Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Theme Thursday.......Yellow!

Follow the yellow brick road,
Follow the yellow brick road,
Follow, Follow, Follow, Follow, Follow the yellow brick road!






Now keep singing and view more TT-Yellow here!

Have a great day all!

Nanny

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Super Foods 2010


I like to eat healthy.....I love green vegetables, fruits, baked chicken and fish! The problem is I also like (or love) pizza, lasagna, cheese dip.....the list goes on and on! I usually have a blend of healthy and not so healthy in each day! For lunch I had a turkey sandwich with sugar snap peas and hummus. Very tasty! But for dinner I could very well have lasagna or ribs.....whatever the mood is!

Last week Dr. Oz had a show on super foods and I found it very interesting. I do have a couple of questions though.

  • Who decides which foods to put on the list?
  • Where do I find these foods?

I live in small town USA....we have no Whole Foods or Central Market.

We have Wal Mart, Kroger and family owned stores.

Here are the Super Foods......

5. IMO........this was a potato looking thing

4. Tumeric Tea.......I think I can find this at the local health food store.

3. Magosteen.....white fruit, they said was delicious

2. Greek Greens.....included Fennel and Mustard. I bought mustard at WM today, which will be all mine, green doesn't go on husband's plate!

1. Barramundi.....ok, it's fish, that's all I know.

This food creates a shopping trip for me to Little Rock, Whole Foods. See how I can find a good excuse to shop?

Anyway, I copied a more detailed list of the foods from Dr. Oz website if you are interested in Super Foods......enjoy.....



5 SUPERFOODS TO EAT NOW

1. Sweet Potato
The women of Okinawa, Japan (who also happen to be the world’s longest living ladies) enjoy a purple sweet potato they call Imo every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Rich in beta-carotene and boasting 150% more antioxidants than blueberries, this easy-to-make treat can be simply incorporated into an American diet. And, if you can’t find Imo specifically, our orange sweet potatoes pack a similarly healthful wallop.

2. Turmeric Tea
You usually see the yellow spice turmeric in Indian curries, giving them their characteristic color. But those long-lived ladies of Okinawa slurp this spice in tea daily (and they have one-fifth the rate of breast cancer than their American counterparts). Studies have shown that turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that can help fight cancer.

3. Mangosteen
This sweet, tropical fruit originally from Indonesia has made its way onto supermarket shelves in the United States. Hidden inside a thick purple rind that you cut open, is a white, creamy flesh full of vitamins A and C as well as cancer-fighting antioxidants. If you can’t find the fruit, the juice of the mangosteen, which is more widely available, is the next best thing. This is also available in tea form.

4. Mustard Greens
In Icaria, Greece, 1 in 3 people lives to the age of 90, making the Greek island one of the areas designated as a “blue zone,” where people enjoy superior longevity. There are also no cases Alzheimer’s disease reported there despite many people living to a ripe old age. One of the nourishing foods they enjoy are mustard greens. High in vitamin K (most Americans are deficient in this nutrient), the spicy greens are good for your blood and bone strength. Try them as the Icarians do: boil and then toss with a little virgin olive oil and lemon.

5. Barramundi Fish
If the Barramundi fish were a human, he would be a tree-hugging, salad-loving vegetarian. The Barramundi, hailing from the coast of Australia, eschews his fellow fish, dining on plankton instead. That means he doesn’t load up on mercury-packed smaller fish and has extremely low levels of the toxin, which is especially important for pregnant women. Free of mercury, but full of heart- and brain-healthy omega-3s, the Barramundi, which is becoming more popular in the US, is a shoe-in for one of the top 5 superfoods. Bonus: the white meat is light, flaky and delicious.

Have a superfood day!

Nanny

Saturday, March 27, 2010

I Love Being a Nanny!

I have a sweet little houseguest this weekend.
We have been on the floor all morning playing with toys....when you have all of your toys within reach it is hard to decide which one to play with.....



Her bunny came a week early and she wants to eat it up. I think if she doesn't guard it carefully, Birdie and Cricket will eat if for her/ha
Maybe we need to keep this one at Nanny's house.



I am so glad we saved this Super Saucer...It was my grandson's, and he is 11 now! It cleaned up like brand new and is perfect for my house! Lila has enjoyed it so much.



Seven Months Old and gets sweeter everyday!



Have fun Mom and Dad.....I am just fine!

Nanny

Friday, March 26, 2010

Tex Mex

I love, love my new cookbook! It has the most wonderful collection of dips, salsas, marinades, fajitas.....all things that I could live on!!!




Last night I made Chicken Taco Bake and the flavor was amazing. How could in not be, the combination of tomato juice, green chiles, cheese and cream!!!



I halfed all ingredients and used smaller dish since there was only 2 for dinner. It was so good and very little left.





I wish I had made the whole recipe; I think it would get even better as leftovers!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! I have a busy, fun filled 3 days starting NOW! lol

Nanny

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Theme Thursday.....Sign

A blast from the past.....



http://





Five Man Electrical Band......1970!


Anyone out there old enough to remember and still sing this one?


I am....guess that's why they call me Nanny....ha!


Join Theme Thursday here!



