Spring/Summer Blocks

I love these blocks!  They were supper simple and inexpensive to make.  Plus they are reversible saying "SPRING" on one side and "SUMMER" on the other, so it makes for less storage space...which I always like.

Spring:

Summer:

So here is how to make them.

Materials:
  6 blocks of wood in varying sizes*
       (3x 6in, 1x 7.5in, and 2x 8.5in)
  Sandpaper
  13 bottles of Acrylic paint* (6 spring colors, 6 summer colors, and white)
  Stenciled Lettering*
  Sponge Paint brushes
  Scissors & Tape


First a few notes:

• I bought my wood at Home Depot and I got one 4x4 that was eight feet long for $7.00. Then I had them cut it for me to the specified dimensions. (They do this for free)
• The paint, Micheal's had a new selection of paint: Craft Smart and each bottle was only 59cents! Cheapest I have ever found!
• And for the lettering you could use stencils, draw them on, etc. But I found it easiest and cheapest to print them out on the computer in a font I liked. The dimensions of my letters were about 5.5 inches tall by 2-2.5 inches wide (depending on the letter). Then I cut out my letters creating a “stencil” to use.
• I also did this with a group so we could split the costs...which helped a lot!

Prep:
I found it helpful to sand any rough/splintering parts of the wood, due to the saw's cutting.
I also chose my block order/arrangement and which sides I liked best for the “front” and “back's”

Now getting started.
1. I painted the block white.

2. Then I painted all of the “front” sides in the varying spring colors I chose, keeping a small white edge.

Then I painted all of the “back” sides in the varying summer colors the same way.

3. Stencil on lettering. I did this by taping my paper stencil down to the wood block, then “sponged” on the white with the sponge brush.

4. Once completely dry, I sanded it. I sanded all the edges, and lightly sanded quick strokes over the lettering to give them a slightly worn look.

And you're done!

linked to:

Left overs: Seasoned Chicken Salad and more

The other night I made Herb Seasoned Chicken . In my previous post about it (here) I explained how simple and easy it is, but I failed to mention the left overs can make some great meals as well. This is the one I had last night.
Seasoned Chicken Salad

Ingredients:
-Left over seasoned chicken (sliced)
-Lettuce
-Shredded Carrots
-Chopped Tomatoes
-Shredded Cheddar Cheese
-Dressing (I like it best with Ranch or House Italian)

Other simple ideas with the left overs:


Seasoned Chicken Cheese Quesedillas
-left over chicken (sliced)
-tortillas
-shredded cheese (try different kinds to mix it up- I like pepper jack)
-sliced bell peppers

Top with
-salsa
-sour cream & guacamole
-shredded lettuce and tomato
Cover half of tortilla with chicken, peppers, and cheese. Fold and heat on skillet (or in microwave).
Serve warm with toppings


Seasoned Chicken Wraps-

-large tortillas
-left over chicken (sliced)
-chopped lettuce
-chopped tomato
-shredded cheddar cheese
-dressing (I like it best with Ranch or House Italian)
Combine all ingredients inside tortilla, add dressing, and wrap up.


Seasoned Chicken Soft Tacos
-tortillas
-left over chicken (sliced)
-shredded lettuce
-chopped tomatoes
-shredded cheese
-sour cream

Warm Chicken, then layer all ingredients on tortilla. 
Add some rice and black beans and make it a meal!

Seasoned Chicken Alfredo
-left over chicken sliced
-1 jar of Alfredo sauce
-Parmesan Cheese
-Alfredo noodles (or any other favorites)

Heat sauce as directed on jar, boil noodles as directed on package.  Then top noodles with sauce and chicken.  Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese and serve.
Add some French bread and you're good to go!

My Favorite Air Freshener

My absolute favorite air freshener is: Pure Citrus Air Fresheners (in the Orange Scent).

I learned about this years back in a seminar on Organization and Reducing Stress.  They sprayed this and recommended it for relaxation.  And yes, it is relaxing, but it also smells amazing!  It's just like that smell when you peel and orange.  Which would make scents because it is made from highly concentrated citrus oils from fresh oranges or citrus fruit (depending on the scent you choose). 

