Menu Monday

Monday: Pan Seared Lemon Chicken, green salad and rolls.

Tuesday: I'll be making Italian Bean Salsa and 7 Layer Bean Dip for our new years party!

Wednesday: Quick and Easy Beef Enchiladas

Thursday: Malibu Chicken and green salad

Friday: Smothered Beef & Bean Burritos and Spanish Rice

Saturday: Date Night

Sunday: Roast beef, mashed potatoes and corn

BBQ Chicken Panini

You know when you get something new, oh say, a kitchen gadget, and you wonder how you ever lived without it!? Well, my friends, I got a George Foreman. Holy Moly. I love that thing! After the usual chicken and meat, I tried making paninis, and they were SO yummy we've been making them in every possible combination ever since! This one has definitely been a favorite!

Sourdough bread

Shredded/Rotisserie Chicken

BBQ Sauce ( I like honey)

Mozzerella Cheese

Mayonnaise (trust me on this one)

Okay, so preheat your grill/george foreman/panini press, or whatever you're using. On the outsides of each slice of bread, spread a thin layer of mayo. You CAN use butter if you want, but I heard this tip on The Chew, and it's wonderful!! In a bowl, mix the chicken and bbq sauce, and place a big scoop on the bread and spread it out. Top with cheese and the other piece of bread. Grill on med/high until the cheese melts and the bread is golden and crispy. Serve with RANCH! Yum! Or, whatever dipping same you want! ;)

Spanish Rice in the Rice Cooker

• I never realized how incredibly easy it was to make your own spanish rice! It takes literally no time or effort and you end up with something thats way better for your family!
• 2 cups rice
• 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes, with juice
• 3 1/2 cups water
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 bullion cubes or 3 tsp. Better than Bullion
• 3 T. chili powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Combine all ingredients in your rice cooker, and cook according to rice cooker's directions.

Menu Monday

Haha, how am I always a day late with these?! I need to start calling it Menu Tuesday! Mondays are completely crazy for me! 

Monday: We had a leftover night! :)

Tuesday: Hamburger Casserole, green beans and Bread/butter

Wednesday: Hawaiian Pizza and green salad

Thursday: Steak, stuffing and rolls

Friday: Italian Drumsticks and green salad

Saturday: Date Night

Sunday: Sunday Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and corn

Rich and Creamy Alfredo Sauce

1/2 cup butter (not margarine)

1 8 oz block of cream cheese 

2 tsp garlic powder

2 cups milk

1/4 cup parmesan cheese

1/2 tsp black pepper

In a large sauce pan, melt butter. Add cream cheese over med heat and whisk until melted and smooth. Add milk and whisk again until smooth. Add garlic, parmesan cheese and pepper and stir well. Serve over noodles.

Menu Monday... and an apology.

Geh! I can't seem to find the time to blog for the life of me! Honestly. Between Christmas shopping, photoshoots, and this crazy southern utah snowstorm, I can't catch a break! And to add madness to mayhem... today is day 1 of potty training. I'm a tad crazy like that. 

So bare with me if my posts are very few and few between. 

I'm doing my best!

Monday: We had Pesto Chicken Panini's (recipe coming!)

Tuesday: Broccoli Potato Soup and rolls

Wednesday: Freezer Manicotti, green salad and breadsticks

Thursday: Sante Fe Chicken Burritos

Friday: Date Night 

Saturday: Hamburger Casserole green beans with bread and butter

Sunday: Sweet corn and Chicken Enchiladas

Menu Monday

Monday: We had a last minute trip to town, so we stopped for Jimmy Johns.

Tuesday: Lasagna

Wednesday: 3 Bean Enchilada Soup

Thursday: Pesto Chicken Pizza

Friday: Sunday Meatloaf and baked potatoes

Saturday: Date Night

Sunday: Broccoli Potato Soup and rolls

Menu Monday (on a Tuesday)

Ooops. I did it again. In all honestly though, Thanksgiving needs to be on a Monday. Because who wants to plan meals when you have Thanksgiving dinner on the brain!? Not me. That's who. But, alas. Here I sit. Planning away.

