Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Mug O' Comfort Swap

 
Who doesn't like getting a gift a goodies in the mail? I know I love it, and that is why I did 2 swaps this month. This one I was paired with Tami who is another blogger also from Utah. I lucked out! Tami totally went the extra mile with my gift box.
As per my mother taught me you always start with the card. All I have to say is I need me some cute cards like these!
 
Of course my kids were curious as to what mom was getting in the mail when it wasn't even her birthday! Tami was so sweet to not even leave them out. She got chalk for my kids and bath toys for the baby. Plus Sense and Sensibility for me once the kids go to bed. I plan on drawing chalk all afternoon till they're so worn out all they want is a bath before bedtime. Then I can cuddle up and watch this classic chick flick.
 
I don't know where she found this Mexican hot chocolate, but I'm thrilled she did. The kind I use is not as quick to make as this instant hot chocolate is going to be. I'm very excited to break it open.
Tami sent me all kind of bonus goodies like nuts for Hawaii, chocolate pretzels, and marshmellow bits.
Not to mention this gorgeous and perfect mug! It says, "Keep Calm and Carry On."  Too perfect for my chaotic life. Thanks for all the gifts. You can learn more about Tami at stwarnercorner.blogspot.com.

You can view everyone else's Mug O Comfort swaps here.
 


Want to participate in a swap of your own? Keep in mind you might not be paired with someone as fabulous as I was. Here are a few swaps coming up.

Chaotic Goddess Swaps have several coming up.
 
 
 

The Desert Star's Les Miserables Winner

I am so excited to announce this time's winner to Desert Star's production of Les Miserables. If I you don't see an email from me soon, then make sure to email me at utahqueenofchaos@gmail.com.
You will be sure to have an evening full of laughs and fun. There show has lots of fun audience participation moments, maybe you will get lucky.
The Lucky Winner is......  Jennifer Isbell.



If you didn't win, don't let that stop you from this fabulous show! You can like there facebook page for other chances to win, or follow their blog http://desertstarplayhouse.blogspot.com/. It is worth every penny! We had so much fun just the two of us away from the kids. It is family friendly theater, but not for kids under the age of 3.

Call the box office at 801-266-2600 M-Sat from 10 A.M.- 9 P.M. Their staff is top notch, and let's face it, good customer service is a rarity. I always recommend pulling up the seating chart on your computer while you are scheduling your tickets.

 
Keep your eyes open for next time's performance as well. It's never too early to purchase tickets at the Desert Star. Plus it's a great place to embarrass loved one's for birthday's or anniversary's. Just let them know at the box office who's special day it is. You may even be as lucky as we were last time to see a real proposal happen.
 
Go to Desertstar.biz for more information!

 

Monday, April 29, 2013

April Cara Box Exchange

I was very lucky to do my first cara box. If your not familiar with the cara box you can learn more at Kaitlyn's blog, she is the creator of the cara box. You basically get the opportunity to get to know 2 different people. 1 person sends you a cara box, the other person you send your own cara box to.
I got to know the the sweetest person, Carrie. You can see what fun things I sent her with the "Going Green" theme here.
 
The fabulous Kristal from Atutudes sent me lots of green things in honor of Earth day. I got Green nail polish, green note cards (which I use a lot), staples and garden gloves. I am just getting my garden and starter plants going, so the seeds she sent couldn't have come at a better time! Here in Utah It's finally nice enough to start yard work too, so the gloves will be very loved. She practically read my mind, I desperately needed new ones.
Plus it all came in the cutest reusable Breakfast at Tiffany's bag! Which made me think of her super cute Breakfast at Tiffany's Tutu. Isn't that so cute? Kristal makes the cutest tutu's which you can see on her etsy page here. Thanks Kristal for my cara box, I love it!

If you want to do a cara box check out wiffesionals for next month's theme.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Earth Day Fun

Here are some of the fun things we did to celebrate Earth Day this week.
We made recycled bird feeders. When we were moving around a lot we didn't have a lot of room for toys. To replace that we did lots of coloring and crafts. This was one of our favorites when we lived in Louisville, because of all the beautiful cardinals.
You take this kind of carton, usually use d for whipping cream, half and half or milk. Then you cut out a square.
 
 
The kids paint them, we add bird seeds and hang them. Really easy, even for the non crafty type like me!
 

Another thing I have done every year for Earth Day is make what we call Earth Day Bars. I got this recipe out of Family Fun magazine when Kadan was younger, and I have hauled it around with me.

