A while back someone asked me to create recipes that are vegetarian, so here is the very first one.

This was my first attempted at doing vegetarian curry. Thankfully it came out very good and everyone loved it!

INGREDIENTS

Olive oil
1 medium size onion finely chopped
4 cloves of minced garlic
1 package of firm tofu
2 tbsp of curry powder
1 tbsp of turmeric
1 tbsp of ginger
1/2 tbsp cloves
1 tbsp of celery seeds
1/2 bunch cilantro chopped
2 zucchini
2 yellow squash
2 red peppers
2 cups of broccoli
1 can of red beans
8 roma tomatoes diced
1 cup of white wine

DIRECTIONS

1. In a sautée pan pour the olive oil
2. Once warm, add the onions and garlic and stir until lightly golden
3. Add the tofu cut in cubes and allow it to golden too
4. Add all dry spices and cilantro
5. Add the whine then all vegetables cut in cubes
6. Bring heat to simmer for about 20 minutes
7. Serve over a bed of rice

 What made me decide to write about American sports is the fact that my husband's bowling league just ended. Their last day was just a few Wednesdays ago. He is part of the Sussex Bowl Men's League. I may add he was bummed out that his team ended up in 12th out of 16 teams. This was not a good year for him bowling and supposedly partly because of the bowling ball that needs to be refaced. Not sure if I am using the right terminology. See? I am not a big fan of bowling. I tried it a few times and was never able to get into it. I just do not see the fun of the game, and this has nothing to do with being Portuguese as my sister for example actually loves it!

Going back to bowling. When we first moved to Sussex, my husband decided to go check out the Bowling Alley and if there was availability to play in any of the teams. All were already organized, but totally out of luck one still needed a person. Thanks to it we got to know a few more people in the area. They not only came over to our house for some food gatherings as invited us to their homes too!

The other sport he absolutely LOVES to watch is football (or American Football as we call it in Europe as for Europeans football is what here is called as Soccer). I must admit even though originally from Boston he is a Steelers fan. No Green Bay Packers fan in our house, or at least for now, who knows our little squirmy may end up being one!

I actually enjoy watching football and I also get the game. One that I still have a hard time with is baseball. Oddly enough I enjoy watching it on TV, more of a background noise, but I like it. Even while still at school in NYC, I often had baseball on TV while doing my homework. The first time I went to a game was in NYC. My now husband and a good friend of ours took me to see it live. It was supposed to be a good game: NY Yankees against Red Sox. Well... let me tell you, if I say that the game ended with the final score 1-0, would you say the game was an exciting one? NOPS! Then there was the ninth inning stretch. That is when I realized all those years having baseball on while doing my homework, I actually nver paid attention to the actual game. I was like... WHAT IS THIS? Needless to say both my hubby and our friend were totally making fun of me. Darn foreigner! hehe Since then I have gone thankfully to more interesting games and enjoy them.

This may not be hundred percent considered a sport, even though I think we can classify it as one. Soon I will be learning about yet another typical American tradition. See, my oldest daughter has been dancing for many years now, but just not too long ago she was accepted to be part of the TMS cheer leading team for next school year: Go BULLDOGS! I love this whole spirit feeling. Back home we don't have this in schools. I am realizing the intensity of this sport, the dedication these girls have to put into it and so on. So expect me to start writing quite a bit about cheer leading and the Hamilton School District games!

Now, it will not come as a surprise that I am leaving my favorite game for last... indeed... soccer. Now THAT is a game I really love.. to play, to watch on TV and live! And guess what will soon start? Indeed, the World Cup and both Portugal and the US are part of it. Of course the first team I will be rooting for is Portugal and expect to see one house in Sussex proudly displaying the Portuguese flag! Now.. if they don't make it too far (and they BETTER) then I will root for Brazil and the U.S. of A.!

What are your favorite sports? What got you into them? What are your favorite teams? Am I going to hear about lots of Packers fan out there?

