Adventures with Gigi

Whats for Dinner? Ask A Linemans Wife

2011-11-04T17:05:00.000-07:00

Yummy Lettuce Wraps

I have a 5 year old and a 2 year old. The 5 year old ate her 5 bites and loved the rice. The 2 year old LOVED it and ate two more! The parents well we loved it. My friend has 4 boys and they all loved this for dinner.

http://alinemanswife.blogspot.com/

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins but they are really a Cup Cake!

2011-10-05T10:46:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Annalisa(click for recipe) for this yummy treat I made it this weekend.
I made a few changes to the recipe
It calls for 2 cups Pumpkin I just put in 1 15oz can
I added Oatmeal to the topping
and to be honest drizzle more cream cheese frosting on the top!
SO GOOD!

Halloween Games! Mini Bowling with Skeleton Heads

2011-10-03T14:26:00.000-07:00

Found the skeleton heads at The Dollar Store, thought to myself hmmmmm this could be a fun game.
Kick bowling it is! We have a "Blood Red Soccer Ball" and watch the heads roll.

Little Mr S Birthday Cake

2011-10-01T07:12:00.000-07:00

I love to make yummy food over conference weekend and this is one of our families favorites.

Thanks to Picky-Palate.com for this yummy treat

The Ultimate Chocolate Layered Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Birthday Cake

1 box Pillsbury Devils Food Cake Mix
4 large eggs
1/2 Cup canola oil
1/2 Cup water
8 oz sour cream
1 small box instant chocolate pudding mix
1 bag mini or regular chocolate chips
_____________________
4 8oz packages softened cream cheese
2 sticks softened butter
16 oz bag powdered sugar (most of it)
_____________________

1 Cup melted creamy peanut butter
1 bag of Reeses Peanut Butter Cup minis, halved (freeze bag for an hour before cutting, it’s much easier)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a stand or electric mixer add the cake mix, eggs, oil, water, sour cream, pudding mix and chocolate chips. Beat until well combined, about 1 1/2 minutes. Will be thick. Pour evenly into 2 well greased 9 inch cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean from center of cakes. Let cool completely.

2. To prepare cream cheese frosting place softened cream cheese and butter into a mixing bowl, beat on med-high speed until creamy smooth. Slowly beat in powdered sugar until a good spreading consistency forms. I used almost the entire bag of powdered sugar. Refrigerate for a good hour before frosting.

3. Turn cakes onto wax paper and with a large serrated knife cut each cake in half width wise to form 4 layers. Place one layer onto a cake stand and drizzle melted peanut butter over top. Next spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting over that. Place another cake layer on top and repeat peanut butter and frosting until top layer is placed. Spread remaining frosting over entire cake then top with halved Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Minis. I froze the cake until ready for serving. It stays nice and cold which makes it MUCH easier to cut into slices.

Witches Brooms

2011-09-30T10:32:00.000-07:00

A Witch comes to our house each year on the 30th of September to bring us Halloween Cheer, She swoops in a flash and leaves floating Hats that sparkle and shine, ITS HALLOWEEN TIME! This year she was feeling extra "witchy" and left us with some spooky brooms too.

Thanks to a good monsoon storm we had branches that broke off some trees in the neighborhood (pretty sure that landscaping crew thought I was crazy wanting the big branch) I used a small saw and cut "witch broom" size pieces and twigs. I let them bake in the AZ sun to dry out and to help the leaves fall off. Next take some wire and tie your twigs to your broom stick (it would be easier with some help but I managed) Next I bought the cheapest Black Spray Paint (I think it was primer) and paint them. I did a top coat of some black Glitter.

All I need is my "BROOM PARKING" sign!

The Hats are hung and the brooms taking flight its time to decorate for Halloween TONIGHT!

My Big Fat Italian Pumpkin!

2011-09-28T14:33:00.000-07:00

Mr Safety must just adore me, bringing me gifts of pumpkins of the unique nature. I do love a good ugly pumpkin! I had to know, of what variety is this Beauty?
http://www.allaboutpumpkins.com/varieties.html

My pumpkins is a

Marina Di Chioggia

This Italian heirloom is a deep blue green in color like the ocean. The skin is knobby and reminds me of a sea urchin. It has a sweet orange flesh and is excellent in pies and baked goods.

So there you have it, no wonder I love it, its a pumpkin and is like the Ocean.....these are a few of my favorite things!

A Little Halloween Poof

2011-09-23T10:00:00.000-07:00

Start with tissue paper (we like Walmart brand)
10 sheets of tissue is the magic number for a perfectly puffy ball (we tried less not so poof)
for a smaller ball cut sheets in half start your fold on the "short side" so you get lots of folds

you will end up with a fan looking thing tie off the middle with a twist tie or pipe cleaner

CUT or round edges with a shape you like we did some round some pointy

One tissue sheet at a time pull your ball open, (be soft but if you get a tear you most likely wont be able to see it)

Hang with Ribbon, Tulle, or fishing line

All color's make Beautiful Poof Balls!

2011-09-10T14:13:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit Here

Big Girl Room

2011-08-12T14:16:00.000-07:00

Before

After

It has been busy at our house we have a new KINDERGARTNER this year I wanted her to have a special big girl room. My friend had given me her Dads old furniture from when he was younger and I have be waiting for the inspiration to do some thing with it, well my inspiration comes in the form of Ms Malissa Cordova and her Entourage. I started with getting the furniture ready. Cleaned it with TSP (a life saver) and sanding it down, primed it, sanded again, painted sand a bit more painted more and more. Then beat it up with sand paper and a dark brown glase.(you may need someone to hold your hand (MC) while you do this..its stressful to "ruin" or "antiquing" something you just slaved over making perfect!) Finished it with Polyurethane. It just lovely. The Room color is "Pineapple upside Down Cake" and The Poor Painting Crew had to paint 6 coats to cover the purple, with a tinted primer? Don't know why it took so long. It really was a group effort to surprise Gionni with her new room they did it in TWO days, (allot of the prep and shopping was done before) the kids helped paint the purple letters, find books for the room and Zee made the awesome tutu for the Guinea Pigs cage. Troy Boy added his touch in butterflies and nail guns. Pretty sure Kristy just got stuck with slave labor ;) and MC is the master designer (who is available for hire) Ms G was thrilled! "Its just what I dreamed of " she said when she saw it. I feel so loved for everyone that helped! It made for a special day for a special girl.
PS The budget was $100.00 (minus what is cost to redo the furniture)

paint + sweat = new room makeover!!

2011-07-27T15:42:00.000-07:00

I had the oppurtunity to makeover my friend's little boys bedroom! I was more than thrilled! She was going out of town for 1 week...Saturday to Saturday...I procrastinated a bit and started Wednesday! We barely made it! She had the bed and the bedding, and my budget was $100. $100 goes faster than one might think...a few accessories and paint and I was spent. But that's when you get to be creative and resourceful. We reused frames she already had and a we used a bookshelf, that I was getting ready to donate, as the dresser. I may have gone over budget...just slightly. But it turned out great and he was SuPeR excited. And thats all that matters!! He loves cars, firetrucks, construction and trains. So we threw a little of everything in there to make a transportation room!

Repurposing

2011-07-19T16:29:00.000-07:00

So, I saw an idea from Jen's website and I thought it was a great idea! My phone and modem are right next to each other on the counter and it's just kinda ugly. So I bought an UgLy tray at Ross for like $2.99. Steal of a deal! It was ugly brown floral, for some reason I have lost my before picture. But in this pic, you can kinda see the pretty flowers that it had on it, and picture it a real nice poopy brown color.

I did a few quick coats with my favorite shade of blue!

It helped take my kinda boring mess in to something a bit more tamed and colorful.

And I think I love it!

Don't mind the unfinished countertops...one day this decade, they might get completed, and the ripped up wall next to the cabinets...let's just say, there is some moving of the cabinets happening around here!

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-02T16:12:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Ms Kristy we had a busy craft day, I gave all the girls the "Glitter Treatment" on their toes and the Girls Tied their cute flip flops.

How did they make them?
$1.00 Wal Mart Flip Flops
6 inch pieces of ribbon (no that is not an Elf joke its really is 6")
We found that if you don't double knot they come off and we should have put "fray glue" on the ends so they will not fray.

Don't you want your kids to have fun like this at day care?

Summer Wallet

2011-06-16T10:14:00.000-07:00

I needed a new wallet,

PATTERN: I will be referring to these pieces as A, B, or C
A

C-
PLEASE NOT IT SHOULD BE CUT 4

MATERIALS NEEDED:
1/2 Yard of material (I used some scraps that I had, preferably two colors)
1/4 Yard medium interface
Pins
Sewing Machine
Iron

DIRECTIONS:
1-Cut out all fabric according to pattern. Iron if needed.

2- Start with Pattern C. Hopefully you cut 4, separate into to piles. With Right sides together sew 3 edges together leaving the bottom open. Right side out and set aside.

3-Take section B, separate into two piles: 1 interface, 2 fabric/pile. Place fabric right sides together, then the interface, pin, sew 3 edges, leaving the bottom open, right side out and set aside.

4-Take 1 Piece of C and 1 Piece of B, center C on top of B. Sew 3 edges leaving top open, it is ok that the bottom is unfinished.

5-Take the second piece of C and sewing it on the same B piece as the other lining it up with the bottom. Leaving the top open and the raw edges sew together at the bottom.

6-Take Fabric from A, Place in the following order, fabric right side up, interface, fabric right side down to it is like a sandwich with the right side face out. Pin "B" to both sides of "A" as shown below. Sew the bottom and the edges together leaving the middle open. Right side out.

7-If for any reason the you have an unfinished seem in the middle of your wallet tuck your seem inward and make a small stitch.

Congrats you are all finished!

Flower Necklaces

2011-06-11T11:44:00.000-07:00

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

Scrap material, in strips of 1" thick and 12" long, (I used black chiffon and gray satin)

2" X 2" cut squares, preferably the same color as other material

Necklace chains (I got mine from Michael's)

Hot glue gun

Thread that will match the color of chain and a small needle that will fit through the bead.

