Monday, September 5, 2011

Lazy Labor Day...

Well the point of today is to not labor, right?  But I feel if you are doing something that you LOVE to do, even though it's work, it's  really not labor...

Today was supposed to involve family fun at the farm and some Apple picking.  Looking outside this morning, we had to change gears and so we switched to hug time, reading, cooking and eating....

oh and a little Ebaying too....

I thought I would write today and share with you the Pasta we made using mostly organic ingredients. It is Chicken, Bacon, Ranch pasta. The recipe calls for Dry Ranch Salad Mix (like Hidden Valley in the packet). I made my own:

Dry Ranch Salad Mix - Use organic spices if you can!
1/2 cup dry buttermilk (can use regular powdered milk, but I'm not sure how that would affect taste/texture)
1 T. dried parsley flakes
1 tsp. instant minced onions
1 tsp. dill weed
1 tsp. garlic salt
1 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

If you have a small food processor, process all together. If not, mix very well! Store in air tight bag or container.

Now onto the recipe...

Chicken, Bacon, Ranch Pasta

  • 6 slices Organic Nitrate and Nitrite Free Bacon
  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 2 Tbsp. Organic all-purpose flour
  • 2 Tbsp. ranch dry salad dressing mix
  • 1-1/4 cups Organic whole milk
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 3 cups dried medium noodles - I used 3C from a box of Organic Shells
  • 1 Tbsp. finely shredded Parmesan cheese
Directions:
  • Cut bacon into small pieces.
  • In a large skillet cook bacon over medium heat until crisp.
  • Drain bacon on paper towels
  • Discard all but 2 Tb drippings.
  • In the same skillet cook chicken in reserved drippings until tender and no longer pink, turning to brown evenly.
  • Sprinkle flour and salad dressing mix over the chicken in the skillet; stir well.
  • Stir in milk.
  • Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. This will take about 8-10 mins on med high heat. It should come to a boil then simmer.
  • Stir in bacon and black pepper
  • Meanwhile, cook noodles according to package directions.
  • Serve chicken mixture over noodles; sprinkle with Parmesan.
This was excellent! Enjoy and let me know how yours turns out! Happy Labor Day!

Monday, July 11, 2011

Vacation, part two...

So, my favorite part of the vacation was the beach! Too bad we only got one day in!

The babies LOVED the sand.  Livi tried only once to eat it and then thought better once she got a taste! :)
Some other Highlights:
*Taking the day to browse NYC (seeing Gabby's face watching Pinkalicious) and Brooklyn!
*Spending time with friends and family
*Brookdale Park Concert and Fireworks!
*Gabby spending quality timeat her Aunt's house swimming and playing...

Also, while I was away, I made a terrific BBQ Turkey Meatloaf, sauteed garlic spinach and these Sweet Potato Fries & Honey Lime Dip. I do recommend you lay them on the pan the way they show in the pictures. It will help to crisp them properly! This meal was a hit with everyone! My father-in-law kept sneaking extra bites long after our meal was finished! :)

So now we are on to our next adventure....as if coming home from a crazy busy vacation wasn't enough!  We brought home a guest! Our 14 year old nephew Zack! We are having a blast already..well I am at least!

Sunday, July 10, 2011

What to say about vacation...

I know, I know, it's been a while...but I thought I'd write a quick update.

As usual, there are several things on my mind at any given time, but I'll focus on the "vacation" we just came back from. Well THAT was insane! Did I somehow think it would be smooth sailing when traveling a trip that w/o babies can take 6 hours?

My two identical bundles of joy decided to torment their 3 year old sister the entire ride out, which then turned her into the Big Sister from....well...you know where. :o
We had EVERYTHING to try and keep the kids calm and entertained, but apparently leaving 6pm is not a good time for my family.  Now coming back, it was like night and day, peace and calm, twins sleeping , Gabby watching a DVD etc...

And now I am so tired I cannot finish this blog...

But I promise to bring you back some useful infomation,,,,especially a delish turkey meatloaf and sweet potato seasoned fries with yogurt dip. Yum!

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Two posts in one day..WOW!

Yes, I never thought I would have time for this. I am guessing it will not happen that often, but I just had to comment on Target!

Wow, I mean I LOVE shopping there, and I love how they give back in so many ways.  But somethings just rubbed me the wrong way.  They never sold items that incorporated the true meaning of Holiday.  They are coming around...They even have some Steeler items once in blue moon!

Now they have a Target Debit Card.  Need I say more? No, but I will anyway.  It debits directly from your checking account AND you get the 5% off that Target credit card customers received. I saved $10 off my purchase today.  $10 that I would not have normally saved!  Couple that with the fact that you can use both a "Target" coupon and a MFR coupon on one item, I'd say we've got ourselves a score.

Just watch out for price hikes. I noticed that the Huggies soft pack of wipes, 64 count, was $2.39 there and at Giant Eagle has the same pack for $1.99.  There are $.50 off one 60 count pack of wipe coupons out there and with GE doubling coupons it's a way better deal at GE!

