tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36820124241851256512024-02-18T22:22:41.290-05:00maricucuJill of all trades,
mistress of none.MommaMarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158011891565911447noreply@blogger.comBlogger387125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3682012424185125651.post-3408971698045422182012-04-18T00:13:00.000-04:002012-04-18T00:17:55.186-04:00In the land of the blind . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sooooo, just peeking in. Will catch up with detail sometime soon but today was "call complaint day". Yes, I'm <b>that </b>customer. The one that calls only when something is wrong. In my defense, I blab to others when I love a product but complain directly to the manufacturer when something goes wrong. No, this is not a blog post in hopes that the manufacturer will contact me arms filled with apologetic product samples and defensive PR. If you've been around for a while you know it's not my style and I don't even run ads on this blog with good reason. It's my personal sandbox and I like to remain transparent about my intentions.<br />
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Back to complaint day. If it's true that in the land of the blind, the one eyed man is king, then in the age of the internet, the ADHD customer is heard. Back in the day one had to take pen to paper and more importantly, remember to do so at a later date and time, past the moment of irritation with widget #1 going wonky. Meh. That requires a brain that functions in a neurotypical manner. Strike one against Marielle. Then you'd have to wait to hear back from the offending company and not look blankly at the letter responding quite seriously to a list of complaints you forgot the minute the postman picked up the original complaint letter. Strike two. Usually, included in the letter would be a couple of options to resolve your complaint which would be wonderful if you had not already replaced wonky widget #1 with newly fabulous widget #2 from the competitor. Like three seconds after the first one failed. Strike three.<br />
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Enter the instant age of the internet and now, even we task-list-challenged, three steps ahead but two dollars short ADHDers can join the land of the complaining consumer. Two seconds after widget #1 fails you've googled HQ and are on the phone with a spectacularly bored customer service rep who will now get an earful of what's ailing you. Today's complaints involved 3m command hooks (the fastener of choice for those of us who <b>loathe </b>to paint) and my facial toner.<br />
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Exhibit A:<br />
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Sigh. See that little black box at the top? Some people get excited to see something New or Improved but I just shudder. I <i>hate</i> when companies rework something that's <b>already working. </b>I'm that 80 year old woman who wants her original Pine Sol formula from 1976 thankyouverymuch. My toner worked well. Didn't break me out (a miracle), irritate the heck out of my skin (a challenge that came with age), slightly lower in crazy toxins and fragrance free. Do they know how long it took to research and then track down the perfect toner for me? Do they know that I simultaneously had windows open for <a href="http://www.vitacost.com/" target="_blank">Vitacost</a>, <a href="http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/" target="_blank">EWG</a>, <a href="http://www.makeupalley.com/" target="_blank">Makeupalley</a> and random google reviews to cross check each toner as I went down the list of possibilities? No, but they heard about it today when I told Avalon Organics that now the toner foamed up on my face like I had a bad case of rabies. New and improved my butt. I was offered a refund, which will take close to 6 weeks to process. Woohoo, that's one amazing turnaround. In the meantime I'm moving on to widget #2.<br />
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P.S. I haven't been neglecting comments. Somehow I was not being notified and oops, suddenly a ton of unanswered comments when I make it a point to respond to each one. I promise I'll get around to it. Better late than never right?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.maricucu.blogspot.com">© 2009-2010 Maricucu all rights reserved</a></div>MommaMarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158011891565911447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3682012424185125651.post-58422167292620814292011-02-21T16:09:00.000-05:002011-02-21T16:09:55.310-05:00Project 52 week, uhhhh . . .<div style="text-align: center;">Yeah I missed two weeks. Not because I didn't take the pictures but because I kept trying to formulate a post in my head and by the time I did that would not have the time to post it. A bit of sickness, some all purpose busyness and before you know a week . . . or two . . . has past.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So I missed the second week of the seasons theme. Appropriately I caught what I expect to be the last of the rare North Carolina snowfalls of the season.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Last week's theme was lifestyle and right about now my lifestyle includes evening sessions of this. Mindless knitting that an ADHD person can crank out while focusing other mindless things like food network or shows I won't even mention on Bravo. If anything it at least makes me feel productive even if the load of clean laundry remains sitting next to my knitting basket unfolded. Sometimes sanity trumps the to do list.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have managed to do other things but somehow, perhaps the winter blahs, don't make it feel worthy of documentation. I promise to post more when the dreariness wears off, or I get more sleep. Whichever comes first.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.maricucu.blogspot.com">© 2009-2010 Maricucu all rights reserved</a></div>MommaMarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158011891565911447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3682012424185125651.post-36246330927692770722011-02-21T11:30:00.000-05:002011-02-21T11:30:02.324-05:00We did it again.<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/February%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_2674.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/February%202011/IMG_2674.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />I've mentioned we have a <a href="http://maricucu.blogspot.com/2009/06/new-furry-little-friend.html">little tradition</a> that Mr. Maricucu started of having the older kids build a bear for the baby. Yes I know the stuffed animals are dust collectors, but pretty well loved dust collectors around here.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/February%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_2676.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/February%202011/IMG_2676.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Well, we figured it was high time to get the baby her first pal and seeing as how the toddler kept walking off with the older brothers' bears all the time we added a nicely understuffed new one to her collection as well. It's amazing to see how much the boys have grown since those last pictures. Those two grown boys you see below are now 7 and 5 respectively. The baby that we built the bear for last time is now a super active 2 year old.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/February%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_2682.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/February%202011/IMG_2682.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />The more things change . . . well you know.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/February%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_2677.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/February%202011/IMG_2677.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.maricucu.blogspot.com">© 2009-2010 Maricucu all rights reserved</a></div>MommaMarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158011891565911447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3682012424185125651.post-23930698544287449372011-02-04T18:25:00.005-05:002011-02-04T23:48:54.284-05:00Twofer.<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/February%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_2368.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/February%202011/IMG_2368.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br />Today's post is both my <a href="http://maricucu.blogspot.com/search/label/Project%2052">Project 52</a> post for this week as well as my latest obsession. Chai. It almost sounds like "sigh" which is precisely what I do when the spices hit the heat of the tea. My body actually sighs. This week's theme for <a href="http://maricucu.blogspot.com/search/label/Project%2052">Project 52</a> is Seasons and chai has become my ritual for the winter season. <br /><br />Besides, any recipe that starts with popping open a can of condensed milk has my interest peaked from the get go. Technically this recipe is for a chai mix that keeps in the fridge for up to 6 months (not that yours will last as long if you actually like chai). But what's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masala_chai">chai</a>? Spiced, milky, sweet indian tea. Usually the spices are simmered for a while in a combination of milk/water then strained and the tea briefly brewed in the spiced liquid. Black peppercorns, cardomom, cloves, ginger and cinnamon all are common chai spices. If you like holiday spice you're likely to love chai.<br /><br />Now a while back I was catching up with reading Amy Karol's blog and saw her post a <a href="http://angrychicken.typepad.com/angry_chicken/2010/01/potions-and-concoctions-part-iv.html">chai mix</a>. At the time I was not a tea drinker but I bookmarked the recipe. In fact, I'm pretty sure I've 'fessed up on here somewhere that my preference for tea has always involved the powdered instant iced tea which horrifies the sweet tea soul of my southern bred husband. I just was never into hot beverages and if I wanted caffeine then I was either going to drink cola or the vile powdered iced tea. Period. End of Story. Or so I thought.