Black Friday Shopping

Since we are quickly approaching the busiest shopping day of the year, I thought I would reflect on my feelings about Black Friday!

I can't remember back to too many Black Friday shopping days where I didn't do some sort or shopping or venturing out.  My mom was usually the catalyst for any number of these crazy days and for that I am thankful. I have fond memories of Black Friday craziness:  sitting on Santa's lap, Christmas music, sometimes snow, hot beverages, getting dressed nicely, etc. 

Shopping and I did not always agree.  As a child and a young girl I would always complain about having to go to the mall or stop at a number of stores in one trip.  My mom said I always said I had a headache about 30 minutes into the shopping trip.  Go figure - I am sure my husband wishes this were still true.

Of course, like most adult women, that sentiment changed very quickly!  I now enjoy shopping and it's actually taken on a whole different tone these days.  The evolution of my shopping interest went from seriously high, to normal and now to disappointment that, with a 2 year old I don't get to actually go very often.  In fact, I find myself buying only for her, or for our home now and not usually for Jim or I.

So, we come to Black Friday 2011.  I can't remember which specific year changed my mind, but I will not be venturing out on Friday at ANYTIME of that crazy day with all those bargain shoppers.  The deals aren't really that good (in my opinion) - most deals actually get better the closer you get to Christmas due to retail desperation.  And, if you have the time and energy after the holidays, you can find incredible deals right before New Year's.  I have also grown extremely tired of fighting for parking spots, waiting in line at the food court, for Santa, at the cash register, you name it.  Probably some of my lack of interest comes along with a small child as well.  Any of you with little ones will understand what I mean!

So, enjoy your shopping.  Drink a hot chocolate or nice cup of coffee for me.  Watch your kiddos squirm and scream as you wait for the perfect Santa shot.  Just don't expect to see me anywhere.  I will be somewhere other than a mall or a store - enjoying the calm and quiet!

Potty Training...HELP!!!

So, for the last few weeks, as we've been spending more time at home.  We've helped Abby make some transitional changes.  The first change we made was moving to a big-girl bed.  It only took one night and went rather smoothly.  Often during naps and bedtime, she won't go right to bed, but look through a book or play with a toy.  Most times when I go in to check on her, there will be a book or toy right next to her in her bed.  Nonetheless, she always makes it into the bed!

Our next transition is to use the big-girl potty.  I am getting increasingly frustrated with the process and therefore, am asking all of you seasoned mommies and daddies to help!  I feel as if I've waited for Abby to show me that she's really ready to do this.  She let's me know when she is going pee-pee or poo-poo and she always comes for a diaper change when she's really uncomfortable.  She already knows how to flush the potty and what you do with toilet paper.  My biggest problem is that she only wants to play with the parts to her training potty and not use it.  When I put the little seat on the big potty she cries incessantly and refuses to sit down.  I'm not sure what else to do...if I can't get her to at least sit down, then how can I get her to go?  We've tried singing songs, reading books, looking at pictures, anything to get her to sit still.  But alas, this is probably every 2 year-old's problem.

So bring it on everyone.  I need suggestions, constructive criticism and help.  What do I do next!

Shrimp Cakes

I've been busy the last few days and haven't had a chance to write.  I decided tonight to share a recipe I tried for the first time this weekend.  It was a hit and we all loved it!

In 2010 Jim was fortunate enough to play in the US Open at Pebble Beach.  What a wonderful experience!  One of the best parts was a magnificent ladies day that was put together for the players wives/moms.  Part of our ladies day was lunch and a wine tasting at the Earthbound Organic Farm.  Yes, the same one that you buy your salad lettuce, baby carrots, and lots of other produce from too!  It was such a neat experience.  The food was tremendous as well as learning all of the background information about how the farm began.  As we left, we were all given cookbooks written by the Farms creator, Myra Goodman.  She is inspirational in her writing about organic farming and food consumption.

For some time now, I hadn't opened the cookbook, titled Food To Live By.  But, the last few months we've been fortunate to spend a good amount of time at home and I have used that time to commit myself to enjoying the art of cooking.  So far I've tried 5 of Myra's recipes.  Each different and very good.  Shrimp Cakes were this weekends test.  They do take a bit of preparation, but all can be done the day before you plan to serve them.  I didn't take a picture of mine, but they came out well and tasted even better!

