~BEEF & BROCCOLI~

This meal is super quick and easy. Originally I used stew meat, but I found that steak-ums are much better and very tender. Use which ever you prefer.

1 small package steak-ums (cooked and cut into pieces)
1 head of broccoli chopped
1 sweet or yellow onion chunked
2-3 cloves garlic diced
1 package of beef flavored rice* (Rice-A-Roni)
fresh ground black pepper

~Start the rice according to the package directions and simmer for 10 mins (use a large pan because you will use only one pan for all of the ingredients). Add to the same saute pan the rest of the ingredients and cook until vegetables have reached desired tenderness -about 15 mins.
That is it folks! ENJOY.

*Tip* If you use beef broth rather than water in the rice you get a much better flavor.

~LADIES BEWARE~

I recently received an email from a friend that contained information that I thought all ladies need to know. The email came from a woman living in an area where there is a rapist/serial killer on the loose. When she decided to go to the police after a very peculiar encounter, they informed her that she may have been this killers next intended victim. She went into a gas station one evening and had $10 in cash on her. Luckily she knew exactly how much money she had and had spent. When she got into her car a very clean cut and well dressed man approached her and knocked on her window. Being cautious, she did not roll down the window. He preceded to say that she had dropped a $5 bill. When she said it was not hers he became very agitated and started to pound on her window. She sped off in a hurry and after much contemplation she contacted the authorities. The police felt as though this could have been the MO of the lunatic on the loose as there was no sign of forced entry into the other victims vehicles. Think about it, someone is being a "good Samaritan" and trying to give you your money back. I bet that most of us do not always know exactly how much cash we have on hand. I thought this was very important information and a reminder to be cautious always. Pass It Along!!

(Snopes reports that this is not true because in areas where serial killers were on the loose at the time this warning surfaced, it has not been determined that this method was used to capture victims. However, I feel that knowledge is your best defense. Always be aware of your surroundings.)

~GET PAID TO BLOG~

I am always looking for new profitable ways to make money while raising my children from home. Several months ago, while my husband and I were on a phone conference about Internet Marketing, we learned of a terrific way to get paid to blog. Initially it sounded to good to be true. However, this was a very reliable source so why not check it out. I am very happy to report that this is truly a great money making opportunity. It is called Pay Per Post and I am so excited to be a part of this community. With Pay Per Post you take opportunities from advertisers that interest you and you get paid to incorporate them into your blog. For all of you that already have a blog or have considered starting one I encourage you to check out this fantastic option. As a stay at home mommy I can enjoy the best of both worlds. I get to take part in every aspect of raising my babies and make some money for my family doing something that I enjoy. I am so happy that I joined in on that conference call where a young entrepreneur as explaining Pay Per Post. He had nothing but good things to say and I am certainly glad that I listened. I feel as though I was lead in this direction and I now have another great option to help provide for my family. Pass It Along!!

~HAVE FUN WHILE YOU LEARN~

As a stay at home mom, who is in the process of establishing an educational foundation for my children, I am thrilled that we recently made the decision to purchase passes to Silver Springs. Silver Springs is a local nature theme park that has a tremendous amount to offer children and adults alike. Some of their attractions include: glass bottom boats, wildlife exhibits, botanical gardens, concerts and much more. We are lucky in the fact that this awesome park is in our back yard. I have to say that our first trip last week was wonderful. My three year old really enjoyed her day. She was a little confused as to what exactly a glass bottom boat is. When I tried to explain about this boat with a glass bottom she said, "you mean like my bottom?". She is so adorable. My husband and I are most excited about the educational value that this will bring to our family. In the first visit alone we saw alligators, fish, birds, giraffes, and black bears. They also had a featured exhibit with dinosaur fossils that was really fascinating. We plan on going back this week to check out more of the wildlife. There really is no better way to get some fresh air, exercise, and teach your children at the same time. Life is good!! By the way, the passes are extremely inexpensive and with your pass you also get a year admission the water park Wild Waters, and attendance to all of the featured concerts. Willie Nelson was recently a performer at the park. So, for those of you who happen to be local go check it out. Pass It Along!!!

~THE BEST CORN CHOWDER~

This corn chowder recipe is loved by all. It is quick and easy and you can alter it to suit your tastes.


7-8 slices cooked bacon
4 carrots (chopped)
1 sweet or yellow onion (diced)
2-3 garlic cloves (diced)
1 package sliced white mushrooms
2-3 diced potatoes
2 cans chicken broth or stock
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tbsp flour
2 cans sweet yellow corn
2 tbsp butter or olive oil
salt and pepper

Cook the bacon and set aside. In a large pot add the butter or olive oil. On medium heat saute the carrots, onion, garlic, and mushrooms until tender. Add the flour and stir constantly until a paste forms(make sure all of the flour dissolves). Stir in the chicken broth and add the potatoes. Simmer on medium-low until potatoes are cooked through. Add the corn and cook approximately 10 minutes. Add the whipping cream and crumbled bacon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

*I usually add other seasonings that I have on hand. Either fresh or dried oregano and parsley are good. This meal is so good and easy. A loaf of Italian bread makes a great companion for dipping. Enjoy!!