<br /><br />Fast forward to this year when I'm shaking things up including now drinking tea - real tea for some ADD coping benefits. I won't go into the long winded explanation but it's all about the l-theanine and dopamine if you want to <a href="http://www.google.com/#sclient=psy&hl=en&q=add+l+theanine+dopamine&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&pbx=1&fp=8b4d4706f280eb45">google</a> and how it helps my slightly off kilter brain. Hello, my name is Marielle and I'm a black tea drinker. First, I drank it cold and unsweetened like some bitterly brewed medicine that I had to endure several times a day. Quickly I realized that was no way to do things so I splashed a bit of lemonade into my sipping tea and Arnold Palmered my way through the day feeling quite devious if I say so myself. I also revisited <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrqBe9sWHsk">Alton</a> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RA7aJqfnX4&feature=related">Brown's </a>wisdom on tea because I figured there had to be a more common sense approach to tea. Right away I learned how to brew a smooth cup. After downing my first ever cup of smooth, hot tea and actually enjoying it, I remembered the chai concentrate recipe. I hit the pantry for the ingredients and mixed it up. I tried it, let he kids try it and then had to fend them off the dregs of my cup only with the promise that I would fix them their own. Definitely a success. <br /><br />The original recipe calls for cardamom which I don't keep around the house so I increased the cinnamon. I also remembered my mom mentioning that in Dominican Republic allspice is referred to as the peppercorn of the Caribbean so in went the allspice. I'm sure you could try ginger or even *gasp* stick to the recipe and use cardamom.<br /><br />Chai Concentrate<br />adapted from <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/foodday/index.ssf/2008/06/recipe_detail.html?id=7109">The Oregonian</a><br /><br />1 (14oz) can of sweetened condensed milk<br />1 teaspoon granulated sugar<br />1 teaspoon ground cinnamon<br />1/2 teaspoon ground allspice<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg <span style="font-weight: bold;">- definitely try to use fresh</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>1/2 teaspoon ground cloves<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>First the labor intensive part. Opening up the condensed milk can and not licking it all up. Please don't. That's no example for the kids and really you need the milk for the chai. Priorities people, priorities.<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/February%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_2369.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/February%202011/IMG_2369.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />You'll notice my fancy condensed milk utensil. Yes a butter knife. Growing up my mother always grabbed one before the can opener since it's just much sturdier than a spatula and a bit easier to get into the can. This time it also works as a great stirring stick that is again much faster than a spatula. Dump in the sugar and spices then give it a good stir.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/February%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_2374.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/February%202011/IMG_2374.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Tada! That's it. Well almost it. Let the mix rest 24 hours and allow the spices to bloom, flavoring the condensed milk as well. Trust me, you need to wait.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/February%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_2377.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/February%202011/IMG_2377.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Just tuck it in the fridge and wait until the next day.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/February%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_2387.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/February%202011/IMG_2387.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Through the magic of blog time here's the mix all ready to go. Now there's a slight layer of bubbles/scum looking stuff at the top. Do not fret, it's just the air bubbles from stirring that worked themselves to the surface. Just give the mix another stir.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/February%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_2433.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/February%202011/IMG_2433.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/February%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_2437.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/February%202011/IMG_2437.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Next you'll brew your tea. Oh that tag? Yes, Luzianne. I'm trying to finish what I have in the pantry before trying other brands but if handled well this one's pretty smooth. Oh the mason jar? Well since my buddy the keurig produces my hot water and I hate washing dishes I skip the tea pot and brew directly into a quart mason jar. I drink the first cup as hot chai and then the subsequent cups I drink iced. I just chuck a lid on the jar and stick it in the fridge. Fancy teapots are cute, but a relaxed me is even cuter. <br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/February%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_2441.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/February%202011/IMG_2441.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />While your tea is brewing, dump a regular heaping tablespoon (or two if you dare) of chai concentrate into your teacup.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/February%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_2520.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/February%202011/IMG_2520.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Now this is where the rubber meets the road. In one corner, our piping hot tea. In the other corner the chai mix. Who will reign supreme?<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/February%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_2526.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/February%202011/IMG_2526.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Pour the hot tea over the chai mix . . .<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/February%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_2533.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/February%202011/IMG_2533.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />. . . stir. Then watch the magic happen.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/February%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_2567.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/February%202011/IMG_2567.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Sigh. Milky, sweet, spicey goodness and a hot cup to warm your hands. <br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/February%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_2573.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/February%202011/IMG_2573.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.maricucu.blogspot.com">© 2009-2010 Maricucu all rights reserved</a></div>MommaMarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158011891565911447noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3682012424185125651.post-62335564554424270782011-01-29T21:39:00.004-05:002011-01-30T10:29:22.127-05:00Project 52. Scale/Size Week 2<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br />Hmmmm, late. Surprise, surprise!<br /><br />I had a hard time coming up with something theme related this week. So I took the easy way out and shot some more origami stars that the toddler ran off with and dismantled. Her hand was not supposed to be part of the photos but it was a wonderful deviation. One regulation sized star, one teeny star and a quarter as well as my lens cap for scale.<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/january%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_2254-1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/january%202011/IMG_2254-1-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.maricucu.blogspot.com">© 2009-2010 Maricucu all rights reserved</a></div>MommaMarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158011891565911447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3682012424185125651.post-48318300682084553262011-01-28T22:11:00.004-05:002011-01-28T22:57:46.404-05:00Uh, ma'am what do you have in there?<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/january%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_0059.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/january%202011/IMG_0059.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Oh just a drum,<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/january%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_0057.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/january%202011/IMG_0057.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Some maracas,<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/january%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_0049.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/january%202011/IMG_0049.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />A tambourine,<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/january%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_0051.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/january%202011/IMG_0051.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />And this lethal <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G%C3%BCira">quira</a> (thank goodness it wasn't in her carry on),<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/january%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_0053.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/january%202011/IMG_0053.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Yes that would be my mom, aka Abuela's doing. Now before each parent cringes in horror at the thought of a grandparent showing up with the equivalent of a percussion section as a gift, I asked for it. I really did ask for it. Promise. See in June when my mom was partying her soon to be 60 year young patooty at my <a href="http://maricucu.blogspot.com/2010_06_01_archive.html">grandfather's birthday party </a>she mentioned she was having trouble coming up with gift ideas to bring back for the boys. I told her that she didn't have to bring anything but if she felt she <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">had </span></span>to that I would love some instruments for the kids and to use in our homeschooling. No I have no visions of us as the Partridge Family, just wanting to let the kids bang out their preferred rhythm without worrying about expensive gear. One of the markets in DR sells these for a song (ha!) and I remembered how much fun we had as kids with the drums just like that flag painted one on my table.<br /><br />That would be how my mom found herself explaining away not one but two sets of instruments (for both sets of grandchildren) to a US customs agent. A whole suitcase worth of instruments mind you. She just shrugged her shoulders and said, "it's for my grandkids" and apparently he believed her. Like I said thank goodness the guira picks (3 very pokey metal tines) were not on her carry on or I might have gotten a call from a TSA agent holding my mom for questioning. But thanks to her we now have a rocking family band to which we've added the collection of harmonicas that have somehow made their way to our home over the last couple of years.