Superbowl, Snacks & Family

Okay, its coming up on that exciting for most guys weekend. SUPER BOWL!  Oh boy!  I am almost positive we are going to be spending time with my in-laws watching the game, and snacking on all that oh so fattening food.  They are a crazy bunch of people I love them dearly.  I don't know about all you folks out there, but I married into an Italian/Irish family.  They can be sometimes loud.... Ok thats a lie its pretty much loud all the time, but its always fun.  

So what kind of snacks are you going to be making?  I have been searching Pinterest, and have added a few things on our Pinterest of snack ideas.  I think I will be doing a lot of reading pre-game though.  The one thing I look forward to the most of all is the commercials.  I tweeted the Budweiser commercial its a tearjerker.  You should go look for it, or just wait until the game make sure you have tissues!!

 So I guess best question of all is who's going to win the game?  Tweet me your answer!! 

Flossing say what?!? First week down so many more to go....

So my first week with the braces has gone fairly well.  I still have issues flossing :(.  Every-time I go to floss I keep thinking in my head who in their right mind said I had a big mouth, and I continue fighting to get the stinking floss to go between my teeth.  Let the torture begin!  All in all; my saviour this week has been wax, and don't let anyone tell you that wax will not become your new best-friend when you talk as much as I do.... *laughing hysterically*  After my first couple of days I started rubbing fun little blisters on my lip, and that spot where I sliced my tongue well lets just say you shouldn't continue to aggravate something that is already irritated.  I have several friends that have told me that they make me look younger, and boy did I need to hear that.  I keep itching closer to 40.... Okay so its not that old, but seriously I want to stay young forever.

Cartwheels & Back Handsprings

Saturday was so much fun.  John & I spent time with my brother, nieces, sister-in-law & her family.  My niece is in gymnastics at Bart Conner Gymnastics Academy.  It was so amazing watching her in action doing the bars, beam, floor, and vault.  She was all smiles when Uncle & I walked in since it had been so long since we had seen them last.  Spending time with my brothers anytime is always fun.  They always seem to pester me.  I mean I was seriously into watching Kayla doing the vault, and rooting her on; then wet willie are you serious.  I guess it was paybacks for my giving him one earlier in the day!  I love watching my brother when he's around his girls, he's such a great dad.  The girls love their dad to the end!  Kayla & Jordan are a breath of fresh air for sure.  Overall Kayla got 3rd all around which is pretty amazing she is very graceful doing every event.  I can't wait to see her in the Olympics here's to keeping our fingers crossed, and prayers she reaches that if its one she sets.  It would be amazing to see!  

Love family time,

Gena & John

Cold Tuna Noodle Casserole

Hey everyone, this is another recipe my mom has made since I can remember.  Normally a lunchtime favorite, but can be an easy dinnertime meal too.  If your not a canned tuna fan you can substitute canned chicken both work and taste equally well.  This steps up  macaroni salad from a side into a meal.

Ingredients:

• 1lb Elbow Macaroni
• 2-5oz cans Tuna
• Mayonnaise or Miracle Whip
• 1/2 cup Chopped Black Olives
• 1/2 cup Chopped Green Olives 
• 2 Celery Stalks Diced
• 1 cup Shredded Carrots
• 1 cup Diced Tomato
• 1 Diced Cucumber Seeded
• 3 Diced Pickle Spears Seeded
• Salt and Pepper
• Paprika

Directions:
   
      Start by boiling your pasta according to package directions.  While that process is going on chop, slice and dice your veggies and place them in a large bowl.  Drain your tuna or chicken in a metal strainer and add to veggies braking up any large pieces.  When pasta is cooked drain in a colander, and run cold water over to stop cooking process & start cooling the noodles down.  You want your pasta to be cold.  Make sure it is drained well, and add to the veggie bowl; mix everything well.  Now add about a cup of Mayonnaise, or Miracle Whip to start. If this gets the wet consistency you like then stop if not add a heaping tablespoon at a time until you like the look. Plate it up add salt & pepper to taste, and top with paprika.

Hope you enjoy, John

"Drop of Doubt" by C.L. Stone Book Review

You know you’ve heard that term “Giddy as a school girl” well I will have to say I was just that waiting on the release of Book 5 “Drop of Doubt”.  I’ve already professed my love in the talent of this author.  She has that innate ability to pull you so deeply into the books that you are emotionally attached or at least I am.  I don’t know if I mentioned this before but I AM NOT A PROFESSIONAL BOOK REVIEW WRITER :) these are my opinions of the books I read take it or leave it.  But trust me from a girl that reads a whole lot of books, if I like it a lot then typically it’s a good book ;).

