Chicken with Garden Salsa

 

Ingredients - 

1/2 cup Lime juice

1 Tbsp. Olive oil

1/2 tsp. Garlic salt

1/2 tsp. Coarsely ground pepper
4 Boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1 cup Frozen corn, thawed
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 Serrano pepper, seeded and chopped
1 green onion, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1/4 tsp. ground cumin
2 slices Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese slices, halved

Instructions -

In a small bowl, combine the lime juice, oil, garlic salt and pepper. Set aside 5 Tspn. Pour remaining lime juice mixture into a resealable plastic bag; add chicken. Seal and turn to coat,: leave in the bad at room temperature for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile in a small bowl, combine the corn, tomato, pepper, green onion. cumin and 3 Tbsp reserved lime juice mixture. Cover and refrigerate.

Drain and discard marinade from chicken. Grill, covered over medium heat, or broil 3-4 inches from heat for 5 to 6 minutes on each side or until juices run clear, basting twice with lime juice mixture.

Top with cheese; grill or broil 1 to 2 minutes longer or until cheese is melted and chicken juices run clear. Serve with salsa.

Chili Con Carne

Ingredients -

- 1lb Ground beef (or turkey)
- 3/4 cup Chopped onion
- 1 tsp. Finely chopped garlic
- 1 Tbsp. Chili powder
- 2 Cans (10 oz.) diced tomatoes and chilies
- 1 Can (14 oz.) beans in chili sauce
- 1 Can (8 oz.) tomato sauce

Instructions -

Heat large saucepan over medium high heat. Add beef, onion and garlic. Cook and stir 5 minutes or until beef is crumbled and no longer pink. Drain.

Stir in chili powder, add un-drained tomatoes, chili beans and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer for 10 minutes.

Tangy Pork Chops

Ingredients -

6 pork chops
2 tsp. canola oil
2 celery ribs, finely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 Tbsp. butter
1/2 cup Ketchup
1/4 cup water
2 Tbsp. cider vinegar
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1 large green pepper, cut into rings

Instructions -

In a large non-stick skillet, brown chops in oil. Transfer to a 9x13 baking dish.

In the same pan, saute celery and chopped onion in butter until tender. Stir in ketchup, water, vinegar, brown sugar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until slightly reduced.

Pour sauce over chops. Top with sliced onion and green pepper rings. Cover and bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes.

Sausage Pizza Soup

Ingredients -

1/2 lb. Italian turkey sausage links (casings removed)
1 medium zucchini, sliced
1 cup fresh sliced mushrooms (I made my without them, because I hate mushrooms) :)
1 small onion, chopped
1 can (14.5 oz.) no-salt-added diced tomatoes
1 cup water
1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 tsp. dried basil
1/4 tsp. pepper
Minced fresh basil and crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

In a large saucepan, cook the sausage, zucchini, mushrooms and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Drain.

Add the tomatoes, water, broth, dried basil and pepper. Bring to a boil for 15 minutes.

Sprinkle with fresh basil and pepper flakes if desired.

Organizing a Junk Drawer

Everyone has one, regardless of how organized you are. I'm talking about a junk drawer. That space in your house that is the "catch all" of random items. So today's topic is....

As you can see, this is my "random items" drawer.

For our pens, batteries and office supplies, I bought these handy dandy black baskets (3 for $1) at Dollar General. In the bottom one we keep batteries, our mini stapler and push pins. The top basket is home to our pens, pencils and scissors.

To the bottom left there's a box of tooth picks (eventually I plan to find a some kind of container to store these in, but for now they're just in the box they came in). Above the tooth picks I keep my post-it pad. Notice the saying on it "Make a list, you'll feel better. Write it down, check it off. Make it happen. Be a list maker. Get organized." It's pretty much my favorite post-it pad in the whole world!

I keep our oven mitts and pot holders in the back of the drawer along with my Lipton Tea box of various tea packets.

We also keep our Casey's Pizza box tops in here as well. (When you collect 10, you get a free pizza)

And that's our junk drawer! :)

Recipe Box Re-do

Have you ever had something you knew was useful, but you couldn't stand the sight of it? That's how I felt about my recipe box. It was given to me for my wedding and obviously is something very useful, but it was SO ugly. I am sad to say that I didn't take a picture of the original appearance before I made it over, but it was hideous. The original theme was a dash of tacky and a sprinkle of old-lady with a hint of country bumpkin. NOT my style! So, I fixed it. :) I took some scrapbooking paper that a pretty design on it and I measure it out to fit my box. I used homemade modge podge (AKA Water and Elmer's glue) and I made this -

I'm so happy with the final product! I love it! Quick, easy and appealing!

Key Tray

My husband is notorious for losing his keys, so I made a special place for him to put them.
 

 

I had this little wrought iron basket that I liked, but wasn't using, so I made it into our key tray. 

Now when he comes through the door, he's got a place to stash those keys!