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/january%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_0052.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/january%202011/IMG_0052.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />And if you come to my house a certain little two year old might treat you to her version of the blues.<br /><br /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allownetworking="all" wmode="transparent" src="http://static.photobucket.com/player.swf" flashvars="file=http%3A%2F%2Fvidmg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv34%2Fmarielle448%2Fjanuary%25202011%2FVIDEO0047.mp4" width="600" height="361"></embed><br /><br /><br />Here's a proper use of those instruments and featuring the voice of the Dominican equivalent of John Lennon, Bob Dylan and P Diddy all rolled into one - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Luis_Guerra">Juan Luis Guerra</a>. I dare you not to get up and dance.<br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" class="youtube-player" type="text/html" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/FF5n6IRzeJE" width="640" frameborder="0" height="390"></iframe><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.maricucu.blogspot.com">© 2009-2010 Maricucu all rights reserved</a></div>MommaMarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158011891565911447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3682012424185125651.post-54672220543797263732011-01-20T14:48:00.002-05:002011-01-20T14:53:46.320-05:00Size/Scale. Week 1<div style="text-align: center;">This week's theme being size and scale you'd think I would have plenty of objects and little subjects to photograph. However when you hand a huge restaurant sized spoon to a toddler they run off to bang the front door. Go figure. Back to the drawing board and inanimate objects.<br /><br />Et voila! My crochet hooks. Love the colors, love the gaudy sheen and most of all they take direction well.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/january%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_2129.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/january%202011/IMG_2129.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.maricucu.blogspot.com">© 2009-2010 Maricucu all rights reserved</a></div>MommaMarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158011891565911447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3682012424185125651.post-25669962817910180882011-01-16T09:37:00.001-05:002011-01-16T20:24:12.095-05:00Legos, Ancient Egypt and Fireman Sam<div style="text-align: center;">No, I'm not going to play some funky version of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_Degrees_of_Kevin_Bacon">Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon</a>. Just another homeschooling snapshot.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_1370.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/IMG_1370.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Around the holidays we were reading up on ancient Egypt, mummies, pyramids and by virtue the Sphinx. At one point we pulled out the legos to build a pyramid. My boys told me there was no way I could build a pyramid at which time I figured out they thought I meant a real pyramid. Doh! I'm sure the puny one we built somehow did not compare to their imagination.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_1365.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/IMG_1365.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />However, my boys in all their attention to detail decided to build the chamber attached to the pyramid where the Pharaoh's body was prepared for burial. Oh yeah and that conversation on mummification? Grossed out momma way more than the kids. The oldest put together the chamber and then I fiddled around with a little lego person to build a loosely interpreted Sphinx. Loosely being the operative word. One of my boys looked at my woebegone Sphinx and said, "here momma, let me try." then proceeded to build a larger Sphinx with paws and a body that actually fit the scale of the lego head. I felt like I was in front of this guy:<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/yRl9eTteF74?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/yRl9eTteF74?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_1361.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/IMG_1361.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />After a while I left them to continue playing while I fixed lunch. When I returned to announce lunch was ready I was greeted with this. From our favorite TV show <a href="http://www.firemansamonline.com/uk/">Fireman Sam</a>, the lighthouse from Ponty Pandy. Built right on top of the pyramid, Sphinx and attached chamber. How's that for historically accurate? Can you say, "I love rabbit holes."<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_1375.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/IMG_1375.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_1373.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/IMG_1373.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.maricucu.blogspot.com">© 2009-2010 Maricucu all rights reserved</a></div>MommaMarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158011891565911447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3682012424185125651.post-21330701468248292872011-01-15T15:55:00.000-05:002011-01-15T16:05:14.429-05:00Beginnings. Week 2<div style="text-align: center;">The second half of the beginnings theme for <a href="http://maricucu.blogspot.com/search/label/Project%2052">Project 52</a>. This time it's personal. Back in November I found this nifty little people typing thing that's related to how you dress. So the new photo off to the right? That's my after. The necklace on the book? That's my "type" of jewelry and yes it definitely fits me to a T despite my aversion to accessories for years. The page to which the book is open? Yes it's my type and if you know me in real life you'll chuckle at the inset quote.<br /><br />My beginning though, was spurred on by the external makeover. I've done quite a bit of introspection since then, both related and unrelated which has peeled off a big 'ol bandaid. I'm hoping this is the year for healing old wounds as well as the beginning of a healed me.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/january%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_1808.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/january%202011/IMG_1808.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.maricucu.blogspot.com">© 2009-2010 Maricucu all rights reserved</a></div>MommaMarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158011891565911447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3682012424185125651.post-7826796164722068592011-01-14T16:27:00.004-05:002011-01-14T17:42:26.137-05:00Soap.<div style="text-align: center;">Random tip from moi: Unwrap your bars of soap and tuck them in your linen closet, underwear drawer or just put them on a shelf. Not only will they freshen your towels but the bars dry a bit more making them last longer in the shower. <br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/january%202011/?action=view&current=IMG_1827.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/january%202011/IMG_1827.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I remember reading this somewhere and want to think it was another Martha tip. What can I say I love Martha for all of the nontraditional reasons. I love that she's picky and yes a little compulsive. I love that the more she lets loose on her shows lately the more real and endearing she becomes. I also love that she goes overboard in her explanations. Watching her shows as a kid (oh yes I did), I loved the mini schoolings I got on fussy and old fashioned norms. They lined right up with some of the ones my mom recalled from her own childhood and shared with me.<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.maricucu.blogspot.com">© 2009-2010 Maricucu all rights reserved</a></div>MommaMarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158011891565911447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3682012424185125651.post-2407628521690339472011-01-05T16:51:00.003-05:002011-01-05T17:21:12.029-05:00Beginnings. Week 1<div style="text-align: center;">First, a belated Happy New Year! There have been a host of changes for our family including the very surprising move of my little sister and her mirror image family to NC. Yes, she and her were both crazy enough to have four kids too and with both sets of cousins close in age we parents are anticipating some creative hijinks in the future. It's been pretty neat to have some family around since both Mr. Maricucu and I moved up here 10 years ago on our own. Now we get to inflict *cough* spread our fabulousness on some relatives. Be afraid, be very afraid.<br /><br />On a different note if you see some cryptic photography posts in my blog it's me messing with the camera again. I've decided to try my hand at <a href="http://www.google.com/#hl=en&expIds=25657&sugexp=ldymls&xhr=t&q=project+52+photography&cp=12&qe=cHJvamVjdCA1MiBwaA&qesig=1uWxiDfStv39FJ-yzDlmAQ&pkc=AFgZ2tlNXGKCe9zKaYKBpPoiKmpo8jpe0AZBnz4aLlSnubQY7hVL-Y_QlLnn7zTjpZ8AKZx3T4LS_oqA3BLQVrJJPIxVdZsMig&pf=p&sclient=psy&aq=0&aqi=&aql=&oq=project+52+ph&gs_rfai=&pbx=1&fp=9bef8cda26d1a6ec">Project 52</a> which is just taking a picture once a week to match a selected theme. With the attention issue doing something like <a href="http://www.google.com/#hl=en&expIds=25657&sugexp=ldymls&xhr=t&q=project+365&cp=9&qe=cHJvamVjdCAz&qesig=p1YGS7RUz7OzeRblC82eKw&pkc=AFgZ2tlNXGKCe9zKaYKBpPoiKmpo8jpe0AZBnz4aLlSnubQY7hVL-Y_QlLnn7zTjpZ8AKZx3T4LS_oqA3BLQVrJJPIxVdZsMig&pf=p&sclient=psy&aq=0&aqi=&aql=&oq=project+3&gs_rfai=&pbx=1&fp=9bef8cda26d1a6ec">Project 365</a> would have been a guaranteed failure. Even with the weekly version I'm not making any promises and will feel free to do it the Marielle way. Which means whenever I remember.<br /><br />For the first two weeks the theme is Beginnings and here's mine. I sewed 27 of these little newborn diapers for my second before he was born. That same baby just turned five years old the other day and I can't believe he ever fit in these (that's a matchbox car for scale). Since then two other siblings have worn these wee diapers and they've been packed away for the last time. See it's the beginning of new stage for our family as we slowly move from the land of babies and toddlers into one with biggish kids who have some pretty interesting personalities.