*Recipe Alert: Emergency Recipes For Memorial Day!

It's Memorial Day!!!  Have you got your dish ready for the cook out?  If not, here are some ideas to help you along.  Some of my most faves!!!


Dukes Tater Salad

2 lbs. red potatoes, boiled and cubed (skinned if preferred)

3 hard boiled eggs, chopped
1-2.2 oz. can sliced black olives
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup sweet pickles, finely chopped
1/2 cup cooked bacon, finely chopped
1 cup Duke's Mayonnaise  (Gotta use Dukes!)
1 Tbsp.  Mustard
1 1/2 tsp. sweet pickle juice
1 1/2 tsp. white vinegar
1/2 tsp. Black Pepper
1/4 tsp. salt

Mix all ingredients except for taters.  Once they are done and diced up, fold them into the ingredients.


Cold Cut Pinwheels

3 oz. pkg. cream cheese

1 tbsp. milk
1/4 c. finely chopped green onions
1/4 lb. cold cuts, your favorite

Have cheese at room temperature. Blend with milk and stir in onions. Spread cheese mixture over cold cut of your choice (slices), roll tightly. Wrap in waxed paper and chill. Cut into about 1 inch slices



My Fave Strawberry Shortcake

Small marshmallows

1 white cake mix
1 pk strawberry Jello
1 pk frozen strawberries
1 container Cool Whip

Layer pan with marshmallows. Mix cake mix according to directions. Microwave strawberries to thaw for 1 min. Add Jello. Sprinkle a layer of marshmallows over cake. Put Jello and Strawberry mixture over marshmallows. Bake according to directions on box. Refrigerate. When cake is cooled add Cool Whip on top and serve.


Y'all stay safe and enjoy your holiday!!!!


*Remember...your life is way more than average, so go out and live it in a BIG way!

Bursts of Inspiration~

This is such an important weekend.  In the midst of all the fun, we mustn't forget the reason why we have the freedoms to be able to do so.  Ever since this country was established, men and women all across this great nation have continued to fight to defend it.  No matter what our opinions are over the current wars, we must thank our sailors, soldiers and marines who fight to preserve our most precious asset -- our freedom!

On this Memorial Day weekend, we need to take a moment and silently thank the men and women who have gave their all to serve this great nation.  If you have a Military member in your midst, active duty or retired, be sure to thank them for their sacrifices.  It takes a special person to lay down their life or to offer it to their country, so that others might live.

In Memory of those who have lost their lives serving this great nation...

Sunday Funnies: " I'm Feeling The Love!"

We Had A Shell Of A Time!

Wow!!!  Summer is starting off awesome for us this year.  We spent the first day crabbing on the Clifford Street Bridge in Portsmouth.  Sitting on a pier that I've had ties to my entire adolescence was a wonderful way to spend half the day.  We purchased a few more crabs than we caught, but the company was the most enjoying.  I truly love my family with every fiber of my being.  Sitting around, soaking up the hot sun with my kids, hubby, parents & sisters was just an irreplaceable moment in time.

Bob's heading out in the morning to try to catch us some more crab.  He's got a hankering for some Chesapeake Bay Crab Cakes...  looks like I know what I'm gonna be making for dinner tomorrow night!  Here's the recipe...

6 tablespoons mayonnaise, divided
1 1/4 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning, divided
1 1/2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 large egg
4 saltine crackers, crushed
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
3 or 4 drops hot sauce
1 pound fresh crab meat
Paprika


Stir together 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, 3/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning, and next 6 ingredients in a medium bowl; gently stir in crab meat.

Shape into 12 patties. Place on a lightly greased baking sheet.
Stir together remaining 3 tablespoons mayonnaise and remaining 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning; spread evenly on crab cakes. Sprinkle with paprika.
Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until lightly browned.

 
*Remember...Your life is way more than average, so go out and live it in a big way!

Bursts of Inspiration

"Whatcha Talkin' 'bout Willis?!?!"

Gary Coleman's fighting for his life in an LA Hospital this morning.  I know he's a "lost soul", a "wanderer", but he's someone's child.  He brought great laughs to my childhood...there wasn't a day that went by that as a child I didn't put my hands on my hips, poke those lips out and say:  "Whatcha talkin' 'bout Willis?!?!"  He was a part of my growing up, offering many laughs.  And on this day, as many burdens as I have on my heart, I can youtube Gary Coleman and get a chuckle, regain the smile on my face and the joy in my heart.  He's fighting for his life right now...my life's inconveniences seem to pale in comparison. 

Easy Memorial Day Treats

I absolutely love Memorial Day Weekend.  It's possibly one of my most favorite holidays.  There's just something about the smell of sunblock, chlorine and the bright sunshine that makes all the world feel right.  Our family lives in the pool for the entire summer and very seldom leave it, but when we do it's time to eat!  No one likes to spend their days cooking, instead of enjoying some fun in the sun, so here are some easy recipes that will have you back in the pool in no time.  :o)

Cream Cheese Dipped Strawberries

These strawberries are perfect for memorial day.  You can't beat dipped strawberries, but when you add the festive sprinkles, it's almost too much...especially for the kids!!!




1 quart fresh strawberries
3 oz. cream cheese (low fat is okay)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2-4 Tbsp. milk
red, white and blue sprinkles

Wash strawberries and dry with a paper towel. Leave stems on.
With an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Beat in milk, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached -- it should be thin enough to dip, but thick enough to set on the strawberries.
Pour sprinkles into a small bowl.
Holding the stem, dip each strawberry into the sweetened cream cheese mixture. Make sure the berries are well-coated with the cream cheese mixture, but leave about 1/4 of the berry tops showing.
Gently roll berries in sprinkles to coat on all sides.
Enjoy!

Ice Cream Sandwich Cake

This cake is super easy and kids absolutely love to help make this cake!!!

20 ice cream sandwiches (regular, strawberry or Neapolitan)
1 12 oz. jar hot fudge sauce
1 8 oz. container frozen whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
red, white and blue sprinkles

Cut one ice cream sandwich in half. Place one whole ice cream sandwich and one half of an ice cream sandwich side by side across the short end of a 9 x 13 pan.
Next to those ice cream sandwiches, arrange 8 more ice cream sandwiches lengthwise, to cover the bottom of the pan.
Place hot fudge sauce in a microwave-safe container. Heat on high for 30 seconds. Spread half of the sauce over the ice cream sandwiches.
Top with half of the whipped topping.
Repeat layers: ice cream sandwiches, hot fudge sauce and whipped topping. Scatter sprinkles over top.
Freeze, uncovered 2 hours. Cover with foil and freeze another hour.

