Cinco de Mayo Celebration

It’s that time of year again; Cinco de Mayo. Still looking for something to do to celebrate? Head on down to Salsarita’s Fresh Catina on Mt. Juliet Rd. The celebration is set for tomorrow, May 5th from 5 to 8pm, and May 7th and 8th at the same time.

I know that the water has dampened everyone’s moods, so why not get out and enjoy yourself if you can. Either that, or throw a little Cinco de Mayo celebration at your or a friends’ place. You can even cook up these tasty treats.

Whatever you do, be safe and have fun!

What are you doing for Cinco de Mayo?

3 Egg-cellent Suggestions!

Everyone knows that Earth Day is in April. Because of this, many people have jumped onto the going green bandwagon. So for those late comers to the going green campaign, I have some ‘egg-cellent’ suggestions for you!

I never knew that there were so many uses for egg shells. But apparently I was mistaken. Check these out:

Reuse egg shells as a drain cleaner: Try keeping some egg shells in your kitchen sink strainer. They trap additional solids, and they gradually break up and help to naturally clean your pipes on their way down the drain. (Bet you didn’t know that one! I know I sure didn’t…)

Household abrasives: Shake up crushed eggshells and a little soapy water to scour hard-to-clean items like thermoses and vases. Crushed eggshells can also be used as a nontoxic abrasive on pots and pans.

Pots for seedlings: I remember back in elementary school where we grew plants in egg shells. Though I doubt this is something that serious gardeners would enjoy, it’s still fun!

What do you think of these tips? Do you have anything to add?

How Clean is Your Favorite Restaurant?

Hey South Wind! Are you the type that asks for the restaurant’s score when you walk in the door? I have a couple friends like that. Even though it may fluster the wait staff at times, I think it’s a very valid and important question. You need to know the quality of food that you’re eating, right? Well, here’s a slide show of the recent scores of some of your favorite restaurants around Williamson County.

Friday Fun ;)

Ok South Wind. Those that know me, know that I am a HUGE kid at heart. That being said, one of my childhood favs has never been able to clear out of my system: The Muppets. I still laugh uproariously whenever I see them dance across my television or computer screen. What warmed my heart was to know that they were still around today and making videos! One video in particular that i LOVE is the Muppets ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, by Queen. Check it out!

American Bald Eagle Sightings in Franklin

I’ve never seen an American Bald Eagle in person. I wish I had, though. I’ve heard that they’re a bird like no other; majestic and beautiful in their transgressions.

Little Ethan Bezuidenhout of Franklin saw one, but no one believed him at first. (It’s hard being a kid sometimes, isn’t it?) Then his family saw the bird — and another — diving into the neighborhood’s lake trying to catch a duckling and knew the 6-year-old wasn’t just being imaginative.

For weeks since then, homeowners in the Jackson Lake subdivision near the intersection of Mallory Station and Franklin roads have caught other glimpses of American bald eagles flying by.

Amazing, right? The American Bald Eagle has gone from being endangered, to threatened, to just needing to be managed. This gives me hope that I may see one fly by one day.

Have you ever seen one?

What’s Next for South Wind?

Hey South Wind! We’re always striving to make your living experience here at South Wind Apartment Homes as enjoyable and comfortable as possible. To continue to do this, we would like to hear from you, and see what it is that you think can help us to improve our performances and your satisfaction. Remember, there are no dumb ideas! Let your voice be heard!

The truest definition of “recycling” ever!

Hey South Wind! I found the coolest article about garbage trucks fueled on garbage. Apparently when garbage decomposes it produces methane and that can be used as an alternative to gasoline. So does that make it the dirtiest “clean” energy out there??? Sorry I couldn’t help myself.

Resident Poll: Are You Watching Less TV Because of the Winter Olympics?

Hey South Wind! The 2010 Winter Olympic games have essentially dominated prime-time television. Besides a few heavy hitters like American Idol and Lost, many shows are in re-run mode. So you have two options. Either watch the Winter Olympics and cheer for your team, or get into re-run mode and catch a show that you may have missed. What about you? Has your late-night TV watching diminished due to the Snowy Spectacular, are you all about the alpine, or do you just change the channel?

Recipe of the Week: Chicken Parmesan Heroes

Hey South Wind! Love Chick Parmesan? Love sandwiches? Why not combine the two in this lovely little recipe?

Chicken Parmesan Heroes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup(s) dry bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup(s) grated Parmesan
• 1 1/4 teaspoon(s) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) fresh-ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoon(s) olive oil
• 1 onion, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 1/3 cup(s) canned crushed tomatoes in thick puree (from a 28 ounce can)
• Pinch dried red-pepper flakes (optional)
• Cooking oil, for frying
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/3 pounds in all)
• 2 eggs, beaten to mix
• 4 small (about 6 inches) hero or other sandwich rolls, split

Directions:

• In a shallow bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of the black pepper.
• In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over moderately low heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and stir for 30 seconds. Stir in the tomatoes, red-pepper flakes, and the remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and cover to keep warm.

See the rest!

Valentine’s Memories Can Last More Than a Day

As long as you have been taking care of them, I’m sure those Valentine’s roses haven’t begun to droop yet. But alas, there will come a day when they lose their luster and fragrance, and just become an empty vessel in a vase. 9 Fear not! There’s a way to preserve their beauty and keep them much longer than the shelf life proclaims.

Being the flower lover that I am, I can’t get enough of the luxurioius scent of freshly cut roses. When they start to dry, I feel sad inside, which I why I’m glad that I came across this tip. All you need are flowers that haven’t started to droop or lose their petals yet, push pins, rubber bands or string, and hair spray. Weird combination I know, but hey, it works!

If the flowers have been in water, dry them, and tie them with a rubber band or string. Push the push pin into a wall, door, or virtually anywhere that’s not near a window and away from pets and children, and tie the loose end of the rubber band or string to the pin. It’ll take about two weeks for the flowers to completely dry, then you can lightly spray them with hair spray to keep them from falling apart as quickly.

This way, your flowers will last a little while longer. Do you dry your flowers? Have you ever used them for arts and crafts?