Randa Mickelson-Banks, Realtor and Dream Specialist

Randa Mickelson-Banks, Realtor and Dream Specialist: Easy Breakfast Sunday Morning Casserole!1 Loaf T...

2011-02-21T20:03:00.000-06:00

Randa Mickelson-Banks, Realtor and Dream Specialist: Easy Breakfast Sunday Morning Casserole!

1 Loaf T...: "Easy Breakfast Sunday Morning Casserole! 1 Loaf Trader Joes Crusty French Bread torn into pieces 6 eggs 1/4 cup milk 1 cup Spicy Italian Ch..."

2011-02-21T19:59:00.002-06:00

Easy Breakfast Sunday Morning Casserole!

1 Loaf Trader Joes Crusty French Bread torn into pieces
6 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1 cup Spicy Italian Chicken Sausace precooked
1 cup Monteray Jack Cheese grated

Preheat oven to 350 and great pan with oil or butter. Place bread pieces in pan and beat eggs and milk and pour over bread. Add remaining ingredients and bake for 25 minutes until golden brown. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving!!!!

ENJOY!

MacKenzie Childs Enamelware - a must have !

2010-09-05T22:06:00.003-05:00

http://www.mackenzie-childs.com/Tableware/New+Flower+Market+Enamelware/

This is a new floral line of enamelware dishes that Mackenzie Childs has recently put out. They are really beautiful and enhances every table! Check them out!

Roberts Dry Rub Texas Barbecue Rub

2010-09-05T21:53:00.005-05:00

4.5 R's rating by Robert

This is a dry rub recipe that I found on the net. Robert and I tried it on ribs a couple of weekends ago, and it was amazing........ of course even better when you dip it in Rudoloph's barbecue sauce (our favorite Barbecue restaurant in Mpls). http://rudolphsribs.com/

Here is the recipe for our rib rub... of course, a little rub from your sweet heart while cooking is delicious also!

Makes 1 1/2 Cups Texas Barbecue Dry Rub Recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
1/4 cup salt
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup chili powder
2 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp ground cumin
1 tbsp dry mustard
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp ground chipotle pepper
Preparation:
Mix together all the ingredients thoroughly. Best if used right away, but if stored, be sure to use a container with an airtight lid.

