A Pocket Full Of Buttons

Chocolate Coffee Cupcake with Coffee Buttercream

2012-02-11T09:04:00.001-05:00

Another Super Bowl sweet treat. After deciding on the Chunky Pineapple Cupcake with Blood Orange Buttercream, I just wasn't satisfied. I needed something else. I had bought some coffee extract last week and had been craving a cupcake with coffee flavors.

So I went with a basic chocolate cupcake recipe and replaced the vanilla extract with the coffee. Simple! What better way to top off this cupcake but with a coffee buttercream and caramel...yumm!

Chocolate Coffee Cupcake:

1 stick Butter, softened
1 cup Sugar
2 Eggs
1 teaspoon Coffee Extract
1 C. Flour
1 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1/2 cup Milk

Preheat oven to 350
Add cupcake liners to your muffin tins

In a stand mixer on Med speed cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and coffee extract.
In a separate bowl combine the flour, baking powder, coco and salt.
Alternating with your milk, add the dry ingredients (1/2 cup at a time) to your egg mixture. Blend well.
Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake for 20 minutes or until tooth pick inserted comes out clean.

Coffee Buttercream:

2 sticks Butter, softened
4 cups Powdered Sugar
2 tablespoons Heavy Cream
2 teaspoons Coffee Extract

In a stand mixer on low speed with the whisk attachment, (or with a hand held mixer) cream butter. Add the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time. Once incorporated add the heavy cream and coffee extract and turn mixer up to med speed and beat for another 2-3 minutes. Add more cream if too stiff or more powdered sugar if too thin, adjust measurements according to desired texture.

100 Days Of School Projects

2012-02-07T20:13:00.000-05:00

My family the past month and a half has been wrecked with illness. It just passes from one to another and I can not get a handle on it. I think it has finally come full circle and over the past several days has had C down. Today is her "100th day of school" and her class is doing some fun activities. She was none to happy when I told her she could not go because she was only 12 hours free from of fevers.

Knowing how sad she was about missing school, I decided we could celebrate her 100 days at home together. We sat down decided on what type of stuff we could do and then got to it. We made a whole day of it and both girls had a blast!

We started off our day with breakfast of course. But not just any breakfast...a 100 pancake breakfast. Both girls took turn making their own pancakes and they did a fabulous job!

We found this cute coloring page from Twisty Noodle....

Found these adorable printable glasses via TipJunkie that they colored and cut out...

Also via Tip Junkie we found this super fun activity worksheets available from Fun In First..

C had a blast with the math page from abc teach, it is a fill in the blank..she was so proud at how fast she did it.

After all that it was time for lunch....

M's lunch in our Easy Lunchboxes container.

C wanted mac and cheese

Our last project of the day was snack time. We went through the pantry and found 10 items that the girls count 10 each of. We made simple place mats with circles so they could organize their snacks as they counted them. At the end they loaded everything up in baggies and sat enjoying their reward while watching cartoons.

C is feeling much better and will be returning to school tomorrow. She is very excited to take all her crafts and worksheets to school and share them with her class. It was a wonderful day.

Chunky Pineapple Cupcake with Blood Orange Buttercream

2012-02-06T08:01:00.001-05:00

Superbowl Sunday I wanted to make some sweet treats for the family. I had a craving for something "tropical" and it had to include blood oranges since I just bought some for the first time. I found a can of pineapple chunks in the pantry and thought a pineapple cupcake would be awesome.

I found a recipe via Glorious Treats and it was just what I was looking for. But what to do with the oranges? Buttercream of course! So I used my Raspberry Buttercream recipe and just changed some of the ingredients.

Cupcake Ingredients:

3 Eggs
1 3/4 cups Sugar
1 cup Vegetable Oil
1 teaspoon Vanilla
3/4 cup Sour Cream
20oz canned Chunk Pineapple, drained
2 1/2 cups Flour
1 1/2 teaspoons Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
1/2 teaspoon Salt

Preheat oven to 350
Line muffin tin with cupcake liners

In a stand mixer (or with a hand held ) on Med speed beat eggs and sugar.
On Low speed add the oil and vanilla. Once combined bump the speed back up to Med and add the pineapple and sour cream. Mix for a minute.
Lastly add all the dry ingredients and mix until everything is well combined.
Fill cupcake liners to 2/3 full and bake for 20-22 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Blood Orange Buttercream:

2 sticks butter, softened
4 cups Powdered Sugar
1 Tablespoon Blood Orange Zest
1/4 cup Blood Orange Juice, fresh squeezed

In a stand mixer on low speed with the whisk attachment, (or with a hand held mixer) cream butter. Add the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time. Once incorporated add the zest and juice and turn mixer up to med speed and beat for another 2-3 minutes. Add more juice if too stiff or more powdered sugar if too thin, adjust measurements according to desired texture.

This Weeks Bento Lunches

2012-02-05T08:04:00.000-05:00

Camel sami with carrots and hummus (inside heart container), peeled orange and pretzels.

Ground Hog Day! C's GH is sporting a sign for the next 6 weeks of winter. Chocolate graham crackers, red grapes and a ginormous heart marshmallow.

Roasted turkey roll ups, carrots, red grapes, crackers and 2 ginormous heart marshmallows. C pointed out to me that she shared her mallow with a friend, so I made sure to pack an extra. :)

3D Photo Lolli Valentines

2012-02-03T09:21:00.003-05:00

Before

After

Before

After

It's very hard to photograph a photograph but you get the gist. I have seen this idea for the 3-D Lolli Valentines floating around Pinterest the past month or so. I fell in love with the idea and knew that this was just the crafty Valentines we were looking for this year.

I printed the test Valentines (above) out on my home printer. I realized quickly that my once awesome photo printer is not crap. The color is off and the print is a little pixelated, so I will just have them all printed through my local RiteAid. All in all the girls were very excited to see the final product, kinda made up for making them stand outside with their little arms extended out. M kept saying her arm was "gonna fall off"...lol

Never Forget {photography}

2012-02-01T00:02:00.004-05:00

Amazing Apple Fritters {recipe}

2012-01-31T00:01:00.006-05:00

This past weekend my husband and I were talking about apple fritters from our past. He was letting me know that nobody, not even the local chain doughnut shops know how to make a proper apple fritter anymore. So I jokingly said, "hey i'll check Pinterest and find a recipe"..lol Well he took me seriously and next thing I knew I was making a recipe I adapted from Prudent Baby.

I slightly changed their recipe. I used my homemade chunky applesauce and doubled the amount which made for a super moist doughnut. This recipe is amazing and I was delighted with how easy it was. When hubby had his first taste of the fritter his eyes light up and he said "oh yeah, that's what i'm talking about"! It's nice to spark those childhood memories for him and now my girls have had their first apple fritters, and could not get enough of them!

Ingredients:

1 Cup Flour
1/2 Cup Sugar
2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup Chunky Apple Sauce
1 Med Apple, diced
1 egg
1/4 cup milk

Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk

Vegetable Oil for frying

In a large bowl mix all dry doughnut ingredients with the milk, egg and apple sauce. Once well mixed, fold in the diced apples.

In a large frying add at least 1 inch of oil. Heat on Med High. When oil is hot but not smoking, add 1/4 cup of your batter to the hot oil.

Fry for approximately 2 minutes and then flip (very carefully) and continue to cook the other side for an additional 2 minutes. Remove the fritters to a wire rack to drain excess oil.

In a small bowl mix powdered sugar and milk and whisk well. Add more milk if glaze is too thick, or more powdered sugar if too thin. The consistency is up to you.

Drizzle or spoon your glaze over the cooled fritters and serve.

Also linked up with Crazy For Crust

Vanilla Cupcake with Strawberry Fluff Filling and Peanut Butter Buttercream {recipe}

2012-01-29T08:46:00.002-05:00

This weekend I was looking for something different to try in a cupcake. I was inspired to use peanut butter after talking to a friend at my daughters school on Friday. So I decided I was going to make a PB&J cupcake but I wanted the filling to not be just a jam I pip in like in previous cupcakes. So I experimented with marshmallow fluff and some strawberry jam I made last fall. You would think the fluff might add sweetness, but it actually cut it which was perfect.

I have never made PB buttercream before, but I did make an awesome whipped peanut butter filling before. So I went online and found a delicious recipe courtesy The Nerd's Wife. It was exactly what I was looking for and the result was a light, fluffy and wickedly delicious frosting.

Cupcake:

This is a semi homemade dessert so I used Betty Crocker French Vanilla Cake Mix.

Filling:

1 cup Marshmallow Fluff

1 or 2 tablespoons Strawberry Jam

Frosting:

1 cup Butter, softened

4 cups Powdered Sugar

3 tablespoons Heavy Whipping Cream

1 teaspoon Vanilla

2/3 cup Peanut Butter, creamy

Instructions:

Bake your cupcakes according to the package directions. After removing from the oven, pop out the cupcakes and cool on a wire rack. Once completely cooled, core out the center of the cupcake about 1/4 inch deep.

In a small bowl whip the marshmallow fluff and strawberry jam together. I started with 1 tablespoon of jam and adjust according to preference from there. Whip until well blending. Using a spatula fill a large Ziploc bag with your fluffy/jam mixture and place in the fridge to set.

In a mixer with the whisk attachment (or a large bowl with a hand mixture) cream the butter and powdered sugar together on low speed. Add the heavy whipping cream, vanilla and peanut butter and whip on med speed for a few minutes or until it has reached your desired consistency.

Remove the fluff mixture from the fridge, snip the corner of the Ziploc bag and pip the mixture into each cupcake. Next fill a pastry bag with the tip of your choosing with the buttercream and frost your cupcakes.

Store extra cupcakes in the fridge in an air tight container.

This Weeks Bento Lunches

2012-01-27T13:21:00.004-05:00

A few of C's lunches from this week packed into our Easy Lunchboxes containers!

As you may have seen I am having issues with my blog. Without paying much attention I reacted to something on my new Google+ account without really "investigating" it first. So because of that I inadvertently deleted all the images from my blog. Apparently my Google+ was linked to my blog, so when I deleted pictures from my account it also took them from my blog..bummer!

I have gone through all the stages of grief..lol Denial, anger, blame and now I am at acceptance. Who knows this may actually be a good thing since I have to go through my posts one by one. I am actually cleaning house and I think it will streamline my blog as a result. So while this was a disastrous situation I created for myself, I while see it as a positive and move forward. Everything happens for a reason right :)

Gooey Caramel Coconut Shortbread Cookie {recipe}

2012-01-26T00:01:00.001-05:00

These may not be the prettiest cookies I have ever made, but what they lack in beauty, they make up for in ooey gooey goodness! A girlfriend of mine made a super yummy shortbread cookies with caramel and chocolate last week. They were so good I knew I had to try it out. While I love a good shortbread cookie, I have never made it before, so she passed on the link to the recipe she used. The recipe was for Tagalogs by The Novice Chef....perfect! So I used her shortbread recipe and created my own gooey topping and then finished the cookie with melted chocolate.

