punkin heads
Friday, October 28, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Yummy Mummy Cupcakes
I've been making cupcakes for Andrew's work for a few years now. I'll usually make a batch during holidays, birthdays and special events. It's pretty amusing because he gets so many compliments on how good my cupcakes are ... little do they know they are from a box. I love to bake but I don't get all crazy with the cakes. Honestly, I think boxed cake mix is just as good as from scratch. Did you just make a loud gasping sound followed by a head shake? Well, apparently Andrew's employees feel the same way when it comes to cake. So, there. (but I do love me a homemade German chocolate cake for my birthday ... just sayin' ... and the more coconut, the better!)
I've been trying to get creative with my decorating and I am so excited to share my spooktacular Halloween cupcakes. And let me give credit where credit is due. Skinnytaste is an amazing food blog, especially if you are eating on the lighter side. I am totally obsessed with this site. I found my decorating idea there and think they turned out super cute.
Want to make some of your own?
Yummy Mummy Cupcakes
Ingredients -
1. Boxed cake mix (and everything listed on the back of the box to complete cake - water, oil, eggs) I used Devil's Food Cake
2. White decorating frosting in the can (make sure it includes the different tips)
3. M&Ms
Directions -
1. Cook cupcakes according to package and let cool completely.
2. Used the ribbon tip on the decorating icing and create a striped design across the cupcakes.
3. Place two M&Ms at the top of cupcake for the eye.
Enjoy with a glass of milk. Or if you are anything like my Mom, sister and I ... enjoy with a Diet Coke.
I've been trying to get creative with my decorating and I am so excited to share my spooktacular Halloween cupcakes. And let me give credit where credit is due. Skinnytaste is an amazing food blog, especially if you are eating on the lighter side. I am totally obsessed with this site. I found my decorating idea there and think they turned out super cute.
Want to make some of your own?
Yummy Mummy Cupcakes
Ingredients -
1. Boxed cake mix (and everything listed on the back of the box to complete cake - water, oil, eggs) I used Devil's Food Cake
2. White decorating frosting in the can (make sure it includes the different tips)
3. M&Ms
Directions -
1. Cook cupcakes according to package and let cool completely.
2. Used the ribbon tip on the decorating icing and create a striped design across the cupcakes.
3. Place two M&Ms at the top of cupcake for the eye.
Enjoy with a glass of milk. Or if you are anything like my Mom, sister and I ... enjoy with a Diet Coke.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
wednesdays are for walker
Ya'll, my baby has been sick.
Well, more like a cold. But he was pitiful over the weekend. And there was no sleep in this household at all. I tried to let him sleep with me but that just turned into a game of "let's jump on Mom!" Yea, no thanks ... back to your own bed, mister! I will say he is doing much better but has the occasional snotty nose to wipe. We didn't go to the library yesterday or his gym class today. I'm sure he is nowhere close to being contagious but I didn't want his nasty boogies all over books, toys, and kiddos. I felt that I owed that to the other parents because I would be seriously irritated if some kid snotted all over Walker. I mean, I know it happens but if you can avoid it then why not, right?
No pictures today. Well, I guess I could post an oldie but goody ...
Well, more like a cold. But he was pitiful over the weekend. And there was no sleep in this household at all. I tried to let him sleep with me but that just turned into a game of "let's jump on Mom!" Yea, no thanks ... back to your own bed, mister! I will say he is doing much better but has the occasional snotty nose to wipe. We didn't go to the library yesterday or his gym class today. I'm sure he is nowhere close to being contagious but I didn't want his nasty boogies all over books, toys, and kiddos. I felt that I owed that to the other parents because I would be seriously irritated if some kid snotted all over Walker. I mean, I know it happens but if you can avoid it then why not, right?
No pictures today. Well, I guess I could post an oldie but goody ...
Halloween 2010
I can't wait to share his costume for this year! A small hint ... it's his favorite food!
