Showing posts with label Family Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family Life. Show all posts

Monday, October 2, 2017

Cleo Madison Review

I love when I come across boutiques that sell cute and conservative clothes. I am not one to personally dress flashy, or sexy, but I do want to look good. I sometimes struggle finding the right dress or outfit that I feel both comfortable and confident in. Cleo Madison/ asked me to review their clothes and I was more than happy to. Browsing thought their website made me both excited for fall and excited to have a new clothing company I could stand behind.
I like to wear a lot of tops with skirts. Both cause I like them, and cause I am currently a nursing mama. Which I do wish there was more nursing dresses and tops out there, but that's another tangent for another day.
They had some really cute skirts to choose from but I went with the Annie floral skirt. I was surprised at how soft it was first off, and second how comfy it was. I often dress up for work or church. Which tend to be my craziest days. Both Sundays and work days are insane for me. I like to look nice but feel comfy too. I matched the skirt with my jean blouse that goes with everything, and makes nursing easy. I got 3 compliments on my skirt within an hour of wearing it #winner

2 things are also apparent, 1 I am not a model. 2 My husband is not a photographer. Truth is every time I wore it I may have forgotten to have someone take my picture. Yes I said every time I wore it. I liked it that much.

Cleo Madison is having a sale right now for 25% off all sale items. Their sale items not only have swimsuits, some stripped dresses but 3 shirts I want. A cute Mama Bear Shirt, Happy Camper shirt and a Happy Glamper Shirt (see below). So go check them out and use the code 25offsale. 
Don't forget to follow their facebook and instagram pages for more info, arrivals, discounts and giveaways.

#/cleomadisonshop

https://www.instagram.com/cleo.madison/
Here are some of my favorites and why for your viewing pleasure:
Navy blue midi pocket dress

Can I get a hallelujah that these dresses have pockets?!?!?!

Floral knee length pocket dress

Love this top, go check it out and see the detailing on the back. 

Happy glamper tee close up

A close up of the cute skirt I picked.

Foldover waist tea length skirt

Anyway go check them out. 

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Welch's Unroll the Fun

Super excited to try this new fruit snack. I made a vlog post trying them if you want to check it out:

But basically they are fruit snacks made with real fruit juice, which I love. Not only is it healthier but I think it tastes better. They also have a new snack which is a fruit roll. They are also made from fruit juce but are also softer and yummier. So check them out next time you are shopping for a yummy and sweet snack for your kids.
I received these snacks complimentary in exchange for my review.

Thursday, August 31, 2017

Mount Timpanogoss Cave

My husband and I have lived in Utah for about 10 years and I realized I have never taken him to Timpanogos Cave! We drive, camp, and paddle board up American Fork Canyon all the time, and yet have never been through the cave. I finally  bit the bullet, picked a random day and got tickets to go. Best idea ever!
We invited some family members to go as well and they also were so glad they came along.
So first go to this site to purchase tickets: Purchase Cave Tour Tickets You can do it at the visitors center, but they often are sold out especially if you have a larger group like we did. If you just want 1 or 2 you may be able to get some same day, but you never know.
It's easy to get there. just drive up American Fork canyon and pay the entrance fee. Then a little ways up you will see the Timpanogos Visitors Center on the right side. They have bathrooms, water and the start of the trail. You can pick up your tickets here within 15 minutes of your start time. They give you about an hour and half to get to the top for your cave tour.
After that you hike about a mile and half up to the cave entrance. Its is pretty steep and I would recommend lots of water. There is no where along the trail to get any, so don't be stingy. There is 20 markers along the way to help you know how far you have left or have gone. So at 10 you are half way there. Along the way there is beautiful views, facts about the rocks and some steep spots.
When it's time for your tour there are some things you should know. There is no hard back packs, like backpacking packs or child carriers. you can have them on the trail but before you enter there is a bear box to store them in. Any soft bag or back pack you are wearing they make you wear it in the front. So a front carrying baby carrier is fine. Also no food or water in the tour. They will make sure camelbacks are closed and not dripping, to help protect the cave.

 Inside is always cold. It will always be a constant 45 degrees. So I suggest bringing a sweater or jacket. If you have kids make sure they have some kind of jacket as well, cause it is cool. The tour can take an hour to an hour and a half. So it may feel nice at first but no one else on the tour wants to hear whiny kids the whole way, so come prepared.

