Reasons to Have an Only Child/Why Being the One and Only is Grand

Considering that I myself am an only child and have always babysat children with siblings, I've decided to blog about why having just one child is a blessing (and why I won't be bummed if I only have one), as well as why being an only child is the greatest thing ever:

1. We are not all spoiled. Most of the stuff I have bought the past few years has come out of my pocket. I know a lot about saving my money for things I want. It has never been easy, but instead of getting things because I am the one and only, I have become more thankful. Having one child will save you money if you bestow this discipline upon them

2. You never have the constant, "Mom, Johnny just touched me" or "Mom, Jenny won't leave me alone" or "Mom, Erin said I have a goofy nose." Never. Unless their friends are over. I know alone from babysitting that hearing the constant tattling gets old. Fast.

3. Your child will be convinced you've only had sex once. That's what I tell myself - and that it was a mistake.

4. Having just one kid will allow them to become in-tune with adult conversations. I've always known how to act around adults without another kid badgering me because of this.

5. Your child will ALWAYS know they are the favorite. ALWAYS. Example: my friends always ask their parents if they were held hostage with their siblings, and their parents could have just one child, who would it be? For me, I know that I am the only option.

6. You won't have to fight for love from your parents, nor will there be anyone to compete with.

7. Christmas will be the happiest day of the year. Along with birthdays. You know that every single gift under that tree Christmas morning has your name on it, and you do not have to fight with brother Billy over who got the better gifts.

8. Your parents can spend more money on getting you things you really want.

9. Your child can have imaginary siblings. I had them.

10. Instead of worrying about kids fighting over which movie they want to go see, your kid has their choice (and they won't get in a verbal argument with their sibling).

11. Your sanity levels will remain the same.

12. You never have to worry about them wrestling each other, nor will you have to worry about hatred among siblings boiling in the household.

13. They learn a lot about being alone - in a good way. I never have to be constantly entertained or doing things because I learned how to cope growing up. There are times I just want to be alone for hours, and there are days when I just do not want to see people.

14. You/your child learn a lot about independence.

15. You have the assurance that when your parents go out of town on business that they really talk you up. I apparently am the golden student according to what mine say. Plus, I never have to worry about a sibling's grades being higher than mine.

That's all I've got for now :)

Pinterest Findings

A few months ago, I created my Pinterest account. Since then, it has been extremely helpful in deciding what I want to cook for dinner (whether it's in the slow cooker or on a whim), as well as giving me some amazing cleaning ideas. You can find the link to my Pinterest page here.

My utmost favorite pin was a cleaning solution that consisted of vinegar and lemon. Here is where you'll find the link to the cleaning solution. You have to scroll down half a page. but it is well worth it. I usually use it to clean my floors and bathroom (after I use 409 in the loo) for the refreshing smell and odor absorber. I usually add a few drops of lemon oils to enhance the smell (let's be honest - vinegar isn't the most appealing odor).

I personally did not strain mine, and I did not use just the peels. This go around (I'm currently letting my second solution soak for two weeks), I'm going to attempt to strain and use a different bottle. The prior time, I would just cut a lemon and try to get just the peels, but parts of the lemon were still in it, causing the pump to clog with the pump. Regardless, it's a good cleaner altogether, and you won't be sorry :)

The picture below is of my first attempt. It turned yellow over time. I let the solution soak for two weeks under the sink.

So that concludes this blog! Happy cleaning! :)

First Movie Review

I have never written a movie review, so I decided on a whim (and while avoiding doing homework) to write one. Friday night, I saw "The Five Year Engagement," a movie I was DYING to see. I love the movie Bridesmaids and love spending time with my close girlfriends watching and quoting the hilarious comedy. I figured it would be something along those lines, and the commercials make it look laugh-out-loud funny. I even thought I would cry from laughing so hard (example: "21 Jump Street" <-- HILARIOUS). For those who have seen it, they probably felt like me once the credits rolled, thinking what the heck was this about?


The movie started out precious and sweet. Tom proposed to Violet, and although she ruined the surprise prior to the thought-out proposal (seriously, guys need to take notes on this), it made the couple seem absolutely charming. Violet gets accepted into her dream program at the University of Michigan, and the couple has to move. Out of his love for her, Tom willingly gives up his job as a main chef at a nice restaurant in San Francisco in pursuit of his bride-to-be's dream.

