Over the years, I have moved out of my comfort zone and started cooking meals that weren't Hamburger Helper or Mac & Cheese related :) As easy as those meals are, they also get old really fast. I've had a lot of recipes that I've found (or come up with) and are now some of my faves! So, I'm going to share a few with you :) Sorry but I don't remember where I got most of them, b/c I've kinda committed them to memory!
Starbuck's Frozen Frappuccino - Makes 2 "Grande" Drinks
3/4 cup Double-Strength Coffee, Cold
1 cup milk
3T sugar
2 Cups Ice
Put it all in the blender and voila! I prefer the flavored Frappuccino's though. I always make Caramel, but this will probably work with about any flavor. I put in 3T of Caramel Syrup (or whatever syrup you like). Since I am pregnant, I use Decaf coffee right now, but normally I use regular old breakfast blend. Nothing fancy! I, personally, didn't notice a HUGE difference using Starbuck's brand coffee over another brand in the mix.
This next recipe isn't much different than the Starbuck's recipe. The only difference is taht you add ice cream and regular strength coffee.
Arby's Jamocha Shake - Makes 2 Large Drinks
1 cup cold coffee
1 cup milk
3T sugar
3 cups vanilla ice cream
3T chocolate syrup
Blend the coffee, milk, and sugar in a blender for about 15 seconds to dissolve the sugar. Then, add the ice cream and chocolate syrup and voila! Simple :)
I thought of this one b/c we just had it for dinner last night (and lunch today). It's REALLY simple, doesn't take many ingredients, and is yummy!
Penne Chicken Ranch Pasta
1 Envelope Ranch Salad Dressing Mix
2 1/2 cups Penne Pasta (we prefer the Bertolli Whole Wheat)
8T Butter (1 stick)
1 cup frozen peas & carrots, thawed
3 cups diced chicken (or turkey if you prefer)
Cook & Drain the pasta using the directions on the box. Then, melt the butter in a skillet. Add the envelope of Ranch. Stir until mixed really well. Add the peas, carrots, and chicken and coat them well with the sauce. Finally, add the pasta, mix really well and serve! Easy peasy :)
This recipe is considered a "legend" in the world of paranormal investigating in Colorado Springs! LOL A group my husband and I are a part of in Colorado, called Colorado Springs Paranormal Association, was having a training session at our house. I told everyone I would make dinner and this is what I made!! It was a HUGE hit. Granted, the paranormal "barking spiders" that came afterwards... not such a huge hit. HAHA Anyway, so, Bev and Paul, the leaders and owners of the group, would request this often after that day.
Enchilada Bake
10 tortilla shells
2 cans Hormel No-Bean chili
1 can red enchilada sauce (we prefer Old El Paso)
Shredded Mexican Cheese blend
Sour Cream
In a large bowl, mix together the chili and enchilada sauce. Using kitchen sheers, cut up half the tortillas into bite sized pieces and layer into the bottom of a 13X9 inch baking dish. Pour half the sauce mixture over the tortilla pieces. Cut and spread the remaining tortilla shells over the sauce layer. Pour remaining sauce over the top of the tortilla shells. Top with a layer of cheese (as much or as little as you want). Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes. Serve topped with sour cream! YUMMMMMMMY!
This is another recipe that is really cheap to make and tastes fabulous!
Sloppy Joe Casserole
1 lb ground beef (we prefer ground turkey)
1 can condensed tomato soup
1/4 cup water
1t Worcestershire sauce
1t black pepper
1 package refrigerated biscuits (10 pack)
1/2 Shredded Cheddar cheese
Cook and drain the meat and return it to the skillet. Add the water, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato soup to the meat and cook until boiling. Spoon the mixture into a 1 1/2 - 2 quart casserole dish. Layer the biscuits on top of the mixture around the outer edge. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. Sprinkle the cheese over the beef mixture as soon as you take it out of the oven.
