Mother Hubbard's Cupboards are Bare!

Growing up with my mother there were many sayings that she often used. Now when I find myself using these sayings I laugh to myself.  Some would say these sayings make one "dorky" but others (like me) say it makes one relate-able or fun to be around. You know the sayings I'm talking about... You often don't even realize that you say them, but it's inevitable, when your mother is a figure you look up to, naturally you'll pick up on mannerisms, characteristics and sayings.

Anyone who knows me and my mom, knows our mannerisms and the way we talk could not be more spot on; it even freaks us out! I know for a fact the reason I act so much like my mom is because she is a woman to look up to. In recent years she has been through many trials physically and she has be determined not to be defined by them. My mom is constantly inspiring me! I say all of this because growing up whenever our "cupboards were bare" my mom would ALWAYS say "mother hubbards' cupboards are bare".

This week that saying could not be more truthful in our household. Since coming back from our trip to Dallas we have been exhausted and out of routine. I can't even remember the last time we grocery shopped and don't even get me started on how messy the house has been. Just saying it makes my heart ache a bit. Needless to say, our "meal planning" this week has failed miserably.

So tonight, when we got home from work and were tired of take out and discouraged by the lack of food in the house; I was determined to make a delicious meal out of the little we had (inspired by my father who is a master Short Order Cook, another story for another time).  Here is what I came up with!

Chicken and Veggie Stir Fry Noodles

Ingredients:

1/2 box whole wheat thin spaghetti 

2 boneless chicken breast

1 head of broccoli

1 1/2 cups of frozen green beans

1 cup frozen soy beans

1/2 chopped white onion

2 chopped carrot sticks 

1/4 cup jarred roasted red pepers (roughly choped)

1 clove of garlic (minced or pressed)

3 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp sirrache sauce

Red pepper flakes (to taste)

2 tsp brown sugar

To Make:

Key to Meal: DON'T ADD SALT! Soy sauce has more than enough salt for this dish.

Begin by mixing soy sauce, sirrache sauce, red pepper flakes, and brown sugar to create your stir fry sauce. Also prepare water for pasta by bringing it to a boil, then add your noodles.

Next cut raw chicken into bite size pieces. Dash pepper and red pepper flakes onto chicken. Prepare pan with cooking canola spray, make sure your burner is on med/high. Cook chicken until it is safe to eat but not dry. Note, your chicken will cook quickly. Add all veggies into pan and let them "sweat it out".

Then add stir fry sauce and strain cooked noodles. Toss noodles into finished stir fry and serve.

In all seriousness, I had no idea how this would turn out and I could not have been more presently surprised. I leave you with this; don't be afraid of what's in your kitchen, EVEN if "mother hubbard's cupboards are bare".

Enjoy!

Maci K

The Lone Star State

I know, I know... I have been absent for the past week and a half but my absence has not been without merit. Brandon and I, along with the rest of the Shade Tree Family, spent five days deep in the heart of Texas; Dallas, Texas that is.

I had been to Dallas a few times as a kid and had great memories of the city, so I was excited that we had the chance to visit again, even if it was for work. Brandon and I feel extremely blessed by our current jobs and rarely do we actually feel as if it is work. The purpose of this work trip was to put on a workshop for aspiring filmmakers. Brandon and the rest of the team do the teaching and I organize, coordinate and make sure all attendees are having a pleasant experience.

I can't even tell you what a blast this trip was! I walked away from this with a sense of accomplishment and pride in the work that I do, as well as new friends!

(The Shade Tree Family getting down to business to prep for the day ahead.)

We had many late nights of finalizing presentations and plans. I do not believe I have ever been more exhausted nor have I ever laughed so hard. With this bunch, I am not exaggerating when I say it is almost non-stop laughs whenever we are all together.

Heading to this workshop I thought I was just extra hands to run errands and make things smooth but before I knew it I became a student! Yup, you're seeing right, that's me holding a foam core board for DIY lighting. There were many jokes about getting a camera in my hands but we'll just have to see about that.

I had to post this picture because I couldn't be more proud of my husband! He completely stepped out of his comfort zone and taught these students with ease and confidence.

My experience in Dallas as an adult was just as great as when I was a kid! Downtown Dallas is fairly clean and has a breath-taking skyline! The architecture was fascinating and so much more creative than most of the buildings in California. My only complaint would be those dog-gone freeways and frontage roads. And that's saying a lot since we live in Southern California with a billion freeways.

If you are curious to find out more about these workshops we put on two to three times a year, check out our website www.shadetreefilms.net!

Maci K