Then the movie goes downhill. Fast.

Throughout their time in Michigan, the couple struggles finding an engagement date, scenes are dragged out beyond the norm and viewers are just ready for them to hurry up and roll the credits. After 90 minutes, I was wondering how much longer I would have to suffer through this. Violet is kissed by her professor, Tom hooks up with a coworker and the couple breaks up. Violet dates the professor, Tom ends up with some young, wild girl that I could hardly stand.

Alas. Violet's birthday comes along, and Tom calls. Realizing they made a mistake, Violet comes to San Francisco over the summer.

Then the movie goes uphill.

After realizing they need to just deal with their personal problems and get married, Violet proposes to Tom. Still carrying the ring in his taco ghettofab truck (aka an old ambulance), Violet rushes them at the park to decide a minister, the type of wedding, color tux he is going to wear and the final details. Before her flight leaves for Michigan so she can begin teaching in the fall, the couple is happily married, and everyone is glad this dragged-out movie is over.

The only question the viewer must ask is, what actually happened? Did she miss her flight, or did he move back?

We will never know.

My First Recipe

After months and months of attempting (and succeeding) at recipes on Pinterest, I finally have time to post one recipe! This is my absolute FAVORITE to cook, and I frequently make it (as in once a week). The original recipe is called Bucco Di Beppo's Spicy Chicken Rigatoni, however I have made this version to serve just one person. This edition of the recipe does not put the peas in the mix, nor do I add red pepper flakes. I'm from South Louisiana, hence my use of Tony Chachere's. This is what the final product looks like, and you get all of that flavor for just 11 Weight Watchers Points Plus.

Bucco Di Beppo's Spicy Chicken Rigatoni 

(as skinnified by Sarah):

Ingredients:

-1 c. cooked rigatoni

-1 chicken breast

-1 tsp. vegetable oil

-Some shakes of Tony Chachere's

-1 dash of Kraft Italian Cheese Blend (parmesan, provolone and mozzarella) 

-1/4 c. alfredo sauce

-1/4 c. tomato sauce

-1 tsp. minced garlic

-1 tsp. butter (I use Blue Bonnet Light)

Instructions:

1. Cut up the chicken breast and add some Tony's to it. 

2. In a skillet, add the oil and garlic, then place the chicken in and cook until the meat is fully done. 

3. In a sauce pan, pour the tomato sauce in first, then the alfredo and stir until it becomes thick. Add in the butter and stir until it completely melts. 

4. Put the cooked rigatoni in a bowl, and pour most of the sauce over it. Add the chicken, and using a spatula, pour the remaining sauce over it. Top with the cheese, and enjoy :)

April

Spring has finally sprung (well, early down here in Louisiana), but this means baseball season is underway. Since the Sox collapse in September, life hasn't been the same. The first week of baseball was terrible, then right as they give fans hope of overcoming the Stankees, they collapse two games to Tampa Bay and the Rangers.

In other sporting news, the Bruins have done superb in the playoffs. I've discovered Milan Lucic has one heck of an arm when it comes to fights, and Thomas blows my mind with the saves he makes. The Pats have the easiest schedule thus far (hallelujah), and the bounty deal with the Saints is allowing me to get back at those who can't get over the spygate scandal with Belichick. That was how many years ago?


So let's move on to cooking news :)
I found a recipe on Pinterest for Bucca Di Beppo's Spicy Chicken Rigatoni. I cut out a lot of the oil, made the recipe just for one and did not add the peas. There were some other changes I made to the recipe (like subbing red pepper flakes for Tony Chachere's), but it came out really, really well.
I'll blog the recipe next time :)

About to Start Cooking

I received a slow cooker this past Christmas and have used it almost every day (true story). I've never had a problem with enjoying cooking, but I'm always on the hunt for something new. I usually Google a recipe, look at my ingredients and what I like, then tweak it.
By tweak, I mean make healthier, tastier, substitute, etc.
Sometimes I wish the food came out better, other times, it's out of this world.

I'm going to use my slow cooker tomorrow and Sunday, so I will be posting recipes soon :)

Happy cooking!