Sunday, May 15, 2016

Shakshuka (Healthy Vegetarian Dish)

Yummy Recipe
by Stacey Kuhns 

 

I always look forward to getting my cooking magazines. Yes, I know I can find any recipe online nowadays, but sometimes, I don't know what I am looking for until I see it.

This happened with a recipe for Shakshuka, a healthy vegetarian dish. I had never heard of it before, but when I saw the picture and read the recipe, I knew I had to make it.

I also knew that it was definitely from another country. Unfortunately, the magazine gave no background information on this dish. After some research, I discovered the dish is of Jewish Tunisian origin.

Shakshuka (Healthy Vegetarian Dish) by Stacey Kuhns


Shakshuka is a staple of Tunisian, Libyan, Algerian, Moroccan, and Egyptian cuisines. There are many variations of this recipe. As my boyfriend and I are not vegetarian, I also grilled chicken, but the Shakshuka was so filling, I could not eat any chicken. I had made it as a side dish, but it can definitely serve as a main dish. It is also a very visually appealing dish (in my opinion). 


Shakshuka (Healthy Vegetarian Dish) by Stacey Kuhns


Here is the recipe (which makes 4 servings):

  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced (I use the minced garlic in the jar)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2-1 tsp chili powder (I used 1 tsp)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp Sriracha Asian hot sauce, optional
    (I used this and it did not make it too spicy)
  • 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
  • 4 large eggs
  • Chopped fresh cilantro

Pita bread, naan, or any other flatbread you can use for tearing and scooping (I used a tandoori bread as I find pita can be hard sometimes depending on the brand)

Note: I doubled this recipe, but just make what you will eat that night/day because I don't believe the eggs would be the same reheated.

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and stir 4-6 minutes or until tender. Add the garlic and seasonings and the Sriracha (if using). Stir 30 seconds longer. Add chopped tomatoes and cook 3-5 minutes or until the mixture is thickened, stirring occasionally.

2. With the back of your spoon, make four wells in the mixture; break an egg into each well. (Note: my mixture was not as thick as described in the recipe so I just cracked the eggs over different parts of the mixture and it came out amazing). Cook covered, 4-6 minutes or until the egg whites are completely set and the yolks begin to thicken but are not hard.

3. Remove from heat, sprinkle with cilantro and serve with bread of your choice.

Additions: You can add artichoke hearts, red or yellow bell peppers, feta cheese, and anything else you desire. I will probably try the feta cheese next time.

The meal was so good, but must be served hot/warm. The egg yolks ran into the mixture, giving those bites a creamy texture. When I first saw the recipe, I thought it was just a lot of onion and tomato. Well, yes it is, but those two ingredients, melded with all the spices, was food that when you put the first bite into your mouth on a warm piece of flatbread, your taste buds thank you! 


Shakshuka (Healthy Vegetarian Dish) by Stacey Kuhns


Enjoy! If you try this recipe, let me know how you like it.

We Are Going To Need A Bigger Table

Oma and Opa love to start their Sunday with a big family breakfast.  With Grandma and Grandpa's move to North County, we are going to need a bigger table at hour favorite Sunday Breakfast Hangout - Home Sweet Home.


Breakfast Brothers (Reef & Coast)

We ae going to need a bigger table!
Oma tried the Home Sweet Home Omelette.
Reef was making a face just like his daddy's
Grandpa with Coast Oak

Wild boy Reef Indy love to fly through the air.

Saturday, May 14, 2016

Soniclear Petite Deluxe #michaeltoddbeauty

Michael Todd products are made with certified organic ingredients. They are also free of parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, or artificial dyes. Therefore, when I heard that they had an Antimicrobial Sonic Skin Cleansing System, Oma was intrigued.

The Soniclear Petite is the World's First Antimicrobial Sonic Skin Cleansing System. It incorporates antimicrobial protection into its brushes to guard against the growth of stain and odor causing bacteria. A cleaner brush equates to cleaner skin.

In the box, you will find one Soniclear Petite Waterproof Rechargable Sonic Control Handle, a Charging Cradle, and a USB Inductive Charger which magnetically attaches to the Handle. The Soniclear is waterproof (not merely water resistant) and can be used in the shower! It is ergonomically designed and balanced for effortless cleansing and maximum control.

My unit is a pretty ‘Cotton Candy’ pink and looks great on Oma’s counter. After a quick charge, Oma used the smaller brush on her face. This unit has an Automatic Cleansing Timer that gently reminds you when it’s time (after twenty seconds) to move to another area of the face or body. Three cleansing speeds enable you to customize your sonic cleansing experience to your specific skin type and skin concerns.

Oma was amazed at how clean her face felt after just the first use. The micro massage appears to lift dirt away while the vibration stimulates blood flow. Bottom line is that it felt great! I was very pleased with the results of my Michael Todd Soniclear and highly recommend it.


