Weekly To-Do Printable

If you follow this blog at all, you know I am no stranger to the list! I LOVE lists! Christmas lists, grocery lists, cleaning lists, to do lists, lists of lists... I have a lot of lists! However, I am horrible at keeping a planer, I've bought them, and tried, but they always seem to get too dirty, too mashed, too folded or wrinkled, and my OCD kicks in and they get tossed. I searched Pinterest for a weekly to do printable and found an adorable one that I loved, but it wasn't QUITE what I was looking for. SO I took the general idea and revamped it to include what I needed! I shared the list on my new Instagram (stefs.fav.things) and was asked to share! I've revamped it since then, after using it for a few weeks I decided it needed some things added, and others removed! SO here you go! if you print and use, be sure to tag #lovelylittlesnippets! I want to see!

DOWNLOAD HERE

Summer decor

Thought I'd swing by and share a bit of my summer decor!

What's in my Bag :: Skip Hop French Stripe

It's been quite awhile since I did a post! I do have a good reason! :)

This sweet little guy joined our family a few weeks ago, and now the kids officially outnumber the parents! We're okay with that though! ;) 

While I was pregnant I thought a lot about diaper bags! And became fascinated with what others packed into theirs! I searched Pinterest, read blogs and watched YouTube videos about all sorts of bags. I'd never had an actual 'Diaper Bag' with my other kids, they were always large purses of backpacks. This time, however, I caved... And I am SO glad I did!

After lots and lots of searching, I finally decided on the Skip Hop Duo Special Edition Diaper Bag in French Stripe.

I bought mine on target.com.

I'd seen this diaper bag on Pinterest long before I was pregnant and the more I researched it, the more I fell in love! I loved the look, the red detail, the amount of pockets, the size of pockets, everything! 

There are 5 sections to this diaper bag. The two front pockets, a shallow zipper compartment next to the main pocket, then there's the main large pocket that has a zipper closure, a pocket on the back where the included changing pad goes, and the two zipper pockets on each side for bottles. (FYI, the side pockets aren't huge, I use tommytipee bottles and they don't fit well. I usually throw sunscreen and my sunglasses case in those instead.)

This is the content of the main large zipper compartment. You can see a smaller zipper pouch under the top right group of items, I keep all that together inside there. Less mess. 

1. Diapers. Duh. It's called a diaper bag for a reason. ;) I use Luvs mostly, but right now I have Huggies for the little guy.

2. Bib. This one is from Carters.

3. Munchkin formula dispenser. These things are wonderful!! So much better than carrying a huge formula can around and measuring a bottle out in the middle of target! 

4. Bath and body hand sanitizer. This one is coconut cabana I think. It clips onto the stroller sling inside the bag so I don't have to dig for it in the bottom of the bag.

5. Huggies natural wipes. I honestly think I'll carry wipes around even when my kids are out of diapers! I use them for EVEYTHING!

6. Bibsters. These are a new find and they are the best thing ever! Disposable bibs! They have Velcro and a pouch to catch dropped food. They're fairly cheap too! I think it was like $3-4 for a 12 pack.

7. A travel size babyganics lotion and travel aquaphor healing ointment. 

8.  Fruit snacks. I'm not above bribing an onrey child. :)

9. Carters onesie, in case of a blowout or accident.

10. Burp cloth. Homemade by my wonderful mother in law!

11. Travel baby powder. I don't use this often, but it's nice to have if baby has a stinky diaper and needs freshening :)

Here's what I keep in the shallow zipper pocket next to the main compartment. I call this my 'mommy pocket' I keep everything for me in there. Again, I have a zipper pouch to keep things together. It also makes it easier to switch over to a normal purse. I also usually keep a travel hairspray in here, but my husband borrowed it for a trip and has yet to return it ;)

1.Roxy wallet. This one is from christensens.  

2. Avon glimmersticks eyeliner. This is the only makeup I find myself needing on a regular basis. If I know I'm really going to need a touch up, I'll throw in my eyelash curler, mascara and foundation compact.

3. Another Bath and Body Works hand sanitizer. This one is sweet tangerine. You can never have too many ;)

4. Bath and Body Works travel lotion. I love the new summer scents they have! 

5. Nail polish. I love this glitter polish from Ulta, you can touch up chips without being able to tell where the chip was!

6. Advil. I also keep a few rolaids in there.

7.Flossers. My hubby got me addicted to these!

8. EOS Chapstick in vanilla mint. 

9. bobby pins and hair ties.

