Oh Hey Friday!

My summer Fridays are becoming fewer in number. As such, I'm trying to savor every moment I have with my beautiful little family. I've got a few fun things to put out there for this week's OHF! I hope you'll join me and others in this week's link-up!

OH 1:

We've been slowly but surely putting G's playroom together. We've made great strides but we still have some touch ups (and one major project) and decorating to do. Décor will be kept minimal but that won't stop me from incorporating pieces that I love. This week I purchased a rug for the room. I've searched high and low for reasonably priced rugs. This was an unpleasant undertaking a while back when we wanted to purchase one for the nursery. I sure wish I had found this deal back then...Zulily* was running some deals on a variety of children's bedding and décor and much to my delight, I ran across this adorable Ivory Owls and Flowers rug. Not only did I get it for about half off but shipping was under $7. There were many other styles and colors but anyone who knows me knows that this was a no brainer. It will go perfect in the playroom.

OH 2:

I'm also super excited about our upcoming vacation. We booked our hotel and have been making a list of places we'll (probably) go. Thanks to my dear friend, who is a former resident, we have some new things to try!

Duck Donuts

Water Country USA

Of course we'll scope out cupcake shops and grab some grub at Stephanos Pizza...their garlic cheese bread is a meal in itself and a must anytime we're in the vicinity! 

OH 3:

Last week I blogged about some of my favorite cake decorating tools. This led up to a baby shower cake for that weekend. The elephant was sculpted from fondant.

OH 4:

We have a cookout this weekend and I'm bring these amazing Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls! Eggless and easy!

OH 5:

The other day we were in town and my hubby found this book that he said would be "just perfect" for my classroom...after reading it to G in the store, I came to the same conclusion and purchased it to add to my teacher library. It will be great to use at the beginning of the school year this fall.

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 *I was not compensated in any way to give my recommendation for these establishments or products.

Thoughts for Thursday

 

My Thoughts for Thursday center around our household's love of Taco Tuesdays.

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Taco Tuesdays are a staple in our home. I try to make Mexican/Mexi - American meals on this night each week. I thought I'd share a few of our favorites with you. Simply click on the recipe name to make and enjoy in your own kitchen! (I wish I had taken pictures at some point...but trust me, these are pretty fail proof and for those of you who like to see what your food "should" look like, let this take the pressure off of you.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I've got many more new recipes on my Taco Tuesday Pinterest Board that I hope to try soon.

I hope you'll join myself and others for this week's Thoughts for Thursday.

Cake Pop Extravaganza!

 I. Love. Weddings. I've always loved them...call me a hopeless romantic but there is just something magical in the air at these types of events. The Morcom/Sprinkle Wedding was no exception. I've grown to know and love these two over the last few years and their marriage was one that many called from early on. They are perfect for each other. God has joined two souls in a most beautiful union.

Leading up to this whimsical celebration of love, I had quite a task before me. I had the honor of making the guest favors for the reception. I've never taken on an order this large (with the exception of my camp cook days where a couple hundred of everything were always on the menu).

The process begins by making your favorite batter (homemade or boxed...whatever works for you). In this case, I made five flavors: Strawberry, Vanilla, Chocolate, Orange Crème, and Red Velvet. Once the cake is baked and cooled, I crumbled it into a gallon bag and placed it in the refrigerator.

After about 30 minutes I took out the cake and mixed it, along with about a 1/2c of homemade butter cream icing (yum!). It does not take much icing. Remember you can always add more, but you can't take away.

I used a melon baller to scoop out the cake to get uniform sized balls. Roll gently in your hands, making them as compact as possible. Set on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. Stick them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes but no more than 45 minutes.

Right before you take the balls from the freezer, melt your chocolate. I used a combination of Almond Bark and Chocolate chips (about half and half). Melt for about 20 seconds and stir. Continue melting in 10 second intervals until the chocolate is smooth.

Have your dipping station ready prior to beginning your cake pops. This means, sticks, wax paper to set the pops on and any decorations you wish you use (unless you are icing decorations afterwards).