That's it! Quick, easy, and yummy :)
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Monday, May 14, 2012
Pregnancy Progression
Well, I can hardly believe it... I'm 32 weeks (8 months) this week. It's been a long road to get to here and I'm soooo happy the pregnancy is almost over. I can't wait to hold my baby, Lucas! I popped straight out front with my pregnancy with Mikayla and did the same with this little guy. Here are my pictures from my pregnancy with Lucas so far:
4 Months
5 Months
6 Months
7 Months
8 Months
Thursday, May 10, 2012
May 2012 Wishlist
Undercover Mama Nursing Tanks - These little suckers attach right onto your bra so that when you pull your shirt up to nurse, you don't have to have your belly hanging out! I want them in every color to go under all my clothes :) HAHA
SkipHop Treetop Friends Crib Bedding - This is ADORABLE and how I'd love my nursery to look :)
BubuBibi Owl Baby Leg Warmers - A lot of cloth diapering Mamas use these and some just use them b/c they are SO darn cute! I love these little owls.
Charlie Banana Mango Tango Pack - These cloth diapers are BEYOND soft and cute. I have 2 individual ones but would love MORE.
Blueberry Coveralls - These cloth diaper covers are so cute and have some fun designs. I'd love to get my hands on a few!
Blue Skies and Rainbows by Abi Grasso - I LOVE her yarns. She hand dyes amazing yarns (mostly sock yarns) that create pictures and stripes, to include snowmen, toadstools, sushi, bunnies, and santas. I've bought SEVERAL over the years. Sometimes it's hard to get your hands on her stuff b/c it's so popular, but if you keep your eyes peeled, you will NOT be disappointed! This colorway is one of my faves by her and I want to get my hands on some ASAP.
SkipHop Treetop Friends Crib Bedding - This is ADORABLE and how I'd love my nursery to look :)
BubuBibi Owl Baby Leg Warmers - A lot of cloth diapering Mamas use these and some just use them b/c they are SO darn cute! I love these little owls.
Charlie Banana Mango Tango Pack - These cloth diapers are BEYOND soft and cute. I have 2 individual ones but would love MORE.
Blueberry Coveralls - These cloth diaper covers are so cute and have some fun designs. I'd love to get my hands on a few!
Blue Skies and Rainbows by Abi Grasso - I LOVE her yarns. She hand dyes amazing yarns (mostly sock yarns) that create pictures and stripes, to include snowmen, toadstools, sushi, bunnies, and santas. I've bought SEVERAL over the years. Sometimes it's hard to get your hands on her stuff b/c it's so popular, but if you keep your eyes peeled, you will NOT be disappointed! This colorway is one of my faves by her and I want to get my hands on some ASAP.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Lucas - 29 Weeks
Well, I am in my 29th week of pregnancy. I had my monthly check-up on Friday morning to see how Lucas is developing and to do the Glucose test for Gestational Diabetes. Luckily, no Gestational Diabetes (not that I thought I had it anyway).
When I was pregnant with my daughter, Mikayla, I remember doing this same test. I had to drink this bottle of syrup. It was really thick, sugary, and nasty. It was supposed to taste like Coca-Cola. You are supposed to drink it in 5 minutes or less and then an hour later, they test your blood sugar. I failed. Needless to say, I was not happy b/c that meant I'd have to do the 3 hour blood sugar test. Why are these tests so difficult to get through? Because you can't eat past 10PM the night before and you can only have water. Being pregnant, you get hungry a little more often, but anyone who has to go a long time w/o eating, is going to eventually get hungry! Then you chug this nasty, sugary drink on an empty stomach. So, the one hour test is bad enough... you don't want to do the 3 hour test. I passed the 3 hour test and it ended on a positive note, thankfully.
Because the test was so bad and awful when I did it with my daughter, I was not looking forward to this appointment. However, the glucose drink was actually REALLY GOOD. The Germans know how to do it right! LOL It tasted like watered down cranberry juice. I chugged it in like 30 seconds and breezed through the test. LOL
While I was waiting to get my blood drawn for the glucose test, I was doing the fetal heart monitor. For those that don't know, they put this band around your bell and put little monitors on it to hear the heartbeat and make sure it's good, steady, and normal. It's probably one of the easier tests b/c you just lay there and listen to your baby's heartbeat (which sounds like galloping horses). Due to the massive sugar rush from the glucose drink, Lucas was kicking like crazy and flipping all over the place. It was so much fun. I love seeing/feeling him kick and move!
