Persnickety Hall

Good Bye Blogger.

2011-07-02T14:21:00.004-05:00

I've made the switch over to Wordpress.

You can find me at www.persnicketyhall.com

Update those bookmarks!

Tasty T’s: Easy Salsa Chicken.

2011-06-30T16:05:00.001-05:00

I had grandiose plans for this week’s Tasty T. Then i realised i was missing ingredients. Then i realised that yeast + dough = time. Then i scrapped those plans and tried to whip up something together on a whim. That then resulted in turkey burger fail.

So i gave up. Got irritated. Threw a mini tantrum by myself. Ate a sugar free fudge bar. Stubbed my toe. Painted my nails. Played some Farkle on facebook. Did a load of dishes. And finally got over it.

I never said i coped with things in the correct manor ya’ll.

After temporally resolving my issues, i remembered that i had seen a post over at A Healthy Slice Of Life that seemed super easy, which at my fickle state was exactly what i needed.

Best decision i made all week.

Full and Printable Recipe here.

Adapted from: A Healthy Slice Of Life

Husby and i are fans of frozen corn. Its so handy to throw in soups or salads. It gave this recipe a nice crunch and a hint of sweetness. All i did was dump the corn into my crockpot, lay the chicken on the corn, and poured a jar of salsa on top.

After that i walked away and let it cook over night for 8 hours. This way it was ready to eat when Husby got off of work in the morning.

Husby ate his in tortillas as soft tacos. I however placed some shredded cabbage and black beans into a bowl, scooped on the chicken mixture, and topped it with a dollop of sour cream and shredded cheese.

A drizzle of fresh lime juice and some whole wheat tortilla also rounded it out. So easy, so yummy, and so delicious.

Letters To A Fur Baby, Part 2

2011-06-29T16:22:00.002-05:00

Dear Tofu Ninja Kitty,

Please stop eating my plants. Its not nice and it makes me freak out and google “toxic herbs for cats” at 3:30 in the morning.

I could have used that time to paint my nails instead, thank you very much.

And seriously, when i put things on top of the fridge it means that item is off limits to all fur babies. Stop climbing on it for pete’s sake.

*Who is pete and why are we all concerned about his well being?*

Oh and while we’re talking, can you please leave your spider corpses in a pile or something? Every time i sweep one of them pops out and goes flying across the floor i assume its alive, scream, throw the broom, and grab any flat item i can to throw at it, only to find out its already dead. Thank you for getting them, but lets work on our disposal methods eh?

Love,
Your Mumsy.

P.S.... Just because i tell you “no” when you steal my hair tie and try to eat it, doesn’t mean you can dry heave on top of my clean laundry pile. Boundaries Tofu, boundaries.

Sunday Scenes: Snapshots Of Life

2011-06-26T16:33:00.001-05:00

After staying at home for 3 days while we tried to work through some grief issues, we decided to pack up and head for the hill country to visit our family for a couple of days. At this point there are 11 of our family members living within walking distance of each other, and my nephew and niece were visiting as well, so we were able to see almost everyone in one easy visit!

Day One: Mother dear had us all create our own pizzas for dinner. High five if you can guess which one i made.

Henry showed me Mother Dear’s chickens, (as he does every time we visit)

and seemed to be quite proud.

We played games throughout the day and into the night. It was great to see Husby smiling.

Day Two: More games. We may be addicted.

Oh, and you may recognize this cute little marshmallow as the Crazy Bat Dog, but for the record her name is Kadie. Not Katie. Oooops. Sorry about that puppy nugget.

At the end of the day, which also included watching my Nana make her famous butterscotch pies from scratch and enjoying some Alaskan halibut and African antelope with my Uncle and Aunt, i sat back and watched my niece try to darken my nephew's facial hair with mascara. Aka, gathered more blackmail to hang over my nephews head.

Family and laughter, who could ask for more?