Ingredients:

1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup minced scallions, including white and 3 inches of green
3 tablespoons minced shallots
1 small red or orange bell pepper, diced
1 1/2 pounds small raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 large egg white
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
2 teaspoons Worchestershire sauce
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 tablespoons dry white wine
1/2 cup minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/3 cup minced fresh dill
1 cup fine, dried bread crumbs



The following you may do either 6 hours prior to serving or the night before:

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium skillet on low heat.  Add the scallions, shallots, and bell pepper.  Cook till the vegetables are soft, approx. 5 minutes.  Let the mixture cool.  Place about 1/2 pound of the shrimp in a food processor.  Add the egg white and run the machine until the shrimp are pureed.  Add the cream and blend.  Add the Worchestershire sauce, lemon juice, mayonnaise, cayenne, and salt and blend briefly.  Transfer the shrimp mixture to a medium bowl, add the scallion mixture and stir to combine.  Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.  Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add the remaining shrimp and cook for 1 minute.  Add the wine and cook, turning the shrimp occasionally, until they are completely pink, about 2-3 minutes.  Drain the shrimp in a colander and let them cool until you can handle them.  Cut the shrimp into small pieces, about 1/3-inch dice.  Add the diced shrimp, the parsley, and dill to the pureed shrimp mixture and stir to combine.  Cover the bowl again and refrigerate until the mixture is firm, at least 6 hours or overnight.

When you intend to serve them:

Spread the bread crumbs on a plate.  Form the shrimp mixture into cakes about 2 1/2 inches in diameter and 1 inch thick.  Dip the cakes in the bread crumbs and coat them all over.  Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Work in batches so the cakes do not touch each other in the pan.  Cook the shrimp cakes until the bottom is golden brown, about 3 minutes.  Turn the cakes over and cook until golden brown and cooked all the way through, 3-4 minutes.

Ok, there you have it!  I did use cooked, frozen shrimp and still followed this recipe exactly and found the cakes to be excellent!  There is a lemon-caper aioli sauce recommended to serve with the cakes, but my family does not like capers, so we just used some fresh lemon juice.  I hope you try this out and enjoy.  You may substitute the shrimp for lump crab meat and make some delicious crab cakes as well.  Check out the book and all of Myra's other wonderful recipes!

My Favorite i-Pad Apps

Like most of you out there I am becoming more technically advanced every day.  When the iPad emerged on the technology scene, my first words about it were, "who needs an over-sized iPod?".  Well, within the last year I have been blessed to receive two of my favorite tech items.  My iPhone and my iPad.  Well, I actually share the iPad with Abby!!!  Yes, we caved and are not regretting it one bit.

I have a ton of apps, like most iPad users.  Most of them free, which is just wonderful!  But, some of my apps have been paid for.  The most expensive app I've ever paid for, a couple at $9.99.  So far those are definitely worth it.

Below find a list and description of some of my favorites.  Most are also available for the iPhone, iPod Touch, and Mac computers too!  Try them out, or go try an iPad.  You may end up liking it more than you think. 

The Weather Channel-  Since we travel a lot this is a must.  A free app that will give you local forecast information as well as several saved locations.  Get videos of weather news from around the globe.  Get alerted to severe weather conditions in your area.  Great for quick local radar and 15 minute forecast breakdowns!

Yahoo Fantasy Football '11- Yes, I play fantasy football and LOVE IT!  This app helps me keep on top of my fantasy teams, players, stats and weekly head-to-head match-ups.  Another free, wonderful app. 






Any of the Story Chimes- These are mostly free but can run up to $3.99 per story.  I have about five on my iPad for Abby to choose from.  She can follow along as a narrator reads a story and then turn the page on cue.  She can also, eventually, read the stories herself.  Some have a cute twist on traditional stories!

PBS Kids- Parents out there, if any of your kids watch the shows on PBS you will love this app!  It offers shorts from each show.  Most are 1-3 minutes in length and offer about 15 different choices per show.  Abby just loves Super Why and the Wild Kratts!  The only downside to this, you need to be connected to the internet all the time.  If your iPad doesn't have a data plan you will need some sort of a Wi-Fi connection.

Pocket Frogs- A totally mindless game that allows you to create new breeds and combinations of frogs.  Free and fun, find gifts, sell, and gift to other users.

 



Flight Track Pro- Another great tool for all you travelers.  At $9.99 this app gives you flight information and tracking all over the globe as well as maps of domestic terminals, and access to tons of other flight information.  The regular version is $3.99 I believe (don't quote me) and is nice as well!

 


Scrabble- Spend $9.99 and never lose a tile again.  Great for taking with you on the go and for having a dictionary at your finger tips for all those highly contested words!

 


Mint.com- Just like the wonderful free to use website only on your iPad.  Get notices, follow your budget, see all account transactions, and so many wonderful financial tips.

