Madhouse Spanish Rice...

I have been getting creative in the Madhouse kitchen. I know, I am shocked too. I have been meaning to make Spanish Rice for a long while now. I decided to create my own version as an experiment. The Teen gave it his thumbs up in approval so I thought I would share. 

You Need: 

• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 cups of uncooked rice (I made way more than I needed for this so you could probably get away with 2-3 cups.)
• a bag of frozen veggies (partially thawed) 
• 1 package of Fajita spice (or any spices you wish to include) 
• 1 can of Crushed Tomatoes
• 2 cups of water
• dash of Hot Sauce

Cook rice according to directions. While that is cooking, brown ground beef and drain. Then add one can of crushed tomatoes, fajita spice package, veggies and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer till veggies are cooked. Add cooked rice to meat mixture and combine till rice is evenly distributed and no longer white. 

Serve immediately, add hot sauce if you wish. (The Teen is not a fan of hot spices so I have to add mine later.)

This made a huge pot of rice and we were able to get supper for two nights (with seconds) and lunches for 2 days as well. Definitely going to be making this again. I have to say I am starting to like this cooking thing. It was fantastic that on Monday night, when my therapy ran 2 hours instead of 1, and I was able to just come home and we had dinner in 5 min. Normally I would be looking for something to order. 

Going to keep experimenting in the kitchen and will share some of my experiments, whether good or bad. I am making it my personal mission to organize my kitchen and cook more instead of relying on pre-packaged meals or take out because they are quick and easy. 

I am getting the hang of this adult thing ^.~

Hugs and Smoochies from the Madhouse

<3 Arawynn <3

Geeky Gifts and The New Year....

I hope everyone had an amazing start to the new year. This year has started off with some challenges for the Madhouse, nothing that I can't handle, however, so fear not. It is one of the reasons this post is so late in coming. I was once told I am a Warrior Woman and I have a lot of strength to get me through anything and I am keeping that in my mind to get me through the coming weeks. 

I decided this year not to do resolutions. I never seem to stick with them for very long and I just end up disappointed with myself for not keeping them up, so instead I am going to say F**k It and just do what comes naturally. Stressing myself out trying to keep up with something and having life get in the way seems counter productive.  I want to just enjoy life and go with the flow. It's a work in progress. 

Back before Christmas I got the crafting bug and started making gifts. Baker had been talking about buying himself some Doctor Who Ornaments for his Christmas tree. I thought I would surprise him with a set. One night I whipped up these little beauties while watching Christmas movies, and sent them out his way.  I was so excited to see what he would think. 

Baker loved the ornaments. He asked me where I bought them and was shocked to hear I had made them myself. I was so glad he liked them. The Teen wants me to make a set for our own tree. Will have to get that done for next year. Added to the list of things to do. 

I also made a 52 Reasons Book out of playing cards for Baker as well. I decorated it all up. Should have taken more pics of it though. Here is the Tardis I drew for one of it's many decorations.  It was a lot of work but it was so worth it. I roughed up the cards a bit, to give it a used, vintage feel. Along with the 52 reasons I put in quotes and whatnot from Doctor Who and other odds and ends. I was very happy with how it turned out. Baker also seemed to like it. 

I also personalized a journal for The Teen. He is a Minecraft fan and he has been wanting a journal for a while. I found a green journal when out and about Christmas shopping so I decided to Geek it up for him. 

The face is made using black fun foam and glued in place with Tacky Glue. It is so simple to personalize  your notebooks into something more Geek inclined. The teen liked the book, although he did declare he had been wanting a pocket size journal instead. *eyeroll*

I am currently working on making a set of River Song Diaries. I am liking how they are coming along. Hope to have that up soon. 

I will be sharing more of my craft items as I finish them. I find it relaxing to be making something and have been making an effort to work on something each day. My mind is always looking for new ways to revive something or make it unique and special. I also love to be frugal. Will be sharing some of my finds in coming blog posts. 

For now I will bid you farewell, until next time. 

Hugs and Smoochies, 

<3 Arawynn <3