Beads (Also from Michael's)

Cut your strips, then iron them in half so they are now 1/2" wide.

Put a dot of hot glue in the center of the 2" X 2" square. Roll up your 1/2" strip about 3 times and place on hot glue with fold side showing up and raw edges on hot glue. Drawing a spiral with your hot glue, about an inch at a time, place your strip on top of it. Continue with the spiral until the strip is complete.

My completed flowers. Once they are all done, trip the 2" X 2" square tightly around flower.

To get my positioning correct lay out my chain and hot glue the flowers onto it. I then hand stitch the chain to the necklace to secure each flower.

If you want to add some beads to your chain thread your needle through the bead. Just before you pull your thread all the way through the bead, place a dot of hot glue on the bead to secure the thread.

I am using gray thread so you can see it on the necklace but make sure to match the thread to the color of your chain. Sew the bead to the chain on where you would like it.

Continue sewing beads until you have your desired look.

My dog Baloo was nice enough to model this necklace.

Hope you have fun making these little beauties!

New Red Door

2011-06-08T18:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter

2011-04-23T19:25:00.000-07:00

We Love Signing Time

2011-04-21T11:35:00.000-07:00

http://youtu.be/acO0ULexVj0

I love this interview and I love what Rachael Says about Speaking is a SKILL that can often take time to learn, why not give your child a Language! We have loved watching our kids use sign language, we have cousins and friends that also have enjoyed it. It is a tool for parenthood whether for not you have a child with a hearing/speaking challenge or not. Leah you are so well spoken what a role modle you are!
WE LOVE THE SIGNING TIME FAMILY!

12 Days of Easter Eggs and the Week of Easter

2011-04-15T13:45:00.000-07:00

We received a delightful gift this year of the 12 Days of Easter. Each day the children are excited to open and read the Scripture about that day telling the story of our Savior's Crucifixion and Resurrection.

1. Matthew 26:26-27,39 (sacrament cup or small cracker or chex cereal)
2. Matthew 26: 48-49 (chocolate kiss)
3. Matthew 26: 14-15 (3 dimes) [This fulfilled the prophecy in Zechariah 11:12-14.]
4. Matthew 27:1-2 (knotted twine)

5. Matthew 27:15, 17, 21, 24-26 (chunk of hand soap)

6. Matthew 27:28-30 or Mark 15:16-17 (square of red or purple fabric)
7. Matthew 27:31-32 (small nail or toothpick cross)
8. Matthew 27:50-51, 54 (crushed rocks)
9. Matthew 27:57-60 (strip of white cloth)
10. Matthew 27:60, 62-66 (a small, flat stone)
11. Mark 16:1, 2-6 (bay leaf or other herb)
12. Matthew 28:5-6 (empty)

If you want to just copy and paste the Scriptures you can do so at LDS.org, cut into strips and put into eggs.

Easter Week Quite Book

In the Friend Magazine this month they had a Count Down to Easter with each day leading up to the Resurrection. I Copied the text and put it into a 3x5 text box in Word and Printed them out. Then I down loaded the Gospel Art Kit Pictures ( 212 213 223 227 230 232 239) When I uploaded the pictures(to Costco) you have to watch the "Crop" warning and crop them all in Portrait (you will lose some of the pictures but they will look nice)

I did have to copy two of the pictures off the Internet. The first day "Jesus walked to Bethany" and "He is Risen" i googled them that is my copy right disclosure;)

Pete the Cat

2011-04-12T14:54:00.000-07:00

This is a delightful book with a great moral

"No matter what you step in, keep walking along and singing your song"

Thanks to my awesome friend Jackson (age 11) we now have coloring pages to go along with the story. Print in Landscape
Also check out www.harpercollinschildrens.com/petethecat for the fun Pete the Cat Song

General Conference Reverence Tent

2011-03-26T15:21:00.000-07:00

Reverence Tent from the Friend 2008 Just as King Benjamin spoke to his people we are invited to listen to our Prophets, just at the people of old we can have our tent facing the "TV" to watch Conference. A "Reverence Tent" filled with snacks and fun quite activities to do during conference. Below are the Links for Conference Packets.

Sugardoodle and Scriptures for Kids * save some toilet paper rolls for some of the activities!
http://www.sugardoodle.net/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7399

LDS website Activities
http://lds.org/general-conference/children?locale=eng

The Wearing of the Green

2011-03-17T10:50:00.000-07:00

The Sweetest little Irish Girl lives at my house
with great anticipation for this March 17th
but Oh did the Flu hit our house with wrath
it has knocked us down flat as a cat.
So it seems we will have to find another day to wear Green...

Cheese Ball Party

2011-03-16T12:42:00.000-07:00

Is there a group for people like me,
Hello my name is Julie and I am a Cheese-a-holic!

We had a cheese ball party and tasted some most delish balls...(not sweaty balls..SNL)

Classic Old time Cheese Ball my Grandmas Recipe

2 8oz pk cream cheese

1 8 oz pk shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 envelope dry onion soup mix

1 tsp lemon juice

1 tbs pimiento

2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1 cup pecans chopped finely

1/2 - 1 cup dried parsley

mix cream cheese and cheddar cheese at med speed, blend well and remain ingredients except pecans in well chill. Shape in to 2 small balls roll in nuts and parsley **can freeze

Up Town Cheese Ball (My number 1 Pick so good!)

2 8 oz cream cheese

8 oz crushed pineapple drained

1/2 bell pepper diced

1 Tlb green onion diced

2 1/2 tsp Lawry's (season salt)

1 cup pecan in cheese ball

combined and chill

Simply Delish Cheese Ball (oh man this is also so good you just can't stop eating it!)

8 oz cream cheese room temp

1 package lunch meat (your choice) diced

1-6 green onions (just the chives)

3/4 cup grated cheese in ball

mix well, rolled into ball and roll in cheese chill

Chocolate Chip Cheese ball Paula Deen (this is super sweet, a little goes a long way love it on vanilla wafers)

1 8 oz pak cream cheese softened

1/2 cup butter softened

1/2 cup confections sugar

2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

2 tbs packed brown sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup mini marshmallow

3/4 cup semi sweet chips

1 cup finely chopped toasted walnuts

combine the cream cheese and butter mix until creamy add other ingredients adding marshmallows and chips last chill, roll in to balls and sever with Vanilla Wafers and gram crackers. (we rolled them in to mini balls and put them in mini cup cake wrapers)

Are you Ready for St. Patricks Day?

2011-03-09T16:40:00.000-08:00

Want to know about St Patrick? Clovers? Bagpipes? Click HERE

Want to know about Blarney Stones and how to make them? Click HERE

Just nee more on St. Patricks Day? Click
http://adventureswithgigi.blogspot.com/search/label/St%20Patrick%27s%20Day

Need a Fun Snack?
Click
http://adventureswithgigi.blogspot.com/2010/03/little-leprechauns-afternoon-snack.html

Some paint and glaze

2011-03-05T08:32:00.000-08:00

I inherited this coffee table from my sister...and she got it from my brother. I like the shape of it but I'm so over honey wood. So I bought some spray paint and went to town!

I thought glaze would be rad over the top of it...it has lots of crevices and gauges and flaws/ character...so glaze would bring all of that awesomeness out!

pre-glaze...rad but not super rad

See all those cracks...they need glaze! For awesome tips and how to's on glazing go to All things Thrifty! Super awesome site and tutorials!

Rub glaze on with a sponge brush...I get pretty dirty during this part. I like to squeeze the glaze out of the foam brush so it soaks into every crevice. This is the glaze I used...I just added black paint to it to tint it.

Then rub it off...or don't. I lightly rubbed mine off. On the sides where there weren't many cracks, I left it a bit more glazed.

Now I vote that it is super rad! And I still think it looks very comfy for Crew to take his naps on!

Tu-tu, onesie and headband...Cheap and easy gift!

2011-03-04T09:36:00.000-08:00

I made this onesie, tutu and headband set for my new niece yesterday! I feel like it's an easy and cheap gift...most of the supplies I had on hand.

a glue gun (just for the headband)
elastic or ribbon...to tie the tulle to.
tulle...either from the bolt or a 6 inch roll of it... that's what i use.
felt, jewel and cut up tights for the headband...you can use a flower, ribbon or whatever you have on hand.
a onesie and scrap fabric to hand stitch on a monogram
spray adhesive (optional...I think it would stay on with just the stitching on the letter)
an hour to put it all together and WA-LA!

p.s. you don't need sewing skills or any skills, really, for this project! That's the best!

Oh yea, and a less than thrilled 4 year old boy to model it for you! Secretly he volunteered to be the model!

I especially love it with the buzz shirt and striped "leggings" if you will!

The Young Victoria

2011-02-25T19:48:00.000-08:00

I love this movie! I love even more that I can watch it instantly on NetFlix, as many times as I want!

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2011-02-20T12:26:00.000-08:00

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Felt Hair Bows

2011-02-07T10:13:00.000-08:00

These darlings were a gift to my daughter made by our ever talented family Photographer she learned how to make them here

http://craftsnob.com/2010/12/make-fabric-flowers-part-7/

http://craftsnob.com/2010/12/make-fabric-flowers-part-3/

http://craftsnob.com/2010/12/lydia-make-fabric-flowers-part-2/

Tree Trimming Service

2011-01-25T12:17:00.000-08:00

Do you have trees that need to be trimmed??

American Tree Service will do it for you. We are a small Licensed Company that will do your dirty work for you. We do Tree trimming, removal, elevation, and much much more. With our team you are guaranteed the highest quality of work with our 10+ years of experience. We are available for the entire Phoenix metro area for all of your needs. Please call or email for more information.

*Free Estimates*

"AMERICAN QUALITY AT A PRICE YOU CAN AFFORD"

Del Bullard: 918-271-3106 or email Allamericants@gmail.com

Good Night Christmas Season.......