Tasty Tuesdays: Ginger Beets

2011-06-21T04:07:00.003-05:00

Beets. Some people like them, most seem to hate them. I however dig them.

I think it started back when i was 5 years old. My family had just moved from a teeny tiny town in Arizona to what we felt was a huge California city, Sacramento. My parents were overwhelmed and trying to find a place to eat dinner, when they came across a hole in the wall restaurant named Trails.

As we walked inside the small building we were welcomed by the lone waitress on shift and sat at a table that had most likely been there years before i was born. The walls were decorated with old cowboy print wallpaper and faded handwritten poster board signs with the “daily” specials. Daily being every single day for the last billion years.

We felt right at home.

Source.

Soon after we ordered our meals, our waitress brought us each a simple salad. Nothing fancy. Iceberg lettuce with a couple of carrots sticks, and topped with chilled beets. From a can. Now, i know the thought of canned beets may send you running for the hills with the heebie jeebies, but for me they are part of 20 years of memories. The only times i ever ate them were when they were sitting on top of that simple salad from Trails.

Husby and i even had our wedding reception dinner there!

That said, i hadn't eaten a beet since we left California. Then a week ago Husby and i were perusing the produce isles at 1:30 in the morning and i saw these.

So i bought them. And they sat in my fridge while i nervously stared at them about 3 times a day trying to figure out what the heck i was going to do with them.

Three days later while making my usual blog rounds i saw this post from Averie.

Fate. Total fate.

I busted out my latex gloves (no reason to mess up the manicure i had given myself two hours before) and got to work.

Things to note:

Don’t skip the gloves. Just don’t.
Line your pan with foil like she says. Easiest clean up ever.
I used coconut oil instead of olive oil. Best decision i made that day.
I left off the salt and pepper. No regrets.

The ginger and the natural sugars from the beets blended perfectly together resulting in just the right amount of a “root” taste. I ate some as a side to our dinner that night which gave my plate a nice variety of textures and flavors.

I also recommend them on a bed of spinach with some goat cheese and almonds. Yum!

*Side note; Husby is doing well. He has his moments which is to be expected. But he is an amazingly strong man and i know he will get through this as he has the help and support of so many friends and family who love him.

Grief

2011-06-19T17:01:00.001-05:00

Husby’s mother passed away last night unexpectedly.

Sandra Monica Moore Lee

We love you and we miss you.

*First quote from David Seltzer.

*Second quote from Unknown.Said to be found on an Irish grave stone.

Updates And Cupcakes

2011-06-17T17:04:00.001-05:00

I’m so sorry for the lack of posts this week. You may or may not know that i work from home as a customer service rep. The company that i work under was let go buy the client we were contracted with due to out sourcing overseas. This week = lame.

Now, normally i would bake something full of sugar and fluffy frosting to perk Husby and i up. But the day before this job issue arose i cleaned out my pantry and stocked our fridge with veggies, fruits, and lean proteins in an effort to make healthy choices.

Processed sugar and white carbs went out the window.

*sniffle*

However, i did promise to share this recipe with you and even though i can’t make these again at the moment, if you can you should. And then eat one for me so i can live vicariously through you.

Full and Printable Recipe here.

Yes, i so cheated by using a boxed cake mix as my base. It was worth it. Also, when making cupcakes its always nice to have an iced coconut soy latte to sip on because your oven doesn’t vent outside and therefore turns your tiny kitchen into a inferno.

Optional, yes. Suggested, highly.

Plop, mix, drain, mix.

You could simply drizzle the white chocolate ganache on top of the cupcakes and call it a day. In fact, i think it would taste amazing as it. But i like to kick it up a notch.

This frosting isn’t one that you’re going to be able to pipe into big fluffy swirls. It is however great for filling your cupcakes.

And the toasted coconut, seals the deal man. Seals the deal.
*note to self: fix nail polish before taking pictures.

I threw in some non-toasted ones as well and they were great too. But if you have the option to toast it, do it. You won't regret it.