Product Description



  • WATERPROOF. The soniclear petite is waterproof (not merely water resistant) for use in the bath or shower. Includes ¥ 1 Soniclear Petiteª Waterproof Rechargeable Sonic Control Handle ¥ 1 Charging Cradle ¥ 1 USB Inductive Charger which magnetically attaches to the Handle. (Separate wall plug not included) ¥ 1 Antimicrobial Face Brush Attachment
  • THREE SPEED OPTIONS. Three cleansing speeds enable you to customize your sonic cleansing experience to your specific skin type and skin concerns.
  • CLEANSING TIMER. For even and thorough cleansing, the Soniclear Petite features a built in automatic timer that beeps every 20 seconds to indicate it is time to move to another cleansing area.
  • RECHARGEABLE. The soniclear petite is rechargeable with the included USB Induction Charger and can provide up to 35 minutes of continuous use on a single charge.
  • 3 YEAR WARRANTY: Buy with confidence today and start experiencing a new level of clean!




Get Social With Michael Todd

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Friday, May 13, 2016

Snug Baby Monitor for Smartphones #Amazonreview


Oma loves that you can easily connect this video baby monitor to your home Wifi network and smartphone. You just plug in the camera, download the free app, enter the camera details and your router password. Then you are secure and ready to view your baby’s activities both day and night.

You do not need to monitor the screen because the app gives you alerts when motion is detected. You can even set the sensitivity of the app. For added security, you have the option to enter a custom password. It is very convenient to keep an eye on your baby via your phone and the high video quality makes that stress-free.


Product Description



  • ENSURE YOUR BABY STAYS SAFE and secure at all times with our FREE included App. Easily check on them with your iPhone, iPad, Android tablet or Android phone
  • SIMPLE TO SET UP: Camera connects to your home WiFi network in only a few minutes. Then control the video camera from your smartphone or tablet wherever you are
  • MOTION AND AUDIO DETECTION: Audio and motion detection alarms can be set so you don't have to watch the screen, alerts will be sent to your phone or tablet
  • NIGHT VISION: See your baby in the dark to check they are OK. There is also a two way microphone so you can hear and talk through the camera
  • QUICK ONLINE SUPPORT from the snugtogether website to help you get set up and troubleshoot if needed. Official iPhone and Android App available for free download from App Store/Google Play Store




Snug Together Website

 


User’s Guide



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Sunday, May 8, 2016

Reflecting on this Mother's Day

Henson, the Service Dog

By  Stacey Kuhns


I hope that everyone out there is celebrating Mother's Day in a way that makes them happy. For those of us with children, we have all gone through the ups and downs of motherhood. Sometimes, it is the most amazing thing ever, and sometimes, you want to lock yourself in the bathroom and cry.

Is it all worth it in the end? Of course!

Today, Mother's Day 2016, I am reflecting on motherhood. Maybe not in the way you think. Of course, I love my kids and plan to see them later tonight, after I go to work at the animal rescue place. Yep, it's my day today and I should be relaxing or out taking pictures or doing something exciting, but my heart is happy because I will be taking care of lots of fur babies who are without mothers or families for various reasons.

Reflecting on this Mother's Day - by Stacey Kuhns

I am also a new mom one week today. Seven days ago, I brought home my new baby, Henson. I talked about him in a prior blog post. Henson just turned 8 weeks old yesterday and he and I are starting our journey of bonding so we may begin training in a month or two for him to be my service dog. This is a two-year training commitment, and of course, a lifetime bond/love commitment.


Reflecting on this Mother's Day - by Stacey Kuhns


Being disabled, I wondered whether I could even take on the job of being a new mom to a very young pup. I was worried the physical aspect of having a young puppy around, potty training, crate training, etc., would be too taxing for me.

Well, there have been days where I have questioned my decision to embark on this journey. I love Henson and he is a very good puppy, but my body is screaming at me that this might have been a bad idea. I am in excruciating pain daily since I got Henson and have had to increase the pain medication I take.

Some days, I feel guilty that I cannot run around the yard with him. I worry that while I am at a medical appointment for an hour tomorrow that he will cry in his crate the entire time I am gone. Hmm, kind of brings back memories of the kids crying at night and the doctor telling me to ignore them (once they were out of the baby stage), because they just wanted attention. A very difficult thing to ignore anyone or anything that is crying. But I digress.

Reflecting on this Mother's Day - by Stacey Kuhns

Reflecting on this Mother's Day - by Stacey Kuhns


Each day, I remind myself that this is a positive thing for Henson and I. We are in this together. I give him lots of love and attention and he follows me everywhere. When I sleep, he sleeps. When I go outside, he goes outside. When I am working on the computer, he is resting with his head on my feet. He seems happy and healthy. Do I still question that I am the best mom he could have? Yes, every day. But I also know a lifetime of loving animals, loving my friends, my children, my family, and I feel I have always done the best job I can do.

Yes, some days I can barely walk, but this little boy is counting on me as much as I am counting on him. I could barely kneel down to get his food and water into the back of his crate. Days that going in and out of the back door to make sure he does not have to go potty have taken their toll on me. But I look for ways around those obstacles. I now feed him in the kitchen. When I take him outside, I sit outside and enjoy watching him, the birds, the clouds, and just take a deep breath. I tell myself I have no reason to be rushing around trying to get everything done. It will happen.