It is 100% NATURAL, Non- Aerosol, No Chemicals, Eco-Friendly, and eliminates odors imediately and naturally.

The ingredients are: 100% oils found in fresh citrus fruit. (pretty impressive)

It also doesn't stain or discolor fabrics, carpets, etc.
I used to buy it at Walmart, but recently went to get some more and my Walmart was out, so I found it here at CVS.com ($5.99) and here at drugstore.com ($4.99) , both are slightly higher priced than Walmart (I hope I remember right) at $3.50 ish.

Anyways, it is great smelling and I never worry about the chemicals in my house with kids, being pregnant, or just for overall health...and it helps that my husband loves it, so we use it regularly!

Snicker Poodles

My cute friend Angela, found this recipe for Snicker Doodles that you decorate as poodles, hence the Snicker Poodles.  They were really simple and turned out so cute!

I found the real recipe from TLC here.  The ingredients and directions are all there!


The recipe, if you can call it that...uses refridgerated cookie dough.  So you just mix it with a little vanilla and cinnimon then roll it in cinnimon and sugar.  So it was really fast. 

The trickiest part was the decorating, but after a trial cookie we got the hang of it!

Peanut Butter Truffle Brownies

So if you like chocolate and peanut butter, even a little...these are to die for!

I had been craving them, but not wanting to make a whole pan that I know I would end up eating... So when a bunch of girls came over for a craft night I jumped at the chance to make them.  And they were worth it!


 The recipe can be found here at Betty Crocker's website.  But I will explain it below.

Ingredients:
-Brownie Package
   (and ingredients called for on box: oil, water, eggs)

P.B. Layer:
-1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
-1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp milk
Chocolate Topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup butter

Baking Instructions:
1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease bottom only of 13 x 9 inch pan (I suggest greasing with butter wrappers discussed here).

2. In medium bowl mix brownies as directed, then pour into pan and bake as directed on package.  So that a toothpick inserted a few inches from the end comes out almost clean. Let cool, about an hour.

3. In medium bowl (I just used the well scrapped out brownie mix bowl) beat Peanut Butter Layer ingredients with electric mixer on medium, until smooth.  Spread evenly over brownies.

4. In microwave safe bowl, melt chocolate topping ingredients in microwave for 30-60 seconds on High.  Stir until smooth. Cool tem min. Then spread over peanut butter layer.

5. Refridgerate for 30 min.

Enjoy!!!

Greasing You Baking Dishes

I love this simple tip I got from a sweet friend...

When ever you use up a cube of butter save the butter's wrapper in a ziplock and freeze.  Then store in the freezer until you want to grease a pan or baking dish.  Just remove one wrapper from the bag and smear the butter side down into the pan.  Fast, simple, cheap, reusable...and a whole lot less of a mess!

I store all of my wrappers in the same ziplock and I even add 1/2 wrappers as I have them.  It works great!  No over spray from Pam, or greasy paper towels!

A simple trick for: Moisturized Skin

I got this trick from Kayla's amazing blog located here, and immediately tried it out.  After having a baby, I don't know about you, but I had several bottles of Baby Oil Gel around that have never been used.  So instead of throwing them away I put them to the test...and loved the results.

If you choose not to read about it on Kayla's blog, I will quickly explain how I use it. 

First of all, I am really bad with lotion.  Although I need it desperately in this dry climate, I forget to put it on and usually I am already dressed so I only get my hands. 
But instead, I keep the bottle in my shower and after I am all done, I quickly towel off. Then lather up with the Baby Oil Gel.  I use it all over.  Then I simply wrap myself in my towel and mosey around for a few minutes.  From brushing my hair, teeth, etc.  This just lets it absorb a bit before I put my clothes on.  (I take 2 or 3 min. tops!)

And no I have never had any "oil" residue or marks on clothing or furniture and it doesn't leave me feeling greasy. 

And I have found any brand works well, I am just using up whatever brands I have on hand.  And I find the GEL is important, regular baby oil leaves me feeling greasy!

Also, Kayla refers to using this while she was pregnant.  And although I am very recently classified in that group I tried this before being pregnant and found it worked wonders.  But for those of you who are pregnant or plan to be one day, this is a "safe" option and works wonders on crazy preggo skin!

