Easy Canvas Prints & a Giveaway!

Everyone that knows me, knows that I'm terrible about printing out my pictures. So of course I jumped at the chance to make canvas prints of my three kids, courtesy of Easy Canvas Prints. I even knew exactly which pictures to choose (they had been on my "must print" list since I got them back from my photog friend).

Ordering a print was super easy & took less than 10 min. from start to finish. First you select the size of your print & the thickness of your wrap (I chose an 8x10 print & the standard .75" wrap). Next you upload your picture from your computer, Facebook or Instagram (how cool is that?!). There's even an indicator that let's you know how good your image quality is. Then it's time to size up your picture on your canvas. After you have your picture exactly where you want it on your canvas, you can choose your display & border options & then size your picture again if necessary. (I chose a standard wall hanger & image wrap border.) You can also choose a color finish (my photos were already black & white) & image retouching if you'd like. last but not least, a pop up will appear on your way to checkout asking if you would like to include wall mounts. I chose no & had absolutely no issues hanging up my canvas prints. 

In just a couple weeks, they were here! They came in rather large but flat boxes, secured in the middle. I thought the packaging was a bit much, but appreciated the effort to keep my canvas protected. (The packaging went to the local recycling center by the way.)

 

The canvases came with a standard jagged metal piece to hang on the wall which works quite well. Until one of my kids knocks them down of course. I have mine going up the steps & on their ornery days, they like to knock each others pictures off. At first I was frantic at the thought of what my canvases would look like, but honestly the only difference was that they weren't hanging on the wall anymore. I was absolutely amazed at how durable they are! I definitely plan on purchasing more for myself & to use as gifts.

Easy Canvas Prints is now offering 60% off ALL canvases (plus free shipping)! A perfect way to start your holiday shopping! (Offer expires December 31st, 2013 at midnight.)

But wait! It gets better! 

  
One lucky winner will receive a promo code for a FREE 8x10 canvas print!

The giveaway will conclude on at 12:00 a.m. est on Thursday 11/7/13. Winners will be announced via rafflecopter & in a separate blog post which will be published no later than 9:00 a.m. on Thursday 11/7/13. Winners will also be notified via email & announced on the Smith and Blessings facebook page. Winners will have 48 hours to respond in order to receive the promo code. If 48 hours has lapsed, a new winner will be picked & then will also have 48 hours to submit their information. *Giveaway open to U.S. residents only. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
**Disclaimer: I received these products to try from Easy Canvas Prints & am simply sharing my personal opinion which may vary from yours. I was not compensated for this review.

Think It Thursday: Happy Halloween!

It's finally here!!!! 

I have had one busy day today! Family Involvement Day at the preschool (I got a whole 2 pictures during all the chaos...neither of which turned out the greatest), a Halloween inspired lunch (the kids ate it before I could get a picture), tons of Halloween movies....but no Trick or Treat. Due to the weather it has been rescheduled for Sunday (perfect for our Simple Sunday blog post!) so I have no pictures to share. And now I have 7 huge bags of candy in my cupboard until Sunday...hope they last!

So since I have no pictures of my own, I thought I'd share one that sums up a perfect Halloween night for me.

Have a spooktacular Halloween evening friends!

Goosebumps & TruMoo

Have you had the chance to try the delicious vanilla flavored milk by TruMoo yet? You know, the orange milk. My kids love it! I can't tell you how many times I went to go & take a picture of it only to discover that it was all gone. Yep, I bought quite a bit of it!

Another thing my kids loved about it, aside from it being orange & tasting good, was the chance to win a Goosebumps Haunted Hollywood Vacation. One lucky family (2 adults & 2 kids aged 16 & younger) will win a behind the scenes tour of FOX Studios & old town Pasadena for a "frightening special effects experience". That must be where they film the Goosebumps DVD's (based on the children's horror fiction novels by R.L. Stine).

Just look for specially marked caps on TruMoo & enter the codes online or on facebook (registration required). It's that easy! Plus you can get a printable coupon for any Goosebumps DVD when you enter a code. So HURRY, you only have until tonight (10/31/13 at 11:59:59 pm, PT)!!!

*limit of 5 entries per person/email per day.

