4th Day of Christmas

A Mason Jar Cookie Recipe

I have found so many great ideas for mason jar gifts, which are perfect for any occasion.  Around the holidays there are always plenty of freshly baked treats available.  This is a great alternative, because the recipient can choose to bake or use the gift when it is needed most.  Then the jar can be reused for something! 

There are so many different delicious cookie recipes available here, but you could also incorporate pancake mixes, smores, and other food items.

There are also some great ideas for non-food mason jar gifts.  

I decided to make cookie mixes in my mason jars, and I will be using a few for Christmas gifts and a few for baby shower prizes.  The recipe I used is available here. 

First Braden helped me mix up the flour, baking soda, and sugar.

I went to start filling the jars and realized the ones I had were too small.  So, we had to pick up some bigger ones (I think next time I would go with something a little smaller).  

Too Small

The website I used had labels that could be printed and used. I of course, didn't buy the wide mouthed jars, so I had to play around with creating my own labels and getting the sizing just right.

Also for the holiday version I had planned on using red & green M&M's, which I also thought we had in the cupboard.  So, I will have to wait to make those mason jars later.  Lesson learned - make sure you have all of the CORRECT supplies in hand before starting this project!  

Pinterest Challenge: Week 6

My project for week 6 did not happen!  It was the sweatshirt makeover that I had been putting off and it just did not work out.  I did actually buy two sweatshirts, but just did not have time to complete the projects.

But there were some other really great projects that were completed!

Week 6 Projects:

Zucchini Crisps:

http://www.essentiallyeclectic.com/2013/03/parmesan-zucchini-crisps-easy-appetizer.html

Spinach & Artichocke Melts:

http://www.halfbakedharvest.com/spinach-and-artichoke-melts/

Fruit Wash:

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/21241_330558780404896_562720774_n.jpg

Cauliflower Alfredo:

http://www.theskinnyfork.com/blog/guiltless-cauliflower-alfredo-sauce

Cardboard Playhouse:

http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/967135/diy-collapsible-cardboard-playhouse

English Muffin Bread

Pinterest Challenge Round 2 begins Monday, May 27th!

Pinterest Challenge: Week 5

The end of the first Pinterest Challenge is near as we wrap up with week 5 projects.  For me I worked on the star mantle decor, which I plan to use for Memorial Day & the Fourth of July displays.  I knew that we were going to be away for part of the week (headed to Littleton), so I did all of the cutting & machine sewing beforehand.  Then I was able to finish the project by stuffing & hand sewing while were were away.  

I think it came out really well and I am pleased with how it looks all together with other items on the mantle.  

Week 5 Projects:

DIY Argyle Sweatshirt: http://mellysews.com/2012/02/argyle-hoody-tutorial.html
Turtle Brownies: http://www.unegaminedanslacuisine.com/2012/03/salty-turtle-brownies.html
Cotton Ball smashers: http://4herreras.blogspot.com/2012/02/smashing-balls-baked-cotton-balls.html?m=1
Desk Makeoever:

DIY No Sew Valance: http://inmyownstyle.com/2011/08/quick-and-easy-home-decorating-window-valance.html
Old MacDonald Puppets:http://zitzmanfam.blogspot.com/2010/09/old-macdonald-puppet-tutorial-and.html

Pinterest Challenge: Week 3

Well, week 3 is complete (halfway there) and the group is still going strong!  This week for me wrapped up my recipes/food ideas and now on to the more difficult pins.  I have been putting the sweatshirt project off, because it intimidates me and I'm not confident that it will be a success.  We'll see in the weeks to come!

Week 3 for me was a white Chicken Alfredo Lasagna.  It was edible (although Braden wouldn't touch it), but it is not something that I would try again.  It was too bland, dry and honestly way more work than I wanted it to be (even with my mom here to help make it)!  

The Pinterest version looks much cheesier! 

Overall it was a successful week for others as well.  I had a few other recipes that we tried and really enjoyed.  There were also some great craft projects posted this week as well!  Very fun.