Have a great Thursday all!


Nanny


Wordless Wednesday




















And then he was gone! I think a nest is nearby. I hope to see the little ones soon!

Have a great Wednesday....

Nanny

Monday, March 22, 2010

DWTS!

What happened to Melissa Rycroft????? I thought she was the new co-host!

I don't want Brooke Burke.........I was all set for Melissa!!!


NO!

It Works

On my walk in Hot Springs I happened into a little store with jams, jellies, salsa, etc. They had samples all around the store and of course I tried them all (wanted to buy them all) Messy as I am I dribbled salsa down the front of my new white shirt. A sweet employee gave me a wet paper towel and walked away....she returned and said, "I just bought this Tide to go, if you would like to try it". I did and much to my amazement....It Worked....you can't even see the spot! I now have one in my purse, and won't leave home without it. I just love it when something new works!!!




Have a good evening all!

Nanny

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Leftover Roast

I think my favorite reason to have roast......is to have leftovers...
I timed cooking Pioneer Woman's pot roast just right this week! On this cold Sunday, I added a large can of tomato juice, one can of stewed tomatoes and lots of veggies.....
Don't you love a big bowl of soup on a cold day? Would you prefer saltines or cornbread? I haven't decided which we will have!



For dessert....cherry pie...
I had to sample it to see if it was worth serving....wouldn't anyone to have a bad piece of cherry pie.....
I think it will pass inspection.



Have a good evening all!

Tomorrow my 13 year old (going on 20) granddaughter and I are going shopping. Can't wait, we have so much fun on our outings. Plus I get to catch up on all of the current gossip/ha

Nanny

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Hot Springs, Arkansas

Take a walk with me down the beautiful sidewalks of Central Avenue in the Historic District of Hot Springs, Arkansas.



They are lined with beautiful Magnolia trees that shade the sidewalks. The grass is aready a wonderful green and was being mowed as I took my walk. The air was warm and fresh and I soaked it up as much as possible, knowing that another cold blast is headed our way for this weekend.



The city takes its name from the natural thermal water that flows from 47 springs on the western slope of Hot Springs Mountain in the historic downtown district of the city. About a million gallons of 143-degree water flow from the springs each day.


double click images






The steam rising from the warm water was just amazing and the water made everyone that came by want to just soak in it....



There is a walking trail up the mountain and this is the view from above the stream..
The trail goes on and on, making it a very popular place to spend time. I would love to spend much more time there.




I am glad I had my camera for this last picture. We went to Oaklawn on Friday afternoon to watch the horse races. It always makes for a fun afternoon. This particular race was worth the trip! Horse came out of the gate and Number 2 was without a jockey....Never did find out what happened to the jockey....This horse was like lightning...he caught the others.....got in the middle of them....passed them....and lead for half the race! By the time he got in front of the crowd, everyone was cheering for him and he won by a long shot. You can see from the picture, not another horse in sight! It was hilarious! Well not really, cause I bet on him......don't know why they didn't just declare him the winner!






It was fun to get away for a couple of days. If you have never been to Hot Springs, Arkansas, put it on you list. It is a great place with lots to do.


Have a good night all....

Nanny

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Mini Vacation!

Off to Hot Springs, Arkansas for two days!!! Yippee!!! My husband has a meeting and I am going to SHOP....I love the quaint shops that line Central Avenue!

See you later!!

74 degrees tomorrow....perfect day!

Nanny

Wednesday, March 17, 2010



Have a good day all!
Nanny

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Danielle Steel




I have been a Danielle Steel fan for many, many years! Thirty One years to be exact! I know that because that is the year The Promise came out. I loved that book so much! She had 3 previous novels and I immediately bought them too. After reading those 3, I wrote Danielle Steel a letter.....yes I did, I told her I could not imagine being without one on her novels to read.....she wrote me back...I was shocked the day I got a handwritten, hand addressed letter from Danielle Steel! This wonderful author of four books wrote me a letter. She said that she too, hoped I would never be without one of her books to read. I kept up with her for years but eventually I got behind....I continued to buy her novels and someday when I don't have anything to do, I'm going to read everyone of them and reread my favorites! I remember breaking down in tears when I started the last chapter of The Ring! It was go good, I didn't want to finish it!

Last week I saw Danielle on The View and became intrigued by the plot of her newest novel...Big Girl. She explores the issues of weight, self-image, sisterhood, and family. I am 80 pages into this one....love the characters and the story but here is my problem: I don't like books written in the 3rd person.....I like one on one dialogue! Does this bother you or do you even notice the difference? I don't want a narrator telling the story! It drives me crazy! I am trying not to notice and hope that the entire book is not written this way......

What are you reading? Some of the best books I have read were ones recommended by my fellow bloggers....

Have a good evening all...do you like American Idol this season? Some of my favorites have already been eliminated...oh well!

Nanny

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Sun Chips and Giveaway!




I don't need another reason to buy Sun Chips but this new compostable package is a definite plus!! Most of you gardeners probably have a composte pile.....I don't! Sun Chips web site is a great reference for starting a composte pile. I give this company a thumbs up!!

AND, they taste good too!