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/january%202011/?action=view&current=project52beginnings1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/january%202011/project52beginnings1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I will say I've looked forward to this in between stage of big enough to be cool but young enough to still need momma and daddy. I do have an inkling that it's quite fleeting. My mother, my grandmother and many an experienced mom all confirm that in far too short a time they'll be off having babies of their own. But for now I'm freezing time with the shutter and looking at them in awe as they transform.<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.maricucu.blogspot.com">© 2009-2010 Maricucu all rights reserved</a></div>MommaMarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158011891565911447noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3682012424185125651.post-14976115689716217802010-12-19T14:42:00.004-05:002010-12-20T08:52:47.947-05:00Mmmmmm, hot cocoa<div style="text-align: center;">Seriously is there <span style="font-weight: bold;">ever </span>a time one can utter the words hot cocoa and not tack on mmmm, yum or groan? I know I can't. Growing up Dominican meant we had plenty of hot chocolate/buttered toast breakfasts. However visiting my grandparents in Dominican Republic proper meant you were on the euro meal schedule. Hearty breakfast, large midday meal, and a light supper. The evening supper could be anything from a fresh bowl of milk based oatmeal, a light meatless spaghetti or hot chocolate and a toasted cheese sandwich. For a picky eater, making it through the minefield that was a large midday meal was worth it to finally get a treat for supper.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_1492.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/IMG_1492.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Suffice it to say I make hot cocoa/buttered toast breakfasts often in my home. And if there's even a whisper of cold weather then we might break out the hot cocoa for an afternoon warm up too. I typically make it on the stovetop. Just the side of the Hershey's cocoa canister recipe, nothing fancy (except for the <a href="http://maricucu.blogspot.com/2010/04/homemade-vanilla.html">homemade vanilla</a>). Made with whole milk it's very tasty and if you really want to gussy it up do what my mom says they did growing up - add a large spoonful of peanut butter while stirring up the hot chocolate and beat it frothy with a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molinillo_%28whisk%29">molinillo</a>.<br /><br />However somehow one of these little puppies made it to our home.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_1524.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/IMG_1524.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I'm not saying how or who's responsible but it's definitely been put to use. Although as much as I like coffee I can't drink that all day long nor make it a habit of drinking it everyday. I began to think it might be nice to have instant hot chocolate. Then I thought some more. Most of the recipes for homemade hot cocoa mix involved non-dairy creamer - filled with hydrogenated oils. Remember me? I'm not <a href="http://maricucu.blogspot.com/2010/10/chia.html">afraid of the fat</a> but I don't consider hydrogenated oils real fat. I'll eat butter, olive oil and coconut oil until the cows come home but hydrogenated oils are just something we avoid as much as possible. Then I remembered that good 'ol Alton Brown (the loquito as my mom has dubbed him, translates to "the little crazy one") has a hot cocoa recipe and he too isn't fond of freaky deaky ingredients. Sure enough his recipe for hot cocoa involves real sugar, full fat powdered milk and natural cocoa plus a few other ingredients. Better yet, it could be made with hot water *eyeing Keurig in the corner*. Meaning the perfect storm of indulgence had now descended upon my kitchen. Hot cocoa in under a minute? Here's what I thought:<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xLb9jPuDS9Y?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xLb9jPuDS9Y?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />Give yourself bonus points if you remember the movie that featured this song. That's back in the day for you young whipper snappers.<br /><br />Back to the hot cocoa. Within two days I had tracked down full fat powdered milk. Most of the stuff in the brick and mortar stores is non-fat which to me tastes like dishwater even when it's not powdered. However if you're lucky enough to live near a large Hispanic population or near some fancy food stores you'll find NIDO powdered milk or some European full fat powdered milks. I bought the NIDO (in a can that were it not for the hot cocoa mix would last me until next year). Be sure to buy regular NIDO milk and <span style="font-weight: bold;">not </span>the NIDO Kinder (which is a fortified drink/formula).<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_1441.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/IMG_1441.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_1469.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/IMG_1469.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Now I'm used to adding vanilla to my hot chocolate and since I'm efficient (read: lazy) I mulled over how to add it to the mix. I thought about taking my little leftover pieces of vanilla bean and grinding them up with the powdered sugar first to have the full vanilla flavor but then worried my food processor might just gum them up. Plus that's too much work (yes I just said that). I finally remembered that my <a href="http://maricucu.blogspot.com/2010/04/homemade-vanilla.html">homemade vanilla</a> is just alcohol and would not compromise the shelf-stability of my cocoa mix. So I drizzled in some vanilla to the powdered sugar step and made sure it was well blended. Also, don't skip the cayenne even if you think you won't like it. The cayenne makes the chocolate taste even more rich not spicy. However, here's a tip. If you do like a bit of heat/spiciness then add a few more shakes of cayenne into the powder in your own cup, stir then add the hot water and stir some more. You'll get tons of back of the throat heat with no burning on your tongue due to the dairy. Absolutely delicious.<br /><br />Oh and if you're *ahem* running out of gift ideas this makes an awesome gift for pretty much anyone (barring dairy allergies). However, on that note this is the perfect thing for people with dairy allergies if you use safe brands. Just make the base mix without the powdered milk and add about 50% of the recommended mix amount to your cup of warmed milk alternative (nut milks, soy milks, etc.) Pow! Safe hot cocoa mix for your dairy sensitive loved ones. Also, if you're wanting to incorporate xylitol or erythritol as the sweetener instead of all or part of the sugar it's quite simple to make a powdered version. Just whiz up 1 cup sweetener with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch in a food processor until it's powdered. Xylitol pretty much substitutes in equal quantities (although watch the um, side effects) and erythritol is one I haven't used but is only 70% as sweet as sugar thus you'd need roughly 2 1/2 cups for this recipe. Again I haven't tested it with the alternative sweeteners, so proceed with caution.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hot Cocoa Mix</span><br />adapted from <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/hot-cocoa-recipe/index.html">Alton Brown</a><br /><br />2 cups powdered sugar<br />2-3 teaspoons of vanilla <span style="font-weight: bold;">(no water/glycerin based stuff, only alcohol based as I haven't tested the stability of anything else and mold is not yummy in hot cocoa)</span><br />1 cup unsweetened cocoa <span style="font-weight: bold;">(dutch process is listed in the recipe but I've used the natural as well with no ill effects)</span><br />2 1/2 cups powdered milk<br />1 teaspoon table salt <span style="font-weight: bold;">(any fine salt will work)</span><br />2 teaspoons cornstarch<br />1 pinch cayenne pepper <span style="font-weight: bold;">(about 1/8 of a teaspoon, maybe less)</span><br /><br /><br />I read somewhere that when you make homemade mixes like this, the most important step is to mix it well either by sifting or some other thorough method so as to incorporate the powdered milk very well and avoid the telltale look of not quiet mixed in cocoa powder. I immediately thought of the food processor but if you have a big blender (this is a pretty big batch) then use that.<br /><br />First add the powdered sugar to the food processor.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_1443.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/IMG_1443.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Then drizzle in the vanilla. I eyeballed it to about 2-3 teaspoons.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_1462.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/IMG_1462.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Then mix well. I found I had to scrape the side and bottom a bit to make sure the wet vanilla blended well back into the powdered sugar. It looked a bit like biscuit dough right before adding the wet ingredients.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_1465.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/IMG_1465.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />After blending in the vanilla well, add all the other ingredients to the food processor.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_1475.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/IMG_1475.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Blend well again scraping down the bottom and sides to be sure that everything is thoroughly mixed. You may want to take a whiff right about now.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_1479.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/IMG_1479.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />That's it. No really. All that's left is to package it up. Around here that usually means a mason jar but I'm eying that humongo powdered milk can for the next double or triple batch of cocoa mix.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_1482.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/IMG_1482.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Label it for family members who will inevitably want to make cup after cup of cocoa. For our tastes I've found 3-4 heaping tablespoons (or soup spoons) for 6 oz of cocoa ideal but tweak it for your tastes and then label the jar accordingly. See, I just gave you permission to make a test run all for yourself. You know, for tasting purposes of course.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_1487.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/IMG_1487.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />So how easy is this? Well let's take a look. Just plop the powder in the mug or cup.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_1490.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/IMG_1490.