Where Have Six Years Gone?
Tuesday, August 31, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing
Thai Seafood Salad Recipe
Tuesday, August 31, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing
I found this recipe in an issue of Cooking Light, but modified the recipe and directions (it called for fish sauce...I do not do fish sauce). It turned out OH SO DELICIOUS! I will definitely be making this again - very fresh and light. I used frozen raw scallops and shrimp (tail off) and thawed them prior to cooking. The lump crab came in an 8oz. container at my local SuperTarget.
1/3 cup water
8 ounces sea scallops
1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp
5 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1-2 limes)
1 teaspoon red curry paste or chili paste
1red bell pepper, cut into strips
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
8 ounces lump crab meat, drained
2 fresh lemongrass stalks, trimmed and thinly sliced
1 cucumber, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
Bring 1/3 cup of water to a simmer in a large skillet. Add scallops to pan; cover and cook 3 minutes or until done. Remove scallops from pan with slotted spoon and place in colander to drain (do not rinse them). Add shrimp to simmering water in pan; cover and cook 3 minutes or until done and add to scallops in colander. While scallops and shrimp cook, combine lime juice and chili or curry paste. Mix everything in a bowl or storage container; toss gently to combine ingredients. Serve at room temperature or chill and serve cold.
8 ounces sea scallops
1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp
5 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1-2 limes)
1 teaspoon red curry paste or chili paste
1red bell pepper, cut into strips
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
8 ounces lump crab meat, drained
2 fresh lemongrass stalks, trimmed and thinly sliced
1 cucumber, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
Bring 1/3 cup of water to a simmer in a large skillet. Add scallops to pan; cover and cook 3 minutes or until done. Remove scallops from pan with slotted spoon and place in colander to drain (do not rinse them). Add shrimp to simmering water in pan; cover and cook 3 minutes or until done and add to scallops in colander. While scallops and shrimp cook, combine lime juice and chili or curry paste. Mix everything in a bowl or storage container; toss gently to combine ingredients. Serve at room temperature or chill and serve cold.
CLOSED Rock 'N Learn Phonics DVDs Review & Giveaway
Tuesday, August 31, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing
In the mid-80s, brothers Richard and Brad Caudle (one a school psychologist and the other a musician/composer) teamed to create Rock ‘N Learn. Over 20 years later, Rock ‘N Learn has grown to be the country's #1 educational video program, used in millions of homes and schools nationwide. Unanimously praised by educators, parents and the media, Rock ‘N Learn has earned awards from prestigious organizations such as iParenting, Learning Magazine Teachers’ Choice, Parents’ Choice, Dr. Toy and The National Parenting Center’s Seal of Approval as well as other awards.
Scandle Shimmering Lotion Candle Review
Tuesday, August 31, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing
Scandle's Shimmering Lotion Candle is their newest addition to their great line of products. Scandles are made with FDA approved ingredients and are everything you'd expect from a skin healthy lotion with the added ambiance and aroma of a spa candle. I had the opportunity to try the original Scandle earlier this year and really enjoyed it. The new Shimmering Lotion Travel candle that I received was wonderful. The patent pending Scandle Shimmering Body Candle is a candle that burns at 2° above body temperature to produce a shimmering, fragrant lotion to give your skin a healthy, sexy and flawless glow.
Weekend of Yummy Treats
Saturday, August 28, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing
Last weekend we made some yummy pizza and mini pizza bagels. Lily has been requesting pizza bagels ever since when ever I ask her what she'd like for dinner. Her favorite topping? Black olives and cheese, of course!
We also discovered a cute little new frozen yogurt and cupcake place called Cloud 9 that opened near us. We treated ourselves to a container of cake batter and reeses pieces frozen yogurt and two cupcakes....at 10am. Oh well, you have to LIVE some days!
Here's Lily trying to determine if she made the right cupcake choice or if daddy's cupcake was the winner. The red velvet and cream cheese frosting had my vote!
CLOSED Citizenpip Starter Kit Review & Giveaway
Saturday, August 28, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing
Inspired by the belief that making small changes in your daily habits can make a significant impact, Citizenpip offers muck-free reusable lunch gear that makes it easy to pack a waste-free lunch. Created by a mom of three who found herself packing and tossing out a few too many plastic baggies one day, Citizenpip® offers an easy alternative to the disposable lunch. By making it easy to pack a waste-free lunch, our goal at Citizenpip® is to encourage more families to ditch the disposables and go reusable.
BodyVerde Natural Balanced Skincare Review
Saturday, August 28, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing
BodyVerde began with a simple desire to find safe, natural products for adults and children. BodyVerde is a family business and their family values are applied to their product development. If we won't put it on ourselves or our kids, we won't manufacture it!
BodyVerde's all natural products contain botanical formulas, and leave out the ingredients you don't want. The company creates paraben-free, eco-friendly skincare without sulfates, propylene glycol, artificial colors, fragrances, mineral oil, petroleum or animal ingredients. After all, what you apply on your body gets absorbed into your body. Using naturally derived ingredients, BodyVerde keeps their products safe, effective and affordable.
