Keep America Beautiful: Brewster, Ohio

Big things come in small packages. Like the quaint little town I live in. 

Brewster, Ohio, is a rural community in a suburban area also known as the "Gateway to Amish Country", & home to an estimated 2,500 people. Although there are a few traffic lights, there is only one chain restaurant - Subway. And only because it's connected to the only gas station in town. 

Wheeling and Lake Erie Rail Yard, Brewster, 1910
Photo credit: Wikipedia

But what Brewster does have is a thriving economy. Brewster was built in 1910 for the purpose of the Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway, the main offices were actually moved here in 1913. The rail yard still thrives to this day & basically everyone in town either knows someone, or is related to someone, who works there. Actually, if you've ever seen the movie, Unstoppable, starring Denzel Washington & Chris Pine, then you've seen the rail yard. Yep, Brewster, Ohio's claim to Hollywood fame! 

WANDLE House
Photo credit: Village of Brewster, Ohio

Brewster is also home to the WANDLE House (Wheeling AND Lake Erie House), which was originally called the Brewster Railroad YMCA, a dormitory for workers away from home. The WANDLE House is now owned by the Brewster-Sugarcreek Township Historical Society & home to the historical society museum & "The Station" restaurant - a delicious diner that should be on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives (my opinion anyways).

But it's not just the railway that Brewster is known for. 

Brewster Dairy
Photo credit: Brewster Cheese

Brewster Cheese (Brewster Dairy) is the largest manufacturer of Swiss cheese in the US! At just about any hour of the day, you can see a number of tankers waiting to empty their loads of fresh milk from local farms. 

Shearer's Foods, Inc.
Photo credit: Village of Brewster, Ohio

Shearer's Foods Corporate Headquarters turn up delicious snacks like potato chips, pretzels, butter puffs & more. All of which can be purchased at their outlet store right next door! (Anyone that knows me knows I love a good outlet store.) Sometimes you can even tell what they're cooking up that day by the scent in the air, like BBQ & jalapeno flavored chips!

But my favorite thing about Brewster, is Bimeler Park. A 20+ acre park, with two pavilions, picnic facilities, a basketball court, a tennis court, several playgrounds, baseball & softball fields, a skatepark, a walking path & is used for soccer as well. The kids love to go there & play, have a picnic (Swiss cheese & chips included of course) & watch the train cars be moved.

Thank you to the folks at Dropcam for recognizing April as Keep America Beautiful month! 

Simple Sunday: Easter Sunday

Paige, Hayden & Damien.

My loves, in their Sunday best, ready for Easter dinner at Grandma & Grandpa's house.

Snacktastic Saturday: Frosted Almond Milk

I have a huge weakness when it comes to anything involving ice cream. Especially when it comes to milkshakes. I could live off of them. Seriously. But one day I wanted a really healthy milkshake. Yea, I know. But...I got it. Technically speaking of course. 

•almond milk (Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Almond Coconut Blend is my fave!)

•ice cubes

•all natural sweetener, if desired (but not needed)

- Combine all ingredients in a blender, adjusting almond milk & ice until desired consistency is reached.

*Oh no, did you make too much? No worries, just place it in a freezer safe container & freeze. Then just pull it out about 15 min. before hand, scrape away however much you'd like & you have an Almond Milk Italian Ice... technically speaking of course. 

Fun Friday: Milk Carton Easter Bunny

This is another one of those post-Easter posts...sorry about that.

This was such a fun craft to do with the kids! Even if I couldn't find my googly eyes at the time. 

•empty milk jug

•scissors

•pink construction paper

•white printer paper (or other white paper)

•glue

•tape

•permanent marker

•googly eyes, if desired

•2 white pipe cleaners

- To prepare the milk jug, simply rinse it out & cut the top off while still leaving the handle intact. Allow to dry. 

- Use one sheet of pink construction paper & one sheet of white printer paper to cut the ears (be sure the pink is slightly smaller than the white). Use glue to hold them together & then tape to secure them to the jug.

- Use a permanent marker or googly eyes (if you can find them in your multiple totes of craft supplies) for the eyes & permanent marker for the mouth.

- Use two white pipe cleaners for the whiskers by twisting them together to form an "X", curl the ends & secure them by cutting a small slit at the mouth & taping them on the inside.