Do you need new skillets??? Well, I do! Grandma Yellow Hair is having a great April Fools giveaway....this great Paula Deen cookware!! Hurry over and leave a comment for a chance to win. Great blog, always a good laugh or an interesting guest. You have until March 31 to enter....













I hope you all had a great weekend......

Nanny

Saturday, March 13, 2010

It's Here!

What do you think about DST? It gets the best of me.

I stay up much later, because my internal clock is confused.

I try sticking to the old time and continually say....it's only 11....when actually it is noon!

Why can't we split the difference to a half hour and leave it alone?

How do you feel about Daylight Savings Time?

Nanny

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Bad Breath


Trixie's breath has gotten out of hand!!!! I couldn't stand for her to face me.....so today she got her teeth cleaned. This was a new experience for us both. I dropped her off this morning and picked her up after lunch. She has beautiful white teeth and no bad breath. Have you had to have your dog's teeth cleaned? I hear small dogs need this more than large dogs. Must be due to her not liking bones, treats, etc..... a treat to her is bacon or sausage/ha. I've tried healthy snacks.....she looks at me like....you gotta be kidding....me eat a carrot or apple/ha

Do you watch House???? My new favorite show! Last night it was about a blogger. It was a good one.....medical mystery of course...when House solved the problem, the patient's husband handed her the laptop and said....I know you are dying to blog about it.....LOL!!! Good Man! He understands!!!!

Have a good evening all! Off to watch American Idol and Biggest Loser!

Nanny

Monday, March 8, 2010

Warmth

I come alive when the temperature reaches 65 or above......

I planted pots of pansies and viloas. I moved the ferns from the garage to the outdoors. They actually did pretty well this winter and I think with a little shaping and some miracle grow they will be beautiful this year. The jonquils are blooming and I just want to stay outdoors all day long!!!!

The weekend didn't last long enough for me. The weather was perfect and we ended the day with fresh fish, fried to perfection and a movie! Law Abiding Citizen, starring Gerard Butler and Jamie Foxx, described as bold crime thriller!!!! Thriller it is! Not for the little ones but oh so captivating!

Have a great day all!

Nanny

Friday, March 5, 2010

Butter


Butter is butter, right?

Not necessarily!! While trying to avoid the crowd at Wal Mart, I ran in Kroger to get butter for a pecan pie. Nice, it's much less expensive than Land o Lakes......I found out there is a reason for that savings.....something is missing!

It took me several hours to figure out why the pie had a different texture and less flavor. Then the light bulb came on (I'm kinda slow) The Butter.
Sorry Kroger, I had to dispose of the remainder and hurry to replenish my supply.

As Paula says, Never Ever Let The Butter Get Too Far Away From You!



Have a good day all! If the forecast doesn't change, we are going to have a wonderful weekend in Arkansas....68....yes 68 on Sunday! Outdoors, here I come!

Nanny

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Theme Thursday.....Green

Green is life. Abundant in nature, green signifies growth, renewal, health and environment. With both a warming and cooling effect, the color green denotes balance, harmony, and stability. I guess that is why green is my favorite color. If I have a choice, I will always pick green.

I started out to tell you about wonderful green foods......






Then I thought about the beautiful green outside my window, when, in winter, there seems to be no color at all.



I was going to show you that green is sometimes unwelcomed....but still so beautiful.
As in the case of spurweed (or commonly called stickers)....can't walk on these babies......


And then there is the everyday Weed!!!! Oh so abundant in my flower beds.....



Then I found this picture from last summer and decided it sums up my feeling for green......Need I say more?




I am looking so forward to Green.....it's my time of the year!

Share your thoughts on green and join Theme Thursday...click here!

Have a great day all!

Nanny


Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Frustration, Sloppy Joes, Award!



The problem that won't go away.......



I bought a new copy/fax/scanner in January. I paid to have a tech from Staples to install/hookup new system. All seemed well until I tried to receive a fax! Just wasn't happening. A short incoming ring then disconnect! I tried everything recommended and Staples decided it was a faulty machine. After ordering me another one (of course they were out of stock) I connected the new one.......



Still no fax.....


So this morning I drive back to Staples and they tell me to call the 24/7 tech service, they can help you on the spot. After pushing every available number......I don't have an instance number...Hello this is my first call to you, how can I have an instance number: Call Staples again.....look up the number on your e-mail confirmation from registration.....NO NUMBER on confirmation. Call Staples again, Call telephone company, Call HP, call, call, call...........................Now I am under the desk trying to switch the phone line with the fax line to see if that will work when this wonderful telephone repairman walks in......"Do you have a problem"? YES! He tested, switched, tested, went outside, tested.....Voila.....he fixed it!


He is my hero!


So now I am on to something I CAN do.....cook supper. HA

Rachel Ray's Super Sloppy Joes (thanks Solar for sharing this one) and

Pioneer Woman's Onion Strings.........



Thank you Debbie for this sweet award



You really must stop by Dining with Debbie for wonderful recipes, especially on Crockpot Wednesday....I love crockpot cooking! Tell Debbie Nanny sent you.....



On to the kitchen and American Idol...

Have a good evening all....

Nanny