Tuesday, February 16, 2010

It's been way too long!






I'm back!!  Even though I should be reading or doing something else very studious, I always happen to have my greatest spurts of creative energy during these times.   Today after class, I became determined to be Queen Organization.   About an hour ago, I was contemplating the idea of starting up my own personal organization service for mothers who need the help organizing their duties as not only a mother and  wife, but a friend and perhaps a working professional.   I think organizing my life is tough, but I like doing it and I don't think I would mind organizing other people's lives.    Anyways, back to today's dream of being Queen Organization.  I went to Office Depot (after online investigating in class...) and bought 100 file folders and these super cool clear, plastic hanging wall files.  On top of that, I bought basic Avery labels that I could print on with pretty fonts and colors :)    Since the hanging files came in a pack of 3, I hung two in my room and I put the other one by the kitchen of the apartment.  I put 4 files in it (3 for us girls in the apartment and 1 labeled "Super cool coupons!")  

I have this great idea of using puffy paint on the clear hanging wall files to decorate them!I think it would such a cute homemade gifts for organizational purposes.  So that's my new project on the to-accomplish list! I'll make sure to post pics whenever I finally decorate one.

Besides today's eventfulness, living in an apartment since August, I thought I would have made WAY more chef-worthy meals by now.  However, I feel like there's just never enough time in the day.  I did manage to make one noteworthy dish last month!   It was a baked ziti that I found on recipes.com.   It turned out awesome!!  


The preparation...the meat sauce and all the noodles.  The load of cheese had not been brought out yet.

Prior to going into the oven.

The finished product!  Lots of cheese - my favorite!!!

As I'm sure you know, Valentine's Day was just the other day.  Of course, my life wouldn't be complete if I didn't do some baking.   SO early in the morning,  I made little heart cakes for my boyfriend and he planned out a pretty special day for us.  The day was absolutely beautiful and he took me to Laguna Beach!   

That little cupcake coaster I bought at an Irvine Craft fair this past December.  Isn't it ADORABLE?!?! And those are my little heart cakes on the bottom :)

This is my attempt at being artistic :)


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Somehow today wins in the cooking area too - and it's a win because of ease, affordability, and deliciousness.  A long time ago my mom made these little pizzas out of english muffins, and I had the bright idea of trying to do the same thing last week.  I'm sure a lot of people have heard of it before, but if you haven't then this is for you!!   It's SO easy, SO tasty, and SO affordable in my opinion.  It's definitely a "piece of cake" for those people who want legit, personal pizzas without spending the time or the money.

English Muffin Mini Pizzas

The ingredients
- 1 english muffin (I use Thomas English muffins - Better Start Light Multigrain.  Only 100 calories, for those calorie conscious readers!)
-pizza sauce (I could only find Mama Mary's Pizza Sauce - so that's what I used!)
-shredded mozzarella cheese (I used Sargento Classic)
- pepperonis (I used Hormel)

Step 1.   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.   Toast the english muffin on medium heat (I used a pop up toaster)

Step 2.  Tear off a small sheet of parchment paper and lay it on a cookie sheet. This will allow for super easy clean up! Place both halves of the english muffin on top of the parchment paper with the inside facing up.   Put 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on each piece, and smooth around.  Sprinkle mozzarella cheese onto your pizzas, and place a couple of pepperonis on top!

Step 3.  Place pizzas in the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes!

I know this sounds the most simple recipe in the world - but if you're like me, it's sometimes hard to think of something simple! 


 

That's all for tonight!  It's so great to be back!  


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