I'm Still Here!!

Have some of you noticed that I haven't been posting much lately? I am still here, just really busy with wedding stuff. Our wedding date is October 11th this year and it seems to be fast approaching! I am a hands on type of gal so I have been making a lot of important things myself. Like my flowers for the bouquets. I had the hardest time finding the color and style of rose I wanted so I decided to make ribbon roses. Have you ever tried these? I love the finished rose, but they are more time consuming than I had anticipated. If you have ever made a project with ribbon roses, please share!! I am really curious to see what can be done with these.

For those of you that are interested, here are a few photos of what I have been exerting my time to.

Can't wait to see the finished bouquets! 

My bridesmaid boxes. 

Happy first day of summer! After our brutal winter, I am loving the sun and all its glory :)

Easy Guacamole ChaCha Style

I came across a good deal on avocados this week so I decided to make my own guacamole. I don't know about you, but I really do not enjoy paying $1.80 or more extra for a small dollop on guacamole on the side. Think it is too difficult to make? It is actually really simple and versatile!
Tips on finding an avocado that is ready to eat:  Select ones that are not too mushy or too firm. If you have a firm avocado, place it in a paper bag and let it set on your window sill or counter for a day or two. Also, if the stem is still attached, pick it off. Underneath should be a yellowish flesh. If it is brown it is too ripe.

What you'll need:
Avocados- peeled and diced
Garlic to taste - fresh minced or powder
Red or Spanish onion - finely chopped
Jalapeno - seeded and finely chopped
Lime
Salt/Pepper to taste

Optional Add Ins:
Chipotle Chili powder or Cayenne pepper
Cilantro - chopped
Roma Tomatoes- diced

 I mixed 2 avocados, 1 diced jalapeno, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 cup onion, juice of 1/2 lime, 2 shakes of Chipotle chili powder, and salt/pepper to taste. We are not big cilantro fans so I opted to leave it out. You can omit the chili powder if you don't want the extra heat, but I really enjoy the smokiness it adds. 

 Mash it to the consistency desired. I enjoy a chunk of avocado here and there. 

Enjoy! This is so great with chips alone but you can add to so many things. Tacos, burritos, eggs, and one of our favorites- jalapeno guacamole burgers.

I would love to know what ways you enjoy guacamole, please leave a comment below.

Snowed In: First Winter Storm 2014

I live in Northwest Ohio and love the four seasons. But winter is getting to be one of my least favorites as I get older. I try to remember and remind myself how much I loved snow and staying home as a kid, so I made the best of it with my kids during our 3 day shut in with the kiddos.

We made a snowman. (This is a must when the snow packs just right). We put my older son's Navy hat on as a tribute to him overseas. At the beginning of the storm, the temperature stayed around 32 degrees so it was not bitter cold. Yet. 

Then we made a small sled hill with the snow from the drive. Trying to get my daughter in the house after this was nearly impossible! But she loved it. 

As an incentive to go into the house, we ate homemade pizzas.

.... And watched it snow more.

And more.... into the night. 

I believe we ended up with close to 12 or more inches. Day 2 and 3 were not as fun with the wind chills reaching around -35-40 below zero!!! After being bound to our house from Sunday to Wednesday (because of the order to stay off the roads by authorities) we had just a touch of  "cabin fever". Roads are still a bit troublesome, but not impassable. Work for some resumed. As for me and the kids, they had another no school day and I chose to stay home with them. I am happy to say my kitchen got some much needed organization and I depleted some of my freezer stock. We did not fight crowds for bread, eggs, milk, etc., I am usually well stocked all the time. It was reported that all the stores had ran out of potatoes, produce, meat, milk, and bread on Saturday prior! 

Did any of you experience the "Polar Vortex" as they called it? What do you do on snow days?

White Chicken Chili

 I have now mastered a recipe for white chicken chili that I absolutely love. And since making it, I had a few requests to post the recipe I used. My version is creamy, thick, and hearty with a kick of spice. The beautiful thing about soups, stews, chowders, and chilis, is that you can make them your own. Meat - no meat. Beans- no beans. Spice - more spice. He he.

I do have to say that I am really bad at following a recipe so amounts are by no way exact or wrote in stone. Please season, thicken, and/or customize to your own personal preference.

