Overweight

I really want to start eating healthy. I don't think that we eat junk food but I have not consciously been making healthy or weight watching meals. So I found these recipes that I am going to make this week. Does anyone have some yummy healthy meals?

http://www.thatsmyhome.com/healthy/weight-watchers/main/cashew-chicken.htm

http://www.thatsmyhome.com/healthy/weight-watchers/main/stuffed-chicken-breasts.htm

http://www.thatsmyhome.com/healthy/weight-watchers/main/chicken-parmesan.htm

http://www.thatsmyhome.com/healthy/weight-watchers/main/chicken-fingers.htm

& the Lasagna Soup Recipe posted previously

I am determined to lose weight this new year.

yummy

Lasagna Soup

This is one of my favorite soups to make. You'll have leftovers for days and it's full of yummy healthy ingredients!

(you can half or quarter as you like)

1/2 lb. italian sausage

1/2 lb. ground beef

1.5 tsp of salt (or not, since everything else is so salty

1.5 c. chopped onion (I usually omit this and it's fine...but if you like onions...)

1.5 c. carrots

6 cloves minced garlic (that is sooo much. I either do a clove or two or sprinkle some power on there)

brown sausage/beef with salt. add carrots and onions. saute for 3 minutes. add garlic, saute for 3 more. set aside.

7 tsp chicken soup base (I use a cube of two of boullion)

7 c. water

3 c. of canned diced tomatoes (a can or two, depending how much you like tomatoes)

1.5 c. marinara sauce

1/2 tsp oregano, tyme, basil, parsley

combine all in soup pot. add first section, boil until carrots are tender.

still boiling, add egg noodle pasta (original recipe calls for .24 lb...or 3.84 oz. Unless you cook like that, I just add noodles until I feel like there is enough). simmer for 10 minutes.

enjoy with parmesan and/or mazarella cheese.

I am make these tonight!

Cookie Dough Truffles

Adapted from "Taste of Home"

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour (*You may need more flour than this. I added about 1/4 cup more because the dough was a little too sticky.)
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips (*I used normal size chocolate chips)
(Optional) 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 1/2 pounds semisweet chocolate candy coating, chopped or dipping chocolate

Directions:

In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the flour, milk and vanilla; mix well. Stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts. Shape into 1-in. balls; place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Loosely cover and refriderate for 1-2 hours or until firm. (*I put them in the freezer for about 40 minutes and that worked well, too.)

In a mixrowave-safe bowl, melt candy coating, stirring often until smooth. Dip balls in coating; place on waxed paper-lined baing sheets. Refrigerate until firm, about 15 minutes. If desired, remelt remaining candy coating and drizzle over candies. Store in the refrigerator.

I'm a winner

I never win anything in fact until a couple months ago I have never won anything but now I have won 3 things in the last 6 months!!!!!!!!

1. At Real Deals Ghouls Night Out my entry number was called for a scentsy candle melt!

2. A couple months ago I won 3 letters from this sight http://www.etsy.com/shop/BoogieTaylor?page=3
In this font and design (with Rachel's help!)
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29473610
I just had her do SKY so I would have to pay anything. I put them away as a Christmas present for Skyler. I will take a picture of them once they are hung out!

3. I got an email today and I won this...
http://www.mommygaga.com/2009/11/disney-world-magic-your-way.html
It's kinda random but I am excited it will be cute in Skyler's room and a great present to give to Skyler for Christmas!

My bad day just turned good!!! =)


Most of the time I am really unlucky so I love this blog because its a ton of freebies
http://hip2save.blogspot.com/
If you don't follow Collin's blog you have to do it... now!

I have the most adorable son in the world!

Can't live with out him

I just wrote this really long post rambling about some things that have been bothering me but decided against posting it. I don't want the drama from it. I don't think I wrote things that were drama but when you are venting I know something can easily be taken out of context. Though, I did feel like out of all my rambling I should post 2 comments:

Don't leave people out... because it sucks being the one on the other side
& eventually you will be.

Clint is really my best friend. He is my rock. He is always there for me. Always makes me laugh and always makes me smile! Never leaves me out. I love him with all my heart.
I can live with out a girl friend but I can't live without him.