Fabulous Grilled Hamburgers

Of course no summer day would be perfect without the hamburger!!!  Here's how I get mine ready for the grill...they are super delicious!  The key is to make the patties the night before, or up to a week before and freeze them.  Then you can just plop them on the grill!  :o)  How easy is that?



Combine the following ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1/2 onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup shredded Colby or Monterrey Jack cheese
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 egg
1 (1 ounce) envelope dry onion soup mix
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried basil
salt and pepper to taste

"I've Got The Blues" Macaroni Salad

Also, you can't go wrong with this Macaroni Salad made with Kraft Mac & Cheese.  There is not a kid in the world that can resist it.  I've got a picky eater and she loves it!




1 (7 1/4 oz.) pkg. Kraft macaroni and cheese

10 oz. pkg. frozen peas
1 med. tomato, chopped
3/4 c. mayonnaise
1/2 c. sliced celery
1/2 c. chopped onion
1/2 tsp. salt
6 hard-cooked eggs, chopped (less may be used)
Prepare mix according to directions on package. Add frozen peas. Stir and add rest of ingredients. Chopped green pepper may be added, if desired. Chill before serving.


I hope you enjoy these recipes as much as my family has.  The time spent with family is the best part... but it even better  if the food is totally awesome!!!  :o)


*Remember...your life is way more than average, so go out and live it in a BIG way!

Where Does Time Go?

Today has been a reflective day.  I attended two awards ceremonies for my beautiful sisters and I couldn't be more proud of either one of them.  It seems like only yesterday Chelsa discovered how to motorboat every spoon full of her oatmeal breakfast onto my Sunday clothes and now she's almost a Junior in high school.  Gosh!  Where did time go?!?!  Don't even get me started on my Tessa, she'll be in eighth grade next year, so I still have a while before she starts thinking about college and leaving.  Tessa's really something!  She truly is one of my best friends.  I'll never forget when she was nine months old, playing with her in the hall way when she just hopped up and walked into the kitchen.  There was no crawling with that girl.  She just did it.  She's such an amazing girl and I am so privileged to have them both in my life.

Don't even get me started on my own children!  Yesterday was Field Day and as I sat back and watched both of my children play and laugh, I couldn't help but think about how much they've grown just in the past year, let alone since they entered my life.  RJ was an absolute answer to prayer.  All of my life, I prayed for God to bless me with a little boy to love and to cherish and He gave me such an amazing gift.  I remember when RJ was 1 and every night we used to have a pretend firework show as he drifted off to sleep.  We would stare at the ceiling and he would point out the different colors and shapes we "saw".  Now, I can't get the boy's face out of a book to save my life.  He's forever learning and even teaching me new things.  He really is an awesome kid!  Donalyn will be 6 in August.  That girl just rocks my world.  I remember during the ultrasound being worried that as a child, I prayed all of my chances away for ever having a girl; but much to my surprise I was wrong.  She's such an amazing blessing, so full of life.   I can't help but feel blessed every time I see her.  We had a rough start with many medical problems, thankfully just on my part.  I was so worried that I wasn't going to even live to see her born, let alone be able to cherish her.  But God brought me through it and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

I'm sure that there are many parents having these same reflective thoughts this time of year.  Especially during graduations.  I don't even want to think about it...I don't think I'd get through my sisters' graduations, let alone my children.  I feel for the parents this year who are about to watch their "grown" children embark on a different chapter in their lives.  My prayers are with them.

If you are lucky enough to be able to share a part in a child's graduation this year, the following link offers the Top 10 Graduation gift ideas that you might not normally think about to help these kids along through the next monumental chapter of their lives.

http://www.purpletrail.com/partytrail/special_occasions/graduation/top-10-graduation-gift-ideas


My prayers are with Alliance's 2010 Graduating Class.  As I watched them walk towards the front of the church this morning, surprisingly a wave of emotion hit me.  I've watched most of those kids play Softball and Basketball for 4 years now, rarely missing a game.  I will miss all of them.  They are really such a beautiful group of kids and I pray God richly blesses each of them through their life's journey.



*Remember...your life is way more than average, so go out and live it in a BIG way~!

"On Your Mark, Get Set, GO!!!"

Memorial Day weekend is loaded with BBQ's, Swimming, Volley Ball and many other games.  This year, why not take some time and enjoy some Field Day games with your Family?  We all love the bean bag toss, potato sack race, egg race, etc.; but today there were a couple that the kids really enjoyed.  One was called "Pork Chop".  The kids had these HUGE chopsticks and they had to run from one end to the other attempting to hold a plastic pig in between the sticks and back.  It was a lot harder than it looked and the kids just loved it!  There was also the "Water in the Hole" game where they took shoes that were in large buckets of water and each team had to run from one end to the other and dump the water from the shoe into their bucket, the first team who filled their bucket won the game.  And of course, there's that darned parachute that I just love so very much!  I am bound and determined to find me one of those!  

Here's a link to a website that I have used since RJ was little.  It offers endless ideas to fun and games for different age groups.  I was first introduced to this website in Florida.  We were stationed there during Hurricane Ivan and our housing officer handed us out a packet with tons of ideas for us to use to pass the time while our power was out and I have used it ever since.

http://fun.familyeducation.com/hobbies-and-interests/games/33402.html

It baffles me that some parents think that in order to have a great vacation or weekend that  you have to spend an ungodly amount of money to entertain your children.  There are tons of opportunities to have a blast each weekend right in your own city.  If you live in the Hampton Roads area, you need look no further than the Virginian Pilot.  It has a list every week of different activities that you can do with your family for all different price ranges.  There is always something free going on, you just have to look for it.  Also, remember to check out online coupons for different museums, amusement parks.  Don't forget, if you are Active Duty Military or Retired, your family has free access to many of Virginia's Museums and Parks for the entire summer! 

Go out and enjoy your family this summer.  Remember, kids don't care how much money you spend.  They just care about your time and that some of it is spent with them!

Love Never Fails~

Today was just priceless.  Watching my children enjoy their Field Day gave me such joy.  Oh, the giggles and smiles on the kids' faces today were unbelievable.   I'm not sure who had the most fun today - me or the kids.  I enjoyed watching all the kids play and have such a great time, not having to worry about school work and schedules.  I still wish some of the teacher's would loosen up a bit, but they have to deal with all those kiddos on a day today basis, so I understand.