Need Fresh Lemon Juice? Freeze It!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing
I don't know about you, but I am not a huge fan of fake lemon juice. It just tastes...fake. Every once in a while we buy a giant bag of lemons at Costco. They sit around, we use some but occasionally a couple make it to the compost bin. However, recently I decided not to waste any more lemons but to make lemon juice instead. Squeeze it, freeze it in an ice cube tray and ta da! Fresh lemon juice is at your fingertips when you need it! It tastes so much better than the bottled stuff and you won't be running out to the store when some recipe calls for "a teaspoon of lemon juice."
CLOSED Northwest Natural Vitamins Review & Giveaway
Wednesday, August 25, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing
Do you remember to take your vitamins every day? You might be better about it if you had some yummy gummy bears on hand! 
Northwest Natural Products has been providing the highest quality dietary supplements for over 20 years for adults and children. Northwest Natural Products® was the first to introduce gelatin-based nutritional supplements to the mass market and has changed how children take their vitamins. The L’il Critters® brand has grown to be the number one selling gummy vitamin for kids in the United States and is sold in over 19 foreign countries. The Vitafusion® products are specially formulated for adults.
Northwest Natural Products has been providing the highest quality dietary supplements for over 20 years for adults and children. Northwest Natural Products® was the first to introduce gelatin-based nutritional supplements to the mass market and has changed how children take their vitamins. The L’il Critters® brand has grown to be the number one selling gummy vitamin for kids in the United States and is sold in over 19 foreign countries. The Vitafusion® products are specially formulated for adults.
Composting Dilemma
Sunday, August 22, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing
My compost bin has been filing up nicely. It’s actually quite hard to turn it my myself - partly due to the fact that I’m afraid to grab the hand indentations since the last time I did I squished right into a big, fat maggot and shrieked like a baby. Which brings me to my next composting dilemma:
WHO is going to scoop out that maggot-ridden, foul-smelling black stuff out of that bin? When I open it, all sorts of bugs squirm and writhe in there (insert huge shudder here). Sometimes I wonder - are there more maggots writhing in there than there is actual compost? WHO is going to actually scoop out the compost?
I vote for Adam. Sorry, honey! His role was confirmed this weekend when I went to put some food waste in and found the handhold area full of maggots after a big rain. I ran inside to show Adam. He actually PICKED SOME UP and I couldn't capture it on film as a result of my nausea. Lucky you that I didn't get a video - they were wiggling and squirming in the water. UGH! Google confirmed these were some type of beetle maggots. Ick. Yuck.
I love composting, I really do. But I never, ever ever want to touch those maggots. I vote for Adam!
WHO is going to scoop out that maggot-ridden, foul-smelling black stuff out of that bin? When I open it, all sorts of bugs squirm and writhe in there (insert huge shudder here). Sometimes I wonder - are there more maggots writhing in there than there is actual compost? WHO is going to actually scoop out the compost?I vote for Adam. Sorry, honey! His role was confirmed this weekend when I went to put some food waste in and found the handhold area full of maggots after a big rain. I ran inside to show Adam. He actually PICKED SOME UP and I couldn't capture it on film as a result of my nausea. Lucky you that I didn't get a video - they were wiggling and squirming in the water. UGH! Google confirmed these were some type of beetle maggots. Ick. Yuck.
I love composting, I really do. But I never, ever ever want to touch those maggots. I vote for Adam!
Candied Bath Bakery Review & 10% Off Code
Sunday, August 22, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing
Candied is passionate about high quality, fresh products. Candied hand makes all their products at the time of order which ensures freshness, product benefits and to minimize preservative use. In fact, 90-100% Candied products are preservative free, 100% VEGETARIAN, 100% CRUELTY FREE, 100% SLS/SLES-Free, and completely PARABEN FREE! Their vegan products include Bath Bombs, Body Smoothies, Whipped Wash, Whipped Body Butter, Bath Melts and all Mineral Makeup.
CLOSED Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Toilet Cleaner Review & Giveaway
Sunday, August 22, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing
Who hasn't heard of Scrubbing Bubbles? We have used their products on our showers, baths and toilets. Their latest invention - the Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner Starter Kit! Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic automatically sprays and cleans your toilet bowl three times a day! Hmm...three times a day?! I was lucky to get my hubby to clean ours monthly :)The fresh scent keeps bowl smelling clean and the kit is designed to fit standard toilet bowls. It is safe for septic systems and comes with a one month supply. The starter kit includes:
Book Review: My Purple Toes
Sunday, August 22, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing
My Purple Toes is a creative children's board book written for children under eight-years-old that tells a story about a father's experience navigating life with purple painted toenails. From mom to the kids to their dog, everyone reacts differently to dad's purple toes showing their surprise, embarrassment, and even laughter. Throughout the book, children can look for dad's toes in various environments and also find a friendly frog with purple toes that hides on each page. In addition to entertaining, "My Purple Toes" teaches a simple, yet relevant lesson about the importance of acceptance, enjoying life and being different.
Bacon - It Does a Body Good
Wednesday, August 18, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing
Hooray for uncured, nitrate free, delicious...BACON!
