Friday Favorites- Cindy's favorite things

Rancho Zabaco Zinfandel

I've asked my sister-in-law, Cindy, to share a few of her favorite things. The first up is the Rancho Zabaco Zinfandel. This wine has become a staple in her home. It is light, not too dry, yet not sweet, so I guess you could say it is a bit uncomplicated. She enjoys just relaxing with a glass on the weekends. It is not the kind of wine that you need to be eating a meal to enjoy.

Truly, Madly, Sweetly Bakery

Their gourmet cupcakes might not look very fancy, but they are by far the best ever! They are made fresh daily with only fresh ingredients and the buttercream frostings are to die for. They also make mini cheese cakes and another luscious item: the cheesecake cookie. This bakery is located in Murrieta, California.

Prime Time

This primer goes on very velvety and dries very smooth, allowing your foundation to just glide on. (I'm going to have to try this one). It can be found at Sephora.

Basis Face Wash

It is very light and non drying and leaves your skin feeling refreshed and very clean. It can be found in drug stores and Target for under $8.00.

F.I.T.S. Tech Shirts

These shirts are well worth the price, they are very comfortable, moisture wicking and the patterned materials don't show dirt and/or horse slobber (Cindy is an accomplished equestrian). At the end of your endurance ride, you still look put together.

Thanks, Cindy, for sharing your favorites with us!

Tutu's

You may remember that I ordered this tutu from an Etsy shop a couple of weeks ago. It took ages to get here and when I saw it, I knew I couldn't send just one for two little girls. I didn't want to order another one and hold up shipping my box, so I decided to make one.
I went to Joanns and gathered all the materials. I bought the rolls of tulle and just had to cut them to the right length. After that, you just tie them onto the elastic waist band along with some ribbon. I wanted to make them exactly the same (so there would be no fighting over them), but couldn't find the right colors or one of the big flowers used on the original. It took me about 2 hours to make it and it was super easy.

My version

New Doggie Addition to the Family

Katie and Jer welcomed a new addition to their family this week, this little lab mix they named Andy. He does look so sweet. Katie has been wanting a dog for a couple of years now and they finally found a perfect little match. He is just under a year old and very well behaved. Can't wait to meet him.

Friday Favorites- Marlene's favorite things

Korres Body Butter

Last night Marlene gave me her favorite five things that she can not live without. She loves Korres Body Butter. It softens the skin and smells great. It really hydrates and keeps the skin from drying out. It can be found at Sephora.

NYX Lip Gloss

She cannot live without this, it is her absolute favorite. It is only $6.00 and can be found at Target and CVS. She rates it higher than Chanel or Mac. It comes in many, many colors. Click on the title for colors.

Blackberry

I can attest to this being Marlene's favorite. She is never without it, it is always attached to her hand.

Moroccan Oil

Another vote for Moroccan Oil. Marlene's hair is beautiful and shiny and she credits the use of this product. I also love this. My daughter, Delaney, has now invested her OWN money in this product, believe me, this is a great endorsement!

Pampered Chef Avocado Peeler

This is a handy little gadget that Marlene loves. I've never even heard of it! I'm going to have to try this out. I will have to investigate this more and let you know how it works.

I hope you try some of these great things. We all have handy items to share with each other and help each other out.

Outdoor Wednesday -Ephesus, Turkey

Please click here to see more Outdoor Wednesday posts.

I've just finished reading a Christian triology called The Mark of the Lion by Francine Rivers. It takes place in Rome and Ephesus about 20 years after the death of Christ when Christianity was considered a cult and people were just beginning to spread the word and convert. A time when the Roman games were in full swing and Christians were regularly sent into the arena to be devoured by the lions. A few years ago, I went on a Mediterranean cruise and I highly recommend this to anyone who has been considering it. It was the best vacation we've ever been on. One of the places we visited was Ephesus.
After the death of Christ, John the Apostle took Mary (Jesus' mother) to Ephesus and she lived out the rest of her days here in this little house. It is in a beautiful shady hillside. Quiet and cool.
We then headed down the hillside by bus to Ephesus. Ephesus was one of the largest shipping ports in the Mediterranean and it had to be moved at least 3 times due to the debris from the river filling in the area and causing malaria. This area had small narrow streets (to our standards) and the buildings were all marble and filled with beautiful homes and businesses. Statues were everywhere.


This is a view of the Library from the top of one of the main passages. It was about 100 degrees on this day and the place was packed with people from various cruise ships. We went in August, but if you go in May or Sept. the weather is nicer and there are not as many people.

A closer look at the Library. It is beautiful like this, but just imagine it covered in marble. They were filming a commercial and that is what the silver screens are for at the bottom of the picture.

Every day the Roman men would go to the gymnasium and the baths. The people would go the community toilets and get the latest gossip. Sometimes staying hours. Can you imagine?

This is the theatre where the Apostle Paul preached to the Ephesians, upsetting the idol maker and leading to Paul's arrest. John was also in Ephesus for a couple of years. It was a fascinating tour, to see the Bible come alive, I was not disappointed.