These cupcakes are better eaten freshly made. You can store them in an air tight container in the fridge, but i suggest taking them out and bringing them to room temperature before serving. While they were ok the next day or two, they just weren’t as tasty and fluffy as the first day.

Point: Make them, eat them. Om nom nom.

Babble List

2011-06-13T20:21:00.001-05:00

#1 I’m addicted to iced coffee. We had a high of 101 degrees here today and all i could think about was getting an iced coffee. I drove into town only to find that i had left my debit card at home. I’m buying a coffee pot tonight.

#2 There was a kid who graduated with my nephew and his last name was Bueller. Husby and i almost peed ourselves when his name was called during the ceremony. I’m still chuckling over it. I’m totally mature, clearly.

Kanyon, not Bueller.

#3 I can’t stand Taylor Swift. I just can’t. I don’t know why but she irks me. Almost as bad as that Bieber kid. Almost.

#4 We’re in the middle of a drought and everything is turning brown around here. We also have no grass (which is fine with me, small water bill!) but we have wild sunflowers everywhere. They have taken over.

#5 I just realised i made totally fantastic pineapple cupcakes with a toasted coconut white chocolate frosting and i never shared them with you. I’m a jerk. I promise to rectify this situation soon.

#6 Walter The Spaz stole one of Tofu Ninja Kitty’s toys we bought from Ikea 4 years ago. It finally declared defeat to Walter’s shank tooth.

He’s rather torn up about it.

Guess this means we need to make a trip to Ikea to stock up again. Drats!

*Heh heh heh.*

Sunday Scenes: Graduation

2011-06-12T01:06:00.001-05:00

My nephew graduated last weekend. I, magically, didn’t bawl my eyes out. I’m pretty sure my nephew is entirely ok with that. Evidently having your aunt weep hysterically isn’t so much fun, nor is it a pretty picture when her eyeliner runs down her face.

Good thing i kept myself busy trying to take pictures of him cross the stage. Oh wait, those pictures didn’t turn out because i have a lil point and shoot that i haven’t read the manual to and i was sitting forever away from the stage.

At least i can weep in the privacy of my own home. Eyeliner streaks free.

Its almost a 5 hour drive to my brother and sister in laws house, but Walter The Spaz was ready for the mini road trip.

Us gals primped before the big day.

These strings of glass were set up for the event and Mother Dear and i loved them.

Remember that poll we had for Husby’s face hair? Well he cleaned up nicely.

Graduating class of 2011

Afterwards Kanyon humored us and gave hugs to the whole family. I failed to get pictures of him hugging his girlfriend Brittany, Husby, and myself which is a bummer. I tried. They just turned out as blurs. I blame the heat. Or my emotions. How about both?

I still can’t believe he’s so grown up. It feels like he was just born a few years ago. Time is flying and i’m just glad we’re able to be here for milestones.

Crazy Katie.

2011-06-09T10:00:00.004-05:00

I have my first video to share with you all.

This is from last weekend at my brother and sister in law's house. Walter The Spaz tried very hard to make friends with one of their dogs, Katie. She on the other hand had a great time showing him who was boss.

Eventually we found Katie chasing Walter around the room, her tail wagging 50 miles per hour. She may be little but she can pack a punch!

Katie seems a bit ... crazy .... but she is a really sweet little marshmallow.

I promise.

Tasty Tuesdays: Now Eat This Diet!

2011-06-07T17:52:00.002-05:00

First and foremost let me just say i’m sorry i’ve been missing in action these last few days. I was out of town for my nephew’s graduation and just didn’t have time to post.

Today’s Tasty Tuesday isn’t a recipe, but it is food related. If you haven’t heard of Confessions Of A Cookbook Queen, you need to get your tush over to her blog asap!

She is a creative genius and always posts awesome treats that make you want to slap yourself for deciding to read her posts at two in the morning when the local grocery store is closed instead of during a respectable time of day.