Not that long ago a group of supporters gathered in front of Starbucks in Sussex. This demonstration was to bring awareness about the right to bear arms in public. Let me start by saying that I am still trying to figure out my position in such. I do not have a problem if people do have arms to hunt, or even a licensed arm for other personal reasons. But somehow I do not feel comfortable with anyone walking around with arms, going to the same grocery store I go to with my own daughters, frequent the same restaurants and so on. "State law allows adults to openly carry guns, but not in businesses that ask them not to, places that serve alcohol, and not in school zones or public buildings." Another interesting link I found is from the Village of Sussex Web site. I do not want to get too much into this subject as I will admit not knowing enough and actually I am trying to educate myself in this subject, meanwhile I do hope for comments from both perspectives. I leave it as is with a few questions I would love answers:

• Why do people feel the need to carry arms in places as Sussex which are such family friendly communities?
• What is the main reason to carry an arm, IF you are not using it, not hunting, etc?
• If guns are not allowed in school properties, public buildings and places that serve alcohol, why are they allowed elsewhere?
• How do law officers feel about such?

The Lisbon Fire Department Auxiliary is hosting a Family Movie Night on Friday, March 19th at the Richmond Fire Station. Bring your blankets, friends and family (chair seating will also be available) and see the Fire Station community room transformed into a movie theater. Adults and children of all ages are welcome to attend. WHEN: Friday, March 19th, 2010 WHERE: Richmond Fire Station at the corner of Hwy K and Hwy KF in Lisbon MOVIE: The Princess and the Frog Refreshments (popcorn, candy, beverages) will be sold and there is a suggested donation of $2 per person. There will also be a raffle for a copy of The Princess and the Frog DVD. 

Being originally Portuguese and enjoying to cook foods from a little all over the world, I am not always able to find all ingredients I am looking for at our local Pick & Save or Piggly Wiggly. So I venture myself a little all over to look for ethnic grocery stores.

Now the advantages of going to these places are that you may actually decide to try something new, but even better may be surprised at the prices of some things (especially spices, condiments and seafood) your local market may also carry but at a much higher price.

Here is a list of the ones I have gone to and enjoy what they have to offer:
Indian Grocery & Spices

A while back I wrote about the lack of dance studios in our area. Well a brand new one just started up and the environment is fantastic. My older daughter and I went to check it out and loved it. She tried Hip-hop, then another class, by the time we left she was signed up for two classes and I for Zumba.

Aspire Dance Studio is located on West Silvernail Road not far at all from Good Harvest Market which to me is even more so a plus. They teach all types of dance classes for all ages. The staff is extremely friendly and energetic. If you do have kids looking to joining dance, do check out this new Dance Studio

For a while I have been wanting to participate in cooking classes, sooner or later I would love the chance to go to Culinary school. For now though I am on a quest to learn from local chefs. So last night after picking up my little one from daycare, rushing home, changing her into PJ's, starting dinner until hubby arrived, I finally left the house to join my first cooking class. Previously I had posted about a little gem in Lannon.

Quarry Coffee which is open Monday through Friday from 5:30am till 3pm and offers fantastic coffee, tea, pastries and light lunches also hosts cooking classes.

Last night was all about Creole and Cajun. Chef Scott prepared and showed the techniques to create  various items such as Rice with beans, Jambalaya, Gumbo, Etouffee, Salad dressing and a Sweet Potatoes Pecan Pie.

My favorites were definitely the Etouffee, salad dressing, jambalaya and the pie. All recipes were based from Chef Prudhomme books.

Apart from learning cooking techniques, you meet local community people, share thoughts and ideas and the best part is enjoying the recipes themselves. Hurricane was served to go along with the meals. 

I cannot wait to go there again next month and would recommend each and everyone of you to check it out. You can view the upcoming classes here.

Also for those in the Sussex area, keep an eye on the Sussex Sun paper which will come out next week, as heather Krisman was there last night along with a very talented photographer Jonathan Pauli.