One thing I don't remember from the last time I toured (which was a lifetime ago) was the key thing that makes this cave so different from other caves. That is their helictites. they don't know what causes or creates them but there has been some different theories.  



Every kid walked away with a different favorite part or memory. Some liked when they turned out the lights and it was true darkness, some liked the heart of timp cave, some the chocolate milk slime, I liked making a new memory with my family. I love science, the outdoors and my family so it was a perfect family outing!


So let me know if you have questions bout the experience, I can try and help. 

Sunday, April 30, 2017

DIY Earring Frame

My Sister in law that I talked about here made the cutest earring holder and I wanted to duplicate it. I love earrings and wear a lot of them. I though this would help with one of my new years goals to be more organized. 


First I purchased this white frame from Ikea. It is normally $25 but I got it on sale one week for $20. 
Then I spray painted it silver. Part of the reason it took me so long to make this was I hadn't decided what color did I really want it? Black? Red? Silver? I ended up going with silver and I love it. 


Then I purchased radiator covers from Lowes. Now they had a cuter one for more money but I am super cheap so I chose this one for $10. It wasn't quite wide enough to fit so we had to cut it and wire it to make it work. Which you can kind of see in the picture below. Once all the earrings and stuff is added though you can't really tell at all.








See in the end I hung the feather over where we cut it and made it work. In the end I love it, and now I have lots of room for all my dangley earrings. 



Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Treat Sharing Thankful Tom Turkey

At Halloween most people are familiar with getting boo'd. Where you get left a treat, a poem and a ghost picture. You usually hang the ghost up and are instructed to create treats and do the same for someone one else. I know I didn't explain that well, but oh well. I thought it would be fun to do something similar in November.
Something that was one step above sharing treats. Something that showed others why you are grateful for them. So here is something very similar. Thankful Tom Turkey. You can still make treats and door bell ditch your neighbors, only this time you get to add at least one thing you are thankful about them. It could be that they mow your lawn when you are out of town, or you saw them picking up litter when walking down the street. Maybe they always have a smile on their face, or know everyone name. Maybe they have a beautiful flower bed you love or always treat your kids with kindness. Whatever the reason, share it with them. Share it with treats. Then encourage them to pass it along.

Here is the link to download and print one yourself:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pxzSSwwAptk4vVjOnS7f6lsVsvqhlf-3jEVl6_n6Q04/edit?usp=sharing
Happy November!

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

The Post Halloween Candy Controversey


Post Halloween Trick Or Treating Candy 


There are a lot of moms or  parents that get together and have the following discussion; How do you let your kids eat their Halloween candy?  Sometimes we get a opinions from parents, in-laws, other family members, neighbors, dentists or even just random strangers.  So what's the answer?
Do you put it all in one bowl for all your kids to share?
Do you let them try and eat it all in one night?
Do you let each child keep their own candy? To each their own?
Do you eat half of it and claim you don't know where the rest went?
Do you buy it back from them?
Do you make gingerbread houses with it?
There's lots of different ways to do it.  Often I think we place too much guilt on ourselves and sometimes (knowingly or unknowingly) on other parents. What is the answer? There are plenty of pros and cons to all these options and more. What thing do we leave out when we sit and way our options when trying to decide? The kids. That's right the kids. I know you are thinking about what is best for your kids when deciding on a plan. My point is, we leave out the fact that all kids are different when we advise others on this topic. How I choose to parent my kids is different than how you choose to parent yours. There are many different reasons to why this is, but one major factor is because my kids are different than yours. My kids each react differently to sugar, decisions, responsibility and more. So what works best for me and my kids, won't work best for you and your kids.
My point is don't feel bad if you let your kid sit and eat it all in one night. Don't feel bad if you only let your kids have 2 pieces a day. You know your kids better than anyone. It's ok to share ideas and options with others, but lets be careful to how we do it. Let's not assume our way is the best way. Just because it is the best way for your family, doesn't mean its the best for everyone elses!
With that being said, Happy Post-Halloween Candy Eating! Especially if your son brought home almost 8 lbs of it himself. Eat up and feel guilt free with whatever you choose to do with it. Unless you hand it out as candy next year, that's just gross!