White Chicken Chili (ChaCha Style)

2-3 Cups chopped or shredded chicken (I prefer roasted or rotisserie but canned will work)

3 15oz Cans of Cannellini beans or Great Northern (drained and rinsed)
1 7oz can of diced green chilis
4 Cups chicken broth
1 Cup evaporated milk or half and half
4 Tablespoons butter
4 Tablespoons of flour 

1 Medium onion, chopped

1 Jalepeno, chopped

3 Cloves of garlic, chopped/pressed

1-2 Tablespoons Ancho chili powder
1 Teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

Choice of Toppings:
Tortilla chips or strips
Sour Cream
Salsa
Shredded Monterrey Jack cheese
Chopped green onion
Chopped jalapeno peppers
Lime wedges

Directions: Sweat (saute) onions in melted butter for 3-5 minutes on medium low or until translucent. Add chopped jalapeno. Saute for 1 minute then add garlic and stir for another minute. You don't want to scorch the garlic or peppers. Sprinkle flour over onion/pepper mixture to make a roux. Stir mixture for a few minutes until lightly golden in color. Add chicken and green chilies. Mix together thoroughly. Salt and pepper to taste and also add spices at this time. Add broth and milk, turn heat up to medium high and bring to a boil.  Stir frequently. Once it comes to a boil it will start to thicken. Let boil for at least 1 minute then turn heat back down to simmer. If you want a thinner chili, add more broth.  Add beans. Season to taste one last time. Cover and let simmer for 20 minutes.
Eat and enjoy!

**Note: This can be made without milk, just use more broth. Also experiment with other flavored chili powders. I like the chipotle chili powder as much as the ancho chili powder. 

Random Acts of Kindness and Giving

I am a firm believer in helping others and giving to those in need. But I also believe in giving to those around us (or just randomly) for no other reason than to put a smile on their face. I don't do it to make a facebook status, impress anyone, nor do I expect anything in return. I just want to spread joy and smiles and remind people that there is still good in this world. It is very rewarding to pay for the coffee behind me, give a free product coupon to a random shopper, or to just help a child out at the park. A random note or thank you card to a friend is also a great way to show value on friendship even when we are all so busy. There are so many ways to commit random acts of kindness - I would love to hear some of your ideas as well. :)

Dry Idea AdvancedDry Fresh® -Review and Giveaway

If you are a busy mom/working woman like me, then you have likely searched for an antiperspirant/deodorant that works the entire day. And let me tell you, there are not many out there that can keep up with me. There is nothing more embarrassing than "stinking" when you thought you were well protected. It always seems to occur at the worst time, like when helping a coworker lift packages or reaching across your significant other to grab something. Ugh. And gross. If someone can smell you they automatically judge that you are dirty or lack personal hygiene. So I was skeptical at first at how well this new DRY IDEA Advanced Dry Fresh® would work. The product boasts "With enduring odor protection that lasts for 72 hours and Pulse Activated Wetness Protection, New Dry Idea AdvancedDry Fresh brand antiperspirant and deodorant keeps you feeling clean and confident all day long." Really? I will be the judge of that....

Ok, I admit it. It does what it claims. Of course, I did not go 72 hours without showering, but it did last the 24 hours in between my bathing. It is formulated with vitamin E so it has a silky smooth application. The scent is pleasant and not overpowering. Although it is very wet going on, it does dry and barely leaves any residue at all. I am really excited to be using this product this summer. I love to wear tank tops or other sleeveless shirts and now I can be confident that there won't be any "white ball" residue under my arms for all to see! I reviewed the roll on type Dry Idea AdavancedDry®, but my next purchase will be to try out the aerosol or the clear gel. 

Head on over to the Dry Idea facebook page for a chance to win! Dry Idea is sponsoring a sweepstakes with a grand prize of $500 and an additional 10 winners of $50! That's a $1000 in prizes to be given away! Enter HERE. 

With my wedding coming up later this year, I am feeling pretty confident I can dance the night away and still wrap my arms around my man without worrying about odor or residue ruining my moment. Yay! 

I also have some free product coupons to give away. Comment here that you liked the Dry Idea facebook page and tell me what your favorite sport or activity is to participate in for a chance to win one. Comment by April 2nd, 2013.  Good luck! 

Disclosure: Dry Idea® brand provided a free sample of Dry Idea AdvancedDry Fresh® brand antiperspirant and deodorant for this post. My participation is voluntary and my opinions, as always, are my own.

Thursday Thoughts 3/7/13

Never did I ever think I would get married again. I am so happy and very blessed to feel this much love again! Life is full of surprises :-)

ChaCha's Taco Scramble

It's Taco Tuesday!!! 