Cake Eater Bakery and Cafe! - Minneapolis

2010-09-05T21:37:00.002-05:00

My new favorite place! YUM! http://cakeeaterbakery.com/

CUPCAKES (CHOCOLATE) $3 each and $1 for mini's
Chocolate with Chocolate FrostingChocolate with Vanilla ButtercreamChocolate with Peanut Butter Mousse and Chocolate Ganache (filled cake)Chocolate Bomb (Chocolate-filled with Chocolate Mousse and Chocolate Buttercream)Snowball (Chocolate-filled with Marshmellow Fluff and Coconut Buttercream)Chocolate with Raspberry Rhubarb Jam and Fresh RaspberriesChocolate Whiskey with Maple Pecan Buttercream
Chocolate with Coffee Buttercream
Cookies and Cream
Mint Cookies and Cream
White Chocolate LemonChocolate Chip CookieMexican Hot ChocolateChocolate MaltChocolate MintBlack RussianRocky RoadCookies and CreamWhite Chocolate RaspberryWhite Chocolate GrapefruitWhite Chocolate ButterscotchWhite Chocolate LavenderWhite Chocolate BananaChocolate RaspberryRed Hot VelvetRocky RoadS’moresTurtleMocha
CUPCAKES (NON-CHOCOLATE)
Pumpkin with Chocolate FrostingApple CiderWhite Cake with Coconut FrostingPumpkin with Cream Cheese FrostingCarrot Cake with Cream Cheese FrostingYellow Cake with Dark Chocolate FrostingMarble Cake with Chocolate and Vanilla FrostingRoasted Peach with Lime Ginger Buttercream (seasonal)Rosewater with Pistachio ButtercreamTres Leches with Honey ButtercreamGingerbread with Lemon ButtercreamKey Lime with Coconut ButtercreamPeanut Butter and JellyStrawberry ShortcakeBoston Cream PieBanana Cream PieBanana SplitBaklavaMango Lassi (seasonal)MojitoPina ColadaRaspberry LemonadeBlueberry AlmondCherry Almond (seasonal)Vanilla with Chocolate FrostingVanilla with Vanilla ButtercreamChai Tea with Cardamom ButtercreamRed Velvet with Cream Cheese FrostingOrange Cranberry with Cinnamon Clove ButtercreamBlood Orange Champagne (seasonal)Blood Orange Coconut (seasonal)Strawberry MacaroonLemon MeringueOrange CoconutEgg Nog with Bourbon Buttercream (seasonal)Elvis! (Banana with Peanut Butter and Marshmellow Buttercream Topped with Bacon!)Citrus Bomb! (Lemon Cake Filled with Lime Curd and Grapefruit Buttercream)Lemon with Orange Chili Curd and White Chocolate Chili ButtercreamPumpkin Butterscotch with Cinnamon Clove ButtercreamGinger with Lime Basil ButtercreamPear with Ginger Buttercream (seasonal)Cherry Lime (seasonal)Blackberry Lime (seasonal)Lemon LavenderCarmel AppleVanilla RoseRootbeer FloatBanana NutellaBlueberry LemonAlmond JoyPink LemonadeLemon Coconut
MUFFINS $2.50
Blueberry LemonLemon Poppy SeedStrawberry RhubarbRhubarb MangoApple GrueyreCapreseSouthwestern with ChorizoPumpkinOrange BlueberryRaspberry RhubarbCinnamon Pecan
CAKES
6″ $25
8″ $35
10″ $45
1/2 sheet: $70
full sheet $140
these are base prices: with extra decoration or vegan/gluten free prices may vary. call us for details!
All cupcakes can be made into full cakes.
COOKIES $1-$2.50
Peanut ButterChocolate ChipOatmeal RaisinGingersnapPeanut Butter Oatmeal Dark ChocolateChocolate MintDouble ChocolateSnickerdoodleMacaroonsLemon Shortbread
SANDWICH COOKIES $3
Peanut Butter with Dark Chocolate FillingChocolate with Peanut Butter Mousse FillingChocolate Drop with Dark Chocolate FillingGinger LemonPeanut Butter with Grape Jelly FillingDark Chocolate with Vanilla Buttercream FillingDark Chocolate with Mint Buttercream Filing
BARS $1.50-$3
Dark Chocolate BrowniesBlondiesPeanut Butter Chocolate BarsSalted Nut BarsLemon BarsKey Lime BarsPuffed Rice Cereal Bars (with or without chocolate)

Minnesota State Fair is coming Thursday

2010-08-24T20:18:00.004-05:00

Well, its that time again, the Minnesota State Fair starts Thursday. Attached is Thursdays venue of lots of things that are happening around the Fair. One of the things to see is the 2010 Commemorative Art college by Minnesota artist Deborah Voyda Rogers who
showcases the fairgrounds’ iconic architecture through pastel, bold color and prominent shapes.

http://www.mnstatefair.org/_assets/pdf/daily_sched/8_26_10_thu.pdf

Roberts Lemon Cupcakes

2010-08-22T18:07:00.003-05:00

These are rated 5 R's by Robert

1 Box mix of lemon cake mix (buy one with extra moisture)

It should call for 1 cup water (use 3/4 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup water)

Shave lemon zest into cup cake and give a small squeeze to a lemon to get the real juice also.

Put 3/4 batter in cupcake paper. Put a 1/2 tsp of lemon curd (you can buy this at Target) and top with remaining cupcake batter.

Bake per box directions. Top with Lemon frosting from Pillsbury in the can. Everyone will rave about these. I made them for Robert's suprise birthday party in June, and had ordered a cake from Daube's and people raved more about these cupcakes than the Daube cake!!!!!

Fall is coming... let's have fun decorating!

2010-08-20T21:37:00.004-05:00

Fall will be here before we know. Let's have some fun decorating to take the chill out of the outside and warm up our inside! Here are some great suggestions!
If you have a favorite of your own - please email me or share it on here!

For a Fall centerpiece, hollow out a gourd and fill with things like apples, pears and nuts! If you have a favorite large wooden bowl, fill it up instead with apples, pears, nuts.. stand back and enjoy!

Change your tablecloths from light summery prints to a richer warmer color one. Buy a nice cinnamon smelling candle and put in a holder and place in the middle of the table. The nice cinnamon, baked apple, nutmeg or french vanilla aroma scented candle will warm up the room.

