Thursday, February 28, 2013

Southern Green Beans


Growing up in North Carolina, we've had our fair share of foods cooked with bacon...Who am I kidding...living in Philly I STILL have my fair share of things cooked with bacon or bacon drippings! I go so far as to save that heavenly goodness in a mason jar. Yep! I kid you not! It adds a depth of flavor to my dumplins and soups that is hard to replace. Sure, you can do without, find a substitute, and still have a good recipe, but why not have a great one?? It's not like you're gonna eat the entire batch of whatever-it-is single-handedly in one sitting. Well, this recipe is one of those things that bacon just 'makes' the dish. It's kinda like a good outfit. Sure, you may look great in the cute dress you just bought...BUT when you add the accessories..the jewelry and some cute shoes...they make the outfit great! Now, don't get me wrong...I love some fresh green beans with a little olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder...but once in awhile it's okay to indulge in something a little more...divine....lol...okay...I'm getting a little corny here....So anyway, my mom has been making these green beans for years and for me, there's nothin like them! Definitely a Thanksgiving staple in our house! I hope y'all enjoy these as much as I do!

Ingredients

3 strips of bacon
2 lbs. of green beans, trimmed and washed
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 onion diced
1 clove garlic, minced
salt and pepper to taste

Directions





1. In a large pot, melt the butter. Add the bacon and fry until it is cooked crisp.


Next, add the diced onions and saute until translucent.

Add green beans and 1 clove of minced garlic and stir together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.




5. Add 1 cup water then turn heat down to low and cover with a lid. Cook on low until tender, about 30 minutes unless you prefer al dente, then cook for only 15 minutes.




6. Serve and Enjoy!

 

Monday, February 25, 2013

Quick Chicken Broccoli and Rice



I don't know about you, but my life is one crazy whirlwind! Between dropping the kids at school, getting to work, gymnastics practice, mid-week church groups, birthday parties picking the kids UP from school and the day-to-day chores sometimes I just need a quick meal to feed my busy family. Fast-food is often our go-to meal when we have no time (or energy for that matter). However, we're not big fans of the greasy who-knows-what-it's-even-made-with-food so when I find something we can make that is quick and somewhat healthy...it's definitely a plus in my book! So, I decided to try out the new Minute® Ready to Serve Rice and what I came up with was Quick Chicken, Broccoli and Rice and I was a very happy mom. PLUS it only took 20 minutes start to finish, and that included PREP time! The recipe contains simple ingredients and with the 98% fat-free cream of chicken soup...it's even on the healthy side! Also, you can't beat it if the kids actually eat a meal I make for the first time. Quick, simple AND healthy! Score!
 
 
Ingredients
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 lb. chicken breasts (or tenders) cut up into one inch pieces
2 cups frozen broccoli
1 can cream of chicken soup (98% fat-free)
1 can water (use the empty soup can)
2 packages of Minute® Ready to Serve White Rice (4 individual servings)
salt and pepper, to taste
garlic powder, to taste
paprika, to taste
dash of cayenne (optional)
 

 
1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika and cayenne pepper.

 
2. In a preheated skillet, drizzle olive oil  and add the seasoned chicken. Cook over medium to medium-high heat until nearly cooked through.

 
3. Add the can of cream of chicken soup. Fill the can with water and stir the water in the pan. Check seasoning and add more if needed.

 
4. Next, add the frozen broccoli and stir to combine.

 
5. Add the Minute® Ready to Serve White Rice and stir to combine.

 
6. Cover with a lid and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for ten minutes.
 
Serve it hot! Enjoy!
 
 
 
 
Minute® Ready to Serve Rice is an ideal portable solution for lunch or breakfast because you can eat it on the go, straight from the cup. In just 60 seconds, you have fully cooked rice for any meal or snack. You’ll never get bored with your lunch since there are 10 flavorful and wholesome varieties. If you’re looking for a healthy option, Minute® Ready to Serve Rice provides easy portion control since it’s conveniently packaged in two individual single-serve cups.
Visit http://www.minuterice.com/ for recipes, including Minute® Ready to Serve Stir it Up recipe ideas and more information about the Minute® Rice family of products.
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Minute® Ready to Serve Rice.

Saturday, February 23, 2013

What My Momma Did...