Next, it was time for my 3D ultrasound to see the little man. I was really excited b/c Lucas was so active. I knew we'd get a great video and picture of him.
WRONG!
AS SOON AS I laid down on the exam table, he went to sleep. SERIOUSLY, LUCAS? LOL
Not only did he go to sleep (so he wasn't moving in the video), but he had his FOOT in front of his face. HIS FOOT! He just shoved it up there against his mouth. So, the doctor was shaking him like crazy, trying to get him to move. SUCCESS! He moved his foot away from his face and...
hand goes up immediately to the same spot. I think someone is being rather difficult. Sooooo, we got a video, but it's not a great video and he has his face covered most of the time. LOL This happens during a good portion of our ultrasounds.
Anyway, so we finished the 3D portion of the ultrasound and the doc switched to regular ultrasound to measure him. He was measuring around 30 to 31 weeks on most things, but we didn't think much of it since he has measured right on track for some stuff, and a week or so above on others, since we were in the early stages of pregnancy. Then the doctor tells us around 29 weeks, he should be around 2 to 2 3/4 pounds. He's 4 pounds!!! So, my little monkey is a bit of a chunker. On average, babies don't hit 4 pounds until closer to the 33rd to 34th weeks. I'm only 29 weeks!!! Let's hope I don't have a 10 to 11 lb. baby b/c none of his newborn diapers or clothes will fit. Considering that's about the only sizes we have right now, I would like for him to be smaller. Don't get me wrong, I want a HEALTHY baby and obviously will take what I get. But it would be a LITTLE bit easier if he was between 6 and 9 lbs. LOL Remember people, I'm going at this ALL NATURAL, no meds. Cut Mama some slack!!! HAHA
When I was pregnant with my daughter, Mikayla, I remember doing this same test. I had to drink this bottle of syrup. It was really thick, sugary, and nasty. It was supposed to taste like Coca-Cola. You are supposed to drink it in 5 minutes or less and then an hour later, they test your blood sugar. I failed. Needless to say, I was not happy b/c that meant I'd have to do the 3 hour blood sugar test. Why are these tests so difficult to get through? Because you can't eat past 10PM the night before and you can only have water. Being pregnant, you get hungry a little more often, but anyone who has to go a long time w/o eating, is going to eventually get hungry! Then you chug this nasty, sugary drink on an empty stomach. So, the one hour test is bad enough... you don't want to do the 3 hour test. I passed the 3 hour test and it ended on a positive note, thankfully.
Because the test was so bad and awful when I did it with my daughter, I was not looking forward to this appointment. However, the glucose drink was actually REALLY GOOD. The Germans know how to do it right! LOL It tasted like watered down cranberry juice. I chugged it in like 30 seconds and breezed through the test. LOL
While I was waiting to get my blood drawn for the glucose test, I was doing the fetal heart monitor. For those that don't know, they put this band around your bell and put little monitors on it to hear the heartbeat and make sure it's good, steady, and normal. It's probably one of the easier tests b/c you just lay there and listen to your baby's heartbeat (which sounds like galloping horses). Due to the massive sugar rush from the glucose drink, Lucas was kicking like crazy and flipping all over the place. It was so much fun. I love seeing/feeling him kick and move!
Next, it was time for my 3D ultrasound to see the little man. I was really excited b/c Lucas was so active. I knew we'd get a great video and picture of him.
WRONG!
AS SOON AS I laid down on the exam table, he went to sleep. SERIOUSLY, LUCAS? LOL
Not only did he go to sleep (so he wasn't moving in the video), but he had his FOOT in front of his face. HIS FOOT! He just shoved it up there against his mouth. So, the doctor was shaking him like crazy, trying to get him to move. SUCCESS! He moved his foot away from his face and...
hand goes up immediately to the same spot. I think someone is being rather difficult. Sooooo, we got a video, but it's not a great video and he has his face covered most of the time. LOL This happens during a good portion of our ultrasounds.
