Fave Recipes

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 :)

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

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.