I am a busy mom. I work outside of the home, attend college full-time, and take care of my two busy kids that love to eat and always want more. When I get home in the evening, I need to be able to feed two hungry kids a healthy delicious meal, quick. There is no time to be wasted. And that is where Mary Jo’s brilliance comes in. Not only did she give me healthy, delicious meals that are easy to make for my family, she guided me on simple techniques that cut my time down drastically in the kitchen.

I loved the layout of the book. It begins with what I believe are the most important first steps of understanding the book and creating a perfect kitchen. The two most important sections that are “must reads” would be one) What’s In This Book, and 2) Prep Work.

Only five pages long, What’s in This Book gave me the simple outline of the guide. From understanding the variations of recipes to explaining the different symbols used throughout. My suggestion - do not skip this section. Think of The Frantic Woman’s Guide to Feeding Family and Friends as your map and the What’s in This Book is your legend.

Now, my favorite section, Prep Work. The prep work section gave me the low down on how I should allow my kitchen to work for me, and not against me. Starting with creating work stations for much better flow, to essentials on what cookware I truly need, what tools I need to create my masterpieces, to what items should be considered a staple in my cabinets and pantry. Not forgetting about the best optimal solutions for your fridge and freezer.

Now, if this seems like common sense to some, I apologize. For me it was great to dive in and learn what kitchen tools can perform double duty and that I don’t have to have every new hip kitchen tool or appliance that hits the market. I am all for saving money and time.

Yes, don’t worry, the recipes are there! Exactly 365 of them to wet your appetite. From seasonal menus that give you guidance on how to use local, seasonal product to feed you family healthy dishes you can expand out to recipes that fill a plethora of voids - recipes for specific climates, party favorites, to even the PMS week. Trust me, there is a recipe for every possible late night to if the dog ate the main course. There are solutions!

This is a definite must read for every mom that wants to throw frantic out the door and welcome relief back in.

This is an original Simple Home Basic post.

Dawn’s Web site states your hands will will transform, “in just five dish washes.” And in honor of this beautifying liquid, Dawn has the following awesome sweepstakes!

Grand Prize Winner will receive $3,000 that may be used toward a ring or bracelet of their choice.

Six Monthly First Prize Winners will each receive $1,000 that may be used toward a piece of jewelry of their choice.

Daily Prize Winners will each receive a 22oz. bottle of Dawn Hand Renewal in Pomegranate.

What are you waiting for? Go here to sign up!

OFF® PowerPad® Lamp and Lantern

Check out the OFF® Web site for further information and instructions on care and use. Have great, bug-free backyard fun this summer!

Have you tried this product? Let us know what you think! Leave a comment.

The best part, you will be getting a second helping of Natalie! Not only will you catch her flavors of the kitchen in the Simply Entertaining section, Natalie has agreed to be a guest blogger at Simple Home Basics. So, occasionally you will catch her chatting around here entertaining us, as well as maybe catch her in a few of the other sections.

And by the way, yes, Hot Off the Garlic Press is as buttery-scrumptious as it sounds. I stumbled onto Hot Off the Garlic Press by complete accident and I am thankful that I did. I had been on a long search for a blog that would allow me to feature some of their recipes in the Simple Entertaining section at Simple Home Basics and couldn’t find a blog that wanted to share. Well, I clicked onto Natalie’s blog and loved what I saw - a mom that was cooking mouth-watering dishes that I could do at home - easily.

I jumped. Well, emailed. I emailed Natalie about allowing me to re-post her recipes at Simple Home Basics and not only did she email me back, she agreed! I am so pleased she did. I mean the first recipe posted, Herbed Chicken Marsala, is amazing! The picture alone tells the story. My mouth is watering! And trust me, there are a ton more recipes just as yummy!

Now it’s your turn. Each week stop by Simple Home Basics to see what tantalizing flavor we are serving up, or see if you have gotten lucky by a visiting post from Natalie at Hot Off the Garlic Press!

This is an original Simple Home Basics blog.

With the heat rising outside, time to take it inside. Heat your home up with the delectable fragrance and great conversation with friends. That’s right! This dish would be perfect for a Friday evening get together with the dinner club, or even when old friends are in from out of town.

Once you get this scrumptious meal ready to go, all that is left is to sit down, open a favorite bottle of red wine, and enjoy some company!

Before the recipe, I want to thank our resident recipe guru, Natalie from Hot Off the Garlic Press. Natalie has graciously allowed Simple Home Basics to begin featuring her works.

Enjoy!

Herbed Chicken Marsala

4 chicken breasts

1/2 c.+ flour {I used whole-wheat and added flax. Do whatever you like}

1/4 c. milk

1/4 c. fresh herbs, minced {I grabbed whatever I could out of my garden, it was raining. I think I

managed to grab parsley, oregano, sage, thyme, and marjoram. It really doesn’t matter if you use one or if you use more. Just pick something you like the flavor of}

1 clove garlic

olive oil

salt

1/2 c. mushrooms of your choice, sliced

1/2 c. + Marsala Wine {I have used white wine in other versions. Or just use more stock}

1 c. chicken stock

2 cloves garlic

*Beurre Manierre, enough to thicken

A healthy drizzle of cream

Preheat oven to 300 / 160 degrees.

Prepare the breasts by trimming the fat. I like chicken in smaller pieces, so I go a step further and cut each breast into 3 smaller pieces.

Pour the milk into a shallow dish for dipping. Prepare the flour by placing it in a shallow dish and use your fingers to mix in the fresh herbs and pressing in 1 clove of garlic.