I know as parents, we get overwhelmed with the day to day tasks, but we really need to take a step back and enjoy our children.  Life is so short and in the end nothing else matters but the memories that we make with our loved ones.  They won't remember the clean house or the million toys you brought them...they'll remember the love you showed them!

Today was an amazing day.  I spent it getting dirty and rolling around with the kids laughing at not caring about anything else other than that moment.  It was a day well spent.


*Remember...your life is way more than average...so go out and live it in a BIG way!

*Recipe Alert* Tonight's Dinner... Monte Cristo Sandwiches!

Today is such an extremely fun and busy day in the Dearing Household...we are about to embark on Field Day 2010!  The kids are all ready, lunches packed with enough Ice Water to quench the thirst of a pack of hungry wolves and Mama has just barely begun to get ready!  So, I can already tell you that after cleaning the house this morning, helping out with Field Day today, (which you guys know that I can't resist getting involved and playing) and then making the journey back home with two extremely tired munchkins...  I think it's safe to say that tonight is gonna be a sandwich night!  Not just any sandwich, but Rachael Ray's Monte Cristo sandwich, which is a definite crowd pleaser in this home.  Below you will find the link to her fabulous recipe...

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/super-stuffed-monte-cristo-sandwiches-recipe/index.html

I am telling you, if you have never made a Monte Cristo at home, this is the recipe to try!  Tonight's Dinner will simply be served with Ice Cream Sundaes and an early to bed night for this Mama!!!  I hope you enjoy!

*Remember...your life is way more than average, so got out and live it in a BIG way!

*Recipe Alert* "Homemade" No-Bake Cheesecake!

I was browsing through recipes this morning and this dessert caught my eye.  It's a "homemade" No-Bake Cheesecake!  I thought that Jello was the only one to do this, but boy was I wrong!  This is definitely going to be one of the desserts offered at the Church-Dearing Memorial Day Pool Party at Mama's! 

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/10-Pound-Cheesecake/Detail.aspx

Let me know if you guys try this out before the weekend, because I am dying to know how good it is!


*Remember... your life is way more than average, so go out and live it in a BIG way!

*Recipe Alert* Skillet Kielbasa Sausage & Cabbage!

Tonight's dinner is one of my favorite meat dishes.  There's just something about Kielbasa Sausage and Cabbage that sends me to the moon!  This stuff is great just slapped on a plate or even in a hot dog bun with mustard.  Ya just can't beat it!  It's so simple and easy.  Best part is it costs pennies to make per person!

Skillet Kielbasa Sausage & Cabbage

pack of kielbasa sausage
1 head of green cabbage
1 clove garlic
1 white onion
vegetable oil
salt
pepper

Pour vegetable oil into a large frying pan.
Once oil is ready, add sausage to the frying pan. Heat to medium high.
Cook until brown. Do not drain!
Add garlic clove and onion to the drippings cook until somewhat soft.
Cut the cabbage into slices 2 inches thick and stir into sausage.
Salt and pepper to taste.


I wouldn't make this recipe weekly, as it's probably not the healthiest, but it's delicious.

I hope you enjoy!

*Remember...your life is way more than average, so go out and live it in a BIG way!

"Sonic" Limeades Fake-Outs!

Those of you who really know me, know that I love Sonic Drinks!!!  I would rather not eat another thing in life than to give up my fruity drinks!!!  I swear, I live off of these and Ice Water in the Summer!  Below are a couple of fake-outs that I have tried.  Mastering this skill has definitely given me the perk of adding "Mixologist" to my "Domestic Goddess" title!  :o) uh-hum...I'm not telling you to, but you could so totally add a little somethin' to these recipes to give them an extra kick, the choice is yours, but they're just as good without the spirits!

Cranberry Limeades

1 can Sprite

1/4 cup cranberry juice
1/2 lime, cut into wedges

Fill a large CHILLED glass 1/2 full with ice.
Pour the Sprite into the glass.
Squeeze the lime wedges over the glass, then drop the wedges into the glass.
Add the cranberry juice.


Strawberry Limeades
Frozen Strawberry Daquari Mix
Sprite
Sliced Strawberries

Mix Soda & Daquari Mix add Strawberries!  Just use the entire soda and desired strawberry mix...This is too good to make as a single serving!!


I hope you enjoy these quick, easy and cheap drinks.

*Remember... it's your life, so go out and live it in a BIG way!

Go-Green Cleaning Recipes!

I must admit,  I love Lysol and Febreze.  If I didn't have those two things readily on hand for my home, I just might go crazy.  Lysol kills the germs and Febreze just makes everything smell amazing IF used on a regular basis.   However, having birds in my home with sensitive lungs, those are my only 2 guilty pleasures when it comes to cleaning products.  Everything else I use to clean my home, is made right here at home.   They're all (almost) natural and are virtually harmless to not only animals, but children.  Not to mention, they cost pennies to make!

Below are some of the Cleaning Recipes that I use in my home.  I hope you find them helpful to your family and give them a try.  They all are guaranteed to work and you definitely save money from not buying all the other "pricey" cleaners.

The worst rooms of all to me are the Kitchen & Bathroom.  For an easy cleaner simply  mix one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts water in a spray bottle and spray.  For more hard to clean or "moldy" places in your bathroom, allow the cleaner to sit for an hour before wiping.  You can also use this after each shower and spray just as you would those commercial brands to keep the mold and mildew at bay until your next cleaning.

For toilets, you can combine 2 tsp. of baking soda to a half cup of vinegar and scrub away. OR a can of coca-cola poured into the toilet, allowed to sit 20 minutes will suds up and do the trick. If coke does that for toilets, imagine what it does to your gut...YUCK!


Carpet stains are easy to get rid of, simply mix equal parts vinegar and water and allow it to sit on the stain for 15 minutes before blotting up with a clean towel.

For a household disinfectant cleaner mix  2 teaspoons borax, 4 tablespoons vinegar and 3 cups hot water and pour into spray bottle.  This recipe can be used on all the surfaces that you would need to disinfect in your home such as tables, counters, sinks, etc.  It's guaranteed to kill germs better than most commercial brands.

To clean linoleum floors, just  add 1 cup of vinegar and 2 drops of baby oil to a gallon bucket of water.  For heavier jobs, add 2 tbsp. of borax.

Dusting can be a breeze, just  use  2 drops of lemon oil combined with a half cup of water in a spray bottle.  Apply spray to clean towel and dust as usual.