Shower Power

Shower Power is this cleaning supply I discovered while in college and I have yet to find something more effective at cleaning showers, mineral deposits, and other hard to clean problems.

And it isn't just for Showers, it works on all kinds of hard surfaces, faucets, etc...and what I also love about it, it SMELLS good!

I love cleaners that smell good and clean!
So, try it...you won't be disappointed!

Applesauce!

Not only is it a sweet old fashioned treat...it also happens to be one of my favorite health substitutes I regularly use!

When baking cakes, muffins, breads (especially in mixes), etc.  I swap out the oil called for and replace it with the same amount applesauce!  It obviously is much less fat, adds some fruit, vitamins and health...and it is easy! 

*Note:  You can also use it in cookies, brownies, etc...BUT it does give them more of a cake consistency! When I am making it for my son or myself, I don't mind...but just to keep in mind!

Lemon Meringue Pie

I happen to enjoy the tast of lemons, but lemon desserts tent to be "over the top" for me, and more than that I am not a fan of Maringue.  To me it is foamy and tasteless.  

But my Father-in-Law happens to love Lemon Meringue Pie.  So once, while making him a pie, I combined 2 different recipies (meringue from one and filling from another) because didn't have enough ingredients for one on its own.  Well, my Father-in-Law said he has never tasted a better Lemon Meringue Pie!  And both my husband and I who are not fans of Lemon Meringue Pie, actually enjoyed this recipe...So here it is to share!

Level of Difficulty 5 (Not because it is hard, just time consuming and lots of steps!)

Prep time: 45 min.

Bake time: 12-15 min.

Serves 12

Before you begin!!! This pie recipe has steps one right after another and is best if you prepare all of your ingredients before you begin. If nothing else, be sure the eggs have set at room temperature and separate whites from yolks, lightly beat yolks, grate 2 lemon peels, then use those two lemons to squeeze ¼ c. fresh lemon juice.

Crust

1 pie crust

First, my little tip is just use a refrigerated pie crust for this recipe. I find Lemon Meringue pie to have so much flavor that you don't even notice the crust. So, unless you want to do the extra work, just bake a refrigerated crust.

Be sure to liberally poke the crust with a fork. You don't want any big bubbles as it bakes. Also, I cover the edges with foil. Then bake as box directs. I like my edges to be a bit undercooked, because this crust will be baked again, once filled and I don't like the edges to get crispy or burnt!

Set aside.

Filling

3 egg yokes

1 ½ c sugar

3 tbsp flour

3 tbsp cornstarch

dash of salt

1 ½ c water

2 tbsp butter

2 lemon peels finely shredded

¼ c fresh lemon juice

¼ c bottles lemon juice

In medium saucepan combine sugar, flour, cornstarch, and dash of salt. Gradually stir in 1 ½ c water. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until mixture is thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat. Cook and stir for 2 minutes more. Remove from heat. Slightly beat egg yolks (done previously). Gradually stir 1 cup of the hot filling into the yolks.

Then add egg mixture into saucepan. Bring to gently boil. Reduce heat, cook and stir 2 minutes more. Remove from heat. Stir in butter and lemon peel. Gently stir in lemon juice. Keep filling warm; prepare Meringue.

Meringue

1 tbsp cornstarch

2 tbsp cold water

½ c hot water

3 egg whites

6 tbsp sugar

Combine cornstarch and cold water in a saucepan.
Add hot water and cook until thick. Cool.

While cooling, beat egg whites until soft peaks form.
Add sugar and beat well.

Then add cornstarch mixture and beat until it stands in firm glossy peaks.

Pour filling into pie shell. Top filling with Meringue, by scooping on to pie. Then spread to ALL pie crust edges, seal well leaving no filling uncovered!

(Otherwise Meringue can shrink!)

Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 min.

Tips for the Perfect Meringue!

