Saturday, November 21, 2015
Monday, November 16, 2015
Quick and Easy Dinner - One-Pan Pasta
A few weeks ago I
was sitting at my desk at working thinking about what I could make for dinner
that night that would be quick. I had a late meeting, which meant I had to make
a mad dash to pick my daughter up from the after school program, get home,
throw something on the stove and get her ready to go back to school for her
book club event.
As I was doing
my google search I stumbled upon a Martha Stewart recipe that seemed easy
enough. I have to say that I am no Martha Stewart and was a little skeptical
that I was going to be able to pull it off and that it was as a quick and
easy as it seemed to be. The only item that I didn’t have was the basil but
there is a little grocery store that I could stop at on my
way home to pick it up the fresh basil.
Well… I have to say that I am pleasantly
surprised that it came out perfect and my daughter loved it! I even added a little shrimp.
I would strongly
suggest making this dish it is wonderful, quick and easy!
INGREDIENTS
- 12 ounces linguine
- 12 ounces cherry or grape tomatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1 onion, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
- 2 sprigs basil, plus torn leaves for garnish
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
- Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
- 4 1/2 cups water
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
DIRECTIONS
- Combine pasta, tomatoes, onion, garlic, red-pepper flakes, basil, oil, 2 teaspoons salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and water in a large straight-sided skillet. Bring to a boil over high heat. Boil mixture, stirring and turning pasta frequently with tongs, until pasta is al dente and water has nearly evaporated, about 9 minutes.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper, divide among 4 bowls, and garnish with basil. Serve with oil and Parmesan.
Sunday, November 15, 2015
Thirty-One Independent Consultant
Just recently I was introduced to Thirty-One Gifts and I became hooked.
So hooked in fact that I have decided to become a Thirty One Gifts consultant! So
why do you ask do I want to add more work in my life as a single mom? Where am I
going to find the time? How I am going to build my brand?
Those questions are relatively easy to answer. I am a
non-stop mom that is empowered by working and owning something that I can call
my own. I have an A type personality and very organized. I have always wanted
to own my own business and this is a good way to get back in the game. I use to
be a consultant for a now defunct jewelry company and I loved every second of
it. Sure it was a lot of work and the money was good, but networking and
enjoying the company of others outweigh the reward.
Money – yes there is a startup cost but when I originally was
a jewelry consultant and gained traction I quickly recouped the money that I spent on the startup kit. I was also able to make enough to save money that I and build a good cushion for myself and my daughter. She is a little older now
and she has her friends and playdates, I finished my MBA and decided that I needed
a different balance in my life. I enjoy my career and am thankful every day for
my job, but I want to do something for me. I have always loved planning parties
and this is a great opportunity and the timing perfect so why not jump at the
chance.
So this is a new chapter and more to come. I will be
reporting my progress and hosting parties both online and in person. Hopefully you
will follow me on my new journey.
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Product Review for The Super Glove
Product: The Super Glove
Made by: KuisiWare
Website: www.kuisiware.com
Where to purchase: Amazon
About the Super Glove:
- Ideal for Oven, Barbecue & Grill
- Fire Resistant
- One Size Fits All
- Heat Resistant up to 662 Degrees Fahrenheit
- Non-Slip Silicone Grip
I was very excited, yet skeptical to try these gloves because I was just in the process of looking for new oven mitts/grill mits. The ones that I have purchased in the past say that they are heat resistant and durable but the overall experience is that they last for a few months and then they start to tear down and holes begin to form. In addition, they never provided slip resistance so I always had to make sure that I had a good two hand grip on what I was trying to take off the oven.
When I first took The Super Glove out the package I was a little unsure of the product because the red grips were very sticky and seemed to be made out of a plastic type of material. My initial thought was that they were going to melt if they were near a hot surface and was hesitant to use. In addition, the gloves seemed to be too large for me (one size fits all) and I wasn’t sure if I would be able to get a good grip on things as I was taking them out of the oven.
On the weekend I was having a cookout for friends and family I decided to give the gloves a try and I was pleasantly surprised at the results. The glove literally felt like it conformed to my hand when I put them on. I was able to take a large pan of macaroni and cheese and lasagna out of the oven with one hand. It was amazing, and the red grips on the gloves never melted.
I had the same experience on the grill, when I had a plate in one hand and taking chicken wings, burgers and hotdogs off with the other. I was able to steadily hold anything I was piling onto a plate without losing the grip that I had.
Overall, I am extremely satisfied this product and I hope that this is the last set of oven/grill mitts that I will have to purchase for a very long time.
Highly recommended! 5 Stars
About Kuisiware: KuisiWare was stared in 2013 and is "focused on producing and selling high quality products for your home and kitchen. The goal is to become a powerful player in the kitchen product market and help as many people as possible enjoy their time spent in the kitchen."
Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by KusiWare and I was under no obligation to write about them nor was I obligated to provide a positive review in return for the compensation. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
$50 eGiftCard - Magic Zoo!
Thank you for joining Single Mom Inspirations and A GAL NEEDS...for this great giveaway! One lucky reader will receive a $50 eGiftCard to purchase any item from The Magic Zoo! Read about our awesome sponsor below and enter the giveaway at the bottom of this post! Good luck!
