Flower Bed Addition & Japanese Maple Tree

>> Sunday, March 18, 2012


This weekend we went to our favorite toy store Home Depot and found a great deal.  They were selling knockout roses for $10 each and Japenese Maple trees 15 gallon 5-6 ft.  for $75.  A deal we just couldn't pass up.  Our nursery in Rowlett Covington's sells little bitty Japenese Maple trees for $300 each.  Brandon has always wanted to add more flowerbed on the corner of our house so we decided to after purchasing these items. We have knockout roses in the back and front of the house and love how they live through our Texas summers.  Two days of work and it looks great.  We definitely have "Curb Appeal" as they would say.  Stay tuned to see next years filled in picture.


Thank God We Bought a Truck!
Have loaded it down several times.
Brandon never thought he would get a Japanese Maple tree after seeing how much they were elsewhere.
Planting Purple Verbena to make my house beautiful.






New Flowerbed Addition Complete



Better not have any Weeds! Weed fabric down  - Now time for a bulk pickup of mulch - will have to wait till next weekend as the Bulk place and very bad hours of operation.

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Vegetable Garden Update: Part 2

>> Saturday, March 17, 2012


Video update of our vegetable garden. we now have everything planted and growing. The Romaine lettuce is almost ready to start eating!!!

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Vegetable Garden - Planting Time

>> Monday, March 5, 2012


This weekend we have been doing tons of yard work, getting ready for spring. This past fall we had a sprinkler system installed so we are all ready to get this big o' yard of ours lookin' good! As for our Vegetable garden, we are taking a chance on planting these tomatoes, since it could still freeze here. But it has been so warm and looks to stay this way TIME TO PLANT!!!

Tomato & Pepper plants



ALL PLANTED!!!

We have our spring vegetable garden full speed ahead. We have Eleven Rows. No more room left; time for it all to grow! Here is the list we are growing this year...
  • Tomato's  (12 varieties) (list coming....)
  • Yellow Onions (Texas 1015)
  • Lettuce (3 varieties) (Buttercrunch, Romaine, Red Leaf)
  • Red Potatoes ( one row)
  • Yukon Potatoes ( one row)
  • Bell Peppers (3 varieties)
  • Poblano ( 2 plants)
  • Habanero ( one plant is enough!!)
  • Sugar Snap Peas
  • Green Cabbage (6 plants)
  • Broccoli (6 plants)
  • Eggplant ( 2 plants)
  • Strawberries (4 plants)
  • Green Beans
  • Yellow Squash ( 2 varieties)
  • Zucchini
  • Blackberries ( 3 varieties; all thornless)
  • Asparagus ( 4th year growing )
  • Pecan Tree (planted in the fall)
Stay Tuned and follow our progress through spring, Cannot wait to enjoy our harvest; soon to come!!

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Guide to Making a Filet Mignon & Lobster Dinner

>> Tuesday, February 14, 2012



So you want to know how to make the perfect Dinner for your sweetheart? It is easy; I will take you step by step into the secrets of the culinary world.

THE MENU:
  • Cast Iron Seared Filet Mignon with Green Peppercorn Sauce
  • Maine Lobster Tails (I don't care for the Spiny/Rock Lobsters)
  • Home-Grown Asparagus (see our gardening section)
  • All-American Smashed Potatoes (also from the garden)
  • Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

First, lets start with the BEEF!

Beef Tenderloin & Filet Mignon. What is the difference? Beef tenderloin vs Filet Mignon can be a little confusing if you're not used to selecting cuts of beef.

Beef tenderloin is a large cut of beef before it is sliced into steak, and known by it's french name Filet Mignon. I've seen beef tenderloin steaks in the market and these are the same thing as filet mignon steaks. However, you'll never see an entire beef tenderloin labeled as filet mignon. There are two types of beef tenderloin. The trimmed version of the beef tenderloin and the untrimmed version. The trimmed version has the fat off the sides largely removed and is smoothly cut with the side medallion removed. It is more expensive since it has less fat and waist than untrimmed. The trimmed version is my favorite since it doesn't require any preparation.