Already my kids are thinking of different animals & even monsters to make from milk jugs. (Which is fine with me since they're drinking more milk.) Although I'm not too sure how I'm going to pull off making a horse...

Think It Thursday: Making Up Calamity Days

Now that the polar cortex of a winter is far behind us...wait, is it? Sure the bitter cold, ice & snow are long gone, but there's still one part of winter hanging around. School calamity days.

Our school had quite a bit of snow days, double the allotted amount I believe. To help make up some of the days, the school issued "blizzard bags", which were assignments for an entire day, that could be accessed on the school website. After three "blizzard bags" & one of the snow days not needing to be made up for some reason or another, the school year was only extended by a day. But since the original last day was on a Thursday, ending on a Friday isn't so bad. Unlike my niece who goes to a different school...their last day was scheduled on a Monday, but after no "blizzard bags", it's now on a Friday. That is practically a whole extra week! So I'm pretty sure my kids are OK with one day after they heard about that. (Parental note: I'm pretty sure the school budget will be much more forgiving with 1 day vs. 1 week.)

Work It Wednesday: Spring Polish Trends for 2014

Whether you go all out with detailed nail art, or keep it simple with a few plain coats (that's me), painted nails can complete any look. But just like your clothes, polish trends come & go with the seasons. 

Here's what's hot this Spring!

Nude Shimmers - Always a classic.

Tropical Melons - Think oranges, corals & yellows.

Blue Hues - Shades of aqua, deep & baby blues are huge!

Think Pink - Especially fuchsias & baby pinks. 

Minty Fresh - Mint, that's it!

L-R: Jamaica Me Crazy, Imagination (an old favorite in case you couldn't tell) & Penny Talk.

Well, it looks like I have some serious polish shopping to do! But until I build up my Spring colors, I can at least have some stylish nails with the few that I do have. Maybe even a nude shimmer with a fuchsia & glitter tip? 

Tasty Tuesday: Nachos Supreme

Every now & then, I love to over indulge myself in a huge plate of nachos. Supreme, of course, just like Taco Bell. But better!

•tortilla chips

•1lb. hamburger

•jarred salsa

•refried beans with green chiles

•shredded lettuce

•pico de gallo (homemade salsa of diced tomatoes, peppers, onions & cilantro)

•guacamole 

•sour cream

•queso dip

•green onions, diced

•black pepper

- In a nonstick skillet, cook hamburger until browned. Drain grease & add salsa to flavor.

- Place tortilla chips on a baking sheet & place in a 350º oven until heated. (Roughly 5-7 min., but as soon as you can smell them, they're done.

- In a small saucepan, heat refried beans.

- To assemble, place warm chips on a large plate. Top with refried beans, hamburger mixture, lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream, queso dip, green onions & black pepper.

- Grab a napkin or three & enjoy!

Motivating Monday: Les Brown Quote

Simple Sunday: Easter Bunny Decorations

I know this is after Easter now, but this is one of my favorite Easter decorations. I may even have to leave her out until summer.

Snacktastic Saturday: Chunky Guacamole

It wasn't until a few years ago that I discovered my love for guacamole. Sure, I had had some on dishes at Mexican restaurants, but that was about it. Then one day I had some guacamole that a friend made & it was amazing! Since then I've tweaked my own recipe & make it practically all the time.

*Remember to use desired amounts.

•avocado

•minced garlic

•roma tomatoes, diced

•red onion, minced

•fresh cilantro, minced

•fresh lime juice

•salt & pepper to taste

- Cut avocado in half, remove the seed & scoop out the fleshy pulp.

- Chop avocado & place in a bowl before mashing with a fork.

- Add remaining ingredients & stir to combine.

- Be sure to give it a taste test (my favorite part) & adjust the garlic, cilantro, lime juice, salt & pepper if need be. 

Enjoy!

 

Fun Friday: Paper Mache Fun

I had fully intended on making paper mache eggs with the kids for Easter. But when i couldn't find any water balloons, we decided to just have some paper mache fun instead.

And then when I took a picture, Mickey Mouse appeared!

 We used regular balloons that were barely blown up, squares of colored tissue paper & a homemade paper mache paste that was easy for the kids to brush on. And easy for mama to clean up!


