Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

I am putting the recipe up here for the "Cheese Burger Soup" My sister in law requested that I make this for her so when her Baby arrives she has minimal cooking. This soup is hearty, very good, and fairly cheap to make. I double this recipe because when I make it, I tend to feed other people as well, everyone loves it!

• 1/2-1 pound of ground beef or turkey (depending on how filling you want it to be!)
• 1 onion, diced ( I used frozen already chopped)
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces mushrooms, cleaned and sliced (optional)
• 3-4 cups chicken or beef broth (or half and half)
  
  
• 2-3 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• salt and pepper to taste
  
  
• 2 Tbs butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 8 ounces American cheese, cubed
  
  
• 1/4 cup sour cream (optional--It makes for a creamier broth which is what I prefer)

Brown the ground beef. Add the onion and cook until soft. Drain any fat off. Add the carrots, celery, mushrooms and garlic and cook about 5-10 minutes, then add the broth, potatoes, and seasonings. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook 20 minutes or so. Timing's not essential as long as the vegetables are cooked!
Make a white sauce. Melt the butter, slowly add the flour, stirring constantly and cook 2 minutes over medium low heat. Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly. Turn the heat up and simmer a few minutes until thick. Stir into the soup. Add the cheese and stir until melted. Just before serving, stir in the sour cream if using.
Goes great with biscuits, cornbread or crackers!

Communication: Why it is so Vital?

Communication, something so needed to keep healthy relationships. Without we would all be a big mess and have a lot of hurt feelings. I know I myself have fallen the victim of mis-communication with my mother. And if we hadn't decided to talk about it, it could have caused a rift that neither one of us wanted to be their. Communication just pays such a vital key in our everyday life that we can't afford to get lazy with. 

What is Communication? It is sharing ideas, thoughts and feelings between people. Even a smile, frown, look of disappointment can communicate with someone. Silence can be away of communication as well. I think that is one of the reasons that I talk with my son and enjoy hearing what song he thinks is cool, or what he wants to do this or that weekend is so that he knows 2 things...1. I am paying attention to what’s going on in your life, and 2. I care! 

Why is Communication so Important on the Family aspect of it all? I believe it to be a way of showing respect for someone else’s needs or wants. It shows that you are interested in what they think and that they are important to you. 

Sometimes we assume that someone else knows how we feel, or we think they should know what we want. Relying on the assumption that someone is on the same page as us is more often the culprit to a lot of family and friendship drama. It can lead to feelings of resentment, loneliness, disappointment, frustration, and just plain old hurt feelings. We have all been there a few times in our lives haven’t we?

When communicating it is also imperative that we are honest and very clear on what we are saying. I am finding myself thinking before speaking. Didn’t John Wayne once say “Talk Low, talk Slow, and Don’t say too much”  I think it is great quote.  I noticed when I slowdown in what I have to say I catch myself rethinking how it needs to come out of my mouth therefore communicating in a healthier manner. 

Another key of communication isn’t just the talking, or a face gesture, It is the mere act of LISTENING, therefore showing respect. Boy how often do we have to talk louder than the other person to get our views or feelings across? I know I have done it maybe once, OK more like twice :)  When you listen to someone else’s views, especially a family member, don’t take for granted that you are already going to know what they are going to say or that you “tune them out” cause you think you already know. Sometimes even a question back and forth to the person you are listening to can be an affirmation and a way of letting them know I do care about the day you had, or how you feel, or Yeah I get it. I got it. 

Communicating is one of those things we can get so wrong, but if we can get it right. It helps a lot of families, friendships, re-gain our close connection. 

Just something that was on my mind this morning after a few conversations or thoughts taken the wrong way. Got me thinking…you know when it is raining outside I can’t help but think and write! Till Next time…Communicate and Listen to the ones you love!

Review on Hemingway's Restaurant and Bar in Cedar Park, Texas

Hemingway’s in Cedar Park off Cypress Creek Road. I have been here one time and I will have to say, I Had a pleasant experience. 

Food Menu: It had a nice variety of dishes, I tried the “Pulled Chicken Melt” it was a mix of Roasted Tender chicken, Swiss cheese, Tomatoes, served on toasted German Dark wheat bread. I will have to say I had planned on eating half of my sandwich with fries because I was eating at 11:30 in the evening and ended up eating the entire sandwich, and gave the fries to the boyfriend, and the one I did eat was good. It was a pleasant dish and I would eat it again. (although I want to try something different next time)  They have a large variety: Everything from a Greek Burger, Beeves Galveston (Seared tenderloin topped with our own crawfish & shrimp whiskey pecan butter sauce), to Mom’s Kitchen.

They do have small plate portions for lunch time specials! So that is a plus! 