1. Let egg whites stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before beating, to ensure great volume.
2. Make sure beaters are clean and use a large bowl.
3. Gradually add sugar once soft peeks form. (soft peeks = tips bend over slightly)
4. After adding sugar, beat until stiff peaks form and sugar is dissolved. (rub a little between your fingers)
5. Underbeaten whites cause meringue to shrink.
6. ALWAYS spread the meringue so it touches the pie crust, don't leave any spot "unsealed" or the meringue will shrink!                     (thank you Shelly and Mandy, I completely forgot to add that important detail!)
7. To prevent beading (drops of moisture on meringue) avoid over baking the meringue.
8. To prevent weeping (watery layer between meringue and filling), spoon meringue onto piping hot filling to help the underside of meringue cook at the same rate as the top surface and don't underbake meringue.

Thanks to: Shabby Princess scrapbooking set: Vintage Florals Collection
And KevinandAmanda for Fonts!

Hemming with the original Hem!

I got a pair of cute Lucky Jeans from my sister.  She lost some weight and passed them my way.  The only problem...she is taller than me, so I needed to hem them and I didn't want them to look like a "homemade" hem job.  So my mom suggested the idea below.  Come to find out this brilliant idea, had been around before my mom and here is another tutorial you might find helpful.

Now for the supplies and steps:

Materials Needed:
Your Jeans
Measuring Tape
Pins
Scissors
Iron
Sewing Machine (preferably with zipper foot, but not required)
Double sided Iron-on tape/adhesive (optional: see below)
Needle and thread (optional: see below)

Step One: Very IMPORTANT!! Wash jeans!

Step Two: Measure the height of the original hem.  Save this measurement for later. (Mine was 1/2 inch)

Put on the jeans with the shoes you'd wear them with.  Then fold the bottom hem up until you reach the desired length. Pin and measure this amount. (My cuff was 2 & 1/4 inches.)  This measurement is from the bottom of the fold up to the very end of the jeans, which includes the original hem. 
Then subtract the first measurement of your original hem.  (Mine is: 2 & 1/4 - 1/2 = 1 & 3/4).

So now I pin my jeans to this length, as shown in the picture below:

Step Three: Sew! This is best done with a "zipper foot" on your machine,  but I didn't have one and it worked just fine! If you have a zipper foot, place it as close to the original hem as possible and then stitch following around the leg. 

 Be sure NOT to sew over the original hem anywhere!

If you do not use a zipper foot, like me Do notice the placement of my sewing machine's foot. Seen above. It is on the original hem, so I had to be extra careful not to veer into it!

Step Four: Measure your excess cuff.  If it is 3/4 of an inch or shorter, go to step 5.

If it is longer than 3/4 inch you have a choice...you can cut the inner excess cuff off, or you can tack it under.

A. First, if you choose to cut, measure and do not cut shorter than 1/2 inch.  This allows for future fraying.

B. Tacking it: Place double sided iron-on adhesive between the excess cuff and the leg of the jeans.  Like you are "taping" it inside.  Then Iron as directed on its package.  After ironing tack cuff, with a few hand stitches, to each of the pant leg seems.  Both the inner and outer seem. Shown below:

Step Five: Finally, Iron the outside of the pant leg.  Smoothing and flatening out the seem! 

I hope these work as well for you as they did for me!  And let me know if you have questions.  Some of the directions can be confusing!  But it was really easy and took me half an hour (following option B: tack and ironing).

Craving Fix!

Let me start by saying I am not very self disciplined when it comes to cravings. I like food and sweets and I like to be able to enjoy them! So I figure if I eat rather healthy most of the time it will balance the unhealthy things I eat.

But, I recently found one thing that tastes amazing and will hit my craving spot easily! They are the Baskin Robins hard candies. They are 20 calories a piece, but they taste so much like the ice cream flavors they claim!

So when I have a sweet tooth I can suck on one of these and the taste lasts longer than if I ate the bowl of ice cream...and way less calories and fat!

My favorite flavor is the Mint Cookies and Cream, it is amazing! (this also takes care of my Mint Oreo Cookie cravings...which I have often!)


So just a suggestion! And I got mine at the Dollar Store, so they are cheap too!

Herb Seasoned Chicken

When it comes to cooking I am all about fast, easy, healthy...and of course tasty! 

