Image Map

Monday, December 22, 2014

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

I'm pretty much obsessed with oatmeal cookies right now. Tis the season of baking, and BOY am I BAKING! Mainly these bad boys! They're our favorite. Trust me, they'll be your favorite too once you taste one fresh from the oven with a cold glass of milk. MMMmmm.... HEAVEN!


Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

1/2 c. Apple Sauce
1/2 c. Creamy Peanut Butter
1 egg
1/2 tsp. Vanilla

1/4 c. Brown Sugar
1/2 tsp. Baking Powder
1/2 c. Sugar
1/4 tsp. Baking Soda

1 c. Old Fashioned Oats
3/4 c. Flour
1/2 c. Chocolate Chips

In a large bowl mix with a hand blender or mixer applesauce, peanut butter, egg, and vanilla. Add and mix in brown sugar, baking powder, sugar, baking soda. Add oats, flour and chocolate chips. When all well combined, place by rounds on a greased cookie sheet. 

Bake at 350 for 8-10 min. 

DELISH!

For more of my cookie recipes




Linking up here

Friday, December 19, 2014

Kitchen Cabinet Makeover

Paint much?
We moved into our new home about 3 months ago. I painted my kitchen cabinets 4 days after moving here!  That just goes to show how busy we've been since moving. 
So... 3 months later I'm bringing you one of my favorite painting projects to date!
My awesome Aunt Laura helped me paint my cabinets. She and I went to the paint store in the morning, painted all day, and finished late afternoon! This was done in 1 day! IT WAS AWESOME! I was so worried I would have to wait for the paint to dry, put another coat on, then wax, then distress making it a 4 day project! IT WASN'T! ONLY 1 day! Start to finish!

Annie Sloan- you're my hero!


-Prepare your floors with drop cloths, tarps, old sheets, 
anything to keep from the paint falling on your floors. 

-Tape around the cabinets and appliances. 
It was then I was introduced to FROG TAPE. It is the BEST painters tape I've ever used! A little more expensive but TOTALLY worth it! It kept a PERFECT line! 

-Remove the cabinets.

 -Paint 2 coats of chalk paint.
No sanding required!
The chalk paint drys fast so its a quick 2 coats.
This is where it was SO nice to have 2 people or more helping, someone works on the doors while you work on the cabinets, or vice versa. 

-Clear wax
Rub on the clear wax with the Annie Sloan Brush then pass it off to the person buffing!

-Buff clear wax
(my aunt Laura had an industrial 10 in. buffer that was AWESOME and SO FAST!
She would brush the wax in front of me and I would come behind her with the buffer, it was great! We were a well oiled machine by the time we were done!)

-Rub Brown "distress oil/paint" in the molding of the cabinets. 

-Place cabinets doors back onto your cabinets!

DONE!


For the whole kitchen I used 1 1/2 cans of 
Chateau Grey (the soft sagy green by Annie Sloan)
and 3/4 can of her clear wax. 

Total spending on the project was about $100.00

$100 dollars for a practically new kitchen? THAT'S CHEAP!




THANKS AUNT LAURA FOR EVERYTHING! I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE MANY MORE PAINTING PROJECTS WE'LL DO TOGETHER TO COME!




Linking up here

Monday, December 15, 2014

Nativity Advent Calendar

This advent calendar starts a little later than the usual 25 days of Christmas because I don't have 25 pieces to my nativity!
This was an idea I had last year to keep Christ is Christmas. We open up a piece of the nativity every day until Christmas Eve, and that's when we open Jesus. We talk about each person and their role in that special event. This kept the true spirit of Christmas in our home. I know it will in yours too.


Take a nativity- ceramic, wooden, plastic, glass whatever you have and wrap each piece.
 Number each package. 
Open each package according to the numbers and enjoy the Christmas story over and over again.




Linking up here

Monday, December 8, 2014

"EXTRA Excited" VT Idea

Need a quick handout to take to the ladies you Visit Teach? How about this?!
Fast and easy; just gum, tape and a tag.


Type and print out your tag that reads:

I know this is 
"GUM"
But I'm 
"EXTRA"
Excited to Visit Teach you!