There is a huge amount of suspense, and we get to see Sang in action in this book.  YAY!! She is getting so fed up of the guys always treating her like such a “GIRL”.  Don’t we all!!  Wait did I say that out loud….

I came out of this book with a new found love for DR. Green.  I loved the way he was brought through in this book of the series.  I think you will fall in love with him totally at this point.  Well heck, why wouldn’t you right? He’s young, sexy, charismatic, and best part of it all he’s a doctor!!    

I think you’d be a fool not to jump or dive; wait maybe just fall into a reading coma for the whole book series.  That’s my opinion, and I am sticking to it.  :)  Tell me your thoughts after you catch up with me!!

Ps…. Just a little note when you get to the end of each of her books there is a little “A” chapter which is a prequel to the next book which gives a little insight into what you will find there love that!! 

Last but not least I noticed she will be releasing another book in Feb 2014 which will be a spinoff of this “The Academy Series” its titled “The Academy-The Scarab Beetle Series” book one will be named “Thief”; from the snippet I read I am totally ready to start that series blog review too!!  So many books to read so little time what’s a girl to do!

Reading is fun, Gena

P.S.
Click pic to get your copy of the book.....

"The Academy Drop of Doubt" C.L.Stone Book 5

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Release Date: January 20, 2014

        Sang Sorenson and the Academy boys return to Ashley Waters High School but before they get a chance to even settle in, Sang’s life is threatened by an anonymous caller. They retreat to the protective walls of the Morgan estate, a safe house for when the boys are under fire. But when new threats can break through those barriers that once kept them secure, it leaves Kota, Victor, Silas, Nathan, Gabriel, Luke and North rushing to figure out who is hunting them.  But when you’re fighting a ghost who seems to know all your secrets, retreating is no longer an option.

Hey everyone it is finally out.  Book 5 has been released and I have my copy.  A review to come shortly, click the image above to get your copy.

Happy Reading, Gena

"The Academy" C.L.Stone Books 1-4 Book Review

Okay to start off I will be doing a bulk review of the first 4 books of the series it will not go into depth this is my own opinion of the series, and my thoughts on the characters.  I will however do a full book review of book 5 as soon as I have read it, and if at that time you have not read up to book 5 I would say unless you want a spoiler or two I would not read the review until that point.  

The first four books will bring you into the main characters life her name is Sang she lives a very extremely sheltered life.  Her mother in my view is a bit phsycho, and her father virtually never home.  Her older sister Marie is odd.  You will learn early on in the book series that Sang is taught to never talk to strangers especially boys.  However, she loves wondering away from home, and meets up with a  boy named Kota and his dog.  Kota will bring her into the inner circle of his friends the boys of "The Academy" : North, Luke, Silas, Gabriel, Nathan, Mr. Blackbourne, Dr. Green & Victor.  Without giving you to much detail into the books you will find out that there are many secrets surrounding "The Academy".  Slowly though Sang starts filling in bits & pieces of things about the boys, their lives, and even some of the secrets of the school they are tied to. 

I am breaking down the characters so that you know my feelings on their personalities.  Sang in my vision is a shy, strong willed, sassy well dressed classy girl.  Kota now he has some great leadership qualities, and is uber intelligent.  Victor  what can I say that boy drives a sweet car, plays piano, and dresses nicely.  Luke every girl needs a little of him in their life.  He's that boy next door the one that you can expect to make you laugh when you need it.  Gabriel oh boy that guy can style you out to walk a runway, and even make your hair look great he's pretty misunderstood often thought of as gay but he's not.  North now I really like him he drives a jeep, and since I drive one too I totally like that about him haha.  Wonder if he does a jeep wave ;)  He comes across to me as that outdoorsy type, built like a lumberjack, and holds his heart close.  Silas is the strong-silent type, tall, and athletic.   Nathan is fun loving, and sometimes lonely with good reason.  He suckers you into his world too.  What am I thinking they all do.  That brings me to Dr Green oh boy he's brought in to teach at the Ashely Walters school along with Dr Blackbourne they are both young, and hot.  Both of these guys are charismatic, and all the boys are chivalrous.  All the boys have their different ways of being around Sang, and how they treat her when alone, or even while they are together as a group.  Some even come up with fun little petnames for her and her for them.  

Overall I enjoyed reading these books.  I found that I couldn't put the books down.  The style of writing the author used is great.  I typically read pretty fast, and I slowed myself down as not to miss out on any little detail.