Monday, October 24, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
i do
4 years
48 months
17,520 days
420,480 hours
25,228,800 minutes
1,513,728,000 seconds
Still saying 'I do'
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
wednesdays are for walker
Last weekend we took Walker to a local corn maze to celebrate Fall. He had so much fun on the hayride, swinging, investigating farm animals and looking at the pumpkins. I am thinking about taking him to a true pumpkin patch to take some really great photos and of course to buy a pumpkin for Halloween!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Boot Camp? ummm, okay
I'm going to be really honest. Up until a week and a half ago I hadn't worked out in months. Months! I mean I would go out and walk around the block with Walker a few times but nothing consistent. I blame the heat. Or myself. Or the heat. Okay, myself. And when I had Walker last year I lost a significant amount of weight and promised myself I wouldn't gain it back. Well, guess what I did. I gained it back.
Every.single.pound.
And maybe a few more.
Ugh.
BUT ... I am making my comeback. My sister and I bought a Groupon a few months ago to start Boot Camp. Six weeks of unlimited workouts for super cheap. I would have been crazy not to buy it. Or maybe I am crazy for buying it. If anything, it's a major boost into my lack of a workout routine to get myself moving again. We started about a week ago. I feel so alive now! I forgot how wonderful it felt to really push myself and get my heart rate up! After the first workout though I felt like I would never be able to walk again. My thighs were on fire. Seriously, I could barely walk up and down the stairs in my house. Add a 25 lb. toddler in my arms too. Oh my word. I was close to tears several times.
However, the pain wore off and I've made it back for more classes. I love it. I can't believe it. I am in love with working out. I have muscles I didn't realize were there ... probably because they are hidden under layers of fat.
I try to be funny about it because if I get too serious and hardcore about my weight I just get sad. And when I'm sad I want to eat. And we all know what eating does. Yea, I prefer not to add anymore junk to my trunk.
So, I'll keep the blog world update with my stats. I will not release my highest weight until I am in a place where I feel healthy and proud of my body. But I will post my weight loss, workouts I pick up, yummy and healthy recipes and my opinions on it all.
One day at a time. I can do this.
Every.single.pound.
And maybe a few more.
Ugh.
BUT ... I am making my comeback. My sister and I bought a Groupon a few months ago to start Boot Camp. Six weeks of unlimited workouts for super cheap. I would have been crazy not to buy it. Or maybe I am crazy for buying it. If anything, it's a major boost into my lack of a workout routine to get myself moving again. We started about a week ago. I feel so alive now! I forgot how wonderful it felt to really push myself and get my heart rate up! After the first workout though I felt like I would never be able to walk again. My thighs were on fire. Seriously, I could barely walk up and down the stairs in my house. Add a 25 lb. toddler in my arms too. Oh my word. I was close to tears several times.
However, the pain wore off and I've made it back for more classes. I love it. I can't believe it. I am in love with working out. I have muscles I didn't realize were there ... probably because they are hidden under layers of fat.
I try to be funny about it because if I get too serious and hardcore about my weight I just get sad. And when I'm sad I want to eat. And we all know what eating does. Yea, I prefer not to add anymore junk to my trunk.
So, I'll keep the blog world update with my stats. I will not release my highest weight until I am in a place where I feel healthy and proud of my body. But I will post my weight loss, workouts I pick up, yummy and healthy recipes and my opinions on it all.
One day at a time. I can do this.
Monday, October 17, 2011
making up for foto friday
worth the wait though, worth the wait!
fall is in my front yard.
i cannot wait to rake up the leaves into a pile and let walker run through them.
okay, i can wait on the raking part.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
a new favorite dish
Let me start off by saying that I love my crock pot. I use it at least once a week. It's a lifesaver when it comes to making dinner. Last night I made one of the most delicious meals. And it is so, so easy! It doesn't have a title so I would like to call it Crock Pot Salsa Chicken.
Ingredients:
chicken breasts
one jar of salsa (I prefer Pace Medium)
one can of black beans, rinsed and drained
one can of white beans, rinsed and drained
one package of taco seasoning mix (I use the low sodium)
Throw all of the above into a crock pot and cook on low for 5-6 hours.