Shop LDSBookstore.com


Linking up here

Monday, December 1, 2014

BLT Salad

Need a quick light salad? How about a BLT Salad? Everything you love about the sandwich in a salad! This is thrown together in a matter of minutes and enjoyed by all! Light, fast and fresh! YUMM...



BLT Salad
5-6 c. Chopped Romaine Lettuce
8-10 Slices of Bacon, cooked and crumbled
1-2 c. Cherry Tomatoes halved or whole
4 T. Olive Oil
*1-2 tsp. Salt
*1/2-1 tsp. Pepper
(optional -1 c. seasoned croutons)

*Salt and Pepper to taste, the bacon adds an extra salty flavor, so don't go too crazy with the salt.  

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Toss and serve! This salad lets the flavors of the ingredients stand out. It's is a great light salad for soup and salad nights! 


Need more salad ideas? Click HERE!




Linking up here

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!
Love,
The Hansen's

May your holiday be filled with happiness, love and friendship.


Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Corn Chex Bread Crumbs

I'm never going back to regular breadcrumbs. This Chicken Parmesan with Corn Chex Breadcrumbs is the BEST I've ever had! I've made it 4 times in the last week because I love it THAT much!
I've been attempting more and more recipes that are deemed "gluten free."
I have a dear friend who is gluten free, and who has been visiting for the past couple months. I've wanted to attempt this for a while now and finally did! I didn't know what I was missing! I can't wait to make this for her!


Corn Chex Breadcrumbs
1 c. ground Corn Chex (Corn Chex cereal crushed in a blender or food processor)
2 T. Parmesan Cheese
2 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Italian seasonings 
(if you don't have Italian Seasonings on hand just grab a pinch of dried oregano, basil & thyme)

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and use right away or refrigerate for later. 
(It needs to be refrigerated due to the Parmesan cheese)


How to make this lovely Chicken Parmesan

Take a large chicken breast and fillet it through the middle. Cut the 2 fillets in half. Now you have 4 thin quarters of chicken. Thin chicken is key to perfect chicken parmesan.

Grab 2 shallow bowls
In one bowl place 2 beaten eggs
In the second bowl place your new Corn Chex Breadcrumbs

Grab your fry pan and turn it on to MEDIUM heat with 3 T. Olive Oil.

Dip one quarter of your chicken into the egg bowl then transfer to the breadcrumbs.
Coat with the breadcrumbs then lay into the pan &oil. 

Repeat with the other 3 pieces of chicken, dip, coat, place in the pan.

When all 4 pieces of coated chicken are in the fry pan, cook it over Medium heat until golden brown. Flip with a spatula onto the other side to finish cooking. (add 1-2 T. more olive oil if needed)

**Its VERY important that you don't rush on high heat, too high of heat will burn the crust and leave the chicken uncooked.

When chicken is cooked through (cut into a piece and make sure it's not pink), Place the Chex crusted chicken over your favorite noodles and top with marinara sauce! DELISH!


This is an AWESOME 30 minute meal! 


Try my Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan when you need something done on busy days!
 It's delicious!


Linking up here

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Super Spinach Salad

This is one of our all time favorite salads. Everyone asks for it on special occasions or big family get together's. My sister found this recipe and has been making it for years. She gave it to me when I was  off and on my own in a little cookbook for Christmas. That has been one of my most treasured cook books, it has her fool proof recipes that taste FABULOUS! Well this amazing salad that looks tricky is super easy! This is the ultimate "Super Spinach Salad!" Try it out! It's perfect for the holidays!



Super Spinach Salad

2 pkgs fresh Spinach
2 c. shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1 c. Cottage Cheese
8 strips cooked and crumbled Bacon

*optional 1/2 c. chopped red onion
*optional sliced fresh mushrooms


Dressing - this works best in a mason jar with a lid
1/2 c. Sugar
1 T. Dry Mustard
1/2 tsp. salt
(SHAKE JAR)

Now add into the jar:
1 c. Oil
1/3 c. Apple cider Vinegar
1 1/2 T. Poppy Seeds
(SHAKE SHAKE SHAKE)

***WAIT to pour the dressing over the spinach JUST before serving or it wilts into a puny pile of sad spinach. 

* This makes a BIG salad! Feel free to half it for smaller groups.