This recipe has several steps so be sure to read through first before making them. I have done that in the past with recipes and kick myself when I miss a key ingredient or step.

Shortbread Ingredients:

1 cup butter, room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp milk

Coconut Caramel:

1 cup Sugar
6 Tbsp Butter
1/2 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
1/2 tsp vanilla
2/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

Chocolate "Drizzle":

2 oz Chocolate Chips
2 Tbsp Heavy Whipping Cream

Preheat oven to 350

In a mixer (or a large bowl with a hand mixer) cream together butter and sugar. On low speed add the flour, baking powder and salt. Next add the vanilla and milk and mix until a soft ball of dough is formed.

On a parchment lined baking sheet, take a tablespoon full of dough, roll it into a ball and then flatten it into a disc about 1/4-inch thick.

Bake cookies until the bottoms and edges are slightly browned, approx 11-12 minutes

Immediately after removing cookies, use a small spoon and gently make a 'thumbprint' in the center of each cookie. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

In a heavy bottom 3 quart pot, heat sugar on med high heat. When the sugar starts to melt, stir continuously with a silicone spatula or a whisk. When the sugar starts to boil, make sure all the sugar is melted (the color should be a amber color) immediately add the butter and continuously whisk until the butter has completely melted.

Note: When you add the butter it will immediately foam up and could splatter, so be careful.

Once the butter has melted, remove the pan from the heat. Slowly add the cream and continue to whisk until well mixed and smooth. Add the unsweetened shredded coconut and whisk again until well mixed. Set aside to cool and thicken.

Assembly:

Once your coconut caramel is cooled and thickened, add a spoon full into the 'thumbprint' of the cookie. If the caramel is not thick enough, place the pot in the fridge until the caramel is the desired consistency. Once all cookies are done, place them in the fridge to set.

In a small heavy bottom pot, heat cream on low. Once the cream is warmed, add the chocolate chips and stir with a silicone spatula continuously until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Make sure not to heat the chocolate too fast or it will burn.

Pull the cookies from the fridge and immediately drizzle, dollop or spread the melted chocolate over or on the cookies. Set aside and let the chocolate harden on the cookies and serve. Delicious! Store in an air tight container in the fridge.

Who Says I Can't Walk On Water? {photography}

2012-01-25T00:01:00.004-05:00

Granted it is frozen water, but it still counts. I can totally walk on water!

Just a month ago this was a beautiful lake full of ducks, geese and small aluminum fishing boats. Now it is a gorgeous shimmering playground for ice fishing. I have never in person seen ice fishing, nor have I ever walked out to the middle of a very large frozen lake! While I stood on the shore line deciding if I was actually going to take my first step out onto the ice I turned and ask C, "hey C it's frozen, do you want walk out onto the lake?" She gives me a puzzled look and then smirks and says " you go first mom in case you fall through!" Really??

She had more fun running and playing in the snow. No interest in going out to visit the ice fisherman far in the background.

I am hoping this weekend to walk out and visit these people, get more info about ice fishing and of course get some amazing captures.

Fruit Stuffed Cinnamon Swirl French Toast {recipe}

2012-01-24T00:01:00.005-05:00

This weekend I wanted to a make a special breakfast for my girls. Saturday we were snowed in so I thought it seemed like a good day to experiment with what I had in the house. After peaking through the cabinets, pantry and fridge, I knew what to do!

Ingredients:

Fresh Fruit, sliced

1/3 cup Cream Cheese

1 tsp Sugar

Cinnamon Swirl Bread (I used Thomas)

2 eggs

1 tablespoon milk

Slice fresh fruit. Berries can be left whole.

Cream together sugar and cream cheese. Adjust sweetness to your preference. I did not want the sugar to over power the natural sweetness of the rip fruit so I only added 1 tsp.

Spread the cream cheese mixture on both sides of your bread

Next layer one side with fruit, add as much as you like. Now close the sandwich and lightly smash down.

Heat a griddle or skillet and spray with cooking spray or melt a little butter.

In a small bowl beat the eggs and add milk, mix. Dredge the fruit sami in the egg mixture. Be sure to coat both sides well.

Place the coated sami on the hot griddle or skillet.

Cook until golden brown and flip. Repeat cooking on the second side.

When both sides where golden brown I stood my stuffed sami up on it's sides to seal the edges. I repeat for the next 3 sides.

Serve warm with syrup and more fresh fruit or homemade whipped cream!

Pin It

The Sock Bun? {photography}

2012-01-23T00:01:00.003-05:00

The other day I saw a friend of mine mention the "sock bun" on her facebook page. What is this sock bun thing she speaks of? So I asked about it and she told me she found it on what else....Pinterest (love that site). So I went and researched...wow! What a fun and very creative idea. Making a perfect hair bun with a sock! I knew this would be perfect for M as she has a lion's mane of curly and most times, frizzy hair. Needless to say it was wicked easy and so adorable on her and she loved it as well.

Funny side note. I showed my hubby when he came home this awesome new creative hair style and he said, "now I know how the female Marines do their hair! I always wondered how they got the bun so perfect". So this is what my hubby spends his work day wondering....how the female Marines have perfect hair...lol

Baked Apple & Nutmeg Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar {recipe}

2012-01-21T17:52:00.003-05:00

Pinterest did it again! I found yet another super yummy recipe thanks to them. I wanted to make something my girls and hubby could grab and go for breakfast. With only 1/2 cup of sugar, the baked donuts are not too sweet and are amazingly moist and fluffy thanks to the addition of diced apples.

Ingredients:

2 Apples, peeled and diced
1 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
1/2 cups Sugar
1 3/4 tsp Baking Powder
1 tsp Ground Nutmeg
1/3 cup of Cold Butter, cubed
1 Egg
1/4 cup Milk
1/2 tsp vanilla

Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
1/4 cup Butter, melted
1/3 cup Sugar
2 tsp Cinnamon

Directions:

Preheat 350

* In a large bowl add all the dry ingredients. Cut in the butter with a fork or a dough blender and work until it resembles "course meal".
* In a separate smaller bowl beat egg and add milk, vanilla and diced apples.
* Pour apple mixture into your butter/flour mixture. Mix until combined but do not over mix.

* Spray muffin tins with cooking (or baking) spray. Form batter into balls and place into each prepared muffin tin.
* Bake for 20-25 minutes.

* While donuts are baking, in a small pot slowly melt your butter. In a small bowl mix cinnamon and sugar.

* When the donuts are done and while warm, dip the tops into the melted butter and then into the cinnamon sugar mixture. Store leftovers in an air tight container.

Recipe adapted from Casa Verneracion

Pin It

Catching Snow Flakes {photography}

2012-01-18T07:02:00.009-05:00

Enjoying a little bit of snow fall this weekend

Cinnamon Chip Oatmeal Raisin Cookies {recipe}

2012-01-17T15:54:00.003-05:00

These cookies are AMAZING! If you love oatmeal raisin cookies, you have to try it with cinnamon chips. It offers a whole new layer of deliciousness. What I really like, the chips are not overly sweet and not too cinnamony so that it does not over power the nutty oat flavor I love so much.

2 sticks softened butter

1 cup light packed brown sugar

1/3 cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

1 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

2 1/2 cups quick cooking oats

10 oz package Hershey's cinnamon chips

1 cup raisins

Preheat oven to 350

In a stand mixer (or hand mixer) cream butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar until creamy.

Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.

Add flour and baking soda to mixture and mix until flour is well incorporated. Add oats and mix well.

By hand fold in the cinnamon chips and raisins until well mixed.

On an ungreased cookie sheet (or lined with parchment paper) drop cookie batter by the spoonful or as I did, an ice cream scoop works awesome too.

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to cool on a wire rack.

Recipe adapted from Hersheyskitchens.com

Pin It

Bentos Of The New Year

2012-01-16T00:01:00.003-05:00

Star PB&J for the New Year with carrots and hummus, Nilla wafers, and fresh berries.

As I have said before, I do not make New Year Resolutions. However, I would like to start getting back into being more creative with my girls lunches like last year. Now that we are becoming more settled in our new home and the holidays are over, I hopefully can concentrate more on their lunches and my family as a whole.

HK Sami with mini choco chip eyes, and brown sprinkles used for the whiskers. Again she has carrots and hummus, fresh berries and pretzels.

Double heart PB&J with choco rice cakes, fresh berries and alphabet cheez it's.

Butterfly sami with colored sprinkles. Carrots, hummus, apple flowers and Oreo cookies.

All these super tasty bentos were packed using my Easy Lunchboxes containers and various paper muffin cups.

Raspberry Buttercream - No Shortening {recipe}

2012-01-14T20:03:00.002-05:00

After making these cupcakes I went to the pantry to get the ingredients for making the buttercream. I remember my bloggy/real life BFF Michelle (MuffinTinMom) made this amazing raspberry buttercream for our cupcakes on New Years Eve 2010. After raiding my pantry I soon realized I had no shortening, oh no! I went straight to Google and could not find a recipe for buttercream using only the stuff I had on hand, and I was not about to pack the kids in car and run to the store in 20 degree weather.

So I thought, it's "buttercream", why can I not just use butter? Why do I need shortening? So I made it, keeping my fingers crossed it wasn't going to be too soft to pipe or too greasy. Nope, it was amazing!! I will never use shortening in my buttercream frosting again!

Ingredients:

2 sticks Unsalted Butter, softened to room temp

4 Cups Powdered Sugar

2-3 Tablespoons Milk

1-2 teaspoons Raspberry Extract

1/2 teaspoon Lemon Juice

In a stand mixer on low speed with the whisk attachment, (or with a hand held mixer) cream butter. Add the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time. Once incorporated add milk, raspberry extract and lemon juice and turn mixer up to med speed and beat for another 2-3 minutes. Add more milk if too stiff or more powdered sugar if too thin, adjust measurements according to desired texture.

Big thanks to Michelle (MuffinTinMom) for the addition of lemon juice, it really made the raspberry flavor pop. Delicious!

BabyGanics Review

2012-01-12T19:28:00.001-05:00

We have reached the middle of winter and surprising to everyone around us, it has been a warm winter. I would not call below 30 degree temps "warm", but then again what do I know. Of course as a mommy when the winter hits we cringe and wait for the sickness to devour our kids. We try everything to boost their immune systems, keep them away from germs (as much as we can) and keep our fingers and toes crossed our kids will get through the winter no worse for wear.

