Betty Crocker Wannabe (Recipe and Mom Blog)

Come Follow Me at a Simply Klassic Home!!!

2011-10-23T18:16:00.000-07:00

I keep seeing comments and new followers to Betty Crocker Wannabe, which is great! I'm thrilled you are still loving this blog. However, I won't be adding new content, so I would love if you would change your link to www.asimplyklassichome.blogspot.com.

I'm currently sharing a 31 Days of Simply Homemade recipes series, and in December, I'll be hosting a 12 Days of Christmas Printables party!!

So please click on over and A Simply Klassic Home. I promise you won't be disappointed!!!

Balsalmic Chicken Tenders

2011-04-10T18:11:00.000-07:00

I'm back with another yummy recipe! Balsamic vinegar used to be one of my favorite condiments but it's been ages since I've cooked with it. I decided to try a new recipe and of course had to share it here!

Balsamic Chicken Tenders
10 (or so) chicken tenders
1/3 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp italian seasoning
1 Tbsp oil
salt to taste

1. Mix all of the ingredients and pour over chicken in a zipped plastic bag.
2. Marinate for 30 minutes
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet.
4. Fry the chicken over medium high heat until no longer pink inside.
5. Serve with noodles or a salad.

I served these with buttered noodles sprinkled with Parmesan cheese. Yum!! I made a double batch and saved some for chicken salad lunches this week at work.

A Chicken Recipe and New Blog & Etsy Design Services

2011-03-29T20:59:00.000-07:00

It's been ages since I posted, but I wanted to share a quick recipe with you.

I love things that are easy. Who doesn't? One of my favorite recipe jumpstarts is the store bought rotisserie chicken, and it's even better when you get them half off which happens at my store after 8 pm! One chicken usually gets us at least two meals.

I just searched my pantry to come up with a great meal.

Chicken Roll-Ups

1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 Tbsp minced garlic
1 cup chicken broth
2 Tbsp chili powder
1/2 - 1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheese (we like it cheesy around here!)
Corn tortillas (about a dozen)

Heat a small amount of olive oil in a skillet and saute onions until clear and soft. Add garlic and saute for a couple of minutes. Add shredded chicken, chili powder and chicken broth and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer on low for 20-30 minutes. Uncover, and simmer 10 more minutes, or until liquid is reduced. Remove from heat.

Wrap a stack of tortillas in a clean towel and microwave for two minutes. This will make the tortillas soft enough to roll without hardening them.

To the chicken, add the sour cream and half the shredded cheese and stir. Place a generous spoonful in the center of a tortilla and place in a 9"x12" pan, seam side down. Repeat until the pan is full.

At this point, you could cover with salsa or enchilada sauce, but I didn't have either on hand, plus I actual prefer them "dry."

Top with remaining cheese, cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes.

They turned out a little like taquitos, a bit crunchy on the ends. This got a thumbs up from my picky eaters, I'm sure your family will love it too!

{Linking up to the parties you see in my sidebar.}

I wish I could be spending more time here at Betty Crocker Wannabe, but my real life is taking me away from blogging more than expected. I am, however, expanding my Blog Design Shop. Have an Etsy shop in need of a new design? In the market for a new business card? Just need to freshen up your blog design? Stop by Simply Klassic Designs and see what's new!

Life Can Change In the Blink of an Eye

2011-02-10T20:30:00.001-08:00

(This post was also published at Simply Klassic Home.)

Things are changing in our household and I'm going to be putting the blogging thing on hold for a little while.

Most of you know that I adopted my son as an infant. This past week I found out he has a two year old sister, and we have been asked to bring her into our home, with the intention of adopting her. We said yes, and were informed today that the placement should take place by the middle of next week. They prefer the process to move quickly as it is in the best interest of the child.

I have not yet told Cooper, as I don't think he will understand exactly what it means and it would just confuse him, and I don't plan to tell him until after we meet her this weekend. But I know that he will love having a sister.

So, with that said, I will be taking a hiatus from blogging, while we all settle into our new roles as brother, sister, and mother of TWO little ones. If you are so inclined, I would love your prayers during this time of adjustment.

I promise I will be back, I just don't know how soon. I will, however, be continuing with blog design so if you're interested in blog makeover, please visit me at Simply Klassic Designs and read about the specials I have going on right now.

I'm Breaking Up With You

2011-01-30T01:01:00.000-08:00

Ok, not really, let's just call it a trial separation.

When I started this blog a year ago, it was for the purpose of sharing recipes. It has since become a clutter of topics, and I've been having a bit of writers block since I'm not really sure of it's direction.