I am a huge breakfast fan and love a hearty breakfast. I just happen to have some leftover taco meat and came up with this delicious recipe for breakfast - Taco Migas (migas are fried corn tortillas scrambled with eggs). This is very easy to do and took me only about 10-15 minutes for 3 servings. You can make as much or little as you like by scaling up or down the ingredients. There is no set recipe here! 

I start with a hot skillet and saute my torn strips of corn tortillas, onions, and peppers until soften and  golden. 

I then added the taco meat and heated through combing all together. 

Then pour over you beaten eggs - for a full skillet I used 6.  Stir together to fully cook and scramble eggs. 

I topped mine with tomatoes, guacamole, and cheese, but you can top with whatever you like!
Try salsa, taco sauce, chili, more onions, or sour cream- the possibilities are endles!!

I hope you enjoyed your Taco Tuesday recipe! Let me know if you tried it! 

 

Free Sample of Gevalia Coffee in K-cups (*While supplies last)

Head on over and like the Gevalia Facebook page to sign up for a free sample of their coffee in a K-cup. These will certainly go quickly!

Comfort Food

It is extremely cold here in Ohio right now. I love to bake foods that warm us up inside and out. Tonight, one of my favorite comfort foods - Enchiladas!! I am featuring two different ones here on the blog, but I also made a simple one of refried beans and cheese wrapped in corn tortillas and topped with red sauce and more cheese. I made a total of 4 pans today. The hubby took one to work to share with the guys. I love the way the house smells when these are baking - reminds me of grandma's house! There was always food cooking and someone in the kitchen. Eating out was not a thought at my grandparents. And you know what?  They made the best food ever! I hope I am making food memories for my kids :)

Spinach and Mushroom Enchiladas vs. Beef and Cheese Enchiladas

Spinach and mushroom filling in a corn tortilla.

Spinach and Mushroom Enchiladas topped with a jalapeno cream sauce and cheddar cheese.

Shredded beef filling with green chilis, onion, and garlic. 

Shredded Beef and Cheese Enchiladas with red sauce.

I hope I inspired you to go make your own comfort food. I wish you all could actually taste these because they were just magical!! Please tell me what your favorite comfort food is and why it has special meaning to you.

Dial Holiday Foaming Hand Soap - Review

The holidays are fast approaching! I have been busy decorating, baking, and wrapping gifts. My son comes home for a short visit after being gone for 18 months. He is in the Navy and stationed in Japan until 2015. So I am also trying to make this a "Welcome Home" he can take back with him. I have the tree up, lights outside, and holiday scented candles scattered throughout the house. I also have these cute decorated foaming hand soaps that were sent to me to review. As a Purex Insider, I get to give my honest opinion of brands and products they promote. These holiday/winter themed bottles are perfect for my kitchen and bathroom. I can honestly say, my 4 year daughter spends more time washing her hands when there is a smiling snowman staring back at her! 

As a parent I want to keep nasty cold and flu viruses from spreading to my family. I am very diligent about washing hands, especially right after school. Dial Complete Foaming Hand Wash has a formula that kills 99.99% of germs encountered in the household setting while still being gentle on skin. It is the #1 doctor recommended antibacterial foaming hand wash. I prefer the foam over the liquid for my kids. It seems to be easier for them to rinse off since 1 pump of foaming hand wash is plenty and washes away nicely. It also smell fresh and clean!

These are just a few ways I add cheer to my home during the season. I would love to know how you incorporate little things to make your house a home in the comments below. Happy Holidays!



For more information about Dial soap visit www.DialSoap.com and like them on Facebook HERE. 

Disclosure: Dial provided a free sample of their Holiday Foaming Hand Soap for this post. My participation is voluntary and my opinions, as always, are my own.

Hasbro KRE-­O Transformers Review

 Every year before the holidays I stress out about what to get my son who is now 11 years old. He is getting to the "tween" years in which his interests are changing. You would think that him being my 3rd son that I would not have any problems figuring out what to get to entertain him. But I do. So you can imagine my excitement when the Hasbro KRE‐O Transformers review opportunity came my way. If you are not familiar with the KRE-O line of toys, they are construction sets that let kids use their imaginations for hours upon hours of creative play. Hasbro’s KRE­‐O TRANSFORMERS sets let kids build Transformers characters in either their robot or vehicle modes using the same bricks! Each set also comes with fun KREON figures, featuring your favorite Autobots and Decepticons!

