Clothing Optional...

We sort of have a clothing dilemma in the Jackson household.  It's the little miss...she refuses to stay dressed.  She completely disregards the fact that the weather is currently below the freezing point in the Midwest.  She could care less that the neighbors can see her
standing on the toy bench near the window (stark naked).
 And frankly, she's not at all concerned that her

bare bum is parked on our couch while watching Elmo. 

*The required uniform for watching Elmo...No one

will want to sit in this chair again after seeing this pic*

Several times a day, I follow the trail of strewn clothing (diaper included) to find her sitting at the end of said trail like the proverbial pot of gold at the end of the rainbow...except I'm not leaping for joy.

A few days ago, I lamented on Facebook how the little miss refuses to keep clothing on, and I received a lot of great advice...everything from putting her clothing on her backwards, to let her keep running around naked.  I even had friends telling me to let her choose her own clothes (she's 21-months...and I'm guessing that she'd choose to be naked).

I was trying to decide whether it was a nickel issue, and then we had a breakthrough.  The little miss began pulling off her diaper and bringing it to us every time she went to the bathroom.  I was in a bit of denial that she could be ready to potty train...I hadn't planned to start until after she turned two.  But, we're taking advantage of her pension for nakedness and her love of sitting on the potty.  We're not really doing the underwear thing...I mean what's the point if she doesn't keep them on anyway?

*yes...she's watching Elmo while on the potty...hey, it worked!*

So, starting today, I'm on potty patrol.  Here in the Jackson house our new mantra will be "All Potty, All The Time."  We've had two successful sittings and a small miss (thankfully we have hardwood floors).  Thank goodness for Elmo, books, and chocolate.  I promise to not make the next few weeks of blog posts all about potty training...I mean who really wants to read all about my daughter's bowel success

(other than the grandmas).

So, I'll try to blog about other interesting things in between trips to the potty...wish us luck!

Happy Monday!

N hearts B...

I Love B.  If I were in junior high, I'd write his name all over my notebooks.  If I were Shakespeare, I'd be writing sonnets about him.  Instead, I'm a blog writer, so I guess this is as good as it gets.  This man is awesome.  He knows the way to my heart is through my stomach, therefore he has learned the art of baking and changed my life forever.  Saturday mornings, it's his famous coffee cake.  The guy makes a rhubarb cobbler like nobody's business.  He's no stranger to a good muffin.  And now, he has turned my former aversion to chocolate into a romance.  *Sigh* he's a keeper.

His latest conquest is this decadent chocolate loaf cake:

Oh, my, it's Heavenly.  As B so eloquently describes it, "It's fork-squishing good."  You know like in the old Duncan Hines commercials when they would use the fork to smash that last bite because it's so moist? This cake doesn't need frosting or whipped cream...it's manly enough to stand on its own two feet. 

It's a bit of a labor of love, and you need patience as you have to wait 24-hours to eat it...but it's so worth it!

Here's the recipe:

 Dense Chocolate Loaf Cake

Dry Ingredients:

1 1/4 C. Flour

1 tsp Baking Soda

1/2 tsp Salt

Moist Ingredients:

1 C. Unsalted Butter (softened)

1 2/3 C. Dark Brown Sugar

2 Eggs (beaten)

2 tsp Vanilla

4 oz. Bittersweet Chocolate melted and cooled

(B uses Ghiradelli 60% baking chips)

1 C. + 2 T. Boiling Water

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Grease a loaf pan and line with parchment paper

(very important as the cake is super moist and will stick).

Combine dry ingredients and set aside.

In a large bowl, cream butter until fluffy.  Beat in sugar, then add eggs one at a time. 

Add vanilla then fold in the melted and cooled chocolate.

Add 1/3 of the flour mixture to the chocolate mixture.  Then

add 1/3 of the boiling water.  Continue alternating until all of the flour and water has been incorporated.

(it will be a very thin batter).

Pour into prepared pan, place on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes.

Turn oven temperature down to 325 degrees and bake for another 15-18 minutes.

Since this cake is so moist, a toothpick test isn't as accurate...B does a jiggle test...he slightly

jiggles the pan to see if the center of the cake done.  If it doesn't move then the cake is done.

This cake is better to be slightly under cooked...if it's cooked too long it looses it's moist,

dense texture.

Let the cake cool about 10 minutes in the loaf pan, then cover the pan with foil and let sit 24-hours.  Unwrap it's Heavenly goodness and enjoy!

Happy Friday!

Wrap It Up...

I would say we're pretty healthy eaters over here at the Jackson '5'.  We enjoy the occasional belly buster, but for the most part we eat a good variety of fruits and vegetables and a limited amount of processed foods.  Sometimes we even go meatless *gasp*

This wrap is a favorite of the little Miss, B and myself...the little Mr. won't touch it:

It's got lots of fresh vegetables, protein and fiber...It's basically

just a salad wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla. *smile*

Occasionally we add diced grilled chicken seasoned with cumin, coarse salt and garlic.

We love it for a quick lunch or dinner paired with soup and fresh fruit...

It's probably more of a Summer meal, but we eat it year round, because it's so healthy.

I hope you enjoy it!

*Spinach and Black Bean Wrap*

Whole Wheat Tortillas (warmed)

2-3 cups spinach leaves (coarsely chopped)

1/2 carrot shredded

a bit of sliced red onion (I probably do a couple of tablespoons for flavor)

1 diced roma tomato

1/4 cup shredded cheese

(we prefer a strong cheese such as sharp cheddar, feta or goat cheese)

1 can of black beans *drained and rinsed (I only use half a can)

2-3 TBS Newmann's Own lime vinaigrette

(we also love red wine or balsamic vinaigrette with this)

You could even add a bit of cilantro for good measure.

