How to Make Ice - The Video - Coming Soon

I posted Yiayia's recipe on how to make ice.  It's a little difficult to follow, but, with practice, anyone can be an ice master.

We have had numerous live demonstrations for our kids.  Stressing each step.  Even asking them if they want to try making ice (after we demonstrate on one tray).

I caught RT trying to make ice making a fun activity.  I think he gets frustrated that the kids haven't figured out how to make ice and feels that an ice making video for beginners will help out tremendously.

Stay tuned.

Vegetarian Diaries - Black Beans and Spanish Rice

I have been working a lot of weekends.  It's kind of a pain because I get home late and it's dinner time.  It's hard to come home after a long boring day at work and quickly think of something to make for dinner (that everyone wants to eat).  I think my kids could live on pizza and spaghetti every night.  I prefer a little variety.

One night, I came home, looked in the pantry and decided we were having Black Beans and Spanish Rice.  I have never made this dish.  I don't have a recipe.  And I used only three ingredients from my pantry.

I have to say, I was a little nervous about the outcome.  Would it taste good?  Would everyone like the dish?  Would I have to throw it all out and make peanut butter sandwiches?

I guess this is where I say that it was a success.  (I mean, why would I write about it if it wasn't?)  In fact, the pot was completely empty!  This meal got rave reviews from my family and it's super easy to make!  I thought I would share it in case you have a crazy day and need a quick meal to prepare for dinner.


Black Beans and Spanish Rice

1 cup rice
1 8oz can Spanish Tomato Sauce
1 15oz can Black Beans, drained, rinsed

Cook rice according to directions.

Once rice is cooked, add Spanish Tomato sauce and Black Beans and mix.

Warm up and Serve.



I served this with chopped up sweet peppers and shredded cheese.  You can add chopped green onions or cilantro.  Maybe a little sour cream (or plain yogurt).

You can substitute the rice with faro.


If you make Black Beans and Spanish Rice, let me know how it turned out.

Enjoy!

The Great Kindness Challenge - Community Day

Make a Valentine for a local senior in the community (or make several and drop them off at a local senior living facility.  They would love it!

Write a Thank You card to your postal carrier, fireman, police man, etc.

Bring in canned goods to a local food pantry.

Bring clothing, blankets to a homeless shelter.

Donate some items (food, toys, old towels or bedsheets) to a local animal shelter.


Have you been spreading kindness everywhere you go?

The week is almost over!  How many Random Acts of Kindness have you performed this week?  What good deeds have you done?

The Great Kindness Challenge: Thank You Day

Write a note to someone Thanking them for a gift they sent to you or kind words that they said to you.  Maybe something reminded you of them and you wanted to Thank them for being your friend.  Get out your pen and paper and start writing!  Don't worry if it's plain paper or if you have bad handwriting.  People love to get handwritten notes!

Car Dealer

Just in for my weekly car dealer visit.  Back in November, I came here for my side view mirror.  The mechanics broke the clip on the mirror and had to get another one and have it painted.  Well, they never called me back when it came back in (what kind of service is that?)

So, here I sit, once again, waiting patiently for them to install my new side view mirror.  At least golf isn't playing on the television.  Instead, a bad soap opera.

I'm happy to say that the installation was a success!  My new side view mirror was installed with no problems and my time hanging out at the car dealer has come to an end.

Until the next problem.....

The Great Kindness Challenge - Family

Be extra kind to those you love the most today, your family.  Bring your parent a cup of juice, write a short kindness note to your parent or sibling (or spouse), and offer to do an extra chore.  Compliment your family members and catch them doing something great!

Oh, and don't forget your weekly challenges.  How many kind deeds have you performed this week?

The Great Kindness Challenge - Bring in the Sunshine!

Wear a bright colored shirt today and bring in the sunshine!  Be sure to smile at someone new today!  Oh, and remember to be kind to yourself today as well.

Have a great day!