It's Asparagus Season

You know you've been wondering what people have been doing, crouched down on the side of the road and ditchbanks, all month.

You should know by now that it's Asparagus season, and it's everywhere.  I was lucky to be caring for my grandfather, who's home backed up to an apple orchard, last season.  You know what that means... Asparagus picking every night!  We had asparagus frozen well into mid fall, and still wished for more.  My favorite is fresh asparagus with a little olive oil, and a drizzle of syrupy, well aged balsamic vinegar.  Top it off with some fresh ground pepper and sea salt... my mouth is watering!  Roast it, steam it, grill it or eat it raw... you can't go wrong!

Here are some cooking tips for preparing fresh asparagus, stove top.

Saucepan or Steamer: Cook fresh asparagus in a small amount of boiling water until tender. Fresh asparagus will be crisp-tender in 5 to 8 minutes.

Frying Pan:
Place a strip of folded aluminum on the bottom and up the sides of the pan, extending over the edges. Bring water to a boil; add asparagus spears and cook, uncovered, until crisp-tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Use foil strips to gently lift the spears to a serving dish.

Did you know Asparagus is a member of the Lily family, has no fat, no cholesterol and very low sodium?  Go here for more facts on Idaho Asparagus, along with some fun stuff for the kids... coloring pages, a crossword puzzle, matching game and word search.  The Idaho Preferred website also has a ton of information on buying local and in season, so check it out. They also have a great downloadable calendar of what's in season.  Go here for the top 20 asparagus recipes.

And remember to always ask before picking on private property... 

Recycling Newspaper

I'm sure by now everyone is putting there newspapers in the recycling bin, but what else can you do with all of that paper?  It is so versatile, and growing up in a family who worked primarily in the newspaper industry, I'm a big fan of that stuff that's black and white and read all over.  FYI I totally didn't get that joke for years!  If you want to read more about the grim future of newspapers click here.  

Aside from the obvious stuff, newspapers are good for so many "AHA" uses.

Cleaning and Household Uses

-Use on windows for streak free shine minus the lint

-Deodorize food containers.  Stuff a piece in your thermos/lunchbox, seal and let sit overnight.

-Pack delicate items 

-Preserve antique glass.  Some older frames have finishes on glass that can be damaged by cleaning solutions.  Remove smudges by dipping paper in solution of one part vinegar to one part warm water.  Let air dry.

-Dry shoes.  Place crumpled paper in them overnight.

-Wrap gifts.  Think comics for kids and maybe a wedding announcement page for engagement gift or bridal shower.

-Keep the vegetable drawer dry and free of smells by lining the bottom with newspaper.

Garden Uses

-Use as a mulch.

-Ripen tomatoes.  Wrap each one all alone and leave them out at room temperature.

-Create pots for seed starts.  You can make individual pots as well as 4 and 6 packs.  

-Kill grass and weeds before cultivating new gardens. Mow lawn short, lay down several layers where you don't want grass, wet the paper and throw pine needles, a tarp, whatever you have... on top.  Be sure to keep the paper moist.

Crafts

-Click here for instruction on making a dragon hat, maracas, a treasure tray and Geodesic Dome... for those of you who are very ambitious, this looks awesome.

Check the links for instructions.

It's Back

The Restaurant.com 80% Off sale is being extended until May 31st!

Go here to see what you can find!  Be sure to enter discount code SPECIAL  at checkout!

Bar Gernika Review

So as you know, Restaurant.com has been running some crazy specials.  Over Memorial Weekend they ran 80% off... yes 80! (Sorry I didn't get that posted in time, I was away from my computer, and thanks Martha for the heads up!)  Of course, we stocked up on some more gift certificates, even though we still have some left from the last sale.

I really want to start sharing my dining experiences with you all, so here we go.  First stop, Bar Gernika!  This was one of those trips where we weren't exactly planning on going to dinner, but it happened.  I wasn't sure how kid-friendly the place was (you question anything with 'Bar' in it's name), so we called on our way.  They assured us that it was family friendly and that they do not serve alcohol, so it's all ages, come as you are!  Awesome!  I've had a few drinks on the patio with my husband before, but never been inside, so didn't quite know what to expect....

