header

header

6.29.2012

Tattoo'd Granny - Feedback Friday


Sometimes I browse Pinterest for Feedback Friday ideas - I can tell a hot topic by the number of comments it has received.  Sometimes, it is expected and other times not so much.

I stumbled upon this photo of a older woman proudly displaying her tattoos and noticed 50+ comments ranging from admiration to disgust.

I was surprised at the varied reactions and how strongly they were voiced, both for and against, and decided to put it out there for you.

It's Feedback Friday...

What were your first thoughts when you saw this photo?


6.28.2012

North Carolina Pulled Pork


My dad was recently diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.  He loves to cook and has been feeling like one of the joys of his life is over since he is sticking to a diabetic diet.  I wanted to come up with a menu he could help me prepare that would emphasize his days of preparing delicious food wasn't over...just different.

I decided to introduce one of my favorite recipes using an adapted version of  North Caroline Pulled Pork from Recipe Goldmine.  He could pour his heart into the preparation of this recipe and feel like he was indulging, all while sticking to his diet.

The secret to this recipe is indirect heat.  See how we have built up the coals on one side of the grill next to a drip pan?  Grilling the meat long and slow produces tender melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork.


Here is the recipe along with the changes we made:


North Carolina Pulled Pork

Rub:

1 tablespoon mild paprika
2 teaspoons light brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

1 (8 pound) pork butt roast

Vinegar Sauce:

2 cups cider vinegar
1 1/3 cups water
5/8 cup ketchup
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
5 teaspoons salt
4 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground white pepper

In a small bowl, mix mild paprika, light brown sugar, paprika, celery salt, garlic salt, dry mustard, ground black pepper, onion powder and salt.

Rub the pork butt roast vigorously on all sides with the paprika mixture. Wrap in plastic. Chill in the refrigerator 8 hours, or overnight.

Prepare an outdoor grill for indirect heat. Lightly oil the grate. Place a few hickory chunks (that have been soaked in water for 1 hour) on the hot coals. Place pork butt roast over drip pan. Cover grill and cook pork at least 6 hours adding 8 briquettes and a few hickory chunks each hour, until the internal temperature reaches a minimum of 160 degrees F (75 degrees C).  The best way to pass the time during this process is with a cold supply of beer!



Remove pork from heat and place on a cutting board. Allow the meat to cool approximately 15 minutes, then shred into bite-size pieces with a fork.

In a medium bowl, whisk together cider vinegar, water, ketchup, brown sugar, salt, red pepper flakes, black pepper and white pepper. Continue to whisk until brown sugar and salt have dissolved completely.

In a large saucepan, place shredded pork and vinegar sauce. Cover and place on the grill over low heat for approximately 1 hour.



We gobbled little sliders made from this roast along with grilled zucchini and summer squash,  lickety split!  Too fast to even get a photo!



6.26.2012

Tutorial Tuesday!

 Tomato Tips:



Strawberry Gellato:


 Creature Cave:


Please... (this is the part at the end of the commercial when the announcer talks real fast)

* Link up using the link to your actual post (not your general blog 

address) using the subject of your tutorial to generate  interest.

* Add my button or a clickable link back to this post so everyone can join in.

* Visit and comment with all our friends. Show them some love! Meet some new friends! Learn something new!



Ready? Teach Me Stuff!



Hope Studios


6.24.2012

Tiny Bow and Arrow


Another project included in the packet of fun my neighbor gave my boys was instructions to built a tiny bow and arrow using popcicle sticks and q-tips. I just noticed I already have this project pinned!

Want to make one?  Here's what you need:

Cotton swabs
Popcicle sticks
Dental floss
Knife
A cup of water


I allow my kids to use pocket knives with supervision, but if you aren't comfortable you can cut notches in the sticks like this:
 

Now, soak your sticks in water for about 20 minutes (the instructions said 1 hour, but that wasn't happening around here).

Next, tie a knot around one end of the stick, using the notches, then wind the floss around several times.  It's better to start with an extra long length of string...trust me..less crying.



Repeat on the other end, drawing the floss taut across the "bow" while bending it slightly.  Um, better to soak more sticks than you need for any over zealous bending.  See?  Isn't it cute?


Cut one end off a cotton swab to fashion a tiny arrow...

Then shoot your brother in the eye!  Shoot your mother in the eye!  Shoot your dog in the eye!  Get sent to your room for not listening to your mom when she told you NOT to shoot people and animals in the eye!


It's time to hunt some tiny prey....

6.22.2012

Business or Pleasure?



The Big Guy brought home an article about a worker's comp claim that was upheld by a judge in a recent ruling.

Apparently, a woman  from Australia who was injured in a hotel room during a work-related trip is entitled to worker's compensation according to a judge.

