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This One’s for My Mom

Posted on May 13, 2012 by Renee Spindle

I’ve been reminiscing all week about past Mother’s days, and memories growing up, and one memory keeps popping back into my head that I thought I should share.

Growing up in northern Illinois my Mom was a teacher for many years. And for quite a few years she was busy going to night school to earn her Bachelor’s degree. And I’ m sure she squeezed in time for our nightly activities too.

But this memory sticking out in my mind this week is kind of a funny one, now that I think back on it. After school we would all assemble back at home, except for my Dad. He got home right about dinner time. My Mom would say to us , “I need a little nap, I’m just going to lay down for half an hour”, or whatever the time frame was. Oh and she would also remind us that we were not to bother her unless there was some sort of emergency, or something to that effect. I think my memory of this is from when I was 10 or 11, because at that time I remember thinking to myself , a nap before dinner, what is she thinking!!

But, being the well versed Mom and Grandma that I am now I totally realize why she did this. She needed her decompression time from her class, and re-energizing time for what ever activity was happening in the evening. Hats off to you Mom, because you knew what you needed to do to take care of yourself. Just another awesome Mom memory that eventually taught me this lesson (just last year actually); power naps are good, or should I say napping of any kind is good for you to re-charge your Momster battery.

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom.

What your fondest memory or life lesson from your Mom?

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Take a Break on Mom’s Day

Posted on May 12, 2012 by Renee Spindle

Since tomorrow is Mother’s Day, and I know you are all busy today with your weekend to do list just remember Mother’s Day is your day. On Sunday, just stop and take the time and allow yourself to put your Mom duties on pause for a day and just relax. Now I realize for some of you it may be difficult to put yourself in this mindset, but just give it a try.

For all the hats we moms wear it’s nice to be able to just slip off the hat stack and take a breather. The hat stack can be tall and cumbersome sometimes, but taking a breather is definitely necessary on occasion. This is easier for me to say now because my kids are all grown. When they were younger and we had so many activities going on, it would take me a long time to acknowledge that I needed get out from under the hat stack for a bit.

If you get too caught up in your family’s day-to-day activities, and don’t take some time to pause and relax, you’ll make yourself go crazy, be stressed to the max, literally pull your hair out. I fondly remember when my kids were younger locking myself in the bathroom #1 to be able to have a phone conversation in peace and quiet, and #2 to take a well deserved bubble bath.

Now don’t get me wrong, I have always loved my Mom duties, it’s just that sometimes we need a little break. Some of you may have your girlfriend time, others may take time with their own Mom’s, or maybe your escape is a date night. However you escape or should I say rejuvenate yourself be sure and do it on a regular basis. Put the “take a break” date on your calendar if you need a reminder. Just be sure and take some well deserved time for you.

To all the mother and grandmothers, etc. may you have a nice and relaxing day. Enjoy and relax, read your favorite book, or take a nap. To my own Mom – you are the best of the best. A great teacher, friend, and the best role model for your grandchildren. Happy Mother’s Day Mom.

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Joan’s Taco Salad for Two

Posted on May 10, 2012 by Renee Spindle

This recipe is my Mom’s take on the taco salad recipe that I posted earlier today. She has put a great twist on the original recipe, and I’ll be trying this one soon, minus the ranch dressing. You all know I have no love for mayo or anything close to it. My Mom has gone from cooking for a crowd like me to cooking for just two. Thanks for sharing your recipe Mom – here goes:

Meat Mix:
Saute
   1/2 pound ground beef
   1/4 chopped onion
   1 tsp chopped garlic

Add
   1 tsp. chili powder
   1 tsp cumin
   1 tsp salt
   Black pepper
   Dash of red pepper flakes

When ready add a couple of big splashes of tomato juice and saute until the juice evaporates.

In 2 large salad bowls layer the following divided in two where necessary:
   Handful of corn chips or tortilla strips
   Chopped lettuce
   1/2 cup chopped tomatoes split

Drizzle with ranch dressing.

Layer more:
   Meat mixture
   Small can of kidney beans drained, optional
   Small can of black olives drained
   Very large dollop sour creme
   2 chopped green onions
   1/4 cup shredded cheese split

Grate a little black pepper on top -Enjoy!