A house that smells great already seems clean, so for natural air fresheners, I like to use natural oils.  I dab my faves such as lemon, onto a cotton ball and place in high traffic areas of my home where no one else can see them.  They need to be changed about every 3 days, but they work great.  I also spray my fave perfume onto the light bulbs...MAKE SURE THE LIGHT IS OFF, otherwise your personality will not be your only electrifying trait!  Once the scent is dry and the light turned on, it will radiate through your entire home.

I hope you guys enjoy these easy green cleaning tips!  They work for my family, I hope they work for yours!!!

*Remember...it's your life, so go out and live it in a BIG way!

*Recipe Alert* Crock Pot Lasagne

Lasagne is delicious... but I have a confession to make, when it comes to "home made" lasagne, I AM NOT THE ONE!!!  My hubby makes all kinds of home made lasagnes.  He can go into the kitchen and whip up an Italian Sausage Lasagne, Pizza Lasagne, Chicken Lasagne & my fave, Seafood Lasagne... *sigh* PURE HEAVEN!!!

When I announce to the family that I'm making lasagne, they know what's coming!  This recipe takes seconds to prepare, very cost friendly and (to me) is just as delish as if you'd went through the entire lasagne making proccess.  Enjoy...

Crock Pot Lasagne

Ingredients:


1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed or ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cans your fave spaghetti sauce
3 c shredded mozzarella cheese (12 oz)
1 container (16 ounces) part-skim ricotta cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 uncooked lasagna noodles (12 oz)



Cook sausage or ground beef and onion in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked; drain well. Stir in spaghetti sauce.

In a  large bowl, combine 2 cups of the shredded Mozzarella cheese, the ricotta cheese, and Parmesan cheese.

Spoon 1/4 of the sauce mixture into crockpot; top with 4 lasagna noodles broken into pieces to fit. Top with half the cheese mixture and 1/4 of the sausage mixture. Repeat until crockpot is almost full and top with shredded cheese.
Cover and cook on low heat 6 to 8 hours, or until noodles are tender.



I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does.

*Remember... your life is way more than average, so live it in a BIG way!

*Recipe Alert* Bisquick Crockpot (Any) Fruit Cobbler

I love my Crock Pot, but I especially love it for desserts!  Cobbler has always been my favorite.  As a little girl, I remember waiting for my Mama's Peach Cobbler to hit the table.  The aroma of the peaches & juice bubbling around that golden, bubbly crust were even then, all too much to bear...but when Mama topped that bowl of goodness off with a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream, even I as a young child,  knew she was on to something great.

I prefer cobbler the old-fashioned way, but for a week night treat, this one is just too awesome to pass up.  I hope you enjoy!!!


Easy Canned Fruit/Bisquick Cobbler

Spray Slow Cooker with Non-Stick Spray
Mix 1-2 cans Comstock Fruit & Sugar together (You can use fresh, just add sugar, touch of water and simmer down...you'll get the same consistency as you do in the canned stuff)
Spread Fruit Filling into bottom of Crock Pot

Mix Baking Mix, 1/4 Cup Sugar, Dash of Cinnamon, Butter & Milk as directed on box and drop in spoofulls on top of the fruit. 

Cook on high for 3-4 hours. You'll know it's done once dough is golden brown and fruit filling is bubbly... Don't forget the ice cream!

If you have a large slow cooker, just double the recipe for the dough and use 2 cans of fruit filling.  Don't forget, cooking times vary with slow cookers, so watch this recipe the first time you make it!!!

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do!  It really is to die for.  MMMMM.....

*Remember...Your life is way more than average, so go out and live it in a BIG way!!!

"Spa"-tacular At-Home Spa Recipes

I have to admit it, I am so spoiled!  At least 4 days a week, this SAHM (Stay At Home Mom) drops her kiddos off at the bus stop and heads off to the spa.  There are days where I just long for the aromas that seem to be captured only at a spa or salon and I am fortunate enough to be able to go any time I please.  Money is no object and the sky's the limit when it comes to pampering this Mama and I love it! 

You see, my spa is located in the privacy of my own home.  My kitchen pantry is my ticket to rejuvination any day of the week.  I will never pay the ridiculous prices of any spa or salon!  Knowing that I just lined some business' pocket with money that could have gone towards fun for my entire family or a necessity is ludicrous to me and there's just no way I could lie there even amongst all the intoxicating smells and seductive music with the intention of enjoying myself... the bill would SNAP me back into reality real quick!!!  I'm not saying that I don't deserve a "Hollywood Spa Session" for all that I do for my family, but it's just not in my DNA to blow money on something that last only hours.  Besides, I see no point in paying tons of money for something that I can do right at home.

Some of the recipes, I suppose are good enough to eat and are definitely kid friendly.  Donalyn enjoys having Mommy-Daughter Spa Days, they make for lasting memories.  These recipes can also be used to pamper your significant other on a romantic date night in...trust me, this idea goes great with the fondue recipe posted last week :o)...  Below you will find some of my faves.  I hope you take time for yourself and enjoy these "spa"-tacular recipes...


Apple Brown Betty Scrub

2 tablespoons brown sugar
1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon  apple sauce *
pinch each of cinnamon & nutmeg

*This recipe can be pre-made and put in jars for when you are ready to use this scrub.  Just mix all of the ingredients together and your done...it's that simple!  Baby Apple Sauce Food Jars are perfect for this!  Just add the other ingredients to the jar, mix and you're done.

Once your in the shower and you've moistened your entire body, simply apply this scrub from the neck down paying close attention to problem areas such as elbows, knees, ankles, feet (this recipe works wonders on your feet!)


 Honey-Nut FaceMask

1 Tbsp honey
1 egg yolk
1/2 tsp almond oil
1 Tbsp yogurt

Mix all ingredients together and you're done.  Apply to face and read a mag for 10-15 minutes.  Then use a warm damp wash cloth to remove residue.


Smooth Locks Smoothie

1/2 a banana
1/4 avocado
1/4 cantaloupe
1 tbsp almond extract
1 tablespoon yogurt.

Blend well in blender and apply to hair...  Leave in for at least 10 minutes.


Facial Scrubs

-Mix sugar and honey together until you get desired consistency then scrub away.

-Lemon juice applied to cotton ball and dabbed on T-Zone works well as an all natural toner!

Also...

You can use this morning's coffee grinds combined with your fave moisturizer and scrub.  The coffee will naturally wake up your skin.


I hope you find these at-home spa tips as enjoyable as I do!!  Have fun & use your imagination in the kitchen!!  The sky's the limit!! 

Remember, your life is way more than average, so go out and live it in a BIG way!!!