Recently she hosted a giveaway for a new cookbook by Rocco Dispirito. I, amazingly, happened to win!

Did i mention that it is an autographed copy?

*swoon*

I. Know. I giggled like the teeny bopper i once was while Husby stared at me with one brow furrowed and a look of judgement across his face. Then i showed him a recipe for a steak salad and he broke into giggles too.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, but, i have to say i was honestly surprised by it.

Somethings i feel are note worthy are:

There are two recipe indexes in the book. The first one breaks the recipes into categories, is color coded, and lists the calorie count for each recipe. I think this is awesome because you won’t need to flip through each individual recipe page in order to find out what the calorie count is. Time saving = win.

The first 100 pages of the book include a ton of helpful information such as a meal plan, ingredient lists, how to cook techniques, exercise information, etc. Seriously, everything you need to know that will help you understand how counting calories works and what tools you will need before you get started.

The book focuses on using whole unprocessed foods. Rocco also gives tips on how to save time and realistic ways to succeed even if you’re a busy person. This i think will be a key factor for Husby and i.

But my favorite part of the book is the fact that the recipes listed are things that Husby will actually eat. I have a few other “low cal” cook books that definitely have some recipe switches that i know i will like, but nothing that i can whip together as a meal for the two of us. This book is completely different. Husby sat there flipping through the pages and practically drooled all over the place.

Steaks, barbecue pork chops, thanksgiving plate with all the fixings. All meals i could make in bulk and freeze my portions while doubling up Husby’s.

I mean, Rocco even included a cheeseburger recipe. With beef, not a veggie burger. This made Husby fall in love.

There are of course lighter options as well. Salads, soups, sandwiches and smoothies. Oh yes. Ya’ll know i love my smoothies.

Overall i’m really excited to give this book a try. I like the fact that he isn’t just listing recipes, but the reasoning behind them. In addition Rocco even gives alternative food options so that you can take the theory and method behind his plan and create your own meals and recipes instead of just his. Which cookbook author do you know that does that?!

Awesomesauce i say.

*This is in no way a paid advertisement. I have not received any compensation for this post. I’m just stoked to have won this book and wanted to share what i think is a nifty book with my friends.

Peachy-Keen Sweet Biscuits.

2011-06-03T10:45:00.001-05:00

Yesterday i managed to spill a full bottle of water next to Husby’s laptop, his laptop charger, and our printer. I saved these items by quickly pulling the blanket Walter The Spaz was bundled up in and throwing it on the spill.

After my heart attack stopped and i was sure there was no water damage i looked over to find Walter giving me a look similar to this one.

Ouch.

Do you know what you should do when you’ve just been burned by your fur baby? Bake. Bake something slightly sweet with a hint of tart peach. Something like these.

Full and Printable Recipe here.

Fresh fruit can be hard to come by around here, but you’d be amazed what you can do with frozen fruit!

These turned out better than i thought they would. Husby and i enjoyed that they weren’t too sweet and that you can really build onto them per your preference.

And if your preference is to add butter and a sugar glaze, you and i should probably be best friends.

Husby, Walter, and i are off to the Dallas area today to visit my brother and family. I’ll try to post from there, but i can’t make any promises! Otherwise i’ll be back Tuesday. Hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

Spooktacular

2011-06-01T15:08:00.003-05:00

I am stoked.

Why for you say?

Because today is Wednesday.

But Persnickety, you say, what is so special about that?

Let me tell you my fine friends. Two words; Ghost Hunters.

Tonight there is a new episode on *SyFy. I’m pretty sure there haven’t been any new episodes in like FOREVER.

Also, every time i type, think, or say the word “forever” i instantly replay a scene from The Sandlot.

Every. Single. Time.

That’s normal right?

Not only is there a new episode tonight, but Josh Gates, the host from my other fave Syfy show Destination Truth, is a special guest.

