Blue Man Group

Pictures say a 1000 words, and all of those words are synonymous with AWESOME

My friends and I seeing The Blue Man Group

I have recently seen the The Blue Man Group, and it was amazing! So there are great shows and performances that come to the Midwest! It was definitely one of those performances that left a lasting effect. Not only was I entertained but I learned a lot. We were not the audience members that had to wear rain ponchos, but we got excellent seats on the floor. Here are my tidbits of wisdom and humor I obtained from this show.

-Never realized how entertaining and comical a Twinkie could be; it kind of stole the spotlight
-Learned about 1000 different words for the word butt
-Never had so much fun with toilet paper
-Learned 7 different Rock Concert dance moves
-Got to hear what a Lady Gaga song sounded like on pipes
-Got introduced to Apple's newest technological advancement, the GiPad
-Had a childhood flashback due to seeing three boxes of Captain Crunch cereal
-Am now curious how many marshmallows I can fit in my mouth.
-Kermit the Frog said it's not easy being green; well after seeing this performance, it's not easy being blue
-I never thought "being blue" would mean anything other than "being sad"

30 Day Eat-In Challenge

As many of you know, my new year's resolution was to avoid fast food restaurants and eat more at home. However, I didn't anticipate that I would eat at home for 30 days. Not only did I have fun exploring new recipes (courtesy of pinterest.com), but I saved money. I am definitely one of those people that enjoyed going out to eat because of the social aspect; however, the solution is hosting potlucks with friends or inviting them over to eat when you make something simply irresistible. I thought I would share some of the recipes that helped me with my 30 Day Eat-In Challenge.

For all of the recipes I put the ingredients that I used, not the ingredients and amounts on the recipe. I put my own little spin on the recipe based on personal taste and availability of ingredients. Under each picture, I have provided the URL for the recipe where you can find the directions for preparing and cooking. If you have any questions just let me know.

I made two Tikka Masala recipes:

Picture 1: Tikka Masala with rice and naan
 http://delightfulrepast.blogspot.com/2011/07/chicken-tikka-masala.html

Ingredients I used:
-Chicken

• 1/2 cup plain yogurt (I used low-fat yogurt from Whole Foods)
• 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of ginger (not freshly grated)
• 1 garlic clove
• a pinch of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper 
• 1/8 teaspoon tumeric
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts

-The Sauce

• 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup fine diced onion (if I was redoing this recipe I would put more onions in)
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 whole serrano pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1 14-oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• a pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup of chopped cilantro

And then I followed the directions from the original recipe. URL is under picture (picture 1). I served mine with 90 second basmati rice and Whole Foods Naan bread.

Slow-cooked Tikka Masala

This was my favorite of the two Tikka Masalas.
 Recipe from http://themealplanner.blogspot.com/2009/07/slow-cooker-chicken-tikka-masala.html

Ingredients:
-Chicken

• 1 cup plain yogurt (I used low-fat yogurt from Whole Foods)
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp cumn
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp pepper
• pinch of salt
• 2 Chicken Breasts (there was plenty of marinade for probably 5 chicken breasts, but I wasn't sure how well I would like the recipe, so I didn't want a lot of leftover. However, I loved the recipe.)

-Sauce

• 1 can 28 oz. diced tomatoes
• 1 can 6 oz tomato paste
• 3 tsp of ginger (I did not use fresh grated)
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 onion diced
• 1 Tbsp garam masala
• 2 tsp curry + 1 Tbsp lemon juice (I didn't have tikka paste, so I just substituted these ingredients)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp dried coriander

-Added to crockpot later

• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped

*I followed the directions exactly, except for the following steps: I marinaded my chicken in the refrigerator for about 50 hours. I did not broil my chicken but rather cooked it in a skillet on the stove (so I skipped all of the broiling directions). I cooked my chicken on high for about 6.5 hours in the crockpot.

Moroccan Chicken and Sweet Potato Fries

Moroccan Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries. Recipe from http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/moroccan_spiced_grilled_chicken_breasts/

Sweet Potato Fries

-Ingredients

• Sweet Potato(es) 
• Spanish Paprika
• Thyme
• Cayenne Pepper
• Pepper
• Non-Stick Spray (I use Pam Original)

-Directions

1. I place a piece of aluminum foil on a cookie sheet. 
2. I then cover the foil with cooking spray (you just need to lightly coat it).
3.  I then cut sweet potatoes with slicer into julienne slices (I use a slicer). Remember the thinner you slice them the quicker the will cook.
4. I then place fries on foil on a single layer.
5. Then I spray the fries with cooking spray (this will allow spices to stick to fries)
6. I then shake paprika, thyme, cayenne pepper, and pepper over the fries to my preferred taste.
7. Then I place in the oven at 425 degrees for 10 minutes. 
8. After 10 minutes I then stir them and place them back in the oven for 5-10 minutes.
9. Then they are ready to eat...yum!