Has anyone ever gone to this tiny spot right on Main Street? Well last year after going to the Komen Race for the Cure downtown Milwaukee, we were all starving and as we were getting closer to home I realized I had nothing semi-ready to prepare a nice meal. So we decided to stop at M&M, right here in Sussex, WI

As we walked in, my first impression was a good one as just about everyone looked at the door to see who was walking in and all were smiling. Now that is a very nice way to feel welcomed. A lady came straight to us and helped us with a table and a high chair for our little one. The establishment itself is very plain, simple but you right away notice it is one for locals to enjoy a nice breakfast or brunch while reading a paper, chatting with family or with whomever is sitting right next to them.

I cannot recall everything we ordered. I do remember I asked for eggs benedict. The sauce was not a hollandaise one, but a cheese based yet very good. The lady was very truthful about it as we ordered. I enjoyed every bite and so did both my daughters!

A fun place to check out and meet the locals!

Ste 1, N64W23316 Main St
Sussex, WI 53089-5307
(262) 246-6300

 How and where to recycle and re-use

Thankfully nowadays there are so many ways to do such, there is not reason to help Mother nature and the generations to follow. It would be awesome if everyone could add info they may know in their own area as how to recycle all the "stuff" we buy and have around.

What can be recycled? Just about everything, such as cell phones, yogurt containers, chips and cookie packages, shoes, crocks, clothes, ink cartridges, batteries, motor oils, tires and the list goes on.

Sites to check on where to recycle your "stuff" beyond the usual that you can recycle from the curb.

Batteries

Call2Recycle

Inkjet and laser cartridges

Recycle Free Inc - Home Page

Milwaukeepc.com

Cell phone

Recycle My Cell Phone

Recycle Free Inc - Home Page

Office Supplies, Furniture, Technology at Office Depot

Call2Recycle

Motor oil, car batteries and tires

Recycling Programs - Advance Auto Parts

All tech equipment such as computers, printers, etc.

Office Supplies, Furniture, Technology at Office Depot

Shoes

Nike's Shoe Recycling  Sustainability Program | Reuse-A-Shoe & Nike Grind

Chip bags, drink pouches, candy wrapper, cookie wrappers, energy bar wrappers and so on. PLUS they will donate to your favorite non-profit organization

TerraCycle

Grocery Plastic Bags

make an effort to bring re-usable bags to the grocery store. Places such Pick and Save will actually take $0.50 out of your bill for each bag you bring.

Christmas Lights

Home Depot will recycle them

Check what you can recycle in your area:

Recycling Center Search - Earth911.com

No longer need something? Do not throw it in the trash. "One man's trash is another man's treasure"

Take it to Goodwill, salvation army or post it for free on the following sites, you will be surprised how many people will respond to a free item:

craigslist: wisconsin classifieds for jobs, apartments, personals, for sale, services, community, and events

The Freecycle Network

TheBubbler Classified

Waukesha County Residents - Plastic #5

For those of us who live in Waukesha County. I just noticed that Good Harvest Market does have a few bins in the store to recycle, on being for plastic #5 which your local recycle company will not take.

If you compost

Use all veggies, fruit, egg shells, paper towels, shredded newspaper, coffee grounds. Here is a great site all about composting:

Smell Like Dirt

Ever heard of it? Well I had not until I started to receive google alerts about Sussex, WI. I decided to follow the link and there it was.

TheBubbler - http://TheBubbler.com. A fantastic Wisconsin online community, started and maintained by Keith Klein, a Wisconsin native and owner of OnYourMark, LLC, a Sussex-based company specializing in web design, production, programming, web site hosting, Internet marketing, digital video and digital photography.

So what makes TheBubbler so awesome? Let's see, there are all types of forums, from politics, to plain simple chit chats, blogs to free advertisements, personals to all sort of information about Wisconsin. If you want to voice your opinion in the political arena, there is a place for you there. If you are trying to sell your stuff, you can do it - in the FREE classifieds. If you want to post an event, you can do that too. FREE. Looking for a recipe? Or perhaps you want to share one? You will find a forum for such. Have a question? Someone will surely answer you.