I asked Lily if she wanted to try it and she said "oh yeah, I like bacon." I eyed her suspiciously thinking...WHEN has she had it before?! I guess never but she sure enjoyed it!
CLOSED Snorg Tees Kids Shirt Review & Giveaway
Wednesday, August 18, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing
CLOSED Li'l Shopper Cushion Review & Giveaway
Wednesday, August 18, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing
Li'l Shopper's soft ergonomically designed cart cushion provides patented support to your child's legs while helping to protect the back of the thigh and knee from contact with the painful seat edge. Uncomfortable and painful cart seats are the main reason children try to climb out, which can lead to injury. Lightweight and washable, the simple one piece design requires no installation. It slips into place and uses existing cart belts to secure your child. MY THOUGHTS
L'il Shopper is a great product and my daughter likes riding in it. I think it is especially great for summer months when Lily is in shorts or dresses and the shopping carts are cold or pinching. When at home, Lily has using her cart cover on her little wooden chairs to make sitting at her table more comfortable or just to pretend we're "driving" in a cart.
WIN IT
Precious Ideas has sponsored a giveaway of their L'il Shopper to one US reader. Lucky you!
CLOSED Pedia-Lax Fiber Gummies Review & Giveaway
Wednesday, August 18, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing
Introduced in 2009, Pedia-Lax® Fiber Gummies, are a daily fiber supplement made just for kids ages 2-11 by Fleet®, a trusted brand for digestive health for more than 100 years. Each penguin-shaped, great tasting fiber gummy has 1.5 grams of fiber, is sugar-free, calorie-free, gluten-free and made with natural fruit flavors. Fiber Gummies are also dentist approved since Xylitol, the sweetener used in Pedia-Lax Fiber Gummies may reduce the risk of cavities!
I Actually Made a Tutu!
Sunday, August 15, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing
She wore it for all of 5 minutes, ran around the house with it, then said "let's make some more for my friends when they come over." Great. She's piling stuff on to my already-long TO DO list. Sigh. But isn't she a doll?! I'll be making some for her little girlfriends soon :)
Fresh Tomato and Garlic Relish
Sunday, August 15, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing
This recipe is super fast and easy but a word of warning - the more garlic you use, the more potent your garlic breath will be! This is great to serve as a side for fish or on top of a nice steak as a relish.1 cup of cherry tomatoes, cut in halves or fourths
2-3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 small onion, mincedsalt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Chop, mix together, chill and enjoy!
CLOSED Envyderm Eyelash Growth Serum Review & Giveaway
Sunday, August 15, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing
CLOSED So Easy Toddler Food Cookbook Review & Giveaway
Sunday, August 15, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing
Fresh Baby is the inspiration of two sisters, Joan Ahlers and Cheryl Tallman, who live in rural parts of The United States, thousands of miles apart. In raising their children, they could not identify all-natural alternatives for healthy and hassle-free feeding. Drawing upon their own concerns as parents, the two women began developing products for today's busy parents and caregivers with a product line that includes: homemade baby food kits, baby food cookbooks, baby food and breast milk storage trays, breastfeeding reminders, and child development diaries. Fresh Baby products include food trays, breastfeeding reminder jewels, caregiver diary, baby cookbook, toddler cookbook, and a baby food kit. Fresh Baby products are BPA-free, too!
5 Minutes a Day: Entrance Cabinet
Wednesday, August 11, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing
I have this lovely cabinet right near my front entrance but it's not near my living areas so I've never stored kitchen or entertainment items there. It's been a "junk drawer" cabinet from the get go. I wanted it because I thought it was pretty and filled the space well.
Eek! It's filled with junk - Lily's old baby clothes I mean to donate or mail out to family, some K'Nex prizes I won and am saving for when she's older, tons of trashy romance novels (don't judge!!), an old diaper bag, old toys, old decor items and even SUPER old Nintendo 64 (or something) video game cartridges, unused wedding invites, a copper pot/dish thing, our wedding sign-in book, and a stack of Chicago Tribune Magazines from 2005 that my mom saved for me lovingly because I liked the crossword puzzles. Horrifying. On the bright side, given the contents, this cabinet was extremely easy to clean out!
CLOSED Krug's Eco-Logic $40 Giveaway
Wednesday, August 11, 2010 Posted by Aleksandra Nearing
Ahh, lotions and potions...one of my favorite addictions. I love relaxing with a wonderful scrub or facial at the end of a long day. I'm so happy to introduce you all to Krug's Eco-Logic products - Natural, Vegan Soaps, Lotions, and Spa Products made from scratch in small batches. These products utilize natural iron oxides as color and natural essential oils for scenting purposes. Krug's Eco-Logic can create custom scents, blends, and soaps upon request. CONNECT WITH ME
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- Aleksandra Nearing
- I am working mother of a sweet daughter Lily and wife of a wonderful husband Adam. I adore lotions and potions, sushi, gardening, cooking, running, reading, healthy living, the beach, a fine bottle of wine, online shopping and spending time with my family. I'm a CPA by day. My blogs include: BusyWorkingMama.com and RecipeObsessed.com
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