Sissy’s Mixed Vegetable Quiche…

Super Easy Recipe for Mixed Vegetable Quiche found originally on stage-presents.comMy sister and I naturally have a lot in common.  We both love to cook.  But, she is definitely a lot more adventurous than me in the kitchen.  I like to try safe, simple recipes.  She likes to bring out the arsenal.   Now that both girls are in school full time, I find myself with so much more time on my hands.  So this morning I decided to try out one of her easier recipes for Mixed Vegetable Quiche.  Her recipe for Spinach Quiche is a favorite at our house, but this was my first time trying the recipe with Mixed Vegetables.  They are actually interchangeable.

This recipe can be as easy or complicated as you choose to make it.  What I mean by that is that, you can choose to go the Farmers Market (fresh vegetable route), or you can use Frozen Vegetables, and you can pretty much add anything that you want to this recipe.  I didn’t include specific amounts of how much of each Fresh Vegetable to cut up simply because I think that you can eye ball it. As long as you keep in mind that it all has to fit into a pie crust, after its cooked or steamed it will take up less space, AND that the egg and milk will give you limited room.  In my Special Notes, I added some ingredients that I add to mine.  But, just to give you some additional ideas.  You can add different kinds of cheeses, bacon, spices, peppers, etc. To view this Recipe Card in a larger format – Double Click on the Actual Image.

Sissy's Mixed Vegetable Quiche Recipe Card found originally on stage-presents.com

I enjoy trying out new recipes, especially when they come from someone I trust and they are tried and approved.  I tend to have recipes all over the place, in emails, text messages, etc.  If you have the same problem then today’s Free Printable Recipe Cards are just for you.  Click the Link to Download and Enjoy them under the picture.

Love these Printable Recipe Cards Download your Own Free on stage-presents.com JPEG Format

PDF Format

 

Three… Two… One… A Friday Series No.3

Three Blogs Two Faves One Freebie - A Friday Series Volume 3

Three Blogs:

Stone Gable Blog

She Wears Many Hats

Hoosier HomeMade

Three Blogs Two Faves One Freebie - A Friday Series Volume 3 - www.stage-presents.com

Photo Source: 1 2 3(Middle & Right) *In Number Order

Two Faves:

Polaroid Snap: A New 10MP Instant Digital Camera

Bialetti 7265 Trends Collection 5 Quart Pasta Pot

Three Blogs Two Faves One Freebie - A Friday Series Volume 3 - www.stage-presents.comPhoto Source: 1 2

One Freebie:

This week’s Freebie Friday is geared towards shutterbugs and photographers courtesy of Anwar Thomas Photography (aka my hubby). Here are his notes on Today’s Freebie.  As a photographer, have you ever taken what you believed to be the perfect photo and later realized there were no clouds in the sky? It happens to inexperienced and seasoned photographers alike. So with that in mind, today’s Friday Freebie is a set of 9 cloud overlays. This set of overlays are high resolution (300 dpi) jpeg files that you are free to use to enhance the sky and background of your digital photos. The files are compatible with all photo editing software that supports jpeg files.

FreebieFriday9415 - 9 Free Cloud Overlays found originally on stage-presents.com

 

Cloud One

Cloud Two

Cloud Three

Cloud Four

Cloud Five

Cloud Six

Cloud Seven

Cloud Eight

Cloud Nine

Have an Awesome Weekend!!

STAGE PRESENTS – MASTERING BALANCE – AKUA BOAKYE

Mastering Balance by focusing on Faith Family and Fitness -- A Creative Interview- www.stage-presents.com

Akua, and I are members of the Group Passionistas [a group for female entrepreneurs] on Facebook.  After reading many of her posts, I was amazed at all that she packs into one day.  She has a thriving business, a full time career, a family (she’s very involved with), and lots of friends.  And, she finds time for all of it.  This interview was prompted mostly by curiosity.  But, I also wondered what nuggets she could pass on to those of us who are trying to master finding balance in our every day lives.  I truly enjoyed getting to know her better and getting her realistic, “tell it like it is” point of view.  She doesn’t deny that it is work that demands commitment, but demonstrates that it CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED.

How long have you been committed to healthy eating and working out?

I’ve been working out and eating healthy consistently  for the past 10 years.  Please note that for me eating healthy is all about balance.  I’ll say, I eat healthy about 80% of the time, but I also allow some “cheats” 20% of the time. I enjoy going out to eat with my family and friends.  I have found that  this way allows me to remain consistent  and not feel deprived.