I'm linking up with Lisa-Jo with a 5-Minute Friday prompt...here's the task:

In just five minutes. Tell me all about what your mama did that made her yours….{and don’t forget to spend some time commenting on the post of the person who linked up just before you}


Wow. Well, my Momma showed me what is was to be a lady and to love her husband. I never saw her anything less than graceful no matter the circumstances. (Well, other than the 3 cigarettes she smoked during my teen years when my sister and I pushed her to her limit... :/ lol...we knew we were in for it then since she wasn't a smoker!)  We didn't have a lot growing up but she always tried to look her best and take care of herself and she rarely swore unless it was under her breath and never in front of other people. She carried herself with grace and femininity but was strong and independent. She made my dad feel needed but she knew she could take care of herself. She put my dad first and always showed her undying love for him (which he reciprocated, probably a bi-product of her love:)) She served him meals first instead of last and never disrespected him in front of others, even if she disagreed which I'd never knew. She kissed him publicly (which still grosses me out..lol and holds his hands even to this day) She carried herself with poise and treated others and herself with dignity. I wish I had been a better daughter when I was a teenager...I guess we all go through that sassy, bratty stage. I just pray that I can be as graceful as she is and my daughters don't take after me in that respect....I think I'm like her in many ways, though I take after my dad in a lot of ways too. But if I could inherit her grace and ability to act like a lady...then I think I've learned a lot, especially in today's society. Though I am speaking in the past tense because the question was asked that way, she still does these things today! Love you mom! You're one classy lady!

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Friday, February 22, 2013

What You've Been Dying to Know....

Or not....

I was tagged by the sweetheart over at My Life, as Mommy and Wife, Holly, to share a little about myself....So in case you wanted to know some randomness about The Redheaded Princess....then today is your day! 

Okay...so here ya go....


1. Where were you born? Fort Lauderdale, Florida (Broward County aka home of the hanging chad)

2. Were you named after someone? My first name, no, but my middle name is my mother's name and grandmother's middle name

3. If you have children, how many do you have? I have three beautiful daughters ages 3,6 and 9. Couldn't be more blessed and proud!

4. How many pets do I have? I have one 90% sweet 10% psychotic tabby Siamese mix cat...she is female...so that may be all the explanation needed.....

5. What was your worst injury? Well, I've been pretty lucky...probably when we first moved into our apartment in the city I was carrying some couch cushions into our walk out basement and there were some little punk kids that I was worried were gonna steal the cushions, and rather than make two trips I tried to carry all of them at once but fell down the steps and put my elbow through the glass storm door. I got about 12 stitches.

6. Do I have a special talent? I'm creative but I never really developed any specific talent either artistically or musically. Wish I would've learned to play an instrument :(

7. What's your favorite thing to bake? My mom's Christmas cookies with frosting but I can only do it once a year because I have no self-control when it comes to eating them

8. What's your favorite fast-food? Chipotle or Qdoba

9. Would you bungee jump? There was a time when I would have said yes to that and even to sky diving BUT I have a lot more to lose now and I don't think I'm immortal anymore...so...No I wouldn't

10. What is the first thing you notice about people? If they smile...if they don't smile I usually stay back.

11. When was the last time you cried? At a funeral today..not boo-hoo crying..because I don't do that in front of people...but ya know..I needed some tissues...I'll miss that lady...

12. Any current worries? That I'm not a good example of a godly woman to my girls...it's a daily process that I fail often...I pray they see the good in me and my love for God...and them...

13. Name three drinks you drink regularly. Coke zero, sweet tea, Starbucks mocha frappuccino

14. What is your favorite book? Wow...that's a tough one! Currently...Uncle Tom's Cabin...aMAZing...I LOVE LOVE LOVE Wuthering Heights! Pride and Prejudice or any of Jane Austen's other books...also the Chronicles of Narnia series and Quo Vadis...I'm sorry I can't narrow it down....just check out my Books to Read Before You Die post...

15. Would you like to be a pirate? It'd be cool..especially if I was on Captain Hook's ship;-) (from Once Upon a Time) ( Dear God, don't let my Prince Charming read this) lol

16. What are your favorite smells? Food smells...I can't stand candles scented with lavender or any floral type scents...they have to be food like vanilla, coconut, apple, etc.

17. Why do you blog? To share my knowledge with others because I wished I had some help for a lot of things when I first got married, for myself, and to meet new people.

18. What song do you want played at your funeral? I Will Rise by Chris Tomlin

19. What is your least favorite thing about yourself? I'm shy and quiet and hard to get to know at first...I don't always trust people with my feelings at first so it makes making friends tough..I definitely wish I had more girlfriends but its tough at this stage in life...and I wish I was more outgoing in a group setting...I do better one on one...