Extra sides to think about:
shredded cheese
sour cream
Spanish rice
tortilla chips
jalapenos
The chicken literally just falls apart. This dish would also be super delicious as a soup. Add some corn, shred the chicken before serving and add tortilla strips on top.
Sorry I don't have a picture to share ... I'll work on pictures for my recipe posts.
Enjoy!
Speaking of crock pot meals make sure to head on over to these two sites for more easy, delicious recipes ...
Crock Pot Girls
Skinny Crock Pot
Ingredients:
chicken breasts
one jar of salsa (I prefer Pace Medium)
one can of black beans, rinsed and drained
one can of white beans, rinsed and drained
one package of taco seasoning mix (I use the low sodium)
Throw all of the above into a crock pot and cook on low for 5-6 hours.
Extra sides to think about:
shredded cheese
sour cream
Spanish rice
tortilla chips
jalapenos
The chicken literally just falls apart. This dish would also be super delicious as a soup. Add some corn, shred the chicken before serving and add tortilla strips on top.
Sorry I don't have a picture to share ... I'll work on pictures for my recipe posts.
Enjoy!
Speaking of crock pot meals make sure to head on over to these two sites for more easy, delicious recipes ...
Crock Pot Girls
Skinny Crock Pot
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
wednesdays are for walker
I have no idea how to rotate this video but my little guy is so adorable so I posted it anyway.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
how to save money ... part 1
Gosh, don't we all need to be given advice on how to save money? I know I do. I have been so blessed to be able to stay at home with Walker during his first year. Andrew and I found it important to us both to make it work and we've done okay financially. I couldn't have asked for a more loving, hardworking husband and father. He has made this past year so special for me being able to teach and raise Walker full time.
But we could do so much better (saving money that is). And now we are on the track of making it work a little bit longer.
I also have to be honest with myself. I have to go back to work. Okay, I don't have to but I should. We could definitely make things work and be comfortable without me working. However, we wouldn't be able to take summer vacations, a spur of the moment weekend getaway or make an impulse buy on something fun. And we want to be able to do those things. As selfish as I want to be when it comes to staying home with my sweet boy, I also want to be able to afford fun family activities and vacations. Andrew and I dream of taking Walker all over the country and the world ... and we are determined to do so.
So, this is how we are saving money and cutting back. We've just added a few to the list and it has all helped us tremendously!
1. Eat at Home.
This is major. Eating out is expensive and when you think about it, what is the long term benefit from eating out? Nothing. Sure, it's nice to go out to breakfast or dinner and we most certainly do. But only once a week. We eat every meal at home and Andrew packs his lunch for work. We have declared Friday nights as date night so we'll order some takeout and rent a movie. We also decide early on if we would rather go out that weekend for a meal instead. That way I can prepare something for dinner on Friday night instead of being in a bind at the last minute.
2. Coupon!
I have just started couponing and I love it! I have a binder, dividers, coupon sleeves ... the whole nine yards to make couponing as easy as possible. You have to make sure not to get too wrapped up into it though. Don't just buy something because you can get it cheap ... that's still wasting precious money. Make sure you only buy what you usually eat/use. I only clip the coupons that are truly beneficial for my family.
3. Buy generic.
Example - grocery store 2 liter soda .87 ... a 2 liter Diet Coke 1.97. Enough said.
4. Say goodbye to cable, netflix and dvr.
We did and we are now saving around $80 a month by eliminating those services. You can watch most shows online for free. And if you are movie lover like myself, find a Redbox and rent them for $1 per night. You can also find several promo codes for free Redbox movie rentals. DVDONME is one. You're welcome.
5. Use cash.
Quit swiping a credit or debit card. It's to easy to get caught up in just swiping your card. This is a new technique we are starting to do here to save money. Our debit card is only allowed for gas. That's it. We pull out $100 each week and divide it out. $60 for groceries (remember, I coupon now so this is doable), $20 for Andrew and $20 for me. The $20 for each of us is 'allowance'. We can do whatever we wish for it. But at the end of the week whatever is leftover goes right to the piggy bank. Sounds like a pretty good plan, huh?