What does your routine look like and do you change it up depending on the season or your moods?

My exercise routine changes according to my goals at the time. No 2 days of working out is ever the same. I set mini goals either weekly or monthly for myself. (i.e: hold planks for more minutes, do x amount of pull ups, run a certain amount of miles, etc. )My daily workout can range from full body circuit training, treadmill interval runs with inclines, heavy lifting, Insanity (my fav…Shaun T is my MAN) bleacher circuits, boxing,  and a host of others.  For me it is  all about constantly challenging your routine and shocking your body. A challenged body will be a changed body.!

How do you balance a full time job, your family and make time for yourself and your Boot Camp?

The balance  for me took some time. I started  this journey over 10 years ago as a single woman with very few responsibilities aside from my teaching career .  In the process, I’ve gotten married, become a mother and owner of 2 businesses (BodybyAkua Fitness LLC  and Treat You Right Foods LLC ).  My balance comes from knowing that each of these aspects of my life are equally important.   What I know for sure is that we MAKE  time for what we really want . My family and faith are extremely important to me, but I am also aware that to sustain my family, I must work hard to provide. I MAKE time for my fitness lifestyle because without  my health and a clear mind, I cannot be a good wife, mother, friend, and an entrepreneur. These elements are interconnected. I cannot succeed in one without the other.  My Fitness is seriously the magic potion that powers me through the rest of my busy life.

What advice would you give to anyone who wants to make positive change for a healthier lifestyle?

My advice  to anyone who wants to make a healthier  lifestyle a part of their routine will be to first figure out why you want to get healthy and fit to begin with.  If your  reason for a healthier lifestyle is temporary,  then your results  will also be temporary.  So for example, if you only want to exercise and get healthy because you are in a wedding, going on a vacation or trying to impress someone at a class reunion, then you are most likely not going to continue once those events come and go.  Being healthy and fit should not be temporary, but rather a part of your regular routine. When you change your mind set  and look at healthy living as a daily necessity, you are most likely to stick with it.   Also, when starting out, start with smaller  changes in order to not feel overwhelmed.  (Cut out one sugary drink daily, eat one less fast food this week, go for a nice easy walk after dinner, park the car a little further  and walk, take the stairs, cook one healthy  meal at home). These changes, while small will eventually become habits and help with your success.

Can you share a favorite quick and easy recipe that our readers can prepare for their families?

I pride myself in being the “queen of quick meals”. With such a hectic schedule, being able to make a quick, yet healthy meal is the way to go. The trick is to have already prepared or quick steamed foods on hand.  Example.: Roasted chicken, egg whites, steam ready brown rice,  veggies,  spices, coconut or olive oil sprays )

My favorite quick meal to prep for my family  is my Healthy chicken Fried Rice with veggies. This meal is loaded with all nutrients needed to sustain a healthy body. (Good carbs, Protein, healthy fats, fiber etc.)

(Steam the rice and veggies in advance)
Heat pan with Spray  of coconut or olive oil .
Add egg whites to pan and cook scramble style, add steamed veggies of choice, mix together  and add your favorite  spices, I also add 2 tbsp of ginger dressing, add 1 tbsp of oil as well as shredded  chicken and steamed brown rice.
Mix all well and cook together for about 3 to 5 minutes.  DONE
During the cold winter months  I use my Crockpot to make steel cut oatmeal overnight, so by morning, it’s ready to go.  just add some fruits or peanut butter.

 What is your favorite exercise and the one you hate but love the results?

Currently, my favorite exercise is any variation of  squats.  Squats are awesome  because since they incorporate  such big muscles, it burn tons of calories and a proper squat can also work the core and other parts of the body besides the lower. Plus, it shapes the Glutes nicely.  I seem to always find a way to add in some squats daily.   I have developed a love /hate relationship with the burpees lately. Burpees are EXCELLENT for total body conditioning. There are so many variations!  It works almost every single muscle in the body. I love them because I know they are effective  but I hate them because they easily wear me out.

Any words of wisdom that you would like to add.

I would like to add that fitness/healthy living is a personal choice. YOUR BODY. YOUR DRIVE. YOUR RESULTS. Please know that you are and should always remain your own competition. Strive to be better each day than the day before.  Set small goals for yourself and find ways to accomplish those goal. It is ok to admire  and be motivated  by others,  but,  please do not compare yourself to others in this journey.  Each individual has their own story and history. Celebrate YOUR accomplishments be it small or big.