20. What is your favorite hobby? Cooking, decorating..making something new from something old, crocheting...it's hard to find the time though when you have three kids, a husband and work

21. What do you look for in a friend? someone who is friendly, someone who actually calls to see how I'm doing or returns calls, someone who cares about me as much as I do about them and tries to show it...(I don't have many of those, so the few I do have, I cherish :))

22. Name something you have done you never thought you would do. Start a blog, go back to school after I started a family

23. What are your favorite things to do? Roller coasters, skiing, whitewater rafting, camping, read, running

24. Any pet peeves? When people don't try to do something first before asking for help OR half-assing (pardon the expression) something just to get it done..either do it right or don't do it at all...that's my philosophy...I think I got that from my dad, bc it's his philosophy too...

25. What's the last thing that made you laugh? I watched Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake do the History of Rap oh, and my friend's funny stories at the funeral today...


Alright! Done! That wasn't so bad, now was it? So here's what ya do...go check out the ladies I'm tagging below and be sure and check out Holly too! She's great!

Reese @ The Importance of Being Reese
Laura @ Pruning Princesses
Mandy @ Messy Wife, Blessed Life
Whitney @ Sippy Cups and Pearls
Jean @ What Jean Likes

Happy Friday!!



Aloha Friday Blog Hop

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Cat On A Hot Tin Roof {on Broadway}


One of my all-time favorite movies is Cat on a Hot Tin Roof with Elizabeth Taylor and Paul Newman. So when I saw that it was coming back to Broadway I was thrilled! Immediately I emailed my husband the Broadway message I had received about it and then figured I'd wait and see what happened. Well he was pretty amazing because for Christmas that's what I got...two tickets see the beloved play on Broadway...in New York City! Needless to say I was beyond excited!

So this past weekend was the date of the show and Prince Charming and I spent the day together in the Big Apple. It was a much needed day without kids. What a novel idea to be able to have an uninterrupted conversation with my husband! We saw the World Trade Center Memorial, went ice skating in Central Park, had dinner and took in the show. Plus we had two nights at home without the girls...it was wonderful! (Don't get me wrong..I love my babies more than anything...but you moms and dads out there know what I mean)


Well, after I got home, I decided I should share my experience with y'all...so...here are my thoughts on the play turned movie turned play again....spoiler alert...


Okay so lets's start with a short history lesson on Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. The play was written by Tennessee Williams in 1955 and was adapted to the big screen in 1958. The play has been redone several times as well as had a TV version.  In the original play the issue of homosexuality is addressed and plays a big part in the main character, Brick's, drinking. However when the play was adapted for the big screen Williams was not happy because they changed that aspect of the play according to the Hays Code (the movies' list of dos and don'ts at the time) . It was during a time when such things were not discussed through the media. However having now seen both the play and the film I can see why he was upset because the issue had deep rooted meaning for the character. The film did allude to the idea without ever actually addressing it but the forthrightness of the issue is certainly more prevalent in the play.

Alright now for the synopsis...watching Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is almost like stepping into the life of a dysfunctional (to say the least) family where you have no background knowledge on anyone but as the day progresses you discover the dynamics between the family members and the issues they all have with each other are unfolded before your eyes.

The story takes place in Mississippi on a cotton plantation owned by Big Daddy Pollitt and occurs through the course of a single day. Right away we begin by finding out that everyone thinks Big Daddy has cancer. Maggie "the cat" and Brick are married and living together but the marriage is on the rocks, for what reasons which are yet unknown to the audience. She is determined though to not let Gooper (Brick's brother) and his wife Mae inherit Big Daddy's plantation while Brick is not so cooperative with her intentions. He is uninterested in Big Daddy's fortune and could care less what happens should he die. Maggie loves her husband and for some past discretion, which is unknown to the viewer for the first part of the show/movie, Brick is punishing her with his coldness. What I love about the movie is that you can see the longing and desperation in Maggie to have her husband love her again while Brick has nothing but utter disgust for his southern belle of a wife. All the while, she pretends that everything between she and Brick is fine and ignores his disgust and has that ever longing hope that his love for her will resurface. Mae and Gooper are nosey and tattle to Big Momma telling her that Maggie and Brick sleep in separate beds and he won't sleep with her which is while she is childless. Mae and Gooper on the other hand have 5 children with one on the way, a fact which they along with their children gloat over. Big Daddy however can't stand Gooper, Mae OR their five "no-neck monsters" as Maggie so eloquently calls them. Maggie is just like a female with all their catty-ness and has that feminine quality in a typical southern belle with soft gentility; however if you cross them they'll scratch your eyes out. In the words of Bruno Mars "you'll smile in my face then rip the brakes out my car". She knows how to used her femininity to her advantage. So Big daddy arrives and the doctor has told them that he's going to be alright but tells Gooper and Brick the truth. Throughout the course of the evening Brick's drinking increases and Big Daddy and he have it out...apparently something they don't do too often. Just like with many families they skirt over the real issues in their lives and make nice with one another but tonight, for the Pollits it's another story. All the issues are brought to light between each family member and while the play leaves little to be truly resolved, the movie brings about a somewhat happier ending with reconciliation between Brick and Maggie and Brick and Big Daddy.

