Sunday, January 27, 2013

ULTIMATE HEAVEN BROWNIE BAKE

In complete contradiction to my healthy recipe from last post (that's what women do, right? Contradict ourselves..), here is a recipe for a total guilty pleasure.  This heavenly, chocolate rich dessert is perfect for any chocolate lover! I like chocolate but once a month I LOVE chocolate! And this dessert is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!
 
 
Click on my "RECIPES" tab to get the recipe for this dessert!


SKINNY BAKED BREADED PICKLES

It's no secret that my husband and I like the taste of bar type food.  If my husband had his choice, we would be eating wings and breaded mushrooms 3 or 4 times a week.  But even though we both think these foods are totally yummy, neither one of us want all the fat and calories that go with it. 

Just like with my "Oven Baked Buffalo Wings" (see the recipe HERE), I have found a somewhat healthier way of making some of our favorite foods.  One food that I really find yummy is breaded pickles.  I like them so much that I tried to come up with a way to make them at home (without all the fat and calories).  And just like my recipe for buffalo wings, by eliminating the deep frying process, you eliminate lots of calories!!

 
 
Click on my "RECIPES" tab to find out how I made these.


Monday, January 21, 2013

CHILD HANDPRINT ORNAMENT

I know Christmastime is over and everyone is now focused on the fun of decorating and preparing for Valentine's Day. But in the hustle and bustle of the holidays and the new year, I forgot to post a few ideas and recipes from over Christmas. 

I've always loved making handprint items with my son.  The idea of having these little memory items many years from now is so important to me.  Thanks to Pinterest I have found so many cute ideas for crafts using your children's prints and I can't wait to try some of them!

 
This Christmas, instead of using a gift tag for family member's presents, I had the idea to make these cute little handprint tags! And the best part?  With the ribbon (not pictured) attached, these tags make adorable Christmas tree ornaments!  Everyone loved them and they are so simple to make!
 
 
Click on the HOLIDAYS tab and then on my CHRISTMAS page to find how I made this!


Saturday, January 19, 2013

UPDATE

Three weeks in to 2013 and I have come to see that 2013 has come in just like 2012 went out.  To describe it in one word....CRAZY.  Life is wonderful but each day seems to be fuller than the last, and I've begun to wonder if twenty-four hours are enough. 

Lately, it has begun to feel as if I am a single parent.  My husband works so much during the day and spends his weekday evenings at the police academy, which leaves breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between up to me and me alone.  I feel guilty for being exhausted by the time evening rolls around, but I can't help it.  Many people don't realize that being a stay-at-home mom is tough JOB!  I, myself am guilty of thinking that way before I had kids.  I was truly one of those people who thought that stay-at-home moms laid around all day and watched soap operas while their children played.  However, now that I myself am one of those so-called "couch potatoes", I can honestly apologize for ever assuming that this life was a breeze.  An average day in our house consists of me battling my two year old to eat anything that I put in front of him.  Colton recently got into the phase of telling me he's hungry, telling me what he wants, and then when I make it for him, flat out not eating it.  Temper tantrums and whining are common in our home lately. But, out weighing everything else is the frequent cuddle time that I have with my son.  Just when I'm ready to yank my hair out by the roots, that cute little face looks at me, smiles, and then curls up next to me.  Heaven!  



In between all of the whines, cries, and cuddles are scattered moments where Colton is occupied long enough for me to get some things done around the house.  A load of laundry, dishes, or dusting seem like tremendous accomplishments on some days.  And another accomplishment that I hope to complete soon will be getting Colton potty trained before Easter.  We began to introduce the potty to him a few months ago when he began to show interest in it.  After a few attempts though, I felt that he might not be quite ready to move full force into it yet. So I waited.  Then the other day, when he woke up in the morning he took off his diaper (which ended up being dry) and proceeded to pee all over his bed.  Talk about a mess! Today, he woke up and took his poopy diaper off.  He now absolutely does not like wearing a diaper anymore!  I'm pretty sure this is a sign that he's finally ready. :)   Now if only I can get him potty trained in a few days like many people I know.  Fingers crossed!!!

Even with all the craziness of daily life, my husband and I have begun to talk about possibly building a new home within the next year.  We were planning on buying a home, but decided that the idea to build a brand new home is better!  Although we are just beginning to discuss it (we at least need to wait for him to finish the academy), I am already beyond excited!!! We have looked into builders and have found a couple that we like, and have browsed models and styles on the builder's website.  My husband is so preoccupied with work and school that he hasn't looked at much more than the initial floor plans.  I, however, have begun to obsess!  I spend a lot of time comparing styles and layouts, and making my "Need/Want" list for options. I've been told that the whole process is tiring, stressful, and exceptionally fun at the same time. I just can't wait to truly get started!



Valentine's Day is quickly approaching and I finally got all of our Christmas decorations packed away. Looking around my house now, it looks pretty lonely and bare.  So what does that mean??  It's time to decorate for Valentine's Day!!! I have lots of ideas to put together and I will blog about them as I get them finished!  I have always loved Valentine's Day....everything is red, pink, and pretty!!  Check my "Valentine's Day" page often to find how-to and ideas for decorations, crafts, and recipes!

Sunday, January 6, 2013

D.I.Y. "DRY" SHAMPOO

There is a saying that you shouldn't wash your hair everyday because it can strip the essential nutrients from it. But if you are like many of us, you will agree that not washing your hair every day leaves it oily and unmanageable. However sometimes there just isn't time for showering before leaving the house.  A while ago, I found a recipe for "dry" shampoo like the kind they sell in beauty supply stores. It works amazing for those quick fixes!


Click on the "JUST FOR YOU" tab to find out how to make your own!


Saturday, January 5, 2013

EMBROIDERY FLOSS EGGS

Last Easter, I came across this cute idea for Easter eggs made out of embroidery floss on Pinterest. They turned out so cute that I will be making more this year for sure! I've had this on my list of things to post on here for quite a while, but never got around to it. So here it is (10 months late or 4 months early, however you want to look at it).


To find out how I made these pretty Easter eggs, click on the "HOLIDAYS" tab and then on the "EASTER" page.


Friday, January 4, 2013

CHEESY RANCH HASH BROWN CASSEROLE

Today while perusing my pantry and refrigerator for ideas about dinner, I decided to throw together this yummy side dish. With a few simple ingredients that I already had in my kitchen, I threw together something that my husband raved about! It's the perfect side for chicken, steak, anything! The next time you go to a potluck gathering, look no further than this super simple, totally tasty dish!

 
To see the recipe to this delicious side dish and lots more, click on the "RECIPES" tab.