 
Earth Day Bars 

What you'll need

  • 1 1/2 cups baking mix (I use Bisquick)
  • 1 1/2 cups instant oats
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup softened butter
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ADD-INS:
  • Coconut flakes
  • Chocolate chips
  • Chopped dried pineapple
  • Raisins
  • Chopped Brazil nuts

How to make it

  1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine the baking mix, oats, brown sugar, butter, egg, and cinnamon.
  2. Stir the mix with a wooden spoon until you have a crumbly dough. Next, customize your international treats by folding in 1 cup total of the add-ins of your choice. (Mine was still too dry so I added an extra egg.)
  3. Press the dough into an ungreased 9- by 13-inch pan and bake for 17 minutes or until the center is set and the bars are slightly brown. Allow them to cool for 10 minutes before cutting. Makes 1-1/2 dozen 2- by 3-inch bars.

I used raisins, chocolate chips and coconut for my add-ins this time. Here is some more information on the add-in ingredients.
Raisins: California, the only place in the United States that harvests the grapes used to make raisins, is the world's No. 1 supplier.
Pineapple: Thailand produces approximately 20 percent of the world's pineapple crop, surpassing the Hawaiian Islands.
Brazil nuts: The complex growing environment this tree crop requires prevents it from being grown on farms. Instead, it's harvested directly from the rain forests of Brazil, Peru, and other South American countries.
Chocolate: Africa's Ivory Coast is the largest producer of cocoa beans, the ingredient that gives chocolate its unique, irresistible flavor.
Coconut: The Philippines and Indonesia are the world's leading producers of copra, or coconut meat.
I planned on making these earth crayons, but didn't get around to it. For Christmas last year we made homemade crayons and gave them to the kids friends as gifts with coloring books. There is always next year.
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Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Wacky Wednesday 4/24

It's Wednesday again, half way thru this week. What crazy things do you have to share to remind us of the fun things in life? Write a blog post about it and link it up here.

This week my son decided to play his soccer game with a diaper for a hat! No seriously, the whole game he ran around like this. He even almost scored once too!

This one happened while I was out and daddy was in charge. My 2 year old decided to put on some of mommy's mascara. Doesn't she look pretty? When my husband sent me this picture I thought it was a sharpie, glad it was only mascara.

This picture is how I like to exercise. Adrianna climbs up on my leg as I go up and down. I know I'm not the only one that does this with their kids. Although I'm probably one of the few that says, "My left leg is a 1/2 inch smaller than my right, so use this one."
 
 
 
 

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Quinoa Mexican Haystacks

A long time ago I found a recipe on pinterest, that my family enjoyed. The best part was that it had quinoa in it which has lots of proetin. Plus it's a nice meatless dish which I try to do at least twice a week. When I went to make it a second time I couldn't find my original recipe. So after a few different attempts here is my final recipe of what we call Mexican Haystacks.

Mexican Haystacks
 
2 Cups Quinoa
1/4 C Onion Diced
Garlic 1-2 Cloves
2 Cans of Black Beans
1/4 C Chopped Cilantro
Chili powder
Cumin
Salt
Lime Juice
 

Rinse the quinoa and add it to approx 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer till cooked. Or follow the cooking instructions on the box. It's done when the quinoa has absorbed the water and is tender. I like to add lots of water and drain the extra once cooked. I prefer that over burnt.
Then add the onion to some oil in a pan and cook till till softened. Then I use my handy garlic press and add the garlic. After 2-3 minutes I add the black beans and 1/2 cup of water (or chicken stock.) Usually most recipes say to rinse their beans- I don't. I may drain some of the liquid on the top, but I just throw the whole thing in there. Then I add the spices and chopped cilantro. I like it spicy and I like cumin so I probably do a lot. You probably only need 1/4 -1/2 tsp. Let the beans simmer for approx 15 minutes and add some lime juice.

Then we layer our bowls with the quinoa, then the black bean mixture, and then any of the following:
Corn
Lettuce
Diced Tomatoes
Salsa or Pico De Gayo
Shredded Cheese
 Sour Cream (or plain Greek yogurt works)
More Cilantro
Avocado
Guacamole
Green Onions
Enjoy this yummy healthy family favorite. Keep in mind Cinco De Mayo is right around the corner.

Monday, April 22, 2013

Weekly Favorite Blog Posts Round Up

I am linking up with High Heeled Love and My So Called Chaos again for The Weekly Round Up. Here are a few of my favorite recent posts:
Where have these been my whole life? Fancy Slips review at Trying to Stay Calm. I have gotten rid of so many skirts and dresses cause they just ended up being slightly too short, when I sat, or maybe after a wash. These are the perfect solution!
I came across this video from this blog post and it cracks me and my family up so much. View it at Random thoughts from the zoo.
I haven't tried this yet, but Six Sisters' Stuff posted a recipe called Lunch Lady Brownies. Can't wait to make them!
Rain on a Tin Roof posted this article for bloggers. My favorite being #6 about turning of word verifications. I hate those things!
Here is a fun craft I am excited to try today for Earth Day at Gift of Curiosity.
Just some of my favorite posts from the past week. Thanks fellow bloggers for posting such good stuff, I just had to share!