A glass light fixture fell from the wall onto her in the bed during some, let's say, vigorous activity with lots of "rolling around" with a male "friend".  The judge ruled that since she was in the motel room for a work related trip she was entitled to benefits for facial and psychological injuries.  He ruled sex as an "ordinary life activity" and ruled as he would if she were injured "playing cards". (source)

It's Feedback Friday...

Thoughts???

6.21.2012

Soul Sisters Field Trip

 We had a fun birthday outing for The Treat Girl last month!  We explored our own city on a food tour of the Strip District in Pittsburgh.

You don't often think of acting like a tourist in your own town, but you can discover treasures in your own backyard!  Our tour guide from 'Burgh Bits and Bites Food Tours began the tour at St. Patrick's Church - a little church in the heart of the Strip District that none of us knew existed!

We were lost at first then came upon this beautiful courtyard oasis in the middle of the gritty city.

Next, we visited Parma Sausage - a small family owned business with fantastic sausages and cured meats.  We got advice about what to order and tasted a bit of their most popular meats.  I was collecting items for my anniversary picnic with The Big Guy, so he recommended some prosciutto, pepper butt, and coppa setta sliced thin.


You can see the city in the background as we poke into several of the Strip District's original storefronts during our tour.



Mancini's Bread is a Pittsburgh staple and we got to tour their smaller artisan bakery where breads are hand made (not just hand baked).  We tasted pepperoni roll hot from the oven!



We were invited in the small dining room behind Labad's Grocery to sample the best hummus I've ever had.  Smooth and creamy with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of smoked paprika...I picked up some of it and some pita for my picnic.


Next we popped into Penzey's Spices to view a treasure of a mural uncovered during their expansion a few years ago.  This 100+ year old mural was revealed during demolition of the space they expanded into and shows the old Pittsburgh in a huge mural.  This is where you would find the smoked paprika for your hummus!


Next was Pennsylvania Macaroni Factory - or "Penn Mac" by locals.  The lady behind the counter recommended some cheeses for my picnic - a hard and a soft mild cheese from Holland called Beemster Graskaas or "spring grass" since the cows are fed from the first spring grasses. It was mild and buttery and in short supply due to high demand.


Finally, we stopped at Enrico's Biscotti for something sweet.  This bakery was made famous by the movie "The Bread, My Sweet" starring Scott Baio.  I chose a cinnamon biscotti and should have ordered coffee!
   


We actually had another Treat Girl birthday party in this very place, in the back room of Enrico's.  They have a "Big Italian Throwdown".  Here we are during our own celebration in 2009.


So, have I inspired you to explore your own city?  Look for food tours in your own towns!


6.19.2012

Tutorial Tuesday!

Clearly I suck at keeping up my usual routine with my blog while my kids are out of school, so I'm just going to stick with a Tuesday morning publishing on my Tutorial Tuesday posts!  Here we go...

 Mixed Metal Wrap Bracelet:




Bacon Roses: (I had to include these for weirdness!)


 


Dresser Planter:
 CLICK PICKS (last week's most clicked links):

#1  Divorce Proof Your Marriage

#2   Garden Learning Experience 

#3   Button Art


Please... (this is the part at the end of the commercial when the announcer talks real fast)

* Link up using the link to your actual post (not your general blog 

address) using the subject of your tutorial to generate  interest.

* Add my button or a clickable link back to this post so everyone can join in.

* Visit and comment with all our friends. Show them some love! Meet some new friends! Learn something new!



Ready? Teach Me Stuff!








Hope Studios






6.18.2012

A Summer of Science

My kids love to collect ideas for science experiments to try over summer break.  This one came from a friend who made us an activities kit of ideas to keep my boys busy.

The Ivory Soap Experiment:



Do your kids like science, too? 

Here are some more fun experiments:

 Colored Milk Explosion

Mentos and Coke


Elephant Toothpaste


6.15.2012

Sandusky Trial - Feedback Friday



Maybe it's because I'm from Pennsylvania, but every conversation around here seems to turn to the Sandusky trial at one point or another.

 My local paper covers the latest testimony on the front page each morning and we all read with horror the similar stories from one young man after another. Though this information is horrible, the most heated debate seems to revolve around the role and responsibilities of assistant coach Mike McQueary, a 26 year old graduate student at the time.

In his testimony, McQueary saw the assault of a boy in the shower. He testified he saw the actual "sexual act" (without being too graphic, but you can read it yourself HERE) with his own eyes.  He made a loud noise with a locker door to break it up, looked into the eyes of the 10-12 year old boy, then left to call his dad from his office. (source)

He reported what he had seen to the head coach, Joe Paterno who reported to the Penn State athletic director, who reported to the the vice president of the university. (source)

It's Feedback Friday and here is where the debate seems to center...

