All posts by NerdMom

Unlicensed Contractors

Bethany Clough over at the Beehive has a list of unlicensed contractors who are operating in the Fresno area that you should on the look out for. She also links to some other articles that are talking about the clamp down on unlicensed contractors. Now I am not saying that people without licenses are bad but you need to be aware because it has other ramifications. Ramifications on your insurance and their ability to be insured to cover their mistakes.

Burritos: The Delightful Leftover

I know, I know, burritos aren’t glamorous but they are yummy and cheap! I made about a pound of pinto beans in my crockpot and a few cups of rice in my rice maker to go with enchiladas one night. The I take the leftover beans, throw them in a pan with a touch of oil, minced garlic, salt and pepper. Then I take an immersion blender to them and Voila! Refried Beans!

Then get tortillas from the bread store ($2 for 30), shredded cheese, and taco sauce in a squeeze bottle (50 cents for 1 from the Dollar Store). Make an assembly line with these, the beans, the rice and either a saute pan or griddle (to heat the tortillas to make them bendable).
Then assemble! To fold the burritos first fold the edge in, then the 2 sides like a present. Then continue to roll. All my kids eat these and they don’t leak! But don’t over stuff!
That is it! You can even make a ton and freeze them!

Metro Mama Wrap

I have had 4 kids and didn’t discover the Metro Mama wrap until my last kid. Now I am not a big baby wearer but their are times when it just makes you life so much easier. But I wasted a fair amount of time and money trying to figure out how. I did a chest pack with kid #1 and it helped with his reflux but it was a pain to put on and get him in and out. I had a sling with #2 and it just didn’t seem that secure. But with #4 I used a friend’s wrap and it was awesome. I could put the baby in it and pick up another child, empty a dishwasher, whatever. I didn’t have to use a hand to stabilize her or anything! Here is a great how-to video on using the wrap.

Demon Sheep

So this is the scandalous commercial against Tom Campbell in the Republican primary for Senate. Going into viewing the commercial I thought that no matter what that I would support whom ever runs against Barbara Boxer. Now I am not sure.
I find the commercial ridiculous and stupid. But it is the primary and things get dirty within the party. But a few things hit me. Like why would Fiorina grasp at such obvious straws instead of doing a real piece? Well, when you are the person who ran a stable, work horse company like HP into the ground…You gotta knock somebody out by the knees in order to really be able to pose as the stable one.
Then there was the tag line. “Carly for California” What? Are you a high school cheerleader? You are a grown woman running for the Senate. Come on. And kudos to you, Campbell for making hay out of this!

More of a Reason to Use Facebook

So I have heard many people grouse about Facebook. That it is a time sucker and is bad for people to people relationships. Well, get on Facebook and spend lots of time there. Why you ask? To speak out for Western civilization against radical Islam;).

A top Egyptian cleric has issued a fatwa against Facebook. Apparently it is to be blamed for an increased divorce rate. What do you think?

(HT: About.com World News)

Freezer Cooking Update!!!

After finishing up the Pantry and Freezer challenge in January my freezer was literally empty. After throwing away copious amounts of meat I decided that I needed to be more stream line in what goes into my freezer. I also am now keeping a log of everything in it too so nothing gets lost or forgotten.

To fill our freezers many bloggers (me included) did some bulk cooking. My cooking spanned over 3 or 4 days and this is what I ended with.
4 trays of Pasta Bakes with Turkey (one with Broccoli and 3 with spinach)
2 trays of Pork Enchiladas
8 packages of cooked chicken
3 packages of shredded zucchini to be used in Zucchini Corn Cakes
So how is that for a weekly Tackle;)?

A Shocking Mix Up

Now I must preface this with the fact I can’t stand Jerry Tarkanian as a coach or any part of a University. I was mad when Fresno State hired him so maybe that prejudices me against Danny Tarkanian but….
How could you confuse Harry Reid and Ronald Reagan? In the clip Tarkanian refers to Reagan’s renowned 11th Commandment. When I saw this posted I was sure that if Tarkanian did it, it was a one time slip. Well, watch the tape. Tarkanian says Reid instead of Reagan repeatedly.
If this is representative of Tarkanian as a candidate….Well, as much as I dislike Harry Reid I dislike the idea of an idiot Republican more. I would rather let everyone see someone bad in the seat and know that he is a Democrat!
(HT: The Hill)

For Today (2/8) From NerdMom’s Daybook

Outside my window I am not sure if we are done with the rain yet but a mom can dream;).
I am thinking about organizing my house and getting rid of some clutter. Who knows when or if it will ever happen but I am thinking about it.
I am thankful for all those in my life that love me!
From the learning rooms Kinderbach and some history!
From the kitchen I am making a big pork shoulder roast for the first time. (update: I have made pork roasts before but this is one of those huge shoulders that is over 10 pounds. This is something I have never done;)
I am wearing the standard for Mondays: Sweats and a 3/4 sleeve shirt
I am creating not much unfortunately.
I am hoping that I will be blogging much more! Especially on NerdFamily Food!
I am hearing a little bit of everything. NerdDad made a huge MP3 cd.
Around the house I hope to tidy up and organize a new coupon organizer.
One of my favorite things is the Torani Orange syrup that Smart and Final is once again carrying!!!!!
A few plans for the rest of the week: hopefully a meeting tomorrow (if Stephanie doesn’t have to go for jury duty) and a girls night with my best friend Sara on Friday!