With the craze  of social media and “fitness models” on the internet,  people tend to want to look like these models and look for quick fixes to get there.. Well the truth is there is NO PILL,  NO TEA,  NO WRAP,  NO CREAM OR WAIST TRAINER that can take the place of eating healthy  and moving the body. The only way to a fitter body is to put in some hard a** work and a balanced clean diet. .

You can find Akua all over the web:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

 YouTube

Emails: akua@bodybyakuafitness.com

                akuaboakye79@gmail.com

Mastering Balance - Akua Boakye - A Creative Interview - www.stage-presents.com

Fun Friday: What’s In Your Glass?

Whats In Your GlassIt’s National Tequila Day and it’s Friday.  Those two things sound like fun to me.  There are so many yummy cocktail recipes with tequila as the staple ingredient.  And, believe it or not tequila is no longer just for drinks. After doing some research I literally found 200+ Tequila Recipes.  These three made the top of my list.

Windy Kitchen’s Slow Cooker Tequila Lime Chili

Martha Stewart’s Tequila-Soaked Watermelon Wedges

All Recipe’s Tequila Sunrise

Tequila Recipes

Photo Source: 1 2 3

This week’s Freebie Friday: A Printable Drink Card

Freebie Friday - Printable Drink Card

What is your favorite Tequila Cocktail or Recipe?

A Simple Father’s Day At Home

A Simple Fathers DayIt took me a while to realize that my husband was all about the Simple Things.  After years of trying to make a big hoopla about his birthday or Father’s Day or other such events, I finally realized that what he needed and what I needed were just two different things.  Me, I am about all about the Pomp and Circumstance.  Him, he’s all about being comfortable, and relaxed.

So this year, I took a different approach to Father’s Day.  I mixed a little of me, with a whole lot of him.  Meaning ??  He would just NEVER go and buy himself a new cell phone, even though his pretty ancient.  So, the kids and I decided to upgrade him for his  Father’s Day present.  Even though Technology is what he does for a living, he could care less about those types of things. He literally only uses his cell phone to text and talk.  But, I suspect that might be changing here very soon.  And,  instead of cooking up a big FANCY meal, I cooked something that I know he loves.

I started looking for a recipe right after Mother’s Day for Ribs.  And, you all already know my criteria EASY, and TASTY.   I found this recipe at Six Sisters Stuff found here for Fall off the Bone BBQ Ribs. What made this recipe stand out over the others was the easy prep and the 8 hours in the Crock Pot.   And, then even though I have my own tried and true Crockpot Mac and Cheese Recipe.  I decided to try out Patti Labelle’s Mac and Cheese recipe found here,  since the ribs would have the Crockpot tied down for 8 hours straight.    Add to that some corn on the cob and we had a dinner that was Dad approved.

The girls gave him their Personalized Photo Cards from Card Store and I gave him my mushy one.  We all just hung out for the day being silly and not leaving the house.  But, It was just what he wanted.  And he was happy and ultimately.  That is really all that matters.

How did you spend your Father’s Day weekends?

Making Memories In the Kitchen

Making Memories In The KitchenPhoto Source:

The goal of any Stay at Home or Work from Home Mom is to make it through the summer with her sanity in check, while still making memories with her little ones.  That is just the reality of it, or at least it is for this Mom.  My girls are both at the age where they are showing an interest in the kitchen and cooking.  So, I came up with the bright idea to let them learn how to do a few more things around the kitchen.

So, I started looking around for recipes that met the following criteria: a) Easy b) Fast c) Required Very Few Ingredients d) Consisted of a Food they already Love.

While browsing Pinterest,  I found the link to the recipe for Mini Personal Size Pizzas on Pillsbury.com here.

This was definitely, my kind of recipe.  Four Ingredients, Two Steps,  Ten Minutes Prep Time, 25 Minutes, Total Cook Time, and Eight Servings (which means there would be enough for me and Daddy too.)

Family Pizza Day

Even though Our Pizzas were not as Aesthetically Pleasing as the Photo Shown on the Pillsbury Site.  They tasted incredible and we had a lot of fun making them, even if the girl’s faces are all business here.  They took their jobs seriously.

My Notes:  I really let them do their thing.  I gave them the instructions and then let them go at it.  I think maybe, we could have used a little more Pizza Sauce and Cheese.  We used Turkey Pepperoni instead of what the recipe called for, and we added some veggies to the mix.  This was only our first go round.  I trust that we will get better in time.  I will let you know how our next attempt turns out.