Monday, January 25, 2016

Out With The Old In With The New

I said I would never apologize if I haven't posted in a while but alas here I am apologizing for the lack of posting over the last few months.  With today being my 3 year anniversary of the Queen of Chaos Blog I thought it was time to blog again. 

This last year has been one of the most trying and hardest years to date for me. It has been full of all kinds of hardships endured by both me, my family and loved ones. I could list them but there is no need. We all go through trials, we all have trying times. I am a big believer in not comparing ones trials to another's. What is trying to me may not seem a big deal to someone else and vice versa. I do believe that we should just support others in all things no matter how big or small they may seem to us. If we love someone than we should feel empathy for them and their struggles not judgment. This is not meant to be a whoa is me and my life post. Just a we all need love and support post. Like many of you reading this we can all say we have survived 100% of our hardest and most trying days. We are  still standing.  Sometimes we just need a little encouragement and helping hand. 



As I start a new year I look forward to new goals, new trials and new hope. I know this year will still have bumps in the road but that is what makes us stronger. That's all I can do is look at this last year and think how can I be a better me? How can I be stronger? How can I learn from this lessons placed in my way? When going through a particular tough time a friend sent me this link to blog post called "Finding Strength During Trails" by Al Fox Carraway. I almost just want to copy and post and dido her entire blog post. I loved it. I have read it more than once. 

Here is a few gems from it if you don't want to read the whole thing:

"I’ve been MIA on social lately, and it’s because this trial given to me has been so difficult and unfortunately it's been kickin' my butt and I don’t see it ending  quite  yet. It’s the kind of trial that lasts longer than you think it should have. I’d like to say I’m as strong as I was when it first presented itself, but I’m not. It’s the type of trial where your strength is warn very thin and you feel like you’ve been positive about it for too long that you can’t help but let tears stream at random parts of your day doing menial daily tasks and question what else you could be doing that you’re not already to make it go away....

..... it’s through my honest   yelling   and crying to God of what I’m   really   thinking is when I make progress with Him, my situation, and well, mostly myself.     It’s where I accept and   feel   that I won’t drown even if it won’t go away quite yet. Where I accept that sometimes all the answers wont be there, but comfort and strength always will, because He always will.

My key to finding strength   during   the thick of hard times:
First:   Honest   prayer.
Second:   So be it....


...So next time we find ourselves on our floor yelling at God pleading for things to be over and things to be different, I hope that we can take just a quick break from how we think our lives should go and with hope say “so be it.” Because our trials and our change of course will never alter the unchanging truth that God is leading us to the  best  blessings.    Why stop when we can keep going?" 


Basically we all go through tough times. Asking over and over and over and over "Why? Why? Why?" Isn't always going to help. Sometimes we just won't know the why. Which can be a big pill to swallow. Here is just one more thing I found helpful this past year. It was a talk given by Elder David Bednar from my church. In it he told a story that was made into a little video. 






"...Each of us also carries a load. Our individual load is comprised of demands and opportunities, obligations and privileges, afflictions and blessings, and options and constraints.... Sometimes we mistakenly may believe that happiness is the absence of a load. But bearing a load is a necessary and essential part of the plan of happiness.  "

With that I wish all my readers hope. Hope to a new year of lessons learned.  A new year of journeys. A new year to be adventure's. Whatever that means for you. Being adventurous doesn't mean backpacking in unmarked terrain. It could be trying something new. It could be sticking with something you wanted to give up on. Sticking with someone after they have hurt you. Standing strong in adversary. Standing up for what you believe in. Being adventurous means different things to everyone. So from my chaotic life to yours I say that again. May you be adventurous this new year.

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Mini Pizza Night

We usually do Friday night pizza night. Sometimes we go somewhere out to eat, sometimes we order it, occasionally I even make it. My kids favorite is when they help make it. Well help make their own mini pizza's anyway. They are easy to make and my kids enjoy making their own pizza, plus there is less complaining about what kind to get.


First I use English muffins. I cut them in half and let the kids spoon marinara or pizza sauce on them. Then they can put as much of what kind of cheese I have out on them. Then of course Hormel pepperoni is a must! Usually my kids are ok with just those 2 things on them. You could add just about anything else though. Then I broil them till the cheese is melted and the edges crispy. Super easy but always a crowd pleaser. Plus I am a big fan of kids helping make dinner.