Monday: We spent the night Christmas shopping, and stopped at In-N-Out Burger. MMM! I did make a yummy lunch though! Crispy Chicken Rancheros! A Taco Time Copycat recipe! 

Tuesday: 10 minute Navajo Tacos

Wednesday: Salmon Burgers and green salad

Thursday: HAPPY THANKSGIVING! I'll be making Pumpkin and Pecan pies!

Friday: Leftovers :: I'm thinking about making Chicken Pot Pie Biscuits and Gravy, but with Turkey!

Saturday: BBQ Beef Pizza (take a break from all the turkey!)

Sunday: Crockpot Beans and Ham

Ps. I need LUNCH ideas!! Do you have any good ones!? I'm pretty sure my poor husband is sick to death of quesadillas and chicken sandwiches!!! 

Menu Monday

Whew! These last few weeks have been a killer! My sweet baby girl got hit with the fllu :( And we took 2 trips to Insta-Care, one for our little guy, and one for my poor husband who got cement powder in his eyes. I'm praying this week is boring. I need a boring week! :)

Monday: Chicken and Stuffing Casserole and green salad

Tuesday: Smothered Beef and Bean Burritos

Wednesday:  Taco Pizza

Thursday: Beans and ham in the crockpot with biscuits

Friday: Spicy Cajun Mac and Cheese

Saturday: Date Night

Sunday: Crockpot Lasagna

Fresh Veggie Pizza

2 cans crescent rolls

1 pkg cream cheese

1 pkg dry ranch dip mix

Fresh veggies: Carrots, broccoli, celery, cucumbers, zucchini, olives, cauliflower, tomatoes, green onion, etc.

Open your crescent rolls, and on a greased cookie cheat, spread them into a single layer and pinch the seams together, so you form one big rectangle.

Bake according to package directions.

While the crescents cool, mix together the cream cheese and ranch mix until well blended. Chop veggies.

Once the crescents are cooled, spread on top of the crescent base. Top with veggies, cut into squares and enjoy!

Mookies {Muffin Tin Cookies}

2 cups plus 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour

½ tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. salt

12 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted and cooled until warm

1 cup brown sugar, packed

½ cup granulated sugar

2 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 cup chocolate chips 

 Preheat oven 325°.  Grease a mini muffin tin.

Whisk dry ingredients together in a medium bowl and set aside.  In a mixer mix butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg  and vanilla until combined.  Add dry ingredients and beat at low-speed just until combined.  Stir in chocolate chips.

Spoon small spoonfuls into your hand, and roll into about 1" balls, place a ball in each muffin tin.

Bake for 15-18 minutes. 

Allow to cool completely before removing each cookie from the tin by running a butter knife around the outside of the cookie, loosening it from the sides.

Menu Monday

Monday: Steak and Baked Potatoes

Tuesday: Sweet and Sour Chicken, white rice and broccoli

Wednesday: Mexican Lasagna, spanish rice and green salad

Thursday: Fish and Chips

Friday: Spaghetti and breadsticks

Saturday: Date Night

Sunday: White Chicken Chili

Menu Monday

 

Monday: Steak, stuffing and steamed veggies

Tuesday: Buckeye Biscuits and Gravy

Wednesday: Quick and Easy Beef Enchiladas

Thursday: Happy Halloween! Hearty Beef Chili

Friday:Loaded Enchilada Bowls

Saturday: Date Night

Sunday: Roasted Italian Drumsticks, stuffing and veggies

Spicy French Dip Sliders

French dips are a STAPLE in or house! They are SO easy and yummy! They are perfect for a cold winter day!

2 lb roast

1 tsp ground red pepper (GROUND... not crushed)

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

4 cup beef broth

water

1 packet au jus mix + 1/2 tsp ground red pepper + 1/4 tsp garlic powder

French rolls

spicy brown mustard

 

put the roast, seasoning and broth in the crockpot, set onto low, and walk away for about 8-10 hours. Shred the roast and place back into the broth until you're ready to eat. Prepare the au jus according to the package directions, adding the red pepper and garlic powder.

Assemble sandwiches and add the spicy brown mustard.