Lunch/Dinner Menu

Breakfast Menu

Atmosphere: As all of you know I enjoy all kind of experiences from the grunge neighborhood bar to the high life atmosphere of “The Domain” experience. Hemingway’s had a nice architecture feel to it, It was very soothing, and still managed to keep a Texas Vibe to it as well. I was dressed casual that evening and just wanted to go home real quick and slip into something a little bit sexier, nicer, and classier. I loved it. It is the perfect place to end a great date night on the town dancing, stop in, cool off, and sip a great drink. I liked it. It wasn’t the place however that I would choose to watch a basketball or football game. I did notice that they had a large patio and that it was dog friendly! Always a plus for that one! Man’s best friend. 

Hemingway Restaurant and Bar in Cedar Park, Texas 

Customer Service: I can’t speak on that part because I was there on there 5^th day open and they didn’t have a lot of traffic in and out, but our 2 bartenders that were there were awesome and we all ended up laughing and striking up good conversation and what was supposed to be a “get something to eat” ended up being, lets grab a cocktail and chill kind of night. So I must go and try them out again on the customer service aspect. 

Happy Hour/Bar:

They offer Happy Hour Prices from 3-6 daily, and then from 9-close, and also offer there menu portion “small plates” at half off. I think that is great. They offer on tap Austin Amber Beer, Guinnes, Fireman’s 4, and Pacifico…from what I saw they had a large selection of wines to choose from. 

Private Room: I haven’t seen the private room that they offer but It is always a plus when you have that option. It is for parties of 25 or more guests and not to exceed 48…Limit occupancies…got to love them.

So overall I will have to say that I enjoyed my first visit there, I do plan on going back and grading them on a lot more. I sat at the bar and wasn’t able to see how food would be brought out, what the wait staff wear’s or what the hostess will treat me like. So I think another visit soon is in order. We shall see. If you have been there and have any interesting thing to add to the review, please comment below. I would love to see what your opinions are! 

Austin Fairy Godmother aka Keri's Fairy Godmother Foundation

I was sitting back last night and thought. Wow…I have a lot to write about. I have several new places I have gone too…that need reviews, I have gotten to help a great cause that needs some recognition, and I am going through a new experience in my life that had been hard. So where oh where do I even begin? 

You will see soon a Review for Hemingway’s in Cedar Park, Cirque De Solei, and a few other venues! But first and foremost I have to write about a place that I want to share with other readers and other people here in the Cedar Park Community…The Fairy Godmother Foundation!

So I recently got to give back to my community and my family. It was a great feeling to be giving such a resourceful thing as TIME. We can never get it back and we need to make sure we never waste a minute! It made me realize that giving up a few hours here and there can really make a difference in someone else’s life and may impact them more than we ever will know. This next place I want to tell you about all started with someone posting a wanted ad for a dress for a friend that couldn’t afford to buy her daughter a dress for prom…Now it has swirled into this great organization we know now as “Austin Fairy Godmother” or  via Facebook  “Keri’s Fairy Godmother Foundation” 

Keri Byer placed a wanted ad and didn’t realize that 6 years later she would be called the Fairy Godmother!  Keri received an amazing out pour of generosity from people that donated dresses, jewelry, and shoes to make sure this girl went to prom. Keri found herself driving all over town to pick up all the donations. She could have sent 20 girls to prom by the time she was done collecting everything.  Next thing you know…she is our beloved Fairy Godmother! 

I was very privileged to help this organization do a Fund Raiser that raised more than enough funds to move to a bigger location! 

 Please visit the website to see more info on the foundation and see how you can give back to the community and how you can make a difference by either donating gently used dresses and all of the bling, or even one weekend a month to help keep the Princess Palace clean, and ready for these girls to come and pick out something to turn Into Cinderella for a night!     http://www.austinfairygodmother.org/home   Facebook; Austin Fairy Godmother Facebook Page

 

Purpose of the Fairy Godmother Foundation: No one left behind or misses out! You will make it to the Event and you will look amazing! 

Business: Non Profit

Hours:

Wednesdays 3:30pm-7pm, Thursdays 3pm-7pm, Fridays 3pm-7pm, Saturdays 10am-6pm

**hours are subject to change, call ahead to make sure!**

Services offered:

$40 Regular Rental for any event other than Prom includes: Dress, Shoes, Jewelery, Hand Bag, and accessories you may need!

$50 Prom Rentals Includes:

Dress, Shoes, Jewelry, Hand Bag, Accessories, and Free PROM PICTURES, Free Up do certificate to have your hair done the night of your Prom, and Free MARY KAY and L.A. Cosmetics valued at $100.

 

Deckhands in Round Rock, Texas (Oyster Bar) Review!

Oyster Lover's beware...Just found an awesome place for you...Deckhands Oyster Bar in Round Rock, Texas Near the La Frontera Shopping Centers...Oh yeah...Everything on the menu looks amazing. They have everything from the Raw Oysters...to well everything!  I will put the link to their Menu below!

