All posts by superexhausted

LIfe, Parenting, Uncategorized

Guinea Pig Death

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The Guinea pig passed away this past weekend…  a moment of silence for the pig

smooth coat guinea pig

Graham the Guinea pig adopted at 3 died at 5  RIP  5/6/11

We lost Grahams  “life pig”   Smore this passed in November.  Smore,  he actually actually more dramatic in death  looking all nasty legs sticking out, mouth open and stuff.    Graham pass away quickly and in is little house,  it looked like when he was sleeping ..

The next morning at 5:30 am, I made the decision not to tell the kids till after we got home from my sons swim meet.  No need to get the kid up set.  We we got home I told them.. no real tears.

My son said casual “that is sad .. but he was old for a pig.”

*(note we have lost 1 cat 2 dogs 1 pig) in the last 3 years.. so death is becoming part of life in regards to our animals

So today,  I head over to the SPCA (animal shelter) to donate large guinea Pig cage.  I load it in the truck.  I walk in the shelter and ask  if they take old cages.  They say yes… this is where I lapsed in judgment. I turned and walked into the cat/small animal room.  NOT A Wise Choice.

I am now the proud owner of…

guinea pig wired hair

Moose a 1 year old  wired hair guinea pig

guinea pig long hair

Frankie a 6 year old long haired guinea pig  (yes,  I did say 6 years old- he will be dead in a year)

The thing is my husband was holding Frankie.  He calls me and tells me the pig has a huge boil on his back, major infection and it stinks. See the hair covered it when I got him and the shelter has a policy of not holding the animals prior to adoption .  My husband now calls me the Maiden of Death to Animals.

Cooking

Easy Sausage Frittata

Sausage Onion Frittata

So I have never made a Frittata before, this past week I read a blog post about an Aspargus Frittata my friend Jo-Lynne  at Musing of a Housewife.  My kids love my Quiche so I though they would love a Frittata.   Thanks to Jo-Lynne I improvised a little can came up with my own version based on her recipe. The kids loved it my husband liked it better than my Quiche because he does not like crust.  My son at 2 helpings then ate the rest for breakfast in  the morning. It was super easy in one pan.

I posted a picture on facebook and my cousin Donna  asked for the recipe = blog post,  sorry light on the pictures I did not expect to be writing it up.

The Pan used in making this Frittata was the 360 Cookwear 3.5qt Saute pan which amazing cooks at a med to low heat allowing the Frittata to to come up to temperature at a very consistent pace.  Also the lid on this pan has vapor seal which allows the steam to play in part in healthy cooking.  Another benefit is that 360 cookwear can go from the stove top to oven with easy.  I have been using this pan for several months and it is the first pay I use for all my meals.

Easy Sausage Frittata with Onion Asparagus

1lb of ground sausage

1 bunch of asparagus

½  a large Vidal onion

10 eggs

1 cup of sharp cheddar

3/4 cup of mozzarella  cheese  (I did not have any Gruyere)

½  half and half

2 plum tomatoes

1.       In a large sauté pan brown the sausage to well done so as all the grease is cooked, remove and drain on paper towel

2.       Wash and cut asparagus in to 1” pieces on the diagonal

3.       Mince onion   and put in 3.5qt  sauté pan with a pat of butter

4.       Add asparagus to pan, cook until tender but firm (add salt and pepper)

5.       Add back to sauté pan add drained sausage

6.       In separate scramble 10 eggs with half and half

7.       Pour  ¾ of the egg mixture  in sauté pan on top of sausage, onion, and asparagus

8.       Cover cook for a 3 minutes

9.       Add cheddar cheese then pour remaining egg on top cover cook another minute

10.   Add the sliced tomatoes around the edge

11.   Cook on stove top till center firm center will be loose

12.   Add mozzarella  cheese and put in oven un covered under broiler for a minute watching carefully so it does not burn.

13.  Allow to cool slightly before eating

Want a easy printout  version  of recipe ?  Easy Sausage Frittata

Disclosure:  I did receive the saute pan from 360 cookwear opinions and review of the cookwear is of my own after months of using the pan.

Philadelphia, Travel

A Day at Sesame Place

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cookie monster

So this past week my daughter and I  went to Sesame Place with a friend CecilyK it was a fun day.  Cecily daughter and mine had a wonderful afternoon. We walked with and I got to know fellow Philadelphia Dresden.  We got to see all the big stars at Sesame Place in Langhorn.

We are able to see all the characters at a right before the new parade which was amazing and fun.  My daughter loved it.

We also got to see the new  Rock n Roll Elmo live Show.  And Elmos World Live show worth Mr. Noodle.

Then we got play.  The Monster Maze was a favorite the girls went in and ended playing in the sand for quite some time,  Then they played on the Ernie bed bounce which was fun.

There is also a ton of water rides at  Sesame Place my daughter said that the opening day was a little too cold .  We have come in the past with both my kids and my son 9 loved it because of the water rides.