Moroccan Chicken

-Ingredients

• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 3/4 cup chopped fresh cilatro
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced 
• 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• pinch of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 boneless chicken breasts (there was enough marinade for one or two more chicken breasts)

-Directions: I followed the directions exactly like the recipe except I did not use a grill; instead, I cooked the chicken in a skillet on the stove. I let my chicken marinade overnight as well (approximately 12 hours).

General Tso Chicken

General Tso Chicken.
Recipe from http://traceysculinaryadventures.blogspot.com/2009/07/general-tsos-chicken.html

-Ingredients

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 4 1/2 tablespoon ketchup
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 3 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 skinless boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 6-8 spring green onions, chopped (I didn't put this in because I didn't have any, but I love them)
• 3 tablespoon of ginger (I didn't use fresh grated)

-Directions: I followed the directions from the recipe exactly.

Spiced Butternut and Chickpea Stew

Received from http://www.sheerluxe.com/lucas-hollweg-spiced-butternut-and-chickpea-stew.aspx?s=1

*I deviated from the ingredients from the original recipe quite a bit*
-Ingredients

• 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, sliced (I roughly diced)
• 4 garlic cloves, diced
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 15 saffron threads
• 1 tsp of mild chili powder 
• 1 1/2 pound butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes (suppose to be 2 cm and I wish I did that)
• 1 (14 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14 oz) can chopped plum tomatoes (I couldn't find chopped so I had to dice them myself)
• juice of one orange
• 500 ml (18 fl oz) chicken stock
• pepper
• 5 bulging handfuls of baby spinach leaves
• 2 handfuls of coriander leaves (I didn't use these because I didn't have any)

-Directions: I followed the directions exactly from the recipe.

Spaghetti Squash and Chicken Lasagna 

First layer: Sauce; Second layer: Spaghetti Squash; Third layer: Cooked Chicken

Right before it was put in the oven

Finished product. It didn't maintain a lasagna form but I served it with oven roasted zucchini

• I cut a spaghetti squash cut in half. I placed it in a casserole dish that had about 1 inch of water.
• Bake squash for approximately 40 minutes @ 425 degrees.
• Which squash is baking, cook chicken breasts (2) in skillet on stove until done.
• Used a fork to scrap the inside of the squash.
• I put the sauce on the bottom of a new smaller squash dish.
• Place the first layer of spaghetti squash and chicken in dish (Repeat this step).
• Place sauce on top of spaghetti squash and add parmesan cheese.
• Bake until warmed and cheese is melted at @ 425 degrees.

Kids That Actually Make Me Laugh

WTF News

Lately the news has been filled with politics, and although I feel individuals should be informed with politics because you never know what bill being passed by Congress could impact you, but I have definitely craved some "light-hearted" and funny news. Therefore, began my hunt for a novel news forum.


Some people get their news from NPR; however, lately I have been preferring to get my news from WTF News. And yes that acronym stands for exactly what you think it does. My recently favorite story is titled: App "If I die" lets messages on Facebook when you're dead. I found this not only grammatically incorrect but also absurd. But then again, I don't think there are any boundaries that Facebook will not cross. People constantly update their statuses with some of the most private (or should be private) moments of their life. Personally, I do not need a play-by-play on Facebook about your labor experience, just sayin'. I am still waiting for the status updates via mobile to have longitude and latitude coordinates of your EXACT location where you are when you updated. Here's the link to the story for you to read: http://www.wtfnews.org/science-technology/app-if-i-die-lets-messages-on-facebook-when-youre-dead/

Another story, Crowboarding bird  intrigued me to view the video on youtube, definitely a cute video.
Here's the news link: http://www.wtfnews.org/nature/crowboarding-bird-goes-viral/
Here's the youtube video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dWw9GLcOeA

The list is endless to crazy stories and headlines. I hope you feel more "newsworthy" after perusing this website.

Betty White-Funny at even 90 years old.

I hope at the age of 90 years old that I am able to still go to the bathroom by myself; whereas, Betty White at age 90, is still one of the funniest (if not the funniest) comedians around. This posting is a tribute to an actress and comedian who continuously puts a smile on my face. From Golden Girls to the present TV show Hot in Cleveland, she continues to steal scenes and lines with her witty jokes and sarcasm. Happy Birthday Betty White!