Ok...I have to admit..I have never in my life been to a true authentic Oyster Bar...I have been to little places where they offer a few dishes with seafood collections...But this my friends.. is UP TOP!

It all started out with doing a favor for a cousin...and I ended up in Deckhand Oyster Bar! Again...I haven't ventured into trying alot of seafood but I will say that I can't wait to go back and some more dishes.. MMM MMM....last night I had a platter with fried shrimp, french fries, and hush puppies...Delicious as could possibly be!

Urban Spoons Review!

Atmosphere: Even though we were in the middle of getting a cold front here...All that was missing was the beach and some sand. Had a very casual laid back atmosphere. Alot of regulars in the place and all of them were very welcoming and friendly to me. I enjoyed my time there!

Menu: Clam, Crab, Wings, Calamari, Crawfish, Catfish, Flounder, Shrimp, and Chicken...you name it they got it. They also have an unofficial Menu that has alot of specialty's as well. For Drinks...It is beer and wine only...Little disappointment to me but I know they have plans on expanding and making a bar outside so I am crossing my fingers that I can get me a margarita this next summer!

Waitstaff: I may be bias on this opinion, but Brandie is the BEST and she is my cousin...No really the waitress's that were there last night were great to me!

Price: Seemed to me they were right on the money and the Lunch Specials were great prices.

I say give this place a try...My first experience was a plus all of the way around. I am looking forward to chowing down on the Fried Oysters no doubt!

Deck Hands Oyster Bar --->Check this site out!   
Deckhands Oyster Bar Menu!

Next review: Deck Hands in Round Rock..La Frontera!

JT's SportsGrille & Billiards Cedar Park, Texas!

JT's SportsGrille & Billiards

What Can I say? If any of you know me I love trying new places, following my old bartenders around, and I love to have my friends with me everywhere I go.  But no matter what, I always Have my JT’s.  It is my local hot spot. A lot of the bartenders like Stevie and Amber were my bartenders at another bar up the street that closed. No matter what the changes that are made to JT’s I always know I have Stevie and Amber.  I have also gotten to know Matt and Marcela which they make me happy too! 

Menu: I will have to say when it comes to their chili cheese fries, burgers, chicken sliders (I add swiss cheese and mushrooms to mine), and Salads…They are the best…OH DON’T FORGET THE WINGS!! YUMMY. You will be ready to leave and take a nap…Good food no doubt. 

Atmosphere:  I have been coming to JT's since the opening days and I love this place. There are times they do have bands that play there and I have at times given a big thumbs down…BUT..JT is always seeing the reaction of people and if they no Likey he no Likey!. The musicians that play on the patio are not to bad either…But honestly…We prefer Stevie’s Mixes on his phone/ipod! They do need to get some good fresh gigs in their no doubt! 

POKER:  They offer  it 5 nights a week here and the place always gets packed. Us Texas Folks Like some card playing games. 

Darts: They have 2 Manual dart boards inside and one outside. I would love it if they had a few more and got new darts! 

Pool:  They have a few pool tables in here as well coin operated and I have found myself playing a game or 2! 

Sports: JT’s is the place to go if you want to watch several sports at once or catch any NFL Ticket games. I even see my Ice Hockey playing on some of the TV’s! This pleases me very much! Anytime there is a UFC as long as you are a paying customer the game is free to you. I love that, because my friends like UFC and I don’t so I get to hang out with them and not have to pay that cover fee for it. 

Bartenders: I will have to say that once the bartenders know your face, no what you drink and know your pace…and you are a regular…you are not going to have to sit there and wait..wait…wait (crickets start singing). They see me walking in and my drink is usually poured by the time I make it to the Bar if they see me walk in. I love that and I can’t say I have that service anywhere else that I go. And this for me is a BIG PLUS for sure! 

Waitstaff: I love my Anjelica. Even though she knows I go to the bar to do my ordering, she always takes the time to see if I am needing anything and that there my friends is customer service!

 

Every now and then if you visit their website you can download a good coupon, who doesn’t like to clip to save a few bucks!     JT's SportsGrille and Billiards Website <-------

Over All I have to say that I am always a pretty happy customer. It is Local, near my house, lots of familiar faces, and I always either start my night out there or end up there. It is like my Cheers! I recommend giving it a try. 


JT's SportsGrille & Billiards
200 Buttercup Creek Blvd.
Cedar Park, TX 78613
(512) 331-2091

Kim Kardashian: More than what you see on Reality TV!

Kim Kardashian

I know as we sit here and we think of the Kim Karadashian…We wonder…Why she is really famous. Come to think of it I remember her being friends with Paris Hilton…Wasn’t Paris Hilton the one that showed her how to be a socialite? I indeed do think so. What better thing to start the Hype about herself then have a sex tape…anyone who is anyone has a sex tape…right? I hate to dish on a lovely lady the world seems to be infatuated with but here are some things I was reading about her last night that I found to be interesting if I can say so myself! She is a business woman when she isn't busy getting an X-ray of her Butt!