**Disclaimer: I received a coupon for TruMoo to try from BzzAgent & am simply sharing my personal opinion which may vary from yours. I was not compensated for this review.

Work It Wednesday: Zombie Nails by Star Focal

How would a zombie 'work it' on Halloween?

With some Zombie Nails of course! 

I am just in awe of how amazing these look! So while you go check out the tutorial, I'll just be sure to thank Star Focal for allowing me to share this with you....THANK YOU! (Said in my best undead voice.)

A Special Halloween Feast!

In case you haven't noticed, I love Halloween. I also love to cook & bake. So what happens when the two collide? A special Halloween feast!

Raw flesh so to speak...

First course my Zombie Hand Meatloaf! Or monster hand, depending on which monstrosity you prefer. This goes excellent with Spaghetti Intestines & Cauliflower Brains.

Spooky!

Next up, dessert, courtesy of Lagniappe! Turn on the black light & pass the Glow in the Dark Cookies around. Yes, they really do glow & no, you won't turn into a mutant of some sorts from eating them. At least I don't think so...

Ethan, a.k.a. Batman & his pumpkin!

Just in case you do turn into some creature of the night, Batman is there to help! Well, at least this Batman Pumpkin from Yvettes Creations is. Make sure you save the seeds to roast, they make a great little accompaniment to a special Halloween feast.

Enjoy!

If you dare...

Tasty Tuesday: Goulash

Goulash. Either you love it or you've never had it. Probably because you think it's loaded with everything you don't like. But really, after a handful of key ingredients, goulash can be anything you want it to be.

 

 I made a no veggie (other than tomatoes of course) version the other night when my in-laws were over. My father-in-law got a little excited because either his mother or his grandmother (I can't remember which), used to make goulash for him when he was a kid. And he hadn't had it since. When he was finished, I asked him how it was. He said it was "really good", then got up to get another plateful.

 

Sans Parmesan cheese because I didn't get that far before I took a picture.

 

•1lb. hamburger

•1 med. sized onion, chopped

•2 cloves garlic, minced

•water

•1-15oz. can tomato sauce

•1-15oz. can diced tomatoes

•pinch each of Italian seasoning, chili powder, crushed red pepper & dried tarragon leaves

•2 pinches of paprika

•2 whole bay leaves

•1-2tsp. sugar

•2 spoonfuls of oil packed, julienned sun-dried tomatoes

•leftover spaghetti sauce, hey why not?! (completely optional)

•salt & black pepper

•elbow macaroni

•sour cream

•Parmesan cheese

 

- Start by browning your hamburger in a large pot, draining off grease when done.

- Add onion & garlic, saute 2-3 min. until slightly tender.

- Add remaining ingredients except elbow macaroni, sour cream & Parmesan cheese.

- Cover & allow to simmer for 20-25 min.

- Add elbow macaroni & continue to simmer, covered, another 15 min.

- Remove bay leaves & adjust water if need be. Continue simmering until macaroni is cooked through.

- Just before serving, add a couple spoonfuls of sour cream & stir well to combine. 

- Serve topped with Parmesan cheese, salt & pepper to taste.

 

***Remember that everything is really in desired amounts, so adjust according to personal tastes. You can also add any veggies you'd like to, if desired. 

***Add garlic bread & a side salad for a complete meal.

Messy Monday: DIY Room Freshener

Yes, this is exactly what it looks like. Cotton balls in a bowl. But not just any cotton balls, cotton balls soaked in essential oil. 

Now that the full weather of fall (albeit more like late fall) weather has set in, there's no more opening up windows to air the house out. And let's admit it, sometimes there can be some odd smells that seem to creep up out of nowhere. But forget the aerosol can full of air freshener that seems to last for a whole 3 minutes. A few cotton balls soaked in essential oil, placed in a small dish & set in an inconspicuous place is all you need to have your home smelling fresh.

Immortal Herbs: Total Nutrition

Wouldn't it be nice to get an entire day's worth of nutrients in just one 8oz. drink? I know what you're thinking. Yea, it would be nice but probably not possible. Right? Wrong.