Dip into au jus and ENJOY!

 

Menu Monday

Whoops! I missed last week! To be quite honest... I don't even remember what we had!? I did make meatloaf, and pork tacos... but I'm going to be better this week!

 

Monday: Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Tuesday: Sweet and Sour Chicken with white rice and veggies

Wednesday: White Chicken Chili

Thursday: Dinner with family

Friday: Hawaiian Haystacks

Saturday: Date Night

Sunday: 3 Bean Enchilada Soup

Sweet Chili Thai Pork Pizza

We cook a lot of meat in our house. Beef, elk, chicken, pork... you name it. My husband is a meat and potatoes kind of guy! However, this usually leaves us with quite a bit of leftovers! I am always looking for new ways to use the extra mea, and this recipe was definitely a winner! It could easily be swapped for chicken, but I used THIS pork recipe, and it turned out SO good! I cant wait to make it again!

 

1 pizza crust ( I use 1/2 of THIS recipe)

2 cups leftover pulled pork

2 cups mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup Chili Sauce *see recipe below

Garnishes: Chopped peanuts, and cilantro

 

Preheat the oven to 400.

Prepare your pizza crust and roll out onto a baking stone (or pizza pan).

Par-bake your crust for about 15 minutes, until the crust is set, but not all the way done.

Remove the crust from the oven and spread the chili sauce over the top. Add pork and cheese and return to the oven.

Bake for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

when the pizza comes out of the oven, sprinkle with cilantro and peanuts. Just trust me on this one. My husband was weary about both of those, but he loved them!

 

 

 

Chili Sauce:

Recipe from here

1 1/2 tsp dried red pepper flakes
4 cloves garlic
1/2 cup vinegar
2/3 cup sugar
1 tsp salt
2/3 cup water
4 teaspoons cornstarch
4 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)

Butter Biscuit Chicken Pot Pie

 I am always looking for prep-ahead meals! You know, the ones that you can do most of the prep work ahead of time, and then right before you eat, you have minimal work and mess! I put all the ingredients into the crockpot in the morning, and then when we got home from church, all I had to do was throw the biscuits on top and bake it! So easy and it was the perfect meal for a cold autumn day!

You could also leave out the chicken and switch for cream of celery soup to make this a vegetarian dish!

 

Butter Biscuit Chicken Pot Pie

 

3 cans of cream of chicken soup

1/4 cup milk

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1 cup frozen lima beans

1 cup chopped carrots

3 medium potatoes, diced

 (added at the end)

1 cup frozen peas

2 cups shredded chicken

2 cups biscuit mix (like bisquick)

 plus what you need to prepare the mix ie. water/milk/eggs

1/4 cup melted butter

 

In the crock pot, mix together your cream of chicken soup, milk, seasonings, lima beans, carrots, and potatoes. (leave the peas and chicken out) Cook on high for about 4 hours, or low for about 6, or until the potatoes are tender.

 

Right before you are ready to bake, stir in the shredded chicken and peas. The reason I do this at the end, is the chicken will start to disintegrate into the sauce if its in for too long, so adding it at the end helps it stay together.

Mix together your biscuit dough, and set aside.

Transfer the mixture to a 9x13  and spoon biscuit dough on top.

With a basting brush, spread half of the melted butter on top.

Bake at 450 for about 25 minutes until the top is golden brown.

(check your biscuit instructions, mine said 450, but if yours says a lower temp, stick with what it tells you!)

When the pot pie is done, brush the remaining butter on top.

Menu Monday

Monday: Leftovers

Tuesday: Beef and Broccoli and brown rice

Wednesday: Mexican Lasagna and Spanish rice

Thursday: Steak and Asparagus Rotini

Friday: Scallion Chicken Pillows

Saturday: Date Night

Sunday: Grilled Chicken and baked sweet potatoes

New Business Cards!

I was SO excited to get my new business cards for my photography business! I get very excited about things like this! ;)

This time around, I ordered from Signazon and I am SO happy with how they turned out!

The quality is amazing and I am loving the rounded edges! They give the cards just enough difference from your ordinary cards.

