Salsa

I in no way claim to know how to make any sort of Mexican food from scratch.  I do try, however, to achieve the amazing authentic taste at home.  The only time I come close is with this salsa.

Ingredients:

• 1 14.5oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes
• juice of 1/2 lime
• 2 tbsp. diced canned jalepenos
• cilantro (to taste)
• 1/2 cup onion
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. cumin

Directions:

This is so easy! I just slice the onion into chunks and throw everything into the blender. (Here I go again with my Magic Bullet.)

I almost always adjust the cilantro and lime juice.  It tastes great right away, but even better after it's been refrigerated. It's even better the next day!

The Beach in Winter

Wintertime in the desert = dry skin and lips!  A product that has been saving mine is the Coconut Lip Butter and Coconut Body Butter from The Body Shop.  It's thick and rich, and the smell makes me feel like I'm at the beach. The lip butter is like lotion  and gives my lips a pearl-like finish.  I keep it in my nightstand drawer so I can put it on before bed. 

...Just a little pampering. :)

            

Homemade baby food: Pears

Making your own baby food sounds a little intimidating.   I've always wanted to be healthy and domestic, and my life is constantly evolving in these directions. I knew I wanted to try to make my own baby food.  However, I did not realize how easy it really can be. With the help of some websites like wholesomebabyfood.com and nurturebaby.com I am well on my way.  This recipe works for other soft fruits and vegetables such as bananas and avocados as well.

Homemade Baby Food: Pears

You need:

1 organic pear

blender  

Peel and cut the pear into small chunks.  Put the pear chunks and an ounce or two of nursery water into a blender or a Magic Bullet.

(I highly reccomend the Magic Bullet. It does the job quickly and easily, takes up a small amount of space, and you can put a lid on the same container you blend in and store it.) 

Next, blend to the desired consistency. You can also add more or less water to achieve the consistency your baby likes. Usually that would be very smooth until they are chewing. 

That's it! I can whip this up while the baby's sleeping or playing and have it ready to serve right away. You can also portion it out into ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen, you can put them into baggies for easy thawing.

Avon Initial Pendant

 This is one of my first favorite things. It's a simple initial pendant that reminds me of my beautiful new daughter, Lily. It's sterling silver and has a few wonderful details. It has small silver beads along the chain, and a small diamond accent (which happens to be her birthstone). This pendant is $39.95 from  Avon.