Take a stick and dip it about a centimeter into the chocolate. Immediately push it about 1/3 of the way into the cake ball. Quickly dip the whole cake pop, up to the stick, in the chocolate. Gently tap the stick on the side of the bowl while slowly swirling the pop several times in order to allow the chocolate to coat the pop evenly.

Place on the wax paper and decorate with sprinkles, colored sugar, etc. If you are icing the decorations, allow the pops to dry completely.

Strawberry with White Chocolate and Sprinkles

Chocolate and Chocolate...enough said

Red Velvet and Light Blue colored White Chocolate with Sugar Crystals

Package or display your pops as you wish.

Vanilla with White Chocolate and Teal Stripes

I was thrilled to see my work displayed along side their beautiful table settings. 

   

Eggs in a Basket: An Easy Recipe for the Whole Family

There are some recipes that take me straight back to my childhood and I love that I can share these simple delights with my own family (thanks Mom). This Eggs in a Basket recipe is one that was made by my mom as a special treat and it's great for the kids who like to help out in the kitchen. 

Begin by lightly buttering two pieces of whole wheat bread on both sides.

Next select the shape of cookie cutter you'd like to cut out of your bread. This particular morning we went with stars. Firmly press the cookie cutter down into the bread, wiggling gently to ensure a clean cut is made. You can easily use the open end of a drinking glass to form circles if you have no other shape cutters on hand.

Remove the cut-outs. This was one of our favorite parts...besides the eating of course.

Place all of the bread pieces in a skillet set on medium heat. Crack an egg for each cut-out and gently place it inside the "bread basket".

Allow the eggs to cook until they are almost firm on one side.

Gently flip to allow a couple minutes of cook time on the other side. Don't forget about the shape cut-outs...they'll toast up a little more quickly.

Pair with some (low sodium) bacon and some fresh fruit and you're good to go! Enjoy!

You can view and print this recipe here.

Cinco de Mayo 2014 Food and Flair

As promised, here are the tidbits from our Cinco de Mayo "celebration". (Side note: I had many more plans but found out late Sunday evening that my hubby would have to work and would not be home until Wednesday...I opted out of some of the decorations and I put our engagement dessert in the freezer for a later date. I couldn't eat it alone...it just would not be right. I'll be sure to share as soon as possible.)

I'll begin with the simple, modest décor.

It began with a delightful bag of mini peppers in beautiful, festive colors. I put them in the base of one of my punch bowls...and it worked quite nicely. I discovered this adorable (free) Fiesta printable at The 36th Avenue. There are several fun printables that you could utilize at next year's Cinco de Mayo bash.

 The red candle holders added a little extra flair.

I ran across another fun printable by The Idea Room. I used these to make napkin rings for my cutlery. The plates and colorful cutlery meshed well with my red place mats.



Now for my favorite part...the food!!!

I chose to make one tried and true recipe while experimenting with another. I'll begin with one of my new favorite creations, Mexican Confetti Rice. Of course you can find oodles of recipes for rice under similar names consisting of various ingredients. I chose to go with some of my favorite flavors, mixed it in a pot, and TADA! To view and print this recipe, click here or on the picture below!

Mexican Confetti Rice

Ingredients: 2c brown (or white rice) 1 3/4c low sodium chicken broth 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies 1/2c whole kernel corn 1/2c black beans, rinsed 1tsp cumin 1 clove garlic, minced 1tbsp oil Directions: Cook the rice according to the package directions using the chicken broth instead of water. In a skillet, heat your oil and sauté the garlic. Cook for 1 minute. Add the corn and beans. As they begin to heat through, mix in the tomatoes and chilies. Stir in the cumin. Allow the vegetables to cook through. Mix the vegetables in with the rice. Serve with a dollop or two of sour cream. Makes 8 servings.