 If you're in the market for new business cards, head on over and check them out! They have lots of products to offer, and these cards start at just $19!

Can't beat that!

 

 And if you haven't likes Stefanie Stratton Photography on Facebook yet, go on! Do it!

Foto Friday

Wow! It's been a few weeks since I've done one of these!

Truth is, Blake started preschool, and I still have not gotten into a rhythm!

But don't fret, it's not just my blog that has suffered. You should take a look at my kitchen sink! Yikes. And don't get me started on the laundry room!

Last week brought some exciting new changes to my photography business! I am now officially under the name Stefanie Stratton Photography! Complete with a new facebook page, new business cards, new packaging, and a new blog in the works! Anyways, I thought I'd share my kids newest photos to celebrate! :)

Seriously... the cutest.

 

aannd... a few more, just for kicks! ;)

 Hubby got an elk! Not a monster, but I was pretty proud!

 This little lady got her ears pierced!

 Getting a family photo is a joke now-days.

The birthday boy at his party. He was too cool for it all. ;)



Homemade Baby Food 101

I have a confession.

I love the baby food isle.

In fact, I love it maybe just a little too much.

But there is just something about all those perfect little rows of pureed veggies that makes my heart pitter-patter.

Odd... maybe. But I don't think I'm alone! At least I hope I'm not?

 

Now, before I delve too deeply into this topic, I need to clarify. I bought baby food for my first born, I fed it to him without guilt, it didn't break the bank, and he is a healthy, thriving three year old. I have absolutely NOTHING against prepackaged baby food. You can find amazing quality and the convenience cant be beat! However, the tipping point for me, was when I sat down and actually realized how much I was paying for those suckers! At walmart, I paid around $1.40 for two 3.5 oz packs of food. For about the same price, I could buy 4 whole sweet potatoes and make more than 10x the amount as was in the little packs.

So I dove, head first, into the baby food making pool.

And you know what, it isn't hard and it isn't time consuming. I actually thoroughly enjoy the process!

I staretd out by purchasing a mini food processor for $10 at walmart. Now, I have a blender, and I use that too, but this is very nice and convenient for small batches.

I then bought:

4 sweet potatoes

1 butternut squash

1 bag frozen peas

2 pears

1 bag frozen green beans

1 bag carrots

 

When I got home, I laid everything out on the counter and got to work.

I'll start with the peas since that's what my photos are of....

Peas:

I threw half the bag in a steamer basket and steamed them over a few inches of water for about 30 min. Until they were VERY VERY soft. Then, I threw them into the food prosessor and pulsed it until they were smooth, adding a little water along the way to help move things along. 

I always keep my baby food a tad on the thick side (you'll see why a little later)

 Once they reached the consistency I was looking for, I poured them into ice cube trays and placed them in the freezer overnight. Then in the morning I popped them out and threw them into a plastic bag.

 

Sweet potatoes: I wrapped all 4 individually in foil and baked them about 1 hour at 400 until they were soft, then I removed the skins and followed the same procedure as the peas.

 

Butternut squash: I cut the squash in half, removed the seeds and roasted it for about 40 min at 400. Then... same procedure as the peas.

 

Pears: I didn't cook these at all because they were already very soft. I just pureed them and poured them into the ice cube trays to freeze.

 

Green Beans: Okay, no advice here. I steamed them for an hour, and they just turned out gritty and nasty. So I chucked 'em.

 

Carrots: Peel and steam. blend and freeze. (see the pattern?)

 

These are the foods I'm starting out with for Quinn. Nothing fancy. I do plan on getting a little more adventurous. Some ideas I have rolling around are:

blueberry banana oatmeal

sweet potatoes and pears

beets and apples

peas and carrots (a classic)

broccoli and cauliflower

and on and on...

 

Here's how I use the baby food once it's frozen...

