If I Had A Hammer..........

pic by macropoulos

You remember the song by Peter Paul & Mary(check it out below:)  Well, every girl needs herself a little tool box for those DIY projects around the house.  I love mine, and would recommend you get at least 10 tools to make your life a little easier.   Check out your local Lowes, Home Depot, or even Target for a nice selection and don't forget to store them in a cute little pink tool chest, store them under the sink or in the laundry room....................you'll thank me later!

1. A Hammer- just your basic claw hammer for around $10.00
2. Screwdrivers- a flathead and a phillips head a few dollars each
3. Measuring Tape- about 5 bucks
4. Level -around $10.00
5. Pliers- there are a bajillion kinds- pick what fits you best from around $7 & up
6. Wrench- an adjustable wrench can help with plumbing problems around $10.00
7. Glue Gun- this is a gun that shoots glue- if you don't know what this is, I'm sorry:)
8. Utility Knife- a few bucks
9. Pencil- steal one from your child
10. Power drill- excellent for hanging curtain rods- around $20.00
11. Scissors (thanks Abbie)

And don't forget that cute little tool bag.  Have a great weekend dear friends!

rain, rain, I love the rain

picture by accent on eclectic

Right now in Oklahoma it's rainin cats and dogs,  and many families are 'stuck' inside with the kiddos, looking for some way to entertain the little toots.  Here are a few ideas to help you wait out the storm. 

I like to look at times like this as opportunities rather than a curse.  If you'll take the time to be a little creative, you'll find that being in tight spaces with little ones can be the highlight of your week!

Try the following:

• talking
• watching a movie together
• baking brownies
• playing hide and seek- ( my kids got  a real kick out of this, and still do today:)
• coloring pictures
• playing board/card games
• reading a book together
• singing songs
• making up a tale together
• play charades
• make a puzzle together
• take a nap or two
• play dress up
• put on a puppet show
• check out websites for ideas on rainy day activities
• tell stories about your childhood, your kids love to hear about you at their age!

There are hundreds of creative ways to spend time with you children during days like today.  Look at them as a blessing and enjoy, before you know it, those little ones will be out of the nest, and you'd be wishing to be 'stuck' with them again.

Blessings,

Mama Mia this is delish!

Oh, my goodness, I've made a discovery, and I'm sure I'm the last person on earth to have this sauce----Bolognese.  Have you tried it?  If you haven't,  your tummy is telling you right now that you've got to make this sauce.  You can eat it in lasagna, or on any kind of pasta you'd like, but you gotta try it. We had Lasagna Bolognese with Bechamel sauce last night, and WOWZA!  I think the kids really liked it.  It's very different, yummy different.  In America, we don't cook the way Italians do, they do everything with love and gusto!  I'd like to cook like that everyday.   Here's my recipe, but, if you'd like you can find tons of great recipes on the internet and in good cookbooks:

Lasagna Bolognese

Meat Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 6 strips bacon, diced
• 1/4 lb. pancetta diced
• 1/2 lb. ground pork
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/2 cup finely chopped carrot
• 1/4 lb. thin sliced mushrooms
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 3 cups chicken stock
• 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh pepper
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup chopped italian parsley
• 1 1/2 lbs fresh pasta of your choice
• Bechamel sauce, recipe follows
• 1 cup fresh grated parmesan

Bechamel:

• 6 tablespoons butter
• 6 tablespoons flour
• 4 1/2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat and stir in flour, stirring constantly until smooth  Slowly whisk the milk into the flour, then stir vigorously to blend well.  Set over high heat and quickly bring to a boil for 1 minute, stirring- allow to cook for another 5 minutes until flour taste is gone.  Remove from heat and add salt and nutmeg to taste

Directions:  In a large pot heat butter over med. high heat.  Add bacon and pancetta, saute until caramelized and browned.  Add ground meats and cook over high heat until well browned, stirring constantly.  Add the onions, carrots, celery & mushrooms cook until soft.  Add garlic and nutmeg, cook for 2 minutes.  Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.  Add the wine and cook until almost evaporated.  Add stock and simmer over med high heat until sauce is thickened and flavorful, about 45 minutes.  Season to taste, stir in cream and parsley, set aside until you're ready to assemble lasagna.

Pre heat over to 350 degrees F

Butter a large rectangular baking dish and spoon a little meat sauce into the bottom of the dish.  cover with pasta, layer with meat sauce and then the bechamel, with a sprinkling of cheese.  Continue layering, ending with a topping of bechamel & cheese.  Bake for 1 hour, and enjoy.

This takes a little time, and alotta extra love- but you can do it, I know you can!



Ciao