It's not like the Mexican Confetti Rice isn't hardy enough to stand on it's own, but this girl likes a little more protein. I paired this rice with one of our favorites, Tequila Lime Chicken. It's super simple, easy on the waistline and oh, so good! You can find this delicious dish here or by clicking the picture below.

Tequila Lime Chicken

Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1/2c tequila 1/2c lime juice 1tbsp honey 1tbsp minced parsley Directions: In a zip lock gallon size bag, combine the tequila, lime, honey and parsley. Seal the bag and squeeze the bag to mix the ingredients. Add your chicken. Allow to marinate at least 4 hours, although overnight is better. Preheat your grill to 400. Grill the chicken about 10 minutes on each side or until the juices run clear and there is no pink left in the chicken. Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving. As much fun as it was to put this meal together, the highlight was watching my daughter become quite the pro with her fork. She may learn good table manners after all.

Counting Candles

You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

Psalm 139:16

29 and holding...at least for the next year...Today was filled with bittersweet memories and wonderful things. We began celebrating last night (only because my husband had to work today). I came home from work to a very clean house, one of my favorite dinners on the table, and my all time favorite ice cream cake! What a wonderful man I've married!

G enjoyed her first ice cream cake experience

After not sleeping well I wasn't sure I wanted to begin a new age. I was just getting a grasp of living life as a 28 year old. I made it to work and was greeted by some "happy birthday" sentiments. A few of my co-workers threw me a wonderful birthday breakfast. Once the school bell rang my students came in with lots of well wishes, cards and a gift or two. By the end of the day my door was covered in precious handwritten birthday wishes.

The music teacher even taught the students a sweet version of Happy Birthday with movement! I wish I could show you but the file doesn't want to cooperate.

Also, a couple of my friends got together and sent me a beautiful mini rose bush.

My adoring husband sent me some beautiful flowers from both he and my daughter.

I've been kind of in a slump lately and it was so nice to be surrounded by so much love today. Not to mention my best friend sent me a lovely new purse.

As the sun sets on this day, I've been doing a lot of reflecting. This past year I've learned and re-learned a lot of important things. I still have things I'm facing that I'd hoped to leave behind me, but alas, I remain a work in progress.

There are a few core truths I've been reminded of over the past year...
-Apologize no matter how much it hurts or what it may cost
-Savor every second with those you love
-Comparison kills joy
-No battle can be won on my own
-Hearts mend
-True friends walk through the storms of life with you
-Change can't occur if I remain stagnant

While there are so many other things that have come to light over this past year, I know there is still much for me to do and learn.

I've managed to accomplish many things this year, but the greatest of my achievements is the birth of my daughter. My life has been so much fuller thanks to that redheaded, little blue-eyed girl. When I think back to Psalm 139:16, I'm in awe of how God knows what my days will hold. He knew when I would become a wife, a mother, a teacher and so on. He knows me better than I know myself and while not every moment of my life has been rosy, it has been purposeful. He knew I'd make mistakes and He knew I would achieve great things and I believe He still has wonderful things prepared for me. I have precious silent prayers in my heart...hope for things unseen.

While it hasn't always been easy to trust Him (which admitting that out loud makes me realize just how ridiculous it is...but I'm human) I know He has my best interests at heart.

I've made some progress on my 30 by 30 list and I hope to accomplish all of these things...granted I won't be too hard on myself if that doesn't happen. Either way, I plan to have a good time trying. I want to thank everyone who has helped to make this day wonderful and I send up a praise of true thanks to the One who saw fit to bring me into this world. God has a purpose for this life and while I don't know where this road will take me, I hope to make the best of the ride.

 

Chicken with Drop Dumplings

The other night I was craving my grandma's soup...loving deemed "Uncle Curtis' Soup". If there is an actual name for it, no one in the family knows. In fact, on my recipe card the recipe is simply labeled "soup". It has forever been my uncle's request at family gatherings and I grew up expecting this soup every Christmas (and maybe once or twice throughout the year if we were lucky.) My grandma has three dishes that compete to be my favorite: meatloaf, flat pancakes, and Uncle Curtis' Soup. The only thing that ever tastes like she makes it when I attempt it in the kitchen is the soup.