When we walked inside it was packed, but then again, what do you expect for a little pub and eatery on the Basque Block... I'm sure it would seem packed even if there were four couples in there!  We were lucky to find ONE pub table open right next to the door.  Luckily we were able to hang all of the toddler baggage on our chairs so people weren't tripping on it.  Liv was pretty excited to have the opportunity to sit on my lap.  It didn't take long for the waiter to approach us, and assured us that he would clean a table for us as soon as one opened up.  Ted ordered a Solomo Sandwich (pork loin w/pimientos on fresh french roll), and I had Beef Tongue (tomato and pepper sauce with onions and garlic) ... their Saturday Only Special!  It was getting pretty late in the day, so I was lucky to get some, rumor has it that some Saturdays you're lucky if they have any left at lunch time.  We also ordered some AMAZING Croquetas (little balls of butter, onion, chicken, flour and milk), which Liv devoured within minutes.  Her Basque heritage is showing!

Overall our experience was wonderful, the employees were spectacular.  Helpful, but not trying too hard for their tips (you know the type I'm talking about... "we're fine!")  It worked great for one toddler, there was enough going on that she kept entertained, plus the place was good and noisy!!! Comforting.  We fit right in!!! I'm not sure how well a family of four or more would work, but you can always sit on the patio and people watch!  I highly recommend checking these guys out... especially if you like Basque food!  Chorizo, anyone?  My only complaint is that I didn't get dessert, but that's a good excuse to go back!

Alright...

... So blogging is a lot more work than I was thinking, how do people do it??? Do they really have the lives that they're speaking of or is it all false advertisement.  Seriously!  I promise I'll have more up soon, so much for the daily recipe... haha!  Perhaps I'll start with  weekly!

Last Day at Restaurant.com

Yay!  They are running a sale again!  60% Off, today only.

For those of you who don't know about it... check it out!  I absolutely LOVE Restaurant.com and pretty much use one of their discounted gift certificates every time I go out to eat.  Here's the deal, they sell $25, $50 and $100 gift certificates for local restaurants for a percentage of the face value (most $25 gift certificates sell for $10 but as low as $2 when running a sale).  The only catch is that there is a minimum order... in most cases $30-$35, but with a $25 gift certificate that is still a steal.  I'll do dinner for $5-$10 any night!  There are great restaurants participating all over the Treasure Valley... Some of my favorites include Bar Gernika, Donnie Mac's Trailer Park Cuisine, Mai Thai (both locations), and The Melting Pot... but there are so many more I want to try.  So let me know if you want to do dinner!

Go here  and what you can get for $4!!!  

Free Movies for the Family

REG Free Family Film Festival Beginning June 2009! When school’s out, kids around the country visit selected Regal theatres for the Free Family Film Festival. It’s a fun-filled nine weeks of movies for kids and parents. Since 1991, Regal has provided this service to the community, and best of all it’s FREE!

Selected G & PG movies start at 10AM each Tuesday and Wednesday during the festival. First-come, first-served seating is limited to theatre capacity. The Free Family Film Festival is safe, lots of fun and a great way for kids to spend a weekday morning in the summer.

Tickets for our 2009 Free Family Film Festival are exclusively available at select theatres’ box office on the day of the show.

Boise Downtown Stadium 9
760 Broad Street
Boise ,ID 83702
208-338-7465Boise Downtown Stadium 9
760 Broad Street
Boise ,ID 83702
208-338-7465

06/16/2009-06/17/2009




Curious George (G)Alvin And The Chipmunks (PG)06/23/2009-06/24/2009Space Chimps (G)Madagascar 2: Escape To Africa (PG)06/30/2009-07/01/2009Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: Veggie Tale Movie (G)Evan Almighty (PG)07/07/2009-07/08/2009Kit Kittredge: American Girl (G)Nim's Island (PG)07/14/2009-07/15/2009Horton Hears A Who (G)Inkheart (PG)07/21/2009-07/22/2009The Tale Of Despereaux (G)Kung Fu Panda (PG)07/28/2009-07/29/2009Everyone's Hero (G)Surf's Up (PG)08/04/2009-08/05/2009All Dogs Go To Heaven 2 (G)Journey To The Center Of The Earth (PG)08/11/2009-08/12/2009Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (G)Bee Movie (PG)Check for regular Movies and Showtimes