Anyway, so we finished the 3D portion of the ultrasound and the doc switched to regular ultrasound to measure him. He was measuring around 30 to 31 weeks on most things, but we didn't think much of it since he has measured right on track for some stuff, and a week or so above on others, since we were in the early stages of pregnancy. Then the doctor tells us around 29 weeks, he should be around 2 to 2 3/4 pounds. He's 4 pounds!!! So, my little monkey is a bit of a chunker. On average, babies don't hit 4 pounds until closer to the 33rd to 34th weeks. I'm only 29 weeks!!! Let's hope I don't have a 10 to 11 lb. baby b/c none of his newborn diapers or clothes will fit. Considering that's about the only sizes we have right now, I would like for him to be smaller. Don't get me wrong, I want a HEALTHY baby and obviously will take what I get. But it would be a LITTLE bit easier if he was between 6 and 9 lbs. LOL Remember people, I'm going at this ALL NATURAL, no meds. Cut Mama some slack!!! HAHA
Friday, April 20, 2012
Cloth Diaper Obsession
When my daughter was a baby, I used disposable diapers. I didn't think anything of it b/c that's what everyone I knew used. The problem with the disposables, was the cost. I hated how much money we spent per month on diapers. So, what did we do? We bought cheaper diapers. The problem with some of the cheaper diapers was that they didn't hold up as well, they leaked, etc.
Now that I'm FINALLY pregnant with my 2nd child, a boy, Lucas, I realized how much baby stuff we were going to need to buy. Since we haven't had a baby in almost 8 years and this one is a different gender, we literally were starting over. So, we needed EVERYTHING. That was a bit scary to think about!
One thing that I didn't have to think twice about was diapers. This time around, I decided we were going to cloth diaper. It saves you thousands (literally) of dollars a year, they are so freakin' cute now, and waaaaaay easier (in case you are thinking of the diapers of 1950).
I have a TON of friends that cloth diaper their babies and have been keeping myself well informed. Anyway, I'm not writing this to push cloth diapering on anyone (although I HIGHLY recommend it). I'm just stating what we plan to do with our baby.
The ONLY issue I've had while buying all the stuff I need to cloth diaper Lucas, is that they are SO DARN CUTE!!! It's terrible. I've become OBSESSED. I am constantly looking on all the diaper sites I can all the time. I'm always looking for cute, unique, and fun patterns. I'm buying different styles and types to try out and it's honestly hard to stop! LOL With so many cute options and styles, how can I resist??
I mean... LOOK AT THIS CUTENESS!!!!
These are Blueberry Coveralls, Snaps and require a prefold or fitted diaper underneath. This is just a diaper cover. You can check out more information on the Blueberry brand (by Swaddlebee's), by going HERE.
Now that I'm FINALLY pregnant with my 2nd child, a boy, Lucas, I realized how much baby stuff we were going to need to buy. Since we haven't had a baby in almost 8 years and this one is a different gender, we literally were starting over. So, we needed EVERYTHING. That was a bit scary to think about!
One thing that I didn't have to think twice about was diapers. This time around, I decided we were going to cloth diaper. It saves you thousands (literally) of dollars a year, they are so freakin' cute now, and waaaaaay easier (in case you are thinking of the diapers of 1950).
I have a TON of friends that cloth diaper their babies and have been keeping myself well informed. Anyway, I'm not writing this to push cloth diapering on anyone (although I HIGHLY recommend it). I'm just stating what we plan to do with our baby.
The ONLY issue I've had while buying all the stuff I need to cloth diaper Lucas, is that they are SO DARN CUTE!!! It's terrible. I've become OBSESSED. I am constantly looking on all the diaper sites I can all the time. I'm always looking for cute, unique, and fun patterns. I'm buying different styles and types to try out and it's honestly hard to stop! LOL With so many cute options and styles, how can I resist??