What activities do you have planned for your little ones this summer?

Daddy Bakes — Irish Creme Topped Brownie Dessert

Irish Cream Topped Brownie Dessert

Today, we are launching a new segment of Our Blog – called “Daddy Bakes”.  I am super excited and not just because it means yummy desserts for me.  But, because it was no easy task to get my Hubby to agree to it.  He often tries his hand at different recipes and they are always a SCORE.  So I am elated to be able to share this with you.

Narrated by Mr.Stage Presents:
Last weekend, my wife and I enjoyed the pleasant sounds of a kid free weekend. Thank God for grandparents. After dinner,  my wife suggested that we make a dessert instead of purchasing or eating something pre-made. We both hopped on the internet and after a few moments of searching and spinning our wheels, I suggested that we make some type of brownie and ice cream concoction that most restaurants serve. I came across a recipe for an Irish cream-topped brownie dessert on Pillsbury.com. I chose the recipe based on the extremely short prep time, although we did not have any of the ingredients at home. Thankfully Kroger is only 2 minutes away. Afer a quick trip to Kroger, I returned home, baked the brownies, prepared the topping, and refrigerated the Irish cream topped brownies. The recipe called for refrigerating the brownies for 2 hours but ours ended up being refrigerated overnight. I failed to mention that our little brownie project began around 11 pm, so the taste test had to wait until morning. Well, the brownies were well worth the wait. Most brownies taste the same but the topping is what sets this brownie apart…light and candy filled.

Daddy Bakes Collage

What more needs to be said. I give this recipe 5 out of 5 stars and I have listed a few things that I would do differently based on my personal preferences.

I would:

Follow the brownie directions on the box/package.
Use a brownie mix that creates a fudge center.
Use a Heath bar for the toffee candy topping.
Increase the Irish cream content in the topping as well as the brownie.
Mix the toffee candy into the topping.
Drizzle caramel over the topping.

You have just finished reading Daddy Bakes Irish Cream-Topped Brownie Dessert.  Please consider leaving a comment below.

Switching things up a bit… for Cinco de Mayo

Do you ever tire of eating and cooking the same thing week after week? This is one my biggest challenge in the kitchen. So, I have been reaching outside the box to try new recipes that I think the family will enjoy. Since today was Cinco de Mayo, I thought I would try out some traditional Mexican Cuisine.  I got the recipe from Betty Crocker, so I am not sure just how traditional it is.  But, last night I tried out Betty Crocker’s Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Recipe found here.  In addition to this recipe being super easy and delicious, it was very inexpensive to make.  It got both the Kids and the Hubby Seal of Approval, so its definitely going on my Tried and True List.

Cinco de Mayo Quick and Easy Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas - stage-presents.comMy Notes on this Recipe: For a family of four or more, consider doubling this recipe.  Also, for my own personal preference I added sauteed onions and peppers to the mix, as well as to the top as garnishment.  Also depending on how Spicy you like it.  You can choose to go with a different enchilada sauce, I chose the Mild because I have small children at home.

And, then just because you can’t do Cinco de Mayo without Margaritas, we also tried out this recipe for a Strawberry Margarita “Mock-tail” Recipe that the whole family can participate in found here.

Cinco de Mayo Strawberry Margarita Mocktail - stage-presents.com

 Photo Source:  First Picture in this Collage was found here:  The last three are my Pictures.

My Notes on this Recipe:  This drink was very sweet to me.  Of course, I am diabetic, so I pretty much consider everything too sweet.  But, I would definitely cut down on the Orange Juice which is high in Sugar.  I would only use 1/2 of the Frozen Limeade and you could always go with a Diet Lemon Lime Soda.  I really enjoyed the little taste I had, so I will be working on a Diabetic Friendly version.  So check back I will share that as soon as I can perfect it.

So there you have it, a Quick and Easy way to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at home.  I should add that the only ingredient needed to change the Strawberry Margarita recipe from a “Mock-tail” to a Cocktail is your choice of “Grown up Juice”, as we call it at our house.  Fiesta… Fiesta!!

You have just finished reading Switching Things Up A Bit…. for Cinco de Mayo.  What is your favorite Mexican Dish?  Would you consider leaving a comment?

A New Twist on an Old Favorite – Strawberry Lemonade Ginger-Mint Mojito

Strawberry Lemonade MojitosEvery year the first thing to come back to life in my backyard is my Peppermint Plant.  I am always soo excited to see the little green leaves pushing up because that means that  Spring is here, and so is Mojito season.  That, is always cause for celebration.