In the spirit of full-disclosure, I’ve partnered with Hormel Foods as part of the Hormel Foods Extended Family Blogger Program. Throughout the year I’ll be receiving product, coupons, giveaways and promotions. However, no payment was given or expected for posting about the program, and as always, all opinions given here are fully my own.

Friday, January 30, 2015

5 Things that NEVER should be re-heated

Growing up I would definitely say my mom was a saver. Nothing in my house went to waste, especially leftovers. My mom can turn some leftover dishes into some pretty awesome meals, who do you think taught me this popular recipe switcheroo? However, she also would save and re-heat everything! Not just about everything, EVERYTHING!!! So I compiled a list of the top 5 things that I think should never even be attempted to be eaten a second time.
5. Scrambled Eggs



Would my youngest eat this re-heated no problem? Sure! Is it just gross and wrong, yes. There is something about re-heating scrambled eggs that just makes them rubbery, less flavorful and just gross! Trust me.

4. Chili Cheese Fries

I use to work at an A&W and loved their chili cheese fries... when eaten fresh. This is something that has to be eaten almost immediately after being made. Just  imagine eating it a day later and reheated in a microwave, its as gross and mushy as it sounds (I promise.)  I want to know if this can even be considered a french fry the next day? 

3. Oatmeal

Have you ever left oatmeal (or cream of wheat for that matter)  out too long and it's gotten that gross film across the top? Imagine eating that throughout the entire dish. I think I'll pass on the slimey leftover hot cereal today, thanks. 

2. Hamburgers


Enough said.
1. Macaroni and Cheese

I don't know what it is about this dish, somehow it's just not the same re-heated. I don't have a problem with other pasta dishes, or even Mac and cheese from scratch, just this one. If there is ever any left over in the pan, it always goes straight to the garbage and not to a tupperware container!
Bonus-



I almost didn't do a bonus this top 5 series but I obviously changed my mind. Besides at this point I almost have to, since every other top 5 has a bonus thought. 

My husband hates soggy bread, he is very sensitive when it comes to wet bread. For example we went to a family members house who served us 2 day old subway sandwiches once, I almost became a widow that day, he seriously almost died. So I will say in our house my husband does not care for not only left over sandwiches but anything that could involve soggy bread, such as enchiladas, burritos, french toast and sometimes even pizza.
What can you not stand re-heated? 

Sunday, December 7, 2014

DIY Christmas Picture Ornaments

Every year we give our kids a new ornament to represent a memory form the year. Sometimes its from a place we visited or can be from a fad they are into. For example this year my girls love Frozen. The problem is the demand and cost of frozen ornaments is ridiculous. I decided to make my own.
I started with buying this little wood rectangles from my local hobby store. They came with 4 to a pack. You can paint this if you want just make sure they dry all the way before moving on to the modge podge part of it.

Then I printed out the pictures  I waned on picture paper from my printer. Then I modge podged them on.


The wood  was so soft I just used a screw driver to punch a whole in them and string them. My girls loved them! They were so excited to hand them on the tree. The other nice thing is that there was plenty of room to put their names, the date and a little story on the back.

Sunday, November 30, 2014

Perfect Appetizer in a Pinch


If you're having some games with some friends or need to bring an appetizer to someone house I perfect dish to share. This time of year I feel like there is lots of sweets going around and I like something a little different. I love me some homemade jalapeno jelly. Ever since Utah Mom's Life showed me how to make some its my new favorite thing to can in the fall. Recently I added a slight twist to my usual sack and it has made all the different. Its salami. I took Hormel's Gatherings with cheese, crackers, pepperoni and salami tray and added cream cheese and  jalapeno jelly. Layer a cracker, cream cheese, meat and some jalapeno jelly and enjoy. Now you can add a little kick to the usual meat, cheese and cracker tray.
In  the spirit of full-disclosure, I’ve partnered with Hormel Foods as part of the Hormel Foods Extended Family Blogger Program. Throughout the year I’ll be receiving product, coupons, giveaways and promotions. However, no payment was given or expected for posting about the program, and as always, all opinions given here are fully my own.