I mean... LOOK AT THIS CUTENESS!!!!
These are Blueberry Coveralls, Snaps and require a prefold or fitted diaper underneath. This is just a diaper cover. You can check out more information on the Blueberry brand (by Swaddlebee's), by going HERE.
Bibs and Burp Cloths... oh my!
Near the beginning of my pregnancy, my friend, Kelli, got me this ADORABLE bib and burp cloth set as my first baby gift. It is super soft and had a fun "Hawaiian" theme to it. I love it so much and decided I wanted some more homemade bibs and burp cloths. I love homemade gifts and small businesses that still appreciate their customers and add those little details that bigger companies forget about!
So, I found out who made them and immediately found the woman on Facebook. Her company is called Polka Dots & Pearls. She makes way more than just bibs and burp cloths! She makes jewelry, reusable lunch pails, pencil/crayon cases/holders, retro & whimsical party supplies, hair things, and soooo much more. She always has funky and fun fabrics. I could spend a fortune buying all her goodies! But I had to control myself. So, I picked 5 bib/burp rag sets, and some pee-pee teepees (if you don't know what these are, you probably don't have a baby boy at home LOL).
I got a comment from her on FB that my bibs and burp cloths were done. And I just have to say... I'M IN LOVE. OMG they are SOOOOO adorable! Check it out:
They turned out FABULOUS and I can't wait to put them on my little man. Check out Polka Dots & Pearls Facebook page today. She has VERY reasonable prices for the amount of work she puts into her stuff and she takes PayPal, so it doesn't matter where you live :)
Go HERE to see all her fabulous products and place a custom order TODAY!!!
So, I found out who made them and immediately found the woman on Facebook. Her company is called Polka Dots & Pearls. She makes way more than just bibs and burp cloths! She makes jewelry, reusable lunch pails, pencil/crayon cases/holders, retro & whimsical party supplies, hair things, and soooo much more. She always has funky and fun fabrics. I could spend a fortune buying all her goodies! But I had to control myself. So, I picked 5 bib/burp rag sets, and some pee-pee teepees (if you don't know what these are, you probably don't have a baby boy at home LOL).
I got a comment from her on FB that my bibs and burp cloths were done. And I just have to say... I'M IN LOVE. OMG they are SOOOOO adorable! Check it out:
They turned out FABULOUS and I can't wait to put them on my little man. Check out Polka Dots & Pearls Facebook page today. She has VERY reasonable prices for the amount of work she puts into her stuff and she takes PayPal, so it doesn't matter where you live :)
Go HERE to see all her fabulous products and place a custom order TODAY!!!
Mochimochi Land Jumbo Gnome Giveaway!
As soon as I saw this giveaway, I entered b/c this Gnome is SOOOO freakin' cute! Even if I don't win the giveaway, I'm buying the pattern.
As some of you know, I am 28 weeks pregnant with a boy, Lucas. I'm doing his nursery in an owl/mushroom/birdie retro sorta theme (is that REALLY a theme?). How perfect would this guy be for it?
Anyway, back to the giveaway for all you knitters out there :)
The creator of Mochimochi Land is giving away the pattern to make this guy and all the colors you need to it, using Biggo yarn from Knit Picks (my fave site to buy yarn).
You have to hurry though, b/c the giveaway ends on Sunday, April 22nd at midnight!!!
Go HERE to enter the giveaway!!!
As some of you know, I am 28 weeks pregnant with a boy, Lucas. I'm doing his nursery in an owl/mushroom/birdie retro sorta theme (is that REALLY a theme?). How perfect would this guy be for it?
Anyway, back to the giveaway for all you knitters out there :)
The creator of Mochimochi Land is giving away the pattern to make this guy and all the colors you need to it, using Biggo yarn from Knit Picks (my fave site to buy yarn).
You have to hurry though, b/c the giveaway ends on Sunday, April 22nd at midnight!!!
Go HERE to enter the giveaway!!!
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