Total Nutrition by Immortal Herbs is what I like to call a "superfood supplement". This organic, GMO-free & vegan blend is a dried powder that when added to 8oz. of liquid (smoothies & protein shakes count too), gives you just what it says...Total Nutrition. Too vague? Think antioxidants, amino acids, enzymes & vitamins instead (just to name a few).

Again with my mind reading super powers, I know you're wondering what it could possibly have in it to be able to give you all those nutrients.

Ingredients:

Barley Grass, Wheat Grass, Spirulina, Spinach, Alfalfa Leaf, Kelp, Dulse Leaf, Barley Grass Juice, Orange Peel, Beet Root, Dandelion Leaf, Lemon Peel, Gingko Leaf, Wheat Grass Juice, Maca Root, Cacao, Ashwagandha, Sacha Inchi, Manuka Honey, Bee Pollen, Reishi Mushroom, Blueberry, Black Currant, Wild Bilberry, Wild Lingonberry, Aronia, Pomegranate, Concord Grape, Red Raspberry, Sour Cherry, Wild Elderberry, Wild Cranberry, Black Raspberry, Goji Berries and Schiznadra Berries.

I only received one packet to review, so I can't tell you my thoughts on it long term (at least 1-2 weeks to really notice the full benefits). But I can tell you about the taste. With all of those leaves, roots & grasses, even my 8oz. of orange juice was pretty green. But you'll be happy to know that it did not taste like grass. Smelled like it ( i have quite the sniffer), but I could still taste my OJ. The best part, I got a burst of energy to get me through my afternoon slump. pretty impressive! Not to mention a much healthier alternative (30 calories) to my usual mocha or later I go for. 

 Keep up with the latest from Immortal Herbs on Facebook & Twitter.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Simple Sunday: Jack-O'Lantern

Forget using a stencil & making cartoon intricate designs! The kids & I took the classic approach with this pumpkin. Everybody, meet Jack, the Jack-O'Lantern!

Snacktastic Saturday: Tangy Fry Sauce

There's fries, then there's fries with Fry Sauce. If you've never tried it, you have no clue what kind of deliciousness you're missing out on.

•real mayonnaise

•ketchup

•Siracha hot sauce

- Mix desired amounts together & enjoy! 

*Just be careful because that Siracha packs a little kick.

Fun Friday: Toilet Paper Pumpkins

After my Toilet Paper Mummy last week, I figured a pumpkin would be pretty easy to pull off too.

 

I happened to have some black silky material & some cream colored fabric in my craft stash. Perfect! I just laid the fabric flat, set the toilet paper roll in the middle, pulled the fabric in & tucked it into the roll. I did happen to pull the fabric out just a bit so that it didn't look like a roll of toilet paper wrapped in fabric. (I'm giving them a complex, I know.) The black one has a piece of unrolled raffia for the stem & the cream one has a piece that fell off of a Thanksgiving pumpkin decoration years ago. (Now that I actually have it out I might fix it this year.) 

And of course I have these pumpkins conveniently placed...on the back of the toilet. 

Think It Thursday: Saving For The Holidays

I know it's not even Halloween, but Christmas will be here soon enough. I consider myself a master procrastinator when it comes to my holiday shopping, but I always devise a plan to pinch a few pennies here & there a couple months in advance.

•I love a good cup of coffee, but with the right equipment & the power of Pinterest, I can save by whipping up all the mochas & lattes my little heart desires at home.

•Consider the DIY approach to household cleaners. You'll be amazed at the amount of money you can save! (Check out my DIY posts here.)

•Shop secondhand. I buy the bulk of my kids clothing at a children's resale shop. There's nothing like name brand for less when all 3 of your kids decide to outgrow their clothes at the same time. (With birthdays galore & holidays aplenty of course.)

•My main source of saving...online earning sites. I redeem for gift cards to use to purchase gifts. Amazon is by far my favorite, not only for their unique gifts, but I don't even have to leave the house! (Holiday shopping with young kids in tow...no thank you!)

•Make a budget & stick to it. It's so easy to get carried away, especially when it comes to shopping for kids. But keep it fair for them & easy on yourself!

•See something you like now at a great price? Pick it up! As long as you've got a secret hiding spot (if need be,of course) go for it. You'll be kicking yourself later if you don't.