The dude searches for monsters. I mean, can you say Awesome-sauce?

You may or may not know that i am a total sissy la la pants when it comes to these types of things. In fact, the first episode i ever watched was right after we had moved to Texas, and i sat there with my hands over my ears and my eyes glued shut in terror. Husby on the other hand was sitting next to me laughing the entire time.

He also threw in a few “Omg. Did you see that? I think someone or something is looking in our window.”

He’s super nice like that.

Persnickety and her Niece Squishy doing their best GH impressions two summers ago.

Two and a half years later, i’m completely addicted to this show. I still have my moments of terror, just not AS bad. However, i did see that there is a new show premiering after tonight's episode, and it’s based on objects being haunted.

*faints*

Leave it to SyFy to create shows based on my phobias. Leave it to me to become obsessed with them.

If you need me, i’ll be the gal wrapped up in a blanket with a chiuaua/papillon fur baby stuck to her side while she tries not to pee her pants.

Stoked.

*For the record SyFy, i’m still irritated by the spelling change of your name. Just saying.*

Ghost Hunters and Destination Truth images taken from syfy.com

Tasty Tuesdays: Steak Soft Tacos

2011-05-31T02:22:00.001-05:00

Lately i’ve found that some of the simplest recipes tend to produce the tastiest meals. The less ingredients the better. Or maybe its more about choosing a few powerful yet complementary flavors and letting them be the star of the show.

I have a fondness for cilantro, lime, and onions. These three flavors emote feelings of freshness and summer. Throw them together and you’ve got yourself a crave worthy feast. Unless of course you’re one of those people who thinks cilantro tastes like soap. In that case, you probably need a hug. Tragic i say.

For today’s post i’m not going to be linking to a full step by step recipe. I personally don’t think its something you’ll need to print out. You more than likely already make a version of these tacos yourself. If not, this is so simple you should give it a whirl!

All you need is the following;

Steak. (Husby and i like to get the precut stewing steak from our local grocery store. Its already cut into small bite size pieces and also has almost all of the fat trimmed off.It also tends to be extremely cheap in our neck of the woods.)

Tortillas. (Flour or corn. Corn is my favorite but all we had at the moment were flour.)

Limes. Cut into wedges.

Cilantro. Cut or pulled apart for easy toppings.

An onion. Diced.

Seasonings. (Such as salt, pepper, Mrs. Dash, Vegeta, etc.)

Oil. (optional)

That’s it!

First you heat up a tablespoon of oil over medium heat in a skillet. Personally i think you could skip the oil all together. Husby says you need it. I say you be the judge of that.

Then once the oil / pan is hot, carefully add in your precut meat. Add in seasonings to taste. We prefer a mixture of pepper, Mrs. Dash, and a bit of Vegeta. Have fun with it just don’t go crazy. Remember, simple = better here.

Stir occasionally. If your meat mixture seems to be too watery, drain as needed. While that is cooking, cut up your onion, limes, and cilantro. Easy peasy.

Husby and i like our steak meat (in taco form) browned and cooked thoroughly. No gray meat ya’ll! Nice and brown. Maybe even a little charred.

Once your meat is cooked to your preference, scoop into tortillas (double up if corn since they will be fragile, or you can fry them up into shells, but we enjoy them as is.)

Add onions and cilantro, and squeeze some fresh lime juice to top it off.

You can also of course top them with cheese, sour cream, etc. I did one taco with the additional toppings and one without, and i must say, i totally preferred the one without cheese and sour cream.

Husby began questioning who i was since i’ve never turned down cheese on a taco before. Poor thing.

Take my word for it, simple = win.

Sunday Scenes: Week To Week

2011-05-29T15:20:00.003-05:00

Friends + Beer = Good times.

What a difference a week can make. Last weekend Husby and i were in the Texas Hills visiting family and making plans to view some mini donkeys.

This weekend Husby and i had friends visiting from California and we spent some time walking around Austin, drinking cocktails and beer, eating cake balls, and hanging out. Good times.