One thing I do year round is to keep hand sanitizers close by. I have one in the car, one in my purse and even one on the kitchen island. All are easily accessible for my girls and we use them often. The only problem with the hand sanitizers is that they really dry out my hands and I do not necessarily like the girls to put those chemicals on their skin. So what are my choices when we are not around soap and hot water? The answer is BabyGancis! A company started by two dads whom were concerned, like we all are, about the labels on not only the products we use on our kids, but around our homes as well.

I was contacted by a rep for BabyGanics and asked to try "The Germinator" foaming hand sanitizer. Moisturizing, alcohol free sanitizer...I was so in! My package arrived right before Christmas Eve which was perfect. My girls were off for winter brake so we had plenty of time to try out this product. From the first pump I knew I was hooked. The light citrus smell of tangerine was nice, but it was the immediate feel of soft hands once it dried that I became excited about. I no longer have to pile on the hand lotion after using this hand sanitizer, love that! For my girls was the fun pump and yummy smelling foam, that they got excited over.

As I browsed around the BabyGanics website I see that it is not just sanitizer, shampoo and baby products they have, but products for the whole house. Laundry room, cleaning, suncare and more! It's so nice when you can find a company that cares as much about what you us on your children and around your home as you do.

"For years, BabyGanics has been the trusted brand of parents worldwide, providing a set of solutions specifically created for the growing family. While each of us should be constantly striving to seek out ways to improve our lives, the birth of a child gives us a great reason to go that extra mile to ensure their health and safety every step of the way. For us, being safe starts at conception, there is no better time to evaluate the products throughout your home.

At BabyGanics we work hard so you can play safe! Whether it’s cleaning products without that harmful stuff or extra gentle skin care for the tenderest of spots on your little ones, we are constantly finding ways to provide healthier, safer and more sustainable solutions. By the way, did we forget to mention affordable? We understand that you are using more products than ever to keep up with your growing family. That’s why we keep a focus on affordability and making the switch to BabyGanics a no brainer!"

Disclaimer: I was contacted by a rep for BabyGanics to write a review for the above mentioned product and was given said product free of charge. I was not offered or given any monetary compensation. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone and are unbiased.

Sausage and Peppers Savory Meat Roll {recipe}

2012-01-07T12:32:00.002-05:00

Before the ball dropped on New Years Eve I started to not feel well. The signs of an appending ulcer attack was on the horizon. The next 48 hours I spent laid up in bed sick and in pain from said ulcer, Happy New Year to me. While I was laid up I watched the Food Network...love! I saw an episode of Guy's Big Bite where he and the owner of Blue Moon Cafe, made this awesome looking sausage and pepper roll up. While I could barely get out of bed, I so wanted to make it right then...but I waited.

The show's recipe makes 8 big portions, being a family of 4, and not wanting leftovers, I changed up the measurements to suite us and used premade pesto. Plus I noticed (as did others) when FN posted the recipe they missed a couple steps that unless you actually watched the show, it could be very confusing. Regardless, the recipe was a big hit! Next time I think I will cut the rolls smaller than specified on the show (hand width). It is a heavier dish with all the meat, cheese and biscuit...but still very delicious!

Ingredients:

7oz Pesto

For the filling:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 pound Italian mild sausage
2 cups fresh mozzarella, cubed
2 cups grated Asiago

For the topping:
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 red pepper, diced
1/2 yellow pepper, diced
1/2 onion, diced
1 teaspoons granulated garlic
1 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 Roma tomatoes, diced
4 button mushrooms, sliced
1 cup fresh mozzarella, cubed
1 cup grated Asiago

For the biscuit:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for surface and kneading
1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 stick cold butter, cubed
1 cup milk
1/2 stick butter, softened

Directions:

* Preheat oven to 400

In a saute pan, heat oil over Med heat. Add diced bell peppers, onions, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Stir to coat and cook until tender, approx 8-10 minutes. Add mushrooms and tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes. Do not over cook the tomatoes, remove from heat and set aside.

Heat oil in a skillet over med high. Remove the sausage from its casing and add to skillet. Brake up the sausage with a wooden spatula or spoon and cook through. Remove from heat, cool slightly. Drain off fat and set aside sausage in a bowl.

Shred Asiago cheese and slice and cube (not shown) fresh mozzarella, set aside.

In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder and salt. Add the cold butter and with your fingers blend together until it resembles "coarse meal". Using a fork stir in milk until the dough comes together. Sprinkle flour on a clean work surface, and knead dough several times on the floured surface. Roll the dough out.

Spread the 1/2 stick of softened butter over entire surface of the dough.

Take your prepared pesto and spread on top of the buttered dough. Next layer the sausage and then the cheeses. Evenly cover the surface of the dough.

Cut the ends off to create even edges. Next cut the log into rounds. *on the show they cut the rounds 'hand width' size, so I got 4 rounds out of mine which was perfect. However later I realized those were really big after they baked, so next time I will slice them smaller.

Place the slices on a baking sheet and pat the tops down. You can also throw the ends on the sheet and bake those up too. Bake for 20-30 minutes at 400 degrees until biscuits is golden brown. Serve topped with sauteed veggies and garnish with shredded Asiago cheese.

Recipe adapted from Guy's Big Bite via Food Network.

Pin It

Ice Ice Baby {photography}

2012-01-05T00:01:00.000-05:00

This morning we woke to 7 degree weather. Hubby says when he got to work this morning (much earlier than when I woke up) it was 3 degrees...yikes! This California girl was excited for the cold and snow to come, but after the first single digit temps, I am wondering how long I will last. Not even when I would go to Tahoe to ski/snowboard do I think it ever got this cold..lol

We have these beautiful rock formations that were made when they carved the freeway paths out of the mountain around Northeastern PA. As I just realized, they are even more impressive when the run off freezes and creates a stunning, cascading, frozen wonderland.

Savory Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup

2012-01-04T00:01:00.001-05:00

When i'm not feeling well, I always crave homemade chicken noodle soup. Maybe it's one of those warm childhood memories of watching my mom make it, or the fact that I really love chicken noodle soup. My girls too are big fans, but sadly I rarely make it from scratch for them.

Today I woke to snow on the ground and flurries all day, felt like a good day for a hot pot of soup. I wanted to use a rotisserie chicken so I hopped online and found a delicious recipe, changed it up a bit and it turned out amazing.

Savory Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients:

1 Rotisserie chicken

4 Qt Chicken Broth

4 Celery Stalks, sliced

4 Large Carrots, sliced

1 Large Onion, Diced

5 Garlic Cloves, pressed

2 Tbsp Olive Oil

1 tsp Sweet Paprika

1 tsp Dried Sage

1 tsp Dried Parsley

1 tsp Cayenne

1/2 bag Egg Noodles (1/2lb)

Add 4 quarts of chicken broth to a large stock pot. (I only had two 2 quarts of Swanson in my pantry but thank goodness I also had the Knorrs in my pantry.) Bring broth to a simmer.

While waiting for the broth to warm, separate the meat from the bones and skin. Chop meat into chunks and set aside.

Add all bones and skin to the stock pot. Set to medium heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

In the mean time chop all your veggies

Press the garlic cloves

Mix your spices

After 30 minutes strain the broth into a second pot or a large bowl and discard the bones and skin. Set the broth aside to cool.

In the original broth stock pot heat 2 Tbsp olive oil on med-high. Add garlic, celery, carrots and onions and spices to the pot and stir to coat. Cook until veggies are tender but not soft.

Skim off any fat layer that may have formed from the cooling broth, add broth into the spiced vegetable pot. Bring mixture back up to a simmer. Add egg noodles and chicken. Simmer until noodles are desired consistency and serve.

Recipe adapted from SparkRecipes

Pin It

Spicy Honey Chicken Thighs {recipe}

2012-01-02T00:01:00.010-05:00

Happy New Years everyone! I hope you all had a fun and safe NYE. Today I am so excited to post about a recipe I found via Pinterest....Spicy Honey Chicken Thighs! This recipe is not only amazing in flavor, but it might have saved my grocery bill!

My husband is not a dark meat man, nor does he like bone in anything. He has been begging me to stop buying chicken thighs and go back to buying the boneless chicken breasts. I tried to explain the cost comparison between a family pack of 8-9 thighs and a 4 pack of boneless breasts. My efforts were futile. I figure if I am shredding the meat anyways for recipes or using the crockpot, what does it matter? Well apparently to him it does. So I said I would (for awhile) but I knew I still had a pack in my freezer. I had been waiting for the perfect recipe and I found it. I only made a few adjustments to the recipe to suite the spices I had on hand and my cooking preference.

When I served the thighs whole (gasp) to my husband on a bed of brown rice, I waited. Next thing I heard was "Oh my god, this is so good!!", and then silence. Everyone including hubby was enjoying the chicken. Next thing I knew I see him pick up the thigh and start eating it like a drumstick. I was FLOORED! In our 10 years I have never seen him eat like that, or enjoy any meat on a bone that much. This recipe will now be added to our weekly dinner menu...and I get to buy thighs again...lol

Spicy Honey Chicken Thighs

* 8-9 boneless skinless chicken thighs, about 2lbs

Rub:

2 1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp kosher salt
1 1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp chipotle chili powder

Glaze:

1/2 cup honey
1 Tbsp cider vinegar

Directions:

*Move oven rack to the highest level and turn broiler on High
* Use kitchen shears (or a pair of clean scissors) to trim off any excess fat from the chicken pieces. Pat dry.
* In a bowl, combine the rub spices ingredients and mix well.
* Line a cookie sheet with foil. Place the chicken thighs on the cookie sheet and rub down both side of the thighs with the spice rub.
* Place chicken in oven and broil for 5 minutes on both sides.

Meanwhile, warm honey. I do not own a microwave anymore, ~~gasp i know but it broke in Oct~~, so I placed my ramekin of honey in a warm water bath but a microwave works just as well. You want the honey just to thin out just a bit. Mix in the cider vinegar until well combined. Make sure to set aside about 2 tablespoons to use as a drizzle.

* Take the chicken out of the oven and lower your oven rack one level.
* With meat side up, brush the chicken with the honey glaze mixture. Return the chicken to the oven and allow to cook for 3 minutes
* Take chicken out, flip to the bone side up, brush with honey glaze and return to oven for 3 minutes.
* For the last time, flip chicken back to meat side up, brush with the glaze again and return back to the oven for an additional 3-4 minutes or until cooked through.

NOTE: Honey ~~obviously~~ is high in sugar which makes it prone to burn easily at high temps. Make sure during the cooking process to watch the chicken so you end up with the nice crisp, almost bbq look, and not smoking charcoal.