Linking up here

Monday, November 17, 2014

Samuel the Lamanite FHE

Need an easy Family Home Evening lesson for tonight?! Try this! I have it all here for you. Scriptures to tell the story, the coloring page and the song. This is one of our favorites! Toothpicks to act as arrows and a clear bowl as Heavenly Father's protection. Try it out!


Read Scriptures 
Helaman 13:1-6; 14:2-6; 16:1-8

Color and cut out a Samuel.

(To find Samuel the Lamanite printable click HERE)

Take a clear glass or plastic bowl and place it over the coloring of Samuel.
Get tooth picks to act as arrows. Let the children take turns throwing "arrows" at Samuel on the wall. Heavenly Father protects us when we do His will. 

Sing Book of Mormon Stories verse 7 about Samuel
______________________

Fast, easy and to the point.

Happy Family Home Evening Lesson!

Need more books, movies or decor for your home to keep the spirit near?
Check out my favorite place - the LDS Bookstore! They have fabulous products and even better prices! Take a look HERE!
Shop LDSBookstore.com

Linking up here

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Cream Cheese Tomato Bruchetta

Need a self serve appetizer for the holidays? How about some cream cheese and tomato bruchetta? Toast some baguette slices and a swipe of cream cheese. Add fresh cherry tomatoes, avocado and some grilled chicken cubes. Then presto! You have a fun, colorful and DELICIOUS appetizer that anyone can make/ put together themselves. Easy and delicious on your part!


In stead of purchasing a baguette, I made some mini loaves of my easy Parmesan Herb Bread. DELISH!

Find the recipe HERE

On your appetizer table place...

Toasted or Raw Baguette slices
Cream cheese and a cheese knife
Sliced Cherry Tomatoes
Cubed Avocado
(optional) Garlic seasoned chicken cubes


People serve themselves and make it the way they want!




Linking up here

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Lemon Poppyseed Muffins

Do you have family coming over for the holidays? Make these show stopping muffins! These go by way too fast! I've made this recipe 4 times to get it just right. I can't wait to make these for breakfast/brunch. Muffins, milk and fresh fruit... perfect!



Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

2 c. Flour
1 1/4 c. Sugar
2 tsp. Baking Powder
1/4 tsp. Salt
1 T. Poppy Seeds

1 beaten Egg
1 c. Milk
*1/4 c. Oil (I used Olive Oil, but any cooking oil works)
1 1/2 tsp. Lemon Extract

In one bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and poppy seeds. In a separate bowl combine egg, milk, oil and lemon extract. Pour the liquid into the "dry ingredient" bowl and mix together. Place batter into a paper lined, muffin tin. This recipe makes 18 muffins.
Bake at 400 for 16-18 minutes, or until tops and edges turn golden brown

*I tried this recipe with 1/4 c. Applesauce instead of Oil and it was AWFUL! YOU HAVE TO USE OIL! TRUST ME!

* You can add 5 "drops" of yellow food coloring to make them look more "lemony" if you want.



Linking up here

Monday, November 3, 2014

Fence Post Wall Map

This is my newest, most favorite thing I have in our new home! 
I made this a few weeks ago with my cousin Dallin while my husband was away for a few days. I wanted it to be a surprise when he got home, and man was it ever! Thank heavens Dallin was here to help me or it never would have been done in time! 
I had a BIG wall in our basement and had NO idea what to do with it. I have always wanted a giant world map. My sister has one in her basement but it was a giant canvas and I didn't have the money to spend on one. I looked around our new home and found materials left from grandparents (we purchased my husband's grandparents home) and we did it! We had everything on hand! 
I found some old wood fence posts on the side of the house, and a full quart of white ceiling paint in a storage room. We grabbed them and went to town! This whole thing was free to me! I didn't have to go out and buy a thing! I am SO BLESSED! 
It could be free for you too! Here's what we did!


Steps 1.- 4. as seen above in the picture

1.
Fence Posts, we did NOTHING to these fence posts. One side was lighter and "sun scorched" while the other had a little stain still on it. Pick the side you want and lay out the boards you want. We used 12 boards total. 10 for the "surface boards" and 2 for the "braces." I lined up the surface boards the way I wanted them. I didn't want it perfect, I wanted it a little mismatched and "rustic."