• "I've always liked older men. They're just more attractive to me. Of course, at my age there aren't that many left!"
• "I have a two story house and a bad memory, so I'm up and down those stairs all the time. That's my exercise."
• "Why do people say "grow some balls"? Balls are weak and sensitive. If you wanna be tough, grow a vagina. Those things can take a pounding."
• Roasting William Shatner
• "Ya know, I've been a huge Trekkie ever since the show first aired. That's why I'm so thrilled to see Nichelle and George Takei here tonight, because let's face it. We all know Shatner's nuts, but George has actually tasted them!"
• to Farrah Fawcett "Right now I'm in my 80's, which is funny, because that's the last decade you mattered in."
• This is the link for her appearance on Saturday Night Live: http://watching-tv.ew.com/2010/05/09/saturday-night-live-betty-white-2/
• Superbowl commercial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEH1omnG77c
• More Calls with Betty White: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4valhBCbsnc&feature=related
• Calls with Betty White: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mktclFJv0XY&feature=relmfu
• Car Wash: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaHY7ReGsI0&feature=relmfu
• On the TV show Community: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4hvZkBpUJs&feature=related

Attempting the Melting Crayon Picture from Pinterest

Melting Crayon Picture via Pinterest

Well I am glad that I didn't proclaim that blogging more was my new year's resolution, because I have been severely slacking, sorry readers! I have become beyond addicted to Pinterest. Currently, there is an app for it on the iPad, but it definitely needs to be updated. However, updated app would must likely mean I would procrastinate even more, and I am already behind in school, and it's only the second week (senoritis has kick in).

For those who don't already know, I have a niece, Abigail, that just turned 7 in October. I used Pinterest this holiday for ideas for crafts and recipes. I am not a creative person at all; I swear I was a better artist when I was four years old and was finger painting. My niece on the other hand loves doing crafts, even though she probably isn't a Da Vinci, her excitement for crafts suckers in her Aunt Shaida.

The Pinterest craft we attempted is the popular melting crayons. I am going to include the directions we followed and my "words of wisdom" if you are attempting this craft.

My niece's melting crayon picture. It is a B-2 Bomber because her mom is in the Air Force.

This is my picture. It has the Seattle skyline.

There were several things I learned doing this craft with my niece that I would definitely do differently next time, when I do this craft by myself.

• 7-year olds are annoyingly independently, and giving them a blow-dryer and hot glue gun (both things are needed for this craft) is like giving a monkey a loaded gun. You must listen to them or disaster will ensue, no negotiations. I was literally held at gun-point to the point that my niece got to do her canvas and mine.
• The crayons when they begin to melt, splatter EVERYWHERE and on EVERYTHING, inanimate and animated objects. It is important to cover your area well. We used the garage for using the hair dryer step. However, we still had some unanticipated splattering. In this case, it was mostly on me, I don't know what I was thinking; I should have covered myself in newspaper, silly me.
• If you are going to glue something on the canvas (i.e. B-2 Bomber, Seattle Skyline), then do it after the crayons have been melted. Or you are going to have cover them with newspaper, and lets be honest, who has the patience for that.
• You cannot have too many crayons. I think we could definitely have used two more boxes of crayons. I found it to be important to have multiple crayons of the same color.
• My niece definitely needed to blow-dry more on the tips of the crayons and controlled the direction of the melting crayons. But as my niece stated, "I know what I am doing."
• Once the crayons start to melt, it runs fast. However, the moment you move the hair dryer away the dripping stops.
• When gluing the crayons onto the canvas, try to get them to top of the canvas so you don't have a white outlined space on the top of the canvas when you remove the crayons (which is optional).
• If you want to take the crayons off the canvas, make sure to use hot glue, because it will peel right off the canvas with no evidence of being there.

I am including the link from pinterest that I followed for this craft. The blogger indicated that it took her 70-80 minutes to finish it. My niece was done with both of the canvases (melting the crayons) in 20 minutes; I have Speedy Gonzales for a niece. Have fun if you attempt this craft and would love to see your end results. My niece was so proud of her finished product that she took it for show-and-tell at school. Melting crayons link that includes step-by-step directions for this craft: http://www.52kitchenadventures.com/2011/09/12/melted-crayon-art-tutorial/

Here are some more pictures of our craft in the making:

Melting the crayons in the garage. It was important to put newspaper above the crayons because my niece was having too much fun with the blow dryer.

My niece and her finished product.

My finished product. I did the Seattle Skyline and then my niece did the rest. The melting crayon is suppose to simulate it raining.

New Year's Resolutions

Most of us do it every year; we make resolutions for the new year. But how many people actually keep their resolutions for the whole year? I bet more people get struck by lightning than keep their resolutions, but that is just a guess. So this year I was tempted to make a resolution that I could actually keep. I thought of being nice to people, but that sounded exhausting and I didn't think that resolution would last 1 day. Therefore, I came up with a list of new year's resolution that I would be tempted to keep.