I would recommend this book to high school through adult age range.  It will have you laughing, jumping, cringing, and even tearing up, but mostly falling in love.  In the end, of book 4 I totally wanted to be Sang.  I still do!

By clicking the pictures below they will take you to Amazon to be able to purchase the books.  Her 5th book will be out on Jan 22nd.  I read mine on Kindle.  

Reading is fun,

Gena

My Braces Are On!!!!!!

Holy Moly, they are finally on.  This is something I really have to get used to.  Molar bands were and obstacle; if it wasn't for them everything would have gone perfect.  Everyone says I have a big mouth, but this is soooooo not true.  After the full install, the first thing that happened is I sliced my tongue on the molar band.  Thought I would be brave and go back to work, boy that was a mistake.  The wires are heat activated and that is what causes them to tighten, so the pain has been escalating all day.  Doc said to just use ibuprofen.  Not sure how long it will take till they are through self adjusting, my mouth hopes very soon.  I can see this is also going to be a weight loss journey too, just in the last week I have lost 8 pounds from the spacers.  Here are some pictures, and more to come as this journey progresses.
Happy Smiles, Gena

Chicken Italian Spinach over Bowties

Well this weekend I have one of my favorite meals for you.  My mom made this many years back. I fell in love with it, and I think you will too.  It is so easy to make, and only takes two pans to make it in.  Even if your not a spinach eater you need to try this.  Fresh spinach sauteed in a pan takes on all flavors around it, and enhances it.  This recipe is built for 4 but can be adjusted for any number. Try this one soon, and I think it will move in to one of your favorites too.  Leave me a comment and let me know how yours turned out.

Ingredients:

• 2 Boneless/skinless Chicken Breasts (about 1 lb)
• 9oz Bag of Fresh Spinach
• 14.5oz Can of Fire Roasted Diced Garlic Tomatoes
• 1tbsp Minced Garlic
• 2tbsp Lemon Juice
• 1tbsp Italian Seasoning
• 4 Cups Bowtie Pasta
• Salt and Pepper to Taste
• 1/8 cup water
• Parmesan Cheese

Directions:

    Butterfly your chicken but fully cut into two pieces.  At this time fill a pot with water to boil your bowties and put in on the stove over high heat.  While water is heating up take a large skillet and 2 tbsp of a cooking oil of your choice and heat over medium heat.  Salt and pepper chicken and place in skillet when hot.  Pour lemon juice over chicken at this time.  Cook pasta according to package drain and put back in pot with a little butter to keep pasta from sticking and cover.  Cook chicken till done and golden on both sides.  Lower heat to med/low remove chicken to a plate and cover with foil.  Add 2tbsp of oil and minced garlic cook for 30 seconds and add 1/8 cup of water (helps break up bites on bottom of pan) and spinach cook till wilted and water is evaporated.  Pour the tomatoes over the spinach and add the italian seasoning (Hint: Put season in your palm and grind it with your other over tomatoes to break up the oils) mix and heat through.
        And now for the plating, take about a cup of pasta and place in the middle of the plate place a good cooking spoon of the spinach mix on top of pasta and top with Parmesan Cheese, slice a a piece of chicken and place on top.  Dig in to this mouth watering dish and enjoy the combination of flavors.  I suggest adding a green salad and a piece of garlic bread.
Enjoy John

New Series: Book Reviews

So everyone may not know this about me, but I am an extremely avid reader.  Almost always I can immerse myself into a book to the point that it feels like I am the lead character breathing the same air, eating the same food etc.  I read for hours some days it can drive my loving husband nuts, but that's just me.  I thought what better way to share my love for reading than to share book reviews.  In doing this it will force me to branch out to other genres which might not be so bad.  I do apologize y'all I am a southern girl so some days my grammar maybe a little like I would regularly talk.

I do read and love YA(young adult) books, and can fly through most books in this genre.  I love history non fiction books, but have not read many of these as of late.  My husband is a huge lover of Clive Cussler: Dirk Pitt/Oregon Files/Fargo Adventure & Jack DuBrul books, but he's a boy he reads a book really …… really…….really slowly ha ha.  So if he does a review  it might be a while ;).  I drive him bonkers on how fast I read because I can go through a whole series of books to his one.  