2011-01-15T11:14:00.000-08:00

(after putting the kids down for a rest I found this gem!)
All of the Christmas decor has been packed away....it took longer that I expected....as always
Ready for 2011

Want $5.00 off at the Zoo?

2011-01-13T13:19:00.000-08:00

Phoenix Zoo Food Drive to Benefit

St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance!

Saturday, January 15 – Monday, January 31, 2011

It's easy to think of others during the holiday season, but the greatest need sometimes comes after the holidays! The Phoenix Zoo will be kicking off a food drive to benefit St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance this Saturday, January 15th. All you need to do is bring in cans of food and receive $1 off admission for each can up to five per person!

1 can = $1 off one general daytime admission

2 cans = $2 off one general daytime admission

3 cans = $3 off one general daytime admission

4 cans = $4 off one general daytime admission

5 cans = $5 off one general daytime admission

More than five cans per person are also greatly appreciated! Thank you for your support of the Phoenix Zoo and St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance.

Cans of food must be donated at the Phoenix Zoo. A maximum $5 discount available, per person. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Not valid on advanced or online ticket purchases. Valid for daytime admission only. Valid January 15 through January 31, 2011.

Official Pajama Jeans Infomercial

2011-01-01T13:25:00.000-08:00

Enjoy! Happy New Year. I am still laughing, I want to know if anyone really has these.........

Homemade Lettuce Wraps

2010-12-28T18:29:00.000-08:00

I made this copy cat recipe tonight of the PF Changs Lettuce Wraps.
They turned out very good, but PF Changs are still the best!!

Click on the title for the recipe:

Shirataki Noodles Part 2

2010-12-17T10:17:00.000-08:00

189 Calorie Chicken Lo Mein

So this is my third time cooking with these "Miracle Noodles". The recipe was my FAVORITE. I cleaned my plate!!!

Makes 1 Serving, about 3 cups

Ingredients:
1 pack Shirataki Noodles
2 cups steamed stir fry veggies
1/2 cup bean sprouts
3 oz cooked chicken diced
1/2 tsp sesame seed oil
1 tbls soy sauce
Salt and Pepper to taste
Pam Butter Spray

Directions
Rinse noodles for 3-4 minutes. Remember to breathe through your mouth. Cut into bite size pieces. Pat dry and place in a microwave safe bowl and cook for 2 minutes.

While noodles are cooking place veggies, bean sprouts, and died chicken in a pan, spray with pam and cook over medium heat. When the noodles are done once again pat dry and add to pan. Add sesame seed oil and a small amount of soy sauce. Cook over medium heat for 4 minutes until all flavors and merged.

Serve on plate and add the rest of the soy sauce and salt and pepper to taste.

This recipe is amazing!!! I didn't notice a difference in the noodles at all. I'm glad that I didn't give up on these noodles, they truly are a miracle.

Serving of Chicken Lo Mein from PF Changs 1 dish 1610 calories. That is a HUGE Difference.

Hungry Girl's Dreamy Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge

2010-12-16T12:30:00.000-08:00

Low Calorie Fudge??? WHAT??? This has been a holiday saver for me.

65 Calories/piece

Per Serving (1 Piece) 65 Calories, 1g fat, 14g carbs, 1g fiber, 9g sugars, 1g protein

Ingredients:
One 18.3 ounce box Betty Crocker Fudge Brownies Traditional Chewy Brownie Mix
2 Cups canned pure pumpkin
2 tbls reduced-fat peanut butter, at room temperature

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine pumpkin with the brownie mix in a large bowl and stir until smooth (batter will be very thick, don't add anything else)

Spray a square baking pan (9X9) with nonstick spray and pour in the mixture. Spoon peanut butter on top and use a knife to swirl it around the top of the batter. Bake in the oven for 35 minutes. (The batter will remain very thick and fudgy, and it should look undercooked.) Allow to cool.

Cover pan with foil and place pan in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Cut into 36 squares.

Serves 36

So a lot of Hungry Girls recipe call for canned pumpkin. I like pumpkin pie but only at thanksgiving. I was a little hesitant to try this but I was brave a can it a whirl. You CAN NOT taste the pumpkin AT ALL! I am so impressed that I will be trying some of her other Pumpkin recipes.

Hope you enjoy!

Get a Video from Santa

2010-12-13T15:28:00.000-08:00

Do you want Santa to send your Child a personal Video? Have ready 3 pictures of your child, a profile pictures, and to fun picture, a family trip, sports, birthday party. It takes about 5 minutes to put all your info in and then by the magic of technology your child will have a video from Santa. Absolutely the COOLEST thing! A must do this year!
Portable North Pole

Hungry Girl's Strawberry Shortcakes

2010-12-11T16:06:00.000-08:00

68 Calorie Dessert

Per serving: 1 cupcake 68 calories, 0g fat, 17.5g carbs, 0g fiber, 8.5g sugars, 1g protein

Makes 12 servings

Ingredients:
3/4 cup angel food cake mix
3/4 cup Cool Whip Free, thawed
3/4 cup sugar-free preserves
3/4 cup sliced fresh strawberries

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Line a 12 cup muffin pan with baking cups. Do not spray with nonstick spray.

Place cake mix in a medium mixing bowl. Add 1/2 cup water. Using an electric mixer, beat at low speed for 30 seconds. Increase speed to medium and mix for 1 minute. Let sit for 2 minutes.

Evenly distribute cake mixture among baking cups. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes, until tops are golden brown.

Allow cupcakes to cool completely, then carefully peel cupcakes from baking cups and plate them. Spread 1 tbls preserves over the top of each cupcake. Top each with 1 tbls Cool Whip. Evenly distribute slice strawberries among the cupcake tops.

ENJOY!!

These where so yummy. With 1 I was completely satisfied. Del needed to have at least two.

Barbie KidPicks Poop and Scoop Doll Set

2010-12-09T20:44:00.000-08:00

Ok really do they need a poop scooping Barbie! If I am living Babrie's life with her dream house and sweet car, I sure as hell am not picking up my own poo! I can not stop laughing at the name "Poop and Scoop Doll Set" ...............Happy Friday

Hungry Girl's-S'mores krispymallow treats

2010-11-30T15:54:00.001-08:00

57 calories

Ingredients:

4 cups puffed wheat cereal

2 cups Golden Graham cereal

1 cup Fiber One cereal

3 cups mini marshmellows

3 tbls light whipped butter

5 tsp chocolate chips

Directions:

Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Add marshmellows and stir until completely melted, then remove from heat. Add all three cereals and stir until completely coated.

Spray a 9 x13 pan with nonstick spray. Press mixture into pan.

Sprinkle with chocolate chips. Let cool and cut into 25 squares.

Per serving: 57 calories, 1g fat, 12g carbs, 1.5g fiber, 5g sugar, 0.5g protein

These are amazingly good. However, after eating one you will want another so I suggest individually wrapping them up, so you eat only one.

2010-11-29T17:42:00.000-08:00

Hungry Girl's Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T08:14:00.000-08:00

Save-the -Day Stuffing
Per Serving (1 cup) 89 calories, 1.5g fat, 17g carbs, 4g fiber, 4g sugar, 5g protein

Ingredients:
6 slices light bread (Try Sara Lee 45 Calorie Bread)
1 Cup Chopped onion
1 Cup chopped celery
1 Cup fat-free chicken broth
1/4 cup Egg Beaters
1 tbls brummel & brown butter
2 cloves garlic
Salt, Pepper, Rosemary, Thyme, to taste
1 oz dried cranberries

Directions:
For best results, leave bread uncovered at room temperature for a night or two, until slightly stale.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Cut bread into 1/2 cubes. Spray a medium baking dish with nonstick spray, and place bread cubes evenly along the bottom of the dish.

In a medium pot, combine broth, celery, and onion. Cook for 8 minutes over medium heat.

Remove pot from heat, and add garlic. Season mixture to taste with salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme. Let cool for several minutes.

Add egg substitute and butter to veggie/broth mixture and stir. Pour into baking pan, evenly cover bread cubes. Mix gently with a fork. Bread cubes should be moist.

Cover with foil and cook for 20 minutes. If you like your more crispy broil for an additional 5. Add dried cranberries, fluff with fork and serve.

I made this today and tried it. I over did the seasoning a bit so be careful on how much you add. I think with the miracle mashies and a little gravy it will be perfect!

Kickin' Cranberry Sauce
Per Serving (1/3 Cup) 63 calories, 1g fat, 13g carbs, 2g fiber, 8.5g sugars, 1g protein

Ingredients:
12 oz bag whole cranberries
11 oz can mandarin orange segments
1 cup peeled an finely chopped apples
1 envelope dry unflavored gelatin
2/3 cup Splenda
1/4 cup Almond Accents in Original Oven Roasted
1/4 cup granulated white sugar
1/8 tsp cinnamon

Directions:
In a medium pot, combine cranberries, Splenda, and sugar with 1 3/4 cup water. Set stove to medium heat, cover pot and bring to a boil.

Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and continue to cook for 10 minutes, uncovering to stir occasionally. Meanwhile, in a small dish, combine gelatin with 1/4 cup cold water, stir well and set aside.

Turn off heat and stir in gelatin mixture, stirring until dissolved and thoroughly combined. Stir in cinnamon and apples and mix well. Transfer mixture to a bowl and refrigerate for at least 5 hours. (overnight is best)

Once chilled and set remove mixture from the fridge and give it a good stir. Drain juice from the can of orange segments. Roughly chop orange segments and drain any excess liquid from them. Slightly crush almonds so that they break into smaller pieces. Add chopped orange segments and almond pieces to the cranberry sauce, and mix thoroughly.

Makes 12 Servings

I made this last night and finished it up this morning. I thought the cinnamon was a little over powering so I added a bit more splenda to mine. It is good. It will be perfect with my Turkey tomorrow.