Houzz- This one is free and inspirational.  For the design buff or anyone making any kind of change in their home.  See pictures of designer and custom homes worldwide, with design tips, and items for purchase.


Also wonderful are the apps for Twitter, Facebook, and Pottery Barn (ditch your paper catalog)!

Well, that's all for today.  I hope you find something new and wonderful for your iPad.  I'm sure you'll hear more about my favorites in the future!!!!

Napping

A short message today!  As you can see by the title, I may be on my way to sleepy-town!!

Contagious actions, things like smiling, yawning, sleeping, coughing, sneezing.  Have you ever been around someone who did one of these things and then, shortly thereafter found yourself doing the same!  Well, my friends you are not alone. 

In fact, at this very moment, I am fighting falling asleep.  Didn't you sleep last night, you might ask?!  Well, of course, silly!  But, my house is currently full of sleepiness.  My 2 year old is sleeping, her jet-lagged daddy is sleeping, and all 5 cats are sleeping.  Where does that leave a very busy mommy?  SLEEPY!!!

Naps are great though...I napped just about every day in college.  A total battery re-charger.  So take your few minutes today of peace and quiet.  Allow yourself to succumb to sleepiness and enjoy your power nap!

Somewhere Over The Rainbow

This morning on my way to the gym I was greeted by a scenery of rainbows and sprinkles.  And, just yesterday I was listening to one of my favorite renditions of Somewhere Over The Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole.  I began to think about what rainbows mean to me and the first thing that popped into my head was imagination!

Try to think back to the first time you saw The Wizard of Oz, or the first time you heard Judy Garland sing Somewhere Over The Rainbow.  My guess is that you were at the very ripe age of imagination.  And by that I simply mean young, innocent, and full of creative thoughts. 

I love to imagine things.  I imagine watching Jim birdie every hole while I walk the golf course.  I imagine my dream house when I see one similar.  I imagine what kind of car I will have when I finally get to choose for myself.  I imagine what my beautiful little girl will grow up to look like.  I love to imagine. 

Let me make a list for you of some great ways to bring imagination back into your life.  I feel it is rather important for adults to be able to imagine things.  It brings color and description to words and thoughts.  It allows us to remain child-like or it takes us back to our favorite childhood places and memories.

1.  Reading takes you to imaginary places.  Whether the book is one of fiction or non-fiction, we still have opportunities to imagine the people, the places, the feelings, clothing, smells, etc.  We see words on a page and can create our own version of what the characters voices sound like or how they dress.  We can imagine the places they live or the cars they drive.  Many times, I am disappointed after reading a book I loved when the imagination ends.  It's such a let-down!

2.  Spend time with a child.  I've been doing this a lot lately - lots of time with Abby!  She is just at the beginning of imagination explosion.  I can begin to see her pretending with things and clothing and toys.  I can see the imagination gears in her brain spinning in super warp speed as she looks at something new and different.  I can even see the imagination contained in her facial expressions on a daily basis.  She is going to be full of imagination and therefore so will I!

3.  Be creative.  Try writing creatively, painting or sketching.  You may find that if you try hard enough or just give it a shot that the imaginative part of your brain will dust off it's cobwebs and get down to business.  Go somewhere quiet, the library, a private room in your home, a park and just try to be creative and use that imagination.

4.  Meditate.  No, you don't have to do a whole bunch of yoga or utter strange guttural noises to get the benefit of meditation.  You may find that you become more relaxed and less stressed.  Not only that but you may find that by rejuvenation yourself you have the energy to become more creative.  The whole point of meditation is to allow the mind and body to relax.  Well, for me the first few minutes of that relaxation process is usually full of thought.  If you can just grab on idea and use it creatively you can begin your brand new journey of imagination.

5.  Go to a theme park, such as Disney World.  I firmly believe as adults we still need to experience certain activities and places as if we were still children.  Find the time to go to your local theme park or even the zoo and do child-like things.  Buy a balloon, eat some candy, skip a little, and get excited about where you are.  You will find that your imagination will run absolutely wild after you do this!  Or, at least I hope you'll find this so.

So go out and try something to get your imagination flowing.  Find the other end of your rainbow and check out the blue birds, the lemon drops, and wake up where the clouds are far away!  Put a smile back in your soul!!!!

The Need To Laugh

Have you ever had one of those days where you just needed something, anything to laugh about!!!?? No, no, don't answer that! We all have of course.


Today was one of those days for me.  Lately I do know what to expect with Abby.  She is cutting her two year molars, so all schedules have been canceled!  Life is certainly like a box of chocolates right now.