So as of late I am loving this new author I came across thanks to a email subscription club that I am apart of that sends out lists of free kindle books on amazon.  If some of you haven't heard of it its called "Book Bub".  It will not only list for you books that are free, but also ones that have prices listed for them.  The author I am speaking of is C.L. Stone(http://clstonebooks.com/) she is amazing.  I am currently writing up a review on her first 4 books.  I am foaming at the mouth waiting on book five release this week.  Most of the time I can fly through a YA book like its no ones business, but she writes so well that I literally slow myself down never skipping lines because I am afraid I will miss something important.   The series I am speaking of is "The Academy".  

If there are any authors you would like to introduce to me please feel free to leave  comment I am up to learning about new authors, and finding out about new genres.

“There is no friend as loyal as a book.”  – Ernest Hemingway

Reading is fun,

Gena

Adult Braces are they worth it?

Well, here's something all you guys get to go through with me.  Luckily you get to see the progress, but don't have to feel the pain.  So this past Monday I went in to see my Orthodontist, and was fitted with spacers to start my adventure into adult braces.  I feel for the dental assist that had to put the spacers in.  It took two and a half hours- thought I wouldn't have a mouth left.  Now get you these are little rubber bands that they put between your molars to space out your teeth to accept the brackets(molar bands).   So that you understand if you've never had this done only 2 bands per side top & bottom went on, and like I said it took 2 and half hrs to get them installed.  So wish me luck on this coming Monday that my teeth have moved enough to accept the molar bands so that I can progress into full adult braces.  If not--it will be another week of spacers for me :(   I've been told that the pain can be unbearable.  The first day I didn't feel a thing.  As time progresses there is not enough ibuprofen in the world to help.  But, I am a big girl!!  I will update more on Monday with pictures as long as the finished product is in my mouth.  And, if everything goes well with insurance in a year I will possibly be having Orthognathic Surgery which I will explain more when or if I get approved for it. I am looking forward to an amazing smile, and no more medical issues due to misalignment.

So sit back, and enjoy if all goes well a 3 year adventure.  

Smiles,

Gena

  

Pulled Pork Craving

Man this meal was delish!!  I was craving pulled pork sandwiches so badly, and decided to make it at home for a Sunday dinner.  Loads of leftovers for next weeks lunches!

In preparation for this meal I purchased a Boston Butt Roast.  Crockpot has marvelous new seasoning mixes for pulled pork so we thought what the heck lets slow cook it instead of smoking it.  I have never had pulled pork sandwich from a crockpot so this is a first.

Our review on the seasoning mix--it sure made things simple for sure.  You only needed to add : brown sugar, ketchup, cider vinegar, and water to the mix.  I like the smoke flavor so I added 2 tablespoons of hickory liquid smoke.  The house sure smells good!

This is how it all went together:

1. 6lb Boston bone in pork butt
2. 2 packs of Crock Pot BBQ Pulled Pork seasoning mix(follow instructions based on back of package)
3. 1 bag of Dole chopped salad kit "BBQ RANCH"
4. 4 rolls of your choice

Instructions:

Place pork in crockpot.  Mix seasoning as instructed on package.  Pour over pork.  Cook in crockpot 8 hrs on low or 4 hrs on high, or until meat is done.  Shred pork.  Pour back in crockpot.  Cook additional hr in sauce.  Mix chopped salad according to bag.  And assemble sandwich.  Take bottom of bun put a good heaping of pulled pork.  Teaspoon sauce over top to your liking.  Place some chopped salad mix on top of pork.  Top with bun.  And enjoy!

In conclusion: This turned out very good.  It's not the same as having it on the smoker.  But, if you don't have a smoker this is a good alternative.  Especially, if your setting this up in the morning, and most of its done except for pulling the pork for dinner that night.

Introduction

Hi all, and welcome to The Comer Experience.

Howdy, we are John & Gena. 

      Gena is born and raised in Southern Oklahoma. John is a military brat, raised in New York for his first few years. He spent 5 years in Okinawa, Japan before moving to Oklahoma.  Both of us have been married before, and have finally found our comfort in each other since 1999. We got married on July 4, 2006, and it makes Independence Day something much better to celebrate.  We have hit a point in our life together that now we want to share our experiences with everyone.  We want to take you on a trip through the everyday lives of our family.  We have started this blog to give people a look into what our family enjoys, and goes through.  You will see some great cooking from John, who learned from helping his mother in the kitchen.  With his mix of Italian and Irish background he enjoys experimenting and making great food.  

      We will also take you on our journey into learning photography and we would love to hear your critiques on our pictures.  All, and all we hope you enjoy your journey with us and can laugh and learn from our experiences.

Enjoy and lots of fun,

John & Gena