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Pot Pie

I came across this recipe on Kraft's website or magazine a few years ago and it is my favorite. I use this with leftover turkey, corn and green beans. It's super fast and easy to make as well!
Zippy Turkey Pot Pie

3/4
cup  milk

1/4
cup  MIRACLE WHIP Dressing

1
Tbsp.  flour

1-1/2
cups  KRAFT Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese

3
cups  chopped cooked turkey (about 1 lb.)

1
pkg.  (10 oz.) frozen mixed vegetables(peas, carrots, green beans, corn), thawed - This is were I add any leftover veggies I have. 

1/4
cup  chopped onions

1
 ready-to-use refrigerated pie crust 

HEAT oven to 400°F.
MIX milk, dressing and flour in large microwaveable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 2 to 3 min. or until sauce is thickened, stirring after each min. Stir in cheese; microwave 1 min. Mix until well blended. Add turkey, mixed vegetables and onions; toss to coat. Spoon into 9-inch pie plate; smooth surface. -Note this recipe only calls for the top part of the pie, which I actually like it that way.
PLACE crust over filling; flute edge and seal to rim of pie plate. Cut several slits in crust to permit steam to escape. Place on baking sheet.
BAKE 30 to 35 min. or until crust is golden brown. Let stand 10 min. before serving.


What do you like to turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into? 

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Black Bean and Ham Soup

HORMEL<sup>®</sup> CURE 81<sup>®</sup> Classic Boneless Ham

Are you one of those families that do ham for Thanksgiving? One year we had dinner with a family that smoked their ham, it was the best ham I have ever had! I thought today and tomorrow I would share my favorite left over recipes. Today I will post black bean and ham soup. I love black beans. I love black bean soup even more, and to add Hormel's yummy Cure 81 ham makes it that much better. I use Hormel's Cure 81 Ham because I know I don't have to do much to have it come out tasting good. It has great texture and flavor.  



 This time I also turned my recipe into a crockpot meal this time, to make my day a little easier. I bet it would freeze just fine too. So my amounts are a little general depending on how much ham you decide to add or how much you want to make. 

Black Bean and Ham Soup
3 Cups Chicken broth
1-2 Cups Diced Hormel Cure 81 Ham
1 Medium Onion Diced
1 Bell Pepper Chopped (I did red this time, but green is good too)
2-3 Garlic Cloves
2 Cans Black Beans
1 Can Petite Diced Tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon Cumin
1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder
Salt and Pepper

Add all the ingredients to the crockpot and cook on low for 8 hrs or on high for 4 hrs. You can then top it off with sour cream, or green onions or shredded cheese. 





This time I bought soup bowls. The kids thought that was the coolest thing ever. Even my pickiest eater was willing to eat the soup because it was in a cool bowl.


Tomorrow I will post my favorite turkey leftover recipe. Maybe I'll even link up for people to add their favorite leftover turkey recipes. 


In the spirit of full-disclosure, I’ve partnered with Hormel Foods as part of the Hormel Foods Extended Family Blogger Program. Throughout the year I’ll be receiving product, coupons, giveaways and promotions. However, no payment was given or expected for posting about the program, and as always, all opinions given here are fully my own.

Friday, November 14, 2014

School Days Nostalgia


Who remembers the cafeteria peanut butter bars? I do, and I didn't even have school lunch very often. When I did I picked either a day where they had pizza or peanut butter bars. Can you imagine had the school put those on the same day, it would have been genius. School lunch sales would have hit all time highs. I decided my kids needed to enjoy a little Delicious nostalgia from my youth. I looked all over for the right recipe, and I think I found it at www.triedandtriedagain.blogspot.com. Not too hard, but would be just as delicious as I remember them being. I think I found it. It actually was a pretty easy and quick recipe. My kids even had a blast helping make them.
Lunchroom Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars 
1 1/2 C Flour
1¼ tsp. Salt
½ tsp. Baking Soda
¾ C Butter -best if at room temp
¾ C Sugar
¾ C Brown Sugar
1 ½ tsp. Vanilla
1 1/2 C Creamy Reduced Fat Skippy Peanut Butter (split )
2 Eggs
1 ½ C Quick Oats

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 
In a small mixing bowl, mix together flour, baking soda and salt. 
In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, sugars, 3/4 C Skippy peanut butter, eggs and vanilla until light and fluffy.  
Gradually add dry ingredients, just until incorporated.   Then, s tir in the oats.   Spread onto a greased 11 x 15 Jelly Roll Pan (cookie sheet).   Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.   Cool for 10 minutes.