Little Tykes Makeover:

Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa:

http://whatsfordinner-momwhatsfordinner.blogspot.com/2012/12/cheesy-broccoli-quinoa-and-giveaway.html?m=1

Tooth Fairy Pillows:

http://pinterest.com/pin/239464905159311517/

http://pinterest.com/pin/239464905159311516/

Tooth Fairy Money:

http://pinterest.com/pin/142074563217461041/

Lemon Cookies (so easy):

http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/easy-lemon-cookies/

Philly Cheesesteak:

http://www.puffpastry.com/recipe/60947/Philly-Cheesesteak-Rolls

Avocado Salad:

http://shesveggingout.blogspot.com/2012/05/avocado-tomato-salad.html

Monterey Chicken:

http://kimmccrary.blogspot.com/2010/05/perfect-day.html

Great Tip on Cutting Watermelon:

http://pinksuedeshoe.com/2010/07/09/how-to-cut-a-perfect-watermelon/

Delicious Cupcake Brownie:

http://iheart2stamp.com/2010/06/

Pinterest Challenge Week # 2

Week 2 was much more successful for my project - yah!  I tried a sangria recipe and I thought it tasted pretty good.  I took it with me to a 31 party and other seemed to enjoy it as well.

The recipe can be found here: http://lindawagner.net/blog/2011/07/skinny-girl-cocktail

I used frozen peaches & ended up putting in 5 packets of the Stevia.  Although next time I am thinking about trying this recipe, because I think I would like something with a bit of fruit juice: http://www.ohsweetjoy.com/search?q=sangria

Here are a few of the other Week 2 successes:

Some wall art & crafts: 

http://pinterest.com/pin/127930445637460112/

Roasted Summer Squash: 

http://www.thegraciouspantry.com/clean-eating-roasted-summer-squash/

Shower Head Cleaners (works amazingly well): http://pinterest.com/pin/239464905159259981/

Stuffed Breakfast Biscuits: 

http://richestoragsbydori.blogspot.com/2012/03/stuffed-breakfast-bubble-biscuits.html

Pinterest Challenge: Week # 1

Well the DIY Pinterest Challenge has begun.  We had a great first week with many new projects attempted and most of them successful.  My first project however - FAILED.  I started off the challenge with the homemade fruit snacks.  I had wondered if Braden would even attempt to eat them, because of the texture, but decided to give it a  try anyway.  

The original recipe that I had planned to use was not working the day I needed it:

http://thankyourbody.com/homemade-healthy-fruit-snacks/

So, I went with this one instead:

http://easy-homesteading.blogspot.ca/2013/02/homemade-gummie-bear-recipe.html

I used blueberries, orange juice and honey as the sweetener.  I also was one packet of gelatin short.  In the end the taste was not very good and I think that the texture was effected by the lack of gelatin.  Braden wouldn't even put it in his mouth.  But, even if they did taste good - it was more work than I wanted, so I don't think I would have made them again.  

Here is my final product (I even used little animal cookie cutters):

Here are some successful projects from the week: 

Chocolate Glazed Donuts - (more cake like): http://www.bunsinmyoven.com/2013/04/01/glazed-chocolate-donuts/

Healthy Turkey Chili: 

http://www.theyummylife.com/Turkey_chili

Taco Ring: 

http://shabbybrocante.blogspot.com/2012/01/taco-ring-thats-whats-for-dinner.html?m=1

Chocolate Truffles: 

http://pinterest.com/pin/475481673128663986/

Orange Juice Chicken:

http://indianriverjuice.com/2013/03/08/easy-and-delicious-orange-juice-chicken-recipe/

Baked Spaghetti Squash: 

http://www.steamykitchen.com/11285-baked-spaghetti-squash-with-garlic-and-butter.html

Great first week of Pinterest projects and I am looking forward to new projects!!! 

DIY Pinterest Challenge

I've decided to create my own Pinterest Challenge.  Whether this ends up being on my own or if others decide to join me - I am determined to finish at least 6 new projects from my Pinterest boards.  

I had previously enjoyed participating in this Pinterest Challenge, and even received "honorable mention" one month.  But, unfortunately the project seems to have been abandoned :(  So, now I am starting one "just for fun" and I am hoping that by posting my progress here on my blog it will keep me motivated!  

So, here are the 6 projects that I have chosen:

1. Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

2. Homemade fruit snacks

3. DIY hoodie

4. 4th of July star decor

5. Homemade Sangria

6. Ipod cover/stand

This is not necessarily the order that the projects will be completed! But, over the next 6 weeks I will attempt to complete them all.  Each week I will feature one of the projects & the progress - whether a success or a failure.  So, here goes...  Anyone want to join me?  