SHADE GIVEAWAY

http://www.thecoterieblog.com/2009/11/shade-giveaway.html

Burnt Daisy

Go here for an awesome giveaway on the cutest letters I have ever seen!
http://theburntdaisy.blogspot.com/2009/11/giveaway.html

Halloweeeen

Kaley's Birthday Weekend

Giveaway

Go here http://www.recessionistaparty.com/ and enter to win a Jessica Simpson, Lucky, or Kathy Van Zeeland purse!

amazing cinnamon rolls

1st sorry I haven't been keeping up with posting meals everyday. It is hard to take a picture, upload the pictures, and post that evening. So I just decided I will still try and post everyday and if I can add pictures I will but I won't not post because I didn't have time to upload a picture of the food. Sound good?
Okay so yesterday I made pulled pork sandwiches. We didn't have buns so I made these homemade rolls. I made a couple changes to the pork- No coleslaw (because we don't like it) and I just used regular paprika ( I didn't have smoked). The recipe made a TON of rolls. So I cut it in half and... made cinnamon rolls which were to go to not post!

Overnight Cinnamon Rolls
OurBestBites.com

Dough
1 T active dry yeast
1/2 C warm water (105 degr F/ 40 deg C)
4 1/2 C all-purpose flour (22 1/2 oz 700g)
4 large eggs
1/4 C sugar
1/2 C (1 stick) real butter at room temp

Filling
1/2 C (1 stick) real butter at room temp
3/4 C packed brown sugar
1 T cinnamon

Glaze (the recipe for frosting that I used is below)
1 C powdered sugar
2 T butter, melted
2 T milk or cream
1 t vanilla extract

In the bowl of a stand mixer, sprinkle the yeast over the water, allow to bloom for a few minutes, then whisk until smooth. Whisk in 1/2 C of the flour. Cover with plastic wrap and let stand in a warm spot for about 30 minutes.

Add the eggs, sugar, butter, and remaining 4 cups flour to the yeast mixture. Fit the mixer with the dough hook and knead on medium speed until smooth 10-12 minutes. Add a bit more flour to reduce stickiness if needed.

Cover with plastic wrap, set in a warm spot and let rise until doubled, about 2 hours.

While dough is rising, prepare filling. Take 2 T of the stick of butter and set aside. Beat remaining butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon together until combined and slightly fluffy, about 1 minute.

Butter a 9x13 baking dish. Transfer the dough to a floured work surface. Roll out into a rectangle about 15x10 in. Spread filling onto dough and roll up length-wise.

Use string or dental floss to score and cut the dough into rolls. You can make 12 small rolls, 10 medium ones, or 8 large. Place cut side up in baking dish. Melt the reserved 2 T butter and brush on top of rolls. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and place in the fridge overnight.

The next morning remove from refrigerator and let rise until half again as high, about 1 hour. While rising mix glaze ingredients until combined. Preheat the oven to 350. Bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes. Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Spread the glaze over warm rolls and serve.

I love cream cheese frosting so instead of using this recipes frosting I used this cream cheese frosting

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

I love love this meal!

Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos
Recipe by OurBestBites.com


1/3 C (3 oz) cream cheese
1/4 C green salsa
1T fresh lime juice
1/2 t cumin
1 t chili powder
1/2 t onion powder
1/4 t granulated garlic
3 T chopped cilantro
2 T sliced green onions

2 C shredded cooked chicken
1 C grated pepperjack cheese

small corn tortillas
kosher salt
cooking spray


Heat oven to 425. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly coat with cooking spray.

Heat cream cheese in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds so it's soft and easy to stir. Add green salsa, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, onion powder and granulated garlic. Stir to combine and then add cilantro and green onions. Add chicken and cheese and combine well.

You can prepare up to this step ahead of time. Just keep the mixture in the fridge.

Work with a few tortillas at a time and heat in the microwave until they are soft enough to roll without cracking. It helps to place them between damp paper towels. Usually 20-30 seconds will do it. If you find yours are cracking when you roll them or come unrolled right away, just try heating them longer and try the paper towel thing.

Place 2-3 T of chicken mixture on the lower third of a tortilla, keeping it about 1/2 inch from the edges.

Then roll it up as tight as you can.

Place seam side down on the baking sheet. Lay all of the taquitos on the baking sheet and make sure they are not touching each other. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray or an oil mister and sprinkle some kosher salt on top.

Place pan in oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until crisp and the ends start to get golden brown.


Dip 'em in this dressing:

Creamy Lime-Cilantro Dressing
Recipe by Ourbestbites.com

1 pack (1oz) Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix (regular or buttermilk, and ignore directions on the packet)
1C mayo
1/2 C milk (or buttermilk depending on which packet you buy)
1 lime
2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
1/2 C roughly chopped cilantro
1/4 C green salsa*
hot sauce

Place milk, mayo, and ranch mix in a blender. Juice the lime in there too, you should get about 2T juice. Toss in the garlic, cilantro and green salsa. Blend 'er up. Sample it and add hot sauce to taste. Make it several hours ahead of time to allow it to thicken.