Grab 2 more boards and cut them (that's where Dallin came in, we didn't have a table saw) to fit vertically, as shown in the picture.
Nail or screw the 2 "brace boards" to ALL of the boards you laid out. it took quite a few screws. But at least I know it's secure.

Then we washed it. we sprayed it down and made sure there were no "friends" living inside. These boards had spiders and cob webs at every bead, they were dusty and dirty so it definitely needed a shower. Let it dry in the sun, then bring it into your home for painting. 
(Don't forget to put a sheet or drop cloth down, then put the wood piece on it)

2.
Find a family member or a friend you can borrow a projector from. I was lucky enough to have an uncle who uses projectors for work and he had 2 extra! I hooked it up to my computer, found the map I wanted, and started painting once my kids were in bed.

3. 
I grabbed our THICK ceiling paint we had on hand and started to outline each continent. The ceiling paint was a fluke, but worked amazing! It was PERFECT for what I needed it to do. It was so thick that it got right into the wood and didn't "soak" in. I only had to paint 1 coat!

4.
Lastly, fill in the outlined continents with your paint, to make them solid.

Let dry, then hang up!
My father in law was kind enough to come out and use his tools to screw this bad boy right into the wall. I have such an AWESOME family!

I hope you find inspiration in this and can make one of your own!
I didn't think I could ever make this, but it's possible! Trust me, if I can do it, you can too!





Here's a special thanks to everyone who helped me!
Dallin
Papa Hansen
Uncle Rob & Aunt Laura

This is up today for you Em! xo



Linking up here

Monday, October 27, 2014

Hot Chocolate Cake Cookies

Have you ever had those chocolate powdered sugar "crackle cookies?" I always call them crackle cookies because they have cracks all on their tops. Well one day I was making some Chocolate Cake Cookies and decided to try and make them into "crackle" cookies. I had just made a fresh batch of my Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix and thought that would be the perfect powder topping. It was a hit! These were FABULOUS, EASY AND YUMMY! It's the perfect way to bring in the winter flavors of hot cocoa!



Hot Chocolate Cake Cookies

1 devils food chocolate cake mix 
2 eggs
1/3 c. applesauce 
1 tsp. vanilla

In a mixing bowl combine, cake mix, eggs, applesauce and vanilla. Mix, mix, mix. Place rounds on a greased cookie sheet. Place 1 tsp. Hot cocoa powder on top of each round. Don't press down, when they cook, they will flatten and "crackle" themselves. 
Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes.
Remove from the cookie sheet onto cooling racks.
Eat warm with a glass of milk! DELISH!




Linking up here

Monday, October 20, 2014

Crock Pot Cooking Demo

About 4 weeks ago I was asked to give a cooking demonstration at our church's "women's activity night." I thought, "just because I have a blog, doesn't mean I need to be giving cooking demonstrations!" But I accepted, and the theme we came up with was "back to school cooking". 

I've said before, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, my crock pot. I have 2 now and I want a 3rd. Just call me crock pot crazy. I broke down my favorite recipes, my tried and true easiest of easy to demonstrate at this activity. I printed off pictures of the recipes and placed them on easels so the viewers could see what the finished product would look like. I can't physically make a 10 hour crock pot meal in 30 minutes. So, I wen't over tips and tricks, and explained how simple crock pot meals can be, especially on BUSY school/school activity days.
 I broke down my recipes into 10 hour meals, and 3 hour meals. 

For example, if you have children going to school, you can make a 10 hour meal right after they leave  in the morning and it will be done for dinner. Or, you can prepare a 3 hour meal just before they return home to be done in time for dinner. Either way you choose, you get dinner prepared without "disturbances." 
It's been so fun having wonderful women who I admire, come and they say they've tried my recipes and want more! If you are in need of my favorite 10 and 3 hour crock pot recipes here they are! 
Welcome back to another great school year.
Gear up and go, we've got dinner to make!


10 Hour Meals:



3 Hour Meals:



Crock Pot Sides:



Many more crock pot meals to come!
Stay Tuned!




Linking up here

Monday, October 13, 2014

Crock Pot Chicken & Stuffing

I've been on a big crock pot kick the last few weeks. WE MOVED! We moved to a new state and new house; my crock pot has been a life saver! We've been unpacking the house and the last thing I want to worry about is dinner; especially after an exhausting day of boxes and tape. I've been so grateful for my slow cooker keeping my family happy and fed! This is one of our new fast favorites. Only 4 ingredients!