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Add hot water and stir.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_1492.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/IMG_1492.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />If you've got some whipped cream hanging around then by all means please guild the lily.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_1513.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/IMG_1513.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />But then don't tell the kids because this is all that will be left.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_1520.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/IMG_1520.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.maricucu.blogspot.com">© 2009-2010 Maricucu all rights reserved</a></div>MommaMarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158011891565911447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3682012424185125651.post-53170382845951409122010-12-19T14:22:00.001-05:002010-12-19T14:22:00.305-05:00We're ready<div style="text-align: center;">For some winter play that is. Well, make that North Carolina winter play.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/OCTOBER%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0095.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/OCTOBER%202010/IMG_0095.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />In the past we've braved it out to play in the cold and sometimes slushy NC winters. These boys need to get all that squirrely energy out and winter presents a challenge. Slushy winters meant shoes needed to dry and sometimes weren't ready for the next day's play. Mr. Maricucu suggested a pair of fishing waders for each boy. Yeah, that's not going to happen. This Florida girl finally admitted defeat and went boot shopping. Saw these rubber boots online and they even had toddler sizes (because little girl neeeeeds to do everything her older brothers do). So with a pair of thick socks their feet should stay toasty warm most of the winter. Might have to get a pair of waders for Mr. Maricucu though . . .<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.maricucu.blogspot.com">© 2009-2010 Maricucu all rights reserved</a></div>MommaMarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158011891565911447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3682012424185125651.post-44455946394867480322010-12-17T21:06:00.005-05:002010-12-17T21:26:24.802-05:00Mr. Maricucu and I . . .<div style="text-align: center;">. . . have become connoisseurs of expensive toys.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>No, not cars or jewels or the typical things. We're soooooo over that don't you know? *insert appropriately exaggerated eye roll* No, we've begun to pay crazy prices for actual toys and way before the Christmas hoopla started. Why look, see this lego here?<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_1293.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/IMG_1293.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br />Pow! We paid $200 for that several weeks ago. Yes, $200 for <span style="font-weight: bold;">one </span>very exclusive lego (well duplo to be exact). No we haven't lost our marbles. Why do you ask? This is a rare objet d'art! This type of lego exists only in the rare homes where little boys dare flush such objects down the toilet thus clogging it up so righteously that not even a toilet snake removes said lego.<br /><br />That's right, Mr. Maricucu and I have not suddenly changed our names to Thurston and Lovey. No, merely paying out the nose for roto rooter to remove the toilet and present me with the perfect opportunity for a homeschool lesson on value. Oh yes, I went there, wagging finger and all. Yeah it went right over their heads too. <br /><br />Apparently when the plumber comes over all fear of what you might have done coming to light goes out the window. Exhibit A: Couldn't pry him away from the scene.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_1290.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/IMG_1290.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_1284.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/IMG_1284.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><br />The bright spot is that we now have a new wax seal and the recaulking of the toilet that had been on the household to do list forever is done. Yippee!<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_1291.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/IMG_1291.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><br />On a more serious note here's a quick shot from the other day. Mr. Maricucu's latest toy, an IR heli from BJs that he'd been itching to get for ages and finally did. Mr. Maricucu used to have a large RC helicopter before we got married but he gave it up for love (well, apartment space) so this feels sort of full circle. While the kids were whooping it up the other day as daddy learned to fly it, I snapped this. All I need is the Magnum P. I. theme song in the background.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_1392.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/DECEMBER%202010/IMG_1392.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.maricucu.blogspot.com">© 2009-2010 Maricucu all rights reserved</a></div>MommaMarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158011891565911447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3682012424185125651.post-86522319415278442132010-12-07T21:12:00.002-05:002010-12-07T21:41:27.999-05:00I'm a cynic.<div style="text-align: center;">Yes, yes I am. I've accepted that part of me and I'm okay with it. So the sinister chuckle I get every.single.time. I watch this commercial should come as no surprise.<br /><br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ei63ToGnHbs?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ei63ToGnHbs?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />Seriously, I laugh at the poor guy's face drop. Obviously it's a commercial people. But still I laugh. I'm awful, yes, yes I am.<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.maricucu.blogspot.com">© 2009-2010 Maricucu all rights reserved</a></div>MommaMarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158011891565911447noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3682012424185125651.post-79505830016279469012010-11-17T13:51:00.004-05:002010-11-17T14:26:56.638-05:00My normal kids.<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/?action=view&current=IMAG0372.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/IMAG0372.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Don't worry. If you come over for dinner I promise to wipe the kids and their mess off the table first. Want to guess what my biggest gripe is when poor Mr. Maricucu slogs his tired self through the door in the evenings? Why can't these children play like <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">normal </span></span>children? Yeah he can tell it's going to be a doozie from that alone.<br /><br />From the adventures with our outdoor hose (don't <span style="font-weight: bold;">ever </span>open a window to tell a kid to put the hose down. 'Nuff said), to the one where they redecorated the whole back lawn with 20lbs of dog food my children have this penchant for sidestepping their toys and just coming up with other things to do. Sigh. I really do appreciate their creativity, honestly I do. But when my 120" measuring tape no longer retracts and is missing the neck strap because my kids played spider web with it? Well creativity seems over rated right about then.<br /><br />If you were to walk in the boys 'room right about now you'd see all the typical plastic toy bins on the shelf but you'd also see a mishmash of cardboard boxes that they love to jealously guard as if they were worth thousands of dollars. Never mind that the booty inside is mostly cash register receipts (don't ask, it's something to do with Fireman Sam), pennies, rocks and toothpicks. Fair warning, don't let the two year old playfully knock you with her tote bag. Much like my sister at age 8 (denim purse filled with 20lbs of rocks anyone?) my daughter carries the metal tubing I never used to attach the latest-gate-she-doesn't-know-how-to-open-<span style="font-weight: bold;">yet. </span>Brass knuckles indeed.<br /><br />These children gleefully jump over toy cars and play food to be the first to get the empty paper towel tubes. Bonus points if it's the tube from the foodsaver bag refills. Those are <span style="font-weight: bold;">harder. </span>Heaven help the poor soul that wants to break down boxes because the pleading for a "good box" would lead you to think you were holding a firetruck instead. And this picture? Apparently the <span style="font-style: italic;">top </span>of our dining room table is a much better fort than the bottom. Our couch pillows do not belong on the couch. If Mr. Maricucu and I had a penny for every time we pick those up he would have retired yesterday. But, at least they're playing together, at least they're playing. And despite my healthy dose of griping in this post it's good to remember the message in videos like this. Just downloaded her book on audible. I hope it's good.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/8054255" width="400" height="300" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/8054255">The Gift Of An Ordinary Day</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user2658713">Katrina Kenison</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.maricucu.blogspot.com">© 2009-2010 Maricucu all rights reserved</a></div>MommaMarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158011891565911447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3682012424185125651.post-47176057585227888372010-11-14T20:54:00.003-05:002010-11-14T21:32:17.489-05:00My smart phone thinks I'm an idiot.<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/NOVEMBER%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0832.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/NOVEMBER%202010/IMG_0832.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Back in April my husband started pestering me about us getting some smart phone called a Droid. I had owned PDAs and even PC phones before, before the iPhone pretty much revolutionized things. I remembered the little stylus, the clumsy interface with setting it up like a PC and the lackluster speed compared to a traditional computer. I mehed, I hemmed, I hawed. I pretty much rained on his parade and said, "me? What do I need a smart phone for? I'm fine with mine. You can get yours, I'll stick with my regular cell phone." Poor guy. But he kept working on me, and finally I said I'd give it a try. It wouldn't hurt to put a calendar in easy access of my hands but I said it would be a waste, that I didn't text and that it would in no way replace the ease of working on my laptop. Man have I been on a diet of crow ever since. I kind of like crow and I really love this little phone.