•1 part flour
•5 parts flour

- Combine mixture in a saucepan & thoroughly whisk.
- Bring to a boil & simmer for 3-4 min.
- Cool to room temperature before using.

Think It Thursday: Eat the Rainbow

More & more these days, you hear the phrase "Eat the Rainbow". I know I hear it from my mom a lot, who I swear likes to get her rainbow in before noon. 

Photo credit: ShareitFitness.com

I do have to admit that I love my fruits & veggies. Although I've never paid attention enough to make sure I had a "rainbow" of variety every day. But after discovering the "Eat the Rainbow" chart from Vitality International, I realize that I'm usually only off by two colors (blue & purple). It wouldn't be anything for me to add some red cabbage to a salad, or blueberries to my smoothie, in order to get a full rainbow. And since it's that simple, I think I'll do it!

Photo credit: Vitality International

Want to know how many servings of fruit & vegetables you should have daily? Enter your age, gender & activity level into the Fruit & Vegetable Calculator from cdc.gov to find out.  

Work It Wednesday: Homemade Hair Mask

Let's face it, we put out hair through a lot! Which means that every now & then we should give it a little TLC. But with just two simple kitchen ingredients that just about everybody has on hand, you don't have to break the bank to do it. 

Combine egg & EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) in a small bowl. Apply to your hair like a conditioner & allow to sit for 15-20 min. before rinsing in the shower. Repeat monthly or as needed. 

Short hair - 1 egg & 1½ Tbsp. EVOO
Medium hair - 2 eggs & 3 Tbsp. EVOO
Long hair - 3 eggs & 4½ Tbsp. EVOO

Tasty Tuesday: Meatball Subwich

I am a huge fan of meatball subs. Well, most of the time anyways. I've had a few that simply tasted like hamburger topped with canned tomato sauce & a bit of cheese on a bun (yuck!). So needless to say, I generally only eat them when I make them at home (or Subway, theirs are always good). Of course calling them subwiches make them taste better too. OK, maybe not, but they sure do sound better!

•1lb. hamburger

•1 sm. onion, minced

•1 egg

•fresh bread crumbs

•Parmesan cheese

•garlic powder

•salt & pepper

•marinara or your favorite pasta sauce

•seasonings for the pasta sauce (I usually add basil, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, sugar, salt & pepper)

•mozzarella or provolone cheese

•hoagie or sub buns

- In a med. bowl, combine the hamburger, onion, egg, and desired amount of bread crumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt & pepper.

- Form into 1in. meatballs & place in a nonstick skillet. Cook over med.-high heat until lightly browned.

- Drain any accumulated grease from the skillet, add the pasta sauce & season to taste.

- Bring sauce to a boil, lower heat to a simmer & cook, covered, for 10-15 min., stirring occasionally.

- Place the buns on a baking sheet & place in a 400º oven until lightly toasted. Remove & set aside.

- When the sauce has been simmered, open rolls & place desired amount of meatballs & sauce down the center. Top with cheese & return to the oven until the cheese has melted. 

Enjoy!

Messy Monday: Company is Coming! How to "Clean" Your House in 30 Minutes

It happens all the time to me. The phone rings, someone asks if you're home then tell you they're swinging by in about 30 minutes. No big deal, right? Right! Except the fact that your house looks like a mini disaster (thanks, kids!). But that's OK since you try to keep your house at least halfway clean, you can have it all looking pristine (or close to it) in just about 30 minutes.

Pick Up

Pick everything up that's not in it's place & out in the open and put it...somewhere. Grab an empty laundry basket to collect everything as you go & place the basket in your closet if need be. Is this actually cleaning? No. But it will look like it & that's all that matters right now. 

Tidy Focal Areas

What exactly does this mean? Figure out what rooms your guests are most likely to be in & give them a quick tidying up. For me, it's the kitchen (counters, stove-top & dishes), living room (dust & wipe the sticky fingerprints off the TV) & the bathroom (wipe down the sink & the toilet). There's no need to clean more than they'll see, unless they've never seen your house & will want the grand tour. If that's the case, grab some of those boxes from the basement & use the "we're still unpacking" excuse (this excuse is only good for 2 years after you move though).