Crock Pot Chicken & Stuffing

3 large chicken breasts trimmed, filleted, and fillets cut in half
1 box stuffing mix
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 c. chicken broth (1 c. water 1 tsp. chicken bouillon seasoning)

Place filleted & quartered chicken in a greased crock pot. Pour the stuffing mix over the chicken. In a bowl combine the soup and broth. Pour over the chicken and stuffing. Cook on LOW for 4 hours or until chicken in done.

*This was the perfect portion for our family of 4. If your family is larger, double the recipe.




Linking up here

Monday, October 6, 2014

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

Is hot chocolate one of your indulgences? It sure is one of mine! I grew up spoiled. We always had homemade hot chocolate mix in the cupboard ready for cold days. It's been SUPER cold here for the past week. It feels like November! I called my mom and asked for the hot chocolate mix recipe. I made it and was thrown back to my childhood. Delicious! 



Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

4 c. Powdered Milk
4 c. Powdered Sugar
*8 oz. Powdered Creamer
20 oz. can Instant Hot Cocoa Mix

Mix all together and store in an easily accessible container- you'll want this close by so you can make cup, after cup, after cup.

Enjoy!

* You can substitute any flavor of creamer you want! We LOVE Hazelnut and French Vanilla!




Linking up here

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

General Conference Finger Foods

Gearing up for General Conference? I can't wait for 2 days of fabulous speakers and fun finger foods. Need some inspiration? Check out some of our favorite finger foods we eat during General Conference. Tag along for the "LDS BLOG TRAIN," there are lots of fun ideas all themed around General Conference. 
LDS BLOG TRAIN
You just came from "Countdown to Conference" and your next stop (which will start the train again) will be Let's Get Together.  If you get lost along the way go to the LDS Blog Train.  

Click on the title below the picture to take you to the recipe!









ENJOY!



Linking up here

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Halloween Paper Wreath

Halloween is upon us. Need a fun inexpensive wreath to spruce up your door or wall? Make this in 20 minutes! Just scrapbook paper, hot glue and a piece of card stock or cardboard. So easy, you will make one for every season, just like me! 


How to make a Halloween Paper Wreath

1. Take 12x12 pieces of Halloween scrapbook paper and cut into 6 in squares.
(just cut it in half, then those in half again!)
Roll the square into a cone and glue along the seam

2. Cut a circle from a piece of card stock, cardboard, a paper plate etc.
Glue your prepared cones onto the circle, all "small ends" meeting in the middle.

3. It is your choice how you want to glue your paper wreath "cones." 
You can see the difference between the cones on the large wreath versus the small wreaths. 
The change is simply made by turning your cones one way or the other. 

Cut a small circle from some scrap paper and glue in the center of the wreath. Hot glue or punch holes into the back of the wreath and tie ribbon or twine to hang your project!



Check out these other AWESOME Halloween projects!


1) Halloween Paper Wreath by Cook and Craft Me Crazy 
2) Knock If You Dare by From Wine to Whine
 3) Spooky Ghosts Etched Votives by Tiny Sidekick 
4) Rice Krispy Treat Tombstones by Play. Party. Pin. 
5) Countdown to Halloween Sign by Lil Mrs Tori 
6) Bat Wreath by Whistle and Ivy 
7) Black and White Pumpkin Painting by Homemade Ginger
 8) Eraser-Stamped Halloween Shirt by Cutesy Crafts



Need more fall wreath ideas? 
Here is my last year's Fall Paper Wreath





Linking up here

Monday, September 22, 2014

Veggie Stick Cups

Looking for a fast finger food to serve your guests at your next get together? How about these Veggie Stick Cups?! They're a fun individual serving of veggie sticks and dip. This is a much healthier alternative to most finger food served at large parties. Fresh, fast and fabulous! 


Steps

In clear "cocktail cups" place a dollop of your favorite salad dressing or dip

Wash, peel and slice whole carrots into "sticks"
Wash and cut celery stalks into "sticks" 

Mix the carrot and celery sticks together and place a handful in each prepared "sauce cup" then serve.

Yum...

