Archive | August, 2011

Weekend Morning Show ABC Channel 13 Las Vegas

It was still dark outside as we drove to the news station in Las Vegas this weekend.  My daughter snapped and tweeted a photo of me at a stoplight- sipping coffee with one hand and holding my notes and the steering wheel with the other.  Incriminating.  The Organized Cook on ABC Morning Show Las Vegas

The Organized Cook on ABC Morning Show Las Vegas

After we arrived at our local ABC station Channel 13 and set up, I was immediately at ease when I met the lovely Tina Patel, the weekend morning show producer and anchor for Action News Las Vegas.

The Organized Cook on ABC Morning Show Las Vegas

My segment flew by so quickly.  “What, it’s time to wrap up?  I thought we were just getting started!” is what I was thinking as she was thanking me for coming on the air.  The truth is, I love to talk about cooking, being a busy mom, and discovering ways to save time and money as an on-the-go mom.  So what I need to do now is learn how to condense that down into about 3 seconds and make sure I mention all the important stuff, like- let’s say- my website!  Minor oversight.The Organized Cook on ABC Weekend Morning Show

 

 

My lovely assistant and daughter, Rayana helped set up my props and dish up food samples for the crew.

The Organized Cook on ABC Morning Show Las Vegas

I did, however, remember to mention the upcoming launch party for The Organized Cook Cookbook to benefit Nevada Blind Children’s Foundation at Triple George Downtown on Friday September 9th from 6-9 p.m.  If you’re in the Las Vegas area, then here is your invitation to great food hosted by Triple George, “bundtinis” from Nothing Bundt Cakes and wine from Ironstone Vineyards:

The Organized Cook Launch Party Invitations

So, without further ado, here I am “dishing” about The Organized Cook.  Thank you Tina Patel and Las Vegas Action News.


 

 

 

 

 

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First Day Of School in “Sin City”

My twins started second grade today.  With twin sister in one classroom and twin brother in a special education classroom, I’m confident I’ve done everything possible to make sure this school year is a good one.

I know that must sound like a given for most, but I have more challenges than just making sure they have the supplies they need and are in the right classroom.

Las Vegas is home to the fifth largest school district in the country and the second worst.  Out of 50 states, Clark County School District ranks 49.  And if that weren’t enough of a challenge for this parent, Nevada is one of two states in the country with no school for the blind.  Not too helpful if your son happens to be- blind.

I don’t want to sound like I’m just complaining.  We obviously made the choice to live in Las Vegas even if there have been numerous times I wanted to flee the state.

Basically, you have three choices as a parent of a school-aged child in Southern Nevada if you don’t want to home school.  And, I don’t want to home school.

First, you can send your children to private school.  Our girls attended private for preschool and kindergarten, and many like us agreed that the extra $7,000 to $10,000 per child a year was well worth it.

Now, with my husband being in an industry that has been hit the hardest with the recession, the additional $15,000-$20,000  per year isn’t our smartest move.  There is one private school on the furthest side of town that we would consider the financial stretch to be worth it, but we’re not sure the logistical stretch combined to be our best option.

A second choice would be to move.  When I found out there were no services for children who are blind and no school for the blind in Las Vegas I told my husband we were moving to another state like Phoenix or Utah.  Kevin, being a fourth-generation Nevadan and business owner said, “no, we’re going to stay and build one.”    That’s when Nevada Blind Children’s Foundation was born.  More on that to come.

And last, parents can choose to weather the Clark County School District.  And what a storm it was last year.  But out of that storm came a light, and that light was called “zone variance request approval”.  Because Connor was transferred to a more appropriate classroom in a school just a few miles away (after a long and heated battle with the school district), I was able to get his sisters transferred along with him.

And from what I can see this morning, that light is shining on smooth waters.

 

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Summer Grilling

Summer is almost over, but there’s still time to enjoy some outdoor grilling. The Organized Cook will help by dishing up a week’s worth of dinner from the grill including a few days recess to reincarnate those leftovers into something delicious like Steak and Portabella Stroganoff.

 

Meal Planning by The Organized Cook

Meal Planning by The Organized Cook

Grilled London-Montreal Steak

Meal Planning by The Organized Cook

"Reincarnate The Leftover"- Steak & Portabella Stroganoff from The Organized Cook

 

Meal Planning by The Organized Cook

Grilled Lemon-Basil Chicken

 

No grill?  No problem.  These recipes can be made inside in your stove top skillet, indoor grill or oven.

Meal Planning by The Organized Cook

"Reincarnate the Leftover"- Chicken & Asparagus Penne Pasta

 

Meal Planning by The Organized Cook

Mushroom & Swiss Burger with Grilled Sweet Potatoes

 

Not A Subscriber to The Organized Cook?

Don’t forget, I’m helping busy moms get ready for back-to-school by offering The Organized Cook at 30% until August 31st, use coupon code GETORGANIZED.  Order Now.

The Organized Cook Weekly Meal Plan System

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Fox News MORE Show

With an upcoming launch party for The Organized Cook Cookbook, I had a lot to talk about in a short period of time during a recent appearance on the LasVegas Fox News MORE show.

Here is me waiting in the green room at Fox 5 News.  It was decorated with lime green pillows and lighting with white leather furniture- so cute!

Toni Spilsbury The Organized Cook on Las Vegas Fox 5 MORE News Show

Waiting in the "Green Room" at the Fox 5 News station

The "Green Room" at Fox 5 News station Las Vegas

Thank you Monica Jackson, the news anchor who interviewed me and Cynthia Newdel, Producer at Fox 5 News Las Vegas.  The interview flew by so quick, I felt like Monica and I could have “dished” for another hour!

For more information about the upcoming launch party for The Organized Cook Cookbook and invitation:

The Organized Cook Launch Party to benefit Nevada Blind Children's Foundation

The Organized Cook Launch Party to benefit Nevada Blind Children's Foundation

 

 

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