It was a lovely day that to Cecily and Sesame Place for having me.

Disclosure:  I did not receive and compensation for this post. Sesame Place did allow me to  attend the day and  but the opinions are of my own.


LIfe, Parenting

Working at Home Hermit

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little house in grass

I find the more I work at home the more.. I hate to leaving the house.  I am not sure if this is happening to others,  but there is something to be said for not going through the hassle.  I have been home working for over 5 years (6 if you count the year I was off) on my superhero cape business .  I find that I hate to food shopping and don’t want to spend money clothing shopping (since my husband lost his job last June so.) I tend to really try to be efficient leave the house multi task.  6 stops one trip because every time I leave that is 6 hours …gone POOF.  Then I feel like it was a waste of a day and I did not accomplish much. So I guess I am a workaholic …which anyone who knows me says I am.  I spend time out of the house for the kid, husband, church, and events.

Most of my friends have gone back to work,  kids are in school, and everybody is busy including myself.  So I don’t make time for lunches with friends, or shopping excursions (I was never a big shopper for myself).  Most people would say I am a social person and out going but during the weekdays not so much.

So here I sit comfy in my chair shopping from my computer and talking on the phone and working.  The thing is i don’t mind not one bit.  I think I am comfortable and happy, and isn’t that the point.

I am becoming a work at home hermit, so are you in your shell like me?

LIfe, Marriage

No I do not speak for my other Half

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My husbands opinions are not mine. After almost 18 years with my husband, I find that people think that we speak in one voice and think the same. Hello… we do not. I can’t control what he does or says. Also he does stuff that I do not agree with. We have different religious beliefs and outlooks… we always have. Maybe other women say things and the can speak for their spouse. But that is not the way it works in our house and never has. I can make him do anything and never will.  I respect his right to have his own opinions, because I should and he does the same for me.  I wish others would understand he has a voice and it is not mine.   If you want him to do something ask him not me.

We are different and that is why we work.

Travel, Uncategorized

Getting Gorgeous with Degree in NYC

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Getting Gorgeous with Degree

This Past week I was fortunate to attend the Getting Gorgeous with Degree in NYC.  The hosts were super smart business women Audrey McClelland and Vera Sweeney.  These ladies put on an amazing day for about 300 women.

I drove to new york with Chrissy,  Once we arrived the line was out the door waiting to get in. Inside we were treated by a mimosa from Simply Orange.  It was such a refreshing way to kick of the day.  The we walk around to see the lovely event sponsors.

The Product:

Flip out Sandals they gave us a which are adorable. They have twist off embellishments on the front,  so you can change your shoes look.  Cool right! Discount Get 20% off All Shoes and Shoe Jewelry at shop.flipoutsandals.com. Use code GORG at Checkout. Offer expires 12/31/2011.

It was so great catching up with old/new friends and sampling Cupcakes from Georgetown cupcakes..I might have to move to DC.

Michael Duenas Hair Room Service was present doing everyone’s hair.  Catlin McKnight got her totally curly hair straighten.

It was such a wonderful day I also got to meet Liz Lange and Jane Wagman of Shopafrolic.   Shopafrolic is a go to source daily what to buy and not buy in fashion.  Great for busy women to have one place to go for all that fashion advice.  It is like having a sister with great fashion taste.  They were wonderful and so approachable.  Please be sure to check my upcoming post on meeting the girls.. yes it warrants it own post..hello it’s Liz and Jane

liz Lange and jane wagman with babypop

Miracle Body and Miraclesuit was there showing the amazing bathing suits. They make you look 10 pound lighter in seconds   The Miraclesuit tip they gave me was buy the jeans 1 size smaller and the swim suit 1 size larger. The also gave us a discount for  the suits Cyberswim Discount Code http://www.cyberswim.com/ use discount code GGNYC 20% off

cyberswim discount

I had such a great time catching up with culture travel  writer Holly Culture Mommy, travel writer Carol from NYC Mama, and Home style writers Elise Jones and Mae Hacking from Here in the house.  Check out there sites

While I was there I got to try Moes new  dip being offered a Bjs and the white bean dip is sure to be a hit at your next party BJs wholesale club.

I also got a chance to learn about Weight Watchers new online line weight loss program.  So excited to learn about the points plus program and check it out on line.  It is very interactive and awesome tips so you can be successful in your weight loss journey and healthy lifestyle.

So after the girls got there makeup done by lifetime moms and pictures taken with Drop Dead Diva.  Check out Trina for Oboyorganic great Philadelphia organic food chef.

Afterward we were in NYC so we did some shopping  and off the dinner at a amazing Mexican place Casa Rosa .

Organization expert Molly, Pa Parenting resource Chrissy, Trina

So more other wonderful sponsors that made this day possible:

Hanes-  I love there new comfort socks

sarahpotempa.com Deal: $50 off the purchase of a titanium or ceramic flat iron at . Enter promo code GG2011 at Checkout. Offer expires 9/1/2011.

