Oh how I take for granted my fridge at home

We have been coming back to Gonzales, La every other weekend now since we moved back in October. I never realized how much I took for granted having a well stocked fridge at home with fruit, cheese, salad among other things. We do have a dorm fridge here. But, you can only put so much in it. Also, it really not worth buying food when you are only here for three days. However, I do hate the way my body feels when I eat out for every single meal. I feel like the Michelin man. I can't wait to be able to eat a home cooked meal again. I did have some Jambalaya today from the Jambalaya Shoppe, which was a little closer to home cooked. But, still not close enough.

Applesauce makes moist cakes

The other day, I heard on one of the news morning shows to substitute applesauce for oil when making cakes, breads, etc to make them healthier. I just baked a cake (from a box mix) substituting the oil with applesauce (a 1:1 substitution...so if it calls for 1/2 cup oil, use 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce). Not only is it a little better for you but it will make the moistest cake!!

We should have named our dog Marmaduke

Pathetic puppy

Here's some pics of our spoiled puppy (technically he's not a puppy but we still call him that) who thinks he's a tiny lapdog. Steve sat down to read, but Iggy would not have it. He wanted to sit in Steve's lap and sneaked his way up there.

Asian Salad dressing

Steve and I have been eating this on our salad every night. It's easy to make and tastes great. I thought I'd share the wealth. Enjoy!


1/4 cup mayo
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1/8 teaspoon seasame seed oil

Facebook

After years of refusing, I broke down and joined FaceBook. I resisted for so many years and didn't want to have anything to do with it. However, I have to admit, I'm addicted now. I found so many people I haven't talked to in YEARS. It's so nice to get back in touch!! I even got in touch with a friend that grew up down the street with me that I haven't seen since elementary school. We talked for hours online then talked for about an hour on the phone. Yesterday was a good day! It's so neat to see where everyone is in their lives and see pictures of their kids. I sure do feel like I'm behind the times. Most everyone my age and younger has 2 and 3 kids. Oh well, I'm a late bloomer ;) One day God will bless us with children. Happy facebooking.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

We went back to Louisiana for Christmas. We spent Christmas eve with my family. Christmas morning we drove to our house in Gonzales, rolled up our sleeves and got to work. We painted the bathroom, hallway, and all three bedrooms a neutral color. It took us 2 and a half days but it's done. Woo hoo. Now, we have to pressure wash and paint the outside, do some repairs to the shop and replace all the electrical outlets, switches, and face plates to spruce up the place. Oh, I also forgot we have to get the carpets changed in the bedroom. Then, FINALLY, FINALLY, we can put it on the market!! Needless to say, our Christmas wasn't too special but it was productive. The best Christmas present would be to sell the house.

For New Year's eve, we were back at our house in Texas. Our neighbor invited us over. He had a Texas size BBQ trailer and BBQ'd ribs, chicken, and smoked a 17 pound ham. There was enough food for the entire neighborhood and then some and there were only 20 people there. Reminds me of what my dad used to do (cook for an army for just a few people). We had a really good time and got to meet a few of our neighbors and then some.