 *If preparing in advance, cut and slice all of the veggie "sticks"- place in separate plastic bags and refrigerate. 
If left uncovered- the veggies dry out. 




Linking up here

Monday, September 15, 2014

Crock Pot Chicken Taco Soup

It's getting colder, fall is upon is. I LOVE FALL! Fall is my most favorite season. I love the colors, the crunching of leaves, the warm clothes, everything! Another one of my most favorite things about fall is the soups! I have always been a soup fanatic, I LOVE SOUP! This crock pot chicken taco soup is delicious! Throw it all together in the morning and its perfectly done for dinner. Delish!


Crock Pot Chicken Taco Soup

2-3 chicken breasts
1 can black beans - drained and rinsed
1 can diced tomatoes- + 1 can water
1 can corn- drained and rinsed
1 can kidney beans- drained and rinsed
2 T. Taco Seasoning
2 tsp. Salt
2 T. Dehydrated Onion
2 c. Chicken Broth (2 c. water and 2 tsp. chicken bouillon)
1 can refried beans (Optional)


Place all ingredients in a greased crock pot. Cook on LOW for 8 hours or High for 6. When done, shred the chicken in the soup with 2 forks. Ladle into bowls and garnish with sour cream, avocados, and salsa. 







Linking up here

Monday, September 8, 2014

Potato, Green Bean, Bacon Bowl

Are you hungry and need something fast? This savory lunch/dinner bowl is whipped up in just 10 minutes! Talk about your down home feel good food. This is my new "go to" fast fix for lunch. It has all the elements of a full meal in 1 bowl. DELICIOUS!


Potato, Green Bean, Bacon Bowl

2 pieces of turkey bacon- fried in 2 tsp. olive oil until crisp.

1 handful of fresh green beans (ends trimmed)- sauteed in 1 T. olive oil dashed with salt

1 small potato- (wash the skin then poke holes into the potato with a sharp knife) microwave on high for 4-5 minutes

Place all cooked ingredients in a bowl and dollop with sour cream. Dash with salt and pepper.
DELISH!






Linking up here

Monday, September 1, 2014

Crasin Cookies

Not only are these Milk Free, Gluten Free, and Sugar Free, these taste AMAZING! 
I was HUGELY skeptical of my mother-in-law who has been going 4 months without sugar when she gave me this recipe. For one, I LOVE sweets; I always have and always will. But of course, as everyone, I try to keep my sugar intake in check. 
My mother-in-law gave me this recipe and said it was a great subtly cookie that cut her sugar craving quick. I knew I had to try it. I made it, ate it, and loved it. Talk about a GREAT wholesome cookie! 
We've been eating these for BREAKFAST! Just 4-5 cookies gives you your "bowl of oatmeal" and fruit for the morning! Perfectly delicious. 
If you have any friends or family members with allergies, spread the word! These delicious cookies are GREAT!


Crasin Cookies

3 mashed ripe Bananas
1/3 c. Applesauce
2 1/4 c. Rolled Oats
(if these need to be Gluten Free, make sure you have gluten free oats, not all oats are gluten free)
1 Egg
1/2 c. Crasins
1 tsp. Vanilla
1/2 tsp. Cinnamon

Combine all ingredients together in a bowl and place by rounds on a cookie sheet. Press gently down on the batter round to slightly flatten. They won't change shape. Bake at 350 for 15-20 min. or until bottoms are golden brown.

These are a DELICIOUS breakfast! Who says you can't have cookies for breakfast?!




Linking up here

Monday, August 25, 2014

Tomatillo Salsa

Want to switch up your salsa routine? This is the blend for you! This gives an INCREDIBLE flavor to any mexi-dish you make. I made this for visiting family and they went CRAZY! It was gone in a matter of minutes. My husband actually asked if I put green food coloring in it. He was shocked that food had that intense of color. Fresh and flavorful. This is our new favorite, I'm sure it will be yours too.



Tomatillo Salsa

1/2 onion
1 garlic clove minced
1/2 green bell pepper seeded
5 large Tomatillos - husked and halved
1/4 bunch of cilantro
1/4 c. Distilled white vinegar
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. lime juice
1/4 tsp. cumin

(Dice 2 roma tomatoes or 1 large tomato)

Place all ingredients (except the tomato) in a blender, food processor, or ninja and pulse until well blended. Fold in diced tomatoes. Serve with tortilla chips or garnish on tacos, enchiladas, burritos, tostadas, etc.
DELISH!