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Boise Stadium 22 & IMAX
7701 W Overland Road
Boise ,ID 83709-1628
208-377-960306/16/2009-06/18/2009Space Chimps (G)Madagascar 2: Escape To Africa (PG)06/23/2009-06/25/2009Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: Veggie Tale Movie (G)Evan Almighty (PG)06/30/2009-07/02/2009Kit Kittredge: American Girl (G)Nim's Island (PG)07/07/2009-07/09/2009Horton Hears A Who (G)Inkheart (PG)07/14/2009-07/16/2009The Tale Of Despereaux (G)Kung Fu Panda (PG)07/21/2009-07/23/2009Everyone's Hero (G)Surf's Up (PG)07/28/2009-07/30/2009All Dogs Go To Heaven 2 (G)Journey To The Center Of The Earth (PG)08/04/2009-08/06/2009Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (G)Bee Movie (PG)08/11/2009-08/13/2009Curious George (G)Alvin And The Chipmunks (PG)Check for regular Movies and Showtimes

Recipe of the Day . one

I received a bag full of mush about a week ago from my mom and this faded paper (which had obviously been photocopied a trillion times) I followed the directions on the paper, which are very easy, and ended up with one of the MOST DELICIOUS breads ever! So, I am sharing the recipe with all you... my friends!

Amish Friendship Bread

Important Note: Don't use metal spoons or equipment. Do not refrigerate. Use only glazed ceramic or plastic bowls or containers.

Required Main Ingredient

1 cup live yeast starter (see below)

Day 1:
Do nothing with the starter.

Days 2-5:
Stir with a wooden spoon.

Day 6:
Add 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup milk. Stir with a wooden spoon.

Days 7-9:
Stir with a wooden spoon.

Day 10:
Add 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup milk. Stir. Take out 3 cups and place 1 cup each into three separate plastic containers or Ziploc bags. Give one cup and a copy of this recipe to three friends. You can also keep one of the bags for yourself for a starter, then you're ready to bake every 10 days!

To the balance (a little over one cup) of the batter, add the following ingredients and mix well.

1 cup oil
1/2 cup milk
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla

In a separate bowl combine the following dry ingredients and mix well:
2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1-1/2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 (5.1 oz) box instant vanilla pudding
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup nuts

Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix and pour into two well greased and sugared bread pans. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour.


Starter

Ingredients:
1 pkg. active dry yeast 1/4 cup warm water (110°F) 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup white sugar 1 cup warm milk (110°F)

Directions:
1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water for about 10 minutes. Stir well.
2. In a 2 quart glass or plastic container, combine 1 cup sifted flour and 1 cup sugar. Mix thoroughly or the flour will get lumpy when you add the milk.
3. Slowly stir in warm milk and dissolved yeast mixture. Loosely cover the mixture with a lid or plastic wrap. The mixture will get bubbly. Consider this Day 1 of the cycle, or the day you receive the starter.

For the next 10 days handle starter according to the instructions above for Amish Friendship Bread.

Now get to baking!

Guess What's Coming Up...

... Yep, Father's Day!

What would dad think about an awesome card made using 'Invisible Ink' with items you most likely have in your kitchen. I know, he would think you are awesome! I'm so glad I found these ideas on Kaboose ... now I have another site to stalk!

Looking for more Father's Day fun? Get creative with one of these Father's Day crafts and recipe ideas.

