Blog Carnival: Oriental Salad Recipe

This recipe is the recipe that I have given out more times than any other! I'm actually quite happy to be posting it on my blog so that when certain family members ask for it for the "umpteenth" time, I will no longer have to search for it in some email that I've already sent them. I can just send them to this post. That being said, here is my recipe for the best oriental salad you'll ever try:

1 head Napa cabbage, finely shredded
2 bunches green onions (optional)

Saute in 3 tbsp of butter until golden brown:
1 package of broken up ramen noodles (the flavor packet is used in the dressing)
2 oz. sesame seeds
1/2 cup slivered almonds

Drain and cool on papertowel

TO MAKE THE DRESSING
Bring to a boil:
1/4 cup vinegar
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup vege oil
2 TBSP soy sauce
season pack from oriental flaver pack from ramen noodle package

I like to keep that boiling for a while, until it starts to look a little like it is bubbling up and forming a caramel consistency. That way it won't completely separate after it is cooled. Cool this completely -- in the fridge for at least an hour before serving is best.

Ready to EAT! Don't mix the crunchies and the dressing with the cabbage until you are ready to eat or it will get soggy.

This serves about 8 people depending on the size of the cabbage and how much everyone loves this salad!

Featured Etsyblogger: Baby Friendly Beads

Like so many stay-at-home moms, the woman behind Etsy shops Baby Friendly Beads and Mama's Magic Studio is an overachiever. Her blog is packed full of information and easily-relatable stories that can help just about anyone get a chuckle or smile about everyday life with kids!

She has lots of useful and innovative products including this bracelet that helps you keep track of your breastfeeding schedule:

She also has necklaces for your baby to play with while breastfeeding or bottlefeeding. What a great idea, huh? Check her out!!

Congratulations, Jen!

Jungle Themed Baby Quilt

Jungle Themed Baby Quilt
Originally uploaded by Julie Antinucci

I made this bright and happy jungle theme baby quilt over the weekend. Jackie Shapiro's line featured some stencil-looking animal patterns in red, yellow and green and then she has coordinating nature graphics to go with it. If you want to see more photos of this quilt, check out my flicker page (http://www.flickr.com/people/julieantinucci).

Etsybloggers Carnival Topic: Something to do with work

I've been at my current job since August 8, 2003. Since then I've added another "co-worker" and am currently in the process of creating another that will join the team on or hopefully before February 10th. I am a full time mom! Often called, stay-at-home mom, I can't say that I am home much, so I'm just a full time mom.

What does my job consist of? Making breakfast, lunch, dinner and a gazillion snacks a day for two little girls. Changing diapers ... only for one, and she is being potty-trained. Doing homework with the kindergartner. Going to the park. Going to the library. Doing lots of laundry. Cleaning up. Lot of vacuuming! Finding fun things to do on the weekends and in general laughing!

I love my job! It is tiring...more tiring than any "real job" I had before this. More stressful. More demanding. But also much more rewarding, much more fun and much more interesting! Afterall, just look at my two co-workers!

To find out more about etsybloggers, go to http://etsybloggers.proboards83.com/index.cgi

Tagged: I'm it!

So, here's the deal. I've been "tagged" by two other members of a group to which I belong (etsybloggers): Human Touch Designs (her rad blog is at http://humantouchdesigns.blogspot.com/2008/10/tagged.html)
and Memories for Life (check out her happy blog at http://memoriesforlifescrapbooks.blogspot.com/).

Soooooo.....now it is my turn to tag five other people and share 6 facts about myself. So here are the links to my five tagged people:
SpiritMama: Etsy and Blog (a shout out to you for blogging about my hair accessories)
Jersey Girl Design: Etsy and Blog (your from the state of one of my best friends and I live 20 minutes from B-more. B'lieve, hon!)
Wondermommy: Etsy and Blog (Love the name!)
Miesmama: Etsy and Blog (Awesome handmade stuff)
Grey Eye Designs: Etsy and Blog (somewhat of a newbie, so give this girl some clickie love!)

Now, five facts about me:
1.) I'm five and half months pregnant and crave two things: beer (which I don't normally drink) and running in the mud (I'm a runner, but not sure why I want to get all dirty about it)
2.) My birthday is today. I turn 33 today, which, in case you were wondering, is the same number as one of my favorite childhood baseball players from the Orioles: Eddie Murry!
3.) I married my highschool sweetheart! We've been married for 9 years. We dated for 10 years before that, so I've been with him more than half of my life. And I like him a lot!
4.) My brother is a pitcher for the San Diego Padres, and baseball has been an important part of my family life for as long as I can remember.
5.) I'm a crappy triathlete and a fair marathoner, but after baby #3 I hope to improve the heck out of my time on the marathon.
6.) I love ice cream with peanut butter and oatmeal in it. I've been making this concoction since I was about 13 years old. I wish Ben and Jerry's would come out with this flavor so I wouldn't have to make it myself. Try it and you will see that it is delish! Add some chocolate syrup and it's good to go!

Happy day!