These are what I keep in the two front pockets. Not much, just things I need to be able to reach easily. I also usually throw my keys in there.

1. Honest spray hand sanitizer. I love this stuff! I got it at target for 2.99. It's so easy for the kids! And I feel like it gets more surface area. (I can't find it online, but it was in the store!)

2. Nubby binky.

3. Kleenex travel pack.

4. iPhone. :)

And thats it! I have to add that I try and only keep what I know I'll need in my bag. I keep a separate bag with a change of clothes, an extra Aden and Anais blanket (I have multiple sets, but this one and this one are my favorites!), sunscreen, more diapers and wipes, and other emergency supplies in my car.
Do you use a diaper bag? or a purse? What do you keep on hand that I'm missing? Comment and let me know! I love to hear your momma's opinions! XO

Freezer Meal : Creamy Potato Broccoli Soup

Another iPhone photo :) 

But this recipe was WAY too good not to share! 

I have been going to town on freezer meals lately, and this is definitely a new fav! And its SOO easy! No cooking to prepare! Just dump and mix!

makes 6 cups (frozen - after you add liquid when cooking, it will make more!)

1 can Cream of Potato Soup

1 can Cream of chicken soup

1 can chicken broth

1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 bag cubed hashbrowns

1/2 bag frozen broccoli (I thawed and chopped mine)

1 cup shredded cheese

1 cup chopped (cooked) bacon

Mix all ingredients together, and divide into quart freezer bags.

To prepare:

Option 1: thaw overnight in fridge. Add 1-2 cups of milk (or broth), until the soup reaches your desired consistency. Heat and simmer for 10 min.

Option 2: Throw it in the crock pot, along with 1 cup milk and 1 cup broth. Heat on low until thawed, stirring occasionally.

Garnishes: cheese, scallions, chives, sour cream, bacon, onion, croutons, etc.

Meatloaf Muffins

2 pounds hamburger

8 oz. tomato sauce

2 eggs

2 t. onion powder

2 t. garlic powder

1 t. oregano

1/2 t. red pepper flakes

1 T. Chili Powder

1/2 cup bread crumbs

1/4 c. Ketchup

2 T. yellow mustard

2 T. Brown sugar

Topping: Mix 1 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup mustard, and 1/4 cup brown sugar.

Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Fill (sprayed) muffin tins 3/4 full and top with a spoon full of the topping. Bake at 350 for 20-30  min (or until insides are no longer pink) Allow to cool for at least 10 min. for the muffins to set a little more.

These can also be FROZEN! Just flash freeze them on a cookie sheet until hard, so they wont stick together! They to thaw, just pop in the microwave on defrost! I wrap mine in a damp paper towel for the first half so it doesnt get too dry!

Super Easy Coleslaw

Sorry for the photo quality, but I HAD to get this recipe up! I NEVER knew how easy homemade coleslaw was!

1 bag coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage)

1 bag matchstick carrots

1/2 cup light mayonnaise

1 TBS spicy mustard

1/3 cup sugar

1/4 cup milk 

 2 1/2 TBS lemon juice, 

1 1/2 Tbsp white vinegar

1/2 tsp salt

1/8 tsp pepper

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tps onion powder

1/2 tsp celery seed

Mix all bottom ingredients together and pour over the cabbage/carrots and toss well to coat. 

Garlic Knots

I'm back! Did you think I walked off the edge of the earth?! Nope! I just got BUSY! I'm sure all you Mammas understand! ;) a 3 and 1 year old do not exactly leave hours and hours of free time! ;) anyways... I wanted to share this amazing garlic knot recipe I made up last night! Totally worth coming out of hiding! ;)

You need:

Bread dough - I used my fav basic dough, but you could totally use Rhodes rolls!

1/2 stick butter (NOT margarine!)

2 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp parsley

1 tsp oregano

Parmesan cheese

Melt butter and add all seasonings except parm cheese.

One your bread dough has risen, divide into 12 equal sections. Roll each section into a rope and dip into butter. Tie roped into knots and place into a greased muffin tin. Sprinkle with parm cheese and bake at 350 for 15 min or until golden.

Classic Lasagna

I LOVE lasagna! It took me 5 years to find the perfect recipe... and this is it. Can't beat a classic!

1 package no-boil lasagna noodle sheets

1 lb ground beef (or sausage, or a mix of the two)

2 1/2 cups small curd cottage cheese

1 jar marinara sauce + 1/4 cup water

2 tsp italian seasoning

2 TBS parmesan cheese

3 cups mozzarella cheese

Cook ground beef until no longer pink. Set aside to cool.