Are you originally from Wisconsin yet moved away from the area? Guess what? You will find your group there too! But perhaps all you want to do is just hang out, check what people are saying, research, pass time. The possibilities are endless. You will "meet" people from your own community or afar from another point of this State.

Do check it out and let me know what your thoughts are. I think you will enjoy it!

I always had a tremendous respect for teachers as they are the foundation of our children. Those of us who work, should even have more respect for them as they end up spending more time with our kids than we do.

When we moved from NC, our older daughter had some trouble adjusting and to that her grades slipped a little. Thanks to Woodside Elementary and a fantastic teacher she had, Mrs. DeShong (whom I cannot say enough great things about), our daughter started improving. During the past summer she also had some tutoring from yet another fantastic teacher, Mrs. Pierner. Still today she meets with Mrs. Pierner once a week and I thank her for making the time to help out our daughter.

What I like about Mrs. Pierner is above all her very positive attitude, how approachable she is, how she relates to the kids who absolutely love her and her teaching skills. How many middle schoolers do you know out there who actually WANT to be tutored? I can say I do not know many. I am sure that even my daughter would not if it was not for Mrs. Pierner.

Throughout the time I have known this tremendous Teacher, I have grown to like her a lot, call her not only my daughter's friend as well as mine too and will always do anything in my power to be there for her as she has been for our daughter.

So let's all remember to thank our kids teachers, tutors, not just on those special days but on a daily basis. Also if anyone in the Waukesha, Sussex, Lisbon, Lannon, Menomonee Falls, Pewaukee area is looking for a tutor who will make a difference in your child's academic life, feel free to contact me and I will pass along Mrs. Pierner's contact.

Prior to posting I decided to send this writing to Mrs. Pierner to make sure all I wrote about her was ok to be published. Just to see how she is, here is what she wrote back:

"I know how hard it can be to give the attention to those students that need just a little more when you have a full class and so many school responsibilities.  However, these kids can't be lost in the shuffle.  I enjoy tutoring because it is relaxed, we can focus on a few things during such a short time and I can watch them work, comment, instruct, and guide all at the same time.  How many teachers can say that they have this opportunity?  not many

Just on time for Valentine's Day, here is a favorite one do do it with your kids. I love making this anytime we have guests over. Children with love this. 

INGREDIENTS

12 oz of semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup of milk

2 tbsp of butter

all types of fruits such as strawberries, kiwi, oranges, banana, mango, grapes

wax paper

DIRECTIONS

1. in a double boiler, melt the chocolate and butter
2. Once the chocolate and butter are well melted and mixed add the milk and stir it until you get a nice creamy consistency
3. Spread wax paper on the table and start dipping each piece of fruit onto the chocolate and lay it on the wax paper
4. Once the chocolate hardens, start decorating a serving plate with all of the fruit

Walgreens 24-hour stores and Take Care Clinics will be offering free blood glucose testing tomorrow, Friday, February 5, 2010, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. No appointment is necessary.

If you don't live near a 24-hour Walgreens location or can't get tested on February 5, 2010, you can still receive a free glucose test before February 18, 2010 . Visit Walgreens.com/diabetes for specific testing hours at a Walgreens store or Take Care Clinic near you where they will be accepting walk-ins during the next two weeks. Or, call 1-800-Walgreens to make an appointment. This offer is valid through February 18, 2010.

 All around us there are dance schools, but the Sussex, Lannon, Lisbon area. Of course being the parent of a pre-teen who loves to dance, that was one of the first things I researched in the area. Luckily we did find an awesome group/dance group that she joined, even though in Menomonee Falls. It is called Center Stage and classes are help at various MF schools.

What attracted us, but especially my daughter to this group was the fact that everyone felt very informal, people, especially the kids seemed to have fun and they got well along. My daughter was one of the few that did not attend the MF school district, yet she was felt very welcomed.