Caramelized Onion Dip
Per Serving (1/3 cup) 74 calories, 1.75g fat, 11g carbs, 0.5g fiber, 4.5g sugars, 3.5g protein

Ingredients:
2 large sweet onions, chopped
6 tbls fat-free cream cheese
1/2 cup fat-free sour cream
1/2 cup fat-free mayo
1 tbls light whipped butter
1 tsp dijon mustard
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp salt

Directions:
Heat butter in a large pan over medium high heat. Once butter has coated the bottom of the pan, add onions, cayenne pepper, and salt. Don't worry if onions are piled high in the pan, they will cook down. Saute for 10 minutes, stirring often.

Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for an additional 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are browned and caramelized.

Meanwhile in a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and mayo. Whisk until smooth, then refrigerate.

Once onions are caramelized, add mustard and vinegar to the pan. Continue to cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove onions from heat and allow to cool.

Once cool, add onions to the large bowl and mix dip thoroughly. Refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to combine. Serve at room temperature.

Makes 6 Servings.

I made this last night as an appetizers for Thanksgiving. I was a little worried last night. This morning I tasted it. OH MY was it delicious!!! I buried it in the back of the fridge so it won't be all eaten before tomorrow.

Hungry Girl's Miracle Mashies

2010-11-23T16:24:00.000-08:00

82 Calories

So I made these today for Thanksgiving. I wanted to make them ahead of time
so I could enjoy the day. They are AMAZING!!! I would honestly prefer these to
regular mashed potatoes. They are a must try and are going to be a frequent
visitor to my dinner table.

5 servings

Per Serving (2/3 cup) 82 calories, 1g fat, 16g carbs, 3g fiber, 2g sugars, 3g protein

Ingredients:
1 large (About 13 oz) potato
3 cups cauliflower florets
3 tbsp fat-free half-half ( I found it at safeway)
1 tbsp light whipped butter
Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. While waiting for the water to boil, peel and cube the potato.

Once water is boiling, add potato cubes and cauliflower. Boil on medium for 15-20 minutes until both potatoes and cauliflower are VERY tender.

Remove the pot from heat and strain out all of the water. Transfer contents to a large mixing bowl. Add half and half, butter, salt, and pepper. I used a blender instead of a potato masher to make creamy.

ENJOY!!

Hungry Girls Citrus-licious egg white salad

2010-11-23T14:26:00.001-08:00

90 calories

Per serving (1 cup) 90 Calories, 1g fat, 9 carbs, 1.5g fiber, 4g sugar, 11g protein

Ingredients:

6 large hard boil egg whites chilled and chopped

1/4 cup chopped celery

1/4 cup chopped red pepper

1/4 cup chopped red onion

3 tbls fat free mayo

1 tsp dijon mustard

1 tsp lime juice

1/2 tsp lemon juice

1/8 tsp salt

1/8 tsp pepper

Directions:

In a medium bowl combine mayo, mustard, lime juice, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, stirring until mixed well.

Add chopped egg whites, bell pepper, celery, and stir well and serve.

Makes two servings

Oh My Sweetie Pie!

2010-10-31T18:32:00.000-07:00

Sweetie Pies!

Mouthwatering homemade pies from my kitchen to yours!

All American Apple Pie____________________$16
Made with a medley of fresh Gala and Granny Smith Apples baked with a made from scratch flaky piecrust to ensure that you savor it to the last bite.

Pumpkin Spice Pie_______________________$13
Made with real, never canned pumpkin mixed with the perfect combination of spices that you’ll swear it came straight from Grandma’s oven!

Texas Pecan Pie_________________________$16
Straight from the heart of Texas, this pie is made with smoky Texas pecans roasted on top of deliciously rich and creamy caramelized custard.

French Silk Pie_________________________$13
A silky smooth chocolate mousse piled high in a graham cracker crust, topped it with whipped cream and garnished with chocolate shavings and you’ll be sure to come back for seconds!

Place all orders with Beth Ray at bakesbybeth@gmail.com

*Free delivery to all Mesa and Gilbert locations and $1.50 delivery charge for all others locations

*Special request including allergy substitutes are welcome with no additional charge.

*Deliveries will be made the date of your request with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas pies will be made one day prior.

Have you had a Sweetie Pie?

Creamy Pumpkin

Tasty Texas Pecan

Amazing Piled a mile high Apple

This delicious Mommy run business is divine! Order your holiday pies from

Bakesbybeth@gmail.com

I happen to know the baker and she is just the best, these really are a gourmet delight to add to your holiday. Let her do the baking and you relax and enjoy this holiday season!

$16.00 - Apple Pie

$16.00 - Texas Pecan

$13.00 - Pumpkin

$13.00 - French Silk

Hungry Girl Chunky Caramel Apple Pumpkin Dip

2010-10-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

52 CALORIE DIP

Per Serving (1/4 Cup): 52 calories, 0.5g Fat, 11.5g carbs, 1.25g fiber, 4.5g sugars, 0.5g protein

Makes 16 Servings

I served this with Quaker's Apple Cinnamon Rice Crisps.

Ingredients:
8 oz container Cool Whip Free, Thawed
15 oz can pure pumpkin
1 small package sugar free fat free vanilla instant pudding mix
2 cups finely diced apples
1 tbls Splenda
2 tsp fat-free caramel dip
2 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp vanilla extract, divided
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Directions:
Place apples in a microwave safe dish with 1/4 cup dish with 1/4 cup water. Cover and microwave for 2 1/2 minutes. Once dish is cool enough to handle, rain water and set aside.

Place 1/2 cup col water in a small saucepan. Add spelnda, cornstarch, cinnamon, 1/2 tsp vanilla and mix thoroughly.

Bring the saucepan to medium low heat, then stir in caramel dip. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until mixture is hot, thick, and bubbly, about 5 minutes. Then add the apples an stir until mixed. Refrigerate until cold about 1 hour.

Meanwhile, mix pumpkin pie spice and remaining vanilla extract into the Cool whip.

In a large bowl, combine vanilla pudding mix with pure pumpkin and stir well. Fold in Cool whip mixture, making sure it is completely blended. Refrigerate.

Once caramel apples are cold, stir them into the chill pumpkin mixture. Store dip in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Indulge in Halloween Candy-Smartly

2010-10-29T11:25:00.000-07:00

Trying to trim down? Don't want to give up Halloween Candy?? Who Can!!!

Here is a list of all the candy you can eat that is under 100 calories per serving.

Go ahead and have a taste, you deserve it.

Classics:

Carmel Apple Pop-60 calories

Lik-m-aid Fun Dip-50 calories

Twizzlers Strawberry Indivdually Wrapped Twist-40 calories

Jolly Rancher Lollipop-60 calories

Lafy Taffy Miniature-30 calories

Dum Dum Pop-25 calories

Chocolate:

3 Musketeers Mini Bar-24 calories

3 Musketeers Fun Size Bar-63 calories

100 Grand Fun Size Bar-95 calories

Almond Joy Snack Size Bar-80 calories

Butterfinger Miniature-45 calories

Butterfinger Fun Size Bar-85 calories

Hersheys Kiss-21 calories

Kit Kat Mini-42 calories

Kit Kat Snack Size-70 calories

Milky Way Mini-38 calories

Milky Way Fun Size Bar-75 calories

Reese's Miniature Peanut Butter Cup-44 calories

Reese's Snack Size Peanut Butter Cup-80 calories

Snickers Miniature-42 calories

Snickers Fun Size-80 calories

Twix Mini Cookie bar-50 calories

Twix Fun Size-80 calories

*Source: Hungry Girl

Hungry Girl Coconut-Glaze Fruit Salad

2010-10-28T18:07:00.000-07:00

122 Calories Per Serving

1 cup-122 calories, 1 g fat, 28.5 carbs, 3.5g fiber, 20.5g sugar, 2.5g protein

This was AMAZING!!!! I will keep this one in my fridge for sure!

Ingredients:

For Salad:
2 cups halved strawberries
1 cup blueberries
1 cup grapes
1 cup chopped peaches
1 large banana sliced
1 large apple sliced

For Glaze:
6 oz fat free vanilla yogurt
1/4 cup coconut milk (found in the Asian sections of the grocery store)
2 tbls splenda
1/4 tsp coconut extract
1/4 tsp lime juice

Directions:
In a large bowl, combine all of the fruit and set aside
In a mixing bowl, combine all glaze ingredients until mixed well.

Ad glaze to fruit bowl. Toss and coat all fruit evenly.

Makes 6 servings.

We Love

2010-10-21T15:30:00.000-07:00

Click Here

Hungry Girls Caramel Apple Tartlets

2010-10-13T15:33:00.000-07:00

100 Calorie Desert

These are amazingly good and so easy to make.

Serving Size: 2 Tarlets: 100 calories, 2g fat, 21 carbs, 1.5g fiber, 11g sugar, 1g protein.

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups finely chopped fuji apples
Six 9X14 sheets phyllo dough, thawed according to package directions
1/4 cup brown sugar (not packed)
2 tbls light whipped butter
1 tbls cornstarch
1/4 tsp cinnamon
Optional Topping: Fat Free Reddi-wip

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Immediately after unrolling phyllo sheets, spray with nonstick spray. Divide sheets into two stacks of three. Cut each stack into six sections by cutting each in half lengthwise and then into thirds horizontally. You should now have 12 mini stacks.

Prepare a 12 cup muffin pan by spraying with nonstick spray. Gently place each mini stack into a cup, pressing down lightly with your fingers so the dough creates a cup shape. Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes, until lightly browned. Set aside to cool.

In a small unheated pot, combine butter, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and 1 tbls water. Stir until ingredients have mostly dissolved.

Over medium heat, cook and stir brown sugar mixture until it thickens to a caramel sauce like consistency.

Reduce heat to low and add the apples. Cook for 3-4 minutes until apples have softened, stirring continuously so the filling does not burn.

Evenly distribute filling among the twelve pastry shells. If you like, top with reddi wip just before serving. Enjoy hot or cold.