This recipe has lots of flavor, from the Potato Herb seasoning packet and it always tastes great!
As I made it last night, I decided to time myself, and it honestly took me 11 minutes (minus the cooking time)!  I cut, rolled, and seasoned the chicken, scrubbed the potatoes, and washed and cut the broccoli...And that included an interruption from my 16 month old son throwing his ball right into the raw chicken!  Which I then had to frantically disinfect and clean up! So this is clearly a quick and easy meal!

But really, this is a super simple twist on baked chicken.  It doesn't require dipping the chicken in egg, which saves a lot of time and mess, and it still tastes great! 

I also made mine healthier by using WHOLE wheat flour, that was freshly ground. 
(No, it was not intended for this recipe, just left over from making bread.)

Since my family currently consists of my husband, my young son, and I...I plan all meals to feed 3-4.  This way we can all eat and I pack the remaining Serving for my husband's lunch the following day.  But, if your family is bigger, double or triple the recipe!  I figured it would be easier to double than cut down!

So try it and and tell me your thoughts or ideas!

...More easy, inexpensive, and delicious recipes to come!

Energy and Money Saving Tips

Saving money is always a good thing, and being energy efficiant does just that. 

So over the years I've heard all kinds of different ideas, but I decided I wanted to know which ones really work and are worth my efforts.  So below is a compiled list of ideas I found and will be trying out. 

Both to see, how much I save and how convenient they work with my life style.

Here is the list and soon to come...my findings.

TURN IT OFF

1. Turn off the lights!

2. Use natural light (windows) when the    temperature outside isn't too hot.
3. Use energy saving light bulbs
4. Turn of bathroom, kitchen, laundry room ventilating fans right when the job is done
5. Unplug what you don't use and try to unplug anything when not in use.
(even if it is turned off it still uses some energy)
6. Turn of Computer Monitor when ever not in use, it uses high amounts of electricity.


TEMPERATURE
1. Keep doors closed when air or heat is on.
2. Open windows and doors when the temperature outside is more desireable,
but be sure to close them as the temperature changes to less desireable
3. Use sunlight wisely. During the heating season, leave shades and blinds open on sunny
days, but close them at night to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows. Close
shades and blinds during the summer or when the air conditioner is in use or will be in
use later in the day.
4. Open blinds when sunny to warm up the room.
5. Close blinds and drapes when cold or at night, to keep in the heat.
6. Keep your thermostat above 78 in the summer and below 68 in the winter and 55
during the night, or when not home.
7. Use ceiling fans, room fans, in summer.
8. Use space heaters, electric blankets, and electric heating mattress pads in winter.
9. Wear several thin layers over one thick layer when trying to keep warm.
10. Use extra blankets.
11. Use white shades on your windows. They reflect the heat in the summer.

WATER
1. Set water heater between 120-130 degrees. Too low and you'll run out of hot water or
spend extra working over time, too high and you waste extra money heating the water.
2. Take more showers than baths
3. Take shorter showers.
4. Turn off, or down the water while brushing teeth, washing hands, scrubbing dishes.
5. Use energy saving shower heads
6. Place filled water bottle in toilet tank, if you don't have a low flow toilet. It saves water
with each flush.
7. Wash laundry loads on cold or warm...not hot.
8. Wash full loads
9. Dry full loads, but not over full.
10. Empty lint every cycle, it saves energy and doesn't work as hard.
11. Don't over dry clothing, air dry whenever possible.
12. Separate light and heavy fabrics so you don't over dry your lighter clothes in the dryer.

IN THE KITCHEN
1. Use the microwave, toaster oven, slow cooker, electric grill, etc instead of the oven or
stove. They use substantially less energy and don't heat up the house in the summer.
2. In summer “cook” less and “prepare” cooler meals or cook outside.
3. Use pressure cooker, they cook much faster on the stove than normal pots.
4. Use size appropriate burner on stove for the size of the pot, to reduce loss of heat.
5. Keep refrigerator and freezer door closed as much as possible.
6. Don't over preheat, or open the oven to “check” the food. In winter when finished
cooking in oven, turn off oven but keep doors open to warm up the room.
7. Check and place thermostat on freezer (0-5 degrees) and refrigerator (38-42 degrees)
8. Maintain your appliances. For example, occasionally vacuuming your refrigerator
condenser coils will help it run smoother.
9. Fix defective plumbing or dripping faucets.
10. Run dishwasher when full and on short cycle, unless dishes are extremely dirty. Use
fast dry or avoid using the drying feature and let your dishes air dry.