Happy Shopping!

S

Sunday Cooking...

Much to my husband's chagrin, I spent $200 at the grocery store yesterday. I am figuring it will last us two weeks. And I call that a win since most of my meats and items were organic. I save $15 dollars with coupons (not a great savings) and $15 with Giant Eagle's Fuel Perks.

Here is what I have made so far today:

Sweet and Sour Pot Roast - smells wonderful...I added carrots!

and

Taco Soup - I am not a Chili lover in the least bit, but this works well for my husband (who is) and my children! I, of course, love it!

Friday, March 25, 2011

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

One of my favorite "go to" recipes of ALL time.

Cheesy Chicken Enchilada's

Made with organic ingredients, of course.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Our meals this week...and the Organic Factor

I, like may others, usually try to plan my meals for the week.  And I USUALLY make all of them, but when the girls had this crazy four week cold, I admittedly bailed on a few nights of kitchen servitude.

I do LOVE to cook and I do LIKE to bake. I seemed to be baking more while everyone was sick (maybe I was willing my family better with the smell of cookies baking?) but I am now back on track this week.

Everything I list is Homemade unless I state "Store Bought" and Organic unless otherwise noted.

Last week included:
BBQ Sauce w/ Free Range Chicken Pieces, Coleslaw, Corn on the Cob
Edyta's Lasagna (new recipe for me) and Salad

So far this week:
Monday ~ Ground Turkey Taco's
Tuesday ~ Breakfast for Dinner (Bob's Mill Wholegrain Pancake Mix was awesome!)
Wednesday ~ Stuffed Cabbage, Mashed Potatoes and Salad
Thursday ~ Garlic Lemon Chicken Pasta and Salad

As you can see I am desperately trying for frugality, as well as, a basic YUM factor! :)

I have slowly worked my way up the Organic ladder over the past 4 years.  To think I just started with milk for myself and now we are at about 75% Organic in our household. Not to mention we just need to eat healthier. But my LORD is it tough and it can be expensive!  I fight that pull from the drive thru line every day for cheap and easy...and it isn't pretty.

It's taken me a LONG time to get to where I am right now; planning meals for the week, making sure they are healthy for family, shopping for them and carrying out the cooking process and it is some hard work! But when I see my 3 year old daughter eat the vegetables off her plate before the protein or the carbs, it makes me smile. Of course, after dinner we must have our "special treat"! :)

I am really hoping to update more often....that is if I am not cooking...

S

Monday, January 10, 2011

Wow, 2011, huh?

Wow, time is just flying by.... I have to say, this past week has taught me alot! Traveling with two infants and a three year old probably should not been done unless a necessity. ESPECIALLY in the winter! But we made it to New Jersey and back, with God by our side.

Now on to the new year.....

Yes, there is the time honored tradition of resolving to LOSE WEIGHT. And yes I will be making that attempt yet again.  I am completely committed at this point and approaching it as a lifestyle change. But, there is more to do this year. More to accomplish.

In general, I'd like to add more meaning to my life and others..and I seem to be on a never-ending journey to find just how to do that. Maybe I already am? 
I also want to spend additional "quality" time with the kids..working on REAL projects..lessons that matter....
Lastly, I hope to go even deeper into the process of being more connected with Jesus and what that truly means. I would like to fully committ to putting everything into His hands. My attitude towards those closest to me, needs to have an adjustment for sure - not Jesus approved for sure!

A new year and with that comes the wish that everyone can find their purpose! Time to get my head out of the clouds now I guess...but not for too long!

So these are my HOPES for 2011..... what are yours?

Sunday, November 28, 2010

The Holidays!

Wow! Time is just flying by! So far, the holiday's are running fairly smooth.  I cannot believe Thanksgiving has come and gone. I'm so happy I got a chance to spend quality time with family.  It is so important to do this. Memories last a life time!

Anyway, almost all of my Christmas shopping is complete.  Trying to find meaningful gifts can be difficult, but I think it is so worth it!  If people are special to you, then show them just how much they mean.

This time of the year is so busy and I constantly need to remind myself to slow down.  I also need to remind myself to be kind, be giving, be loving and most important, be patient. As a practicing Catholic, I have grown closer to God over the past few years. It's easy to fall back into old habits of selfishness and greed, especially this time of year. But we have to keep the true meaning of Christmas alive.  A child was born to save our eternal lives. Pure and simple. We give gifts and spread joy because we are rejoicing that we will be saved!

Luke 1: 76-79
 "And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Friday, November 5, 2010

Holiday Shopping - Black Friday!

The biggest tip I could give everyone...don't wait til Black Friday to do your shopping. Do it now! Unless you are waiting for those really big in demand discounted items (each store does have a FEW exceptional deals) or other random things, but for clothing, accessories, home goods, now is the time!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Holiday Cards! Here we come!