Okay, so what's the big deal with this dysfunctional family drama? Why do I love it so much? I asked myself that question the other night when I was on the way home from New York. Prince Charming and I were talking about it and I think it's because Big Daddy and his family seemed to have everything that would make a person happy. But did it? No. They were just like every other family out there will all their dysfunctional glory and they deal with issues the way most of us do....they don't. You find that most of the time with family and extended family people try and get along while often times holding things in and living by the "golden rule" (if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all) mentality. What I love about the story is that all the issues are brought to light. The truth is told and they can finally deal with the skeletons in the closets.
One of my favorite quotes was when Maggie tells Brick, "I'm more determined than you think. I'll win alright."
To which Brick replies sarcastically, "What's the victory of a cat on a hot tin roof?" 
"Just stayin' on it I guess...as long a she can..." Isn't that like life? Sometimes life gets tough and you want to quit but you just keep hanging on waiting for it to get better? I love that about Maggie. She believes in herself and in their relationship. It's like that quote in my sidebar by Layne Beachley, "There are so many people who out there who will tell you that you can't. What you've got to do is turn around and say 'Watch me'". I am reminded of myself in a lot of ways when I see Maggie. Especially in this respect. I can't stand when someone tells me I can't do something. I will climb mountains to prove them wrong. I love how she is quiet but so determined. She was raised to be a lady but when pushed she won't back down. I admire her strength and commitment and relate to the passive-aggressive ways she tries to motivate Brick. Okay, okay, I know I'm getting a little carried away..she is after all just a character in a story. But isn't that was moves people to watch them? Their relatability? Cat on a Hot Tin Roof embodies the essence of American dysfunction...to which I can relate. There is love, jealousy, passion, longing, guilt, arrogance, pride, ego, tenderness, and reconciliation. It's the American way...unless you're lucky enough to live the Leave It to Beaver life...which let me tell you is truly rare.

Alright, now I will let you know what I thought about the play. First, what I love about the movie is the acting. You can hear the pain and desperation in Maggie's voice. You see that she truly loves her husband and that he is fighting those feelings because of his anger and disgust. Scarlett Johannson in my opinion was not able to communicate this in her performance. Maggie is supposed to be feminine yet strong and catty. However Scarlett's voice was too deep and she didn't seem to try and be feminine in any way. Southern girls went to finishing school and were taught to be ladies but Johannson's "Maggie" did not pull that aspect of the character off and to be honest, it was difficult to hear her and "get" that she really loved Brick. I do realize that theater productions must be done differently because you cannot catch every look or expression the way you can on a movie screen. Thus said, the acting compared to Elizabeth Taylor was not even comparable. To be honest, I've never been a Scarlett Johannson fan even though I think she's adorable...I haven't like many of her recent performances. And to be fair, I DID go into the play with an open mind thinking I just didn't like the characters she had played in the past. This time around though, it wasn't the character I didn't like, it was her portrayal of her.
Okay, so let's get down to the crux of the issue...what y'all really want to know....would I recommend the play or go see it againYES! I love the story and though the acting was somewhat to be desired the play was amazing! am biased because I LOVE the movie version and I love Liz Taylor and Paul Newman as actors (anyone see Cool Hand Luke?) (plus he's gorgeous with those blue eyes so that doesn't hurt). lol


So all I can say is this...watch the show. Watch the play. I think you'll love them!


Monday, February 18, 2013

Cajun Chicken Pasta


Has anyone ever eaten at The Cheesecake Factory? Is that a dumb question? Well anyway...I have only eaten there a few times and loved the food every time. The first time I ever went there I ordered their Cajun Pasta with chicken and shrimp and *sigh it was sooooo delicious! Well, of course I had to figure out how to make it at home because it seemed to have such simple ingredients. Here's what I ended up with after coming across several recipes. I don't put in the shrimp however you certainly could. I may have to just try it some time like that too! Love this recipe! Oh and to reheat, just heat it up on the stove in a pot or in the microwave but make sure to add either a little cream or milk to bring back that creaminess since the pasta will absorb the liquid. I hate to admit it but I've even added those little half and half creamers for coffee when I was desperate..lol..