Hungry Girls's Oatmeal Cookies

2010-10-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

125 Calories Oatmeal Cookies

6 SERVINGS
Serving Size: 1 medium-large cookieCalories: 125Fat: 2.5gSodium: 120mgCarbs: 23.5gFiber: 2gSugars: 10gProtein: 3gPOINTS® value 2*

Ingredients:
3/4 cup regular oats
1/3 cup whole-wheat flour
1/4 cup raisins (not packed), chopped
1/4 cup brown sugar (not packed)
2 tbsp. Splenda No Calorie Sweetener (granulated)
2 tbsp. light whipped butter or light buttery spread (like Brummel & Brown), room temperature
2 tbsp. no-sugar-added applesauce
2 tbsp. fat-free liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters Original)
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
dash salt

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, Splenda, butter, applesauce, egg substitute, and vanilla extract, and mix thoroughly with a wire whisk or fork.Add flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt, and stir until completely mixed and smooth.

Add oats and raisins, and mix until both are thoroughly coated with the batter.Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Spoon batter onto the sheet in 6 evenly spaced mounds. Using the back of a spoon, spread and flatten batter into circles about 3 1/2 inches wide.
Place in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cookie comes out clean.Remove baking sheet from the oven, and allow cookies to cool for 1 minute on the sheet. Then slide parchment paper onto a cool surface, and let cool completely.

Enjoy!MAKES 6 SERVINGS
Serving Size: 1 medium-large cookieCalories: 125Fat: 2.5gSodium: 120mgCarbs: 23.5gFiber: 2gSugars: 10gProtein: 3g

POINTS® value 2*

Hungry Girl's Cinnamon Rolls

2010-10-11T14:35:00.000-07:00

126 Calorie Cinnamon Rolls

1 iced roll: 126 calories, 5g fat, 18.5 carbs, 3 g protien

Ingredients:

For Dough
1 package Pillsbury Reduced Fat Crescent Rolls
16 Sprays "I can't believe it's not butter" Spray

For Filling
1/4 cup brown sugar (not packed)
1/4 cup splenda
1/2 tbsp light whipped butter
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp salt

For Icing
1/4 cup Cool Whip Free thawed
3 tbsp fat free cream cheese room temperature
1 tbsp Splenda

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees

To make filling, combine all ingredients in a medium bowl, stirring well to
make sure the butter gets mixed in evenly. Set aside.

To make icing, combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix until smooth and blended.

Remove dough. Ball up and kneed. Using a rolling pin lightly floured roll dough out to a 8x12 sheet.
Spray the dough's surface evenly with butter.

Spread filling out evenly over dough. Starting with a long side roll up tightly forming a log. Cut into 8
evenly spaced sections. Place in a well greased round 9" pan.

Cover pan with aluminum foil, bake in the oven for 8 minutes. Remove foil and return pan to oven for an additional 5 minutes.

Spread icing over the rolls and enjoy.

Hungry Girls-Tutti Frutti Biscuits

2010-10-05T19:35:00.000-07:00

So this is out of the Hungry Girls cookbook. The top photo is out of her book, the bottom is my version. (I used peaches and didn't have strawberry preserves)

Per serving (1 biscuit):132 calories, 2.25g fat, 240mg sodium, 26 carbs, 2g fiber, 7.5 sugars, 3.5g protein.

Ingredients:
2/3 cup canned bite sized fruit cocktail (I used canned peaches)
2/3 cup regular oats (I only had instant)
1/3 cup Bisquick Heart smart baking mix
1/4 cup vanilla soy milk
2 tbls sugar-free strawberry preserves(I didn't have any so I left them out)
1 tbls splenda
1 tbls brown sugar (not packed)
2 tsp light whipped butter melted
3/4 tsp baking powder

Directions:
Preheat oven to 425
In a small bowl, mix preserves with a fork until a syrup-like consistency is reached. Pat fruit cocktail as dry as possible, eliminating as much moisture as you can. Toss fruit cocktail in the preserves until thoroughly coated. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine oats, baking mix, splenda, brown sugar, baking powder. Stir in melted butter and mix well.

Add soy milk and stir until mixed thoroughly. Then fold fruit mixture into the batter.

On a baking sheet sprayed with nonstick spray, divide batter into 4 evenly spaced mounds. Bake for about 12 minutes, or until tops are firm and edges begin to brown. Let cool slightly and then enjoy.

Makes 4.

I made these for Del's lunch pail as the perfect morning snack for him.

Chinese Chicken Salad

2010-10-04T12:35:00.001-07:00

Low calorie lunch

192 Calories

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups shredded cabbage mix

2 oz canned chicken

1/4 cup chow mein noodles

1 tsp sesame oil

Mix all together and enjoy.

160 Calorie Lunch

2010-10-02T13:10:00.000-07:00

So I have been trying to eat on the healthier side of things for a while now. Sometimes my standard lunch gets a little dull, so I thought I would share a few of my recipes with you all.

Chicken Black Bean Salad

160 Calories

Ingreidients:

2 oz canned chicken or griled chicken

1/4 cup black beans

1/2 slice american cheese

1/2 tbsp salsa

Mix together and microwave about 60 seconds until cheese is melted through.

1 cup lettuce

1 tbsp corn

1/2 tbsp red onion

3 oz tomato

pepper to taste

Add salad mixture to bowl, and top with chicken mixture. Enjoy.

*As a side note I bought a food scale at target for $4.99, just a little one and it has been very helpful. I highly recommend it.

Modge Podge

2010-09-26T13:26:00.001-07:00

This is a how to those 9" card board letters.

What you need:

Card board letters (you can get at any craft store)

Mod Podge Satin, or Matte finish what ever you prefer

12x12 scrap book paper (number of letters should equal number of papers)

A foam brush

Any items to glam up your letters (Ribbon, buttons, pictures, etc)

I laid the paper out over my letters to make sure the patterns would work first.

Then trace out your letter on the back of the paper so you know where to cut it and fold it. Mod Podge both the

paper and the letter.

Then modge the front of the letter.

Let tet dry over night before adding detail to them. Do not stack on top of each other, or they will stick.

Halloween 3 Simple Projects on my List

2010-09-22T12:40:00.000-07:00

I go crazy over Halloween, make grand plans only to run out of time.....so this year I am trying these 3 simple ideas

Tin Can Luminaries

http://halloweencraftsandrecipes.blogspot.com/2009/08/tin-luminaries.html

Mini Carmel Apples! How cute are they! Perfect kids size

http://christyrobbins.blogspot.com/2010/09/apple-mini-caramel-apples.html

http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/mini-caramel-apples-688916/

Designer Pumpkins

http://swelldesigner.blogspot.com/2009/10/easy-stripe-and-polka-dot-pumpkins.html

If you want some of Last years Ideas don't forget to use the Search Box on the right of your screen, just type in Halloween!

Beef Short Ribs

2010-09-17T18:00:00.001-07:00

Ingredients:

6 beef chuck short ribs

2 cans beer

1 bottle bbq sauce

1 tbls worcestershire sauce

Add beer and ribs into a large casserole pot. Bring to a boil and simmer 1 1/2 hours until tender with fork. Heat broiler, brush sauce over ribs and cook for 8 minutes. Turn and cook another 7 minutes.

Enjoy.

I tried it

2010-09-06T18:48:00.000-07:00

I made the stuffed quesadillas from this blog. Thank you for the recipe, they were awesome!

Exciting ways to burn 200 calories

2010-08-26T15:35:00.001-07:00

From self magazine.

1. 62 minutes at the driving range

2. 60 minutes at the bowling alley

3. 23 minutes of biking

4. 29 minutes of yoga

5. 2 mile walk with your dog, followed by a 10 minute bath for them.

6. 30 minute circuit workout

7. Heading out of town? Burn 200 calories packing and loading up your car.

8. 26 minutes of Wii boxing

9. 26 minutes raking leaves

10. 27 minutes of scuba lessons

11. 31 minutes of washing your ride

12. 15 minutes of high impact stair climbing.

13. 31 minutes of chasing your little one around.

14. 20 minute run/ walk mixture

15. 40 minutes picking weeds

16. 18 minutes of kissing with your honey.

17. 29 minutes of a dance routine. Try Beyonces "All the single Ladies"

18. 27 minutes of soccer practice

19. 20 minute hike followed by a ten minute splash in the lake

20. 1 lap around the track while your kids practice their sports

Butter Finger

2010-08-23T21:42:00.000-07:00

I walk in to the kitchen, notice G has a little something on her face

Me: What are you eating?

G: Butter.

Me: That's disgusting.

G: No actually Mom its good.

Meet the Baby that made me want a Baby

2010-08-17T18:00:00.000-07:00

Meet Miss E
Amazing smart sweet Girl needs you to vote to help research PKU
Below is a note from her mom

Hello everyone!

I have a simple request that I'm hoping a lot of you will be willing to help with.

As some of you know, my daughter Miss E has PKU. She is limited on her protein in take everyday. If she does not follow a strict diet, this disorder can cause mental retardation. She was diagnosed at birth with a heel prick. ( think about every time your children had to have their heels pricked and everything was okay).

This is such a rare disorder that there is hardly ever any research for it. However, right now there is a chance to be able to get funding for PKU research through the Pepsi Refresh Challenge. If any of you would be able to vote each day or as many days as possible for the next two weeks we would appreciate it very much. Right now we are in 13th place and only the top 10 get the funding but we have been steadily making progress. Although you can vote for 10 categories PLEASE only vote for PKU - any other votes would count against us. To vote please log onto the link below. You will need to create a login and use it each time you vote. Just click on the box that says "Vote for this idea" then copy the goofy message, when you hear the pepsi being poured your done.

Thank you so much to anyone that takes a few minutes to do this!

http://www.refresheverything.com/npkuafindacure

Sausage stuffed peppers

2010-08-11T17:01:00.001-07:00

Ingredients:

3 Large Red Peppers

1 1/2 Cups Water

2 tbls Butter

1 Can of Corn

1 Small Onion

4 Italian Brats

1 box Cornbread Mix

Sliced Pepper Jack Cheese

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Cut tops off of peppers and scoop out seeds and cut peppers in half. Using 1/2 cup of the water microwave on high for 4 minutes. In a skillet cook sausage until almost brown breaking into pieces, add onion and corn. Cook until well blended. Add 1 cup water and bring to a simmer. Add cornbread mix and stir. Fill pepper with mixtures and top with cheese. Use all of the mixture. Bake for 18-20 minutes.

