All That Glitters

A girlfriend shared an article last week that highlighted with the advent of Pinterest, mom blogs, parenting magazines, and FB posts, there is added pressure to be a creative, well put together mom, with smart well behaved children.  You know, the kind of mom who color coordinates her children's outfits,  serves rocket ship shaped sandwiches at lunch, makes cardboard castle playhouses, has a freshly baked loaf of  bread at dinner, and looks like a J Crew model. This article really spoke to me. I do feel the pressure to be part Mary Poppins and Martha Stewart for my kids with a dash of arm candy for the hubs. BUT, I am here to break the myth, it's is not humanly possible to be and do all. All that glitters isn't always gold. While these social medias are fun and (yes, sometimes) inspirational; it is O.K. to wear your sweats and have a BRAVO rerun afternoon without guilt.  In fact, just a few weeks ago, I was at the end of my rope as parenting was getting the best of me.  I have no shame in sharing that I just let go.  After a phone call for pizza delivery and a sip of wine, life was good again.  That evening I was free of pressure. Dinner was simple. Clean up a breeze. The trio and hubs had full tummies. My mood was lifted. With the stress relieved, I added some fun for the kids too, BROWNIES. Oh yeah, I had one too!

Favorite Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe

I am a big fan of Trader Joe's for many reasons. Within minutes I can put a meal together that is tasty and appears to have taken hours.   If you have a Trader Joe's nearby and want to make a meal that will please you and your husband give my Grilled Chicken Salad a try.  My husband and I really like this recipe served with garlic nann bread and a glass of wine. Enjoy.

Favorite Grilled Chicken Salad

1 bag of  salad mix one with romaine and radicchio
1 bag Trader Joe's  Rice Medley
1/2 cup sliced cucumbers
1/4 cup corn
1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1 1/2 lbs.of chicken breast tenders
soyaki marinade
red wine and olive oil salad dressing






Method:  Marinate chicken tenders in soyaki by placing the chicken in a plastic bag with enough marinade to bathe the chicken. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Heat rice for 3 minutes in the microwave. Let the rice stand on the side cooling to room temperature.  Cut up tomatoes and slice tomatoes.  Heat grill. Barbecue chicken tenders. Allow chicken to cool and slice into bite sized pieces. In a large bowl combine the salad mix, rice, chicken, corn, cucumbers and tomatoes.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Lightly dress the salad with your favorite red wine vinegar salad dressing.  If you like red onions, slice them and add them too; they are a nice addition to the salad. Serve with warm nann bread.