So it is almost that time again. The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is fast approaching.  And it never fails I am ALWAYS late with Christmas cards. This year, I vow to get them out BEFORE December 1st!  It may not happen, but a Mom can dream, right?!?!

Anyway, Shutterfly is making it even more difficult for me to do with all of their SWEET designs this year! One of my favs is this Beautiful Cranberry Damask Christmas card!  The richness of the design is fabulous and they've kept up with the retail demand lately for Damask - it's everywhere and I love it!

If you are a fan of photo cards there is nothing like letting your photo BE the card with this noteworthy Modern Damask Red.  I love when the picture IS the background as in this card.  Just pic your favorite photo, personalize and your done!  Shutterfly guides you step by step. It is truly so easy and it does make the somewhat daunting task, easier. The folded cards even have room to write your own personal holiday letter to friends and family. AWESOME!

And don't forget for that PERFECT holiday gift. Photo Calendars!!  Who doesn't need a calendar? Your friends and family do!  All of our Godparents are getting one this year!  So take advantage of the deals that are out there

Right now Shutterfly is offering 20% off all holiday cards! Happy card creating!!!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Two things...

1. I have noticed that the more we stay home, the messier my house is.  That's not fair!

2. http://www.lanebryant.com/ is having a 40% off clearance sale today.  Someof the clearance is $6.99.  I'd get there fast! :)

Monday, November 1, 2010

Winding down...

Well, there is nothing like waking up to the sound of an otter, make that an almost 6 month old coughing.  So sad.  Livi is suffering, but keeps her good spirits most of the day.  Thank goodness my 3 year old functions on a 4 year old level (or so her teacher's tell me) because this 32 year old might have gone loony if it wasn't for her help! 

Now if she only wouldn't put up an hour long fight at bedtime every night!

I ordered 120 free prints from Snapfish tonight.  If you signed up at http://www.mycokerewards.com/ you can search snapfish and you'll find the offer for 50 prints for 0 points.  I signed both of our email accounts up and then for some reason Snapfish gave one of them and extra 20 when I uploaded.  Haven't ordered pics since July and they were stacking up.  I'm really not great at remembering to take pics though and I wish I could take them better...of the dreams of taking photography classes.

We stayed home today and we'll be home tomorrow I am sure!  Can't wait to see what deals come up tomorrow.  If you ever see the http://www.groupon.com/ for http://www.soap.com/ TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT!  $20 of product for $10 AND free shipping! Wow!  I am running all over town collecting my packages from where I shipped them to..SO worth it!

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Deals of late...

I have been taking advantage of a ton of deals lately. The best is watching for the Daily Groupon's for soap.com.  You have to be a new groupon customer, but I think I have helped sign up ever single family member.  You can get a $20 Groupon to Soap.com for health and beauty products like vitamins, shampoo, hair dye...and it will cost you $10.  I had signed up from the http://www.allyou.com/ website and signed up for the daily freebies. One day last week the freebie was a $5 Groupon gift certificate, making my soap.com Groupon purchase only $5!!! For $20 of product from soap.com that ships for free!  LOVE a deal like this!

Sign up for groupon here: http://www.groupon.com/r/uu10386348 and make sure you set up to be notified by email of the daily deal!

Happy Saving!

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Uh Oh!

Uh oh! Rich put his earrings back in...yes the father of three has brought back to life is "rogue" attire.....I wonder what that means for date night this evening?

Friday, October 29, 2010

A LONG day...

I must say, it's been a LONG day here alone with the kids. Rich should be rolling in soon. Thank you Jesus!  I've found by staying here all day it may just be more difficult than going out!!!! 

Ok, so I never submitted this b/c the kids were in need!  And now at 10:17pm. Rich is sleeping. Isn't that special?  We've probably talked a total of 15 mins today. I'm disappointed.

Let's get going...

Happy to be apart of the blogging world....As I type this my three year old is telling me, "I will be a baby when the babies are big girls, right?" Yes, these and other questions will continue to be the basis for this blog.  A place to just unwind from the craziness that I have only myself to blame for.  :)

I am a wife to Rich, my wonderfully supportive pain in the butt husband of um, oh that's right, 9 years and a Mom to three beautiful girls - 3yr old Gabriela and 5 month old twin girls, Lyla and Livi.  I absolutely LOVE it.  The laughs and cries, the hugs and headaches.  I get overwhelmed often, but look forward to each day with my family. I am truly Blessed and sometimes need an occasional reminder.

Yes, I could stay home everyday. Most mom's in my postion would. But I don't. And so, therefore, I will be writing about the insane ordeals that we get into when we are out and about all over Pittsburgh!

In the coming months I hope to also share my ideas about life, religion, (should I just include politics for the heck of it?) I also LOVE to cook and I am active in my church and community through volunteering...

So feel free to share your thoughts, post your ideas and express your mind here! Welcome!