My friends seem to be divided, and passionately so, about McQueary's responsibilities on that night.

Should McQueary have physically removed the child from Sandusky that night?  

Is his physical inaction excusable because he was a student and subordinate?

If you could put yourself in his shoes at the age of 26, what would you imagine your response to be - similar or different from McQueary's?


6.14.2012

I Get My Kids Back!

I haven't fallen off the face of the earth - my kids' last day of school is today and I have been running around like a maniac all week!  Volunteering, shopping, preparing....

I promise to be a better blogger starting next week!

In the meantime, scroll down to see what all my super talented readers have linked this week!

6.11.2012

Tutorial Tuesday!

Tie Cupcakes:

 
  




 Doorway Puppet Theater:

 


100 Things You Can Compost:

 

CLICK PICKS (last week's most clicked links):


#1 DIY Bracelet

 #2 Favorite Chicken Tacos

 #3 Bead Organization


 Please... (this is the part at the end of the commercial when the announcer talks real fast)


* Link up using the link to your actual post (not your general blog 
address) using the subject of your tutorial to generate  interest.


* Add my button or a clickable link back to this post so everyone can join in.


* Visit and comment with all our friends. Show them some love! Meet some new friends! Learn something new!

Ready? Teach Me Stuff!


Hope Studios



6.08.2012

Banned Big Gulps



I read in my local paper this weekend about a ban on sugary drinks of more than 16 oz. in New York.  I had to learn more, so I looked it up online, and sure enough, I learned that New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced last week that his administration was planning to ban sugary beverages larger than 16 ounces (source).

I have never ordered a large drink like a "Big Gulp" because I don't like soft drinks, but I wondered how the diet Coke drinking general public feels about it.

It's Feedback Friday...

What do you think of a ban on the sale of sugary drinks larger than 16 oz.?

Is this plan going to help in the fight against obesity?

Here is a clip from the movie Wall-E that came to mind when I heard about this proposed ban:

6.07.2012

Where Does Santa Spend His Summer?


I spotted Santa shopping for some flowers at my local Lowe's this weekend and it occurred to me that Pittsburgh is the perfect spot for Santa's summer vacation!  Pittsburgh is downright balmy compared to the North Pole!

So, now we know some things we didn't know about Santa...he hangs out in my town and he likes marigolds and petunias!  Who knew?

6.05.2012

Tutorial Tuesday!

We're in our last two weeks of school and things are falling apart around here!  Between meetings, volunteering at school, wrapping up final projects, and a dreadful spring flu I forgot to publish Tutorial Tuesday on time again!  You forgive me, right?


Sweet Teacher's Gift:
 
  


 Screen Porch Makeover:
 


Bookshelf Fire Station:
 

CLICK PICKS (last week's most clicked links):

#1   Wrap Cardigan

#2   Cottage Rocker

#3   Fashion Star Dress


Please... (this is the part at the end of the commercial when the announcer talks real fast)


* Link up using the link to your actual post (not your general blog 
address) using the subject of your tutorial to generate  interest.


* Add my button or a clickable link back to this post so everyone can join in.


* Visit and comment with all our friends. Show them some love! Meet some new friends! Learn something new!

Ready? Teach Me Stuff!


Hope Studios




6.03.2012

Frozen Yogurt Dots

 

 My new favorite treat is thanks to One Good Thing blog: Frozen Yogurt Dots! I like to think of them as waist friendly Dippin' Dots.

I started out with:

a case of Yoplait from Costco

a plastic lined cookie sheet

Pampered Chef decorator.  (Don't have an icing decorator?  Don't sweat it! Scoop your yogurt into a plastic baggie and cut off the corner.)


I squirted yogurt dots onto the sheet - don't even clean the decorator or baggie between flavors!


Pop into the freezer for about an hour...


Pop the frozen dots off the plastic and pop them into your mouth!


I make up several trays at once and store them in freezer baggies for a last minute cool treat.


6.01.2012

Wild Thing - Feedback Friday


My neighbors haven't mowed their back yard in over a month!  They have always been sporadic with the mowing - they mow the front every two weeks or so but they let the back yard go pretty long between cutting.

This summer has been the worst and they have only cut it once since the nice weather hit in April.  Though this looks like we live on a farm, we actually live in a neighborhood.

They also don't believe in weeding as you can see from the bed to the right. Yes, that is a bed that used to have mulch and flowers and bushes.

So, what's a girl to do?  Close my eyes?  Put up a fence?  Plant a row of trees?

It's Feedback Friday...
  
Would a neighbor's lack of home/yard maintenance bother you?

What would you do if a house next door fell into complete disrepair?

 


How to Avoid Stress At Work