Sunday, December 30, 2012

New Year . . . New or Old Resolutions

With New Years Eve starting in about half an hour, I am compelled to think about some changes I want to make in 2013. I know, I know most resolutions don't make it past January 31, but I have been successful with some in the past. Therefore, I am hopeful each year as I make my list. Starting in the year 2013, I promise to . . .

1. Continue loosing the baby weight; I have about 15lbs to go.
2. Have a game night with Misses at least once a week
3. Sign Bubba up for swimming lessons
4. Go on a weekend vacation as a family
5. Organize, organize, organize

Five may sound like a lot, but each of these are things I already do. I just want to be more consistent in doing them. Except for the vacation. We haven't gone on a family vacation since Misses was 2 1/2. This year Bubba will be 2, so it should be completely doable to make this happen.

To loose the last of the baby weight, I will count my calories and go to the gym at least 3 times a week. I will have Misses pick a night, and that will be the night she get to stay up 30 minutes past her bed time to play games. We are members at the YMCA, so I will get a swimming schedule and sign Bubba up for lessons. I will be sure to get the items I need to organize either our hats and gloves, or the Christmas wrapping items.

As I complete each one, I will report back. This will help keep me accountable. What are your resolutions for 2013?

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Sugar and Spiced Glazed Pecans

**Update: I realized today that I do not microwave the butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar prior to mixing in the nuts. They still turn out great.***

Recently, I stumbled upon this super easy recipe to make glazed nuts in the the microwave on the cooks.com site. Yes, you read that right. Anyone can make those yummy glazed nuts, you pay way to much money for at the mall during the holidays in the MICROWAVE.

After finding this recipe and being very excited and sceptical, that I could make this happen with my microwave, I set out to do it. I have to say they are delicious and my house never smelled so good. Although, it doesn't take much to make my house smell better than normal, because I have one in diapers and he is stinky!

Anyway, back to the good stuff. Here is what you will need to make these yummy nuts.

Ingredients:

8oz. pecans (halves or pieces)
4tbls. butter
1/2c. brown sugar
1/2tsp. cinnamon

Put the butter in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave till melted.

 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               



Stir in cinnamon and brown sugar.
After that, stir in pecans and microwave for 3 minutes stirring 1-2 times.



 Spread pecans on wax paper and let cool.

 
 
As you can see, I failed to follow directions and used whole pecans. They still turned out great! Serve the nuts warm or cold. Make sure to store them in an air tight container.
 
 
Yes it is that easy! Enjoy and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!