Goulash for Days

 

My parents were big on being in the kitchen and cooking together.  I remember warm plates of goodness flowing onto the table almost every single night.  One of my favorites was the Goulash....straight from the pot and covered with a sprinkle of cheese. Yummmmmmmm!  Today it's still a family favorite for my children, I love having these special recipes to pass down to them from my Mom and Dad.  Having never met their Grandparents I think it makes it extra special for them to have a little piece of them on a plate like this to pass down to the next generation.

Here is what you need:

 

2 pounds of lean ground beef
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper or zucchini, diced(optional)
2 -15 ounce can small dice tomatoes
2 - 15 ounces can tomato sauce
3 Bay Leaves
About a Tablespoon of Italian seasonings
1/2 cup of beef broth
2 cups dry macaroni, cooked according to package directions
salt and pepper to taste
cheese for topping
Scallions, Parsley or Cilantro as extras if you want

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the macaroni.  I have just put uncooked pasta in the pot with the cooked meat too.  If you do that you will want to just add about 2-2 1/2 additional cups of water to the mixture.  While pasta cooks, brown the ground beef that has been seasoned with salt and pepper.  Drain beef well and remove meat to a bowl.  In 1 tablespoon or so of oil, cook the onion and bell pepper or zucchini if using, until softened.  Add the canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasonings.  Add the ground beef back to the pot.  Cover and cook about 15 minutes.  Remove lid and add cooked macaroni unless you just added it along with the extra water with your tomato products and seasonings.  Season with salt and pepper, if needed.  Mix it all together well and add cheese if want.  At the very end I like to sprinkle in a good handful of chopped scallions or fresh cilantro!!!

Super Yummy and Delicious, tell me if you make it for your Family!!!

The Star Movie DVD Release and Devon Franklin Bible Study

 

“Full of humor and heart” – Huffington Post

“The Star is destined to become a classic!” – The Dove Foundation

Golden Globe® Nominated for Best Original Song by Mariah Carey & Marc Shaiman

 Available on Digital February 6 and On Blu-ray + DVD + Digital on February 20. 

Approximately 86 minutes and is rated PG: for some thematic elements

CursiveLogic ~ REVIEW

I personally prefer writing in cursive whenever I write in my journals or  illustrations.  You would think at least one of my kiddos would have latched on to this fine art just as I had when I was younger.  But, that couldn't be any further from the truth.  That doesn't mean this homeschool Momma can't at least try to teach them this lost art.  Luckily there are many writing programs available and I have found a few that I felt were helpful.  But, one in particular I have reviewed for before a few times and am here to review yet again for them and showcase a few new things they have to offer.  CursiveLogic has blessed us with a beautiful updated version of their CursiveLogic Quick-Start Pack and The Art of Cursive. 

The Pencil Grip, Inc.~ REVIEW

 

The Pencil Grip, Inc. has done it again.  They have made another product that we can't live without.  I'm talking about the Magic Stix Washable Markers.  We have been coloring everything we can get our hands on with this cool 24 pack, Kaden has even gotten away with doing some of his school work with them too.  We were first introduced to The Pencil Grip, Inc. a few years ago when we reviewed their pencil grip.  Since then we have become huge fans of many of their products.  They offer tons of innovative products to use in both your home and school.

When we first opened our box Kaden right away was trilled they came in a durable clear carrying case.  This has made clean up easy and made taking them on car trips, to the library or long Dr. visits a breeze.  These vibrant markers are not only washable, but you can leave the cap off for 7 days and not worry about them drying out.  Say What?!?!  Yep, you read right and we tested it out and we went 11 days with no caps and they were still going on strong. 

Restore ~ REVIEW

I have been on a journey for a long time to heal myself from my past.  My childhood past all the way up to just 5 years ago when my whole world was rocked by the discovery of my Husband's addiction.  Therapy, life change and most importantly Jesus Christ every single day and I am a completely different person then I was just a few short years ago.  But, just because I have made a huge shift in my heart and life I still have to surrender every single day.  And I have to fill my mind with healthy ideas and words.  I get these from the Bible obviously, but also from my music I choose and books I read. 