After a year of being with them, I have to say that she enhanced her dancing techniques, grew her love for dance and everyday does her stretching and count exercises! This alone tells me she not only loves being part of Center Stage but she is growing and learning with them. Center Stage offers Poms, Jazz, Cheer and Hip-Hop classes which is the perfect combination for our girls in the Hamilton School district to be ready when they will want to be part of the Hamilton High School Dance Team. I am saying High School as Templeton does not have a dance team. All they have is a cheer leading team, which by the way is very good and just not that long won first place at a State competition!

So for those who want to check out Center Stage, go ahead, visit their site!

Above all we should feel blessed with the fact we do have an awesome Pick-N-Save with a nice selection of organic products. As I will keep on posting you will realize I am an avid of organic products, or at least non pesticide, non added hormonal, non junk crap in our food.

A few months ago I finally ventured myself to Trader Joe's thanks to a good friend from Iowa who came to visit me. I knew they had good products, I knew the prices were good, but go all the way to Bayshore, just for a supermarket? Well, I must admit YES! I have been going there every two weeks for specific products... well plus a few more I try each time! Now when living in NC, I had heard from the invasion of North Easterners to Charlotte, one could request a store near you. I do realize that Bayshore is NOT that far from Sussex, but... can you imagine the attraction from all over Waukesha coming to Sussex if we had a Trader Joe's?

If you have ever gone to Trader Joe's you know how absolutely fantastic it would be to have one right at our door steps. I also think that Sussex would be an ideal place as apart from the Sussex/Lisbon/Lannon communities, it would be just a hop away for people in Menomonee Falls, Waukesha, Pewaukee and even Brookfield and Germantown.

So, let's all contact Trader Joe's and request for them to open one right here at our door steps!

• Best snowman builders in the Village of Sussex until February 10th
  Contest Rules - Entry Rules
• Monday Night Book Club - 7:00pm to 8:30pm
  Pauline Haass Public Library's Small Meeting Room
• Crock Pot Cooking - 6:30pm to 8:30pm
  Quarry Coffee - Lannon, WI

• Storytime for 3-5 year olds - 6:30pm – 7:00pm
  Pauline Haass Public Library - Sussex, WI

• Next Steps Employment Network - 8:00am – 9:30am
  Pauline Haass Public Library - Sussex, WI
• Family Storytime - 10:00am – 10:30am
  Pauline Haass Public Library - Sussex, WI
• Playgroup - 10:30am – 11:30am
  Pauline Haass Public Library - Sussex, WI
• Retzer Nature Center Camera Club - 7:00pm
  Retzer Nature Center, S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha
• Mystery Book Club - 7:00pm to 8:30pm
  Pauline Haass Public Library - Sussex, WI

• Music & More Storytime - 10:00am – 10:30am
  Pauline Haass Public Library - Sussex, WI
• Playgroup - 10:30am – 11:30am
  Pauline Haass Public Library - Sussex, WI
• Scott Burns Quartet - 8:00pm
  Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts, 19805 W Capitol Dr, Brookfield

• Candlelight Ski/Hike - Call 262-646-3025 for more info
  Lapham Peak State Park - Delafield
• Wada Antiques Show and Sale
  Call 414-510-4441 fore more info
  Waukesha County Expo Center, 1000 N Northview Rd, Waukesha

• Wada Antiques Show and Sale
  Call 414-510-4441 fore more info
  Waukesha County Expo Center, 1000 N Northview Rd, Waukesha

• Town Board Meeting - Town of Lisbon - 6:30pm

• Wee Wonders "Animal Fiesta" (Ages 2 to 4) - 9:30am - 10:15am
  Register by Thursday February 7th - $3.00
  Retzer Nature Center, Waukesha
• Storytime for 3-5 year olds - 6:30pm – 7:00pm
  Pauline Haass Public Library - Sussex, WI 
• Just Teens - Teen advisory group - 4:30pm – 5:15pm
  Pauline Haass Public Library - Sussex, WI