"Do Or Do Not. There Is No Try." --Yoda

Memorial Day Cook-Off Kick-Off --- Facebook Contest

Chunky Girl Ettiquette's First Contest of the "Cookout Season" is up and running!!!  Check out CGE's Facebook Page for all entry information. 

Remember, your life is way more than average, so go out and live it in a BIG way!

Sunday Funnies

"A Penny For Your Thoughts" Sunday

*Recipe Alert* MMMMM.... Blueberry-Lemon Cheesecake Bars

Blueberry-Lemon Cheesecake Bars
 

 I was lucky enough to snag this recipe out of a Readers Digest Mag at one of Bob's Doctor's Appointments.  They are suprisingly delicious and extremely healthy for you!


Crust


1 1/2 cups  wheat pastry flour

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

2 tablespoons canola oil

1/2 cup sugar

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling

12 ounces (340 grams) reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel)

1/2 cup sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

4 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest

1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 cups fresh or partially thawed frozen blueberries



Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F  & coat a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.

Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Beat the butter, oil, and sugar with an electric mixer in a mixing bowl until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Add the dry ingredients and mix with a rubber spatula just until the dry ingredients are moistened. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking dish. Use a piece of plastic wrap to press it into an even layer.

 Bake the crust, uncovered, until puffed and starting to brown around the edges, about 20 minutes.

Blend the cream cheese, sugar, and cornstarch with an electric mixer or in a food processor until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, lemon zest, and vanilla. Beat or process until smooth. Spread the blueberries over the crust. Pour the cream cheese batter over the blueberries, spreading evenly

 Bake the bars until the filling has set,  at least 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cut into 24 bars with a sharp knife that has been coated with nonstick spray.

You can freeze these bars for up to one month!  Great for lunches!  :o)

*Recipe Alert* My Fave Pasta Recipe! Thank You Rachael Ray!

 

I made this Rachael Ray Pasta Recipe for mine & Bob's 5th Wedding Anniversary when we were stationed in Florida and have made it many times since.  It always turns out just as elegant as the first time I made it.  It keeps beautfully and is quite impressive bringing to the table.  I serve this recipe with a Caesar Salad & Crusty Bread.  Thank you Rachael Ray for such an amazing recipe!!!

YOU WON'T BE SINGLE FOR LONG VODKA CREAM PASTA 

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, once around the pan in a slow stream

1 tablespoon butter

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 shallots, minced

1 cup vodka

1 cup chicken stock

1 can crushed tomatoes (32 ounces)

Coarse salt and pepper

16 ounces pasta, such as penne rigate

1/2 cup heavy cream

20 leaves fresh basil, shredded or torn

Crusty bread, for passing

Directions

Heat a large skillet over moderate heat. Add oil, butter, garlic, and shallots. Gently saute shallots for 3 to 5 minutes to develop their sweetness. Add vodka to the pan, 3 turns around the pan in a steady stream will equal about 1 cup. Reduce vodka by half, this will take 2 or 3 minutes. Add chicken stock, tomatoes. Bring sauce to a bubble and reduce heat to simmer. Season with salt and pepper.

While sauce simmers, cook pasta in salted boiling water until cooked to al dente (with a bite to it). While pasta cooks, prepare your salad or other side dishes.

Stir cream into sauce. When sauce returns to a bubble, remove it from heat. Drain pasta. Toss hot pasta with sauce and basil leaves. Pass pasta with crusty bread.

The Voice Said: "If You Clip Them, You Will Save!"

OK, I'll admit it...  I'm addicted to coupons!  Coupons have made grocery shopping as enjoyable to me as going to yard sales and you guys know how much I LOVE my yard sales!  Those small slips of paper can easily add up to tremendous savings if used wisely and in conjunction with store sales.  If you take just a few minutes a week to clip out those "pesky" coupons and organize them correctly, your grocery bill will reduce significantly. 

It may sound silly, but my family absolutely loves to go grocery shopping together.  It's turned into a game for us where everyone gets involved.  The kids love to watch the total rapidly decline with each swipe of a coupon.  I have to admit, I am guilty of that myself.  When I shop at Food Lion, I purposely hold my MVP Card in my hand until AFTER my paper coupons have been deducted just to see how long it takes for the total to FINALLY hit the screen.  I've actually had a clerk tap his hands in frustration because the tally was taking too long...  Gotta love it!

With the correct tools and system, you can easily save tons of money.  There are many tips out there to help you make the best of your grocery shopping experience and believe me, I've tried many, but here's what works for me:

*If your Military, Active Duty or Retired, you need to take advantage of your local commissary.  The commissaries are already such a bargain without coupons, but when you add in the coupons --- it's insane!  Commissaries let you double and sometimes triple coupons, as well as they honor ALL store's coupons.  To me, it's foolish NOT to use this privelege.  Sure, some commissaries are better than others, but being military, you have access to ANY of them, so pick one and take advantage of this exclusive privelege.

*I clip coupons every Sunday evening.  It takes virtually minutes to do.  I keep them all in a large gallon hefty bag.  I find this the easiest way to go because the bags are reusable as well as those accordian files don't last forever and stress me out when navigating the store aisles. A lot of women like to use those accordion files to organize coupons, but I'm not much of a fan.

*Before the big shopping day, I organize my coupons into smaller ziploc sandwich bags according to either food category or aisle, including a small list of the items in that section in every baggie too.  That way, when I go to the store I get the list out for the aisle, get the items on that list  and then move on to the next aisle & bag until all of the bags have been completed.  Since I go to the Norfolk Commissary all of the time, I know their aisles by heart, so I separate my coupons according to their set-up.  This prevents me from forgetting something and wasting time by having to back track.  I'm lucky enough to have a hubby who doesn't mind the grocery shopping, so often times we split up the baggies & the kids, then meet up at the register when we're done.  This reduces the time spent in the store all together.  What Mom doesn't like that idea??

*I always check out the local sales ads.  Now I love my commissary, but loyalty could come back to bite me right in the pocket book if I don't pay attention to what the other grocery stores are offering. 

*Also, check with your local grocery store to see when/if they have double or triple coupon days.  This can cause your savings to sky rocket!

So, that's how I do it & it works for me.  There's no science to this, you've just gotta do what works for you, but I find this system more organized and mistake proof.  There's nothing worse than leaving the store and  realizing that you've  forgotten to use some of your coupons.  Clipping coupons might seem more like a chore to most of you, but I guarantee if you just give it a try, you will see just how much your family can benefit from the savings.