New Life

Today was my first official day volunteering at the pregnancy center. I LOVED it! It's such a great feeling to be able to take "the mom hat" off and just be me for a few hours. The other women that volunteer there are incredible! There is a strong spirit of love that is undeniable. Everyone is so nice and understanding and genuinely caring. I learned a lot today. At our pregnancy center we deal with all aspects of pregnancy. We work with women who have miscarried, had an abortion (although we do not provide abortions or referrals), adoption and we help those moms who decide to keep and raise their baby. Sometimes getting in the hustle and bustle of a busy schedule can make you question your purpose in life. Today I felt purpose. I saw the heart of the hurting girl who felt scared and alone and I was able to reach out to her. In our line of work we see a lot of girls who aren't living what some people would say "morally exceptable" lifestyles, but when we work with a client, we don't look at their lifestyle. We don't tell them that they're right or wrong, we simply love them first and foremost. If correction needs to be made, it comes from a loving place. I felt love from the moment I became a part of this organization. It is evident that God is the center of New Life Pregnancy Center, because there is a peace and a loving spirit that only comes when God is present. I'm SOOO excited for this new journey! So now among the many things I enjoy doing, this just might be my new favorite! :)

Storing Shoes in an Entry Way

We don't have a ton of room for shoe storage, but I love things to have a place where they belong, so I found a way to make a little storage place for our shoes by the door.

The table in our entry way is actually an end table with a built in magazine rack. However, I found it much more useful to use as a shoe station. :)

Entry Way Table

Our apartment doesn't have an entry way, so we had to create one. I stole our end table from our living room and put it in an empty spot just off our kitchen. I love it! :)

10 Must Have Baby Products

Whether you're a first time mom or you have multiple children, it's always nice to know what products are out there for your babes. We've come a long way in the baby world and now there's all kinds of awesome inventions just waiting to be bought. Here's my list of faves. :)

1) The Pumping Bra













Ok, so this one isn't really a baby product, but for you breastfeeding mommies, it's a life saver! I normally pump for about 20 minutes at a time. If you add that up, that's a lot of time wasted doing "nothing". With the pumping bra, you can pump and use your hands at the same time. Read a book, surf the web, ect...all while you pump! :)
 (Buy it here)

2) The Boppy Pillow

This pillow makes holding or feeding your baby super easy and comfortable! And it even grows with your baby. You can use it for tummy time and support as well!
 (Buy it here)

3) The Baby Carrier

I can't even express how great this was for grocery shopping when my daughter was an infant. It was awesome! I also carried her around in this handy carrier while I cleaned the house and led worship at church. All babies are different, but mine loved the closeness of being on my chest and if you'd rather carry your little one on your back, you can do that too. :)
(Buy it here)

4) Diaper Changing Pad

I'm a total germ-a-phobe, so when it comes to changing my baby's diaper in public, I'm very skeptical about putting her on a public changing table. This comes in handy for public diaper changes and it folds up nicely for convenient diaper bag storage.
(Buy it here)

5) Fisher Price Projection Mobile

I didn't register for this, but I am SO thankful that I got it as a gift! It not only plays music and spins, but it also projects pictures onto the dome of the mobile. And it has a handy little controller that hangs on the door knob of your baby's nursery, so you can turn it on and off without walking into their room and risking the chance of waking them. This wonderful invention was the reason my baby was able to fall asleep at night with ease. I can't sing its praises enough!
(But it here)

6) Baby Einsteins Activity Gym

My daughter went crazy over this play mat! It includes several fun interactive toys that will keep your babe entertained. 

(Buy it here)

7) Fisher Price Newborn Rock n' Play Sleeper

I was really nervous about leaving my daughter alone in her crib at night, so for the first 4 months she slept in this right by our bed. It was such a comfort to know she was right next to me at night. And, if you're a worrier, there's also a clip, so you can buckle your babe in. :)

(Buy it here)

8) The Evenflo Exersaucer Mega Activity Center

 If you want a great way to keep your baby entertained, this is a great tool. It bounces and spins, which helps build leg strength and it also has several different toys that your baby will love. My favorite part - the height is adjustable, so it grows with your baby!

(Buy it here)

9) The Doorway Jumper

I have a daughter who is crazy about jumping. This little gadget is the perfect fix for jumping babies. :) 

(Buy it here)

10) Digital Video Baby Monitor

When my husband first suggested a video monitor, I thought they were way too expensive to bother with. I registered for the cheapest audio only monitor that the store had and I was highly disappointed. When it came time for our daughter to sleep in her crib, rather than in our room, I knew my husband was right with his original idea. So, we got this video monitor and it's awesome! I can't even tell you how nice it is to SEE her when she makes noises in her sleep or cries. Sometimes peace of mind is worth a little extra money!

Easy Shepherd's Pie

Ingredients -

1 1/2 lbs ground round beef

1 onion chopped

1-2 cups vegetables - chopped carrots, corn, peas

1 1/2 - 2 lbs potatoes (3 big ones)

8 tablespoons butter (1 stick)

1/2 cup beef broth

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Salt, pepper, other seasonings of choice

Instructions -

Peel and quarter potatoes, boil in salted water until tender (about 20 minutes).