Remove chicken and let rest for 4-5 minutes. Plate and drizzle with the honey glaze you set aside. Serve and enjoy!!

Recipe adapted from Real Mom Kitchen via Food On The Table

Pin It

Happy New Year {2012}

2012-01-01T00:01:00.003-05:00

2011 brought challenges and lots of change to our little home. We started the previous New Year living in San Diego California, having a fabulous New Years Eve party with my close friend Michelle (Muffin Tin Mom) and her family and later we were joined by my brother and his girlfriend. It was an awesome night full of tasty food, laughter and fun. Little did we know then that we would be moving to a rural part of Northeastern PA only four short months later.

It was a very quick four months. Packing, saying goodbye to our friends and family and then hopping in the car for a 6 day cross country drive with two kids and a dog. Lucky for me this was C's third time moving cross country and M's second, so they were seasoned pro's. The dog on the other hand had to be dosed with Benadryl to keep her stress level at a minimum...lol

We had a wonderful drive, saw beautiful landscape and enjoyed our time together. We arrived at our new home tired yet excited, and while the transition for the girls was hard the first couple months...new school, new friends, ect, they have been amazing troopers as always.

So we start 2012 where 2011 end. We have settled into our new home, made new friends and are still exploring the area. We are preparing for the snow as we have never been stationed in an area that had more than just a dusting. We are very excited to see what 2012 has in store for us. As long as it is not another cross country move in four months, I think we will be just fine :)

Now for some fun this new year...Are you addicted like I am to Pinterest? Have you seen the Pinterest Challenge? I stumbled across this while visiting another blog and it sounds like too much fun and so easy! You find something on one of your boards and recreate it! Then the first of every month you link up your project, recipe, photography, ect. and blog hop. The first linky starts Jan 2nd so better get to it!!

I hope the New Year brings much joy and added blessings to you and your families!!

Our Christmas {photography}

2011-12-28T14:06:00.003-05:00

Christmas Morning

My girls were excited to finally be able to touch and take pictures of their Elf On A Shelf 'Jingles' on Christmas Eve before Santa came to pick him up. Even daddy got into it.

M trying on her new ear muffs...with mittens still attached.

My crazy family

C getting her glam on.

I hope you and your families had a wonderful Christmas full of love and wonderful memories!

Christmas Baking Yummy's

2011-12-21T09:54:00.004-05:00

This holiday season I had a mission, to bake! I love to bake when I am inspired so it is usually a spur of the moment thing. But to actually sit down and plan to bake especially during Christmas, I usually fail. I have very fond memories of my Grams creating a huge plate of cookies, candies and fudge every year when I was much younger. The platter would be left out for family and friends to graze on for days. I looked forward to it every year.

Since having my girls, I have wanted to pick up where my Grams left off, and give my girls that wonderful memory and a tasty treat to look forward to every year. Finally this was my year! To make it even better upon hearing my huge ideas of baking, my hubby let me have a big Christmas present early.....

That's right, a mixer and in my favorite color!!! I was floored, I have been drooling over this mixer for years and hoping to find it under the tree every Christmas, finally my time has come! Now, I was totally inspired to bake, nothing could stop me!

This year I made my family's traditional cookie growing up (and my personal favorite)...Russian Teacakes. Butterscotch Haystacks are also a tradition, yumm! Along with those I made Chocolate Chunk Snowballs, Peanut Butter Fudge, Candy Cane Marshmallows, and Rolo Pretzels. I have been wanting to make homemade marshmallows for the past year, so I was kinda wicked impressed with myself and it never would have happened without my mixer!

For C's school party today, I found the cutest cupcakes on Pinterest and fell in love. This idea via With Sprinkles On Top, she has fabulous recipes you must check her out!

C knows I was making them via the pictures online, but she hasn't seen them in person yet so I know she will flip out when I arrive at her classroom today.

Pancake Fun!

2011-12-20T07:29:00.001-05:00

This past Saturday I tried something fun for my breakfast. Day after day I am so inspired by the pancake art at Jenni Price Illustrations, but have been kind of intimidated to try. After she was sweet enough to guest post on my blog and shared a tutorial for making a Christmas Angel, I knew I had to try.

I planned on making the Angel on Christmas morning, but thought I needed a trial run before I dive in. So what else is more festive than a Christmas tree complete with a star and presents!

C's first present and bow pancake art!

After several attempts I finally did it! The creating is easier than I thought, it was adjusting the heat to keep the pancakes from browning that was the hardest part. After about 4 (tasty) browned pancakes, we finally had the right recipe.

This was a special surprise pancake I made for my hubby.

C decide after trying her hand at the above mentioned present and bow she wanted to create 100% by herself.

She was very proud of herself as you can tell.

Thank you Jenni for the fun inspiration! This is easily going to become a weekend family fun event and we can not wait to try the Angel on Christmas morning!

Christmas Cheer {photography}

2011-12-17T09:49:00.006-05:00

We saw Santa while picking out our Christmas Tree. The girls were very surprised!

This shot is this years Christmas card.

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth!

Have a Meowy Christmas!

Kikkoman Review, Recipe & Military Commissary Giveaway

2011-12-15T18:14:00.002-05:00

In my house growing up, Kikkoman was a name we all knew. My step father was very particular when it came to certain brands and Kikkoman for our soy sauce was the only brand ever bought. So of course when I was living on my own, it was all I used. Even if another brand was on sale, I would stick with Kikkoman because I knew I would never be disappointed with the flavor or quality.

My most favorite Kikkoman product besides soy sauce is the Panko bread crumbs and the Katsu sauce..yumm! I am so excited to see more products from Kikkoman such as the Quick Marinades and the Pearl Soy Milks.

I keep many Kikkoman products stocked in my house. Right now I have their Katsu sauce, Teriyaki sauce, Panko, Soy Sauce, Sweet and Sour Dipping Sauce, and Rice Vinegar either in my fridge or stocked in my pantry. And thanks to Kikkoman they sent me a wonderful box full of product goodies to try to include the new Kara-Age Soy-Ginger coating mix which I can not wait to try!!

One recipe I make often is either chicken katsu or tonkatsu (pork). It is so easy you really do not need a recipe, all you need is Kikkoman Panko bread crumbs, meat and seasoning. So simple and so delicious my girls always ask for seconds.

Tonkatsu Recipe

Ingredients:

6 Boneless Pork Chops, thin sliced

1 cup Kikkoman Panko

1 cup Flour

1 Egg, beaten

Garlic Salt

Black Pepper

Sweet Paprika

Cayenne Pepper

Veggie Oil (enough oil to pan fry but not "deep fry")

Instructions:

Step 1: In a large fry or saute pan heat oil on med high.

Step 2: Grab 3 separate plates or bowls. Plate #1 will have the flour, plate #2 the egg and #3 Kikkoman Panko. In bowl #3 I like to add spices to the Panko but it is not necessary. However I like to add the above listed spices. Because Kikkoman Panko is so light you can add any spices for a new delicious flavor.

Step3: Take a pork cutlet and dredge in the flour. Next dip and cover the floured pork in the egg wash. Finally dredge again into the seasoned Panko and straight into the hot oil.

Pan fry on med heat for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown. Flip cutlet and cook until second side is golden brown. Remove to a plate covered with a paper towel. Rest for a minute and serve hot.

Just in time for the holiday Kikkoman is offering 1 Military family follower a $25 Commissary Gift Card!!

How To Enter:

Stop by Kikkoman and tell me what product is your favorite or maybe one you would like to try! Please make sure if you do not have a valid email address on your blog or profile, add it to your comment so I can contact you easily.

This giveaway runs through the weekend and closes Sunday Dec 18th @ 11:59 (EST) Winner will be picked by random.org and posted on my Facebook page Monday Dec 19th and an email will be sent. Winner has 72 hours to reply to my email otherwise a new winner will be picked.

Disclaimer: I was contacted by a marketing rep for Kikkoman to try some of their products and host a giveaway for the above mentioned commissary gift card. A review was not required. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone and are unbiased.

Candy For A Great Cause!

2011-12-14T18:22:00.002-05:00

THE HOLIDAY SEASON SERVES UP A SWEET TREAT
WITH AN EVEN SWEETER STORY

True Blue Candy Cane Company Donates 25 Percent of Profits to the
Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation

True Blue’s Founder a College Student with a Cause

WASHINGTON—This holiday season, True Blue Candy Cane Company offers a new take on an American classic: red, white and blue candy canes for a cause. Twenty-five percent of profits from the candy canes benefit the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation, which assists children who have lost a parent in the Marine Corps by allowing them to pursue higher education.

In 2009, Alexander Lynn—just 18 at the time—vowed to help families of U.S. service members after his cousin returned home from a 4 and a half year assignment in the Marine Corps. It was just two weeks before Christmas, and Alexander glanced at his Christmas tree laden with candy canes, and the idea of True Blue Candy Canes dawned on him.

“Candy canes are a cornerstone of American tradition, and what better way to honor that tradition than to give back to the those who defend this country,” said Alexander. “The True Blue Candy Cane is a product that fellow Americans like myself can be proud of.”

Now a college student at the University of Miami in Florida, Alexander not only wants to help service members and their families, but also American workers. “Unlike most candy canes on the market, True Blue Candy Canes are produced and manufactured right here in the U.S. of all-American ingredients.”

Each True Blue Candy Cane is handcrafted by Hammond’s Candies of Denver, and is sure to inspire the holiday spirit with a traditional peppermint flavor. True Blue Candy Canes can be purchased online just in time for the holidays at TrueBlueCandyCanes.com.

Disclaimer - I was contacted by a marketing rep for True Blue to post a press release. I was not given any product or monetary compensation for my post.

Holiday Bento's

2011-12-13T20:23:00.002-05:00

Christmas Tree sami with homemade and hand painted (by C) cookie,

grapes, string cheese snowballs and baby carrots.

Snowflake sami, grape tomatoes, snowflake tangerine

and gingerbread men marshmallows.

Snowman sami's, grapes, mini goldfish

and alpha cookies.

(p.s. got the cute idea for the snowman arms from Keeley, stop by and pay her a visit, she makes awesome bentos!)

Snowy Daze {photography}

2011-12-11T22:08:00.003-05:00

If you saw my last post you know we were expecting some snow...well here it is! The first snow fall for December. I hope I never get tired of waking up to this beautiful sight. In my area we got about 3-4 inches, just enough to create the anticipated "winter wonderland" feel and for C to go sledding after school.

Before the school bus came, the girls and I walked around our neighborhood to take it all in and found some beautiful sights along the way.