Happy Valentine's Day

Friday Favorites

Spicy Garlic Chicken Pizza

Spicy Garlic Chicken Pizza and Chicken Artichoke Pizza are two of my most treasured recipes. They are one of the most requested by my family along with Beef Stroganoff and Cream Cheese Enchiladas. I'd like to share the recipes with you today.

Spicy Garlic Chicken Pizza

12 oz. skinless, boneless chicken breasts

1/2 cup sliced green onions`

1 tbsp. olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 tbsp. rice vinegar or white vinegar

6 tbsp. soy sauce

1 tbsp. olive oil

1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper or 1/4 tsb.

ground red pepper

1/3 tsp. black pepper

1 tbsp. olive oil

1 16oz Boboli

1/2 cup shredded Montery Jack cheese

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

2 tbsp. sliced almonds

Cut chicken into 1/2inch pieces. In a large bowl combine half of the green onions, the minced garlic, vinegar, soy sauce, the first tbsp. oil and the red and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces, stir to coat. Let stand 30 minutes at room temperature. Drain reserving marinade.

Heat remaining oil in a large skillet; add chicken pieces. Cook and stir about 3 minutes or till not longer pink. Stir cornstarch into reserved marinade. Add to skillet. Cook and stir till thickened and bubbly. Spoon evenly atop Boboli. Sprinkle with cheeses. Bake, uncovered in a 400 oven for 12 minutes. Tope with remaining green onion and nuts. Return to oven for 2 more minutes. Makes 6 servings.

Chicken Artichoke Pizza

(also delicious over pasta)

Chicken Artichoke Pizza

1 6oz jar marinated artichoke hearts

2 med. zucchini sliced

1 small red sweet pepper

1 tbsp. olive oil

1 1/2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms

2 green onions, sliced

1 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breasts

cut into cubes

2 plum tomatoes, sliced

I small can of black olives

3 tbsp. vinegar

1/2 tsp. each garlic powder; seasoned salt; dried oregano, dried basil crushed

1 tbsp. cornstarch

1 16oz Boboli

1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

The trick to this is to cut everything up first and put in different bowls.

Drain artichokes; reserve liquid. Cut artichokes into bite size pieces; set aside.

In large skillet cook squash and sweet pepper in hot oil till crisp-tender; remove. Add mushrooms and onion to skillet. Cook till just tender; remove. Cook chicken, half at a time for 2 to 3 minutes or till no longer pink. Return all chicken to skillet. Stir in the artichoke liquid and hearts, tomatoes, olives, vinegar, garlic powder, seasoned salt, oregano and basil. Combine cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water, add to skillet. Cook and stir till bubbly; cook 1 minute more. Return all vegetables to skillet; stir. Place bread shell on a greased baking sheet; top with chicken mixture and cheeses. Bake in a 425 oven 10 to 12 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes. Makes 6-8 servings.

I've also joined Gollum's Foodie Friday For more great recipes, click on the link and check them out : http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/

Enjoy!

Rainy Day Blues!

This is Daisy. Since Katie went to college, Daisy has taken over Katie's room. She likes to lay on the bed and look out the window. Today, when I went into the room, this is what I saw.

Delaney's Winter Formal

Delaney and all her friends went to Winter Formal on Saturday. It rained hard all day. We were lucky to receive light sprinkles as we all gathered for pictures at the RSM Civic Center. Luckily, they let us use the social room for pictures, keeping us dry.

Her date was her friend Brandon.

Colin, Allye, Delaney and Brandon

Delaney and Brandon

Best Friends

Jay, Delaney, Jenna and Allye

The girls were roasting taking pictures in front of the fireplace!

The Senior Girls

The whole gang

Girls: Allye, Jay, Jenna, Delaney

Boys: Collin, Tyler, Drake and Brandon

Straight A's

Congratulations Delaney! Yep, she did it! Straight A's. We are proud of her!

Friday Favorites

McDonalds Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad

MMM, this is my favorite salad on the go. Including a full packet of Paul Newman's Southwest dressing, it is only 420 calories and 130 calories from fat. It tastes delicious with corn, beans, tortilla chips, lime, and cheese. McDonalds has come up with a good one here.

Epicuren Sunscreen

This is the last thing they put on my face whenever I have a facial. It is fantastic sunscreen; light, non-greasy and perfect for everyday use. It is great for skin that is normal to oily. They have a different formula for dry skin that comes in a dark orange bottle. My daughter used this all summer last year while going to the beach. A little bit goes a long way and worth every penny.

White House / Black Market

This store has it all, casual to semi-formal night out. Every thing in the store is white, black, gray, cream and sometimes just a little dash of red. Everything coordinates together. The have monthly coupons to save good money and if you put your name in their database, you get 5% off automatically everytime you shop there. They have jewelry, shoes, and coats to go along with all the basics. Very chic store.

BJ's Brewery is a family favorite, especially for my two younger daughters. BJ's is know for their pizza and pazookies (a pazookie is a huge warm chocolate chip cookie with ice-cream on top). I love their linguine w/shrimp which has a light olive oil dressing and bruschetta topping. So yummy! Seriously, everything there is good. Casual atmosphere.