To reheat:
I remove about 2-3 blocks of baby food from the freezer, and place them in a microwave safe container, then nuke them, stirring often, for about 1 minute. TEST THE FOOD WITH YOUR FINGER!!! DO NOT just stick a spoon in and feed your baby! Microwaves can cause hot spots and even if one spot feels fine, or even cool, there can be burning hot places that can really hurt your little one! So please please please stir it well, and test it!! Ok, so USUALLY the baby food will still be a little cold after I stir it, so I add a bit of hot water. That's the reason I leave it a little thicker when I make the purees, so that the warm water can gently warm the baby food, while thinning it out at the same time. Usually after I thaw the baby food, I add a little rice cereal or baby oatmeal.

Oh, and one more thing... apples. Please don't take the time to do this yourself! Buy the no sugar added applesauce at Walmart! it's the SAME THING! You can even get organic at Trader Joes or somewhere  like that. Same goes for pumpkin... the canned 100% pumpkin (not the pie filling) is just pumpkin thats been baked, and pureed. Exactly how you would do it. :)

Menu Monday

 

 

Monday: Horseradish Salmon, wild rice and peas.

Tuesday: Roast beef and mashed potatoes

Wednesday: Crock Pot French Dips and green salad

Thursday: Beef and Broccoli with roasted brussel sprouts

Friday: Date Night

Saturday: Chicken & Artichoke Alfredo, breadsticks and green salad.

Sunday: Crockpot Chicken and stuffing and green salad.

Green Bean and Ground Beef Casserole

Now that fall is on the horizon, my brain is brimming with new casseroles ideas! I really love casseroles! They remind me so much of home. Which, technically, is only 14 minutes away... but that's not the point! ;) The point is, that this casserole is the perfect dish for a cool autumn evening. Or anytime for that matter! Anytime is casserole time! ;)

2 cups uncooked rice (with water to cook)

1 can cream of mushroom soup (feel free to make your own, I used the canned stuff)

1 can of cream of celery soup

1 can cut green beans

1/2 lb ground beef

1 small onion

2 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp seasoned salt

Cook your rice according to package directions.

In a pan, cook your onion and ground beef until done.

In a LARGE bowl, mix rice and ground beef together. Then add your cream soups and seasonings. Transfer to a 9x13 casserole dish. Bake at 350 for about 10 minutes.

Make Ahead Breakfast Sandwiches

These are so gosh darn easy! And yummy! Perfect to have in the fridge, for a quick breakfast, or even an after school snack for the kids!

To make 10 sandwiches:

10 english muffins

10 slices of cheese

10 eggs

10 slices of bacon (I used turkey bacon)

Pretty self explanatory! Cook bacon and eggs. Then I set up all the muffin bottoms in a row, and add 1 slice of bacon (broken in half) to each, then add about 1/4 cupish of eggs. 1 slice of cheese and pop on the muffin top! 

Wrap in plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 5-6 days. I'm sure you could freeze them as well! Although, I haven't tried it, but if yo do, leave a comment and let me know how you do it!

To warm, nuke in to microwave for 30-45 seconds.

Menu Monday... on Tuesday

Whoops! Sorry! A day late! can you ever forgive me!?

Monday: Pesto Chicken Pizza - This time I added mushrooms and it was even better!!

Tuesday: Asian BBQ Drumsticks and steamed broccoli

Wednesday: Meatloaf and mashed potatoes

Thursday: Mexican Lasagna and spanish rice.

Friday: Spaghetti, green salad and Breadsticks

Saturday: Hot Dogs and Macaroni Salad

Sunday: Tots and Gravy, green salad and corn.

Aloha Chicken Sandwich with warm pineapple salsa

I made these sandwiches the other day for dinner when I had NO time to make dinner. And they were amazing! Definetly a keeper!

For 2 Sandwiches:

1 large chicken breast

2 burger buns

1 cup Kraft toasted sesame asian dressing

2 TBS thick teriyaki sauce

Salsa:

1 can pineapple chunks

1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms

1 red bell pepper - large dice

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp garlic powder

another 1/4 cup of the asian dressing

Butterfly chicken breast, so you have 2 thin fillets. In a gallon sized ziplock bag, place chicken, Kraft dressing and teriyaki sauce. Marinade in the refrigerator for 2-6 hours. or however long you have! ;)

Preheat a skillet to medium, and add marinated chicken. Cook 8-10 minutes, until no longer pink.