In a large bowl, mix cottage cheese, egg, ground beef, italian seasoning, parmesan cheese and 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Stir well to combine.

Spoon a small amount of marinara onto the bottom of a 9x13 casserole dish. Layer noodles, then cheese  & beef mixture, and then top with a little more marinara. Repeat until your dish is full, or your out of noodles. End with marinara on the very top of the last noodle layer, and top with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake according to your pasta directions. 

Monthly Menu Planning :: March

Big changes have come to our household! In way of Menu Planning, that is! 

I had been planning our menus weekly for quite awhile now, and, while it was working fine, I would miss a week here, and a week there, until it became only an occasional thing!

I've started planning by the month and it's working out SOO much better! 

Now, I have to admit, things don't always go as planned, things are constantly getting switched around or replaced. Some nights I can't even think about cooking, so Quesadillas and cold cereal it is! But this way, I at least have a good idea of what to shop for. It also ends the oh-my-gosh-what-do-I-make-for-dinner dilemma. 

Here's March's menu! I'll keep you update with a weekly menu that includes the links to recipes!

5 way Chicken Santa Fe

I got this recipe from a really great friend over at The Hungry Mamma (Hi Chels!) her sister in law made this for a party we had around christmas time, and I fell in LOVE! 

4 large Chicken breasts

1 jar of medium salsa

1 can Black Beans, drained

1 can Corn, drained

5 TBS taco seasoning (or 1 package)

1 (heaping) cup of shredded cheese

Spray crock pot with cooking spray.

Place chicken on bottom of crock pot.

In a small bowl, add salsa, black beans, corn and taco seasoning and mix well. Pour over chicken and cook on high for 4-5 hours.

When chicken is done, shred and add cheese. continue to cook until cheese is melted.

This filling is SO versatile! You can basically use it for anything... but here are the 5 ways we've used it.

DIP: This is the easiest way! Top with sour cream and cilantro, and use as a dip for tortilla chips!

TACOS: Spoon into taco shells, add lettuce and sour cream.

BURRITOS: Spoon into tortillas and fold up to close. Cover with enchilada sauce and cheese. Top with sour cream.

NACHOS: Dollop filling over corn chips, and cover with cheese. Bake at 300 for 10 min or until cheese is melted.

ENCHILADAS: Spoon into corn tortillas and roll up. Place into a 9x13 pan and cover with enchilada sauce and cheese. Bake at 350 for 10-20 min.

Menu Monday

Monday: Chicken Noodle Soup and french bread

Tuesday: Chicken Parmesan and garlic bread

Wednesday: Turkey hot dogs and potato salad

Thursday: Chicken and asparagus pasta with breadsticks

Friday: Date Night

Saturday: Pancakes and bacon

Sunday: Grilled chicken and green salad

Chicken & Pesto Panini

MMM. Sandwiches have to one of my all time favorite meals, eating out, or eating in. Paninis have become a staple in our house after we got a George Foreman grill not too long ago! It's so nice to be able to throw leftovers in-between bread and have a delicious meal!

Chicken & Pesto Panini

2 slices sourdough bread

sliced (cooked) chicken

2 TBS pesto

1/4 cup mozzarella cheese

butter

Butter one side of each slice of bread, and place on slice, butter down, on a preheated panini press (or George Foreman) add 1 TBS of the pesto to the bread and spread around, then layer the cheese and chicken, and spread the remaining pesto on the other slice and add it to the top of the sandwich. Close panini press and cook until golden.

Dip in extra pesto, or ranch dressing.

*yes, I realize I added an extra N in panini on the photo, that's what I get for blogging so late!

Cajun Baked Alfredo

I love any kind of pasta. I'm pretty sure every one on the planet loves pasta. But I LOVE LOVE LOVE loaded pasta. Tons of veggies and pasta in a yummy, creamy sauce... could it get any better!?

1 lb uncooked pasta

2 cups shredded carrots

1 green bell pepper - sliced

1 large head of broccoli

1 onion - sliced

1 jar alfredo sauce

1/4 cup milk

2 tsp cajun seasoning

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp salt

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 375. boil pasta according to package directions. In a skillet, with a little butter or oil, saute onion, peppers and carrots until tender. Steam or boil broccoli. Toss everything into a large bowl. In a smaller bowl, mix alfredo sauce, milk, and seasonings. Pour over pasta and veggies and mix together. Transfer to a baking dish and top with cheese. Bake for about 10 minutes.

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