Linking up here

Monday, August 18, 2014

Toaster Waffles

Have you tried to make your own Toaster Waffles yet? Well if you haven't, you should! They're SO EASY! You make waffles, freeze them, pop them in the toaster and eat! So simple you'll wonder why you've been buying freezer waffles for so long! This is AWESOME for busy mornings when you don't have time to make waffles from scratch. Back to school breakfast here we come!


Make a BIG batch of your favorite waffle recipe. 

Break your waffles into whatever pattern your waffle iron is. (We have squares)

Place them in a plastic zip bag with parchment paper "separators" in between each waffle to prevent from sticking. 

Freeze

Take a frozen waffle out and place in your toaster

Toast until crisp and warm

Swipe with peanut butter and honey or jam, and run out the door!



Linking up here

Friday, August 15, 2014

2 Minute Antennaes

Costume or party favor, this is easy and awesome! Done in 2 minutes, seriously 2 minutes. With fuzzy pipe cleaners, pom poms and a head band. Come to think of it, you might have everything on hand right now! We were given the pipe cleaners and pom poms for free from craftprojectideas.com. They have awesome crafting supplies for kids. Is your child having a bug themed birthday party? Are you getting excited for Halloween? If you answered yes to any of those questions then these are the thing for you!


Step 1:
Take the fuzzy sticks/pipe cleaners and wrap the ends around the headband 

Step 2:
Curl the fuzzy sticks/ pipe cleaners around your finger

Step 3:
Glue the pom poms to the end of the fuzzy sticks/ pipe cleaners

Place on your child's head for hours of enjoyment



Linking up here

Monday, August 11, 2014

BEST SUN BURN FIX EVER!

This is NOT a sponsored post. I just want EVERYONE out there to have this "sunburn savior" on hand! This SAVED MY SKIN! 

My thighs have not seen sun light for quite a while. We have a family reunion in a couple weeks and I thought it would be best to have a little color on my neon white legs, so everyone doesn't need sunglasses to look at me. Well, within the first 15 minutes of the hot sun, I was feeling a little heat. I thought, "oh I'll be fine, its just hot outside." Well I was wrong. WHOO WEE! I got a sunburn, a GOOOD sunburn! I didn't know what to do. I started going through my cabinets like a mad woman trying to find something would cool my scorched skin. Aloe always helped to cool but never kept me from peeling. I remembered using this on my sore muscles, (which is AWESOME by the way) and when my husband had a skin irritation and thought, why not on my sunburn?

Well it worked! My sunburn was gone in 2 days and I never peeled! I called and told them how amazing it was on my sunburn and ordered some more! I told them about my blog, and they said that if I told all my readers about it, and you order online, they'll send you a free Lip Doc! Just type in the comment bar
COOK AND CRAFT ME CRAZY 
and they'll send you a FREE Lip Doc!
I got some when I ordered more and it is AMAZING! It has an SPF 15 and actually HEALS your dry lips! This is an AWESOME FREE-BEE! DON'T MISS OUT! 



*FYI -Order the Sports Doc not the Xtreme Sports Doc, the Xtreme doesn't have the oils that prevent peeling. 



Linking up here

Saturday, August 9, 2014

Milk Jug Sandwich & Snack Saver

This is the first year I send a child to school. Even if it is Preschool I want her to be prepared for the start of many years to come. I know I will be making lots of these sandwich/ snack containers for more than just school. These can hold cookies, small toys, and crayons. Just about anything small can be put in one of these bad boys. To make this comes pretty cheap too. Just an empty milk jug, and scissors.
 Easy- peasy- lemon- squeezey. 
(I need to get back into those clever elementary school phrases.)


Milk Jug Container Instructions

Step 1: Rinse out an empty milk jug and remove the label.

Step 2: With a sharpie, draw out the pattern for the container.
 3 rounded sides short, and 1 rounded side long.

Step 3: Cut out the pattern previously drawn.

Step 4: Fold each flap inward so it stays in place. 


Fill with lunch, snacks or goodies! 





Linking up here