Vanilla Joy - Family * Motherhood * Me

Valentine’s Dinner Idea #2 – Dominican Beans and Rice

February 3, 2010 by Kelsey Norwood

My sister spent a semester abroad in the Dominican Republic several years ago and she got this recipe for the Dominican beans she ate all the time. We are a bean loving family, mostly pinto, but these are superb with black beans. This is another really quick and easy and delicious meal that could be … Read more

Valentine’s Dinner Idea #1 – Calzones

February 2, 2010 by Kelsey Norwood

If you’re staying home for Valentine’s Day, tune in this week for some great dinner ideas! This first one is so delicious with plenty of Fancy Potential and it’s super easy. The recipe is from the America’s Test Kitchen cookbook…it’s fabulous! I used some of my canned chicken and it was delicious and just that … Read more

Update on Gus

February 1, 2010 by Kelsey Norwood

Thank you all for your kind comments and well-wishes. Gus is doing fine now, but it was a crazy week! (These pictures were all taken after he was doing much better.)

Monday Giveaway – UltraGold Bakeware Set

February 5, 2010February 1, 2010 by Kelsey Norwood

The winner of the UltraGold Bakeware Set is Cheryl W! She said, “My favorite idea on Wilton.com is the Perfect Fit Cake. The sweetheart candies are my absolute favorite Valentine’s Day candy. To have a sweetheart cake would be perfect. I love how they tell you exactly what you need to make it, too. I … Read more

Monday Giveaway – Thanksgiving Point Annual Membership

February 5, 2010February 1, 2010 by Kelsey Norwood

The Thanksgiving Point Membership winner is Missy! She said, “We LOVE the museum. My sons find something new and fascinating every time we go (and there is usually a massive meltdown when I’m ready to leave.) My husband and I go to the movie theater often as well. We love the stadium seating AND that … Read more

Crazy Weekend…

January 25, 2010 by Kelsey Norwood

Gus has been in the hospital since Saturday with RSV and pnemonia, so I’ll be taking the week off. Over and out for now…

Water Transfer Printing/Hydrographics/Camo Dipping

February 26, 2010January 24, 2010 by Boyd

Hello, this is Kelsey’s husband and she has been so gracious to allow me to post this on her blog. My friend has a business doing water transfer printing. This is a unique service where they dip items such as boats, atv’s, snowmobiles, guns, archery bows, etc. into a watery substance to print a unique … Read more

Goals for 2010

January 21, 2010 by Kelsey Norwood

Now that January is half over, I suppose it’s time I publish my goals for all the world to see. I’m going to be tracking my progress in my journal each week, so I hope to establish some new habits this year that will make me a better and happier person. Here are my goals … Read more

Waxing Cheese

January 20, 2010 by Kelsey Norwood

Another thing we’re adding to our food storage is waxed cheese. I know the FDA says home waxed cheese is not a good idea, but I decided to do it anyway based on what I read here. And if it’s moldy when we open it up, we’ll just throw it away and be very sad. … Read more

Canning Chicken

January 19, 2010 by Kelsey Norwood

I believe that storing a basic supply of food for a rainy day is a good idea, and so one of my goals this year is to add more home canned stuff to our food storage. My beautiful, talented, and generous sister-in-law (she’s awesome) gave me a pressure canner for Christmas. I wanted one mostly … Read more