down for sharing content.

You may ask why have I not heard about this.  many of the large media companys suport this bill,  because it helps them.  Think about free sharing has killed the newspaper bussiness .. whay is next ..the news. Twitter broke the BinLaden killing.

Here is where you can go and get your US Sentors phone number.. Call it takes 1 minute to protect your rights.

Want to add your site to my Stop Sopa pinrest board

Cooking

Avocado Egg #TastyTues

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egg in an avocado

I am obsessed with Avocado and eggs so I combined both.  It is a yummy cool avocado and tasty breakfast add tomatoes and you have a healthy meal. Avocados in eggs is also one of the prettiest meals you can make in the morning and all brain food to kick start the day.

Egg Cooked in an Avocado

  • 1 egg
  • 1 avocado (firm not  mushy)
  • Butter
  • Tomatoes
  • salt
  1. Cut your avocado in 1/2

  1. Remove the avocado pit (hit the pit with a sharp knife then slowly pull back pit should come with the knife)
  2. Cut the bottom off  the avocado(ok if you cut into the pit hole- helps egg to cook)cooking avocado
  3. Place butter in pan, place in avocado in pan
  4. Separate yoke from white,  place yoke in avocado hole in frying pan, you can add hot sauce in the holeegg cooking in a avocado
  5. Cover the Avocado with lid and cook on low, till yoke is starting to cook, you might have to add a little water to the pan to steam the egg depending how hard or soft you want your egg.
  6. Then carefully remove avocado /egg
  7. Cook whites and garnish the Avocado with tomatoes, add Hot Sauce (I prefer wing sauce) tomatoe egg and avocado

enjoy!

This avocado egg is a surprise and different meal in the morning.

LIfe, Parenting

MLK Day not Important?

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Today is  Martin Luther King, Jr.Day, teaching your kids about MLK the man and participating in day of unity and service is important.  Depending where you live in the US determines if this day is important (apparently).  My sister in-law lives in Northern PA, and for some reason this MLK day  that our government deems a Federal Holiday and is not  important enough to shut down their school down for (My Sister  in law thinks it’s wrong (so do I)).    This is the same school district that shuts down for the 1st day of  hunting season.(apparently school children are hunting. WTF)  .  It might be said that this school district has no African Americans so they can not relate. This is a National / Federal Holiday,  this is not a holiday of color. Martian Luther King stood for for equality and unity.  Even the poorest of children have something to give, it is important to teach that.  Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’ .

Ok so that is my 60 second rant …

Great ways you can help others with your children:

Encourage your kids to give back every week as part of their responsibilities to the family and community. I encourage local giving with kids so they can see the charity people that they are giving to.

Help the Animals: Your children can also save there coins and donate to a local pet shelter. Or collect old towels, pet food, kitty litter. Plus I bring my kids to shelter to stress the importance of so many animals that need a home. We can’t save them all. But you ingraining early the adoption bug it will save animals when they are adults. Or go online Humane Society

Do the Can Can: Encourage them to give pick one item at the food grocery store to give to the local food pantry, don’t know where one is stop by a local church they always have a food pantry. I always say”make it something you love to eat so the child you are giving it to will also”.

Share the Sandbox: Teach kids the importance of sharing there toys with others. Every year right before a holiday or birthday or major school break. I teach my kids about purging, and giving to others. My son is fine long as it goes to another child. Have the child help in donate the toys or clothes to a organization like Crayons to Cradle

Give a Plate: Giving meals is a wonderful to encourage your children to be party of there community. If there is an older American on your street who lives alone. Take him or her dinner or better yet invite them for dinner. When I talk to senior they say the hardest thing about being alone is the meals cooking for one stinks so they don’t eat or cans are the meals. I always make extra soup when I make I, my son will run the meal to my neighbor. It is never planed and I figure he can always freeze it. It makes my son, part of the giving process.

Sick to Smiles: Don’t forget the local hospitals / nursing homes and the sick people in them.  Many people don’t have visitor or people who come to see them.  Have your kids make cards and trinkets to brighten others day. Organize some kids to sing at a local nursing home or play a game of checkers. All the care locations have volunteer contact person so call and ask.

Make Card: You don’t always have to leave your house. On these cold winter days when you are snowed in encourage your kids to write letters and card to our service men overseas, box them up and mail them to the following. Here is a link:  Do Something
or the address:
A Million Thanks
Care of Do Something.org
17853 Santiago Blvd., #107-355
Villa Park, CA 92861

Sweet Dreams : Have the kids save to buy PJs for other kids Many children do not have PJs at night to sleep in Pajama Program

Wow it is Cold: Some American parents can afford to buy coats for their children because they are busy putting food in their bellies and keeping the heat on. Try Coats for kids or One Warm Coat

Check out the MLK Day Site for more ideas.