• Next Steps Employment Network - 8:00am – 9:30am
  Pauline Haass Public Library - Sussex, WI
• Family Storytime - 10:00am – 10:30am
  Pauline Haass Public Library - Sussex, WI
• Playgroup - 10:30am – 11:30am
  Pauline Haass Public Library - Sussex, WI
• Guys Book Club - 7:00pm to 8:00pm
  Pauline Haass Public Library - Sussex, WI

• Valentine Candy Making  - 6:30pm - 7:30pm - Call 262-949-4232 for more info
  Registration required - Residents $20 - Non-residents $30
  Eagle Municipal Building,  820 E. Main Street, Eagle
  

• Music & More Storytime - 10:00am – 10:30am
  Pauline Haass Public Library - Sussex, WI
• Playgroup - 10:30am – 11:30am
  Pauline Haass Public Library - Sussex, WI
• Homeschoolers Brown Bag It! - 12:00pm to 1:00pm
  Pauline Haass Public Library - Sussex, WI
• All-Conference Honors Choir Concert - 7:00pm - Call 262-560-3172 for more info
  Oconomowoc Arts Center, 641 E Forest Street, Oconomowoc

• Winter Wildlife on Snowshoes - 9:00am - 11:00am & 1:00pm - 3:00pm
  Retzer Nature Center, Waukesha
• Basket Workshop: Muffin / Fruit Basket (for adults) - 9:00am - 4:00pm
  Register by February 8th - $28
  Retzer Nature Center, Waukesha
• Midwest Vocal Express Valentine's Show - 1:00pm
  For more info and buy tickets call 262-782-4430 - $40
  Sunset Playhouse, 800 Elm Grove Road, Elm Grove
• St. Joe's UNCORKED! 2nd Annual Wine & Beer Tasting Event 7:00pm
  Must be 21+, $30 single $50 couple. Call 262-662-2832 for more info
  St. Joseph Catholic Church & School, Big Bend
• Comedy with a Catch - 1:00pm- 2:30pm
  Pauline Haass Public Library - Sussex, WI
  

• Valentine's Day
• Chinese New Year - Year of the Tiger

• D

• Storytime for 3-5 year olds - 6:30pm – 7:00pm
  Pauline Haass Public Library - Sussex, WI

• Next Steps Employment Network - 8:00am – 9:30am
  Pauline Haass Public Library - Sussex, WI
• Family Storytime - 10:00am – 10:30am
  Pauline Haass Public Library - Sussex, WI
• Playgroup - 10:30am – 11:30am
  Pauline Haass Public Library - Sussex, WI
  Afternoon Book Club - 2:00pm to 3:00pm
  Pauline Haass Public Library - Sussex, WI 
• Afterschool's Cool - 4:30 to 5:15pm
  Pauline Haass Public Library - Sussex, WI 
• 5K/1st grade Book Club - 6:30pm to 7:15pm
  Pauline Haass Public Library - Sussex, WI

• Hamilton High School Italian Dinner & Silent Auction - 5:00 - 6:30pm
  Tickets: Adults $8, Seniors, Students and Children under 18 $6
  Hamilton High School - Cafeteria -W220N6151 Town Line Road, Sussex, WI

• Music & More Storytime - 10:00am – 10:30am
  Pauline Haass Public Library - Sussex, WI
• Playgroup - 10:30am – 11:30am
  Pauline Haass Public Library - Sussex, WI

• Glass Up Your Walls Art Show - Exhibit featuring glass art creations
  River's End Gallery, 380 W Main St, Waukesha
• Winter Wildlife on Snowshoes - 9:00am - 11:00am & 1:00pm - 3:00pm
  Retzer Nature Center, Waukesha 
• Village Sledding Party - 1:00 - 3:00pm
  Sussex Village Park - W244N6067 Weaver Drive, Sussex
• 3rd Annual Chilly Fest - Menomonee Falls
  10am - 4pm