While your chicken is cooking, in a smaller skillet, add pineapple, mushroom and red pepper, then add the remaining dressing and seasonings. Heat through on med/low until chicken is done.

Assemble sandwiches. We used mustard and mayo, and garnished with lettuce.

$20 Fall Wreath Challenge

I was just a tad excited to get started on my fall decor this year! In fact, I wouldn't even technically say that it's fall yet here in So. Utah, but nevertheless... My decor made its way up! 

I was really excited to make a new wreath this year, after browsing hundreds of ideas all year via Pinterest! So one fateful night when my sweet Mom had my kids, and the husband was out hunting, I very kindly handed myself a $20 bill (Thank you, Self) and marched into Joannes on a mission. I was going to do my whole wreath for under $20. And By-Golly. I did it!

I wish I took more pictures of the 'During' process, but I had a friend over and we were too busy chatting and chasing kids to worry about cameras! But I'll give you a little run-through...

What I had on hand:

Grapevine wreath (but these are really only like $4)

Yellow flowers

Twine

Orange and Yellow Polka Dot Ribbon from the Etsy shop Hairbow Supplies Etc.

(seriously, I can't tell you how many times I've used this ribbon pack!)

What I bought:

most things were on sale at Joannes

Welcome Friends Sign - on sale for around $3.00

Burlap - about $2.00 worth

Green Tulle - $2.50

Acorn picks - .99 and 1.50

Moss Roll - $2.50 with coupon

Berry garlands -  $1.50 each

cream polka dot ribbon - $2.00

Autumn leaves - $1.50

So total - around $17.50... give or take. I estimated due to sales.

I started by weaving the tulle in and out of the wreath, and then did the same with the ribbon. You'll notice I ended up not using the yellow, I had to edit a little. It was getting too busy.

After I had all the tulle and ribbon I wanted, I glued chunks of the Moss onto the wreath, then proceeded to add things here and there until I reached the fullness I was looking for! 

I did separate the acorn picks into smaller sections, and I cut up the berry garlands to makes them more like berry 'sprays'. Lastly, I glued the sign to a piece of scrap ribbon, and tied that around the wreath to secure it. I tried gluing it directly onto the wreath, but that wasn't happening, so I improvised!

All in all, I am super happy with how it turned out! And I am even more happy that it only cost me $20!! 

I think I might make this an "Every Holiday Challenge"! What do you think!? Want to see more of these!? 

What are your favorite ways to save on holiday decor? 

Menu Monday

My little guy started PRESCHOOL! Can you believe it!? Am I old enough to have a kid in preschool!? Apparently I am? Who knew!? ;) 
In other news... I am sick. Bluck. Mom's should not get sick. Although, neither should 5 month old baby girls... and she's in the same boat. Whenever I get sick, I always think of this song from the album My Turn on Earth. You can't be grateful for your health if you've never been sick! But gosh darn it... I want to feel better!

Monday: Ranchhouse Porkchops and twice baked potatoes

Tuesday: Fish Sandwiches and green salad.

Wednesday: Hawaiian Haystacks

Thursday: Horseradish Salmon and baked potatoes

Friday: Date Night

Saturday: Kung Pao Chicken and white rice

Sunday: Roast and Potatoes

Sweet Cinnamon Fruit Salad

I am always looking for really quick, yummy side dishes to serve with dinner. I made this salad on a whim the other night, with things I already had on hand, and it turned out amazing! It would even be yummy as a breakfast!

4 cups fruit - large diced- I used nectarines, apples, bananas, and peaches, but the possibilities are endless! Strawberries, grapes, plums, pineapple, mango... use what you have!

4 TBS Sweetened Condensed Milk

2 TBS milk

1 tsp cinnamon

In a bowl, mix your milks and cinnamon. Toss with fruit.

What I Love Wednesday :: Avon Edition

1. Cheek Color Stick :: This blush stick is so amazing! It gives an instant, dewey color, instead of the chalky look you get from powder!