<br /><br />The same person who said she wouldn't text? Now she interrupts *cough* entertains her husband at work with random pictures from her day. The person who whined that it wouldn't replace her laptop? Well the poor laptop has gotten lonely. She's writing me these annoying stalkerish emails and I'm kind of avoiding the topic with her. Wouldn't want her to get jealous or anything. I now check the weather while nursing the babe in bed, scan books at the local store with the UPC scanner app, record videos of the kids while rocking away in my living room and have even been *gasp* known to post to the blog from the phone (though Google sure doesn't make it easy, hear that Google?!!).<br /><br />But there's one little thing wrong in this relationship between the droid and I. It thinks I'm an idiot. See, I communicate via email and forums quite a bit. I pride myself on a decent mastery of the English language and even more so on my wonderful knack for using spellcheck. All hail to firefox for that wonderful spellcheck. Still, an error would escape my fingers now and then. A little typo here, an incorrect tense typed up in a rush there. Nothing the reader on the other end couldn't fill in almost automatically with this wonderful human mind we have. If I typed, "I'll scroumge that up for you", the reader could understand that I meant scrounge. All well and good. <br /><br />However, my smart phone thinks it knows better than me. I find it kind of creepy in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HAL_9000">HA</a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HAL_9000">L</a> sort of way. It has this annoying little feature called autocorrect that when I'm thumbing away on the onscreen keyboard takes a best guess at what my intended word is. Instead of scrounge it thinks I means "scourge" and then I come across online like I'm <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFd3rGIa5UY">Balki from Perfect Strangers</a> wishing a pox upon my reader. Mr. Maricucu says I can turn it off but the feature does come in handy sometimes. Unless I'm texting in Spanish with my mom and then it has a field day. In another year or so of adding Spanish words to the autocorrect roster I'll have the thing thoroughly confused and my poor friends are going to be getting the funkiest Spanglish emails evah. Good times, good times. So if you get a message from me and it sounds like I was hitting the sauce, rest assured that I'm not. It was just my droid.<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.maricucu.blogspot.com">© 2009-2010 Maricucu all rights reserved</a></div>MommaMarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158011891565911447noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3682012424185125651.post-17040167253502647122010-10-18T20:44:00.005-04:002010-10-19T10:04:25.983-04:00Random TV show association.<div style="text-align: center;">I have these random moments that trigger memories like when you find that dusty cardboard box in your attic and pull out item after item in awe at the time that's passed. Somehow the other day I was watching<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106080/"> The Nanny</a>. Don't ask. It involved me nursing and not being near the remote. This episode guest starred Joe Bologna and I remembered one of his very short lived shows that my sister and I absolutely adored. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092434/">Rags to Riches</a>. I immediately had to search on youtube and apparently I'm not alone in my crazy devotion. We loved the kooky plot of a widower adopting 5 grownish girls but most of all we loved the music. Yes the random acts of dancing and song love started when I was a kid. Music that had my mom's ear cocked our TV's way because she recognized almost all the songs (my mom rocked the 60s). Just like these current teeny boppers loving everything 90s again *sigh* everyone was obsessed with the 50s and 60s back then. I loved, loved, loved <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tisha_Campbell-Martin">Tisha Campbell</a>.<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/kD4TeTtZfPc?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/kD4TeTtZfPc?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />Of course that reminded me of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091419/">Little Shop of Horrors</a> the movie. I can't remember how many times we watched that one but too many too count. I will not admit to singing with a hairbrush along with Ms. Campbell and her crew. Nope, didn't do it. <br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/SVsgpTaBhSY?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/SVsgpTaBhSY?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />Seeing Tichina Arnold triggered the memories of watching Martin religiously then going to school the next day to laugh about it with friends. Sheneneh and Pam were the highlights of almost every episode. Be warned, mild but colorful language in this one:<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/z0uFcf7Cft4?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/z0uFcf7Cft4?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />After guffawing over Sheneneh I couldn't help but remember <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098830/">In Living Color</a>, another 90s favorite. Fire Marshall Bill and Homey the Clown were my top picks but Wanda and Venus De Milo are a close second. Definitely kind of on the rude and crude side but I can't help laughing still. Here's a more tame skit with Jim Carey as Background Guy.<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_cJtsnTeg7w?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_cJtsnTeg7w?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />I realized two things after my mini flashback:<br /><br />1. I have a strange sense of humor<br />and<br />2. I watched way too much TV as a kid<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.maricucu.blogspot.com">© 2009-2010 Maricucu all rights reserved</a></div>MommaMarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158011891565911447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3682012424185125651.post-63974650947713573372010-10-08T19:52:00.004-04:002010-10-08T20:04:58.018-04:00No chia pet around here.<div style="text-align: center;">Just a quick little post and run. A view inside my fridge. *best Howard Cosell voice* In one corner water+chia gel. In the other corner, chia pudding with milk, xylitol, vanilla and of course chia seed. Will report back with the results.</div><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/OCTOBER%202010/?action=view&current=IMAG0416.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/OCTOBER%202010/IMAG0416.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.maricucu.blogspot.com">© 2009-2010 Maricucu all rights reserved</a></div>MommaMarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158011891565911447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3682012424185125651.post-27433332735726169822010-10-08T14:22:00.008-04:002010-10-16T13:24:50.170-04:00The Chia.No, not tai chi. Chia. As in . . . no I can't say it. If you must go there, at least go <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wMV4bOPlx4&feature=related">here</a>. Yes, I've had <span style="font-weight: bold;">the song </span>running through my head the whole time and the one time it came out of my lips my kids kept asking me what I was singing. But yeah, it's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_zwx6OXjMc">that chia</a>. <br /><br />The back story: One of my kids is allergic to tree nuts and peanuts. Since his diagnosis we've not kept nuts in the house except for an isolated garage stash of boiled peanuts for Mr. Maricucu. It's a southern thing and I like his boiled peanuts about as much as he likes plantains (which is not at all). So, no nuts in the home. We keep sunflower seeds and sunbutter plus flax seed and milled flax seed to boost protein. I was trying to find another source of easy protein both for snacking, meal boosting and most importantly, something crunchy to put in salads. I love nuts in salads and was really missing the hefty fat/protein boost. So in my search I came across the mention of chia seed. <br /><br />Before I go much further let me bare my food soul. My food philosophy so to speak and hang on 'cause it's a wild ride down the rabbit hole with this one. First, I'm not a vegetarian, vegan or raw foodist. Nothing wrong with any of those food preferences, I'm just not wanting people to stumble across this post with lofty expectations involving any one of those three and then be shocked out of their gourd when I mention that I'm considering soaking some chia in condensed milk. See? I told you.<br /><br />So, here's the food rules according to me and my clan:<br /><br />1. Sugar is bad but artificial sweeteners are worse. Better to eat real sugar, honey or maple syrup. (sugar police, please don't bother stopping here). Do I try to limit sugar? Sure but not severely. I do love to bake and my vice of choice is butter+flour+sugar so I don't have too much label reading to do. Am I convinced my all butter blueberry muffins are health food? Nah. Do I think they're better for me than the premade stuff using HFCS, plus a whole mess of unpronouncables? Shyeah. It's a continuum and this is where I am.<br /><br />2. Fat is good. Fat fills in wrinkles and keeps you from going woo-woo-crazy as you age. Good fats help you regulate hormones as we *cough* all race down that slippery slope towards menopause. So olive oil, coconut oil, butter (yes real butter!) - good fats. Personally, I use them liberally. In fact, I don't weigh or measure myself but I'm a couple sizes smaller than I was when younger and afraid of fat. Just sayin'.<br /><br />3. Yes your momma was right. Vegetables and fruit are good for you. Doesn't mean you have to eat them steamed with no salt and a side of blegh. Have you seen a Latin, Indian or Southern cook in action? Seasoning, caramelization, balanced salt and yes good fats can take a veggie from no way to yes please. <br /><br />4. Grains aren't health food but I'm kind of attached to them so I try to temper my use of unbleached white flour with whole wheat flour. I also try to not build a meal around starches alone (see #3). I am Dominican, so there's no way I'm giving up my rice. Just not happening. Mr. Maricucu will sob if I mention giving up potatoes. Again, we're not going there. Aside from our very, very, very brief foray into Atkins as a young married couple (that ended with a big bang during a family Thanksgiving) we're not going to give up carbs. But we have lessened them and made better choices.