Minestrone Soup Recipe

Vegetable Minestrone Soup with a hunk of buttered bread

I am watching my calories and am always looking for good meals that are low in calories. I found this really good recipe and only changed a few minor things to accommodate our taste buds. The family just loves this minestrone. I only include Cannellini beans and forget the kidney beans. We don't like those. Hope you enjoy! You can add meat like sausage, bacon, or other fatty full flavored meat if you really need the meat but it's really not necessary. The soup is pretty hearty without meat.

Ingredients:

2 Tablespoon Olive Oil

1 Yellow Onion, diced

2 Large Carrots, peeled and chopped

2 Large stalks Celery, peeled and chopped

3 Garlic Cloves, minced

1 Pound Fresh Spinach

1 Large Potato, peeled and cubed

1 Fresh Rosemary Sprig

1 14 Ounce Can Diced Tomatoes in their juice

1 Can Cannellini beans (white Kidney beans), drained and rinsed

4 Cups Chicken Broth

1 Ounce piece of Parmesan Cheese Rind (Just get the wedge of Parmesan cheese next time and instead of dumping the rind keep it for your soup. It will keep in the freezer until you are ready to use)

1/4 Cup Dried Macaroni Pasta

Look how happy the soup is in that pot. Look closely and you can see the cheese rind just perking away giving it's nice salty flavor to the soup!

Directions:

Heat Olive Oil in a large pot. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Saute until onion is translucent, add garlic and stir. Add spinach and potato to the mixture. Saute until the spinach wilts. Add Chicken Broth, rosemary sprig, and tomato's to the mixture and stir. Add Parmesan Rind and pasta to soup and let simmer until potato's and pasta are cooked. Add beans and cook until soup thickens. Remove Parmesan Rind and Rosemary stem and serve.

We eat with crunchy sourdough bread and butter with a nice green salad.

Serves 6, 221 Calories Per serving using myfitnesspal.com

Until Next Time, SoCal Marisa

Breaking Paradigmes

Hello My Wonderful Friends,

I am admitting to being in a rut. It snuck up on us. I don't even know when we officially reached rut status. However, we did. Complete and absolute rut! Last night hubby and I were talking and preparing for our little trip today and we realized it will be 2 years in August of this year since we have taken a vacation, and mini breaks are non-existent let alone day trips. Um, yeah, rut. We so need a change!

We talk about going places but lately we have been house bound. Enter 4th Grade Mission Reports. Thankfully Elena was assigned a Mission Report so we talked and deliberated on where to go. We couldn't decide between San Diego or Santa Barbara. San Diego has a Mission none of us has been to and then afterwards we could have gone to the Balboa Park, listen to the Spreckles Organ, Gone to the Botanical Gardens and hang out. It's one of our favorite places. Or we could have gone to Santa Barbara, to Stearns Wharf, and the zoo. Both wonderful days spent. I'll admit. I love Santa Barbara and if I had the money I would so live there!

Santa Barbara was our destination choice. Our plan: Wake up, pack a lunch and leave by 10am to drive up the coast to beautiful Santa Barbara. Spend some time at the mission, eat lunch, then head to the zoo. End our day at Stearns Wharf. Sounds like a good plan hu?

We had the lunch and kids packed in the car and left a little after 10am. When we left the winds were blowing and they were hot-hot-hot! Didn't look like it was going to be a good day for our neighborhood. Oh well, good thing we weren't hanging out here!

Our drive was an easy one. Super Bowl Sunday and hardly anyone on the road. The drive up the Coast Road was so wonderful. The sky was so blue and the water looked like glass. Everything was green and lush not like our arid climate. Cresting the hill and seeing all that green farmland with the ocean behind it is an instant relaxer for me. Camarillo, Ventura, Carpinteria, and 2 1/2 hours later we arrive in Santa Barbara. Aaaaaaah!

We decided to drive the long way around to the Mission, just sight seeing on our way up the hill. I love those cute little houses, they look so homey and seem to fit the landscaping. One of these days it would be nice to own one of those homes.

We pull into the Mission driveway, find our parking space and took a stroll around the grounds of the Mission. We spent about an hour checking everything out before we even set one foot into the Mission itself.  It's amazing how beautiful the Mission looked with the blue sky as it's backdrop. The day was a perfect 75 degrees with a slight breeze and we easily reduced our pace to leisure. Once on the grounds we inspected the front fountain and tried to count the fish swimming in the water. Unfortunately they were unhelpful as they wouldn't stay still for us. Either way we were entertained watching them swim.