The untrimmed version requires more preparation since you have to trim it yourself.  Go for it if your adventurous and skilled with a knife. You don't want to mange the prime cut of beef that you just paid good $$ for. To turn a beef tenderloin into Filet Mignon, all you have to do is take a very sharp butcher's knife and slice the beef tenderloin into 2 inch steaks across the grain of the beef tenderloin. Once it's is sliced, you have Filet Mignon.

Where to buy? Sam's Club or Costco and the Beef Tenderloin or you can go to any butcher shop and find the ready-to-go Filet Mignon.  We found these at Kroger, actually, "Nolan Ryan All-Natural" so they say. Only $14.99 a pound. I got one pound; they where 8oz each PERFECT!  How much would you pay at the restaurant; well much more than that!!!! At Sam's you can get the whole untrimmed tenderloin around $8-$10/pound. You can get around 8-10 steaks out of one, depending on the size you find. Save the rest for later!!!
 
LOBSTER:  During Valentine's you will be able to easily find great Lobster tails about 4-8oz. We found these at Kroger at a great price for only $5 each! Also can find at any specialty store like Whole Foods too any time of the year. Or my favorite place Central Market! These I have here are about 5 oz. each. Easy for you, then you don't have to mess with a whole live lobster; for the scared ones-you know who you are!!!
 

 Get your sides ready!!!
 

Don't forget about Dessert!!
 

TIME TO COOK:

Take you old Cast Iron Skillet to cook this cut of beef, very easy to do inside when it is Cold outside and you don't want to turn the grill on. Get the pan hot. About a medium-high heat and place in a 1/2 stick of butter. YES BUTTER!!! Don't over season the beef; a simple salt and pepper will do. Make sure not to overcrowd your pan. Use a big enough pan. We don't want to "steam the beef" Sauce coming soon....

After about 3-5 minutes you can turn it over. You should only need to turn the steak over once. Don't mess with it in the cast iron skillet leave it alone until you think it is ready to turn. You will know when you see some brown coming from the sides.  If you like it more done "well done" shame on you: then it will take longer to cook!

For the Lobster I like to just add a little salt, butter, paprika for color. Cook them in the oven on BROIL, on high heat! They will only take about 1-2 minutes to cook. WATCH THEM!!!

Don't forget the EXTRA butter for Dipping!!!
  

GREEN PEPPERCORN SAUCE:
1 can/jar green peppercorns
1 stick of butter
1/2 of a yellow onion diced small
1 cup Beef Stock/Broth
1/4 cup Bourbon or Cognac or Brandy or whatever!                                 
3 Tbsp. Heavy Cream

Heat your cast iron pan to medium high heat. Add the butter and diced onions and saute until they are starting to turn brown. Don't over-stir them of they will never brown! Leave them alone. Add the green peppercorns, Beef broth and choice of liquor. Careful it might flame up! Do if off the fire. Let it reduce by half and add the heavy cream . WHALLA!!! you have your sauce!

  

FINISH YOUR DESSERT!


TIME TO EAT!!!




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Aphrodisiac Foods To Eat This Valentine's Day!

>> Wednesday, February 8, 2012


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Asparagus: An English herbalist from the 17th century, Nicholas Culpepper, wrote that asparagus "stirs up lust in man and woman." In 19th century France it was served to brides and grooms in copious quantities for its reputed powers to arouse and therefore propagate. It's light and full of vitamins.

Almonds: Almonds have been regarded as a fertility symbol throughout antiquity. It's said that their aroma can entice passion. The scent of almonds is thought to be alluring to woman, and eating almonds may increase sex drive and stamina in both genders. Added health benefit: almonds may reduce the risk of heart disease as well as lower your cholesterol.

Arugula: Documented as an aphrodisiac since first century AD due to its spicy nature.

Avocado: Have been considered an aphrodisiac since Mayan times -- when they were eaten to improve sexual desirability. The Aztec word for avocado translates to “sensuous”.

Banana: Not only is the flower and fruit suggestive but bananas are also rich in potassium and B vitamins which are said to be essential in the function of sex hormones. 