We all have special people in our lives, as well as special animals. The Magic Zoo creates fine jewelry for you to wear, honoring those special and beautiful animals! Wear the animal or pet that you love in a beautiful animal pendant of
sterling silver or 14K gold. Every one of the designs is available in
gold or sterling silver. Some select designs are also available in ceramic and lead-free pewter. Capture the warmth of the human-animal bond
with an animal pendant representing your furry, feathered or scaled
companion. Add a high-quality chain of either silver or gold and your
pet necklace is ready to wear as soon as it arrives. Feel connected to
your pet wherever you are. Below are just a few of the animals immortalized into wearable art! But there are so many more, check it out! Also, read Helena's full review here! Use the special discount code below, giving 10% off any purchase at check-out! AGALNEEDS10 (Valid through July 29th only)
Sterling Silver Bassett Hound |
Enamel Guinea Pig |
Enamel and Pewter Parrot |
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Monday, July 14, 2014
$500.00 Amazon.com Giveaway
Amy over at This Mamas Life recently had a new little one and Kinsights.com is helping us Celebrate! One lucky reader will win an Amazon.com Gift Card
Hosted By: This Mamas Life
Co-Hosted by: Barbara's Beat, StrangeDazeIndeed, Cherry Blossom Love and Joy of Momma Joyner
Sponsored by: Kinsights.com
A little about Kinsights: Kinsights is an online Pediatric Personal Health Record Keeper for parents. Gone are the days where you’re being held responsible for keeping track of slips of paper or lugging files and folders containing your children’s health information. And in the event of an emergency, you can even have the health records sent to the ER or out-of-town doctor in a snap. Organize your child’s growth and developmental milestones, immunizations, medications, allergies, and more. This tool is amazing and a godsend to parents. Kinsights is also a community where parents can safely seek and share answers to parenting questions. You can ask anything and Kinsights will find the right community members who can provide guidance. Kinsights even offers groups with similar interests their own pages, including single parents, grandparents, those interested in car seat safety, baby & kids fashion, potty training groups, and many more What's really cool about this community is that it makes finding the best answers easy-community members vote up answers so the best content rises to the top. Co-Hosted by: Barbara's Beat, StrangeDazeIndeed, Cherry Blossom Love and Joy of Momma Joyner
Sponsored by: Kinsights.com
*One Lucky Reader will receive the item shown above ( $500.00 Value)
*Giveaway starts July 14, 2014 at 12:01am est.
*Giveaway will end at 11:59pm est on July 31, 2014
*Giveaway is open to US only
* You must be 18 or over to enter
* Winner will be chosen at random via Giveaway Tools
* Winners will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be
chosen.
* The lucky winner will be notified by email at the end of the Giveaway.
* This Mamas Life and the other participating blogs are not responsible for prize shipment or fulfillment
*Prize will be fulfilled by the Sponsor.
BEST OF LUCK TO EVERYONE!
*Giveaway starts July 14, 2014 at 12:01am est.
*Giveaway will end at 11:59pm est on July 31, 2014
*Giveaway is open to US only
* You must be 18 or over to enter
* Winner will be chosen at random via Giveaway Tools
* Winners will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner will be
chosen.
* The lucky winner will be notified by email at the end of the Giveaway.
* This Mamas Life and the other participating blogs are not responsible for prize shipment or fulfillment
*Prize will be fulfilled by the Sponsor.
BEST OF LUCK TO EVERYONE!
Disclosure: This blog did not receive financial compensation or product in exchange for this giveaway. Facebook, Twitter, & Pinterest are in no way associated with this giveaway. Prize fulfillment and shipping will be handled by the Sponsors
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Inspirational Marilyn Monroe Quote
“This life is what you make it. No matter what,
you're going to mess up sometimes, it's a universal truth. But the good part is
you get to decide how you're going to mess it up.
Girls will be your friends
- they'll act like it anyway. But just remember, some come, some go. The ones
that stay with you through everything - they're your true best friends. Don't
let go of them. Also remember, sisters make the best friends in the world. As
for lovers, well, they'll come and go too. And baby, I hate to say it, most of
them - actually pretty much all of them are going to break your heart, but you
can't give up because if you give up, you'll never find your soulmate.
You'll never find that half who makes you whole
and that goes for everything. Just because you fail once, doesn't mean you're
gonna fail at everything. Keep trying, hold on, and always, always, always
believe in yourself, because if you don't, then who will, sweetie? So keep your
head high, keep your chin up, and most importantly, keep smiling, because life's
a beautiful thing and there's so much to smile about.”
~Marilyn Monoroe~
Monday, June 30, 2014
Single Mom Dating Advice
Single mother dating is a
state of confusion for mother and kid alike as it calls for lot of compromises
and adjustments in their life. A process
which is usually slow, hence it is all dependent on you so proceed ahead once
you feel that you are ready and comfortable.
Overwhelmed with the guilty acts and feelings, you even feel more
complicated when you think of your children and whether they accept him or
not? Don’t be guilty when you think of
your dating as above all it is all your love life, feelings and the need of a
good companion on your life.
Precautions for a single mother before dating
Ensure that he is honest to
you and with your children nevertheless of your child’s age someone who can
bring an inspiration on your children.
Don’t forget to set boundaries at the initial stage which will save you
from avoidable dramas. Always be
comfortable and have some fun and enjoy his company taking some positives from
him.
Why some prefer single mom dating?
Tough and independent, some
love this quality and above all she is a great mom. Good for him as she may be least tolerant for
bad behaviors with no time to fool anyone and considering relationships
seriously. She will be a practical woman
who will be loyal and who can’t be a party girl, but welcomes night outs with
him for a fun. She knows how to make
your life stand out the best with her wonderful helping-hand.
Tips for dating
A great place for you to find
someone is online websites for dating which presents you with a pretty time in
your life. One of the perfect people to
identify someone for you is your married friends. Know yourself better and your needs and at
this stage realize what you expect from him?
Don’t take an action in meeting your goal from someone. Create a network of single mothers where you
can discuss with them and render some support.
Your child has to be introduced to dates when it proceeds to a serious
relationship otherwise it will leave your child in a state of confusion. Consider the possibilities and your feelings,
take things leisurely as it is better to arrive at a wonderful decision to kick
start a love life and realize the fact that you can really found out one who
really loves you and your children.