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Les Miserables Review & Giveaway


Yet again the Desert Star Playhouse strikes gold. I know this is a very popular show right now, but this is the only version of Les Mis that will have you laughing throughout. Of all the production's I have seen at the Deseret Star, this is one of the best written yet. My husband even commented that it is his favorite show so far that he has seen; considering we have been going for about 8 years that's saying something!
Les Miserables –Or– A Lot Less Miserable follows the basis of the story line pretty close considering it's a parody of the real Les Mis. They still sing along to some of your favorite songs only with different lyrics as well as some other well known songs. There is still no lack of jokes, sarcasm or talent.

I was very pleased to see my favorite actress Kerstin Davis, playing the part of Cassete. Her talent and personality is capturing and captivating. She knows how to capture her audience when she enters the stage. Her facial expressions and voice inflections alone will have you laughing. She also has great audience interaction, especially in the olio!
Justin Berry also does a great job. He had the best and most consistent french accent through out the show. Him and Julie Heaton may sing some silly things but there is no doubt they have some amazing voices! Especially Julie in, "On My Own." The scene where she comes flying in with a huge hat is one of my favorites. She kept accidentally kept turning around so she added some unwritten humor to the show, one of those you had to be there to get it things. Desert Star has lots of those.
Rick Miller is also a great singer. A little harder to understand sometimes, but then again sometimes he was literally saying jibberish for the sake of the scene. My favorite was when he would improve and interact with the audience. To watch the other cast members try to stay in character is always my favorite part.

My husband and I both got a kick out of the characters portrayed by Todd Michael Thompson and Camee Faulk. Their facial expressions, narrations and side jokes were perfectly timed. Camee also has great facial expressions. Their make up and costumes were perfect and added to their characters so well. Both did a great job playing their character and adding their own personality to their parts. My husband said they were his favorite to watch.
Corey Brandenburger was spot on as always and he does a great impression of the priest from "The Princess Bride." Mekenzie Heaton was an actress I hadn't seen there before, but she also added her own spunk to her part. She fit right in with the cast, and was a delight to watch.
The nice thing about the Desert Star theater is there isn't really a bad seat in the house. I have sat in the front row all the way to the back row. This time we were so fortunate to sit behind the pianist, Jordan Richardson. It makes me wish I would have stuck with piano. To watch his fingers fly was pretty amazing. Let's face it, with out his accompaniment the show would be way dry and less entertaining! he also has a lot of cues for audience interaction scenes. Even if the actors give him a hard time about being late for some of them.
The whole show is entertaining no matter how familiar you are with Les Mis. You are guaranteed to have a good time, and laugh a lot. The food isn't too bad either. I ordered their nachos with honey chipotle ranch and they were the perfect bonus to a great show. They have pizza, ice creams, shakes and so much more yummy goodness.
The show is running till June 8th and the closer you get to the end, the quicker they sell out. Hop online to check out dates and prices at desertstar.biz/.
Enter the rafflecopter below to enter in the drawing for a chance to win 2 tickets to Desert Star Playhouse's production of Les Mes.
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I received free tickets in exchange for my honest review. No other compensation was received.
Read my review of their last production here.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Things I {don't} Love Thursday 4/18/13

I am linking up with Sweet Pea & Lulu again for more things I {don't} love.


1. I get so frustrated with bad links. Sometimes certain blogs will link to other blogs. For instance they may provide a list of Utah bloggers, yummy recipes, or DIY posts. I'll click the link and its a blog that hasn't posted in 2 years, doesn't exist any more or even weirder is private. Why link to your website if only invited people can view it? That's pointless and a waste of time if you ask me.
 
2. I don't love syrup on it's bottle. Does the oil bottle have oil on the outside of it, or the peanut butter have peanut butter around it's container or does the milk jug have milk dripping on it? Then why does my syrup ALWAYS have syrup on it? I have an OCD thing about being sticky. Meals that I eat with syrup I also eat with a wet rag; I can't stand being sticky! I clean the container constantly, and yet it is still sticky every time I reach for it.
 
3. I don't love when the micorwave doesn't get cleared. I go to see what time it is and sure enough it's blinking, PRESS START. Sometimes I go to use it and it won't let me type in my time because the person before me hasn't cleared their leftover time. Does anyone else not love this? Or just me?
 
 
Those are some of the things I am not loving this week. Have something you are not loving? Let me know, or write about it and link up with Sweet Pea & Lulu.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Wacky Wednesday 4/17/13

 

Today I'm just sharing my child for Wacky Wednesday. My 2 year old has her own quirky unique personality that almost always leaves me laughing!
She loves to randomly sing and dance and do weird things like this:
Singing and dancing.