<br /><br />5. We drink green smoothies in the morning. Nothing fancy, an apple, a whole mess of spinach and a huge amount of frozen fruit with a dollop of honey. Great way to start the day for this ADDer that used to self medicate with caffeine. Alas it required eating something proteiny (yes that's a word) a couple of hours later. We just started doing this in the Spring then the baby arrived and it all went to pot. It's just now that I'm back to making the morning smoothie.<br /><br />Ultimately though, flavor rules. I balance our choices so that we are getting nutritious meals but really if it doesn't taste good there's just no convincing my own palate (the pickiest one in our family). Balance. It's all about balance. I'm not an extremist when it comes to food and will severely break imaginary "food rules" all the time if there's something yummy involved. I've been known to eat a twinkie still (can't keep them in the house though or I'll inhale them). I eat deep fried things. Yes I do. I try to keep grass fed red meat for cooking but if I run out I'll use the regular stuff. I'll drink the occasional Coca Cola but lately have been preferring lemonade. I'll go into that another day. Food is a joy, it's a pleasure. I grew up in a family that appreciated and celebrated food. So while Mr. Maricucu and I have made changes over the course of many years we don't fall into any one food philosophy and that's my disclaimer.<br /><br />Phew. So glad to have gotten that off my chest. Not a confession but a solid proclamation that I'm weird and proud of it. Chia seed. Right. No more tangents. I found out about chia seed from another mom who mentioned that her kids liked it. I learned they were filled with Omega 3 essential fatty acids, tons of minerals and chock full of protein as well as fiber. Sign me up. I kept perusing <a href="http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&biw=1366&bih=555&q=chia+seed&aq=f&aqi=g10&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=CpRP6Wwq5TJeDCYOIyAT7kYmCCgAAAKoEBU_QzTMX">google</a> but the search came to a halt when someone mentioned that you had to eat them soaked and that the seeds developed a gelatinous coating like a caviar. Screeching halt. Heck no I was not going to snarf down snotty chia seeds even if they made me another foot taller and grow long flowing blonde hair. I closed my browser and continued to search for an alternative. A couple of days later I decided to search more about the gelatinous seeds and found that you can indeed sprinkle them into salads and other food dry as long as you weren't dumping them in by the bucketful and drank water. Good enough for me. I ordered some with my next vitacost order. <br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/OCTOBER%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0116.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/OCTOBER%202010/IMG_0116.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Now facing a whole pound of chia seed I decided there would be no convincing the other people in this house to try something I didn't taste myself. That, and if I was going to incorporate it in some recipes, I needed to know how it played with other ingredients. I took a few of the tiny dinosaur egg shaped seeds and sprinkled them in my mouth. Bland. Not in a bad way but really they taste like nothing. Same texture as a poppy seed but a much more bland taste. That was great since it would only help to include it in various recipes. <br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/OCTOBER%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0121.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/OCTOBER%202010/IMG_0121.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Since the chia seed were so bland dry I got a bit adventurous and soaked some according to the jar instructions. I thought it might be a wonderful protein boost for our morning green smoothie and the texture wouldn't be offensive if blended to a pulp. <br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/OCTOBER%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0098.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/OCTOBER%202010/IMG_0098.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/OCTOBER%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0101.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/OCTOBER%202010/IMG_0101.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Several minutes later there we were. Just a small mason jar of suspended gelatinous seeds and me. I took a bit on a spoon and tasted. <br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/OCTOBER%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0106.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/OCTOBER%202010/IMG_0106.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Eureka! Bland again. Not only bland but unlike snot (sorry!), the gel like coating was not goopy. More like a loose melty jello consistency. Oh yeah, this was better than I had anticipated. Suddenly my brain was whirring with applications and <a href="http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&newwindow=1&biw=1366&bih=555&q=chia+seed+recipe+blog&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=">another google search</a> produced recipes galore. Chia pudding caught my attention immediately. Any kind of milk (I used whole fat cow's milk), sweetened and with a touch of vanilla. Then the seeds were soaked in this mixture. <br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/OCTOBER%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0122.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/OCTOBER%202010/IMG_0122.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Someone mentioned it was similar to drinking bubble tea. I've never tasted the stuff but am itching to try one now. The chia pudding was light, fun and pretty tasty. I sweetened my milk with xylitol (my lone exception to the no other sweeteners rule but it's great for your teeth). Next time I'll thicken the milk mixture by using either coconut milk or sweetening with condensed milk<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/OCTOBER%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0124.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/OCTOBER%202010/IMG_0124.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />All along the tasting process I gave a taste to each kid and they loved it. The pudding was a hit as well and while fun to eat with a spoon, given a straw instead, the kids declared it a hit.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/OCTOBER%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0125.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/OCTOBER%202010/IMG_0125.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />I'm planning on doing some kind of take on this <a href="http://kristensraw.blogspot.com/2009/04/holiday-chia-pudding-recipe-raw-vegan.html">holiday chia pudding</a> recipe soon possibly using canned pumpkin puree and condensed milk instead of the blended nut milk she makes. Meanwhile I've been adding about 1/2 cup of chia gel to a batch of smoothie in the morning (our batch makes about 7 cups) and you wouldn't believe the difference. I was able to knock out the banana that I was using to make the smoothie creamy and thick. The banana was okay but it was a pretty assertive flavor and some of the fruit combos were overpowered by the banana. With the chia gel I got that thick and creamy texture with no added flavor. But the best part was when Mr. Maricucu mentioned he was full until lunch. So was I and my mental clarity was amazing. Well, in comparison to my normal. Recently I added a scoop to our morning Dominican style oatmeal and the seed cooked down very well and aside from the specks, no noticeable difference in texture.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/OCTOBER%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0168.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/OCTOBER%202010/IMG_0168.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Ch, ch, ch, chia! Sorry but I had to scratch that itch.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.maricucu.blogspot.com">© 2009-2010 Maricucu all rights reserved</a></div>MommaMarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158011891565911447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3682012424185125651.post-40299048956077437882010-10-04T22:26:00.005-04:002010-10-22T15:57:35.220-04:00Swinging from the rafters . . .<div style="text-align: center;">. . . was <span style="font-weight: bold;">not </span>what I was doing on Saturday night. After a hectic week Mr. Maricucu told me to take off around dinner time and blow off some steam. With the nursling in tow I did what most moms dream about - ate a meal all.by.myself at a snail's pace all while enjoying a magazine and letting the nursling nurse. Heaven. Then I decided to check out some photography books and magazines at Barnes and Noble. With my selections in hand, I found what I thought would be a quiet corner and sat on the floor to nurse the baby again while I read. Can I say it again? Yes, heavenly. My vantage point as I relaxed:<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/OCTOBER%202010/?action=view&current=IMAG0408.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/OCTOBER%202010/IMAG0408.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />My brief bliss was suddenly broken by a conversation. Picture it - young 19ish year old college guy. The type that feels he's just so much smarter than his peers. He's out with his crush dujour, a little ingenue looking at him as my Abuela would say, "like he's <a href="http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&q=rock%20hudson&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&biw=1366&bih=555">Rock Hudson</a>." Except when she says it, it sounds like "rog hoodson" and I love that. So back to our little 90201 couple. As they round the corner to the next aisle he says in all his self-important glory, "Do you know what the greatest threat to a security system is?" Dramatic pause. "People."<br /><br />Gah! Gag me now. I felt awkward <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">for </span></span>them.<br /><br />I bet you five bucks he heard that not even the week before, 10 bucks judging by her giggle that she took it hook line and sinker and a grand prize of $20 ladies and gentlemen, that it's not the first time he used that line. Then I wondered if I sounded as snotty, yet as blissfully young and ignorant as they did when I was their age.<br /><br />Nahhhhhhhhhh.<br /><br />By the way, sorry for torturing you guys with cruddy phone camera shots. My camera is in some black hole and I'm not sure when it will return. Hopefully soon. But here's another freaky shot. Playing with the brightness on said phone to get a good shot of the baby's eyes.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/OCTOBER%202010/?action=view&current=IMAG0409.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/OCTOBER%202010/IMAG0409.