Under a Cloudless Sky ~ REVIEW

This next book came just in time when I was researching my Family background that winds around many mountains in West Virginia.  Enter into my hands the newest book from Chris Fabry, Under a Cloudless Sky.  I was intrigued by the title at first, but quickly became excited once I learned it was set back in the 30's in the deep mountains of West Virginia.  This was my absolute first read from this Author and I was impressed. 

Drive Thru History Adventures~ REVIEW

You know how you feel when your favorite coffee shop has a Barista handing out little samples of a seasonal drink that you love and then they offer you a free drink for your next visit?  But, then it get's better...they say you can come in every day and get a free drink for the whole next year!  Yeah, okay that last part has actually never ever happened, but it would be way cool right?  Well that potential feeling of excitement is exactly how I felt when I received the email to review the homeschool video collection from Drive Thru History Adventures. 
Sound Familiar to you?  I have reviewed Drive Thru History before and we adore the Host, Dave Stotts.  He brings History alive and takes you on the most exciting educational field trips to the past.  So, what is Drive Thru History Adventure?  Basically they have taken Drive Thru History videos and developed an amazing curriculum around them and put it all in one place online for you and your entire family. 

Easy Chicken Chow Fun

 

Yummy Chicken Chow Fun is not something we have often, but when we do....my tummy is very happy.  Well, until the carb coma hits me! :)

We go at least once every other month to our local China Town Markets.  We usually start the day with fresh Dim Sum and end it with various stops for pastries, veggies and special Asian food extras that we can't find at our local grocery store.  One of those items is the chow fun noodles made fresh every single day. 

 

This is what you need.......

Chow Fun rice noodles

1-2 chicken breast ~ Sliced thinly

About 3 Tbsp of Dark soy sauce or Amino Acids

2 tsp of both Sesame oil and Olive oil

2 tsp rice wine

Chinese broccoli for a side

2 garlic cloves minced

3-4 scallions, chopped in chunks 

3 cups bean sprouts

Pepper to taste

Hot chile oil or Siracha (optional)

 

First I put the thinly sliced chicken in a bowl with the marinate.  To make the marinate just mix sesame oil, rice wine, garlic and some of the dark soy sauce or aminos. I usually just let it sit for 30 minutes or so

Once that is finished marinating I toss the chicken with the rest of the oil in my heated wok.  I only cook it for a few minutes being careful not to overcook.  Once cooked then I toss in the noodles, scallions and bean sprouts. 

The Chinese Broccoli is super easy to make.  Just trim the stem and I usually slice it in half.  Sauté in garlic, salt and pepper in olive or avocado oil.  I like them to have a little crunch still and bright color.  I hope this helps, I'm not very good about recipes....writing or using them.  Enjoy!!!!

Wulf the Saxon Audio Drama~REVIEW

I know I have said this before, but I slept during most of my History classes growing up or hanging out in the hallway till I was dragged in.  Fast forward to the present day and I can't learn fast enough!  I want to learn everything I can regarding History and while doing this I am opening the door for my children to want to do the same.  And they have been enjoying the brand New audio drama from Heirloom Audio Productions called, Wulf the Saxon.  Like other productions of theirs, these audio dramas are based off the writings from the brilliant G.A. Henty.

Spread Some Love Your Way

Guys....I had so many cute Valentine ideas to do with the kids this year. Kaden is really into celebrations more then normal and I kind of wanted to take advantage of it. :)  But, honestly between the hourly essential oil rub downs, mounds of tissues accumulating around me like a Dr Seuss situation I can hardly give it another thought. If we do it, we do it and there is no shame or finger pointing. I’m the biggest finger pointer at myself... it’s in my DNA. But, days like today look so different then they would have 4 years ago. I have learned to just let go and practice self love. So, in this moment if you are struggling with sickness like me, finances, obstacles or just a never ending to do lists... just let go, love yourself where you are and accept the present situation for what it is, not what it’s not or what it should be.  We have to Love Ourselves Mamas!!!!

Solar Energy

 

Do you know that you can charge your crystals in the sun on a cool day.  I usually charge and clear them in the moonlight, but today was so super beautiful that I took advantage of the sunlight.  I started using crystals about 2 years ago during meditation and never looked back.  My kiddos and I have a deep obsession with gems, crystals and rocks... always have.  We are extremely lucky up here in Northern California to have what seems to be an endless supply in our rivers and mountains.  Lucky us! ;)