Make It Smell Clean

Clean homes always smell good, did you ever notice that? And not necessarily like a bunch of cleaners. I always light candles after I clean to give it that finishing touch. But with company coming, it's more like the beginning touch. 

Sweep & Mop Until You Drop

OK, not really, but a quick touch up on your floors can make a world of difference! Even if everything else looks a bit unkempt, clean floors will actually make it seem twice as clean as it really is. Just like everything being clean except the floors, will still leave your house looking like a mess. So take 1-15 minutes to do what you can, but be sure you put it all away as soon as your company arrives.

Simple Sunday: Spring is Springing!

I'm not very knowledgeable when it comes to plants, so these may even be a weed for all I know. But what I do know, is Spring is in full bloom with these pretty purple petals.

Snacktastic Saturday: Garlic Parmesan Fries

I'll admit it, I love french fries. But the same ole' fries can be a bit boring for your palette. Which is why I like to mix it up every now & then with the Italian twist of these Garlic Parmesan fries. 

•cooked fries (I prefer homemade baked fries to help keep this recipe a bit closer to the healthy side.)

•melted butter or margarine
•fresh minced garlic &/or garlic powder
•Parmesan cheese

*Remember to use desired amounts.

- In a bowl large enough to hold the fries, gently mix all ingredients together.
- Allow to sit for 1-2 min. so that the flavors can fully soak in. 
- Adjust ingredients as needed (I usually add more garlic.)
- Season with salt & pepper. 
- Serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing, if desired. 
 

Fun Friday: Super Bubble Solution

My kids are relieved to finally be able to play outside now that nicer weather is here. And one of their favorite things to do outside is blow bubbles. Usually my oldest will stand on the back porch, blow as many as she can in what seems like 10 seconds, then run around with her younger brother & sister to pop them.

For years I made the simple bubble solution myself (it is just dish soap & water after all). But this year I decided to put a twist on it & make a Super Bubble solution! These bubbles tend to last a tad bit longer before they pop, which makes them twice as fun! 

•2C. warm water
•4Tbsp. dish soap
•2Tbsp. light corn syrup
•2tsp. white sugar

- Blend all ingredients in an airtight container that can double for storage.

*Due to the corn syrup & sugar, the solution is a bit sticky. 

Think It Thursday: Choose to be Happy!

I came across this photo that I saved to my computer some time ago. After a quick search, I found that it was actually a free Spring printable download from Paper Coterie. 

Choose Happy. That right there puts happiness into perspective. You have a choice. Of course when all is going well in your world, the choice is easy. But for those who feel like one more blow could knock them down for good, it's a much more difficult decision to make. 

The best way to relate to a person choosing happiness, is to look at friends & family who have had to bout with a terminal disease. Sure, there are some who simply decide to just lie there & be as pessimistic as possible. But there are others who show you what life is all about. Despite their future, however bleak or bright it may be, they choose to live life to the fullest. They choose to be happy. They appreciate the simple things in life, like friendly smiles, hugs, chirping birds & even rainy sunny skies (after all, there's a rainbow or two that usually come afterwards). Their outlook & happiness is contagious. They don't dwell in the past, they simply live for today. 

But what about you? Do you live life like it's your last? Of course that doesn't mean you have to break out your bucket list, but if you wouldn't be around tomorrow, would you look back & be OK with it because you lived a lifetime of happiness? 

Work It Wednesday: Spring Fashion Pins

Spring has to be one of my favorite times of the year. Fresh air, green grass, warmer weather & a refreshed wardrobe! Now if only my closet actually held all the outfits I have pinned on Pinterest! (A girl can always dream though!)

Here's some of my favorites for Spring...

This outfit is perfect for early Spring in NE Ohio!
Pin this pin!

Shorts & sandals can be easily pulled off with a long sleeve button down. If that seems like a bit too much or less, layer it with a tank & large knit sweater.
Pin this pin!

Of course you can't have Spring without capris! Add a pair of heels & a flowing top to complete the look.
Pin this pin!

Spring has a tendency to still have chilly nights. A maxi dress & a denim jacket are cool enough to wear during the day, but just enough to warm you up at night.
Pin this pin!

The quintessential pin for those Spring Saturdays full of errands.
Pin this pin!