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.maricucu.blogspot.com">© 2009-2010 Maricucu all rights reserved</a></div>MommaMarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158011891565911447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3682012424185125651.post-40867090242517942272010-09-24T23:09:00.004-04:002010-09-24T23:33:22.928-04:00Mayhem<div style="text-align: center;">Wow it's been a while since I posted a video. Not because I haven't laughed at anything lately but because my brain is fried and when I am in front of the computer and not the droid the kids seem to have their kid-dar out for "oh no momma is concentrating!" So it's quite appropriate that I post something related to mayhem - the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/allstate">Allstate mayhem commercials</a>. The deadpan tone of voice from Dean Winters is like Ben Stein channeling Bobcat Goldthwait. Since Mr. Maricucu must be pretty tired of me guffawing at these spots I figured I'd post one on the blog for posterity.<br /><br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vtP-S9OS0o0?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vtP-S9OS0o0?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />I'm just this shy of not too old to get the references but it's pretty scary to realize that in another couple of years I'll be completely out of the loop regarding modern slang. Heck, I didn't even know who this Dean Winters guy was until I googled him. It may sound pretty bleak but TV for me is limited to food network and HGTV so I don't have to put up with overly tanned "reality tv" stars, canceled favorites or bad news. <br /><br />Oh and a little note to my friends and visitors. I'm not ignoring comments, I promise. I'm just barely functioning on a daily basis (in a good way) and like to dedicate a little time and thought to my replies. So just consider me delayed at responding in an ADD/procrastinator kind of way.<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.maricucu.blogspot.com">© 2009-2010 Maricucu all rights reserved</a></div>MommaMarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158011891565911447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3682012424185125651.post-56016708983762215692010-09-13T22:46:00.004-04:002010-09-15T11:59:31.209-04:00It's so exciting<div style="text-align: center;">Receiving new school supplies that is. I know enough people like me to know I'm not the lone freak. Whether smooth sharp pencils, brand new pens, unblemished notebooks or as in my public school days being the first student to christen a textbook. It all makes me giddy still. So non-homeschoolers might be feeling pity for me right now, assuming that I would not ever experience the thrill of new supplies. Well then you might be wrong.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/?action=view&current=IMAG0252.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/IMAG0252.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Check it out people! The science portion<span style="font-weight: bold;">*</span> of our resources for this year. Not only do we get to break in the books but Houston we've even got sealed science kits. Oh yes, yes, yes sealed kits which will go against ever fiber in my being to disrupt them and actually use them. Yes I'm weird like that. I thought you knew. Let's just say that consumables make me weep and shiver all at the same time. If it were up to me I'd have a set of brand new books, notebooks and pencils just for petting, then another set for actually using.<br /><br />So yes, we're now "official" homeschoolers as recognized by our state and really that means nothing has changed. Well, nothing except now I have a whole new excuse to shop. Someone alert the presses!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">* Forgive the poor cell phone pic. I was opening up the new stuff alone in my bedroom and if I had stepped out for the camera my little people would have been alerted to "something cool 'cause momma broke out the camera". Then it would have all gone south from there.</span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.maricucu.blogspot.com">© 2009-2010 Maricucu all rights reserved</a></div>MommaMarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158011891565911447noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3682012424185125651.post-86827750432150945492010-09-02T09:00:00.002-04:002010-09-02T09:35:07.248-04:00Hmmmmmm<div style="text-align: center;">Back when my oldest was a baby I would hear other parents make comments about how their kid had fallen asleep on the floor playing or even on the couch. Others shared pictures of their child asleep in odd places like a drawer or laundry basket. You get the picture. I would share this with Mr. Maricucu and we were confounded since our oldest just.did.not.fall.asleep anywhere but in bed. Don't get me wrong, he slept well but he was not the type to drop from exhaustion. So you can imagine how surprised I was one day when I hadn't heard my then toddler second born in a while. I walked into their bedroom and he had fallen asleep on the floor as he played with his trains. I do remember grabbing the camera and immediately emailing Mr. Maricucu the picture so he could share in the awe. Apparently he's one of "those kids", the kind that falls asleep midchew at the dinner table. And yes even when he was out of the high chair he would fall asleep in the middle of dinner nearly keeling over sideways from the dining chair before one of us realized it and caught him.<br /><br />Seems our third is that type of kid too. I was running errands one day while Mr. Maricucu was at home with the kids and arrived to find her face down, bottom scooted fast asleep on the living room floor. Before I could even say a word Mr. Maricucu just looked at me and said, "hey she fell asleep and after the morning she had I was not about to move her." I totally understood. In our house as long as you're not falling asleep in the bathtub, momma and daddy will not disturb you other than to throw a blanket over your body. This third kiddo though, she seems to be turning it into an extreme sport.<br /><br />As I was nursing her sister the other day on the rocking chair I noticed her doing the usual - pulling out every basket I have on the shelves and dumping them out to fill with her picked up loot from around the house. I saw her walk around the side of the couch and didn't think anything of the silence that followed (yes that was risky). Here's what I found when I got up to investigate moments later:<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/AUGUST%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_9969.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/AUGUST%202010/IMG_9969.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Yes, she is asleep, in an ikea basket of all things and she of course dragged her poor bedraggled dolly along for the ride. I guess contorting yourself and a porcelain doll into a 13x13" basket is some hard work and requires an impromptu nap. Oh and you better believe I did not wake her up. No way no how. Sleep is precious for both parent and child.<br />By the way that doll is a porcelain doll my mother bought for her when she was born. When my mom told me she would be bringing the doll up I told her it was under the condition that she knew it was going to be played with and not a dust collector. I'm not an amazing housekeeper but I refuse to add dust collectors, aka knick knacks to our already cozy home. So yes, dolly looks like she's been rode hard and put away wet but she is loved and most importantly <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">used</span>.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/AUGUST%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_9974.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/AUGUST%202010/IMG_9974.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />In other random thoughts from my head check out these <a href="http://www.slate.com/id/2225665/">plumcots</a>. So beautiful I couldn't help but snap a pic. They were however way too sour for the kids. Nothing a drizzle of honey and a toss couldn't fix. Then the same container was emptied in moments while the children buzzed around it with their forks.<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/AUGUST%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0403.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/AUGUST%202010/IMG_0403.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.maricucu.blogspot.com">© 2009-2010 Maricucu all rights reserved</a></div>MommaMarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158011891565911447noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3682012424185125651.post-12966630913366081592010-08-22T22:30:00.003-04:002010-08-22T22:40:08.735-04:00The ark is full.<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/AUGUST%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0036.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/AUGUST%202010/IMG_0036.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><br />At least that's the way it feels. With four kids in car seats it means we have only the passenger seat available for an adult to occupy in our minivan. Once Mr. Maricucu had installed the baby's car seat I sighed, turned to him and said, "that's it we can't have any more kids, we're out of room." Obviously that was <span style="font-weight: bold;">not </span>the only reason we're fine with four but the reality hit right about that time. Four kids in the car, four kids out. Three backpacks, one huge old lady bag and a sling occupy the space behind the driver and passenger seats:<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/AUGUST%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0029.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/AUGUST%202010/IMG_0029.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><br />The boys go in the back since they can blessedly do their own car seat straps. That's right moms, one day they will get in and get out <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">on their own! </span></span><br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/AUGUST%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0042.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/AUGUST%202010/IMG_0042.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><br />The girls are in the middle row rearfacing which makes for some interesting giggle fests as their older brothers alternate between entertaining and annoying them:<br /><br /><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/AUGUST%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_0037.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/AUGUST%202010/IMG_0037.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /><br />So yeah, I've got a mom-mobile. And yeah, it's full of kids. So sue me.<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.maricucu.blogspot.com">© 2009-2010 Maricucu all rights reserved</a></div>MommaMarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18158011891565911447noreply@blogger.com2