A little later we returned to the truck and grabbed our picnic, found a nice shade tree, shook out our blankets and indulged in our repast of sandwiches, oranges, chips, and homemade trail mix. I don't know exactly how much time we spent under that tree but we weren't really in a hurry. Sated on Turkey sandwiches we later re-packed what remained of our lunch, returned the ice chest to the truck and entered the Mission for our tour.

We spent a good amount of time at the mission when we left it was after 4pm and we realized we really could not visit the zoo and enjoy it. A quick change of plans and we were headed to Stearns Wharf one of our favorite past times. Being that it was Sunday, Santa Barbara typically hosts Art in the Park and sure enough the artists were set up all along the avenue. Some of that artwork is Ka-razy! But the kids weren't in the mood to look at art so we walked on. At Stearns Wharf we poked our heads into shops here and there and just really enjoyed the afternoon. As all things come to an end it was now time to head back to the truck and head home.

We really needed to spend some quality family time together just the four of us. It's been so long since we have connected on that level. Elena said it was the best day in a really long time. We decided we really don't need to spend a lot of money entertaining ourselves. All we have to do is pack a lunch and head on out. We took 148 pictures today. A good portion of them were for Elena's report on the Santa Barbara Mission, the rest were of us enjoying our day together. Who knows where we will be next weekend but it's now time to start planning that little trip, pack a lunch, and just go!

Until Next Time, SoCal Marisa

How To Make Tea Party Hats/MOPS Challenge

OK. So in a previous post I had indicated my MOPS table got together and we made hats for our Tea & Testimony. Sure we could have bought them. After all the Kentucky Derby is soon and appropriate hats are readily available. We could have individually purchased our hats and shown up on our designated date wearing them; but where is the bonding? Where is the fellowship? Where is the spirit? Where are the memories?

MOPS is what you make of it and why do things half way? Why sell ourselves short? Why take away bonding opportunities and time spent with friends? So we put 4 dates on our calendars. Day 1: Day for us to individually go shopping for our hats. Day 2: Day for us to get together to go shopping for ribbons, bows, butterflies, feathers, and whatnot's. Day 3: Assembly Day. Day 4: Tea & Testimony Day.

Day 1 is pretty obvious. Most of us went to Michaels to purchase our straw hats and other little findings and fixings. However, not everything was purchased. Day 2 is a day where some of us were able to take a trip down to Long Beach and go to this warehouse where they sold all sorts of ribbons and bows, tulle, and the like for very reasonable prices. Come on, lunch, and shopping with the girls, Good fun! Day 3 is our assembly day. Hot glue guns, and all assembly pieces in hand we gather for a morning of eating, gabbing, crafting, and laughter...[I have an awesome table]. Day 4 we show up proudly wearing our individually designed hats to Tea & Testimony.

Again, sure they could be purchased. But take a look at mine. See those peacock feathers? Those peacock feathers came from Beth's peacocks. Yes, her real live peacocks. No she didn't chase a bird around and pluck it of its handsome plumage. they drop feathers now and again and she's collected them. Those feathers are special to me because they came from Beth's birds. OK, I'm a sentimental schmuck. We've already established that.

The hot pink tulle I wouldn't of thought to use without the girls suggesting it to me for the pop! The feather boa...the butterfly...all were purchased but we all laughed and played and had a good time building our hats. So my hat is special to me because not only did I make it, which to be honest was a lot of fun. Disregard the hot glue fingers one gets when playing with hot glue, we had a great time. The memories we shared as a table will stay with us.

I don't know about your table but my table is very involved. We meet for breakfast. Playdates. Movies with the kids. MNO's. All outside of the pre-arranged MOPS functions. We are INVESTED with each other. If you aren't then you should try a few get togethers.

So my challenge to you, if you should choose to accept it, is to get more involved with your table. So what if not everyone can attend. So what if its just two or three of  you that show. Get together and have fun ladies! I mean that's why you're hear right? To find commonality with your peers. To build friendships? How you gonna do that unless you work at it? Invite! Invite! Invite! Learn to say yes sometimes!