Basil: It is said that basil not only arouses but also boosts fertility. Basil is a food that really does make you feel good. Some also say that it boosts a person's sex drive. It is still used in Haitian Voodoo love ceremonies. Regardless of its scientific effects, a meal with basil is a meal well done. And your partner will thank you for that alone.

Beets: High in iron thus energy givers with sensual colors.

Berries: All about the seeds and fertility.

Celery: Swedish lore refers to celery as being straightforwardly arousing. It contains androsterone; the powerful male hormone researchers believe is released through sweat and attracts females.

Chilies: They actually make your heart beat faster and can make you flush.

Chocolate: We all know of chocolate as an aphrodisiac, some even joke that it's better than sex. Scientifically speaking, it does release dopamine in the pleasure center of the brain. And for that reason, it makes a great food to enjoy on Valentine's Day, or any day really.

Cucumbers: The Chicago Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation has found that women actually become aroused by the scent ~ that must be why it’s so popular in modern day lotions and creams…

Dates: In the Middle East dates are used to increase stamina.

Fennel: Related to the licorice family, fennel has been thought to be a stimulant since ancient times.

Figs: Thought to be powerfully erotic for both sexes due to the numerous seeds. Figs are one of the oldest recorded fruits and were highly prized throughout history. The ancients Greeks associated them with love and fertility. Soft and sweet, they are a real delicacy of a fruit.

Garlic: Garlic’s heat is said to stir desire. Everyone says to avoid garlic at all costs when out on a date. But the truth is, if you both partake in it, neither of you will be bothered by it. And the spice of the garlic is said to get the blood pumping.

Ginger: Used stimulate the circulatory system; improve blood flow.

Grapes: Bacchus not only the god of wine, he was also the god of fertility.

Onions: Perhaps the most recommended aphrodisiac for thousands of years. Onions are featured in the Arabic and Hindu texts on the art of making love, served to newlyweds in France (after their asparagus) and Egyptian priests refrained from eating them due to their love inducing reputation. Not to mention they are really good for you and proven to actually thin your blood.

Oysters: We all know that these little molluscs are supposed to entice desire. But there's a good amount of the population whose stomachs turn at the sight them -- not quite the reaction you might be looking for. So what is it that makes an oyster an aphrodisiac? Well, they have a high zinc content, which apparently increases libido. Raw oysters are best served with a glass of chilled Champagne -- for a truly romantic meal!

Pomegranate: Loads of seeds to boost fertility.

Quince: Some believe quince is the true forbidden fruit.  Greek mythology associates the quince with Aphrodite, the goddess of love. It is believed that the quince long preceded the apple, and that many ancient references to apples were, in fact, references to quince, including the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden.

Red Wine: Red wine contains the chemical resveratrol, which is an antioxidant. Antioxidant work to protect blood vessels and increase healthy blood flow, which is good for all of your organs, including your sex organs. Red wine also can decrease inhibitions, which makes some people more relaxed. Added health benefit: red wine is thought to be good for your heart.

Truffles: Musky scent is said to stimulate the skin and arouse emotion.


Happy Valentine's Day!!

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Amy's 4th Birthday

>> Monday, February 6, 2012


This past weekend our niece turned 4 years old.  She is growing up so fast.  Her Uncle Brandon had to work so Aunt Meredith took the day off on Friday to spend a day with her 4 year old niece.  We started our day by having lunch and riding the Carousel at the Woodlands Mall.  Then we headed to the Children's Museum and stayed for hours, where we had so much fun.  The best part of the day was all the secrets she wanted to share with her Aunt Meredith.  This is a day I will never forget.  Hope to make this a yearly tradition.

Amy painting pottery.

 Amy loved fishing for fish.

 Amy learning about how wind makes things float.
 I love you, Amy!!
Amy the firefighter.
 Never to old to be a kid.
 I also got to hang out with my handsome nephew Brett.


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Uncle's Birthday!

>> Monday, January 30, 2012


This past weekend we celebrated my Uncle Dwayne's birthday, turned 54. Acts like he's 20 and the energy of  a 5 year old. Here are a few photos.


Nick & Dwayne
Ray & Ben


Pa, Ben, Ray: Hanging Pa's new bird house up.

He hopes to attract Purple Martin's.

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