Directions:

Toss all ingredients and fill whole wheat tortillas...roll up, slice in half and enjoy!

Or, skip the tortilla and simply enjoy it as a salad.

Happy Friday!!!

Embrace The Camera...

I think I'll embrace the camera today...I need to embrace something because I'm certainly not embracing this frigid, blasted, cold weather.  Yesterday I wore five shirts and two pairs of pants at the same time!!  If that's not craziness then I don't know what is.  Have you ever worn two pairs of pants at the same time (on purpose)?  Let me tell you...don't do it unless you are fricking cold and want an everlasting wedgie. 

Today, I'm on target to wear at least four shirts...I may don another in a bit...and yes, I'm wearing my cowl scarf too.  My husband reminded me we've got a least two more months of this...and I just don't know how much we can count on Punxsutawney what's-his-face (I googled that).

My rant is over...I'm stepping off my box and handing over my mega phone.  While I'm not embracing the cold, my kiddos and sweet hubby sure are.  A couple of days ago we all did a bit of sledding:

I thought it was hilarious getting the four of us all suited up to go sledding...

we looked like we were related to this guy:

(couldn't find a credit for this...but they were amazing)

Now...the sad thing is that mommy didn't make it in the photo.   B and I swapped places, got the shot all set up, and then...the camera died.  I was so bummed! But, I will not be left out of the history of that day...the proof that I braved the cold and trudged up massive hills only to slide down in a matter of seconds and repeat the craziness of it all... so I remedied that situation...

 

See?  It's just like I was there...or something.  I died laughing when I saw my huge head on B's little body. 

Now, go to Emily's site and embrace the camera.

Make memories...even if you have to photoshop yourself in!

El Cheapo...

You probably already figured out that my middle name is El Cheapo...Nikole El Cheapo Jackson. Has a nice ring to it doesn't it? (okay, it's not really El Cheapo...it's Marie).

I love a good bargain, I love thrift stores, I love discount racks, and I love coupons. But you already knew that. These things make me happy. But, is there a chance that being cheap means you scrimp on quality? Not cool.

Well, a couple of weekends ago, I was looking online to blow a little Christmas money, and I found this adorable necklace:

(photo courtesy: F21)

At the time it was only $1.50!!! (it's $2.80 now). Now, being that inexpensive, I kind of pictured it coming out of a little plastic egg of a vending machine...but, it was so cute and at a buck fiddy, even I, El Cheapo, could afford this sort of mistake. So, I clicked on it and added it to my order. Then, a few days later, I saw it on this girl's site. Now, if she's highlighting it, then it's got to be good. So, I started to feel a bit better about my purchase.

Six days trudged slowly by, when finally, my highly anticipated package arrived on my front porch. I ripped open the envelope and flung clothing and tissue paper to find the little feather:

I was pleasantly surprised!  It's of great quality and much cuter than the picture online!  I love this necklace!  I've worn it several times and have gotten lots of compliments.  I love how it goes with everything and looks so delicate.  I imagine this little guy is going to be seeing the light of day quite often.

El Cheapo is one happy girl! 

Have you scored an amazing find on the cheap?  Do Share!

What's In My Bag...

 One of my favorite mags of all time is Lucky Magazine.  I first discovered it when I was pregnant with the little Mr. and was looking for some light reading to pack in my hospital bag. 

Ever since, I've been a faithful subscriber.

My favorite part of the magazine is when they show you all the products, accessories and

clothing they used for the celebrity cover photo shoot.  It's given me a lot of insight into

picking the products I use myself.

So, wanna see what's in my make-up bag?  Personally, I don't use a ton of make-up.  

I would call my style 'au-naturale' since I have a, "less is more" approach.  But,

I certainly have a few products I can't live without: 

1.  Aveeno tinted moisturizer (light/fair) SPF 30--I've never been a foundation or powder girl, but I love

 the way this moisturizer is light, yet still evens out my skin tone with a hint of color...

2.  Covergirl Bronzer (can't remember the exact color)--for the days I want to look like I'm from Florida instead of Des Moines...

3.  Almay Triple Effect Mascara (black/brown)--the only product I can't live without...

it lengthens, thickens and curls my lashes...

I almost don't need an eyelash curler...

4.  Eyelash curler--I said almost don't need it...but I still love the way

it instantly opens my eyes and makes my lashes appear longer...

5.  Eyebrow shaper--cause my brows have a mind of their own...

6.  Almay concealer (light/fair)--because I inherited dark circles under my eyes (boo)...

7.  Burt's Bees Lip Gloss (Zesty Red)--the hippy in me loves the all natural/no animal testing aspect,

the girly-girl in me loves that it's sheer red tint adds just a hint of color. 

Plus, it's not sticky!

8.  Almay Smart blush (Natural)--I love.  love.  love.  This blush! 

It's a buildable color that compliments your skin tone.

You can apply a bit for a hint of color,

or apply more for a dramatic effect...

So, that's a little peek in my bag!  Next, I'll show you a few

 tricks up my sleeve for hair and other products I can't live without!!!

Happy Friday!

Are You Ever Too Old To Kiss Yo Mama...

I certainly hope not!!!

I know these pics are sort of old news...but in light of the little Mr. becoming a man turning five next month, I couldn't help but post these pics...and remind him that you're never to old to give your mother a kiss...

Now, go link up to Emily's blog and Embrace The Camera...