Yummy Crock Pot Desserts

Most of you who know me, know that I use my Crock Pot for just about everything!  I especially love using my Slow Cooker for desserts!  There's just no describing the aromas that fill your home!  Try it, I guarantee it'll beat ANY candle out there and it definitely shocks dinner guest when they realize that desert was made in the Crock Pot! 

Here are a few of the recipes that my family asks for over and over again...

Apple Brown Betty

This recipe is a definite crowd pleaser!  I love this any time of the year.  The cinnamon and nutmeg really make the house smell yummy!  The kids love helping out with this one too!!!

What You Need

• 3 pounds Granny Smith Apples or whichever you prefer

• 10 slices of bread, cubed (about 4 cups)

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1/8 teaspoon salt

• 3/4 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted

What To Do

1. Wash apples, peel, core, cut into eighths; place in bottom of crockpot.

2. Combine bread cubes, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, sugar, butter; toss together. Place on top of apples in crockpot.

3. Cover. Cook on low setting 2-4 hours.


My Sweetie & I have used the next recipe, which is my all-time fave many times for "stay home date night".  It's absolutely wonderful and much more affordable than the Melting Pot. 

Yummy Chocolate Fondue

This fondue can be served right in your crockpot or you can transfer it into the cute fondue pots but make sure to light the candle!

Ingredients:

•18 oz. semisweet chocolate, chopped

•1 oz. unsweetened chocolate, chopped

•6 oz. milk chocolate, chopped

•13 oz. can evaporated milk

•1/4 cup powdered sugar

•1 tsp. vanilla, liquor or your fave extract (I sometimes use almond)

•Fruit, cookies, and cake pieces for dipping 
(We use Pound Cake, Assorted Berries, Candy Bars, Marshmallows use your imagination!)

Preparation:

Combine all ingredients except for the extract in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low until melted.  You have to watch this one!  Cooking times really depend on the age of your Slow Cooker.
Once melted, add vanilla and stir. This can be kept on low for another hour. Serve with dippers or just use the untensils the good Lord gave ya and have  fun!  :o)

Here's A Penny For Your Thoughts...A Quarter For Your Purse!

I'm gonna pat myself on the back on this one. What can I say? When it comes to Yard Sales, I've got mad skillz! I've been bargain shopping since I entered this world on October 12, 1981. It wouldn't shock me one bit to learn that my Mother stopped at a Yard Sale before going to the hospital to give birth. In fact, I say this with proof. I remember stopping at a Yard Sale before my Mom's last chemo treatment exactly 10 years ago. We were about 15 minutes late for the appointment and I knew we were doomed to reschedule! Once we made it to the office the Oncologist just shook his head, not even having to ask Mom why she was late. He was only interested in one thing...What did she get?!?!?!

I will not lie, Yard Sales are super addictive! Once you get the hang of it, the sky's the limit! You will quickly learn that EVERYTHING you see in the stores can be purchased at Yard Sales! I've been doing this for over 28 years and have gotten some really great deals! The key is you HAVE to be patient!!! God will give you the desires of your heart on this one! I promise it happens! You may giggle at me, but I pray before I go out on my adventures asking God to bless my route and bless my family! He knows what we need/want and if we're smart, he'll bless us with it!

Over the years, I have learned a few things that really help me along my quest for bargains. I hope you find them helpful and let the tips work for you. Success is GUARANTEED!


*PARTNER UP!!!*

Very seldom am I without my buddy of 28 years, my Mom. We both know what we are looking for and two sets of eyes are better than one!


*PLOT YOUR ROUTE!!!*

This is where my "handy dandy notebook" and GPS come into play. Most GPS's will route your addresses for you to save on gas and time. I let my hubby do this for me. I am old-fashioned and honestly prefer the notebook, it's less hassle and saves time; but if you are one with Magellan then go the GPS route.


*THE EARLY BIRD GETS THE WORM!!!*

We leave at 7 a.m. every Saturday. This gives us time to get organized and go over our route. The dealers go to yard sales early and attempt to buy up all the good things. The only way to beat 'em is to join 'em! You can sometimes get ridiculous deals this way! With that being said, check out my next tip...


*THE SECOND MOUSE ALWAYS GETS THE CHEESE!!!*

If there was something at a yard sale that you really liked and didn't buy because the seller was just asking way too much...Go back at the end of the day! Odds are that if the price was ridiculous, he's still got the item. I've went back at 4 p.m. before and knocked on the door, my item was gone, but I walked away with a TV & DVD/VCR combo for free because the guy didn't want to take it home. What the heck?!?!? I got my use out of the free item, then turned around months later and sold it at my own yard sale for 45 bucks.


*RUN/DON'T WALK!!!*

If you see something that catches your eye, modesty must go out the window on this one. You best make like Flo-Jo and get to your item!!! The slackers are bound to miss out. Yard Sales are SERIOUS BUSINESS!!!

*HOLD YOUR STUFF!!!*

If you're undecided on an item, HOLD IT!! No lie, I've had people try to take things out of my hands! I've even had a lady grab up something that I dropped and "attempt" to take off with it! Notice I said "attempt". This is (again) where your buddy comes in handy!


*NEVER PAY ASKING PRICE!!!*

People mark their items high so that they have room to negotiate. Just last week, I purchased a brand new pair of Reeboks, never worn for 3 bucks. The lady was asking 10 and they were well worth it. Two weeks before that, I purchased an Authentic Coach Purse for 5 bucks...Nothing's wrong with your eyes, you're not going blind...There wasn't a mark on the thing! I talked that guy down...way down. In fact, I wouldn't be shocked to hear that his marriage is on the rocks because of his poor decision. But hey, I got a nice purse!


I hope you've found my tips helpful. Yard Sales are happening all across America tomorrow. How 'bout joining me and grabbing up those bargains? Just remember...Happy Shopping is not full price shopping!! :o)

Perk up that Cup O' Joe!

Coffee is essential to most of us Moms. We aren't all privileged enough to be able to cruise through the ol' Starbucks drive-thru and order us a "Java Mocha Chip" every day the urge hits us.


Here are a few things that I do from time to time to perk up my cup:

I love the flavored instant coffees. International Coffees has some wonderful flavors and much to my delight, Starbucks has come out with single servings of their many different flavors. I add these mixes to my regular coffee to give it an extra kick as well as a yummy "flavor shot".

I also love adding spices to my Coffee before I brew it, especially during the holidays. You can skip on paying 9 bucks per bag of the "fancy stuff" and add pumpkin spice to your regular brew of choice. The possibilities with spices are endless!