Every day every person had the opportunity to make someone else life better for kids it could be a kid at the play ground inviting him join it or to a senior member of our society talking to them with a hello how is your day.

So what are some of your ways to teach your children to “Do For Others”.  How are you contribution this year?

Cooking, Travel

I am going to Taste Of the NFL Superbowl Weekend with RedPack Tomatoes

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So after years of working with the NFL and design NFL Jerseys in my prior life.  How do I get to the Superbowl weekend with my blogging and Red Pack… I am ecstatic!!!.   I am headed to Taste of the NFL Superbowl weekend with RedPack Tomatoes with 7 other bloggers. Taste of the NFL is a “Party with a purpose”  a charity dinner and auction benefiting local food banks in every NFL city.  All the chefs are representative every NFL city as well.   Every chef will also have a NFL player from the city assisting him at his food station.  So for my town Philadelphia  it is Chef Jack Mc David and former Eagles Player Jerry Sisemore.  35 chefs wine… Tell me this is not a foodies dream. It’s mine.

 

Photo by Peter Ross from www.tedallen.net

This years host is Ted Allen from Food networks “Chopped.’  So hopefully I will get a picture of  Ted Allen because I am a seriously Food Network junkie.   The music this year is Sara Evans.  There will be TLC’s Cake Boss stars Mauro Castano and Joey Faugno. The newly crowned Miss America will be on hand to greet guest.   I am looking forward to the entire evening.

While visiting in Indiana,  I will also be touring the Red Gold / Red Pack facility and learning about there manufacturing.  I love the idea that they are a Made int he USA company keep jobs here in the states. Also to learn about how Red Pack processes there Red Gold tomatoes to keep them fresh tasting. It is going to be a great weekend away.

Here are the posts I wrote about Red Pack to win the contest.

Holiday Blue Ribbon Chili with video

Sweet BBQ Ribs

Black Eyed Pea Soup with smoke Turkey Leg with video

I will  be sure to report more before I go. Be sure to follow along on my Facebook page BabyPop Designs and twitter @babypop Superbowl Weekend.

Disclosure: I  have received the Taste of the NFL trip from Redgold Redpack tomatoes all the opinions in this post are of my own.

LIfe, Parenting, Photography

20 Ways to beat Winter Blues

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Beating the Winter Blues…  It has been a very odd last 2 weeks.  I am not sure if it is after holiday blues or just winter blues.  But I have been dragging unmotivated.  Now the Christmas season is over for me and I am back on “normal” schedule.  But I can’t seem to get moving.  We have not had snow yet so it just feels gloomy.   This is the 1st time I have experience winter lows so it is throwing me off.  So I came up with ways to avoid winter depression.

20 ways  beat avoid the winter blues or lows:

  1. Read a book- a summer trashy paperback with lots of smut
  2. Buy Flowers and thrown them away just before they turn then buy more (so cheap at the supermarket or produce stand)
  3. Call up a friend and go out for lunch.. don’t have the time.  Meet for a drink after work. Just get out of your house
  4. Buy pretty underwear and wear them
  5. Watch a movie during the middle of the day and not feel guilty
  6. Eat more oranges vitamin C will pick you up
  7. Take a walk
  8. Color your hair or have it colored , you might need a change
  9. Color with crayons in a coloring book- it works for kids
  10. Start a small project like a making a card and mail it to a friend- you might make their day
  11. Shower with lots of smelly body wash preferably tropical summer smell
  12. Clean your car (better yet have someone else do it at the car wash),  make your escape vehicle a place of serenity
  13. Join or start a group, book club, knitting club, cooking club you can probably go for several months and meets some new people.
  14. Go out and get a ice cream cone they don’t melt in winter
  15. Turn on music and dance and sing (it works on Grey Anatomy)
  16. Put on flip flops, and a big skirt with a sweater over the top to feel girl …who cares if you have winter sock underneath
  17. If you were thinking about it adopt a pet.. granted it is extreme but you are home and have the time to train an animal, they will make you smile.
  18. Take pictures of your kids in bright happy clothes ( kids can somehow brighten your day)
  19. Build a fire somehow embracing the winter with hot cocoa seems to help
  20. Plan events for the weekend so you have something to look forward too-zoo out in winter, art museum, or  indoor expo

Here is my attempt to fight of winter depression off .. Taken this morning on the way to school

umbrella girl

What are some ways you beat the January blues?