2007-2010

Modeling and Retail: I got to give the girl props ..She has a lot going on to keep her name out there. She has endorsed Bebe, Bongo Jeans, Carls Jr., Sugar Factory Lollipops, Balenciaga Shoes,  ShoeDazzle where she is co-founder and chief fashion stylist. Let’s add that she is part owner in D-A-S-H with Kourtney and Khloe, and then has a line called K-Dash that was available through QVC . Famous Cupcakes, a Los Angeles bakery, created a vanilla cupcake mix for Kardashian. The cupcake flavor is called Va-Va-Va-Nilla Again with her sisters, Kardashian has released various clothing lines. One called K-Dash was to be sold on QVC in 2010, and in the same year they produced a range for Bebe, As of August 2011 they are creating another for Sears called the "Kardashian Kollection".  As of this year in August 2011 they are making and have got the Sears line out as well. Kardashian has also created jewelry along with her sisters, Khloé and Kourtney. They produced a collection for virgins, Saints, and Angels in 2010

Reality TV/Video:  In 2009 Kardashian released a workout DVD series, Fit in your Jeans by Friday, with trainers Jennifer Galardi and Patrick Goudeau

She first rose to substantial fame in February 2007 when she appeared in a sex tape with R&B singer Ray J, though she had been photographed with Hilton prior to the release of the tape. n February 2007, a home sex video that she made with singer Ray J was leaked. Vivid Entertainment bought the rights for $1 million and released the film as Kim Kardashian: Superstar on February 21. Kardashian sued Vivid for ownership of the tape. In late April 2007, Kardashian dropped the suit and settled with Vivid Entertainment for $5 million. I mean let’s talk reality…Who doesn’t have a sex tape outthere? In October 2007, along with her two sisters, mother, brother, half-sisters, and stepfather she starred in the E! Television series, “Keeping Up With the Kardashians. As of October 2011, the series has aired 69 episodes over six seasons.

Her first acting role was in the television series Beyond the Break. She then starred in the 2008 disaster film spoof Disaster Movie as Lisa. Kardashian appeared in the “How I Met your Mother in the episode “Benefits”. She also appeared on the Season 3 premiere of the series 90210 with her sisters Khloé and Kourtney; they all played themselves. Kardashian was a guest hostess of WrestleMania XXIV and appeared as a guest judge during Cycle 13 of  Americas’s Next Top Model, On December 16, 2009, Kardashian made a guest star appearance on CBS's CSI:NY with Vanessa Minnillo.  In addition, Kardashian and her sisters created a sunless tanner called Kardashian Glamour Tan in 2010.

On July 1, 2010, the New York City branch of Madame Tussauds revealed a wax figure of Kardashian. Kardashian was one of 13 participants on the seventh season of Dancing with the Stars.  She was partnered with Mark Mallas and was the third contestant voted off the show on September 30, 2008, finishing in 11th place overall.

2010-Present

Kardashian is the producer of The Spin Crowd, a reality television show about Command PR, a New York City public relations firm, run by Jonathan Cheban and Simon Huck. The show follows them as they settle into their new offices in Los Angeles. Kardashian is friends with both, specifically Cheban, and frequently appears on her reality shows. She also appeared at the 2010 MTV VMAs on September 12, 2010

Charity:

Fusion Beauty and Seven Bar Foundation launched "Kiss Away Poverty", with Kardashian as the face of the campaign. For every LipFusion lipgloss sold, $1 went to the Foundation to fund women entrepreneurs in the US.  Kardashian has supported the recognition of the Armenian Genocide on numerous occasions and has encouraged Barack Obama and the United States government to consider its acknowledgment. On April 21, 2011, a few days before the 96th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, she wrote about the issue on her blog in an effort to put it under spotlight and also sent a tweet to her fans urging it's recognition. 

On April 1, 2010, Kardashian joined Cyndi Lauper in the launch of her Give a Damn campaign to create a wider awareness of  discrimination against the LGBT community as part of her True Colors Fund.

The lady keeps busy and I wouldn’t doubt if she has more up her sleeve. There is more to this beauty reality Queen than meets the eye that is for sure.  

Let’s talk boys..NOT: I wouldn’t want my boy toy skeletons thrown all out of the closet onto the floor...but it does seem like the Diva Lady ( I call myself a Diva too) likes her athletic type. And I don’t blame her do you? I doubt that the latest news of her divorce will be the last we hear of Kim Kardashian!

I am sure that there is more to her story and this article is not meant to spill her whole life out and say this is the way. I just know knew that there was more to her than meets our eye!