6. Online reward programs.
I am a Pampers snob when it comes to diapers and wipe for Walker. But I do buy them through Amazon Mom and save over 30% on the retail price and I get free shipping. Each Pampers product comes with a Gifts to Grow code that you enter on their website to redeem for prizes. I am letting my points accumulate for the Radio Flyer Bit Flyer for Walker. Pretty sweet deal.
Swagbucks is a search engine similar to Google. Simply use their search engine to earn points towards products and giftcards. I am saving mine up for a Starbucks giftcard. Yummy.
Recyclebank. Save the Earth and get rewarded! There are so many ways to earn points here. Enter UPC codes, take a pledge to cut back on power usage, watch an informative video, etc. I've already redeemed several of my points for Harris Teeter vouchers. I have four $10 vouchers being mailed to me as I type just by using this reward program.
7. Find free activities in your area.
I am currently taking Walker to the library every Tuesday for story time. He loves it and so do I!! Free. Free. Free.
Pack a picnic and go to the park. Free.
Find a family website for your city and check out their calendar of events. There are usually tons of free activities to go to. I use Charlotte Parent on a weekly basis to find some fun things to do as a family.
8. Save your change. It adds up!
I am pretty sure we all do this but make sure to put it in one central location. We saved tons of change a few years ago and cashed it in before our roadtrip to Maine (yes, we drove over 16 hours for vacation ... and oh, so worth it). It was very surprising how much change we had saved. It helped with gas, meals and snacks there and back. Score! We have been saving our change since then. I have no idea what it will be cashed in on ... probably our next family trip.
I am all about saving a dollar as you can tell! So, tell me your secrets ... I want to add to my list!
But we could do so much better (saving money that is). And now we are on the track of making it work a little bit longer.
I also have to be honest with myself. I have to go back to work. Okay, I don't have to but I should. We could definitely make things work and be comfortable without me working. However, we wouldn't be able to take summer vacations, a spur of the moment weekend getaway or make an impulse buy on something fun. And we want to be able to do those things. As selfish as I want to be when it comes to staying home with my sweet boy, I also want to be able to afford fun family activities and vacations. Andrew and I dream of taking Walker all over the country and the world ... and we are determined to do so.
So, this is how we are saving money and cutting back. We've just added a few to the list and it has all helped us tremendously!
1. Eat at Home.
This is major. Eating out is expensive and when you think about it, what is the long term benefit from eating out? Nothing. Sure, it's nice to go out to breakfast or dinner and we most certainly do. But only once a week. We eat every meal at home and Andrew packs his lunch for work. We have declared Friday nights as date night so we'll order some takeout and rent a movie. We also decide early on if we would rather go out that weekend for a meal instead. That way I can prepare something for dinner on Friday night instead of being in a bind at the last minute.
2. Coupon!
I have just started couponing and I love it! I have a binder, dividers, coupon sleeves ... the whole nine yards to make couponing as easy as possible. You have to make sure not to get too wrapped up into it though. Don't just buy something because you can get it cheap ... that's still wasting precious money. Make sure you only buy what you usually eat/use. I only clip the coupons that are truly beneficial for my family.
3. Buy generic.
Example - grocery store 2 liter soda .87 ... a 2 liter Diet Coke 1.97. Enough said.
4. Say goodbye to cable, netflix and dvr.
We did and we are now saving around $80 a month by eliminating those services. You can watch most shows online for free. And if you are movie lover like myself, find a Redbox and rent them for $1 per night. You can also find several promo codes for free Redbox movie rentals. DVDONME is one. You're welcome.
5. Use cash.
Quit swiping a credit or debit card. It's to easy to get caught up in just swiping your card. This is a new technique we are starting to do here to save money. Our debit card is only allowed for gas. That's it. We pull out $100 each week and divide it out. $60 for groceries (remember, I coupon now so this is doable), $20 for Andrew and $20 for me. The $20 for each of us is 'allowance'. We can do whatever we wish for it. But at the end of the week whatever is leftover goes right to the piggy bank. Sounds like a pretty good plan, huh?