Framed Temple Picture

Hey girls! I really want to do a party where we make this picture or your preferred temple. All the temples the lady brings are also listed below. I think these pictures are so beautiful and I think that most of y'all would enjoy making them because the price is so amazing. Price details below. The lady will come out and teach us as long as we get 10 pictures. So if you are wanting to do more than one let me know that too! You have to pay two weeks in advance so the middle of November. I wanted to know what times also worked for everyone and then we would figure out a day and time that works best for everyone during the first week in December!

P.S. My wonderful husband, Clint, has offered to babysit so if you have kids you have a babysitter!

Here is specific detail about the Picture:
The total size is 26" x 32" - HUGE! Cost for the class is just $46, and includes all of the materials needed to make the project.

A teacher will bring all of the supplies and stay to teach the class. The project can be completed in
2-2 1/2 hours.

Temples: Salt Lake City, Bountiful, Timpanogos, Logan, Idaho Falls, St. George, & Manti.


I am really excited about this and I hope y'all are too! I hope it works out and we can get 10 Pictures!!! Comment if your interested!

Dreaming of making messes

Was does my 18 month old love making messes?

I know I haven't blogged in forever and the reason being is the above question. He is a little destroyer. You have to have you eyes on his stinkin' cute self or example: he will remove all of the dvd from the entertainment center and all my stamps, while I am cleaning that up he will run into my bedroom empty out my side table, throw shoes everywhere, if I leave the bathroom open he goes swimming in the toilet, and if I don't watch him when he is in the kitchen he get into the trash. Yes I am aware every 18 month old does this BUT my little man dreams about making messes. So I will update my blog soon when ya know, my child decides to start playing with his toys!

what's cookin' Spaghetti & Italian Meatballs

Meatball mixture


Tonights menu is
Spaghetti & homemade Italian meatballs

Meatballs-

Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1/2 pound sausage
1 cup of Italian bread crumbs
tbs parsley
tbs Italian seasoning
1 egg
tbs garlic pepper
2 spoon fulls minced onions (if you put fresh onions the meatballs don't hold there form as well)
2 garlic cloves
squeezed fresh lemon halve (optional)
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions
Be prepared to get dirty. Combine all ingredients together and mix it all together with your hands. Form meatballs with your hands. But each meatball on a cooling rack that is on a cookie sheet (I do this to let all the fat drain off the meatballs). Cook at 350 for about 45 minutes.

Spaghetti Sauce-

Ingredients
1 jar spaghetti sauce (Walmart brand is my favorite)
1/2 cup onions
2 garlic cloves

Directions
Chop up the garlic and onions. Put in a pot with spaghetti sauce. Turn on medium low heat and let it simmer for a couple hours. Stir occasionally. You DON'T want your sauce to burn. It is 4:30 right now and we are eating at 7, so this is how long I am letting my sauce simmer.

Sky baby

This morning you were so stinkin' adorable. I just had to snap a couple pictures because there are really reasons why I love you so much. You are 18 months and my little best friends. You love wearing my shoes, You probably love Chocolate just as much as me, your favorite thing is sitting on the counter and helping me cook or sitting up the "big" chairs. And the best of all you never fail to flash me your big beautiful smile.

whats cookin' Spinach Alfredo

Ingredients
One package frozen spinach thawed
One can Alfredo sauce
2 garlic cloves
1/4 cup onions chopped
tbs of butter
fresh squeezed lemon half
dash of pepper and salt
Milk if needed
Bowtie noodles

Directions
Put tbs of butter in sauce pan and add the onions, lemon, & garlic. Once lightly brown add Spinach & Alfredo. Dash with Salt in pepper. Let simmer while you cook the noodles (12-14 minutes). If sauce becomes too thick you can add a little milk. If you want more of an Italian flavor you can add Italian seasoning and parsley.
Poor sauce on top of noodles and serve.

Halloween Party

Halloween Party
Come for a night of spooky fun on Halloween. Be prepared for delicious treats and lots of fun games.
October 31st, 2009, 7:30pm
Lexington Condo's 327 w 300 n apt 21 Provo, UT 84604
Hosted by Adam &Rachel Braegger and Kaley & Clint Thomas
Costumes requested or one will be provided.. just kidding. Dressing up is just fun!
some of the activities will be:
Pumpkin Bowling
Making caramel apples
Pumpkin carving (byo-pumpkin)
Costumes Scavenger hunt
..add much more

RSVP to Kaley Thomas or Rachel Braegger
kaley.thomas(at)hotmail(dot)com
mrsbraegger(at)hotmail(dot)com

Happy Birthday Chloe

Here Chelsey I hope you like these pictures.
Thanks for inviting us to celebrate Chloe's Birthday with you!