Monthly Meals {November}

On to the second month of meal planning and so far it worked out really well.
The POSITIVES:
* Did not have to think about what to make for dinner
* The flexibility in moving meal/leftover nights to work around our schedule
* There are still at least 8 dinners left in the freezer for future months
* Mike loved the ease of breakfast & lunch wraps when getting ready for work
* Plenty of room in the freezer for everything (so far)

The NEGATIVES:
* I still ended up at the grocery store 6 times (a few things came up - back to no dairy, a tastefully simple party, stocking up on rice milk & a crockpot swap)
* Finding out that Braden is back to no dairy - so trying to find meals that would work for him
* Ran out of a few key items - bread, peanut butter, paper towels, eggs, etc.  So, next month I will really make sure to get more than enough

Grand Total for October - 515.45 (approx.)

November Meal Plan - mostly for myself to help with prep and for anyone that is looking for a new recipe to try.  There are a few things we'll be trying this month from the crockpot swap, so excited about that!!

In red I have included B's dairy free meal for the night!  Some provided through an Allergy Friendly Cookbook.

1 - Haddock & Spinach*
2 - Ribs, Coleslaw & sweet potato
3 - Meatball subs    Leftovers
4 - Leftovers
5 - Clam Chowder & Grilled Cheese
6 - BBQ Chicken & Potato
7 - Stromboli*  DF pizza
8 - Leftovers
9 - Chicken, Broccoli Alfredo   Mini Meatloaf & Sweet Potato
10 - Quiche    Scrambled Eggs & Broccoli
11 - Chicken Parmesan   DF version
12 - Leftovers
13 - Ranch Chicken (crockpot swap) & Green Beans   Mini Meatloaf
14 - Taco Chili (crockpot swap) & Cornbread
15 - Leftovers
16 - Breakfast Bake   DF version
17 - Mac N Cheese w/ peas & carrots (crockpot swap)  DF mac-n-cheeze
18 - Leftovers
19 - Homemade Pizza*  DF version
20 - Omlettes   Scrambled eggs & broccoli
21-23rd  Thanksgiving stuff
24 - Out to Eat
25 - Ziti*     DF version
26 - Dijon Chicken & Rice (crockpot swap)
27 - Leftovers
28 - Cilantro Lime Chicken
29 - Corn Pancakes   DF version
30 - Leftovers


Again I will be making the breakfast wraps & will double the batch of Buffalo Chicken wraps for lunches.  Also, for Braden I will be trying a few dairy free versions of smoothie recipes to see if I can get him to eat more veggies!!

I will also stock up on extra baking items with the holidays coming up!

Meals for a Month (October) * Updated *

I don't know what it is about it, but I hate grocery shopping!  Thankfully, Mike tries to go as often as he can, but sometimes the timing just doesn't work out and I have to go.  

So, I have decided to do more planning & prep ahead of time, so that I only have to go ONCE a month.  Sounds crazy I know, but I was inspired by this family's experience, which I found through Pinterest.  They are a family of 8, so it takes a lot more work, so I think that our small family of 3 can handle it.  I talked it over with Mike and we are going to give it a try for the month of October.  

The Prep:

* Organized the pantry, cupboards, fridge & freezer.

* Set up cork board inside the pantry for the monthly calendar, grocery list, receipts & coupons.

* Searched Pinterest & other sites for freezer/crockpot meal ideas.

* Set up an October calendar with meal options.

* Created a HUGE grocery list based on the meals & items we need.

The Plan:

* Join Sam's Club in hopes that by going once a month we can get better deals on bulk items.

* Go shopping at Sam's Club & Hannaford.

* Prep and label any food that needs to be put in the freezer.

* Do some baking ahead of time & freeze items for lunch snacks or dessert.

* Mike can stop on his way home for items like milk, eggs & fresh fruit.

Below I have included the meals for the month with links. I found many of the freezer/crockpot meals on Pinterest as well. Having them organized here will help when I go to prep them all.  I'm sure we will end up being very flexible with the days, depending on what is going on (guests, trips away from home, busy days or unexpected events).  But, here is the plan...  (*written recipes we have at home, but I have linked recipes that are similar,  (new) - new to us recipes).