Dip the chicken into the milk, take it out and give it a little shake of salt. Dip into flour and herbs to coat. Place each chicken piece into a heated saute pan drizzled with olive oil. Gently saute the cutlets, turning once, until golden brown on top. They won’t need to be cooked through.

Place the golden cutlets on a serving or other oven-proof plate or dish. Place in warm oven to finish cooking through.

Meanwhile, keep heating the pan and add another drizzle of olive oil. Saute the mushrooms until browned. Throw in the wine, deglazing the pan. After a minute, add in the stock and two more pressed cloves garlic. Reduce for a few minutes and then thicken by whisking in the buerre manierre. At the last minute, add in the cream and remove from heat.

Remove the chicken from the oven, it should be done just as the sauce is completed. Serve and garnish as desired.

*Make a beurre maniere by using a fork to blend together equal parts of flour and butter {I use more flour, probably 2-3 T. flour and 1/4 c. flour}

His spirit and memory live on in a foundation that Merlin himself envisioned, helping families of burned children lead an easier life, regardless of the request made. Although Merlin is no longer here to make his dream come true, his family leads the way in creating Merlin’s Miracles.

Your donation to Merlin’s Miracles can be in the form of a direct donation or through the purchase of a Merlin’s Miracles T-Shirt. Merlin’s Miracles Web site is still in creation, but you can also help, by donating time and energy. You can contact the foundation directly and let them know you would like to help.

Sergeant Merlin German, along with his fellow men and women soldiers, symbolize a brave American strength.

Merlin’s Miracles
4319 Medical Dr.
Suite 131 - 352
San Antonio, TX 78229-3325
email: info@merlinsmiracles.com
web: merlinsmiracles.com

If you know of a charity that deserves recognition, please let us know.

This is an original Simple Home Basics post.

You and your family have been cooped up all winter long. It was too cold to go outside and have fun, now is the time to take advantage of warm weather and fun sports. Not only will you be spending great quality time with your family, you will also be enticing your kids to a healthier lifestyle by promoting exercise.

Now bust loose and get your family involved!

Well a sport wouldn’t be a sport without rules. But, this is your sports night, so you can make your rules as you go along. So, here are some simple suggestions just to get you started.

Choose a time frame that is right for the family - each week or every two weeks; more or less. This way everyone will know which night you have for your family night and no one will forget.

Mix it up a bit and choose a different sport each week from softball, volleyball, even horseshoes. This way you have a variety to look forward to and no one will be bored or feel left out of their favorite choice.

One more suggestion to help mix it up - throw in a sport you have never played before. Maybe there is a sport that your entire family might want to try, like golf. Possibly set up a golf lesson just so you can say you tried it!

As for other suggestions - figure out the rest as you go along! This is what makes it fun, but also what makes it your family’s night.

Do you have a great family fun night suggestions? Let us know what your family does!

This is an original Simple Home Basics post.

A invigorating list of seasonal colors offered from MyHomeIdeas.com is bursting at the seams with brightness. From bright shades of pinks, to deep-rich reds, colors are not lacking in the listing brought together. Finding hues that will spark calm and excitement all at the same time are sure to grab your attention.

Mingle within the rooms of your home. What color could use an update? Do you have a boring earth tone that could come to life again with a little tangerine thrown in? Maybe you would like to add a sprinkling of culture into a drab scenery within your bedroom. Have an open mind and your choices are endless!

Still too shy to step outside a simple color palette? Not to worry. There are still a great many fun ideas waiting with the simple, refreshing colors of spring like yellow and green. Bring the outside in with two cool colors that are comfortable, yet still give you the refreshing taste of new every morning when you wake.

All of the colors have great potential as a mix and match view. Mingle tangerines and yellows, or throw together camels and reds. Give each room in your home the possibility of new again simply by giving it color - a different color. Not only will your day brighten, but your room will be a completely different oasis by changing it up for the season!

Image: Southern Accents

Moms, we are a community that teaches our children right from wrong, and one way to teach our children what is right is helping them to understand what community is and how to do what is best for the environment and others.

One online community to help moms with positive encouragement in guiding children towards learning about and harvesting respect for their environment and others is Coolmomscare.org.

Coolmomscare.org offers a breadth of information through articles posted on the main page and through a blog. Some articles offered are part of the “5 Minutes of Caring” series which are small snippets that offer daily motivation to parents and children.

Once you register, you will be able to enter your community location and that will become your main Coolmomscare.org page. If your community is not listed within the listing, the closest city will be chosen based on your zip code. This change will be vital to help you find volunteer options within your area.

Such a great resource for moms to have at their fingertips to both find local volunteer opportunities, but to also read about how to inspire children to want to do more for others within the community and environment then just sitting at home playing the latest video game.

Imagine the possibilities.

Perfecting Expecting, a baby concierge located in Boston, Massachusetts, cater to expecting parents to help plan for every aspect of greeting baby. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, confused, and out of sorts, you will be able to enjoy your pregnancy without the worry of whether the right item has been purchased, returned, or a party has been planned.

Kristen Parker and Sandee Shulkin, founders of Perfecting Expecting, will be with you each step of the way. From your introductory consultation to review what you would like your baby plan to be, to in some cases finishing up baby’s new nursery; Kristen and Sandee will be with you at every phase. You are never alone.

There are several baby plans to choose from, as well as a la carte options to help you mix and match, taking your needs and building the right plan for you. Your one-hour consultation with your planner will be your chance to meet each other, discuss your needs, and learn further about how the plans can be built to your specifications.

Pricing is noted on Perfecting Expecting, but parents should expect at least an initial investment of $500 with the consultation fee of $75 being applied towards your plan. Remember, a small fee for piece of mind throughout your next nine months.

Contact Kristen and Sandee at Perfecting Expecting and see how they can help you!