My Mom purchased a Magic Bullet for me a few years ago as a stocking stuffer and I find that it works really well for making cold versions such as iced mocha. I basically use the instant stuff, blend it and add whipped topping along with a caramel or chocolate drizzle...whatever I am fancying at the moment.

The truth is, it's your cup of happiness. Make it work for you! You can take the 5 bucks you would spend at Starbucks and buy the add-ins that will easily last you 2 weeks. Now that's magic that Starbucks can't whip up for ya and I'll  toast to that!

*Recipe Alert* 7 Layer Salad

For years and years, this was my Mother's "go-to" recipe for Potluck Dinners & Family Get-Togethers.  There are different variations of this salad in just about every recipe book, this happens to be my personal favorite, but they're all yummy!  This is a very versatile recipe and you really could use just about whatever veggies that you have on hand (I'd stay away from Tomatoes though).   It holds beautifully and is sure to be a crowd pleaser!  I hope you enjoy!

Dressing:

2 cups mayonnaise or Miracle Whip

1 tablespoon sugar
Combine the mayonnaise and sugar. Mix and refrigerate it until you finish making the salad.

Salad Ingredients
1 head of lettuce, shredded
1 cup celery, diced
1/2 cup green pepper (or red), diced
4 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
10 ounces frozen green peas, uncooked
1 small sweet onion (red), diced
8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

1/2 shredded sharp cheddar

Layer the rest of the ingredients in the following order:

a layer of lettuce on the bottom of the bowl, then
a layer of celery
a layer of pepper
a layer of chopped eggs
a layer of peas
a layer of onions
a layer of crumbled bacon


Spread the mayonnaise/sugar mixture over the top of the salad like cake icing. Sprinkle grated cheese evenly over it all. Seal the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight (or for 8 to 12 hours before serving).

"A Clean Home Is A Happy Home"!

"A Clean Home Is A Happy Home!"  The original author of that quote is pure genius; but the first time I ever heard it was from the mouth of my Mother.

As a young girl, I knew three things that were most certain to be a part of my destiny.  One, I was gonna be a Mom.  Not just any "Mom", but a great one.  I had no choice, I have the best Mom.   Two, I was gonna have kids, most definitely a boy.  I grew up for the longest time as an only child and I remember so desperately wishing that I had an older brother, so I was GONNA have a baby boy.  And...Three, I was gonna have a CLEAN HOUSE!  My Mama was so strict on this!  Did any of ya'll ever have or hear of the "One Cushion Rule" where you are only supposed to sit on one cushion of your couch, not in the middle or on the side and your feet best not make contact with that couch!?! ?  I can't remember a day that went by that I didn't hear my Mama say, "God gave you one butt and I gave you that one cushion to sit on!",as she would brush my legs off of the sofa.

There wasn't a night that went by where we didn't clean before we went to bed.  I would mope about as I did my part, thinking that there was no point, the house was spotless!  It was Mom's idea that if you kept up on things as you went along your day, you always had time for, well...everything!  If your house is always clean, laundry always done, then what else is there but to enjoy life?  I'm not as perfect as my Mama is and certainly don't claim to be, but I do find myself saying and doing these exact same things with my children.

Each night before my children go to bed, they know that there are things that have to be done to make this family's "world go 'round".  We all have different tasks that after 10 years of marriage, we almost do like clockwork.  Some days are better than others and believe me, I pay for it!  It makes a Mother's life easier when everyone pitches in and helps out.

Here are a few suggestions that I have that work well for my family, perhaps they will work for you:

*EACH NIGHT BEFORE YOU GO TO BED, MAKE SURE THAT EVERYTHING IS IN ITS PLACE! 

Make sure that the sofas are straight and the floors swept.  USE FEBREZE!    I can't stress that enough!  Febreze makes everything so much fresher and if used as directed will keep the smells away!  If you have children, make sure that they've picked out their clothes the night before and that everything they need for the following day is at their "pick-up" point.  Make your next day's  "To Do List" right before you go to bed.  It helps you to unwind and you will know exactly what needs to be done the following day without second guessing yourself.

*DO A MINI-SWEEP OF YOUR HOME AT LEAST TWICE A DAY! 

  Life happens and things are bound to get out of place.  It takes a few seconds to run a vacuum, fluff some pillows and wipe down a counter. Imagine if all these things add up just how long you'll be cleaning and distracted from the fun!

*NEVER HAVE A DIRTY KITCHEN OR BATHROOM! 

 These two rooms are the most time consuming!  Keep Sanitizing Wipes at the ready for touch-ups.  They work well on little floor touch-ups too! 

*KEEP A SMALL BIN IN EACH ROOM! 

Life is busy.  Who has the time to tidy up all of the time? For quick-cleans, a bin in each room makes life so much easier.  Whatever isn't in it's place should go into that bin until you have time to put it away.  Now, this isn't a "permanent home" for your misplaced items!  Sometimes hubby's like to do this, it makes it easier on them, then the wives just put the items where they go.  This idea has really worked wonders in our family and keeps things neat all of the time.


These were just a few of the ideas that work in my home. Hopefully, they will work for you and find a place in your home, making your life easier!  If you have any of ideas of your own, please share with me.  I love learning new ways to make my life easier!

Do You Remember Your First Time???

Do you remember your first time?  The bittersweet satisfaction of knowing that you've just done something so totally awesome and wondering why it took you so long to give into such ridiculous desires, the desire to save money.  The sharp sounds of scissors gliding through paper, clip after clip.  The bargains just screaming out for your attention to use them! 

We're all guilty of it. We've all heard the excuses and sadly, we've used them ourselves! We've all seen the self-described "Coupon Queens" on talk shows with that twinkle in their eye and the perkiness of their voice that makes you drift back to the tent revivals of old. Boy, have they got a testimony and man, they'll die to share it!

I'll admit, I've used the excuses myself. Man, I love my kids. My kids are my most precious joy, but if you've met my children then you would totally get why I would look at you as if you were some enraged circus monkey if you had suggested to me about 2 months ago to start clipping coupons. Like I have the time!!! What mother with children such as mine has the time to clip coupons??!?!?!??!

About two months ago, I was browsing through Food Lion and had just gotten on the phone with my Mama. All of you know that getting through the grocery store with two youngsters without pulling your hair out is success---but you're pushing it when you try to add in the occasional adult conversation. Once that kid sees the phone up to your ear, it's like a ticket to go bananas.