For Sale $275.00 OBO

2010-08-09T15:34:00.000-07:00

Defrosting your Freezer

2010-08-03T10:41:00.000-07:00

So this was the before picture of the freezer in the 5 wheel trailer.
It was about 2 inches thick on top.

So I took my handy blow dryer to it.

I also used a rag to soak up all the water. I went through about 4 rags.

15 mintues later my freezer was brand new again. If I new it was this easy in the beginning I would have done it about 6 months ago. LOL.

Rolled and Stuffed Chicken

2010-07-28T16:59:00.001-07:00

Ingredients:

1 cup Mozzarella

1/3 cup Ricotta Cheese

2 tbsp Parmesan Cheese

Basil, Oregano, Salt , and Pepper to taste.

4 tbsp butter melted

4 Chicken breast pounded thin.

3/4 cup bread crumbs

Mix cheeses and spices well. Spread mixture down each chicken breast. Roll up and secure with toothpick . Roll each in butter then bread crumbs. Cook at 325 for 45 minutes.

Serve.

Penne Pasta with 5 Cheese

2010-07-27T17:48:00.001-07:00

Ingredients:

2 cups heavy cream

1 cans Hunts diced tomatoes with basil

1 jar marinara sauce

1/2 cup Romano cheese

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup Italian blend cheese

2 tbsp ricotta cheese

1 pound Penne Pasta

4 tbsp butter

Directions:

Boil pasta according to package. Preheat oven to 500 degrees. Combine all ingredients except pasta and butter. Once pasta is cooked, drain and mix with mixture. Dot with butter and bake 10 minutes.

Serve.

Chinese Take-Out Lemon Chicken

2010-07-26T15:16:00.001-07:00

Ingredients:

1 tbsp oil

1 lb chicken breast cut into stripes

2 cups frozen peas

1 small red pepper cut into stripes

1 small package lemon flavor jello

1 tbsp cornstarch

1/2 cup chicken broth

2 tbsp Italian dressing

2 cloves garlic minced

HEAT oil in large skillet on medium high heat. Add chicken, cook 4 minutes or until cooked. Add snow peas and peppers. Cook and stir about 2 minutes.

MIX dry gelatin mix and cornstarch in small bowl. Add broth, dressing, and garlic, stir until mixed well. Add to skillet and cook about 3 minutes until sauce thickens.

SERVE over rice.

OOBLECK

2010-07-24T12:34:00.000-07:00

Want to makes some fun goo. I found the materials list from www.stevespanglerscience.com/experiment/00000088

***special note do not put down the drain put in a bag and trow away***

Ages. I had my 13 year old nephew, 4 1/2 year old and 15 month and they ALL loved it!

When mixing just use your hands so much easier that trying to stir

Sausage Penne Pasta

2010-07-22T18:19:00.001-07:00

Ingredients:

12 ounces penne pasta

1 package hot Italian brats

1/4 cup onions

1 1/2 cups sliced mushrooms

1 can tomatoes

1 jar marinara sauce

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Boil pasta according to package. Take uncooked sausage a chop up. Cook on medium heat for around fifteen minutes. Add mushrooms and onions cook another 5 minutes. Add canned tomatoes and marinara sauce. Heat through. Drain pasta and add sauce mixture. Stir in cheese until melted. Serve.

Bathroom Make Over

2010-07-07T16:49:00.000-07:00

My Girlfriend nicely told me my downstairs bathroom "looked like her Grandma's" meaning really Julie how long has it looked like this, I thought, hmmm yeah about 8 years? Is that too long? What do I know.

My inspiration came for two places, 1st my sons first hair cut at the locale Barber shop. It was three generations, Pop, Daddy and Birthday boy. (tradition to not cut there hair until age 1) I loved all the pictures I though how can I hang them all. The 2nd was a bathroom in the movie "The Ghost of Girlfriends Past" crappy movie but they had a RAD huge bathroom with tall black trim that I loved.

Before After

I started with printing the pictures in different sizes ranging from 16x12, 12x12, 11x14, 5x7 and 4x6(which if I did it again I would not print smaller than a 5x7 go big or go home) hung them with Lock Tight (the blue sticky stuff)

I spray painted the cabinet and roughed it up with stand paper, the sprayed on a clear coat

Borrowed a Miter Saw and Nail gun, cut and hung trim, filled in nail holes with wood puddy and sanded

Removed my mirror that was held on by two plastic screws and two little mettle clips on the bottom (we left the mettle clips) Used Mirror Glue and Glued mirror back to wall, put plastic screws back on to let mirror glue set up for 72 hours. Then removed plastic screws and put on the Trim with liquid nails.. Paint the back of the trim before you hang as it will reflect in the mirror. I painted the front and back before we glue and had planned on touching up but none was needed.

I LOVE LOVE my new bathroom.

Tin Foil Dinner

2010-07-06T21:00:00.000-07:00

Now that it is a MILLION DEGREES outside, I try to use my oven as little as possible.
Tin foil dinners are a great change and are cooked on the grill, or on the fire pit when camping.

Ingredients:
1 Pound beef
Potatoes
Carrots
Onions
Cream of Mushroom soup
Tin Foil
Seasoning for Beef (Worchestire sauce, seasoning salt, pepper, garlic)

Directions:
Turn grill on medium heat. Mix beef and seasonings. Patty out. Peel and chop carrots, potatoes, and onions.
Place beef patty on tin foil, Each packet should be for an individual person, place vegetable around meat. Salt and pepper veggies.
Drizzle about 2-3 tbls of cream of mushroom soup over meet.

**Double wrap the packets.**

Cook about 10-15 minutes on each side. Flip with a spatula not tongs, the file might rip. When done the potatoes and carrots you can cut with a fork and meet will be fully cooked.

This is an awesome dinner choice when you don't want dishes!
Enjoy.

White Trash Muddy Buddies

2010-06-30T09:12:00.000-07:00

Sandra Bullock was on Jay Leno awhile back and "earned her plug" by making some yummy White Trash also known as Muddy Buddies. This is a great treat that kids can help you make. Oh yeah and eat!

9 Cups Chex Cereal

1 cup chocolate chips

1/2 cup Peanut butter

1/4 cup butter or margarine

1 teasp vanilla

1 1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 cup Peanuts **optional

1 cup raisins **optional (I did not use)

Put the 9 cups of chex, peanuts and raisins (if desired) in a bowl set aside

Heat the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter over medium heat *just to melt, take off heat and add vanilla and stir. Pour melted mix over cereal and stir to coat cereal. Pour in to large bag ( I used 2 Ziploc)

add even amounts of powdered sugar to each bag and Shake!

Once covered pour out onto pans to cool.

I stored mine in the frig.

DELICIOUS!!!!

Faux-Canvas prints!

2010-06-27T09:46:00.000-07:00

Thank you Kristen Duke for this great Project.

What you will need.

Picture (we did 12x12) $2.99 at Costco
Wood- We used a 2x4 MDF the was 3/4" thick $10.12 (makes 8 12x12 pieces)
Mod Podge Matte finish for Top of Photo (we used the gloss to glue the pic to the board only because we had 2 bottles between us and the Matte was half way gone and we wanted to save it for the top)
Foam Brush (we used a 2") $.67
Spray Paint $3.44
Picture Hanger $1.94

First Choose your Photo, if you are cropping your photo in your photo editing program crop to the size your are going to print. I did a "custom" crop of 12x12. A unique shape for a picture and I think a perfect square looks so nice in a group of pictures.

Print Picture.
We uploaded to Costco and had them print a 12x12 for $2.99 we did a lustre finish

Get Wood
Home Depot grab your piece of MDF 2x4 and take it back to the "Cutting Center" ask for 8 12x12 pieces. They may tell you that you will loose and 1/8 or so with each cut but ours turned out just fine

We sprayed the sides and edges of each board

Make sure Photo fits nicely on board, trim any over hang

Apply the Mod Pod-ge to the board AND the back of the Photo (paying special attention to the sides) press

firmly, we used an old cotton T-Shirt to press down

This is the Brave part

Use a new foam brush and apply Matte Finish Mod pod-ge

Use a good amount of glue so you can pull down the length of the photo

Let them Dry

Attach Picture Hanger to back

The nails are so tiny I use a needle nose to hold them in place to hammer in

Hang and Enjoy!

The total cost per picture was about $7.00

Which if you compare to Costco's $40.00 for canvas print PLUS $30.00 to ship

this is pretty much the greatest DEAL ever!

Do You Need a Baby Guinea Pig

2010-06-25T15:23:00.000-07:00

Four Days OLD

They will get at least 4 times larger!

We will be able to determine their sex at 3 weeks which will be the 2nd week in July and they will be ready for a new home!

Baby number ONE is an adventurer, this baby was the first to explore and first to find the food! Its carmel and white in color. ..Update.... BABY number 1 Has a Home NOW!!!!!

Baby number TWO is our silly little one with the one black eye and ear. This baby has sweet little calic like "swooshes" on its back similar to a Abyssinian guinea pigs they call them "crowning crest" this baby is our big eater right now! Loves to be held close.

Baby number THREE, look at this sweet, has a black face and a little black bum, with white markings in he shape of a T on the face. This baby is so silky soft and a little shy. Loves to be wrapped up and held close

What will you need to have a new Piggy at your House?

Their Home

Guinea Pigs require a larger cage than most small animals because they can not use a running wheel or a ball (they can injure their backs). We had our 2 in a smaller cage and once we went to a bigger cage they were so happy, running around, pop corning (which is a jumping thing they do). It was very apparent they are happier with more space.

We ordered from Walmart (who shipped free from a 3rd party) the
Midwest Pets Guinea Habitat PLUS for $52.95 it is 8 square feet

Cleaning.