Work It Wednesday: Yoga-Mazing with Beach Yoga Girl

You may or may not know that I have recently taken up yoga, all thanks to my friend Brittnae for motivating & inspiring me. (Check out my post on her here.) But after asking her a question, she unknowingly has me hooked on Beach Yoga Girl.

Check out that strength!
(View this pic on Instagram)

Beach Yoga Girl is what I like to call yoga-mazing! Her skill level is just phenomenal (one day I hope to pull off half of her moves). 

Check her out for yourself on Instagram & Facebook! 

Tasty Tuesday: Breakfast Scramble

All the good diners have it, a breakfast of practically everything, piled on a plate. I used to think that there was no way that mish-mash could taste good. Until I tried it. 

•baked potatoes (leftover from the night before or cooked in the microwave. Just drizzle with a bit of olive oil & sprinkle with seasoned salt, garlic powder & pepper before cooking), sliced & lightly browned in olive oil.

•scrambled eggs (or cooked any way you like them!)

•sauteed onions, peppers & mushrooms (any or all are completely optional)

• cooked & crumbled pork sausage (bacon & ham are good too!)

•shredded cheese (I'm a cheddar gal myself)

•country gravy

• salt & pepper to taste

- You guessed it! Pile it all up, dig in & enjoy!

Divine Planet: Five Point Paper Star Lanterns

When we moved into our 100 year old "new" house, I decided to do something completely different. Numerous times in the past, I'd see something I loved at the store (pillow, picture, etc.), but wouldn't get it because it didn't "fit" with my decor. But now I figure that if I love it, it'll fit somewhere. So now my house is an eclectic decor & I love it.

But the thing about a house this old, is that the lighting is sparse. Of course lamps & such are much easier than messing with electric wires for a more permanent fixture.

Purity Swirl Star Light (check it out on Instagram)

The folks over at Divine Planet, an import shop based in Hawaii, were kind enough to send me 2 Five Point Paper Star Lanterns along with 2 electric cords. The paper star lanterns are handmade from natural materials & transform into a three dimensional masterpiece in just a matter of minutes. 

To fully assemble, you simple attach the protective cage to your electric cord & insert a 40 watt CFL bulb (it is a paper lantern after all, so be sure not to exceed the recommended wattage). Next up, take your star lantern that is packaged as a flat triangle & find the strings. Slowly pull the strings together & watch the star take shape before your eyes. Carefully insert the prepared electric cord into the opening of the star lantern & tie the strings together. Now it's ready to hang! We used screw in hooks to hang the lights & to hold the cords closer to the wall.

Gold Galaxy Star Lamp

I was amazed at how beautiful my star lanterns are even when they're turned off. When they're turned on, it's almost magical the way the light shines through. Actually, my oldest has her bedroom in the finished attic where there are exposed beams & we've decided to hang star lanterns from them (I can get LED lights for them if need be).

Beautiful!

Five Point Paper Star Lanterns average between $7-8 & the electric cords start at $6. There are quantity discounts, so depending on how big your order is makes a difference as far as cost goes. There's also no charge for USPS Priority Mail anywhere in the US on orders totaling $50 or more. Not that I'm up to date on lighting prices, but I think that's a great deal on such unique lighting! 

 Be sure to keep up with the latest from Divine Planet on Facebook.

**Disclaimer: I received these products to try from Divine Planet & am simply sharing my personal opinion which may vary from yours. I was not compensated for this review.

Messy Monday: How To Clean a Glass Cooktop

When our old electric stove quit working, we bought one with a glass cooktop from a friend who was moving. I was excited thinking about how easy it would be to keep clean. Yea, not so much. I didn't know it needed a special cleaner on it for the first couple of weeks, so the burner I use the most has a perma-ring. Although it could have something to do with the amount of boil overs I make too (the latest was a beer & brown sugar mix - that was not fun). But I really do hate the store bought cleaners. Especially since my kids always love to see what I'm doing anytime I'm near the stove. They see nothing is cooking so they get closer for a better look, which means that someone usually ends up with yucky dirty cleaner mess on them.

The dark line across the back is just the shadow from my microwave.