While the temp has dropped the sun still shines so most of the snow has melted away. We anxiously await the next snow fall..hopefully for Christmas!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Frozen Wonderland

2011-12-08T08:17:00.001-05:00

We had a lovely hard frost last week. I shot these the same time as my Frozen Wishes captures. Today there is snow! Can't wait to get out and wonder around the neighborhood.

The Black Shard By Victoria Simcox {review}

2011-12-07T06:14:00.001-05:00

Last year I had the wonderful opportunity to review a great book called The Magic Warble, so I was pleasantly surprised when I received an email that the sequel The Black Shard had been published!

"The Black Shard, Victoria Simcox’s fast-paced, intricately woven sequel to The Magic Warble, takes Kristina Kingsly and her schoolmates back to Bernovem … and into a thrilling, often dangerous adventure.

Kristina’s stay at summer horse camp is horrible to say the least, and it’s all because Hester and Davina are there as well, making her life miserable. When Hester’s cruel prank goes terribly wrong, it’s actually what sends the three girls back to the magical land of Bernovem. In Bernovem, Kristina is very excited to see her former friend, Prince Werrien. When he invites her to sail with him on his ship to his homeland Tezerel, putting it simply, Kristina can’t refuse.

Reunited with her gnome, dwarf, animal, fairy friends … and best of all, Werrien, things seem like they couldn’t get any better for Kristina. But when Werrien becomes fascinated with an unusual seeing stone, the “Black Shard”, Kristina is haunted by a ghostlike old hag. Struggling against suspicion, guilt, illness, and ultimately the one who wants to possess her soul, Kristina will see it’s in her weakest moment that she will encounter more strength than she has ever known."

Kristina returns in this book a few years older yet she is still the same quirky girl I discovered in The Magic Warble. I have just started reading The Black Shard but like The Magic Warble, I am already sucked in. My oldest whom is learning to read this year, is really enjoying the time we are spending together reading about Kristina's new adventure. Full of twists and turns and wonderful suspense, my daughter can not wait for bedtime, and I can not wait to see what happens next!

You can find The Black Shard on Facebook and just in time for Christmas, you can purchase The Magic Warble and/or The Black Shard on Amazon.

Christmas Angel Pancake Tutorial - Guest Post

2011-12-05T00:05:00.003-05:00

Luke 2: 10-11

And the angel said unto them, Fear not:

for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy,

which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day

in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

I am so excited to bring you a fabulous guest post by the ultra fabulous Jenni Price! If you have not visited her blog before, you are missing out! I first was introduced to her via Muffin Tin Mom when she posted a Bunny Pancake Tutorial for Easter. Since then I have been a faithful follower of Jenni Price Illustration and am always so excited to see what she is working on next. Whether it be amazing pancakes, perfect painted fondant, or her super sweet paintings/cards you can buy, everything is done to perfection.

So please enjoy this wonderful Christmas tutorial. How fabulous would it be for your kids to wake to this breakfast treat on Christmas? I'm going to give it a try for my girls, let me know if you do too!

Griddle or large skillet

Pam Cooking Spray

Large mixing bowl

Water

Krusteaz Buttermilk Pancake Mix (the just add water mix)

Electric mixer

Three Condiment Squirt Bottles (can be found at Walmart)

green and yellow soft gel paste food coloring

Paper Towels

Spatula

Spoons for mixing

mini chocolate chips and mini M&Ms for decorating

Measuring Cup

Toothpicks

Mixing cups

Get out your large bowl and stir with a spoon 2 cups plus 1-3 Tbsp of pancake mix with 1 ½ cups of water. You want your batter thick enough to “draw” with but not too much where it wont squeeze out of the squirt bottle (you can add more pancake mix if it's too runny). Grab your electric mixer and stir until it's well blended. If you have too many lumps, they will clog up your squirt bottle.

Divide up your batter into three mixing cups. Refer to the above squirt bottle graphic for a rough idea on how much pancake batter should be in each squirt bottle. Mix in a small amount of green food coloring (a little bit goes a long way) into one cup, yellow into another cup and the white has no color in it. Mix each color until well blended. Pour each cup of batter slowly into the squirt bottles making sure to keep paper towels handy for any drips.

Spray your griddle with cooking spray but do not turn it on yet. Keep toothpicks nearby to release any

clogs in the squirt bottles.

Step One: With the yellow batter, draw the angel's hair.

Step Two: Switch to the white batter and draw the angel's face and a dot for her nose.

Step Three: Using the green batter, draw her dress but leave room for her arm.

Step Four: Draw her arm with the green batter, then switch to the white batter and draw a large dot for her hand and a little dot to represent her thumb.

Step Five: Taking the green batter, draw her wings off to the side. Do not connect them to the angel as it will make it tricky to flip the pancake.

Step Six: Turn your griddle on to the lowest heat setting (200 degrees) and let the outlines cook until they are puffed up. Now turn off your griddle. Take your green batter and fill in the angel's dress.

Step Seven: Take your yellow batter and fill in the angel's hair and draw a halo above her head.

Step Eight: Switch to the white batter and fill in the angel's face and wings. Turn your griddle back on to the lowest heat setting (200 degrees) and let your angel, wings and halo cook until they are bubbly and loose most of their shine before flipping them. When your pancake is fully cooked, decorate the angel with mini M&Ms and place a mini chocolate chip on her face to represent an eye.

Romans 10:9

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus,

and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead,

thou shalt be saved.

Pin It

Frozen Wishes

2011-12-03T17:24:00.004-05:00

The other morning everything was thick with frost. My girls actually thought it had snowed because everything was so sparkly white. After walking my daughter to the bus stop, I decided to take a walk and photograph the quiet and cold morning. I walked around the neighborhood and took some amazing shots, but it wasn't until I returned to my own yard that I became really excited. For there, in the middle of my lawn was "frozen wishes".

Click on the images to see detail. All photos SOOC.

First Christmas Bento Of the Season & MMS Freebie

2011-11-30T10:39:00.002-05:00

I have been a huge slacker on my bento making. I have been making my girls school lunches of course, but they have been simple, uninspired lunches. Life has just been so busy and especially since C has started taking the bus to school, we have less time in the mornings.

So I am hoping the holiday cheer will help inspire me once again to create super cute lunches for my girls. I know how much they enjoy them, and apparently so do all the teachers in the lunch room...lol So packed in our Easy LunchBoxes container is a salami sami, baby carrots, gingerbread marshmallows, string cheese button skewer and a checkered apple.

Our Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-29T09:50:00.001-05:00

How was everyone's Thanksgiving? Ours was nice and quiet. I cooked, the girls played. I did not do the big dinner I normally do. After years of realizing I am the only one who eats or at least tries every dish made, I decided to make it easier on myself and cook only what I knew for sure everyone would eat!

So this year we I did the traditional roasted turkey with a rosemary garlic butter under the skin, parsley, bacon and buttermilk mashed potatoes, green been casserole, homemade cranberry sauce, gravy and fresh bread. Normally I make a sage sausage and apple stuffing, but again I am the only one who eats it so I made a box of Stove Top for myself..lol

It was a lovely, tasty dinner and everyone enjoyed it. For dessert I made an apple fie using the Pie Filling I canned a few months back and topping it with a Walnut Oatmeal Crumble. It was the perfect end to a wonderful day.

So who decided to brave the Black Friday crowds?

My digital scrapbooking pages were made using the kit "Let's Talk Turkey" by Just So Scrappy. MyMemories Suite just launched Version 3 of their digital scrapbooking software and it's pretty awesome! Use this coupon code STMMMS82547 and save 10% on Version 3 today! In addition to that awesome deal you will also receive a $10 coupon for the MyMemories Store! That is a $20 value!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T14:34:00.001-05:00

M and a couple of her school BFF's singing songs.

"Where's the food?"

Time for the "feast"

Visiting C's school for the holiday party.

My lil pilgrim

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday filled with family, love and lots of tasty food. I will be taking a brake from posting for a few days, but will be checking in on everyone's blogs to say hello and catch up on others. Happy Thanksgiving everyone from my family to yours!

Easy Skillet Pork Chops with Apples and Onions

2011-11-21T09:57:00.003-05:00

Ever open your refrigerator and think, "what the heck and I going to do for dinner"? As much as I try to have a game plan for dinner every night, there is always a day ~~or two~~ that gets away from me during the week. Sometimes I will remember to pull the meat from the freezer, but that is about as far as my thought process goes.

Last weekend before the whole "hospital scare" and before I could do my weekly grocery shopping, hubby was working late and the girls started asking what was for dinner. In a frenzy realizing what time it was, I quickly remembered I had pulled pork chops the day before to thaw. Okay well we have pork, but what else?

Well we all know apples and pork are a wonderful pair and funny, when I think of the combo I always flash back to the Brady Bunch episode where peter says "pork chops and applesauce" trying to imitate Humphrey Bogart. It's amazing the things that trigger memories and around our home it usually happens to be related to food...lol Anyways, I also love caramelized onions so I though lets throw it all in a pan together and get these kids fed!

Ingredients:

* 4-5 boneless pork chops (1/2 inch thick)
* 2 apples cut into chunks (I like fuji apples)
* 2 med red onions, halved and sliced
* 4 tablespoons butter
* garlic salt
* black pepper
* 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
* 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
* 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar

Directions:

In a large skillet on medium heat add 2 tablespoons butter and melt. Before butter browns add the onions and saute.

When onions are half cooked, add the apples and an additional 1 tablespoon butter.

While the apples and onions are cooking down, season both sides of your chops with pepper and garlic salt.

When apples are half way cooked add (yes another) 1 tablespoon of butter and move onions and apples to the sides of the skillet and add the chops. Brown the chops on one side and then turn.

In a small bowl mix the balsamic vinegar, brown sugar and red pepper flakes.

Pour the mixture over the chops, turn the heat to med-low. Cover and cook for 20 minutes or until the chops are cooked through.

After chops are cooked remove chops, apples and onions to a dish and cover to keep warm.

Turn the heat to med-high and reduce the pan drippings by half. Make sure to continually stir to prevent burning the sauce. Serve chops, apples and onions over parsley mashed potatoes and top with sauce.

This is a wonderful quick meal to make. The balsamic vinegar gives the dish a wonderful layer of flavor. You do not have to use all the butter I did, I just love using real butter and the creamy richness it brings to the dish. So if you ever find yourself in a pickle like I did, give this dish a try and enjoy.

Your 4 Year Old Needs Surgery!

2011-11-16T17:11:00.003-05:00

Monday morning started out with the most amazing sunrise and ended in stress and disbelief. For several days M was having off and on tummy pains but when I got a call to pick her up early from school, my concern grew. As I drove her to the ER Monday afternoon I was feeling silly thinking that she is probably constipated and I am being an overly protective mother. The doctor was probably going to give her some laxatives and send us on our way.