I clean 2 times a week (but currently I have 5 piggy's, when we only had the 2 I cleaned 1 a week)

We have Carefress (bedding) on the feeding side of the cage and a Fleace blanket on the other
I use a dust pan and broom to clean out the "droppings" and bedding and spray down the cage with a vinegar and water mix.

MDW1246: Ships Via Small Parcel Ground

The Guinea Habitat Plus comes with a very convenient, easy to operate wire mesh top. Most would agree that Guinea Pigs are not known for the climbing or jumping ability, however the wire top securely protects our Guinea Pig friends from the outside environment. Keeping them safe and healthy! During our research on the Guinea Habitat Midwest found that Guinea Pigs tend to make the majority of their mess in the same area that they eat. In response to this information Midwest developed the ''Care Area'' divider. The ''Care Area'' Divider is a wire frame habitat divider that is completely adjustable and comes equipped with a ramp system that allows the Guinea Pig easy access between the ''Care Area'' and Play Area within their Habitat. The ability to separate these areas in the Habitat restricts the majority of the mess to the ''Care Area'' making it easier to for the Pet Parent to keep the Guinea Pig clean, healthy and happy!

Features:
•''Care Area'' Divider with Ramp Covers
•Full Removable Wire Mesh Top
•Leak-Proof, Easy to Attach and Remove, Washable Canvas Bottom
•Lock-in-Place Doors Double as Ramps
•Attractive Epoxy Coated Panels Provide Ample Play Area (8 Sq. Ft.)
•No Tools or Connecting Pieces Required
•Safe & Expandable, Sets Up Complete in Seconds
•Great for Indoor or Outdoor Use
•Folds Flat for Storage & Travel

Their Bedding
We use a mix of Carefresh Bedding and sent free Aspen bedding a very large bag is about $20.00 and aleast 2-3 months

Their Food and Water

I buy there food from Wal Mart
Small World Guinea Pig Pellets it is about $5.00 and last a about Month
Timothy Hay also about $5.00 and it last 2 Months
Buy a large water bottle that hooks to the cage they are $5-$7 and need refilling every 4-5 days
Veggies and Fruits of all kinds

Their Personality

The squeak and talk when happy or excited. They are a little nervous when you try to pick them up but once they are close to you they calm right down. They love to run in tunnels, burrow in blankets and snuggle with you.

We are holding the babies everyday so the will be use to being held our daughter is 4 1/2 and she also is holding them.

If you would like to add a pet to your family we are are asking a $25.00 "re-homing" fee, please leave a comment if you are interested with your email and I will contact you!.

French Silk Pie

2010-06-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

No, this is not the one you buy in the freezer section at the grocery store. This is a home made version and it is wonderful and easy!!

Ingredients:
9" Pie crust cooled
5 squares semi-sweet baking chocolate
3/4 cup butter (not margarine)
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
3 eggs
Whipped cream (topping)
Chocolate Curls (optional)

Cook pie crust and cool.

Melt 5 squares of chocolate on stove or in microwave and let cool. Cream butter and slowly add sugar. Blend til light and fluffy. Add cooled chocolate and vanilla. Add 1 egg a blend on medium for 5 five minutes, add second egg, blend five minutes, finally add third egg and blend again for 5 minutes. Pour continents into pie crust. Refrigerate for 2 hours. Top with whipped cream and chocolate curls. ENJOY!

Apparently my husband liked the pie so much it never made it to a plate!

Childrens Museum of Phoenix... Two Gigi Thumbs Up

2010-06-23T14:42:00.000-07:00

If you have not gone GO
if you have Go again!
*It was a little pricey ($9.00 per person 1 year and up!)
*Stay, if I could do it again I would have packed a little lunch for the kids spent 3 hours playing, ate at there little lunch area and played an hour or two more.
Look Up! There is so much to see!
Play Play Play
I would get a locker to hold your crap and go have some fun, oh and follow the rules, if you don't they will let you know!

flower pot heads.....

2010-06-10T14:06:00.000-07:00

I laughed out loud last night as I was doing the final walk through before calling it quits for the day. I came across this little gem. Life in the doll house is always fun but are these parents "pot" heads! Did those babies have to feed themselves? Or are the parents just super rad trend setters, maybe even the King and Queen of Doll House Land, either way it made my night!

Father's Day Idea

2010-06-09T08:46:00.000-07:00

I had the kids pictures taken by my Girl friend they turned out so sweet, she did a great job becasue Baby S was crying most the time and G would not stay still I was so worried they woud not turn our but look! I love it. Here is her info if you are intressted.

Picture This Photography is running a $30 Father's Day special!! Bring dad's favorite shoes, slippers, boots, sports paraphnelia, hats, work gear or whatever reminds you of "dad" and capture your kids modeling it!! You will receive a cd with your edited pictures on it and you are free to print it wherever you would like!! Call today and reserve your spot!! I will be scheduling first come, first serve!! Call

Malissa at 602-319-7632 and check out my website! http://picturethis--photography.blogspot.com/

Learn and Color Animals

2010-05-27T07:10:00.000-07:00

National Geographic has an amazing selection of coloring pages for kids, each page comes with a little fact about the animals.

Loggerhead Sea Turtles

Loggerhead sea turtles are known for their giant reddish brown heads. The head helps support powerful jaw muscles that allow the turtles to crush shellfish. Loggerheads eat shellfish, jellyfish, mussels, shrimp, and other marine animals.

One turtle in this picture (bottom) is wearing a National Geographic Crittercam. Crittercams include video cameras and other information-gathering devices. They can be attached to animals without hurting them. Crittercams help scientists study the animals that wear them.

Keep them Learning this Summer

2010-05-26T11:23:00.000-07:00

Summer begins for us this week, I have a little game plan for some summer learning.

To keep our writing skills sharp we are playing with Sidewalk chalk, writing letters, names and any other words we want. This is usually followed by a crazed coloring frenzy and a little discussion( dare I say fight) over who gets to spray the water to wash it off.

We also plan on writing some letters to family and friends, I found some sweet "G" cards. I am excited to see what fun stories G wants to write about.

Science will be explored by learning about the planets! I found some great Beginner readers from Scholastic books about the planets!
My sister in law also gave me a great website on Science to do at home HERE! They sell different kits but also at the bottom of the page are links to the Top 10 Science Experiments the first it the Mentos/Diet Coke. Check out the Corn Starch GOO Wow we are ready to explore maybe we should get some sweet white coats! *hint hint* if you see any!

Reading- I have been stocking up on a few new books from Scholastic and am using a website that was referred to me by G's preschool teacher called Starfall.com .I found magnets with "Site Words" on them at Wal Mart by a company called Active Minds

Art/Hands On G Love's foam stickers, if you have received any art from her lately you will have noticed this trend. I found a Butterfly and an Ocean Pack of foam stickers for her to work on. Watch out world hear we come!

Pudding Painting, I love to paint with pudding, I just make up an instant pack of vanilla, divide it up into different bowls add different colors and we have edible paint for all! It is a big smearing, eating mess of a time, maybe do it out side!

Over all learning I found great workbooks at Costco, Wal Mart and Barns and Nobel select the Grade level
Kumon Books
American Education Publishing Everything for Early Learning

WHAT are you doing to keep the kids happy this summer! Share your ideas! Please..........

Home Maker Over for the New Pets

2010-05-20T19:24:00.000-07:00

Found an old bird cage and small table at Goodwill
With a little scrubbing, sanding and Paint

BEFORE

After

Meet our new Guinea Pigs!

I Must Confess I am tottaly in Love with

2010-05-17T20:30:00.000-07:00

Yes this Australian Drama Series has me addicted! I can not get enough I am on season 5!! The first 3 season's are amazing, then in a dramatic twist I feared I could not watch anymore....but with delight I am still 100% in love. How to describe the show, I would say The Man from Snowy River Meets a Mexican Novelia. Beautiful music, amazing landscape, horses, humor, drama, love and silliness! Check your local library or Netflix to start your viewing Pleasure!

Purse Tutorial

2010-05-13T19:47:00.000-07:00

Ok, So here is the pattern that I made. If you cannot read the measurements, email me and I will give them to you.

You will need:
1/2 yard for each type of fabric
A small piece of infusion

Lay out the pattern on the fabric and cut out. Remember to put the bottom/side panel on the fold to cut.

You can't really tell but I decided to sew ridges in the front and back panels.

Sew the bottom panel to the front and back.

Cut out the lining

Cut out the handles remember to use a infusion to stiffen the handles

Pin the fabric right side to right side and sew leaving the bottom edges open.

Sew the lining

Pin the lining to the purse, remember to insert the handles in. Pin right side to right side. Leave one of the side panels open (see below)

See the open side panel

Right side out using the side panel

Press the side panel to sew.

Stitch the panel close and you are done!!

Enjoy a fun new bag!

Happy Mothers Day

2010-05-09T13:39:00.000-07:00

This is my beautiful Mother's Day corsage, sure I will post how to make it when I thank and get the info from the great MC

Would you like to be Inspired

2010-05-04T12:33:00.000-07:00

(Stephanie Nielson of Nie Nie Dialogues)

Watch her Video Here!

For Sale

2010-04-08T16:20:00.000-07:00

Kitchen Aid Artisan Stand Mixer

$150.00

FeaturesClassic color and modern features embellish your kitchen counter, while the 5-qt. stainless steel bowl offers no-nonsense quality

Features 325 watts and 10 speeds, while the tilt back head allows easy access to mixture

Offers a comfortable, ergonomic design

Includes a flat beater, dough hook and wire whip

15Hx14Lx9W"

Material: Zinc

Finish: Enameled

Features: Direct Drive Motor

Includes: Instruction Manual

Capacity (volume): 5.0 Qt.