Purchase a variety of potted mums in different fall colors. They can withstand chillier temperatures especially here in Minnesota. Arrange them on your steps, or on a table in your home. You can arrange some gourds of different shapes and/or ears of Indian corn for a very decorative display.

Go for a walk in a beautiful wooded area.. they exercise will do you good and gather while you walk pine cones, nuts, twigs of different shapes, berry clusters, leaves that are of interest. Use these to create a center piece later..

Buy a colorful leaf wreath at one of the hobby or discount stores. Tie a decorative fall colored ribbon on it and hang it on your front door - it adds warmth and welcome immediately!

Line fire place mantles with gourds or mini pumpkins—alternating with flowers—for a rustic look.

Spread a heavy throw over chairs and sofas. Add red, orange, or brown pillows for a colorful accent.

Make autumn votive holders with mini pumpkins. All you need to do is hollow the pumpkins out and let the pumpkins dry. Then place votive candles inside.

Hang silk leaf garland on your front fence by your front door... if you have one or railing.

Enjoy Fall and its splendor it has to offer..... and bring a little of it in your home!

Enjoy!

Organize - ORGANICALLY!!!! Check this out!

2010-08-20T21:26:00.002-05:00

Uncommon Good's Bamboo Dry Erase Board at uncommongoods.com. This natural wood finish lends a homier look to your work space, kitchen or where you need one of these great boards! There is a hidden pocket on top of the board that's great for stashing memos and other easy to misplace papers.

It's not your average white board, this unique desktop dry-erase board features a sustainable, patent-pending real bamboo surface, giving any desk an organic, organized look. Keep it nearby to jot down to-do lists or flashes of genius without wasting paper. Use dry or damp cloth to clean.

Mindless Meditation

2010-08-20T21:04:00.001-05:00

It is it???? It is not about achieving bliss or tranquility, it is really aiming to see things more clearly.

What is it good for ? It is a form of mind training. Bringing direct awrenes to drinking a cup of coffee means you really feel the warmth, enjoy the deep aroma and taste the actual coffee beans or the sweetness of the coffee. This applies to emotional states where we observe with awareness and perceive more accurately what our experience really is.

Start with 5 inutes a day and build up to 20.

Here is how you do it:
1. Sit in a comfortable position
2. Listen to the sounds around you. Practice letting the sounds come and go without holding on to them or pushing them away.
3. As you inhale think "IN" as you exhaul think "OUT".
4. When your mind drifts and thoughts start to wander pay attention to what comes up. You may be aware of a pain somewhere in your body. Acknowledge this feeling and spend a moment with it and then bring yourself back to home base.
5. If you find yourself getting stuck on an emotion or sensation it may help to label is "pain" or "anger". Then bring yourself back by breathing.
6. End the meditation by acknowledging the positive energy that you have created and try to dedicate it to others in your life.

Robert's favorite Fiesta Nachos!

2010-08-20T20:37:00.003-05:00

Rating: 5 R's

Robert's rating system :)

Nachos Supreme
this is a Pampered Chef recipe

TIngredients:
6 (7-inch) flour tortillas
2cups (8 ounces) shredded Mexican-style cheese blend, divided
8 ounces cooked lean (90%) ground beef
1/2 cup salsa
2 cups thinly sliced lettuce
1 tomato, diced
3 green onions with tops, thinly sliced
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Mexican-style cheese, divided
1/2 cup sliced pitted ripe olives

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Cut each tortilla into 6 wedges. Starting at outside edge of Large Round Stone, arrange tortilla wedges in a circle with sides overlapping and points toward center; repeat to cover entire surface of baking stone. Bake 8-10 minutes or until chips are lightly browned and crisp; remove from oven.
Meanwhile, combine cooked ground beef and salsa. Thinly slice lettuce, dice tomato and thinly slice green onions using Chef's Knife. Sprinkle 1 cup of the cheese evenly over hot tortilla chips. Top evenly with beef mixture, lettuce, tomato, onions, olives and remaining cheese.

Yield: 12 servings
Nutrients per serving: Calories 160, Total Fat 9 g, Saturated Fat 5 g, Cholesterol 25 mg, Carbohydrate 9 g, Protein 10 g, Sodium 360 mg, Fiber 1 g

Five Guys Burgers and Fries Opens in Rochester MN

2010-08-20T20:28:00.000-05:00

Barrack Obama and Michelle's favorite place, not to mention my husbands most favorite burger in the world!!!!!