Go shopping. Meet for coffee or lunch. Go to the movies together. Take the kids to the park. Go to Disneyland together. Do a movie night at home. Have a slumber party. Get your nails did. Have a game night. Scrapbook. Sew. Bake. Start a cooking club. Take a special class at the gym together. Hike. Go to the SPA. Find something most of you can agree on and jump in! You're reward for accepting this challenge? Genuine friendships that last.

Until Next Time, SoCal Marisa

Pretty In Pink

You know, I just finished watching Pretty In Pink with Molly Ringwald, Jon Cryer, & Andrew McCarthy. I love, love, love the movie. The music just totally saves it for me. The Furs, OMD, Echo, & even some Manilow. Ok, I'm a Fanilow so I have to admit to liking the man's music. Don't shoot me. INXS, New Order, MORRISSEY. Some serious good music compiled. I remember owning the tape (totally dating myself now) and playing it until it stretched beyond repair, or maybe the tape deck ate it? Either way, once upon a time I owned the soundtrack. New quest: regain music soundtrack.

The storyline is your typical John Hughes 80's storyline. That I can cope with. I am after all a child of the 80's and still think it was the greatest decade to date for music. But that's just MHO. One thing though. I can get over Andie's (Molly Ringwald) annoying lips and bad teeth.  Blane's (Andrew McCarthy) inability to man-up in the movie (seriously why does Andie go back to Blane after he wimped out on her? Disaster!) I still don't understand why Duckie (Jon Cryer) was not given the respect he like totally deserved. I mean after all he is the Duck Man! Duckie has the best lines throughout the whole flick...yeah, I went there. Flick.

What I cannot and will not get over is Andies dress. I mean seriously. She's supposed to be this phenomenal sewer, a worker of miracles. She screw's up the courage to show up to prom with no +1 and her high noon showdown dress is that? I remember back in the day when I originally saw this movie at the theatre by the bowling alley...ALHS people, you know the one I'm talkin bout...seriously she wore that unflattering thing? I just don't get it even to this day. I mean seriously. She had the potential to really wow them and let them know she is not a loser, but she shows up in that pink on pink polka dot sack? Bad show. Now Duckie on the other hand...looked Sharp! Go Duckie!

Even though I once again experienced the sad disappointment that is/was Andies showdown dress I still had a good time listening to the great music of my generation. I will of course watch again. Need to repurchase the DVD/Blu-Ray. Now to start out on my soundtrack quest....

There! Now I feel better!

Until Next Time, SoCal Marisa

Penguin Day Today!

Fun day in Kindergarten!

So today was another fun day in Kindergarten. It was Penguin Day where the kids got to learn all things penguin related. They made penguins and penguin cupcakes (Recipe Follows) and watched a penguin movie...unfortunately there was a cliffhanger and we have to resume on Tuesday.

On a side note Lorraine and I slipped out of the classroom when the kids were at lunch recess and took a quick trip to My Delight Cupcakery in Ontario for a yummy Samoa Cupcake. I also picked up Chocolate Salted Almond Caramel & Carrot Cake. My Samoa was sinful! YUM. Need to go back tomorrow!

OK, back to penguin day. We had a super great day spending it with the kiddos. They really enjoy building their own snacks and are really getting used to frosting things. Such pros!

Penguin Cupcakes

White Cupcake

White Frosting

Chocolate Chip Morsels

Orange Mini M&M's

Keebler Grasshopper Cookies

Goldfish

Really this recipe is all about assembly. White cupcakes (in white wrappers of coarse) frosted with white frosting. Take two Grasshopper cookies and cut them in half. Eat one half. Place the other half on top of cupcake for the head and the two remaining halves are now the wings of the penguin. Dip chocolate chip morsels and mini M&M's in the frosting and place on top of cookies for the eyes and nose. Place the Goldfish into frosting and VIOLA! Penguin Cupcakes! Our Kindergartners LOVE Food Crafts!

I just love Kindergarten!


Until Next Time, SoCal Marisa

Tea & Testimony @ MOPS

Well I was asked to give Testimony at today's MOPS Tea. Normally we have tea once a year but this year they decided to mix it up and have it at the end of each semester. Our beautiful Coordinator Elisabeth had read a post I wrote What Is MOPS To Me? back in September of 2010 and really wanted it for Testimony.