You can see the difference! And my perma-ring looks much better. Maybe if I could quit making a mess from the boil overs (which are the worst), I might be able to finally ditch the perma-ring. Maybe. 

•baking soda

•2 dish towels

•dish soap

•vinegar

•elbow grease

- Start by generously sprinkling the baking soda all over your cooktop.

- Take the dish towels, one at a time, & run them under hot water with a bit of dish soap. Lay them out on the cooktop, covering the entire surface.

- Allow to sit for 15-20 minutes.

- Remove dish towels & carefully pour a bit of vinegar on top of the baking soda, mostly concentrating on the areas that need it most. 

- When the fizz starts to slow down, use that elbow grease & your towels & start scrubbing in a circular motion. (I'm not sure why, that's just what I've always heard.) If the stain is stubborn, use a sponge with a non-abrasive scrubber on one side. 

- Thoroughly rinse out one of the dish towels & use it to wipe up your baking soda mess. 

- Let your cooktop dry & notice the difference. 

- Optional: Proceed to where you keep your store bought cooktop cleaner, grab it & throw it in the trash.

Simple Sunday: All Ready for The Cinderella Ball

* Of course I was in cleaning mode all day & decided to blog in the evening. Too bad my internet decided to go out then. So I'm late, but that's OK. 

Here's Paige, all ready for her Cinderella Ball at school. Every year they have a daddy daughter dance at the elementary school called the Cinderella Ball. The high school drama members dress up as royalty & treat all the girls like queens. This year, we decided that separates would be best since last year she wore her dress just for the dance & that was it (it's way too early to start that trend). So we went with a white tee & leggings, navy blue skirt & a blue & white striped headband to cover her school colors that she insisted on wearing. Then she picked out this pretty coral sweater for a pop of color (all from Old Navy) & accessorized with a necklace she had gotten as a gift one year.

Snacktastic Saturday: Inside Out Caramel Apple Delight

I love all of the caramel & candied apples that appear absolutely everywhere this time of year. But let's face it, those things can get pricey! Next best is the homemade version, but that darn stick gets me every single time. But that's OK, I have something even better! Not to mention it takes a whole whopping 2 minutes to make. SCORE!

•apple slices

•caramel sauce

•light whipped topping

•crushed peanuts

- Simply pile it all on & enjoy!

 

Weight Management with Calorease

So you eat decent & workout when you can (at least 10-15 minutes, 5 days a week). But you have that LBD sitting in your closet with the perfect occasion to wear it in a couple of weeks & quite honestly, you can stand to lose a couple of pounds. But of course you don't have time to hit the gym for hours & you're cool on eating like a rabbit 24/7. What's a girl to do?!

Introducing Calorease, a stimulant free weight management aid. Calorease contains a naturally sourced dietary fiber from corn, known as FBCx, which can eliminate dietary fat at a 9:1 ratio. The FBCx binds to dietary fat & passes it through the digestive tract where it is eliminated as a waste (instead of the fat absorbing into our bodies). Just 2 pills, the recommended dosage for a fat containing meal (up to 3 times daily), can eliminate 18 grams of dietary fat. That's equivalent to 1C. of cream of chicken soup!

I received Calorease to try courtesy of Moms Meet & I have to say, I'm pretty impressed! I took it consistently (as recommended) & after 2 weeks I was down about 4.5 lbs. I didn't even change my eating or exercise habits. And there were no side effects...at all. No racing pulse, jitters or quenched appetite like other dietary supplements can cause. If anything, it was a motivator. Getting me just over that plateau (& 1 step closer to my LBD even though I don't have any plans to wear it soon), has made me want to work just a little bit harder. But it is nice to know that I can take Calorease to help keep me in line if I plan on splurging a bit. After all, Thanksgiving is just around the corner.

Want to try Calorease for yourself? Enter code: 4MOMS & save 50% on a 90-tablet pack (pay only $14.99).

Don't forget to like Calorease on Facebook to stay updated on their latest offers.

 **Disclaimer: I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agreed to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC. or the manufacturer of the product.

Moms Meet is an online resource that empowers moms to come together in an informal setting and talk about the latest on raising healthy families and living green. Moms Meet offers exciting opportunities for Mom Ambassadors and their groups to sample the latest healthy, green products. Sign up today!