Donalyn had talked me into NOT putting her into the cart this trip, so as I was talking to my Mom, Dora the Explorer's shining face beckoned for my daughter's attention from a can of Chicken Noodle Soup and she went flying! So, I hurriedly ended the conversation with my Mom, leaving cart and all to chase down my mini "Idgie Threadgoode". Of course, when I got to her she was begging for that can of soup. I was about to say "no", but then this ticket of endless possibilities gleamed up at me... it was a coupon for $1.50 off 2 cans of Chicken Noodle Soup! They were already MVP at 2 for $1, so...in my mind, I would "maybe" be getting 50 cents back for getting 2 cans of soup?? So, I grabbed the soup, the coupon and my children, leaving my buggy behind (don't judge me, we've all done that before) and announced to the kiddos that it was a Grilled Cheese and Soup kinda night!

 I got to the counter and paid 55 cents for my purchase that day, oh I forgot to mention, I grabbed a loaf of bread for a buck...um, it's a necessity for Grilled Cheese....

As we got into the car, I realized just how much money I had been throwing away for all these years! 9 years of being mother and I very rarely looked and coupons, in fact, I hated the thought of toting those suckers around. How petty of me? I now carry a gallon sized bag of coupons around in my "mommy purse" that can't weigh no more than a small teddy bear!  Looking back now, how shabby of me!

As the kids were eating, you would have thought we had a four-star meal in this house. The kids loved it and of course I smiled, knowing that it cost me just as much as a can of soda.

That night, as I put my darlings to bed, they commented on how fun dinner was and asked if we could do it again. My response? Most Definitely! I couldn't help but smile as I cuddled up to my hubby while watching Brothers & Sisters...clipping those coupons.

My "Go-To Recipe": Paula Deen's Mexican Chicken

Paula Deen's Mexican Chicken Casserole is one of my most favorite go-to recipes!  It's kid friendly and super-easy to make using leftover chicken.  It's a great weeknight meal that takes minutes to prepare!  Below you'll find the recipe to deliciousness!!!
Vegetable oil cooking spray


1 (10 3/4-ounce) can cream of chicken soup

1 (10 3/4-ounce) can cheddar cheese soup

1 (10 3/4-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup

1 (10-ounce) can tomatoes

1 whole chicken, cooked, boned, and chopped or 4 cups leftover cooked chicken

Unsalted butter, for greasing pan

1 (11 1/2-ounce) package flour tortillas

2 cups shredded Cheddar

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 13 by-9-inch pan with the cooking spray.



In a large bowl, stir together the 3 kinds of soup and the tomatoes. Stir in the chicken.



Layer the tortillas and the chicken mixture in the pan, beginning and ending with tortillas. Sprinkle the cheese over the casserole and bake for 30 minutes.

I Ain't As Good As I Once Was!

So, I've jumped head first into the blogosphere and I've realized something rather quickly... I'm not as web saavy as I thought I was, or perhaps, "I ain't as good as I once was!"  I've been thinking about starting this for a long time, so finally I have a quiet day & I talk myself into it thinking it's not that hard to get a blog up and running...shoo, boy have I've got a lot to learn!
Friends, please don't leave me on this journey!!!  Follow me.  I promise it'll get better!
Now, if you'll excuse me, my head is banging.  I'm gonna go take a couple of Aleves and wash 'em down with a Dr. Pepper!

*Recipe Alert* Carrot Cheesecake Bars

If you love Carrot Cake, you will love this version of this delicious desert.  It's quick & easy, just what us Mama's need!

What you need:

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) melted Butter
1-1/2 cups Graham Cracker Crumbs
1 cup Sugar, divided
1-1/2 tsp. Ground Cinnamon, divided
3 pkgs. Cream Cheese, softened
1 tsp. Vanilla
3/4 cup Sour Cream
3 Eggs
3/4 cup shredded carrots (about 2 carrots, or you can buy these pre-packaged)
1-1/2 cups THAWED Whipped Topping

Heat oven to 325
Mix butter, graham crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar & 1/2 tsp. cinnamon.  Press onto bottom of 13x9 inch pan, bake for 10 minutes.
Beat cream cheese,vanilla & remaining sugar & cinnamon in large bowl until well-blended.  Add sour cream and mix well.  Add eggs 1 at a time and beat until just well blended (you don't want a merengue!), stir in carrots and spread over crust.
Bake for 45-50 minutes or until almost set.  Cool completely and chill in fridge for at least 4 hours.  Top with Whipped Topping and cinnamon.

Cooking Through The Eyes Of A 5 Year Old

If you're a Mother, I encourage you to have at least one day a week where your children get into the kitchen with you and cook.  Cooking with your children allows them to slowly learn one of life's "must-haves" as well as giving them an appreciation for foods and where they came from.  Preparing meals with them also allows us Moms to maintain a dialogue with our children that we sometimes take for granted throughout the rush of day to day life, as well as offering us many laughs and memories along the way.
This past Sunday, RJ & Donalyn helped with Sunday Dinner. We were preparing Pot Roast with Marsala Glazed Veggies. The kids were diligent in making sure that each potato, carrot and onion were cut exactly as Mama had instructed, as much as they could through their tear-filled eyes, thanks to the onion. Many questions arised during this what seemed to be year-long task, such as: "What animal did the meat come from?", "How come there aren't potato trees?"...the questions were endless!

As dinner was simmering in the slow cooker and the fragrances of the veggies and wine filled the house, the kids got even more excited. I love getting them involved in learning things that I know they will need to know later on in life. One day, RJ will amaze his family with the fact that he knows how to make a rocking Pot Roast and I take joy in knowing that he will take that small little memory along his life's journey. It's a piece of me that he'll always have--those memories are priceless and I smile knowing that we share these little moments in life.

Once dinner was all ready and dished up, the kiddos were silent, not one word was said until every piece of food had been consumed off of their plates. Now, if I had just went into that kitchen, tossed the ingredients in the crock pot it would have taken me all of 15 minutes, but they would have barely eaten a thing. Part of their delight in the meal was knowing that THEY played a HUGE part in bringing it to the table!

As we were putting the dishes away, Donalyn was telling me just how much she loved the recipe and hoped that we'd make it again. I thought that was the perfect opportunity to ask her just why she thought that pot roast was better than all the ones that Mama had fixed before, trying to get across to her that because she helped, it made a difference. Well, much to my surprise, Donalyn had a different perspective on the whole event. Donalyn looked up at me and said: "Mah, I think the meal was so good because we were nice enough to get the meat drunk before we cooked it!" I'd liked to have died when she said that! It's the little moments with your children that make being a Mama priceless!

Kids! You gotta love 'em!