2. Glimmersticks Waterproof Eyeliner :: Dare I say... that this is my #1, all time favorite Avon find. I use this baby every single day without fail! It goes on SO smooth, without having to push hard, like you do with a normal pencil. Plus, it twists up, so no more searching for that dumb sharpener! If I had to tell you to buy just one product... THIS WOULD BE IT! They come on sale often too! I've seen them as cheap as like $2.99!

3. Ideal Flawless Concealer Stick :: I couldn't of lived without this after I had my babies! It hides those under eye circles amazingly well! It's also perfect for blemishes and uneven skin tone! 

4. Cream to Powder foundation :: This is my go to foundation on days that I want really great coverage! 

5. True Color Eyeshadow :: I love this eyeshadow! I have a really hard time finding a dark eyeshadow that, for one, stays all day, and two, doesn't smudge all over my face... this does the trick! I especially love the plum burgundy color!

Avon's kids line is so much fun! You can find all of the kids bath and body products here, but a few of my favorites are...

1. 2-in-1 Body wash and bubble bath :: I love having a bubble bath that would irritate my son's skin! It's gentle enough to use in every bath! Not just for special occasions!

2. Bath Time Body Paints :: These have to be my sons favorite part about bath time! They have rollers on the top, so you can paint all over their arms and legs and it rinses clean when you're done! SO much fun!

3. Shampoo and Conditioner :: Okay, I'll be honest... them smells are what got me hooked on these to begin with, but I really do love them! They do a great job at getting his hair soft and clean! I'm currently using the coconut... and I'd be lying if I told you I didn't want to use it for myself! They smell SO yummy!

 My mother in law introduced me to this line when I told her that I was concerned about Blake's dry skin and eczema. I have LOVED LOVED LOVED both of these products for not only him, but for me  , my husband, and I've used them on Quinn also! It is honestly the BEST lotion I've ever used! I used to by cetaphil lotion, and now I have two big costco containers just sitting in the closet, because I ONLY use this stuff! It works WONDERS on eczema! 

left :: Intense Healing & Repair Extra Strength Cream

right :: Intense Healing & Repair Hand Cream (this stuff is REALLY thick and it phenomenal for elbows and knees!)

Ok ONE more! Most people only think of Avon for makeup... not mixing bowls... but these have been my very favorite bowls for years now! In fact... I may be sure for a new set!

** I was not compensated for this post in any way. All products were purchased and used by me. I just really love them all that much!**

If you are looking for a Avon Rep in the Southern Utah area, contact Sandy at 635-7361 to place an order!

Cake Mix Snickerdoodles

I really really love cookies. However, baking is not my forte. At all. You may have noticed, that I rarely post a bread recipe that doesn't use the bread machine... and my cookie/cake recipes are... well frankly, 90% of the time they are from a box! 

These, however, are amazing! And easy! Even I can bake them! Which is a plus! ;) My husband loved them, and he isn't easy to please in the 'sweets' department! I'll definitely be whipping these up again!

1 box of yellow cake mix

2 eggs

1/4 cup of melted butter 

3 tbsp of sugar and 1 tsp of cinnamon -- to roll cookies in.

Mix all ingredients. 

Spoon into rounded tablespoons, and roll into balls.

Roll balls in cinnamon sugar mixture and place on cookie sheet.

Bake at 350 for about 9-10 minutes.

Menu Monday

We had a party for Blake on Saturday, and one of my sister in laws didn't end up being able to come into town. So since I had already done the grocery shopping, I am currently left with about 30 or so hamburger bins, that need to be eaten. Like now. So this week, our house will be burger/sandwich/bun central! I literally have to use them in every meal! Wish me luck!

Monday: Pulled Pork Sandwiches and leftover salads

Tuesday: Skinny Chicken Parmesan (My hubby literally requests this every week!!) with Garlic bread (using buns)

Wednesday: Mini Garlic Bread Pizzas, using the buns as the crusts

Thursday: Steak Sandwiches with Potato Salad

Friday: Date Night.... where I will NOT be ordering anything with bread. ;)

Saturday: Spaghetti Sandwiches

Sunday: White Bean and Chicken Chili with... you guessed it, garlic bread buns.