Ingredients
12oz box Bowie pasta (farfalle)
4 skinless boneless chicken breasts
4 tsp. Cajun seasonings
4 T butter, unsalted
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green pepper, sliced
1 small sweet onion, diced
1 small package button mushrooms, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
2 c. Heavy cream
2/3 c grated Parmesan cheese




1. Bring a pot of water for the the pasta to a boil. Make sure to add salt and put a lid on it and the boiling time will be quicker.



2. While waiting for the water to boil, cut up the chicken into 1 inch strips.



3. Add the butter to a preheated skillet and melt over medium heat. In a large gallon freezer bag add the chicken and the Cajun seasonings.






4. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and saute until cooked through.


5. Add the farfalle (bowtie) pasta to the boiling water and give it a stir so the pasta doesn't clump together or stick to the bottom of the pot. Stir occasionally. 


I decided that I wanted to try a trick I learned from Pinterest and I must say it works pretty well. I laid the wooden spoon across the top of the past pot and it kept the water from boiling over! Pretty awesome!


6. Remove the cooked chicken to a plate to drain, keep warm and set aside.


7. Next, add the onions, peppers, (I forgot to buy the green pepper...oops!) garlic and mushrooms and saute until tender.




8. Add the chicken back to the pot and pour in the cream, salt, pepper, basil, and lemon pepper seasoning. Toss to combine.



Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet tossing to coat.



Finally, add the Parmesan cheese and toss. Remove from heat and serve immediately! So delicious!



Thursday, February 14, 2013

How Well Does My Hubby Know Me? (Link-Up)

I'm linking up with The Life of a Not So Ordinary Wife to see how well my Prince Charming knows me...



How long have you been married? 
He said: 12 1/2 years, exactly 
I said: Going on 13 years

Where was your first date? 
He said: seeing our friend Devin and his band performing 
I said: Applebees and Putt-Putt golfing (I am right because the first time wasn't actually a date)

Where was your first kiss? 
He said: the beach, 
I said: On the beach in South Nags Head, NC

Who first said, "I love you"? 
He said: idk..probably you did
I said: Me

What were your wedding colors? 
He said: idk..blue? I have a memory block..
I said: Yellow and white

What is her most commonly used phrase? 
He said:  I don't think you even know 
I said: hmm..this is a hard one for me maybe "Whatever"

Who is her celebrity crush? 
He said: Bradley Cooper, Bruno Mars or Magic Mike 
I said: Bruno Mars & Bradley Cooper 

If she was ordering drinks for both of you what would you each get? 
He said: you would get that wine you like, Sangria or Coke Zero or Diet Coke 
I said: Coke Zero or Diet Coke/Pepsi for both of us and/or Sangria for me

What is the best meal she has ever cooked you? 
He said: Well, they're all good so I don't have a favorite. That's not a fair question bc I could give you five..I like your Nachos and Quesadillas
I said: Everything she cooks is great but if I have to narrow it down...Nachos or Chicken Fingers

What is the worst meal she has ever cooked you? 
He said: That stuff with the onions in it..that nasty stuff (It was Risotto) 
I said: Risotto 

What would she say is your most annoying habit? 
He said: probably throwing everything away or putting everything on the dining room table
I said: cleaning the kitchen and putting all the mess into the dining room.

What is the last thing she does before she goes to bed? 
He said: Takes a shower, or read, or watch King of Queens
I said: Showers

If you could throw out one item of her clothing what would it be? 
He said: your panties bc I'd rather get you new better ones (aahh TMI!) 
I said: None, I really don't care because she looks good in anything

What would you say is your favorite thing about her? 
He said: That you don't let me cop out and be a guy and say I don't feel like it. Like if I'm doing a job and I wanna
do it 2/3 you make me do it 100% 
I said: She says whatever she thinks when we're alone and makes me laugh

What's her go-to drink at Starbucks? 
He said: Mocha Frappuccino;
I said: Mocha Frappuccino 

What's her blog's name?! 
He said: The Redheaded Princess
I said: The Redheaded Princess

Well, I must say I am proud of my Prince Charming...he did a pretty great job!




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Monday, February 11, 2013

I've Been Shot by Cupid! So Pinteresting!

So Valentine's Day is only a few days away and my Princess9 and I were on the search for what to do for valentine's cards for her classmates. We loved last year's pinterest inspired cards so she was really excited when we came across this PIN on Pinterest. So we headed out back to create our picture...

 

Next, I headed over to Picmonkey.com and did my free editing...love that site!


We paired it with our A.C. Moore Animal Print Pops that we made and...

Voila! .... One of the cutest Valentine's Cards EVER! ( I only wish I would've made the words a little smaller bc when printed at Target the "I" got cut off...oh well...L.L. (lesson learned))

 
Happy Valentine's Day!!!

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