We began the day with a very simple plan.  Relax this morning, feed the turtles, have lunch, stroll the mall for an hour, nap, etc.  Well, we didn't get to the mall and the stop prior (Barnes & Noble) was a disaster.  She found a toy she wanted and it was a reasonable request, so of course, I caved.

Little did I know that toy would solve my problem today and give me just what I needed - a reason to laugh!  The company is new to me, but maybe not to you (B You).  They use a lot of recycled materials and soy based products (which I love).  I was throwing away the packaging when I came upon this cute little booklet.  I began to read it (as Abby was screaming at the top of her lungs, trying to nap) and immediately began to laugh.  It was at that moment that I knew what today's topic would be.  Below are a few of my favorite sayings from this booklet.

Robert, age 6 :  "Mom! Stop!! Be careful, there are boys in the ivy!"

Sean, age 5:  "Did you know my Uncle Tony is driving around the country in a winning bagel?"

Keely, age 2:  "Jazz is my favorite color of music!"

Skye, age 6:  "I'm going to have five children and name them Cabbage, French Toast, Table, Shower, and Chair."

Sam, age 11 on his 6th grade science quiz:  "Water is composed of two gins, Oxygin and Hydrogin.  Oxygin is pure gin.  Hydrogin is gin and water."

Callie, age 2:  "Mommy, you're the most beautiful woman in the whole world I ever saw before I left the house."

Clara, age 4:  "My triceratops is afraid of our dust bunnies."

AND THIS MAY BE MY FAVORITE!!!

Rio, age 4:  "If the day I came out of your belly is called my birthday, what is the day I went in called?"


Anyhow, I hope you all had a little chuckle at least.  It made me relax and laugh.  Lord knows I needed it today!  If you ever have a day where you don't need to laugh, try making someone else laugh.  There's a good chance they may need just what you have to offer!

Cheers

Make a Small Change

As a birthday tribute to my wonderful husband, I wanted to share a thought with all of you that he recently promoted without even knowing it.  Just last week something moved him to go out and get us a gym membership.  Little did he know it was just what I needed.  Not because I want to lose weight or fit into different clothes, but because I needed a motivator. 

I am a firm believer that there are people and events in our lives that can spur us on to better things.  Most of the time these people hardly know they were the catalyst to a life change, or the event is initially so insignificant that we don't even realize that it changed us.  Jim's purchase of a gym membership has been such a catalyst for my life. 

I had been putting off a lot of things, photo editing, blogging, keeping in touch with friends and family, doing small but necessary things around our house, writing in my journal to Abby, etc.  Being able to go to the gym and have time for myself any day that I want has been a God-send.  Our gym has daycare, so Abby gets to socialize (which she loves) and I get to think, relax, and improve myself. 

Over the course of the last 10 days, so many other habits of mine have been improving.  I have been eating better, have become more motivated, kinder, and more relaxed.  I have been cooking more, cleaning more, and have become more organized.  I am taking on challenges with fervor.  I have committed myself to giving back to charities all over the world.  I feel as if I have been a better mother to Abby, and a better homemaker.

My only fear is that this, like most sparks of energy and change, will dwindle and fade.  I am determined though, to allow this one small change to create a tidal wave of more small changes.  I encourage you all to find one small change to make in your lives and stay committed to it.  Do not let your doubt or fear in your stick-to-it-tiveness get in the way of self improvement.

Thank you Jim, the love of my life, for a gift.  I hope I will be able to give you the same kinds of gifts in your life!

The New Look

My lack of blogging recently has frustrated me and I sat for a while a wondered why.  I have come to the conclusion that the blog needs to be a bit different.  First, you'll find a cleaner, more simple look.  No more frills, crazy color changes, etc.  At least for the time being.  I have also decided not to chronicle each and every move we make (we just make too many of them).  You'll still find information about what we're doing and where we're going, just not quite as much!

I think for some of you, you may actually be more interested in the new Hello From The Hermans.  I aim to have more philosophical posts, thought provoking, creative topics.  Some of the topics I'm sure to discuss will be gardening, parenting, traveling, cooking, my Stella & Dot business, sports, politics, fitness, and many others that just happen to come up in my daily life. 

There will still be pictures, golf information, and probably a special post once a week.  Please visit daily, I do intend to post each and every day!

I love creative writing, I feel it is a wonderful way for an individual to express themselves clearly, without confusion, misunderstanding, and also to impart feeling and thought.  I hope that each and every one of our readers enjoys the topics and please feel free to comment.  Feedback is very important for one's self improvement.