• All Brahms - 2:00pm
  Tickets: $30 Call 262-781-9470 for more info
  Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts, 19805 W Capitol Dr, Brookfield
• Route 66 & Beyond - 2:00pm
  Tickets: $10-20 Call 262-781-9470 for more info
  Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts, 19805 W Capitol Dr, Brookfield

• Town board Meeting - Town of Lisbon - 6:30pm

• Village Board Meeting - Village of Sussex - 7:00pm
• Storytime for 3-5 year olds - 6:30pm – 7:00pm
  Pauline Haass Public Library - Sussex, WI 
• Just Teens - Teen advisory group - 4:30pm – 5:15pm
  Pauline Haass Public Library - Sussex, WI

• Next Steps Employment Network - 8:00am – 9:30am
  Pauline Haass Public Library - Sussex, WI
• Family Storytime - 10:00am – 10:30am
  Pauline Haass Public Library - Sussex, WI
• Playgroup - 10:30am – 11:30am
  Pauline Haass Public Library - Sussex, WI

• Hometown Publications Home & Garden Show
  Call 262-896-8490 fore more info
  Waukesha County Expo Center, 1000 N Northview Rd, Waukesha
• Escanaba in Love by Jeff Daniels
  Through Saturday, March 20th
  Call for ticket prices and more info at 262-782-4430
  Sunset Playhouse, 800 Elm Grove Road, Elm Grove
• Music & More Storytime - 10:00am – 10:30am
  Pauline Haass Public Library - Sussex, WI
• Playgroup - 10:30am – 11:30am
  Pauline Haass Public Library - Sussex, WI
• Teen Gaming Tournament - Brawl - 5:00pm to 9pm
  Pauline Haass Public Library - Sussex, WI

• Hometown Publications Home & Garden Show
  Call 262-896-8490 fore more info
  Waukesha County Expo Center, 1000 N Northview Rd, Waukesha
• Winter Wildlife on Snowshoes - 9:00am - 11:00am & 1:00pm - 3:00pm
  Retzer Nature Center, Waukesha 
• Green Eggs and Ham - 1:00pm & 3:00pm
  Tickets: $5 Call 262-9667012 for more info
  Arrowhead High School North campus Theater, 800 Merton Avenue, Hartland
• Dreaming the Duke with Nnenna Freelon, Harolyn Blackwell and Mike Garson - 8:00pm - 2:00pm
  Tickets: $25+ Call 262-781-9470 for more info
  Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts, 19805 W Capitol Dr, Brookfield
• Escanaba in Love by Jeff Daniels
  Through Saturday, March 20th
  Call for ticket prices and more info at 262-782-4430
  Sunset Playhouse, 800 Elm Grove Road, Elm Grove

• Boy Genius Waukesha Symphony
  For more info call 262-547-1858
  St. Luke's Lutheran Church, Waukesha
• University of Wisconsin Madison Varsity Band Show - 2:00pm
  Tickets: Adults: $20, Seniors: $18, Students:$10
  Hamilton Fine Arts Center, W220N6151 Town Line Road, Sussex, WI
• Escanaba in Love by Jeff Daniels
  Through Saturday, March 20th
  Call for ticket prices and more info at 262-782-4430
  Sunset Playhouse, 800 Elm Grove Road, Elm Grove
• Family Gaming Open Play - 1pm to 3pm
  Pauline Haass Public Library - Sussex, WI

I still do not have an answer for this one. I am actually hoping you can answer such. Since moving to Sussex I did notice the Lions Club does a lot in our area. But what about within the Village of Sussex? My husband is having an interest in joining one of the committees and went to the latest Village Board. He and I were shocked to learn he was the only "resident" attending. Wait, what? The only resident? Aren't the people of Sussex interested in finding out what the Village of Sussex is doing for us? Does no-one think we should have a word in what is going on? know what is discussed?

I do realize it is so easy to get going in our lives, we have work, our children, their extra curriculum activities, but still. Is all that is important to elect people then we cross our arms and expect they know how we feel until next election? Isn't it out duty as residents to be part of this whole process?