By the time we got to the ER her temperature was rising, her heart rate was elevated, she was lethargic and the pain was staying constant. After the doctor took her history and did a physical, he ordered iv fluids, blood work and a CAT scan to check her belly. M was a trooper while having her iv placed and during the visit from the Phlebotomist. She never moved, never jerked and did not scream out, she just watched.

A few hours after being triaged, poked, prodded and having to chug down a full bottle of watered down contrast for her CAT scan, the doctor walks into the room. He was an older gentleman with a head full of bright white hair. If he had a beard and mustache he could have easily passed for Santa. While his cheeks where red and rosy, his bright blue eyes shown concern.

"Your daughter has acute appendicitis and needs to be transported to the pediatric hospital for surgery". I could feel the blood drain from my face, I must have looked like a ghost. I could not say a word, I was dumbfounded. All I remember was nodding my head in agreement. The rest of the conversation was like listening to someone trying to talk underwater, all I could concentrate on was the words "your daughter" and "surgery". Oh god what an awful mother I am. Here I thought all she needed was laxatives but she was much worse off...surgery!

Fast forward several extremely freaked out hours later and an hour and fifteen minute long ambulance ride to the children's hospital, the pediatric surgeon walk into our room. She tells me she has reviewed the scan from the previous hospital and she did not agree with their diagnosis. She did not see any inflamed appendix on the scan and had no reason to believe she need surgery. I was shocked and relieved.

My only question that passed my lips was "how could this happen?" How could two doctors and a radiologist from the first hospital and several doctors from another have completely different diagnoses? How could they all look at the exact same scan and half see surgery and the other half do not? Why were we at a hospital two hours away from home in the middle of the night? The surgeon could not say. Even though M did not need surgery, they still wanted to admit her for observation, tests and medication based on her symptoms and fever.

Sister played nurse maid to M and was such a good helper. On top of the huge lack of sleep and nothing for her to do, she rarely complained or acted out from the lack of attention.

Our stay at the Janet Weis Children's Hospital was amazing. Hubby and I were so overwhelmed and grateful for the amazing kindness and top notch care M received from the staff. You could tell by the smiles on their face that they really loved their job and their patients.

A volunteer had come in and asked M what her favorite color was. "Purple" said M. She left the room and a few minutes later returned with a handmade quilt and pillowcase just for her. I about lost it as my eyes teared up with gratitude. They do not know her, but they care for her regardless.

The beautiful handmade pillowcase was donated by ConKerr Cancer and the colorful happy doggie quilt was donated by Quilts For Kids. This being the first time not only visiting this particular hospital but really ever being admitted, I knew nothing of the lovely organizations that donate items like these to the sick kids, but I was grateful. While M was still lethargic I could see the smile in her eyes when they were presented to her.

A little while later another lovely lady came into the room with a tackle box. She was not a phlebotomist with a box full of needles, tubes and syringes so who was she? Her name was Linda and she is the Bead Lady from The Portable Playhouse. A volunteer who travels room to room making super sweet beaded items with the kids and helping to brighten their day. Her box was full of beautiful beads in every shape, size and color.

While M only had use of her left hand, they worked together to create a beautiful necklace. C was even invited to sit down and bead with them. While she was shy at first, she got in there and had fun. Once again I was taken back by the generosity of all these wonderful programs that come in and help make the kids feel better in a difficult time.

Almost 24 hours from when we walked into the ER and 12 hours from when we were rushed and admitted to the children's hospital, they gave M the thumbs up to be discharged. The nurse came in to take out her IV, clean her up and help us get on our way.

When M could finally get out of bed and wonder around without being hooked up to tubes and fluids, she chose to go look out the window in her door and take a peak at all the comings and goings happening outside her room. There is nothing better than to see your child's personality and curiosity come back after being so worried for them. It is also amazing how they bounce back, and always with a smile.

Veterans Day Parade

2011-11-11T07:58:00.003-05:00

"The greatest glory of a free-born people is to transmit that freedom to their children." -William Havard

"In the beginning of a change, the patriot is a scarce man, and brave, and hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot." ~Mark Twain

"How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!" ~Maya Angelou

"Not a day goes by that we should allow our memory falter – for we should constantly remember those who fought so that we could be free." - Unknown

"I think there is one higher office than president and I would call that patriot." ~Gary Hart

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Last weekend my girls got to ride in the Wilkes-Barre Veterans Day Parade with their daddy. On top of the big military tracker trailer, they smiled and waved their American flags. I walked along side the truck with the Marines and other Marine Corps wives and snapped pictures. It is something over whelming to see people in the chilly air standing along the road, waving, whistling and clapping as you walk by.

The honor these people, perfect strangers, gave to our military men and woman was extraordinary as they gave up their time and comfort to be there for them. Such an honor to walk along side with them and capture the moments.

On today, Veterans Day, do not forget to thank a service member past and present for their sacrifice.

Photography Runs In The Family

2011-11-08T07:58:00.003-05:00

Oct 26 was my birthday and I turned 36. I didn't do a big post for it like I normally would have, every year I seem to be less and less interested. Not sure why but my guess would be that as the years go on, I have more important things to concentrate on.

Of course my hubby and the girls always have to do something. This year they woke me at 0630 to open presents and blow out my candles. Yes, cake for breakfast that day. I was very surprised by a present from hubby. A portable lighting studio with a folding light box, two lights and a tripod. It is pretty cool and will be perfect for photographing my bentos. It was also perfect timing for a surprise present I would receive in the mail a few weeks later.

A few days ago Fedx dropped off a package from my Gramps in CA. When I opened the box I couldn't believe what I saw.

Attached to this copy of an old picture reads...

"The lady seated at the far right of the photo with the book in her lap is Mayme (Mary) Crilly, your Great-Great Grandmother. She was a school teacher in this one-room school in Enid, Oklahoma at the turn of the 20th Century. An avid photographer for fifty years, she used hundreds of rolls of film in this old Kodak Brownie."

Along with the picture was this Brownie camera that belonged to my Great Great Grandmother Mary Crilly. I was blown away and so honored that this would be passed down to me. You may remember my previous post Collecting Vintage Cameras. So of course not only as a collector was I excited to get this camera but it is more special because of whom used it.

I always thought I got my eye from my Grams whom ever since I could remember had a camera in our faces growing up. As we got older we gave her grief over it, but of course now that I am (much) older, I totally get it. She still loves photography and I am glad I can share my captures with her. She actually was the inspiration for my new watermark and logo...the butterfly.

So how cool is it to know the photography bug goes back even further and deeper than I even knew. Now I need to contact my Gramps and see if he has any of Mary's old captures. Hopefully he does as I love vintage photographs as well.

Sunday Snapshot - Rays Of Light {photography}

2011-11-06T08:51:00.003-05:00

If you follow my Facebook page you would have seen one of these shots posted this week. These were taken upon my return from the school bus stop. As I got closer to the house, I say these brilliant rays of light coming out from behind my house. I ran in, grabbed my camera and walked out to the back of the property.

After I processed them, I was so giddy. This is why I love photography. The opportunity to capture such beauty and the different feelings that well up inside, it's amazing.

**Do not forget to stop by and enter my giveaway to win MyMemories Suite v2 digital scrapbooking software**

MyMemories Suite Review and Giveaway!

2011-11-04T00:01:00.004-04:00

Years ago before kids and when I actually had time, I used to scrapbook. I bought everything. The paper, the scissors, the templates with cutters, the pens, stickers, sticky tape squares...everything! Hundreds of dollars in product. Then the girls came and it was just impossible.

There was no way I could sit in front of the tv with all my product and pictures spread out and have a toddler running around through it. So I boxed up all my stuff and still to this day it sits. Every time I pass the box of scrapbooking product or backup pictures of my girls, I feel guilty. Guilty that months and then years go by and all I have is a external drive full of pictures. When my girls are older what do I want to pass on to them? A hard drive full of unorganized pictures, or an album I so lovingly created and printed just for them?

When I first started blogging I was introduced to digital scrapbooking. I was amazed at how awesome the pages looked but assumed it was too over my head, too complicated or that I just didn't have the time. I am here to say I was terribly wrong on all accounts!

This was my very first page thanks to an amazing digital scrapbooking software called MyMemories Suite v2. I was so excited to download my digital software and get started that I told my husband he was on dinner duty that night for him and the girls.

I figured it was going to take me all night to understand how to use the software and the digital scrapbooking kits, but once again I was wrong. I decided to watch the easy tutorial on getting started (which I normally never do) and literally in just a few minutes I had this beautiful page. I was so giddy and proud of myself, I stayed up almost all night creating pages for our family album. Be warned though, when you start using MyMemories scrapbooking software, you will be hooked! I have had mine since Sept and I am still as excited today when I finish a page as I was the very first day.

MyMemories is a one stop shop. Not only do they have scrapbooking software but the have fabulous designers who create lovely papers and embellishments. MyMemories also has Weekly Deals, Freebies, the Design Club and much more. Speaking of, the Design Club is fabulous. For only $5.99 a month you get 5 exclusive new kits every month (not sold in their store) and 5% off every order. I look forward to my email the first of each month to see what the new kits are.

One of the best parts of MyMemories is that I can do it quick and easy on my computer. Everything is self contained. No massive box full of papers, scissors, stickers, ect. And lets face it, how much money will I save not having to purchase more of that stuff when I run out. Once you buy a scrapbooking kit (some for less than what you'd pay for scrapbooking paper at Michael's), you use it again and again! It never runs out!

The MyMemories Suite v2 software is only limited by your imagination, so have fun with it!!

To purchase your own My Memories Suite v2 today use coupon code "STMMMS82547" and save 10%! In addition to that awesome deal you will also receive a $10 coupon for the MyMemories Store! That is a $20 value!

Or if your feeling lucky...enter to win it FREE here!!

** FYI - When MyMemories Facebook page reaches 10,000 Fans, they will holding a giveaway for a FREE iPad! So keep an eye out for that, they are almost at their goal! **

How To Enter:

Mandatory Entry: Head over to My Memories and take a look around. Come back here and comment telling me what your favorite digital scrapbooking paper pack or layout is. Please make sure if you do not have a valid email address on your blog or profile, add it to your comment so I can contact you easily. NOTE: If you skip the mandatory entry, none of your entries will count for the giveaway.