Number of Speeds: 10

Power Wattage Output: 325 Watts

Safety and Security Features: Safety Lock

Care and Cleaning: Dishwasher Safe Parts

Protective Qualities: Shock Resistant

Yummy Cheesecake

2010-04-06T15:07:00.000-07:00

This is the cheesecake I made for easter. Follow the Link to find out how to make this amazing dessert.

www.howdoesshe.com/howdoesshe-master-the-art-of-cheesecake

How to Buy Sunscreen

2010-03-31T15:14:00.000-07:00

It is that time of year again that when you leave the house you must have sunscreen on.

Does it really matter the brand that you buy???
Not really, what does matter are: the SPF, UVA/UVB protection, and the ingredients, that's right, you need to read the label.

1-Choose a sunscreen with a SPF 15 or higher, even if your make-up has sunscreen in it, remember to apply sunscreen to your neck and chest. Your face may not show your age, but if you don't take care of your neck and chest, they will.

2-Look for ingredients such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or mexoryl. I have searched through the walmart reading labels and I did not find any of these, I have found who does make them though, Anthelios SC Daily moisturizing sunscreen, try CVS or Walgreens. Also Lancome UV Expert SPF 20.

If you are not willing to leave the Walmart, your best bet for anti-aging sunscreen is Helioplex found in Neutrogena.

3-Make sure you are applying enough sunscreen. You need about a tablespoon for your face including ears. About a shot glass size for all exposed areas. The spray on sunscreen is an awesome option for your arms and back of neck to help you not to miss any spots.

4-Make sure to reapply every 3-4 hours depending on strength. Remember to reapply more often if in and out of the pool. I always apply when I leave the house and I carry a Small size bottle in my purse. I am very fair skinned and burn easily.

Hope this is helpful!

Even if your only a "Wee Bit Irish" have a Happy St Patrick's Day

2010-03-17T04:29:00.000-07:00

Blarney Stone ..Pucker Up for Good Luck

2010-03-13T10:46:00.000-08:00

1. Find a Stone and Paint it
2. Add some Flare, we used Lucky Gold Glitter

3. Apply Flare generously

4. Display with Irish Pride

5. Pucker Up for Good Luck

What is a Blarney Stone?

The Blarney Stone (Irish: cloch na Blarnan) is a block of bluestone built into the battlements of Blarney Castle, Blarney about 5 miles (8 km) from Cork, Ireland. According to legend, kissing the stone endows the kisser with the gift of gab (great eloquence or skill at flattery). The stone was set into a tower of the castle in 1446. The castle is a popular tourist site in Ireland, attracting visitors from all over the world to kiss the Stone and tour the castle and its gardens.

The word blarney has come to mean clever, flattering, or coaxing talk.

Thank You Wikipedia

Éire go Brách (Irish) Erin Go Bragh

2010-03-13T09:34:00.000-08:00

Erin Go Bragh (sometimes Erin Go Braugh) is the Anglicisation of a Gaelic phrase used to express allegiance to Ireland. It is most often translated as "Ireland Forever"[1] and pronounced /ˌɛrɪn ɡə ˈbrɔː/.

Like to know how to make the card, Click
More St. Patricks History, Click
Need more Pattys Day fun, Click

Spring Cleaning-Pantry

2010-03-11T14:27:00.000-08:00

GET TO IT...ITS SPRING CLEANING
My Pantry was a disaster zone.

After 45 Minutes it was nicely organized.

Vintage Irish Post Cards

2010-03-09T19:17:00.000-08:00

*I just googled it and found such cute free printable's

Try Vintageholidaycrafts.com

Little Leprechaun's afternoon Snack

2010-03-03T14:13:00.000-08:00

Delicious raindow of fruit, Trader Joes white cheddar corn puffs for clouds and a Pot-o-Banna's.... a perfect little St. Patricks Snack.

**Idea from Family Fun Magazine

One Last thing I love

2010-02-28T15:00:00.000-08:00

Cleaned out some stuff this weekend and we found these hats. Naturally my 4 year old immediately put one on her and the dog. I love it. Boxers have a ton, I mean a ton of energy, this dog has eaten a hole in a wall, half my wedding album and a pair of undies...but some how over the 6 years she has been ours we have worked it out and she is my kids best friend and puts up with soooo much that they do to her. Our sweet little guy has some night time issues (to put it lightly) anytime I could not get him to stop crying I would take the baby down to the laundry room (were Puppy Maia sleeps) and that dog would give that baby a few licks and he was so happy. My last love post for this month is I love this dog.

PS.... doesn't this make you think of your New Year goals, yeah it did me to, and the Girl Scout Cookies have put me back, dang those Thin Mints they lie they do not make you Thin!!!

Art Gallery Frames

2010-02-23T13:18:00.000-08:00

Finding picture frames at a thrift store is 50/50 at GoodWill they are over priced so if you don't get them on half price day you can pay 3.99-4.99. They base the price on if it as a printin the frame. Well I don't want the prints so make sure that its a good deal, Walmart has very simple frames for $2-$3 bucks. I wanted frames that were dimensional, and stood out from the wall so I waited for half price day! I lucked out and found great towel and soap rack to hold the eraser and chalk!! I love it. I wanted the frames kid height so I removed all the glass, and frames have a ton of medal/sharp things I removed. I used up some left over spray paint. I really like how it started, I want a few more frames so I am on the look out for them.

I Love a good How do Dinosaurs Book

2010-02-20T11:48:00.000-08:00

We love Jane Yolen and Mark Teague's series of books, How do Dinosaurs...say goodnight, get well soon, play with their friends.... We just love them, ahw but this one might be the best. It just how I feel sometimes. It starts with ..."You woke in the morning in such a bad mood...then sat at the tabel and fussed with your food. But then you blew kisses and waved from the door. I love you, I love you, my dinosaur." It is truely sweet and both my 4 and 1 year old love it.
ps We also got How Do Dinosaurs Love Their Dogs? oh its awesome, good reminder for my 4 year old to take good care of her puppy.

Guinea Pig? The Debate

2010-02-20T07:46:00.000-08:00

Our Four year old has expressed that she wants another pet. We thought it was a phase but is has been almost 2 months and she is just not letting go of the idea of getting a Guinea Pig. I think it is a good choice, bigger than a hamster, smaller than a Rabbit. I have had dogs, cats, fish even some experience with a lizard but know nothing about Guinea pigs. We have a chart made up where she has to earn her pet. Each week she will have the opportunity to earn what is needed to take care of the pet. Starting with the cage and so forth, what do you think? Pro’s Con’s! If you have any advice let me Know!

I love a good Thrift Store Find

2010-02-16T15:36:00.000-08:00

Half Price Goodwill shopping.
Found a strange framed piece of cork board.
Thought hmmmmmm yes I need it.
Walmart spray on Chalkboard Paint (love it no mess, no brush no clean up)
Spray at least 4 coats I would do 5 or six, I do a light coat each time for evenness letting it dry between.
Finished!
I am making an Art Gallery on my upstairs hallway this is the center, with a little bag of chalk and eraser.
Frames on either side, down low, kid height, no glass just hanging frames for their beautiful art.

Things We Love

2010-02-10T11:38:00.000-08:00

I think it goes with out saying that I LOVE LOVE Mr Safety and we Love Love our kids, thats just understood right? Plus we know I love love all yummy foods, so I wanted to think past that and ask my Girlfriends what products do they love, what make life a little eaiser for them, I laughed as I read some of their responses, it just does not take a lot to make a Momma Happy! If you have more lets us know in comments

Miss T (mom of 4 amazing, very active boys, also a Preschool Teacher)

I have to say the thing I love is my Crest Glide Floss Picks. I love how easy they make flossing for me, and for flossing the kids. I love how easy it is to reach back teeth, floss with one hand, and how the tension lets you tighten them up and use one for a long time. Oh how I love your bags of 30 and that I can get you at Walmart!

(Really??????????? Yes!!!!!!!!!!)

Ms B (Amazing wife, talented cook and ever learning traveling gal, pretty dang hot too!)

Dear Smashbox Photo Finish-

I love you! I love that you make my make-up last all day with out

having to reaply. I love that you have SPF 15 in you and with your Dermaxyl you help keep me looking young. Keep up the great work!

Love, Ms B

Ms P ( student, wife and mother of 2 handsome boys)

I love my DVR, oxiclean and my heated matress pad!

Ms K ( loving wife, RN, cute red head! and a super fun Aunt!)

I LOVE clorox wipes. I never use a nasty wash cloth on anything anymore...I love them)

Ms M (wife mother of 4 talented photographer, amazing home decor and painter)

Dear trampoline-

I love the way you glisten under the sun's rays. I love the way you stand so proud outside through heat and cold. I love the way you bounce with ease and can hold all of my children at one time! I love that you are a soft comfortable place for my kids to lay and watch the clouds roll by. I love that Crew is learning to play on you while being protected by your safety net! I love your strong silver legs!

I love you. What would I do without you! Without you, my kids would be in my face all afternoon. Without you, I might lose my voice from yelling or giving out friendly reminders that we don't hit our sister, and we don't jump on our couch, and no we can not have another snack!! Without you, my life would be incomplete!

Thank you for coming to us on Santa's sleigh...we love you dear trampoline!

Love, The C Family

Mrs Crazy C (mom of 3 active very funny kids! extreamly crafty with paper and may turn out to be a cook;)

My camera! (Cannon) Could not live without it! Love it so much could not live without it! AND, now my gypsy..for my cricut!!

Ms Safety (wife of Mr Safety, mom of 2, house of animals)

Dear Bissell Steam Mop

I love that you clean my floor, I love that you dry fast and I love that you are chemical free for me and my family!

Love Always

Ms Safety

Mrs R

Dear Mr. Clean Magic Eraser,

I love your magic scrubbing power. You remove spots where others

cannot. I love you for getting rid of the cat pee stains inside of our new cupboards, I love that you remove the grime off the trash can lids. I love how you clean baseboards and walls. You succeed where others cannot and for that we thank you.

Dear Trader Joe's Alphabet Cookies,

Thank you for not having dairy, eggs or peanuts so I can have a sweet treat without hurting me!

Baby B (most amazing 1 year old with a bummer list of allergies)