  


Frosting:
½ C Butter (1 stick) 
3 ½ C Powdered Sugar
2 T Cocoa
¼ C Milk 
1 tsp. Vanilla

The frosting is a two step process. First, whip the remaining ¾ C Skippy Peanut Butter until it becomes lighter colored and fluffy. Carefully spread the whipped peanut butter over the pan cookie.



Then, add butter to a small sauce pan and melt the butter. Add the milk and cocoa. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. Heat just until boiling. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Then, gradually add the powdered sugar. Stir until thickened. Pour over the peanut butter and gently spread over the cookie. Cool completely, and slice into bar cookies.

Then pick you could pick out one of your favorite books from elementary school and have story time with delicious peanut butter bars.  Perfect blast from the past. 



In the spirit of full-disclosure, I’ve partnered with Hormel Foods as part of the Hormel Foods Extended Family Blogger Program. Throughout the year I’ll be receiving product, coupons, giveaways and promotions. However, no payment was given or expected for posting about the program, and as always, all opinions given here are fully my own 

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Easy Dinner Idea- Pasta

This post is going to start different than planned. It was going to be about how angel hair pasta cooks fastest, and how to keep some spaghetti (or other pasta sauce) on hand can help make a fast dinner. In the end I think it's about how chaos can even sneak a few points in there too sometimes!
Yesterday was a long day. So when I was making my quick pasta dinner I grabbed a jar that Hormel sent me to review. I saw pictures of tomatoes and garlic with the words thick and chunky on it, and assumed pasta sauce. I even decided to try my new app and make my first gif to go along with this pasta dinner post. After I poured it in the pot I thought, something is off about this pasta sauce. Sure enough that's because it's not pasta sauce, It's salsa! Good thing I caught it, cause that would have been some weird pasta!

So as a side note I will review Chi Chi's salsa and let you know what I think. I might try it in a yummy recipe, let me know if you have a good one to try!

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Easy Dinner Ideas- Anything Covered In Syrup

The title says it all. Usually when I need something fast that I know all my kids will like I go with Breakfast for dinner. Anything my kids can put syrup on is never a fail in my home. Pancakes, waffles, french toast or even scones. Yup I once told my kids scones were pancake balls so to this day they cover them in syrup.


I think french toast is one of my favorites. Granted I like to make my french toast with texas toast. This is something I had to actually make a habit of keeping in my pantry just so I could make french toast in a pinch. My favorite thing to add to the toast is a syrup I got from a friend a few years ago that she called Magic Syrup. This is how you make magic syrup.
Magic Syrup:
In a saucepan melt 1 cube of butter; add 3/4 Cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of buttermilk. I don't usually have buttermilk on hand even though it is cheap and lasts a long time. It's OK if you don't just do milk and about a half a Tablespoon of white vinegar. Boil this then add 1 teaspoon of vanilla and 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
My kids love to scoop out the bubbles onto their toast. 

Monday, October 27, 2014

Easy Dinner Ideas- Fajitas into Tortilla Soup

I don't know about you but this is going to be a crazy week for me. I have 1 child having surgery, practices, Halloween activities, church responsibilities and other time consuming things going on.  I like to have a few go to recipes that I can go to when having a day (or in this case a week) that I need a quick dinner using ingredients on hand. Sometimes the hard balance with this is healthy dinner vs. quick dinners. Several days this week I am going to post some of the things I make for my family in a pinch and how I like to make them more mommy and daddy approved.
Since yesterday I had some time to cook and prep for the week I decided to make fajitas for dinner. Diced some yummy bell peppers that have been awesomely priced, added some chicken and made fajitas. Fajitas with a wheat tortilla and some non fat plain greek yogurt makes it  a win for me. Chicken, cheese and tortillas made it a win for my kids.

Then tonight we are using the leftovers to make a crockpot tortilla soup. I threw the leftover fajitas in the crock pot and added about a cup of chicken broth, black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced peppers and a can of enchilada sauce. My husband likes to eat his with tortilla chips, while my kids mix their soup with sour cream. Depending on the diced peppers and/or enchilada sauce it can come out a little spicy.  Another nice thing is sometimes if I have a ton left over I freeze the soup, then next time I'm in a pinch again all I need to do is reheat and serve.
This is one of my favorite use of leftovers into a different recipe. What's yours? I would love to know. Comment, tweet or facebook me yours. Maybe I'll share it with everyone :)

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Crepes


Crepes with Skippy Chocolate Peanut Butter and Bananas



1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter, melted



In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and the eggs. Gradually add in the milk and water, stirring to combine. Add the salt and butter; beat until smooth.


Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each crepe. Tilt the pan with a circular motion so that the batter coats the surface evenly.


Cook the crepe for about 2 minutes, until the bottom is light brown. Loosen with a spatula, turn and cook the other side. Serve hot.


One thing that helps if your crepes are getting too thick (especially if you don't want to buy one more thing to take up room in your kitchen that is made to cook 1 thing like a crepe pan) then buy a crepe spreader. You just spin this in the middle of the crepe and it spreads it even and it keeps the crepes in a nice circle. 






 
After the crepes are done than you add a generous amount of Skippy Chocolate Peanut Butter and  sliced bananas inside the crepe, and roll them up. This is actually one of my favorite kind of crepes. If there are extra crepes left over then sometimes when the kids aren't looking I can heat one up for myself and do this really quick. As a side note my son likes to make one with Skippy peanut butter, chocolate chips and powdered sugar.
In the spirit of full-disclosure, I’ve partnered with Hormel Foods as part of the Hormel Foods Extended Family Blogger Program. Throughout the year I’ll be receiving product, coupons, giveaways and promotions. However, no payment was given or expected for posting about the program, and as always, all opinions given here are fully my own    

Sunday, September 28, 2014

How to Make Taco Night That Much Better!


Taco night is one of our favorites. Since I'm Hispanic I grew up eating and learning to cook a lot of Hispanic dishes. When we first got married the only thing I really knew how to cook was Mexican food. Then when we went out to eat my husband would ask, "What are you craving?" I would innocently respond, "Umm, Mexican food?!" So here are a few tips that can help make your taco dinner a little yummier.

First off don't skimp on the taco seasoning! I don't buy taco seasoning packets; I buy my taco seasoning in bulk from Costco. This way I am not limited to the amount in a packet and can add plenty of seasoning. 

 Another little thing that can add some flavor is cilantro. I like to cut up cilantro with some green onions and mix them up. This adds a little freshness to your taco. Cilantro is kind of my food cowbell so to speak, EVERYTHING could use a little more cilantro.
 Next use corn tortillas. I never buy those hard shell, pre-made taco shells, that is nada bueno en mi casa ;) My roomate and I use to fry ours in oil when we made them. I did that until I started having kids, now it is faster and healthier just to heat them up on my griddle.
Don't forget yummy fresh produce! I have so many tomatoes from my garden I have been thinking of as many meals as possible to add tomato too. Then I suggest a good salsa. Store bought or from scratch I like chunky and flavorful salsa. I was nervous when Hormel sent me some salsa to review because I am kind of picky about my salsas, but we loved it! You can even see the onions and cilantro chunks in it. And no cilantro in your salsa and fresh on top is not too much cilantro!!! Next time you can't decide what salsa to try give Herdez Salsa Casera a try.
 Last but not least a good taco needs avocado or guacamole. Where I live avocados aren't always cheap. I prefer fresh avocados, but when they aren't a good price or ripe then try Wholly Guacamole. My blogging friend Utah Moms Life says one of her kids only eats his tacos with cheese and Wholly Guacamole. She taught me that you can freeze them. So last time they were on sale I bought several and froze them. It was a nice addition one time when I was low on groceries and literally only had tortillas, meat and cheese on hand. I was so grateful to have those in my freezer to make dinner  that much better. Now Wholly Guacamole has these mini 100 calorie cups you buy as well. They are great for on the go or when just needed to add a little to your meal and not wanting a whole lot. I put 2 in the freezer I will let you know how those hold up in the freezer in the future.

So next time you make tacos for dinner try one of this little tweaks to enhance your taco's flavor. Enjoy!



In the spirit of full-disclosure, I’ve partnered with Hormel Foods as part of the Hormel Foods Extended Family Blogger Program. Throughout the year I’ll be receiving product, coupons, giveaways and promotions. However, no payment was given or expected for posting about the program, and as always, all opinions given here are fully my own