Is having a puppy always a fun experience? Hell no! Is it a joy and a worthwhile experience? Hell yes! My friends and family have stepped in to help with Henson when I need it and I am grateful for that. Sometimes, we have to ask for help and not be ashamed that we need assistance. I have learned that the hard way over many years of always trying to be Supermom, Superwoman, Superemployee, etc.

In the long run, it is your needs that matter. All the moms, and dads, out there, deserve such credit. Whether you are a mom or dad of a furbaby or a human child, they are the ones who fill our hearts with love. Experiencing the ups and downs of "momhood" is what it is all about. We do the best we can and just plug along when we can't. I am grateful for all the experiences I have had as a mom to all my children.

Follow Henson and I on our Facebook page, "Meet Henson."


Reflecting on this Mother's Day - by Stacey Kuhns


A Perfect San Diego Mother's Day

San Diego is California's second largest city, and where blue skies keep watch over 70 miles of majestic coastline.  It boast of a gentle Mediterranean climate and friendly locals create a welcoming vibe all its own. San Diego offers both wonderful mountain hiking trails and an abundance of sandy beaches.

San Diego County is the perfect spot for the family to enjoy Mother's Day.

A Morning Hike on Palomar Mountain:

 










Afternoon Enjoying a North County Beach:








Friday, May 6, 2016

Best Mexican Food in San Diego!

Miguel's Cocina first opened in 1982


Best Mexican Food in San Diego! by Stacey Kuhns

Last Friday, April 29, my boyfriend and I were on a motorcycle rally ride. We broke off from the group to find a place to eat lunch then head back to our hotel. My boyfriend remembered a restaurant he wanted to eat at, in the Point Loma area, but could not find it.

I was exhausted and had seen a cute Mexican restaurant behind a liquor store in a small parking lot so we decided to go there. Boy, were we glad we did. Finding such an excellent place on a fluke, well, it was meant to be!

The first Miguel's Cocina was opened in 1982 by the Morton family. Miguel's Cocina is located at 2912 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, 92106. They are a sister restaurant to the Brigantine Restaurants (which I dislike).

I was also surprised to see Miguel's Cocina has locations in Carlsbad (5980 Avenida Encinas), Old Town (2444 San Diego Ave), Eastlake (970 Eastlake Pkwy), 4S Ranch (10514 Craftsman Way), and Coronado (1351 Orange Ave). They offer a weekend brunch on Saturday from 11a.m. to 3p.m. and Sunday from 10a.m. to 3p.m.

They also offer Happy Hour (in the lounge only) from Tues-Sun 2-6p.m. and Monday 2p.m. to closing (not available certain holidays). The restaurant is open Mon-Thurs from 11a.m. to 9p.m. and Fri-Sat 11a.m. to 9:30p.m. and Sun 10a.m. to 9p.m.

Best Mexican Food in San Diego! by Stacey Kuhns

The restaurant was super cute outside and I loved the decor inside (I was unable to make it upstairs so did not get a peek at the decor there).

Best Mexican Food in San Diego! by Stacey Kuhns

The menu has the standard Mexican dishes you would expect, but also many things I have never seen on a Mexican restaurant menu. Everything sounded so great it was difficult to decide what to order. They even have a selection of interesting fajitas with vegetarian options. They bring chips and salsa to the table but they also bring a white jalapeno sauce that the regulars call "white gold." It was delicious, smooth with just a hint of heat.

My boyfriend decided to go with their Surf and Turf burrito. It was huge! He said it was the best Surf and Turf he has ever eaten anywhere by far.

Best Mexican Food in San Diego! by Stacey Kuhns

I wanted to try their Tres Amigo, which is three different tacos, but I wanted to substitute one of the tacos for another kind listed on their menu. They were very accommodating and made the switch with no fuss at all. Our server, Christine, was funny, sweet, and on the ball. Our glasses were always refilled and she made sure we were happy with everything we ate.

My taco trio consisted of a pork belly taco, an Ensenada style shrimp taco, and a taco al carbon (normally served with brisket taco which is the one I substituted). The pork belly taco was like nothing I have ever tasted. Just pleased my taste buds immensely with the first bite.

The shrimp taco was battered small shrimp, but plenty of them (and I declined the lime crema on it). It was amazing just plain.

The steak taco was the most wonderful bite. The steak was some of the best steak I have ever eaten, melt in your mouth meat, wrapped in a homemade tortilla. (You can tell their tortillas are homemade). I could not even make a dent in the rice, but what I tasted was okay, not great.

Best Mexican Food in San Diego! by Stacey Kuhns

Their starters, salads, and other items sounded amazing, especially the ceviche, but it would have been way too much food so we will try it next time we go. 

And we WILL be going again - Highly recommended.

Best Mexican Food in San Diego! by Stacey Kuhns