This reminds me of when we lived in NC. We lived in your typical sub-division, with HOAs. There were altogether 197 houses. There were 7 committees. Now can anyone guess how many people run those committees? We were 14 altogether. Now even 10% of the amount of houses which in general have 2 adults. Then after a while the social committee ended as it never had help from anyone. Guess what happened? Everyone (yes... suddenly we heard from all those houses that were silent till then) started complaining. There was no more Christmas Carols, no more Easter Egg hunting for the kids.

Back to Sussex, what can we do to attract more community involvement?

Here is the first recipe I am writing in the blog. I decided upon this one, once I read the article about my cooking from this week's Sussex Sun. Above all I would like to thank Heather about an awesome job she did in the article. She made me chuckle comparing some of my cookings with Fear Factor. That being said, hopefully I will not scare anyone with this recipe.

To find octopus around the area, do go to Sendik's in Germantown or Brookfield. They have frozen baby octopus which is what we need for this recipe. Another fantastic place I love to go to buy fish and shellfish is the Asian market on North Ave with 50th st.

I absolutely LOVE this recipe. Apart from being extremely easy to make it is delicious. To those that eat squid, the taste is very similar, so... come on.. dare a little will you?

18 small octopus

1 onion with skin on

12 small potatoes

1 cup of olive oil

8 cloves of garlic

1/2 bunch cilantro

salt/pepper to taste

1. Boil the octopus in water with salt and the whole onion for about 20 minutes or until tender
2. Boil potatoes in salted water until cooked
3. In a oven-safe ceramic deep dish cover the bottom with 1 cup of olive oil, the garlics and a few leaves of cilantro
4. Put it in the oven at 350° F for about 10 minutes
5. Take the oven-safe ceramic and add the cooked octopus and potatoes
6. Put it back in the oven and broil in low for about 15 minutes
7. You can then chop a little more cilantro and sprinkle it on the top to decorate

For the past year I pass through Lannon everyday on my way to work after dropping off my younger daughter. I always wondered about Quarry Coffee, a place on my left side as I drive through main st. From the outside you barely notice it. So last week a person asked if I had ever stopped there. I found out they server Alterra coffee. Well that certainly sparkled my attention as I must admit, I am a coffee snob. Perhaps this is due to my Portuguese background!

So this morning I decided to stop in and get a cup of coffee. I was in absolute shock when I opened the door and ashamed of myself for never having made the effort to have stopped there before. Well let me tell you, never judge a book by it cover.

As soon as I walked it, there was a warm feeling not only from the nice smell of coffee, the welcoming people as well as the environment itself. What a nice surprise. To the left there is a seating area with a sofa and chairs, to the right a few tables. on the corner a bookcase with all types of books to enjoy. I went to the counter and ordered a coffee and an amazing slice of cranberry bread. And I paid less that $4. Wait what? Serious.... If you were to go to a Starbucks you would have easily paid over $6.

So what is my verdict?
I love supporting local business so they will be seeing a lot more of me as I become a frequent customer. Also I will be attending some of their cooking classes. Check them out!

So you already know I am a foreigner. I am originally from Portugal, but have lived a little all over the world and in various states within the U.S. of A. I am married and have two beautiful children one who attends Templeton Middle School and the other is at a local daycare downtown Sussex (Wee Welcome Inn) that I cannot say enough it. Both kids are very happy where they are and enjoy good friends and staff.

I and my husband work full time. We are both in the design / creative world, we love to entertain, work on home projects, play game, discover the area and, myself I LOVE to cook!

Every week I will try to compile a list of local happenings, so if you are part of an organization, church, school, etc feel free to contact me, or write a comment about your event. Also I will write (and hope others will too) comments about the events myself and my family attend. Food being such a big part of my life and culture I will also add recipes that are kid friendly yet not part of a typical kid menu! I will also write comments on the restaurants we have tried and will try around the area.