Bonfire anyone?
Pin this pin!

The perfect date night consists of heels, a jacket & a pop of color.
Pin this pin!

Tasty Tuesday: Spicy Peanut Chicken

I have done it again! I have managed to perfect yet another one of my favorite Asian dishes to make at home whenever my little heart desires. Which honestly, has been once a week, but that's OK with me. Even if I do make huge amounts & get to have leftovers for lunch for at least 2 days. So please overlook the fact that there's only 4 days out of the week that I don't indulge myself in spicy peanut deliciousness. 

•boneless skinless chicken breast halves, sliced thin

•olive oil

•salt & pepper

•instant white rice

•carrots, sliced diagonally

•green pepper, cut into large chunks

•1 med. red onion, cut into large chunks

•sugar snap peas, ends trimmed

•bamboo shoots

•sliced water chestnuts

•dry roasted peanuts

•1/2C. creamy peanut butter

•1/2C. soy sauce

•2Tbsp. white vinegar

•Tbsp. water

•1/3C. sugar

•1Tbsp. fish sauce

•1/4tp.-1Tbsp. Sriracha 

Notes:

* I used a spicy peanut butter (The Heat Is On from Peanut Butter & Co.) & omitted the Sriracha.

** You can also add halved button mushrooms, beansprouts & baby corn to the vegetable mixture.

*** Remember to use desired amounts.

- Season both sides of your sliced chicken breast halves with salt & pepper. Saute in olive oil, until lightly browned & cooked through. Set aside. 

- Cook the instant white rice according to package instructions. Set aside. 

- In a large nonstick skillet, go a couple turns of the pan with olive oil. Saute the veggies until crisp-tender (about 5-8 min.) & set aside. 

- In a small saucepan, combine peanut bitter, soy sauce, vinegar, water, sugar, fish sauce & desired amount of Sriracha (if using). Bring to a boil, lower heat & simmer for 5 min. Set aside to cool & thicken slightly.

- While waiting for the sauce to cool, dice up the cooked chicken.

- To serve, top a bed of rice with desired amount of vegetables & chicken. Drizzle the sauce over top & finish with a small handful of dry roasted peanuts.

Enjoy!

Hamadi Organics: Long Hair, Don't Care!

**Disclaimer: I have received products to try from Hamadi Organics & am simply sharing my personal opinion which may vary from yours. I was not compensated for this review.

I am notorious for growing my hair out super long, only to get a barely past the shoulders cut. I really do love my long locks, but there's usually a point where I just want it gone (also known as the small of my back). By then it will not cooperate at all and looks limp & lifeless. Which is why I'm shocked that my hair is well past that point & looks amazing!

Hamadi Organics is the creation of Jamal Hammadi, one of Hollywood's most sought after stylists. Using essential oils of the highest quality, your tresses are left luxuriously nourished. And everything is moisture based, so they work with your hair's natural oils, not against it.

"Tested on Actresses, Never Animals."

Shea Leave-In

This has to be my favorite product...ever! I run a dollop through my hair after the shower & it acts as a leave-in conditioner (which has helped me tremendously). But the best part is how it helps bring out my natural waves as it dries while combating frizz & static. 

Check out that sleek shine! (View this on Instagram.)

So what's my go to style with the Shea Leave-In? A sleek ponytail of course! It also tames the flyaways when I leave my hair down (which is on rare occasion). And I have to give this major bonus points for adding shine without weighing my hair down!

Shea Spray
I have to say that this Shea Spray is like the cherry on top! not only does it give my hair a bit of extra shine, but it helps to keep frizz at bay. And let me tell you, there is nothing worse than long frizzy & wavy locks (I'm actually shuddering at the thought). 

And then there's the fact that Shea Spray also contains fortifying kelp & smoothing avocado, that really helps to give your hair that healthy look from less breakage. Basically this all translates into me loving my hair swept into a ponytail again. Something I never do when it's this length.

Shea Hair Cream
The Shea Hair Cream is cool like James Franco! Really, it is. If for no other reason, than he actually uses it. (Yes, I do adore James Franco in case it wasn't a tad bit obvious.) 