1 - Tomato, Mozzarella & Basil*

2 - Beef Tacos

3 - Pulled Pork Sandwiches

4 - Burgers & Sweet Potato Fries

5 - Baked Scallops & Greenbeans

6 - Leftovers

7 - Order Out

8 - Lasagna

9 - Omelettes

10 - Leftovers

11 - Meatloaf & Carrots

12 - Homemade Pizza

13 - Cheddar Broccoli Soup* & Beer Bread

14 - Ravioli (new) & Veggie

15 - Quesadillas (recipe is for shredded chicken) & Rice

16 - Leftovers

17 - Chicken Casserole* & Greenbeans

18 - Stromboli*

19 - Teriyaki Chicken (new), Veggies

20 - Leftovers

21 - Chowder & Grilled Cheese

22 - French Toast

23 - Chili (new)

24 - Spaghetti 

25 - Leftovers

26 - Order Out (Happy Birthday Mike)

27 - BBQ Chicken & Broccoli

28 - Cilantro Lime Chicken (new)

29 - Fajitas (new)

30 - Leftovers

31 - Pancakes

The plan is to also have enough groceries for breakfast & lunch.  A few baked goods will work for lunch snacks & dessert (muffins for breakfast).  I will also make and freeze some breakfast wraps & buffalo chicken wraps which will be available for the month.

Who wants to come over for dinner?

*Update*

The goal was to spend around $300 and I went over just a bit.  I ended up with about 186 at Sam's and 166 at Hannaford for a total of 352.  But, I have 3 bags of spaghetti sauce and 3 other meals bagged for future months.  Also for future months I will stagger the big items we need like toilet paper, dog food, etc.

As far as the prepping is concerned it took a full day.  Some of the meals I could only freeze the meat and will have to prep them on the day of, because I just did not have the freezer space for casserole dishes.  Instead of freezing baked goods I decided I will make a batch of muffins and cookies each week.

So, far things are going well.  I missed a few things that I had not put on the list, but I just adapted the menu to make it work anyway!  This week so far as been great, because I already know what will be for dinner and most of the work is already done!!!

DIY Cake Decorating

As most of you know I am addicted to Pinterest!  I had so many pins last month that I received an error message telling me I would have to try again later (basically Pinterest was telling me to take a break).  Now, I have found a Pinterest Challenge blog to help motivate me to actually complete more of these wonderful little projects.

Up first is Eva Marie's 2nd birthday cake.  Last year the theme was Winnie the Pooh. Using a nice picture of Pooh bear I was able to use the Wilton Cake decorating techniques and it came out great.  However, this years theme was Dora and I chose the picture below, which is much more detailed so I needed to try something new.    

That is why I was so excited when I found this tutorial, which takes you step by step on how to transfer any design onto a frosted cake. 

Creating an outline and carefully filling in the small details first, because that will be the top of the design.

Starting to fill in the frosting.  Then it went in the freezer for about 15 minutes, while I finished frosting the sheet cake.  Once it was placed on the cake it easily peeled away from the wax paper.  

 The finished product at home (top) and at the birthday party (bottom).

Want to join me in the Pinterest Challenge?

Videos: Food

A few videos of Braden's experiences learning to eat.  

First time with solid foods:

Trying a little Baby Led Weaning:

It is important to eat veggies too:

He will feed himself - SOMETIMES:

His favorite thing to feed himself:

It has been so much fun experiencing different foods with Braden, watching his reactions to new foods (good & bad) and helping him master new skills! 

Bananas

We decided to see if Braden was ready to try solids.  We started with some bananas and he loved them!  Yesterday I gave him just a little taste of them mixed with some breast milk.  Tonight, Mike fed him and he couldn't get enough.  He finished the whole bowl and probably would have eaten even more.  

To Be a Kid Again

Well, we pulled it off!  Mike was completely surprised for his 30th birthday and he had so much fun!  On Saturday the 5th after Mike got out of work, I convinced him that Jon was babysitting and we were going on a double date with Cam & Sarah. I had to use this story, because I knew that as soon as we started driving to Maine Indoor Karting, he would figure out where we were going.  But, he was NOT expecting other friends and family to be waiting there for him.  

It really was a lot of fun and so easy for me.  MIK took care of the drinks, pizza, cake, racing and mini golf.  The guests provided pictures, banners, appetizers and a nice warm welcome in the parking lot.  Those participating in the racing went through some safety training, and it was very entertaining watching them get into their suits.

Great entertainment...

The Oslin Boys

Tariq

The package included an 8 minute qualifier to decide how the real competition would begin.  Then after a brief intermission/appetizer break they were back out on the track for a final 8 minute race.

The racing group

Melissa is ready to go!

Checking out the stats

They even had trophies for the winners...

The winners: 

1st Place Trophy: Mike

2nd Place Trophy: Cam

"Putt Putt" Award - for being so considerate & letting all the other racers pass!

Denise

Afterwards we enjoyed some social time, food and mini-golf.  

We enjoyed some delicious cake!

And had a mini photo booth set up...

If when given the chance Mike will be right back out on the track.  Here's to the next 30 years!  Happy Birthday!