• Spend more time watching TV/movies.
• Chat more over phone/internet.
• Leisure read more.
• Procrastinate more.
• Start being superstitious.
• Avoid children more often.
• Hibernate more.
• I will grow my hair.
• Just for today, I will not sit in my living room all day in my PJs, instead I will move my computer into my bedroom.

But in all seriousness my new year's resolution is to avoid fast-food restaurants, and so far I have kept it. Below are some new year's resolution for kids and adults and some statistics on resolutions. Happy New Years Everyone!

Fast Facts about New Year's Resolutions

• 63% of people say they are keeping their resolutions after two months.
• 67% of people make three or more resolutions.
• The top four resolutions:
• Increase exercise
• Be more conscientious about work or school
• Develop better eating habits
• Stop smoking, drinking, or using drugs (including caffeine)
• People make more resolutions to start a new habit than to break an old one.

Children New Year's Resolutions

-Playing tea time with all of her stuffed animals everyday.

-I will wash my hands after going to the bathroom.

-I will start a pigie bank.

Adult New Year's Resolutions

-I will try to figure out why I really need nine email addresses.

-I will balance my checkbook.

-I will start buying lottery tickets instead of asking God to make me a millionaire.

-I will try to drive closer to the speed limit.

-I will do less laundry and use more deodorant.

-I will think of a password other than "password."

Funny Resolutions Thru The Years

2007: I will get my weight down below 180 pounds.

2008: I will follow my new diet religiously until I get below 200 pounds.

2009: I will develop a realistic attitude about my weight.

2010: I will work out 3 days a week.

2011: I will try to drive past a gym at least once a week.

YouTube Videos of 2011

Thanks to my laptop and my iPad I tend to waste (cough cough) I mean enjoy a lot of time on YouTube; it kind of sucks you in. It reminds me of eating potato chips, you cannot just watch one YouTube video.  Here are some of the amusing, funny, informative videos that I have watched in 2011 (excluding the  YouTube videos mentioned on two other postings on this blog). I hope you enjoyed them as much as I did, and happy 2012!! My commentary for the videos are in red.

• Talking Twin Babies
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JmA2ClUvUY
• This video reminds me of the movie, Baby Geniuses. I am sure babies everywhere are plotting against us. And I am sure the wearing one sock is code for something....
• Hero Turtle Rescues Upside Down Turtle
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHPnMnYXEdE
• When watching this video, remind yourself of the story, The Turtle and the Hare; therefore, don't expect the rescue to be done in Speedy Gonzales speed. 
• Kappa Rap 2
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAq0OevRjBY
• A reminder why I am glad I didn't join a sorority house in college, I am sure this is part of their initiation process. Forget Rachel Black, this is the worst YouTube video.
• Kid Breaks It Down on Jumbotron
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pdtSl-0cJ8
• Micheal Jackson will never be dead. This kid definitely got his 15 seconds of fame I would start watching it at 1:00
• 1994: "Today": "What is the Internet, Anyway?"
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUs7iG1mNjI
• It's crazy to think the internet is only 15 years old. I still remember having to use encyclopedias when I needed to do a research paper. See sometimes CHANGE is good!
• The Problems with Jeggings Continue
• Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_QhF5HYdS4
• Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FC85vgHCmM 
• Is it wrong that I want to wear Jeggings even more now?
• Flight of the Bumblebee on 101 bottles
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzucpFgi7Xk
• The schools new recycling program.
• Suspending Water Without a Cup
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ctaA2mERzI
• Newest procrastination method right here! I think all chemistry students should have to do this in order to pass their final.
• Dog Conga Line
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNrsp23KEwA&feature=fvst
• Better looking Baja Men music video!
• Guilty Dog
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8ISzf2pryI
• This is totally circumstantial, mistrial! 
• Baby Scared by Mommy's Laugh
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mk48Tqhtqhw
• I am 25 years old and I am scared by this mother's laugh!
• French Bull Dog Boogie
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RETpAnJrsgY
• I thought white man couldn't dance; well this dog is proving everyone wrong!
• Penguin Gets Tickled
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUmK_ftWpU0
• Cutest tickling EVER!!!
• Baby Laughs at Bubble Eating Dog
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnagemulucw
• That dog must have a very dirty mouth, and that kid has the evilest laugh!
• The Six Girls You Will Date in College
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIPJrrQlxzY
• Which girl are you?
• Double Dream Feet
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5L1tr0PIx20
• The Mr. Rogers of Dancing; however, I really want to replace that haircut with a sweater!
• Dog Walks Stupid in Stupid Shoes
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2A56r2ORH94
• Stickers as a reward for wearing these shoes; this dog deserves a house of her own!
• Mini Warbler
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxuWSXwR4Mc
• This kid is going to have no problem with the ladies!