My Mom is a great cook. She had a hand in teaching me to cook many moons ago, and now sharing and comparing recipes is half the fun of cooking. Be sure to check out my Mom’s recent blog post for her Beef Bourguinon dinner courtesy of Julia Childs recipe. It looks so amazingly, delicious I wish I had smell-a-vision. I’ll have to try this one day soon. Thanks again for sharing your recipe Mom.

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Taco Salad for a Crowd

Posted on May 10, 2012 by Renee Spindle

For the past two or three days it has been over 90 degrees here in So Cal, just a hint of summertime coming our way. The hot weather calls for some lighter and yummy dinners. Tonight I made the gang a Taco Salad. I called my Mom to find out the origin of this recipe, and we came to the conclusion that I was a recipe that was passed around the neighborhood when we were growing up. However, I have put my own twist on the recipe, with the help of my daughter Naomi.

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground turkey or ground beef (whichever you prefer)
1 can of kidney beans (15 oz)
1 pkg of taco seasoning
1 bag of fritos (10½ oz)
shredded cheese (we like the cheddar & monterey jack combo)
shredded cabbage
tomatoes
green onion

Directions:

Brown the meat, and drain off the grease.
Drain the beans and add them to the browned meat. I like to do this to heat up the beans.
Mix in the taco seasoning and the amount of water that is called for on the package.
Simmer this mixture until you have cooked off almost all of the liquid.
While the meat is simmering;
Chop up the tomatoes
Chop up some green onions.
Chop the shredded cabbage into smaller bite size pieces.
Crush the fritos, in the bag, with a rolling-pin. Open the bag a bit first though to let out the air.
Salad Layers

For the salad assembly:

The layering effect is Naomi’s twist on the recipe.
In a large glass bowl layer the ingredients like this:
Fritos
Meat and beans
Cheese
Shredded cabbage
Tomatoes
Green Onion
Then repeat the layers for a second time.
You can either serve the salad layered, or if your adventurous like me you can toss the whole salad and serve.
For garnishments put out your favorite salsa, sour cream, and black olives (that’s ones for you Hilary!)

Variations:

This recipe can easily be made with shredded chicken or beef.
You could add additional cans of different types of beans (black or pinto).
You could flavor the meat with your favorite salsa instead of taco seasoning.
Any garnishments that you like can easily be put on top or served with your salad on the side.

This is truly a yummy recipe, and so easy to throw together. Oh and I like using the shredded cabbage because it does not get soggy at all. I put out the cabbage when we have just plain old tacos in the shell too. For this twenty-something household, this salad makes a great big meal and is great for staying on budget. If you’ve never made this before it’s a real treat. If you haven’t made it in a while you’ve been missing out like me. I’m definitely mixing this recipe in with my weekly summertime meal planning.

Please stay tuned for my Mom’s Taco Salad recipe for Two.

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11 Things I was Reminded of During our Home Improvement Week

Posted on May 7, 2012 by Renee Spindle

If you are a follower of my stories you know that Travel Man and are near the end of a project remodeling the entryway of our home. After a few marathon work sessions last week it reminded me that we almost always have a great time together with our projects, and here’s a few reasons why we do:

1. Projects with my Travel Man are fun.

2. We work well together.

3. It is important that I pay attention and know when to leave Travel Man alone to let him think and work. It can be all fun and laughter.

4. Working a project and meeting our deadline is like a well orchestrated dance.

5. I’m a great “sous” carpenter- clean up is my specialty.

6. Planning is everything.

7. Changing the plan when you are actually in the middle of the project can be important. Be flexible.

8. It’s ok with me if Travel Man doesn’t like to paint, because I love to paint!

9. Finishing all of the detail work gives you the greatest sense of accomplishment.

10. The detail work is what makes your project spectacular. This one is still in the works as I am typing this post.

11. I need more exercise, I am seriously out of shape.

As our entryway project comes to a successful close I have to give a big shout out to my wonderful husband. He worked by hard to get a lot of work done in a short period of time. And of course, this week he is back on the road. That’s our life, planning and executing, and trying to get things done on short notice. I will have pictures a little later this week, remember patience is a virtue my friends.