Extra Entries: (leave separate comment for each extra entry)

* Become a follower of this blog via GFC (or tell me you already are) (1 entry)

* Follow My Memories Blog on GFC. (1 entry)

* Become a fan of My Memories on Facebook. (1 entry)

* Follow Me and My Memories on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway..OR use the Tweet Button at the bottom of this post. (Please leave the status link in your comment) (2 entries)

Giveaway closes Nov 11th 2011 @ 11:59pm (EST) Winner will be picked Nov 12th by Random.org and notified by email. A post will follow on my Facebook Page. Winners have 72 hours to reply to my email otherwise a new winner will be picked.

Disclaimer: I was contacted my MyMemories to write a review and host a giveaway. In exchange I was given product from the MyMemories store free of charge. I received no monitory compensation. All opinions are mine and mine alone and are unbiased.

Use coupon code "STMMMS82547" and save 10%! In addition to that awesome deal you will also receive a $10 coupon for the MyMemories Store! That is a $20 value!

Trick Or Treat Scrap Challenge

2011-11-03T12:10:00.003-04:00

Today I am joining in on MyMemories Trick or Treat scrap challenge. The above picture I used for this page was of my girls with their new school mates on Halloween. They were waiting patiently in the hay wagon ready to go get their candy on. Realizing now that I should have taken off their jackets for the pictures, but it was so darn cold (it snowed a foot 2 days before), and they are so stick thin, then poor babes would have frozen into popsicles..lol

I made this page using the MyMemories Suite v2. I love this program and all the kits from the fabulous designers I could gush of hours, but I'll do one better. Come back tomorrow for my Review and GIVEAWAY from MyMemories! Wahoo!

The First Snowman

2011-11-02T00:05:00.002-04:00

Yep, more snow pictures. While we only had the snow for 48 hours before it melted away, I captured some awesome memories. Like this one, C made her very first snowman!

Our property backs up to a deep forest with a babbling stream. We decided to take a winter walkabout and go exploring the forest covered in snow. It was magical!

Macro Monday - Snow Flakes

2011-10-31T00:01:00.002-04:00

Captured this while on our morning hike through the snow. That's right..snow. See more of our winter wonderland in my Out My Bathroom Window post.

Out My Bathroom Window - Snow For Halloween!

2011-10-30T09:32:00.003-04:00

Sunrise this morning

Snow for Halloween, awesome! This is our first snowfall since moving to NEPA and while the locals were not welcoming of the snow, we were beside ourselves with excitement.

Yesterday after a few inches had fallen we bundled up the girls and headed out into the white powder. The flakes that fell where big and fluffy and poured down around us. C barely made it out the basement door before she threw herself to the ground and made her very first snow angel. Daddy quickly showed the girls how to make snowballs...and then proceeded to throw them at mommy..lol

We got the sled and set up at the top of one of our hills. The girls thought that was pretty cool especially when daddy gave them a big push. Even Sookie thought the snow was awesome. She was running, rolling and eating the snow. The neighbor girl came over and showed C how to roll snow balls for making a snowman. They decorated him and named him of course....Frosty.

I woke this morning to the most beautiful sight. It reminds me of when I used to spend a winter weekend in Lake Tahoe. Waking up and seeing the gorgeous winter wonderland landscape was always my most favorite part, and now I get to have it in my own backyard for the winter. Everyone tells me the novelty will wear off after a month, but I do not think it will. I have fresh eyes for this and am so excited for the next snow fall.

Lemon Meringue Costume {Sewing}

2011-10-29T11:07:00.004-04:00

M had her school Halloween party yesterday. Her classmates where so adorable all dressed up, running around, playing and of course getting their sugar high on. Thanks for all the guess on my Handmade Costume Sneak Peak post, you guys were right on!

Say hello to Lemon Meringue from the Strawberry Shortcake Gang. A very fitting character for my blondie. She can be a little tart when she doesn't get her way, but add a spoonful of sugar and you can't resist her.

Originally I was going to sew her a peasant dress (more like the classic character) but when I found the Diore Twirl Dress pattern I feel in love! The only changes I made was to shorten the top skirt and add a bit of white tulle between the top and bottom skirts to add some volume. Also I misplaced my button hole foot, so after tearing apart my sewing room for an hour, I decided on faux buttons and used snaps to connect the straps to the drop bodice. And because M is so stinkin petite, I had to add darts to both sides of the drop bodice to bring it in a bit.

I embroidered a lemon on the front that I found from Big Dream Embroidery on Etsy that matched perfectly with the "juicy" fabric I did for the main parts of her dress. This costume is topped off with a Newsboy Hat that I embellished with yoyo's and buttons. I love this hat, totally want to make one for myself..lol Her hair is braided and finished with Kanzashi flowers I made the night before the party.

And for her candy bag I went to our local Spirit store and bought the bag that goes with the costume they sell in the store.

Here's the gang. Her BFF's are total classic Strawberry and Blueberry, her mama rocked those costumes. M's look is more of an avant garde compared to them and I love it. The look is definitely us :)

The Protector {Photography}

2011-10-27T08:53:00.004-04:00

M has been home sick all week. The usual winter time stuff...barking cough, stuffy, ect. And besides me who has been by her side watching over her? Her nursemaid Sookie. Laying with her, giving her kisses when she started to cough, Sookie is always watching over her.

And when Sookie needed a quick nap, M shares her blanket with Sookie and watchs over her. What a great team. Yet more proof that it is not the breed, but the owner that makes dogs go mad.

First Booked Shoot

2011-10-26T00:05:00.002-04:00

This weekend I had my first booked shoot. I was so nervous. What do I do? What if I do not get any good shots? What if they do not like what I do get? I do not do photo shoots. I am a landscape and architecture photographer. I mean sure, I snap shots for my boutique, but those are my girls and for me. I am a pretty easy customer to myself..lol

Lucky for me, my first shoot was with my girl friend and her family. So while I was nervous because she was still a paying customer, at least they were not strangers staring at me like "okay, now what?"

These are some of my favorites from that day. She has such a fun, beautiful family. My favorite part was just following them around and snapping away. While I like posed pictures, I think the candid captures are the best.

Ben & Mia Pants and A Pattern Giveaway! CLOSED

2011-10-25T00:05:00.007-04:00

At the beginning of the month I told you about my new favorite dress pattern from Lily Bird Studio. If you do not remember my post Sewing Dresses For Winter, you must check it out. Anyways I saw on Lily Birds Facebook page she was looking for testers for her newest pattern, Ben & Mia Pants...yay!

How cute are these pants! I made M a pair from soft chocolate corduroy. The pattern is great. Very easy to follow, great instructional pictures and all the pieces fit together perfectly for construction. The details on this pant is adorable. Piping around the pockets and extra large belt loops with buttons, love!

The pattern is gender neutral (hence the name) and has three different styles you can choose from. This pattern will be available very soon, but until then why not enjoy one of her other many awesome patterns....for FREE!

That's right, Lily Bird Studios is giving away a FREE pattern from her Etsy Shop to one lucky winner!

How To Enter:

Mandatory Entry: Head over to Lily Bird Studios and browse her shop. Then come back here and tell me which pattern you would like to try. Please make sure if you do not have a valid email address on your blog or profile, add it to your comment so I can contact you easily. NOTE: If you skip the mandatory entry, none of your entries will count for the giveaway.

Extra Entries: (leave a separate comments for each entry)

* Follow Me on GFC (or let me know you already do) (1 Entry)

* Become A Fan of Lily Bird Studios on Facebook and let her know we sent you (2 entries)

* Follow Lily Birds Blog "So Tei-Tei" on GFC (2 entries)

* Follow Me and Lily Bird Studio on Twitter and RT this: (please leave status link in your comment) (1 entry)

Lily Bird Studios Pattern Giveaway on A Pocket Full Of Buttons @sewfierce @LilyBirdStudio www.apocketfullofbuttons.com #sewing #childrensclothing #giveaway

Giveaway closes Nov 1st 2011 @ 11:59pm (EST) Winner will be picked Nov 2nd by Random.org and notified by email, a post will follow on my Facebook Page. Winners have 72 hours to reply to my email otherwise a new winner will be picked.

Disclaimer: I was given the above mentioned pattern to test free of charge. I received no other product or monitory compensation. All opinions are mine and mine alone and are unbiased.

Frito Pie In A Bowl {Recipe}

2011-10-24T10:08:00.008-04:00

Frito Pie is not only absolutely delicious, but so easy to make. My high school sweet heart was from Texas and when we moved into our first apartment together he introduced me to Frito Pie. According to him, it is a big thing in Texas and was one of his childhood favorite dishes.

A couple decades, a husband and children later I was reintroduced to it via The Pioneer Woman. I have stalked her for awhile now and have made many of her recipes our weekly staples. So while browsing her recipes a few weeks back, I came across her recipe for Frito Chili Pie served smartly inside the single serving Fritos bags...perfect for a party food.

Having a flashback of making this recipe many years ago I knew my family would love it! The recipe I made years ago called for making it in a casserole and baking it. However I liked how Ree's made it a stove top recipe. So I combined the two and this is what I came up with. Enjoy!

Frito Pie In A Bowl

Ingredients:

2 lbs Ground Meat

1 yellow Onion, diced

4 cloves Garlic minced

28 oz Diced Tomatoes

4 oz Green Chilies

3 oz Tomato Paste

Sweet Paprika

Ground Cumin

Chipotle Chile Powder

Ancho Chile Powder

Garlic Salt

Chili Powder

Siracha

Black Pepper

14 oz Black Beans, drained & rinsed

14 oz Pinto Beans, drained & rinsed

1/4 cup Yellow Corn Meal

1/2 cup Warm Water

Fritos

Shredded Cheese

Directions:

Brown meat in a large high wall skillet over med high heat

Once meat is cooked and crumbled add the onions and garlic. Cook the onions down until softened.

To the skillet add the diced tomatoes, green chilies and 3oz (half can) of tomato paste.

Stir well to blend in with the meat/onion mixture.

Add your seasonings. We like ours spicy with different depths of flavor. I do not have measurements for the spices. Everything is done by taste.

Use little or as much of whatever spices you prefer, it does not have to be the ones listed in this recipe. Remember you can not take away spices, so start small and adjust.

Mix together well, cover, and let simmer on med low for 20 minutes.

While meat mixture is simmering and marrying all those delicious flavors, rinse and drain your pinto and black beans. Set aside.

Once the 20 minutes is up, in a bowl combine the corn meal and warm water. Add the rinsed beans and stir in the corn meal mixture into your spicy skillet.

Cover and simmer again for another 20 minutes. I saw Ree's recipe called for Masa or corn meal, and I really like it much better than adding flour as a thickener.

During this last 20 minutes you can prepare your bowls by adding a small handful of Frito's to the bottom of each one. Once the timer goes off, turn your skillet off. Spoon the now chili meat mixture onto your Frito's, top with shredded cheese and wahooo it's time to chow down!