As always I didn't commit and she worked at me to speak. So finally I said I would. Before committing, our table had agreed to make hats for Tea & Testimony. I mean, come on, tea should include hats, correct???? How cute is that? The group of us gathered together and we made out hats and I have to say we looked absolutely smashing in them baby!

This morning finally gets here and it was a difficult nights sleep. Brian had training today so he was up and out early and I had asked him to wake me before he left. Since I didn't get much sleep last night I was up when his alarm first sounded and listened to his getting ready noises until it was my turn. Got ready and then the kids woke and they got ready. We loaded the car and were heading to school for the drop off and for my designated Testimony.

TALK ABOUT BUTTERFLIES!! I hardly ate anything and my heart was pumping the whole morning long. I had to take deep breaths to calm my nerves and kept up the silent prayers until it was my turn. First up to speak is my lovely friend Kristen and she gives an amazing Testimony. Then Elisabeth introduces me and it's my turn.

I thought I was going to tear through my paper with all my shaking. My voice is all over the place and I can hear my heart beating! I'm thinking as I'm talking and shaking and listening to my heart gallop....they can hear this on the mic....right???? The galloping I mean??? But I made it through and gave my Testimony. Now I can eat. As I'm sitting here I have to say I'm emotionally exhausted because like a total ninny I cried. There go the water works yet again. So now I have that emotional drain for the remainder of the day.

Either way, I'm done. I've given my testimony and I feel relieved to have that behind me. It's been too long since I've spoken in front of a large group and I will say it was the first time I have spoken about something that wasn't business related and purely personal. Serves me write for writing a blog hu? hahahahahaha! Oh well, you know that's not going to stop me from posting.

All I can say is I'm pretty sure "my audience" is happy I didn't go through with my thought of having us all sing the Cheers Theme song. I mean talk about a perfect mantra for MOPS.....

Where Everybody Know's Your Name
Making your way in the world today

Takes everything you've got;

Taking a break from all your worries

Sure would help a lot.

Wouldn't you like to get away?

All those night when you've got no lights,

The check is in the mail;

And your little angel

Hung the cat up by it's tail;

And your third fiance didn't show;

Sometimes you want to go

Where everybody knows your name,

And they're always glad you came;

You want to be where you can see,

Our troubles are all the same;

You want to be where everybody knows your name.

Roll out of bed, Mr. Coffee's dead;

The morning's looking bright;

And your shrink ran off to Europe,

And didn't even write;

And your husband wants to be a girl;

Be glad there's one place in the world

Where everybody knows your name,

And they're always glad you came;

You want to go where people know,

People are all the same;

You want to go where everybody knows your name.

Where everybody knows your name,

And they're always glad you came;

Where everybody knows your name,

And they're always glad you came...

Now I got that song in you head, didn't I? = )

Side Note on MOPS Themes:

2006 - Fresh Air: What Every Mother Needs

2007 - The Home Factor

2008 - Adventures in Mothering

2009 - Life on Planet Mom

2010 - Momology


I'm going to go take a nap now...

Until Next Time, SoCal Marisa

But I don't wanna go to school....

We had a baaaaad case of the I don't wanna go to schools this morning. Poor boy is fighting this cold and it's really made him whiny. This morning was no exception. He's never whined about going to school which is very shocking but this week hasn't been such a good week for him. He had his buddy taken away because he was rude to him, but he was given a second chance. He's had his pin moved. Some of the other boys were picking on him. So, yeah, not a good week for him.

This morning he said he falls down to much and hurts his hands on the wood chips. (reason #10 why I don't like the wood chips.) Well I'm sorry, that's no excuse. My response was for him to watch where he was running and then he wouldn't trip and fall. Then the tears. You know those crocodile tears? Yeah, well I am not fooled. Hugs and while we are hugging. Ok, you can stay home but no video games or tv and you have to stay in bed all day. The choice is yours. He hemmed and hawed but said he was going to school and proceeded to walk towards his room in tears again. OY! Poor kid is really fighting this cold. So I gave him some meds and packed his lunch and sent him off to school. The classroom is really low on kids because everyone is sick. We've been lucky so far. No fever only runny nose which can be stopped. Hopefully he can make it through today and then we are skipping practice (we don't even know if he has practice today or not) so he can rest up today and tomorrow. Wish us luck!

Until Next Time, SoCal Marisa