Jamal Hammadi & James Franco
(Photo credit: Hamadi Organics)

But, back to the Shea hair Cream itself, this stuff is amazing! I have replaced my usual gel & mousse with this alone. It helps to add texture to my hair when I style it, but only where I want the added texture. Which means that I have been taking more time trying out different styles that I never thought I could pull off. of course some I still can't quite pull off, but the ones I can look great!

 I'm already so in love with all of these products, but I can almost guarantee a full blown obsession when warmer weather comes. You see, Shea Butter contains a naturally occurring sunscreen which helps protect your hair from sun damage (broken or split ends, faded color, dry brittle hair, frizz, weakened & thinning hair). And with as much as my family is outdoors...well, my hair will thank me!

Keep up with the latest from Hamadi Organics on Facebook & Twitter.

Messy Monday: Tips to Keep the Dirt Out

After a polar cortex of a winter, which included massive amounts of snow, the ground was already fairly moist. Now in comes spring with massive amounts of rain (most likely). April showers brings May flowers after all. Oh and mud. Lots & lots of mud. 

When mud gets on something, like clothes & shoes, it seems to dry in record time. Which of course means that you then have dirt in every nook & cranny of your home. Have kids or animals to gleefully track dirt everywhere too? Well, don't worry, here are some helpful tips to help keep the dirt out. Or at least most of it. 

•Use mats. Did you notice the word "mat" was plural? As in, more than one? At each entrance of your home?! Now I know that seems like a lot, but if you take the time to think about it, it really does make sense.  Wipe your feet on the mat outside, wipe again & take your shoes off on the mat inside. And just in case a mat won't quite do the job outside, invest in a boot scrubber/scraper to keep right outside your door. 

•Kick your shoes off at the door. Well, OK, don't actually kick them off (that would just spread the dirt), but take them off as soon as you get inside. This will help keep the dirt from letting loose in your home (did anyone else just picture a dirt dance party?).

•Keep a spray mop & handheld vacuum nearby. No, this doesn't mean to man every entryway with these household defensive tools, but a nearby closet will do. Because let's face it, the dog or kids will run right on in at least 10 times a day. Having these handy will help to clean up what is tracked in, in under 30 seconds. Unless they happen to get sprayed by a skunk too. Then...uh, you're on your own. (Sorry.)

Simple Sunday: Lazy Day Chocolate Chip Cookies

The whole weekend was full of chocolate chip cookies! Sorry for the semi-blurry picture, but I was running out of cookies (I was trying to focus the camera in between bites - every 2 seconds).

Snacktastic Saturday: Roasted Garlic Hummus

I love hummus & I love roasted garlic. But for some reason, I can never find the perfect combination of both at the store. So obviously I had to stock up on chickpeas & make my own. And guess what happened? I need more chickpeas! 

•5-7 cloves of roasted garlic*

•1 can chickpeas, rinsed & drained

•3-4Tbsp. lemon juice

•3Tbsp. sesame tahini

•2-3Tbsp. olive oil

•1tsp. salt

•1/4-1/2tsp. cayenne pepper

- Add roasted garlic & chickpeas to the bowl of a food processor & pulse until thoroughly broke down. 

- Add remaining ingredients & pulse to blend to a nice creamy consistency. If necessary, add a splash of water to help smooth out. 

*To roast garlic, peel cloves & place on a sheet of aluminum foil. Drizzle with olive oil & roll up to seal. Bake in a preheated 425º oven until nice & fragrant. 

Fun Friday: Simple Decorated Tealight Holders

Spring is finally here after that awful Polar Vortex of a winter! Which means that I am seriously celebrating Spring. 

I picked up some simple glass tealight holders from the store not that long ago & planned to use them as they were. But then I had a wonderful & easy idea to give them a little bit of a makeover. 

All it took was some colored permanent markers & a little bit of imagination! I really like how the flowers are subtle, but the grass stands out a bit more. Not to mention how beautiful it looks with the tealight lit.

Think It Thursday: Running Out of Things to Say

When I thought of my themes for daily blog posts, I knew I would start to run low on things to post about at some point (mostly on "Messy Monday"). And well, I have to say, that I think on occasion there might be a different Monday posting. I mean, there can only be so many messes, right?

So don't be surprised if Mondays aren't that messy anymore. What they'll be I haven't quite decided. Magnificent? Manic? Margarita?!