Jack O Lantern Bentos

2011-10-22T08:01:00.002-04:00

Packed in our Easy Lunchboxes is a sami with sugar decoration, mini club crackers, tomatoes or carrots,

Jack O Lantern Clementine, and choco covered pretzels.

It was another mad dash yesterday morning to pack lunch. First, we woke up later then usual which always makes me sweat. C had her school pictures and wanted to look perfect, but it was 40 degrees out and trying to explain why she had to wear the thick tights with her dress was a chore. M also had school but instead of the usual afternoon time, they were visiting the Fire House which meant she not only had to wear her school shirt (which I couldn't find right away), but that she had morning class that day. Hurry, hurry, hurry!

Trying to get 2 girls up cleaned, feed, clothed and back packs packed to walk out the door in an hour is insane. It wouldn't nearly be as bad if they actually felt like cooperating with me, but yesterday was not that day. Everything was full on drama like it was the end of the world. I can only imagine what will it be like when they hit the tweens. I have a feeling mama's going to need a little pill to keep from going bonkers...lol

Speaking of "Bonkers", does anyone remember the candy from the 80's. It was one of my favorites...wonder whatever happened to it?

Out My Bathroom Window {2}

2011-10-21T00:05:00.006-04:00

Clouds rolling in before the sunrise. If you look to the lower right (between the two foreground trees) you'll see the neighborhood deer. I didn't even realize they were there until after I processed the shot.

I realized today while once again shooting the sunrise out my bathroom window that I may have something here. I seem to find my self often shooting from this window. Maybe because it looks out over the forest, maybe because the sunrises so perfectly there, or because it is the only window without a screen so I can just open and shoot with no limitations.

10 minutes later the sun starts to rise..

The wind is moving the clouds quickly across the sky, a storm is coming.

I think I am going to start a new series here on APFOB called........wait for it......."Out My Bathroom Window". Genius right..lol There will not be any specific day, just when I catch something I want to share.

First wave of clouds gone, second set rolling in.

Looking at this series of pictures from today made me realize how bare my trees are compared to my original OMBW post back in Sept. I think this is going to be fun and I hope you enjoy seeing what is out my bathroom window. So, what is outside yours?

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

She Is My Joy {Photography}

2011-10-20T00:05:00.006-04:00

What is the best part of photography for me? My family. While I love to capture the beautiful outdoors, the peaceful old barn sitting alone in an open field or the dramatic curves and arches of a building, my daughters inspire me the most.

It's A Batty Kind Of Bento

2011-10-19T00:05:00.010-04:00

It's a simple lunchbox today, but still with some Halloween flair. Packed away in our Easy Lunchboxes containers the girls have a sami topped with a batty sugar decoration, veggie straws, grapes and mini Halloween shortbread cookies. The only difference in the boxes is that C loves grape tomatoes and M loves her baby carrots.

It is amazing even when your running late, how you can still pack a healthy, fun and very tasty lunch for your kids.

Handmade Costume Sneak Peak - Can You Guess?

2011-10-18T07:47:00.001-04:00

This year I handmade a costume for M. I sure wasn't planning on it, and M already had her mind made up on what she wanted. It was the same as last year...Snow White. So I was happy when she decided to join her friends and do something different, even if it meant putting off projects I really wanted to finish.

Two of her BFF's are sisters and are being characters from the same "gang". There was a few characters available if M wanted to join in, and she did. So we thought about the other characters and one in particular jumped out at us, "she" perfect for M.

So mama got sewing. With ideas swimming through my head, I wanted to stay with the "classic" characters colors. While the dress is not a style the character wore over the decades, when I saw this pattern, I just couldn't resist.

I even made a matching accessory that I just loooove! I can not wait for M to put on her outfit and parade around town with her friends. I am pretty sure people that see the three girls together will know who they are.

So what do you think? Have any ideas?

* Do not forget about our Silk Instead Of Milk Giveaway. Enter Today!*

Runaway Horse

2011-10-16T15:41:00.003-04:00

While in the kitchen this morning Sookie was crying at the patio door. Nothing unusual about that, she whines anytime she see's deer, turkey's, birds, squirrels, basically anything that moves. She had a high pitched squeal to this mornings whine so I asked C to look out the window and see what her problem was.

Next thing I know I hear C yelling "it's a horse"! "What" I said, not quite sure I heard her right. "A HOOOORSE".... this time with a high pitched squeal that almost matched Sookie's. I go to the window and yup, there was a horse hanging out eating the grass. Interesting!

Of course my first thought was to grab the camera, but I resisted and instead ran to the fridge, grabbed an apple and then grabbed Sookie's leash. As I stepped outside the pretty Paint picked up her head, looked at me and then went back to grazing. I didn't think she would spook since I have met her before, but you never know.

I was able to go right up to her, and while feeding her the apple I made a makeshift halter out of Sookie's leash and placed it around her head. When she had finished the apple, I walked her down the road to her house.

Her 2 other paddock mates (a Bay Mare and a Palomino Gelding) apparently decided to wait there for the filly and not follow. I opened the gate and put her back inside with her mates. I saw where she had broke through the fence so I went up the drive to tell my neighbor what was going on.

I was only up at the house for a few minutes and when I walked back down the drive I saw the Bay and Palomino...but not the filly...really? I turned and saw her now eating grass in her front yard. I walked over and called her. Once she saw me she came over and dropped her head as in to say, "yep, I did it again". I put the leash/halter back around her and lead her back to the paddock once again. By now my neighbor was there and fixing the fence, so I knew she wouldn't (for now) escape again.

The girls were sad they didn't get to pet her before I took her home, so I told them to get dressed, I sliced some apples and we headed back over to the neighbors. When we got there the horses were in the back stalls, but your neighbor being awesome , let us go back there to see them.

The girls got such a kick out of feeding them and hanging out. C did not want to leave. I would see the *spark* in her eyes as she looked at them. I see more of myself in C everyday, and I can see her immediate love and bond with the horses.

Creepy Crawly Bento

2011-10-13T06:57:00.004-04:00

Packed today in C's Easy Lunchbox container is a salami sami with a spider sugar decoration. Veggie straws and red grapes. In the back containers are sliced baby carrots and a lemon cupcake with chocolate frosting. C rarely gets a cupcake or sugary baked good in her lunch, so she is going to be so excited when she opens her box today. Hopefully she will not be tempted to eat it first.

Skulls Bento

2011-10-12T07:13:00.004-04:00

I found my Halloween picks and cups...wahooo! I'm my last bento post I made mention that I was missing them all, probably packed away somewhere. Well this weekend while pulling the Halloween decorations, I found them in that box. Makes sense now why I would have put them there....lol

C has a salami sami on Kings Hawaiian bread (our fav), choco covered twisted bones, red eye balls and veggie sticks (couldn't think of a scary name for them)

Falling For Fall {photography}

2011-10-11T17:02:00.006-04:00

The past several days has been ba-na-nas! From sewing for my girls and the shop, to cleaning, playdates, baking, canning, gardening and of course it was a holiday. I am beat but I am super excited that I planted my first plot of garlic! "Plant garlic on Columbus Day and harvest in July", this is what my neighbors told me so *fingers and toes* crossed. Anyways, I have been so busy that I literally got severely dehydrated and it took me 24 hours of sucking down fluids non stop to get back to normal. Hate when that happens!

I did however in all this chaos get a few beautiful shots the other morning when it was crisp and chilly, and the fog was lying low. The above picture is of a stream near our home. I am standing on the one lane bridge we drive over that heads into town. It's always so beautiful, but on this day, the fog in the distance caught my eye with the sun rising and shinning through the beautiful autumn colored trees.

Hopefully this week will be a tad slower so I can stop by and catch up with everyone's blogs, I miss you guys :) Oh and let me introduce you to my newest 2T model...Miss Em.

Is she not just the cutest babe. I think she may have a modeling career on her hands. Miss Em is modeling our Autumn Apple Winter Corduroy Dress Size 2T. Stop by the Sew Fierce and take a look.

Easy Cheesy Eggs & Sausage Topped Waffles {recipe}

2011-10-07T17:53:00.040-04:00

Breakfast in my house is sometimes rushed, but even then I can always find time to make M's favorite..Cheesy Eggs & Sausage Topped Waffles. Eggs are simple and everyone does them differently, but my kids will only eat them the way I make them. Maybe it's the seasoning, maybe it's the gooey cheese or maybe the threat of nothing else to eat until lunch..lol Either way, they chow it down and M usually asks for seconds of just the eggs.

{Ingredients}

Makes 2 servings

4 Eggs

Garlic Salt

Black Pepper

Red Pepper Flakes

1 Tbsp Milk

4 Sausage Patties (I use Jimmy Dean)

2 Frozen Waffles

Shredded Cheese

Cooking Spray

{Directions}

Place your sausage in a preheated pan. No oil or cooking spray needed. Cook over medium heat. 5-7 minutes per side. Get your eggs ready.

These are my "secret" ingredients to my eggs. Over my 30+ years making eggs, it has never failed.

In a small bowl crack 4 eggs and add spices. I eye ball it, but I guess it would amount to about 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp garlic salt and a dash (unless you want them spicier) of the red pepper flakes. Also add your 1 Tbsp milk and whisk.

Nice and airy eggs, set aside. In a small nonstick skillet, coat bottom with cooking spray and preheat on Med.

When pan is warm, but not too hot...add your egg mixture. Let eggs sit and cook until you see the bottom just start to bubble up.

While waiting for the eggs to bubble up, flip your patties.

Cover the sausage skillet and turn to low, eggs should be great to scramble.

With a spatula, turn the eggs up from the bottom of the pan and let the wet eggs fill the pan again.

Keep doing the above step until all the wet eggs are cooked and fluffy. Turn pan down to low.

Time for my favorite part..the cheesy goodness! I like to use a preshredded mix, I find that it is much finer than I can do myself and melts better.

Now, I love my eggs super cheesy, so I pile it on! Not exactly healthy, but i'll just have carrots for lunch... lol. Add as little or as much of the cheese as you like.

Cover your cheesy eggs and turn pan to simmer. Let all that steam melt the cheesy and yet, not keep cooking the eggs and try them out. Also at this time, turn your sausage pan also down to simmer!

While sausage and eggs are keeping war, toast your frozen waffles.

This is an excellent time to pour yourself a cup of coffee! I am so excited to see the holiday flavored creamers again, I look forward to it all year.

Okay back to the breakfast. After waffles are toasted it is time to start assembling your breakfast! Place two sausage patties on top of a waffle.

And top that with half of your cheesy eggs...presto! If you really want to go all out, top the whole pile with a spoon full of homemade salsa. Ugh it is so good!