Goody–  it is not the goody you remember such great new products

Sandals resorts

Dream Water

Studio Jewel  check out here artisan jewelry

Tide to go…life saver

Affresh

NYX Professional Makeup

Want to see more pictures check out my flickr set from Getting Gorgeous

Thanks you to the Vera and Audrey for such a wonderful relaxing day.

Check out my BabyPop Capes Facebook Page to stay in on more adventures

*I was offered an invitation to Getting Gorgeous with Degree in NYC and provided a swag bag. I was not compensated in any way for this post, and as always, my opinions are strictly my own.

Philadelphia, Travel, Uncategorized

Lores Chocolate Birthday Party

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lores chocolate philadelphia

A journey back to a land of sweet chocolate Goodness:  Philadelphia Lores Chocolate Birthday Parties Experience a memory my children will never forget.

We were recently  were invited to a Lores Chocolate birthday party,  with several other Philadelphia Bloggers it was a fantastic day….

As you walk downstairs into Lores Chocolates 7th Street location  and you are transformed back to a different time where people took the care  to make candy by hand. The chocolate party room has a lovely tin ceiling and brick walls, the room it oozed historic old city charm. The original Lores candy machines are located in the nostalgic space.   The best was the smell… amazing the warm sent of chocolate: dark, milk and white located in vats throughout the room.  It was intoxicating and inviting… I think I arrived in Lores Nirvana.

What to expect at the party?

To start The children and adults get a little history of chocolate by a Lores Chocolate personnel .   Then the children are split into 2 groups.  My kids started with the conveyor belt.  Maureen (Lores Party Coordinator) provided the children  with their own box of goodies to cover in chocolate.  The kids place each pretzel, marshmallow, and animal crackers  on the conveyor belt. Then watch as it their own stash gets cover in a flood of chocolate.

The kids even get to put their own little swirl on top of each chocolate with their fingers, so really “Hands On”.  Then at the end of the conveyor they pack ala Lucy Ball style.  Each kid ended up with a box of yummy chocolate.

lores chocolate birthday party

Next work with molds:  with Lores Owner Toney.  First up the hallow chocolate. Did you know they put the chocolate in a mold  then use a slow rotator to get the Lores Chocolate to cover the entire inside of the mold? So COOL to watch

Then the kids made lovely flowers of solid Lores chocolate. I have to say the Lores chocolate tastes amazing so if you have not tried you must.

The final chocolate experience was how nonpareils are made by hand.( I was actually jealous that the kids got to try making my favorite movie treat.) check out my making Nonpareils video.

How to make Nonpareils

I think my son talked Toney and Maureen ears off asking questions,  they were really great and patient.  You can tell the Lores couple has school age children because they created  a wonderful  hands on chocolate party great for girls and active boys.

I have to say this was a party experience unlike any other.   The charm and old world feel of the location makes it a fantastic place to teach the kids about a such a lovely art form.  Both My son and Daughter  said it was awesome and they wanted to come back.

The Lores Chocolate party packages start at $250 and well worth the very memorable experience.

Disclosure; I received no monetary compensation for this review but I did receive the entrance to the party and party chocolate favors.  The opinions stated in this post are mine own.

Wikipedia: Chocolate is a raw or processed food produced from the seed of the tropical Theobroma cacao tree. →

Parenting

Manners for kids=Rude Parents + Rude Kids Part 2

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No Manners again..Loss of kids manners in Parents and kids I am back on my high horse. If you recalled I discussed manners for kids in a previous blog post Loss of manners

So I was out and  I watched a 3 year old girl spill a drink at the top of a staircase.  Dad was 5 feet away talking but facing the girl.  I watch another gentleman get a paper towel and clean it up.  Then she came and pushed the cup in a garbage can drink came back and spilled over the floor.  Dad at this point was 3 feet away.  Little girl knew she spilled and went and hid in Dads legs. Dad then kept talking and watched me clean up the mess, running for paper towels twice so that no one spilled on the linoleum floor.

I know that I am not always there when my kids have an accident but to so blatantly disregard it is rude… and to not say thank you for cleaning it up.

Kids Need to be taught to say thank you’s.

I have actually have had a discussion with my son regarding the need to say thank you.  We had it last year when I noticed a friend did not say thank you for me taking out for an entire day and lunch.

The discussion went ” M did you notice at no point did your friend say thank you?’

He said “I said thank you Mommy”

Me “I know you did buddy, you must always say thank you when people do something for you.  People go out of there way all the time and you must thank them for their efforts”

him” I know Mom,  I always say thank you”

Me ” Good and always do M”

Once Mrs.F  said to me “Do you know G said thank you to me without being told to do so?” make a reference to the fact I told my son to say thank you publicly.

Note: 5 minutes earlier I pulled aside the girl “G” told her” Make sure you thank to Mrs F”

I do always ask my kids to say did they say thank you. I know other people hear me asking but learning to say thank you is a learned behavior.  Being polite is good but if people are kind to you it is important to say “thank you”

What are your thoughts?

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