Hidden Gems: Ithaca Earth museum

We went to the Paleontological Research Institution and its Museum of the Earth in March for a Babcock- Hovey Alumni event. This was the best school/ fun trip ever! It was still winter at the time (I really don't think winter ever ends here in New York) so we did not get to explore any of the outside sections that I heard can be great. I want to get back and give it a try during the summer months because it was truly an amazing experience.

When you first arrive you get to see this beauty from above and later from the bottom as well.

We cam across a ton of information on fossils and the formation of Earth. 

The kids thought is was cool seeing what use to be live insects. 

Critters in jars.

There is a section that the kids can search for fossils and even take home any they find.

A defrost tray

 So we got this beautiful large freezer this year. It was wonderful except for the fact I never decide what I want to eat until like lunch and then the food does not always defrost in time for dinner. My husband was reading I believe amazing gadgets to have on the Chive. I honestly have no clue and he bugged the crap out of me how we needed it. So I gave in and bought it. I honest did not believe it would work. 

 So I set it on the tray 

 This is about 15 minutes later 

within 30 minutes.

I could not believe it. So if you want you own try click my link and buy it :D 

1 X Gourmet Trends Quick & EZ Defrosting Tray

The best part of this time saving tray is it was $14.06, and well worth it.

simple salt

I love having jars of seasonings that is ready to go but the prices int the store is completely insane in my opinion. We have a place locally that I can go and buy bulk herbs and seasonings and build my own special seasonings. So far I have a Tex- Mex salt and Salt and Pepper jars. Mainly because I need to go shopping. My cupboard is running on E.

So here is my Tex-Mex seasoning and Salt and pepper. 

Both start with Salt and pepper. I hand ground my pepper using a motor and pestle. 

It is glorious when you are having a bad day. 

I did equal parts for the salt and pepper jar and set it aside. 

Now the Tex- Mex jar,  I started with the salt and pepper ( I made 2 jars)  and added cumin, fresh dried chili peppers, and cilantro.

I used a spice grinder to have more of an even cut but kept it slightly chunky for texture. 

Mix it together. 

I do not have measurements. Here is my reasoning, everyone and family has different taste. I love heat and spice but I know other people do not so the best thing to do is start with equal parts. If you hate cilantro then reduce it or take it out, if you love spice add more chili. Then add it to the salt pepper blend and test it. Adjust as needed. 

Frozen Breakfast sandwiches.

On our quest to go process free we decided to give our hand at ready made breakfast sandwiches. 

We bought: English muffins 

Bacon

Eggs 

Cheese

I tossed the bacon on a pan in the oven. 

Then I fried the eggs. I used this egg ring to keep the eggs in a nice tight circle to fit on the english muffin neatly. I just put a pinch salt and pepper on each egg. 

Place it on the English muffin. 

Top with cheese. 

Then add the bacon. Wrap it with foil and place in an air tight container. I marked when we made it. 

we found it easier to pull out what we want the day before so it cooks quickly.

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Bacon Mac and Cheese

So this summer with the chaos in the house we got lazy with the cooking.

Last night I made a scratch made Bacon Mac and Cheese. My macaroni and cheese connoisseur still complained. He said it was good but still missing something, I am pretty sure he is giving me a hard time because he had 2 insanely large plates. 

Everyone thinks making macaroni and cheese is difficult and time consuming, I promise you it really is not. 

To start boil pasta. While I was boiling my pasta I set everything else up. 

 Shred the cheese this will make the rest simple. 

Drain the pasta out and I used the same pot for everything. 

Cook the bacon until nice and crispy. and set it aside. 

In the bacon fat toss the onions, salt/ pepper ( I used my Tex- Mex blend) and equal parts flour. 

The flour and fat will make a rue and that will thicken the milk creating a white sauce which we will add the cheese creating a cheese sauce. 

So I added about 2 cups of milk, and you simmer until it starts to thicken. 

Chop up the bacon and add with the cheese. 

Mix until the cheese is nice and melted and the bacon is well incorporated. 

Add the pasta and mix until everything is coated. 

Now enjoy the beautiful bacon macaroni and cheese.  I served with green beans. 

I will try to remember to price everything out and do my budget prices but it should come to about $2 a person depending on what kind of cheese you use. Better taste comes from the stronger flavored cheese. 

Looking Wreath

I talked about major changes coming because we just needed it in the house. The positive attitude has helped so much in accepting things that I can't change. When we lived in Maryland and Desmond nearly died we ended up drowning in debt so things like decorating for the holiday was limited. 

 This year is the first time we have the extra to decorate so here it is. 

First I bought a really nice black wreath with orange bow. Everyone is starting to pull out Christmas stuff so Halloween is on sale and this baby cost me $20 

Next I took cheap ping pong balls....

googly eyes and a hot glue gun.

I glued the eye on one side.

 I glued a small piece of wire on the other side to twist it on the wreath.

This is my lovely bowl of googly eyeballs ready to go.

Then slowly add the eyes. 

Voila it is done, I plan on buying a few more glow in the dark eyes to add on because I feel like it is missing something but have not decided yet.