Bumblebee is my son's favorite Autobot. He has hair on him in this photo, he has a great imagination - ha! I am just happy to see my son using his creativity and not wasting time on video games. He literally is quiet in his room or on the porch with friends creating and playing with his KRE-O TRANSFORMERS sets for hours. I love to hear them imitate the voices of the Autobots and Decepticons. 

KRE‐O TRANSFORMERS sets make great presents and/or stocking stuffers for the upcoming holiday season. Not to mention KRE-­O is a fun activity to keep kids excited after all the presents are unwrapped! 

The Destruction Site Devastator set is the ultimate gift for advanced builders ages 8 & up. Kids can build four construction vehicles, four Constructicon robots, or the massive Decepticon robot Devastator! There are 560 pieces in this set which truly makes it the ultimate gift. My son didn't know where to begin and he is still working on building more of the robots and vehicles everyday after school.  

The Battle for Energon set includes pieces to build two of the most iconic Transformers characters – heroic Optimus Prime and evil Megatron – all in one set! Which is your favorite? I really favor Optimus Prime but I know some like to role play the evil Megatron ;) 

Just starting your Hasbro KRE-O TRANSFORMERS collection?  Smaller sets like the Cycle Chase set and the Decepticon Ambush set are great  for beginning builders, ages 6 & up. They also have KREON Micro-­Changers Mystery Bags which make great stocking stuffers. For just $2.99, each Mystery Bag contains a random KREON figure, which can also convert into an alternate mode like a jet or an insect! My son thinks that is totally cool so we are also purchasing these for class gift exchange. 

Want to find out more about KRE-O TRANSFORMERS? Connect with them here: 

Website: http://www.hasbro.com/kre-o/en_US/

Facebook: TRANSFORMERS 

Twitter: @HasbroNews 

I now have some great gift ideas for my son this year. Hope this helped you too! 

Disclaimer: I am part of the Mom It Forward blogger network. Mom It Forward and Hasbro partnered in support of this campaign. Hasbro compensated me for participation in this campaign. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

  

Fun with Pinypons

 I was selected to host a Pinypon Fashion Party from Mommy Parties. These cute little dolls are recommended  for girls 4-7 years old. Their hair, face, fashions, and legs are interchangeable with other dolls so the girls can make new looks with each other. They had so much fun! Each party goer received their very own Pinypon doll and had a chance to win the Pinypon doll van to take home. 

 I was also sent 2 Nenuco baby dolls, one to keep and one to raffle off. These are great quality and encourage young girls to feed and bath them. 

The girls enjoyed cupcakes, cookies, and juice for a full afternoon of play and fashion fun. 

Want to know more about Pinypons and Nenuco brand dolls? Find them below at the following links on the web, facebook, and twitter:

Facebook.com/PinyponUSA
Facebook.com/NenucoUSA
Twitter.com/PinyponUSA
Twitter.com/NenucoUSA
www.Pinypon.com 
www.NenucoFamosa.com

Currently on the PinyponUSA facebook page they are offering discounts on purchases of Pinypon dolls and accessories. Go like the page and print off coupons here! After this party, my daughter and all her little friends definitely have Pinypons on their Christmas wish list.

Disclosure: I received products to keep and giveaway for being a host through MommyParties sponsored by Pinypons. All opinions are my own. 

#ToraniFlavors Holiday Twitter Party Tonight with She Speaks

If you are on twitter or would like to join a twitter party - this is one I recommend. Torani syrups are so versatile and can be used to create custom recipes. I know they popular in the coffee shops to flavor your favorite cappuccinos and teas - but I have used the flavors in frosting, baked goods, pancakes - the ideas are endless! And Torani has more flavors than you could even imagine! Check out their flavor page here.

There will be 4 prize packs given away during the twitter party. In order to be eligible to win, you must RSVP on the She Speaks website here.

Details: Thursday November 15, 2012 at 9pm EST
On Twitter follow @SheSpeaksUp @Torani and the full list of panelists.

Disclosure *This is a sponsored blog post by Torani and She Speaks but all opinions are my own.
Comment here and tell me what your favorite Torani flavored syrup is and what you would use it for. 

See you there!

Enter The Soft Scrub Tough & Gentle Sweepstakes

Visit the Purex web site and enter to win their latest sweepstakes! The Soft Scrub Tough & Gentle Sweepstakes is live now. There is a $1,000 grand prize and fifty 2nd place winners will each receive $40 in gift cards.

Enter HERE or click on Purex  

Feel free to "like" or google+ at the bottom of the page to share with your friends. Good luck!