6. Online reward programs.
I am a Pampers snob when it comes to diapers and wipe for Walker. But I do buy them through Amazon Mom and save over 30% on the retail price and I get free shipping. Each Pampers product comes with a Gifts to Grow code that you enter on their website to redeem for prizes. I am letting my points accumulate for the Radio Flyer Bit Flyer for Walker. Pretty sweet deal.
Swagbucks is a search engine similar to Google. Simply use their search engine to earn points towards products and giftcards. I am saving mine up for a Starbucks giftcard. Yummy.
Recyclebank. Save the Earth and get rewarded! There are so many ways to earn points here. Enter UPC codes, take a pledge to cut back on power usage, watch an informative video, etc. I've already redeemed several of my points for Harris Teeter vouchers. I have four $10 vouchers being mailed to me as I type just by using this reward program.
7. Find free activities in your area.
I am currently taking Walker to the library every Tuesday for story time. He loves it and so do I!! Free. Free. Free.
Pack a picnic and go to the park. Free.
Find a family website for your city and check out their calendar of events. There are usually tons of free activities to go to. I use Charlotte Parent on a weekly basis to find some fun things to do as a family.
8. Save your change. It adds up!
I am pretty sure we all do this but make sure to put it in one central location. We saved tons of change a few years ago and cashed it in before our roadtrip to Maine (yes, we drove over 16 hours for vacation ... and oh, so worth it). It was very surprising how much change we had saved. It helped with gas, meals and snacks there and back. Score! We have been saving our change since then. I have no idea what it will be cashed in on ... probably our next family trip.
I am all about saving a dollar as you can tell! So, tell me your secrets ... I want to add to my list!
Monday, October 10, 2011
Friday, October 7, 2011
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
wednesdays are for walker
We try to teach our children
all about life.
Our children teach us
what life is all about.Tuesday, October 4, 2011
my favorite chili recipe
In celebration of fall I thought it would be nice to share my delicious chili recipe. There are so many variations when it comes to making chili. If you aren't a meat eater then this recipe is perfect because it is full of beans ... mmmmmm fiber!
Ingredients:
1 can of black beans - rinsed and drained
1 can of garbanzo beans - rinsed and drained
1 can of kidney beans - rinsed and drained
1 can of corn - drained
1-2 cans of diced tomatoes with green chilis (depending how soupy you like your chili) I use one.
1-2 cans of tomato sauce (again ... depending on your preference of soupiness)
red pepper to taste
Frank's hot sauce to taste
garlic salt to taste
ground turkey or beef for the meat eaters - browned
Combine in crockpot and heat on high for 4 hours or low for 7 hours.
We love having chili on game days. Make sure not to forget the cornbread! I use the simple Jiffy mix. If you want to add little something to it think sharp shredded cheddar and jalapenos! Adds a nice little kick.
Additional add ons to the chili -
tortilla chips for dipping
a dollop of sour cream
white beans in exchange for meat
Enjoy!
Ingredients:
1 can of black beans - rinsed and drained
1 can of garbanzo beans - rinsed and drained
1 can of kidney beans - rinsed and drained
1 can of corn - drained
1-2 cans of diced tomatoes with green chilis (depending how soupy you like your chili) I use one.
1-2 cans of tomato sauce (again ... depending on your preference of soupiness)
red pepper to taste
Frank's hot sauce to taste
garlic salt to taste
ground turkey or beef for the meat eaters - browned
Combine in crockpot and heat on high for 4 hours or low for 7 hours.
We love having chili on game days. Make sure not to forget the cornbread! I use the simple Jiffy mix. If you want to add little something to it think sharp shredded cheddar and jalapenos! Adds a nice little kick.
Additional add ons to the chili -
tortilla chips for dipping
a dollop of sour cream
white beans in exchange for meat
Enjoy!
Monday, October 3, 2011
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