Last year,  I shared an amazing Strawberry Lemonade Recipe that I found here after our Trip with the Kids to the Strawberry Patch.  While I was enjoying it,  I remember thinking that it would make an amazing chaser.  Fast forward to 2015 and I thought Nooo… it would make an AMAZING Mojito and so this recipe was born.

Ingredients for the Strawberry Lemonade: (Original Recipe linked above)

4 lemons

1/2 – 3/4 cup of dark brown sugar (adjust based on your own preference and of course how sweet the strawberries are)

6 cups of water

1 1/2 lbs of Strawberries (cut in half)

My Tweaks:  The recipe calls for 2 lemons, but we added 2 more lemons.  The recipe calls for honey or sugar as a sweetener, but I used dark brown sugar.  But, of course you can use whatever sweetener you choose.  The straining is a little time consuming, but it is worth the time.

Added Ingredients that make it a Strawberry Lemonade Ginger-Mint Mojito:

2 tablespoons of fresh ginger minced

10 mint sprigs (8 for the drink and 2 or more for garnish)

2/3 cups of white rum

After you have done all the hard work to make your Strawberry Lemonade, then comes the twist.  In a bowl, muddle the  strawberry lemonade, rum, mint, and ginger with a wooden spoon.  Allow it to sit, in order to blend the flavors, but remember that both Ginger and Peppermint are strong flavors.  So, I wouldn’t recommend letting it sit for more than 20 minutes.  Strain and fill your glass with half of your Strawberry Lemonade Ginger Mint Mojito and half Canada Dry Ginger Ale.  Garnish with Peppermint Leaves and VOILA.  You have a refreshing drink that your friends won’t stop talking about.  Enjoy, and let me know how you liked it and what changes if any you made.

Strawberry Lemonade Ginger Mint Mojito

Fun Friday – All About V-Day!!

Free Valentine's Day Pencil Tag #valentinesday #valentinesdaygift #valentinesdayideas

Wow, did this week fly by for anyone else but me?  Today’s Fun Friday is ALL about Valentine’s Day!!

Do you miss those days when it was just the two of you?  But, that just isn’t the case anymore, now that you have little people running around, who seem to be sapping your romantic flow.  But, you want your guy to know that he is still #1 in your book.  No matter how tired you may be.

Most men are simple.  And, most men don’t really give a hoot about Valentine’s Day.  Even still, you care, so make sure he knows that you do too.  Keep in Mind, that this year Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday (what a treat). So, you have the whole day to make your love feel special.

Here are a few Quick & Hopefully Not Too Dirty Ideas:

Start with Breakfast — In Bed or Out (your choice)

It doesn’t have to be anything GRAND, you know your guy. Add a Sweet Card, a Love Note, or even an IOU (for later fun).  Running low on time in the morning, consider prepping your guys breakfast the night before.

Breakfast in Bed for Valentine's Day

Babysitter or Not –

Can you get a baby sitter to stay with the kids so you can have some alone time? What works better for your family?  Are you going to hit the movies with your honey during the day, or are you going to make it an official date night and don the heels and flirty dress??  Whatever you do, make sure the plan is put in place long before that weekend.  Remember reservations are nearly impossible to get around this time of year.

Of course, if a Baby Sitter is not an option for you, then you have to either plan V-Day around the kiddies, or include them.  When my oldest daughter was much younger, we both dressed up one year and had dinner with my hubby.  It was super sweet and we all enjoyed sitting at the table together for dinner. She enjoyed being included and making a Valentine for her Daddy.

Here are some fun ideas for sharing V-day with your little ones, that I found around the web.

12 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Your Kids

4 Sweet Ways To Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Your Kids

To Dine –

If you are lucky, maybe you are one the of the couples who manage to get time alone, reserve your table far enough in advance, and are dressed to impressed for a Night On the Town.  Leave everything else on the back shelf for the night.  You have pulled off a major coup!!  Make tonight only about YOUR LOVE.  No talk of work, daycare, or diapers.  Relax and Enjoy Each Other.

Every Day is Special with the One You Love, but Valentine’s day should be even SWEETER.

V-Day Stories –

Sad Valentine's Day Story

Funny Valentine's Day StoryAnd, if you got all the way through this post, Good For You!!

So as promised, here is your Free Valentine’s Day Pencil Tag (PDF File) with instructions.  Click to Download and Enjoy!!

Valentine's Day Pencil Tags