A few other good ideas, but they take a bit more work:


1. Attach an UV film in your windows to help your house stay cooler.
2. Put an insulating blanket around your water heater.
3. Periodically drain a little water from your water heater to remove the sediment-laden
water that can build up and reduce efficiency.
4. Change air conditioning and furnace filters frequently. Dirty filters make them work
harder. Regular maintenance in general will make your air conditioner and furnace run
smoother and cost you less.
5. Install reflectors between the wall and radiator. These foil-covered cardboard reflectors
are easy to find at most hardware stores and help reduce radiator heat loss through
exterior walls.
6. Install a screen to shade your air-conditioning unit. Make sure that it doesn't interfere
with operation.
7. Seal your ducts. This website will help with simple techniques:
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=ducts.pr_ducts
8. Insulate! Insulation keeps your house warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
See this website for insulation basics: http://www.ecologicalhomes.com.au/insulation.htm
9. Weatherize! This means sealing windows and doors to prevent leaks of warm or cool air.
See: http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumerinfo/factsheets/weatherize.html

Thanks to:
http://www.cleanairgardening.com/saveenergy.html
http://www.mge.com/home/saving/lowcost.htm

Grocery Shopping and Price Matching

I am all for finding a great deal. I used to run around from store to store to buy all the great sale items, and “couponing”. This was time consuming and a hassle. Then I realized how simple it is to price match at Walmart. As long as you know the rules and a few tricks, it is really easy. And you can apply your coupons to the prices you match.

Plus, I've often found that, when at Walmart to price match, what is a “killer deal” at a regular grocery store is still higher in price than the regular price for the same item in Walmart's brand.
So I can choose to save money and price match for the name brand, or save on the Walmart brand...which ever works for what I want. Either way, price matching saves a ton of time, hassle, and money.

Now, you should know that I hate to stall up the line and bother the cashiers...so that is why I follow a simple plan (explained below) that I have yet to slow down the line, bother a cashier or fellow shopper!

Here is what I do:
First while at home, I look at the adds, and plan what meals I will make for the week with a consideration of what is on sale.

Then I look for which items are on a good deal that I will need. These are staple items and non perishables like, canned food, freezable meats, condiments, flour, etc. Or items I know we constantly go through like: cereal, granola bars, bread, ziplocks, foil, etc. All of these items I buy when on the best deals so that when I need them I don't have to go out and pay full price or even an “okay” sale price when I need it.

Second, I look on coupon and deal websites like pinchingyourpennies, hip2save, or sistersavings and see if there are any additional deals or if they have a coupon I can print for something I need.

As I find each item I list it by category: produce, meat, dairy, etc. So that it makes a faster more organized shopping trip (less back tracking in the store).

Now to make the price matching fast and easy...

1. When there is an item I want to match, I write it on my list with the brand, and the name of the store that it is on sale, with their advertised price.

            Example: Yoplait Yogurt (Alb. 2/$1) So I know it is on sale at Albertson's 2 for $1.00

This way, I can quickly tell the cashier what the price is and where, without the hassle of going through the adds or forgetting.

*If I have a coupon I also write that next to the item on my list, so that I don't forget to use it and can compare the “couponed” price with the store brand...to make sure it is a better buy.

2. ALWAYS choose a young teenage cashier!!! They are easy going and fast about price matching. The older cashiers want to look at every add and they get frustrated faster. This is a simple trick a friend passed to me and it totally works!

By doing these steps my shopping trip is smooth and easy.


A few Walmart "rules" to know
Walmart price matches:
- Any competitors sale price, except Buy One Get One Free, or a % off of a price.
-If a competitor's "Store Brand" is on sale they match it to Walmart's store brand, Great Value.
-When matching prices check size and quantity.  (For example: the ounces of the package need to match.)
-When matching prices check the varities specified (usually Walmart isn't picky about the variety when it says "select varities" only when it says "excluding" a certain variety)
-They accept manufacture's coupons