DIY :: Receiving Blankets

I have a really awesome Mother in Law! When I was pregnant with my first, she made me oodles of blankets for the little man! From quilts, to wraps, and everything in between. These, however, were by far my very favorite! They are a lot larger than the generic store bought blankets you can buy at Target or Walmart, and perfect to use as a swaddling blanket, nursing cover, car seat canopy, ground cover, and SO much more! And bonus... they cost around $3.50 a piece!

All you need is 1 1/4 yards of flannel per blanket. I bought my fabric at Joannes, regular price it is $6.99 a yard, but this week it was on sale for 50% off. Score! But if it's not, be SURE to use a coupon! They always have 50% coupons out! I am not a huge fan of the cutesy nursery prints, so I keep on the lookout for funky styles.
Once you have your fabric, it's really pretty simple from there... all you do is serge around all 4 edges! That's it! See.. I told you it was easy! And if you have an awesome Mother in Law that offers to do it for you, even better! :) That would be the reason I have no 'during' photos ;)
But really, these make great gifts, and they are so much nicer than the dinky store bought blankets! Especially if you pop out 9.4 lb babies like I do, that wouldn't stay swaddled in a tiny blanket if you wanted them to!
Here are a few more that are in waiting!

Menu Monday

 

Monday: Meatloaf Muffins, mashed potatoes and green salad

Tuesday: BBQ Chicken Pizza

Wednesday: Soft Tacos, spanish rice and black beans

Thursday: Sloppy Joe Calzones, and steamed veggies 

Friday: Omlets, hashbrowns and sausage.

Saturday: Date Night

Sunday: Tater Tot Casserole, green salad, and rolls.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Today seems like the perfect day to post this recipe! It's been chilly all weekend and I've been crazing soup! And Chicken Noodle Soup has always been one of my favorites. This recipe is so simple and is one of the easiest soup recipe's I know! Perfect for a crisp fall day, or a day when you feel a cold coming on!

 

4-5 cups chicken broth (I use low sodium)

3 large carrots, sliced

2 stalks of celery, sliced

1/2 and onion, diced

2 cups shredded chicken

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1 bay leaf

1/2 bag wide egg noodles

 

In a large pot, bring chicken stock, bay leaf and garlic powder to a low boil. Add carrots, onion and celery and simmer until carrots are soft. Add chicken and egg noodles and continue to boil until noodles are cooked through. Remove bay leaf and enjoy.

 

*If you need more soup than this makes, just add more water to the broth, and add more noodles.

10 Minute Enchiladas

You want a quick and easy but reeealy yummy dinner? Well look no further! This is literally as easy as it gets! This meal is a staple at our house. I make it quite often when I dont feel like making a mess, or we are in a big hurry to get out the door. Plus, you can customize it any ways you like!

10 Minute Enchiladas 

Feeds 2

4 frozen burritos (see below) OR homemade frozen burritos

1 can enchilada sauce (red/green, mild/spicy just whatever you have)

Shredded cheese

These are the burritos I use, but you can use the ones with meat, or chicken, or whatever you want. You can also use homemade frozen burritos, but to be honest, I think the store bought ones hold up a little better.

 

-On a plate arrange burritos in a single layer (2 per adult-1 per child) Microwave burritos for about 5 minutes, or until thawed and hot.

-Once burritos are hot, pour a small amount of enchilada sauce into the bottom of a casserole dish (so they don't stick) and then arrange your burritos in the dish.

-Cover with Enchilada sauce and cheese.

-Place under the broiler or back in the microwave for about 4-5 minutes until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbly.

-Serve with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, etc.



Menu Monday

Monday: Ginger Chicken Noodle Bowl

Tuesday: Fetteccini Alfredo and green salad

Wednesday: Hearty Beef Chili and cornbread

Thursday: Chicken Tortilla soup

Friday: Spaghetti and garlic bread

Saturday: Date Night

Sunday: Bacon and Artichoke Chicken and steamed veggies

 

Although, I can honestly say cooking is not at the front of my mind... my thoughts are wrapped up in this sweet thing! It's a GIRL!

Hamburger Casserole

This dish reminds me of home. I absolutely love having this meal for dinner, its a hearty 'stick-to-your-ribs' casserole that is perfect for a quick busy night meal, but yummy enough to take to neighbors for dinner. And bonus, it takes only about 30 minutes to whip up!

 

2 cups rice uncooked

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 cup cooked ground beef

1 tsp worshteshire sauce

2 tsp soy sauce

1/4 tsp garlic powder

Optional toppings: Soy sauce, mustard, Chinese noodles (ok the noodles are a must;))

 

 Cook rice according to package directions.

Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375.

 In a bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, worsh sauce, soy, and garlic powder.

Once the rice is done, add the ground beef and soup mixture and mix very well. Spread evenly in a small carrseole dish (8x8 or so) and bake for 10-15 minutes until the whole thing is hot and the edges are golden brown. 

Menu Monday

Whoops... a day late :)

Monday: Dinner with family.

Tuesday: Bean and Cheese Tostadas

Wednesday: Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches and pasta salad

Thursday: Taco Trash (a version of Taco Salad)

Friday: Date Night (after the ultrasound to find out what this munchkin is!)

Saturday: Hot Deli Chicken Sandwiches and raw veggies

Sunday: Sweet and Sour Chicken and fried rice