Fun Friday: Toilet Paper Mummy

So I stocked up on toilet paper recently, only to realize that I didn't have room to store all of the rolls. Then the idea came to "decorate" them for the time being & keep them out as part of my Halloween decor. 

I just wrapped it in cheesecloth, tucking the ends into the opening of the roll, then glued on some googly eyes with a dab of Elmer's glue. Simple as that!

Think It Thursday: Getting Ready For Halloween

I seriously love Halloween. 

I'm still in the midst of decorating (mostly because I keep making things), but we are in full blown Halloween mode here. The trick-or-treat route is in final planning stages, other parties & festivities have been RSVP'd & my creepy Halloween dinner is starting to come together. There's still pumpkins to be carved, costumes to be fitted & school treats to be made. The kids Halloween movies have all been pulled out to watch as well as books to be read. 

In case you couldn't tell, I really do love Halloween. It's such a fun time of year for the whole family to enjoy! 

Work It Wednesday: Go Glam With A Sock Bun

For those that don't know, which most don't because I always have it up, I have very long hair. Like down to the small of my back long. So to keep it out of my way & to prevent it from getting tangled, I generally pull it up in a twist bun. You know, when you twist the length of your hair, wrap it around & secure it with a scrunchie. But it seems the longer my hair is, the more it falls down. So I attempt to pull it tighter & usually end up stretching the elastic out in my scrunchies. At least one goes to scrunchie heaven every week. And I usually get a headache.

Now I've hopped on the sock bun bandwagon. Not only does it stay better, but it looks a million times better! Actually, I think I've seen it on a red carpet or two. But the best part, is how insanely simple it is! 

I found this awesome tutorial on YouTube that shows how simple it really is. I just do a couple of things different....

 •When I'm rolling my hair, I turn the sock bun too. It seems to give it better coverage. Sometimes it can get a bit too loose that way, but all you have to do is stretch your arms up to make it more taut & start rolling/turning again.

•I don't do the hair tie to secure it, I use bobby pins. All 5 that I own.

Boylan Bottling Co.: Orange Cream Soda

The nostalgia of glass bottles full of soda pop (I'm a pop kind of gal, but didn't want to exclude you soda drinkers), can occasionally be seen on store shelves these days. But did you know that for one brand in particular, it's not nostalgia, it's a way of life.

Boylan Bottling Co. has been bringing you delicious sodas sweetened with pure cane sugar & packaged in glass bottles since the late 20th century. And although it came in many forms since 1891 (like unused beer barrels during prohibition...it did start as Boylan's Birch Beer after all), let's face it - everything tastes better in glass.

I received Orange Cream Soda to try & have to say that I had some pretty high expectations from the flavor name alone. My first sip immediately transported me back 25 years ago to a time I wish I could stay at forever. This is just the kind of drink my Grandpa would have stocked up for me on the back porch during those hot summer days! Then I began to notice the little things, like the flavor of an orange creamsicle staying at it's full bodied potential & the crispness it delivered with each sip. I thought for sure that I would chug every last drop from each bottle in a matter of minutes. It must have been the nostalgia or my sudden ability to savor, but my first bottle lasted about an hour with the last sip as good as the first. The second one was less fortunate since it was shared. And the other two were hidden so I could time travel again later. (Hey, at least I shared one!)

View this photo on Instagram!

  

But the part that makes me giddy, is knowing that I can get my Boylan Bottling Co. fix from a store I go to occasionally. (Thank you Soda Seeker!) Of course my occasionally will have to turn into a frequently, but that's OK with me. As long as I get to try some of the other flavors like Cane Cola, Original Birch Beer (of course) & Grape (just to name a few), I'll be a happy girl. Although I don't think any of them can make me smile as much as the Orange Cream Soda!

Keep up with the latest from Boylan Bottling Co. on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Pinterest.

**Disclaimer: I received these products to try from Boylan Bottling Co. & am simply sharing my personal opinion which may vary from yours. I was not compensated for this review.

Tasty Tuesday: Mediterranean Style Chicken Sandwich

I love to make sandwiches. Usually there's no recipe involved, just a little of this & a little of that until I have a whole lot of deliciousness. And that's exactly how I came up with this Mediterranean Style Chicken Sandwich (style, because I have no clue how Mediterranean it actually is).