She has such distinct handwriting...pulling out this recipe card always brings sweet memories.

So back to the other night. I was really wanting her soup. I knew thought I had everything, right down to the spices. Unfortunately I realized, only after I began cooking, that I did not have smoked sausage. I decided to get a little creative and came up with my spin on Chicken n' Dumplings. I hope you'll enjoy this just as much as we did! You can't beat something made in the big red pot.

Chicken with Drop Dumplings

Ingredients:
2tbsp butter
1 clove minced garlic
1/4c diced onions
2c chicken broth
1c water
1 1/2 tsp Hungarian Paprika
1-2c cooked, diced chicken

Dumplings:
2eggs
dash of salt
3/4c flour


Begin by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in the bottom of your pot.



Add 1 clove of minced garlic and 1/4c diced onion. Allow to cook for a few minutes to draw out the flavor. The onions will become translucent as they cook.

Once the veggies are good to go, add 2 cups of chicken stock and 1 cup of water. Stir in 1 1/2 tsp. Hungarian paprika and a dash of salt and pepper. Allow it to simmer on low heat.

While the broth simmers, grab a medium size bowl and combine the following ingredients to make the dumplings: 2 eggs, a dash of salt, and 3/4c flour. Mix well. The dough will be thick.

In small spoonfuls, drop the dough into the simmering liquid. The dumplings will cook as the broth continues to heat. The dumplings will swell a bit. Continue to add the dumpling dough until you are stratified with the amount of dumplings in the soup.

Finally add 1-2c of diced chicken. I had some leftover rotisserie chicken and that worked very well. Otherwise, cooked chicken breast would do. allow the soup to cook through and continue to season to taste.

This soup was a big hit in our house and I hope the same for yours. Enjoy!



 

 



Going Stir Crazy!

I can't believe I have been inside this house since Thursday!!! Between fighting a sinus infection, the hazardous weather and my sick daughter, I had no reason leave and really no where to go. I'm actually welcoming the work week tomorrow!

A lot of my energy is coming back, which is also welcomed. I've felt so lethargic over the last week that having some pep back in my step is nice. Today I got motivated and began cleaning out my kitchen cabinets (I still have a lot to do), painted my nails, got my sister-in-law's  birthday gift together, made lunch, moved some tubs down to the basement, began some laundry, walk/jogged for 20 minutes and I have every intention of cleaning the bathroom and my daughter's room before going to bed. I may regret all of this activity tomorrow but I'm tired of being stagnant.

My exercise ambitions begin tomorrow. I got a head start today by reconnecting with my treadmill. I was pretty impressed with what I accomplished. I signed up for an exercise challenge through one of my Spark Teams on Sparkpeople. The challenge requires me to get at least 30 minutes of exercise (not including everyday things like cleaning) at least 6 days a week. I'm still trying to decide how I want to approach this but one thing I do know is that I am going forward. I am going to do my best! I'm already looking at my week. I have a dinner at my in-law's tomorrow night and a meeting Tuesday evening. This may make things a little tricky with everything else that is still required of me but I can't let those things be excuses.

I'm really proud of how I've taken control of my eating. I am seeing great results. Over the last 3 weeks I've made it down almost 12 pounds!!! This has happened through a lot of prayer, good choices, discipline and conscious eating habits. I can't wait to do my official Weight Loss Check In blog post at the end of the month.

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With this in mind, I've been trying to find some things that I can make for various occasions and events. Every Tuesday my first grade teacher team meets to discuss, plan and review various items for the school year...and of course there is food! I'm known for my baking and always try to please...however, baking goodies does not necessarily lend its hand to tempting treats (I can't bring myself to making brownies out of beans...tried it once...epic fail). I discovered this recipe for Healthy Cinnamon Roll Scones. I'll be making these for Tuesday...I hope they taste as good as they look!

 



 



I LOVE this!!!
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