Wearing just 1 mitten for no reason.

Umm, those aren't stickers sweetheart!

Playing dress-up with mom's stuff.
 
 
She picks out her own clothes most of the time. Sometimes she is so cute, others it's 2 pajama tops and mis match pants. I love her silly spirit.
 
 
 
Have a fun wacky moment you want to share to help us get through the rest of the week? Blog about it and link it up here. Or leave me a comment below, I love hearing what wacky things your kids do as well.
 

Don't forget to link back here.

Friday, April 12, 2013

The What Women Wants Show Review

Today we went to the What Women Wants Show.  Let's see me, plus 3 girls under the age of 4, crowded isles, lots of free sugar and things to touch; am I ready for this?  Yes, yes I am. I am the queen of chaos, aren't I?
 
 
 
On our way into the South Towne Expo Center Yesenia shouts, "Take my picture with the lipsticks."  She thought the cement columns were lipsticks. I did tell her it was a girl party.
Then she said, "Look I'm Ariel." Little did she know she was about to meet Ariel.
 
Part of Your World Princess Parties had a booth there where we got a free picture with Ariel. The girls dressed up, met Ariel and got her signature. Yesenia loved that Ariel pointed out the princess's on her shirt as all her best friends.
 
 
 
They got free face painting, beach balls, mirrors and lots of junk food. Lowe's was even hosting a free craft for kids with lots of how to idea's thru out the day.  That was one of the highlights of the show if you are bringing kids. Stop by for a free apron, goggles and a craft.
All part of the Lowe's build and grow I have mentioned in my blog here.
 
These kind of shows always have lots of everything at them. Over the years I have watched different fads come and go. I remember scrapbook pages being big, the interchangeable watches, baby flower clips, jewelry, and so on. This year it is the modern boutique clothes. The peach, mint green, coral and gray colors. With bubble necklaces, layered tops and chevron prints. LOTS of maxi skirts, colored skinny jeans, and modern tops. If you have been wanting a wardrobe update and want a large selection to look at that than make sure you go.
 
I went knowing I wanted 3 specific things. I had a budget and surprisingly I stuck to it. I saved my spending money for the past 2 weeks just for today.
 
 
The first thing I wanted was blush. Not just any blush, blush from NS Minerals. I am sure you all know (or maybe are) one of those women that can't leave the house with out full make-up, hair and outfit done. I am not that girl, at all! I rarely have time to do make up and in the past wasn't very good at it. So when my brother married a sweet girl who not only sold make up, but understood it I went asking for help. Sad I know, I'm how old just learning to wear make-up. I figure with 3 girls it's about time. I just don't want to go too cheap, but I also don't want to break the bank either. I don't go thru makeup very fast because of how little I wear it. I like a light make up with a natural look. NS Minerals was a winner for me instantly! I love how light it feels and it's really quick to apply as well. With all their cdifferent pigments to choose from I can go simple or dress it up for a night out. I asked my sister in law if they were going to be at the show a head of time and set aside my money just for this! Go to their booth and they can help you find the right color just for you!


The next thing I wanted was earrings. Cheap ones that go with the the colors that are in right now.  I also wanted bright colored one's to stand out since I have such dark hair. Yesenia helped me pick out these cute yellow and pink one's. I wanted blue but she really liked the pink, so I got them. Plus they were on sale for only $3 a pair thru Plunder Design. Which do you like better?
I was surprised when I didn't find the third thing I came for. I wanted a new cute headband for Graciellla, my 5 month old. I want cute pastel flowers with a cute rhinestone or something. Know a good place, that's not over priced, let me know.

Then I had $10 splurge money. I spent $5 of it on earrings for my girls, a cheap wand and pink crown. When I buy earrings for the girls I try to buy at least 2 pairs of the same earring. That way when one disappears, I have a pair for back up replacements. Just a tip for those of you that have little ones with pierced ears. It doesn't take much to loose an earring. Especially when dad's pull of their onesies with little regard or at least that is how most of mine have been lost.

One booth that I really liked and am going to place an order with is a new company called Tuckeez. They are iron on things that help keep kids tucked in, or from straps needing to be adjusted. I am very intrigued by it and think I will buy a pair and give it a try!
I also saw my friend from Price Match with Rachel as well. If you didn't win tickets from me check out her site for free tickets, then stop by her booth for some good deals or for those glitties toes.
Stop by the Scheel's booth for free ferris wheel tokens and a schedule of their kids klub free events.
Lots of giveaways, freebies, and fun. Stob by today till 8 PM or tomorrow the 13th from 10-6 at The South Towne Expo Center in Sandy, UT.

**I received complimentary tickets in exchange for my honest review. No other compensation was received.**