•boneless skinless chicken breasts

•olive oil

•salt & black pepper

•Italian or French bread

•fresh mushrooms, sliced

•onion, sliced into rings

•sun dried tomatoes
•mayonnaise
•balsamic vinegar

•garlic, minced

•fresh spinach

•Italian salad dressing 

- Start by cooking your chicken in a bit of olive oil until done. Sprinkle with salt & pepper.
- Slice the bread in half lengthwise & bake until just lightly toasted.
- In a small pot, saute the onion slices in a bit of olive oil until they just begin to separate. Add mushrooms,  sun dried tomatoes & a dash of salt & pepper.
- In a small bowl, combine desired amounts of mayonnaise (I used a couple spoonfuls), garlic & balsamic vinegar (just a splash).
- Before assembling, slice bread into sandwich size pieces.
-To assemble, spread both sides of bread with garlic mayonnaise.
- Top one half with fresh spinach, chicken & just a bit of Italian salad dressing.
- On the other half, generously pile with sauteed veggies.
- Carefully join the two halves into a monstrous sandwich & secure with a skewer or knife. (Unless you are eating where you assembled it. In that case, just dig in!)

Messy Monday: Morning Cleaning Tips

Whether you work during the day or stay home with the kids, we all have some sort of a schedule to keep. And let's face it, no one likes to be greeted with a dirty house later in the day. So here's just a few tips to make it all a bit more manageable. The best part, you can knock them out in no time first thing in the morning.

• Clean up the kitchen - Whether you left a mess from the night before or you have a hubs that makes a mess getting ready for work in the morning (I have the latter), wash up or put away what you can in the couple minutes that you're getting your coffee & breakfast ready.

•Do the laundry - Be sure to switch over loads or even sort all of your loads so you can tackle it in the P.M.

•Pick up the toys - Regardless of whose they are (the kids, dog, hubs or yours), gather them all in a basket & set aside so you can put it all away later. Just having it all up from where they were can motivate you to put them away in no time later.

•Make your bed - I don't know why, but a made bed feels like such an accomplishment. It must be because those ruffled sheets are more inviting, making you want to just lay down & drift off to dreamland. Yea, you don't have time for that! 

Bella Sun Luci Sun Dried Tomatoes from Mooney Farms Giveaway Winner!

It's about that time...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 Congratulations on winning such a delicious giveaway Christy!

 (Be sure you check your email.)

Simple Sunday: Walk to End Alzheimer's

A couple months ago, I saw a friend post a link on facebook for the Alzheimer's Association. She had started a team for the Walk to End Alzheimer's & so I signed up to join her the minute I saw it. My grandpa passed away from cancer, but he had Alzheimer's too. (I was in my early teens so I didn't really know how it affected him aside from some of the crazy stories he told.)

Can you find me?

 

Getting our shirts! They didn't have any Paige's size, but that's OK since she made sure she wore purple.

 

Snacktastic Saturday: PB&B Pretzels

Every now & then we need a twist on some favorites. My kids love bananas & pretzels. So why not have them together? 

I've got a pretty cute photo bomber, huh?

I added some peanut butter to tie it all together since it goes with both pretzels & bananas. Personally, I thought it was pretty clever & the kids thought it was delicious!

Fun Friday: Double Double Toil & Trouble

I have decided to make my kitchen a witch theme for Halloween. But of course it wouldn't be complete (even though I'm far from done) without this canvas I painted tonight.

Think It Thursday: My Face Hurts

My face hurts like this guys!

This is me. I have a killer sinus headache from the dropping temps lately, that only seems to subside for a few hours in the middle of the day. And on top of it, I have a wisdom tooth coming in. Not just a little, all the way. Just one, the last one. I've been waiting for it to come enough for my awesome dentist to just pull it out in his office. But it is seriously killing me, nothing like the others were. Which makes me wonder if it's impacted. So the only thing I'm thinking of right now is it's time to get to bed. I'll watch Grey's Anatomy on the DVR tomorrow. It hurts that bad that I can't stay up until 10.