While the potatoes are cooking, melt 4 Tablespoons butter (1/2 a stick) in large frying pan.

Sauté onions in butter until tender over medium heat (10 mins). If you are adding vegetables, add them according to cooking time. Put any carrots in with the onions. Add corn or peas either at the end of the cooking of the onions, or after the meat has initially cooked.

Add ground beef and sauté until no longer pink. Add salt and pepper. Add worcesterchire sauce. Add half a cup of beef broth and cook, uncovered, over low heat for 10 minutes, adding more beef broth as necessary to keep moist.

Mash potatoes in bowl with remainder of butter, season to taste.

Place beef and onions in baking dish. Distribute mashed potatoes on top. Rough up with a fork so that there are peaks that will brown nicely. You can use the fork to make some designs in the potatoes as well.

Cook in 400 degree oven until bubbling and brown (about 30 minutes). Broil for last few minutes if necessary to brown.

Cake Mix Cookies

These little babies taste great AND they're super easy! When your kid has a class birthday party and the last thing you want to do is bake up some goodies, this is the perfect recipe!

There's several different ways to make these cookies, depending on your cake mix of choice. But here's 2 of my favorites -

Confetti Cake Mix Cookies

 



Ingredients - Confetti Cake Mix, White Chocolate Chips, 1/2 cup oil, 2 eggs, cream cheese frosting (optional), sprinkles (optional)

Directions - To make it easy on myself I mix my ingredients in a gallon sized zip lock bag (less mess). Mix the cake mix, chocolate chips, oil and eggs together until blended well. Then on a cookie sheet divide the dough into balls and bake at 350 for 13 minutes. Then if you're going to use frosting (It makes for one rich dessert, but oh boy is it delish!) wait until they cool and then put on your frosting and sprinkles.

 

 

Butter Pecan Cookies

 



 

 

Ingredients - Butter Pecan Cake Mix, White Chocolate Chips, 1/2 bag of Heath bits (make sure you get JUST the toffee bits, NOT the chocolate covered ones), 1/2 cup oil and 2 eggs

Directions - Mix the ingredients in a gallon sized zip lock bag (like mentioned above). Mix the cake mix, chocolate chips, Heath bits, oil and eggs together until blended well. Then on a cookie sheet divide the dough into balls and bake at 350 for 13 minutes.

 

 

 

Meal Planning: Creating a Menu Board

 One thing that can be a headache when you're cooking for your family is meal planning. I've found a stress free solution to planning dinner for the week. Behold my weekly menu -

I made this to match my kitchen by using a piece of cardboard, scrapbooking paper, clothes pins and a Jiffy Corn Bread box.

First I cut a large rectangle from an old cardboard box. Then I used adhesive to stick scrapbooking paper over it. I glued clips to it with each day of the week. Then I covered the Jiffy box with scrapbooking paper and glued it onto the board.

For the meals I used plain color card stock. I sorted them by colors. Blue - Meaty meals, Grey - Mexican dishes, Orange - Easy meals, Green - Crockpot dinners and Yellow cars are misc.

On the back of each card I made a list of ingredients, so when I pick my weekly meals, making the shopping list is easy. I also wrote on the bottom corner where that particular recipe is located, so that when I go to cook it I know exactly where it is.

Everyone has their own "system" that works when it comes to grocery shopping. I find this method very easy and it works extremely well for my family. Our closest superstore is 30 minutes away, so when I go grocery shopping, I want to make sure I don't forget anything. This method is perfect for that! It helps me lay out everything I need for recipes for the week. All I do is copy down my ingredient list onto my shopping list and I'm set!

Find some of my menu recipes here!

Phone Charging Station

I love for all of my things to have a place where they belong, so on top of having a place for shoes and keys, I also wanted to use our entry way table for charging our phones. There's an outlet just above the table, so it worked out perfectly! Now when we're on the go, we can grab our things from one convenient place.

Organized chaos

No matter how organized of a person you are, we all have days when chaos strikes. This morning Stella had pictures scheduled for 10, so I got up (a little later than I had planned), got myself ready and in the middle of my husband trying to dress Stella, her hair bow goes missing, her shoes that go with her outfit don't fit (apparently she hit a growth spurt in the last week), we ran out of diapers and we were running late. We scramble to the car without a moment to spare and then when we arrive we find out that the photographer forgot to mark us on her calendar. I was actually relieved. In the midst of the rush, we forgot to bring Stella's second outfit and her hair was a hot mess, so it turned out to be a good mistake. haha. We decided to go out for breakfast instead. :)

Today in the middle of my crazy life, I realized that you can try your very best to be an anal, OCD, organized crazy person (like I often do), but there are going to be days when everything is falling apart. And guess what? It's OK! That's something I continually have to tell myself when things go wrong. I don't handle it well when my perfect plan goes less than perfect, but I guess it's time that I learn (and get used to it) that sometimes life is just chaotic and there ain't a darn thing you can do about it. haha!