What you'll need:
One piece of white cardstock, 4.5" x 3.5"
One teaspoon of lemon juice (either fresh-squeezed or from concentrate) OR one teaspoon of baking soda mixed with one teaspoon of water
Small bowl
Small paintbrush or cotton swab
One piece of colored cardstock, 5.5" x 8.5"
Adhesive such as glue stick, glue or scrapbook mounting squares
Marker
Iron
How to make it:
Place lemon juice (or baking soda and water mixture) in a small bowl.
Dip the paintbrush or cotton swab into the mixture and use it as "invisible ink" to draw a picture or write a message to dad on the white cardstock. (See photo.) Allow the cardstock to dry for 5 to 10 minutes. Once the baking soda mixture is dry, brush off any excess soda. (Whichever "ink" you use, you will be able to see a very faint image on the white cardstock.)
Fold the colored cardstock in half. Glue the white cardstock to the front. (See photo.)
Use the marker to write "Happy Father's Day!" inside the card.
Give the card to Dad on Father's Day. Wait for him to try and figure out why the front of the card is blank. Then tell him it's written in invisible ink and that he needs to iron it to see what it says. (See photo.)
Have an adult heat the iron to the "cotton" or highest setting and iron the front of the card. (Don't use the steam setting.) After a minute or two, your picture or message will gradually appear! (See photo.)

Tips:
It can be a little tricky writing using ink you can't see! Practice on a scrap piece of paper first.
Fresh lemon juice makes a lighter brown ink. Lemon juice from concentrate, or the baking soda mixture, results in a slightly darker brown ink.
To make your card look like a treasure map, have an adult carefully burn the edges of the white cardstock before you draw on it with the invisible ink.
You can also hold the cardstock carefully over a heat source like a light bulb to make the message visible.
Come up with some funny magic words, and tell Dad he needs to say them while he's ironing in order for the message to appear.
Decorate the colored cardstock (the frame around the white cardstock) with markers, crayons or small stickers.
Bonnie Schiedel is a freelance writer.

i48 AND SO CAN YOU

Have you ever wondered why you haven't made a film? Alright, so I might be alone here, but even if you're not entering a film in the competion (which is in it's 6th year) it would be very entertaining checking all of the others out on June 6th.

Here is the scoop:
48 Hour Film Competion and Festival . Modeled after an event that originated in Washington D.C. Teams of filmmakers from all over idaho will have 48 hours to write, pre-produce, cast, shoot and edit an original short film (4-7 minutes long) One week later there is a screening at the Flicks downtown with a "Best OF i48" Screeening and Awards Ceremony at the Egyptian. If you're not in the area, there will be screenings in other partcipation cities throughout the state. Films can be shot in any format and can include genres such as drama, action, mock-u-mentary, music video, documentary, silent film, noir, science fiction... pretty much whatever you've got!

Competition: May 29-31
Registration Deadline: May 18
Registration After May 9: $100
All Films Festival: Saturday, June 6
Best of i48: Sunday, June 7

If you don't have the film bug, go check out the screening. Obviously not the best event to bring your kids to (I can imagine a crazy two year old, who I know pretty well, crawling under seats and screaming amidst the silence) but it would make a great night out! For more info check the website here!

Want dinner, too? Wait for Restaurant.com to run an awesome sale (often times 80% OFF... that's a $25 gift certificate for $2 since they're already discounted) and you've got a date. There are plenty of restaurants near the Flicks and Egyptian that are participants on Restaurant.com. Asiagos, Bar Gernika, Cazba, and Mai Thai to name a few.

Hurray!

Welcome to the first official post of my blog... Yippee! Can you tell I'm excited? I'm seriously about to burst at the seams (never mind where my seams are) with all of the awesome content that I want to share with you all! My focus is going to be everything fun, hip, green and family-friendly in a super cool kind of way! I think I got the bases covered.

City life . Family friendly dining . Boise happenings . Parenting . Recycling . Gardening . Easy design . Children's photography tips . Recipes (lot's... I LOVE Martha) . Sewing . Retro Vintage goods . Knitting . Education . Kids Crafts . Money saving tips . Northwest artist and crafter bio's . Politics . Cycling . And soooooo much more (Please note that was in no particular order) I'm sure you'll get the occasional peek into my stop and go lifestyle as well...

So,

Stay tuned, you never know where you might end up!