Alas, our friends had to head back home today, but i’m so glad they came all this way!

Our friends Ali and Brian somewhere on 6th street.

Hanging out waiting for the Congress bridge bats to make their appearance.

Drinks in one of the Irish pubs on 6th street as well.

Yahtzee at home.

Ali making sure Walter felt the love.

Back to the daily grind for us, until next weekend that is.

Happy Sunday ya’ll!

Letters To A Fur Baby.

2011-05-25T11:04:00.004-05:00

Dear Tofu Ninja Kitty,

Today as i swept up your hair clumps on my floor, refreshed your litter box, and cleaned up the pile of undigested cat food you left in the middle of my kitchen, i began to wonder why, just why, i ever welcomed you into our home in the first place.

But then i remembered how you stalk the doors and windows in search of any enemy spiders or other insects who dare cross our threshold.

And how you share your window sleeping space with Walter The Spaz, even though you really don’t want to.

Plus there is that whole “ninja” thing you’ve got going for ya.

So i guess what i’m saying dear Tofu Ninja Kitty, is thank you for letting me smuggle you into our old teeny tiny apartment those 4 years ago.

Now if you can, please tell your father to pick up his clothes instead of leaving them on the furniture.

And maybe stop yakking in my kitchen. Mmmkay?

Love,
Your Mumsy,

Tasty Tuesdays: Easy Caprese-y Bruschetta

2011-05-23T20:26:00.002-05:00

On Sunday Husby and i headed to the hill country to spend the day with family. Mother Dear threw together a wonderful dinner of baguettes, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, tomatoes, roasted garlic, and more, which she served with a side of fresh berries.

It was divine.

Normally Husby isn’t a fan of those types of meals. He is a meat and potatoes kind of guy. Mother Dear knows this, so she cooked up some crispy pancetta and topped the meal with that. Husby dove in and never looked back.

Mother Dear also surprised me with a pot of beautiful herbs to take home, including some lovely basil. As i was watering my pot today, i knew i had to recreate her meal for dinner. Since i only had a few ingredients on hand, mine is more simple (and vegetarian friendly), but i highly recommend trying both ways if you can.

Also, i couldn’t decide if this was considered a caprese salad, or bruschetta, or neither, therefore why not combine the names? Or make up your own name. Just make this. You’re worth it.

Full and Printable Recipe here.

Fresh basil has to be one of my most favorite herbs ever.

This was a perfect dinner on such a hot and humid day.

Paired with an iced club soda and lemon.

Cooling, full of flavor, and light.

Yum.

Sunday Scenes: Heading To The Hills

2011-05-22T08:33:00.002-05:00

It’s hot and humid here. I walked outside and blinked a few times trying to wash away the fuzziness that i assumed was my tired eyes. Turns out it was just the moisture in the air.

Ick.

Pretty though eh?

Husby just got home from work and we’re headed to the hill country for some much needed family time. Hope you all are having a great weekend!

What A Mustache-trophe : Poll!

2011-05-20T14:49:00.002-05:00

Husby, Lambert style.

Post has been updated with multiple suggestions as well as a poll!

This is Husby back in December.

Sorry. His face gets me. Could be one of the reasons i married him.

This is Husby the other day.

Lets compare shall we?

I decided that he needs a new look for that birds nest on his face but was stumped on ideas. Then i asked my Facebook friends for mustache ideas. They came through with flying colors, most of which i cannot say here because, ya know, family blog.

You filthy people! ←--- I heart you all though.

Behold, the beauty that is Husby.

Kinda looks like a rodent died on his lip, no?

Urrrrm..... *blink blink*

Not gonna lie, i kinda dig this one.

No comment.

And my personal favorite,

I had to add this to the mix. My nephew suggested that Husby go the Adam Lambert route, and i think it was the best suggestion yet.

What do ya’ll think Husby should do next?

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