Five Guy's has been ZAGAT survey rated every year since 2001 and has been voted the Washingtonian Magazine's "Readers' Choice" #1 Burger every year since 1999! Stop by Rochesters new Five Guys and find out why it rates #1... I am sure it will be #1, #2, #3 and on and on with you!!!!!

hamburger
cheeseburger
bacon burger
bacon cheeseburger
little hamburger
little cheeseburger MY FAVORITE!
little bacon burger
little bacon cheeseburger
kosher style hot dog
cheese or bacon dog
bacon cheese dog
veggie or grilled cheese

Fries - did I mention FRIES! They are hot, fresh made from idaho potatos and awesome!

ALL TOPPINGS FREE you get to pick what you want and its made to order for you!
Mayo
Relish
Onions
Lettuce
Pickles
Tomatoes
Grilled Onions
Grilled Mushrooms
Ketchup
Mustard
Jalapeno Peppers
Green Peppers
A-1 Sauce
Bar-B-Q Sauce
Hot Sauce

The Guess Who Closes Riverside Season!

2010-08-19T20:06:00.001-05:00

The Guess Who closes Riverside season on Sunday 7 p.m.

The first item to get out of the way is that the Guess Who really is sort of a guess-who band these days. The original singer and songwriters (Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman) are no longer with the band. But founding members Garry Peterson and Jim Kale are still with the Guess Who, and they'll take the stage Sunday for the final Down by the Riverside concert of the summer at Mayo Park and its FREE.

Bring your lawn chairs and bug spray!

Three Big Days of GREEK FEST!

2010-08-19T19:58:00.000-05:00

Three Big Days of Food, Fun, and Celebration! Opah!

Come Celebrate and Enjoy! Plan to attend the ever popular Greek Fest August 27th, 28th and 29th.

This 47th celebration is a true Rochester tradition! This is the largest ethnic festival in Minnesota! Free admission and free parking!

Friday, August 27th from 5 - 8PM

Saturday, August 28th from 11 AM - 8 PM

Sunday, August 29th from 11 AM - 6 PM

The festival is held at 703 West Center Street (behind Lourdes High School at the new Greek Orthodox Church) Authentic Greek food and pastries. Live Band. Greek dancers. Silent Auction. Raffle. Kids carnival. Church tours. www.greekfestrochester.com

Meditation - Basic Breathing

2010-08-19T19:50:00.000-05:00

Breathing is the cornerstone of all meditation techniques. We always do it, but rarely notice it.. breathing. You need to understand your own unique breathing identify. Use this meditation to get centered anytime and anywhere. Do this when you feel dull, tired, stressed or need a break. Start with roughly 10 minutes at first, then work up to 15 minutes and finally 20 minutes.

1. Sit in a comfortable position with legs crossed if possible or lie on your back. Your arms should rest about 45 degrees from your torso.

2. Breathe quietly in and out through your nose. Feel each breath as it moves through your body. Feel where your body is moving and where it is not.

3. Begin to notice how your breathing changes in turn.

4. When your mind begins to drift gently bring it back to your breath.

5. Begin to bring your breath into areas of your body that feel dull or lifeless. Imagine your torso as a container and send breath into places that it is not reaching. Don't force your breath, just allow your consciousness.

6. At the end of your session, move your toes, fingers and stretch arms and legs. If you are laying down, roll to one side and then other other.

You may if in a quiet place want to light a candle, turn lights off, burn incense.

2007-10-02T19:16:00.000-05:00

Seller's are Crying and Buyers are Buying

Wow! The market has really changed in the past few months. To say it's a buyer's market is an understatement. With the mortgage requirements tightening and the home inventory increasing, it's not looking too good for sellers right now. My professional advice is that if you don't have to sell, try to wait to list your home. Many homeowners are actually having to sell below market value to compete with all the foreclosures on the market. Minnesota is ranked 13th in the United States for the most foreclosures. However, good news for buyers! If you don't have a home to sell and you are looking to purchase a home, get out there now! There are so many great deals to be had. If you would like to know more about market conditions or to view this home please visit my website at http://www.rochesterdreamhomes.com