In my 50's now what?

  Hi I'm sorry I have not written in a long time.  I didn't feel I had much to say.  I started this blog to keep friends and family updated.  Now I am writing for me. 

I feel I am in a changing time in my life.  I am in my 50's, early 50's, and sometimes feel that time is running out.  I have developed Arthritis which makes me sore, and Anxiety attacks for which I take medicine that makes me tired. 

Although they say 50 is the new 30, if you would have seen me in the dressing room today trying on bathing suits you would say they are wrong.  At least in my case.  Oh, by the way for any grammar people out there that may come across my blog. I'm admitting it right now, MY GRAMMAR SUCKS!!!  Sorry.  After I had my last child at age 41 and then headed towards 50, my body went from so-so to looking like a overly stuffed Teddy Bear.  Yes I am old enough to be a Grandmother but that doesn't mean I want to look like one.  Thank you very much.

Well every summer I make a list of things I want to see and do with my kids to enjoy our summer.  Tonite I was writing down a list of things I want to do for myself.  Things to do or things to learn to improve myself.  I know BORING.  But, believe me there is ALOT of room for improvement.

If you want you can join me on this journey.  I am not perfect and don't strive to be perfect, just better.  In public I am pretty shy and reserved but in private I can be as weird as the rest of them.

Here is a partial list of things I want to improve upon.

Grammar  -  yes, I know this should be number one

Eat healthier - yes, I am typing this as I am eating a Raisin Oatmeal cookie (flawed I told you!)

I want to have some signature dishes.  I cook fine for my family.  My husband even calls me throw together Queen, but I want some dishes I can serve to family and friends that I know will turn out.

I want to feel comfortable entertaining and throwing parties.  Without having to triple up the anxiety medicine.  Just saying :)

I want to exercise on a schedule.  Down with the teddy Bear look.

   Well that is a partial list, now my blog has a purpose.  Follow along if you'd like, but no negative comments.  I'm doing this for me, wish me luck :)

N.

Book Review- An Unlikely Suitor

I just finished reading "An Unlikely Suitor" by Nancy Moser.  I really enjoyed this book.  I have even recommended it to my neighbor to take on her beach trip as a summer read.  When I started reading the book I did not want to put it down.  When I had to put the book down, it was very easy to pick up where I left off.  The book takes place in 1895 it has adventure, romance and a few great friendships. 
Thanks to Bethany House for my free copy in exchange for an honest review. 

Signs of Spring Finally

Pillsbury Chicken Fajita Braid

Here's a new recipe my family tried the other day that I thought you might like.  It is from the show "In the Kitchens with"  this show was with the Pillsbury kitchens.

Here is the recipe

Ingredients:
1  8 oz. can Pillsbury Crescent Dinner Rolls
1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil
2 small boneless chicken breasts cut into strips
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 tsp. chile powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup green or red bell pepper strips
1/4 cup salsa
2 cups shredded Cheddar-Monterey Jack Cheese Blend (8 oz.)
1 egg white beaten
Directions


Heat the oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a large cookie sheet with cooking spray. Unroll Crescent rolls  dough and press into 12 by 8-inch rectangle, firmly pressing perforations to seal.

In a 10-inch skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and stir in garlic, chile powder, and salt. Cook 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Add the onion and bell pepper strips and cook 2 to 3 minutes longer or until chicken is no longer pink in center and vegetables are crisp-tender.

Spoon the chicken mixture in 4-inch strip lengthwise down center of rolled out dough. Top with salsa and sprinkle with cheese. With scissors or sharp knife, make cuts 1-inch apart on long sides of dough within of 1/2-inch filling. Alternately cross strips over the filling and press edges to seal. Brush with egg white.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until the dough is deep golden brown. Cool 5 minutes. Cut crosswise into slices.


You can find the original recipe at this address
http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/recipes/chicken-fajita-crescent-braid-recipe4/index.html


We really enjoyed this dish!  I hope you do too!

Southwestern Salsa with Black Beans and Corn

In honor of Cinco de Mayo today, I am sharing a Salsa Recipe.  The recipe is from The Ultimate Southern Living Cookbook. 

1 1/2 teaspoons cumin seeds
2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 1/4 ounce) can whole kernal corn, drained
1 red pepper, minced
1 small purple onion, minced (1 cup)
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/3 cup lime juice
1/4 cup olive oil
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

* Toast cumin seeds in a skillet over medium heat 1 to 2 minutes or until brown and fragrant, stirring often.  Combine cumin seeds, black beans, and remaining ingredients; toss well.  Cover and store in refrigerator up to 1 week.  Yeild: 6 cups

My husband loved this salsa.    I hope you enjoy as well.

Book I have been reading

I wanted to share a book I have just read.  It is called "Promises to keep" by Ann Tatlock.

In Promises to Keep we meet Roz an 11 year-old girl in the 60's. Even though Roz' mother takes her family and leaves Roz' father, an alcoholic and abusive husband, Roz wants to believe that her daddy can change and they can be a happy family again.
This book is full of delightful characters including Tillie and Mara. Tillie we meet at the very beginning. Tillie is determined to end her days in the house she lived in and loved, even though it has been sold to Roz' family. Mara, Roz' new friend, is also keeping secrets and wishing to be reunited with her daddy.

I have never read a novel by Ann Tatlock before but after reading "Promises to keep" I will definitely read more.
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. 

Valentine Plates

Here is my latest addition in my plate collection.  I found these Valentine plates at TJMAXX for $3.99 each.  I know that is probably alot for little salad size plates but I thought they were so cute!  The outside red dots are raised. 

Hope you have a wonderful Valentines day!