So I've decided to split my two loves...home decor/crafts and recipes/mom stuff. I've started a new blog, that I can devote to my home; a place where I can share my journey as I am learning to find my style and create a home that we love. The majority of the blogs that interest me are about just that, and really, that's where I'm at in my life.

I will still be posting here at Betty Crocker Wannabe, but will most likely limit posts to recipes and parenting antidotes. Don't worry, I'll still keep the printables coming!

Thank you for being such loyal followers of Betty Crocker Wannabe, and I hope you will come visit me at A Simply Klassic Home, where I will share my journey as a home owner, the trials and triumphs, remodels and redecorating, organization and crafting, and the attempts to create a simply beautiful home that we love!

Homemade Egg (Mc)Muffin

2011-01-27T17:40:00.000-08:00

I'm always looking for ways to make our morning routine go smoother, and breakfast seems to be the thing we never have time for. Soooo...drive-thru it is!

I LOVE McDonald's Egg McMuffins, but I also know that they aren't the healthiest thing we could be eating for breakfast (or the cheapest). So what to do when you want something quick and easy and inexpensive for breakfast? You make them at home! It's so easy...you cook the egg right in the microwave!

I first tried this recipe out on a Sunday morning. Rick called me at work the next day (on my cell) three times until I finally called him back. I asked him what was wrong. He said "How did you make that egg in the microwave?" Yup, that's why he called THREE times in FIVE minutes. I gave him the instructions, and could hear my boss laughing in the background. I told Rick my boss thought it was funny, so ten minutes later I got a text from him saying "I'm texting so your boss can't hear...but that was so cool!"

Try it for yourself.

Breakfast Sandwich
One whole wheat english muffin, toasted
One slice of cheese
One egg

Spray a coffee mug with cooking spray. Crack the egg in a coffee mug and scramble with a fork. Cover with a wet paper towel and microwave for about 40 seconds. Place the cheese slice on one side of the english muffin, top with the egg, and the other muffin half and enjoy! You could also add Canadian bacon, a sausage patty, or bacon...although those don't exactly make it "healthier."

Chewy Oatmeal Yogurt Bars & A Special Blog Makeover

2011-01-24T21:48:00.000-08:00

It's amazing how in the blog world, things can so unexpectedly touch your heart. I just completed a blog design makeover, that Kate of Salvage Dior had given away, for Deanna of It's Just Me. The day after she won, Deanna was diagnosed with Stage 1 Cervical Cancer. She has a husband and two girls, and for her eight year old daughter, this will be especially frightening. She is ready to fight, but could really use positive thoughts and prayers. I was blessed this week by meeting her, and I was thrilled to be able to give her something fresh and new, amidst the pain of her diagnosis. If you have a moment, please go by and check out Deanna's blog and make sure to show a little love while you're there.

Click on her button to visit Deanna's blog.

I tried out a new recipe the other day. It's satisfying for the sweet tooth and good for you and filling too!

Chewy Oatmeal Yogurt Bars
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 (8-ounce) carton yogurt (vanilla or fruit flavored)
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
2 Tbsp milk
2 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
3 cups oats
1 cup add-ins (diced dried fruit, raisins, cranberries, chocolate chips)

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, combine sugars, yogurt, egg, oil, milk, and vanilla; mix well. In medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; mix well. Add to yogurt mixture; mix well. Stir in oats and add-ins of your choice (I used cranberries and chocolate chips; 1/2 cup of each).
3. Spread dough onto bottom of ungreased 9x13 baking pan.
4. Bake 28-30 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool completely on wire rack. Or just do what we do and cut into them as soon as they don't burn your fingers when you touch them.
5. Store tightly covered.

Makes about 24 bars.

I have more recipes to share later this week as time permits...we are beginning a remodel of our enclosed patio on Friday...which happens to be the playroom and laundry room, so we will be living for two weeks without either. Pray for me.

WINNER of the Simply Klassic Blog Makeover Giveaway!!!

2011-01-22T00:11:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much for all of your sweet comments and notes of encouragement on my latest venture into the world of blog design.

I am thrilled to announce the winner, and so excited to get to work!

The winner of the Simply Klassic Blog Design Deluxe Package Giveaway (a $60 value) is.........

Polly of Sassafras Stuff who said:

Hi Kristin! Wow, this is awesome!! I am super excited to have this chance to win a blog makeover!! I need HELP!! My style would be shabby with a modernized twist. Thank you so much!!

Congratulations Polly!!! Stop by Simply Klassic and fill out the Design Questionnaire for the deluxe package and email it to me so we can get to work on your shabby modern blog design!

Don't forget, as a thank you for entering the giveaway, I am offering 20% off to the first five ladies who request a design package within the next 30 days. There were several of you who said you've been thinking about a fresh look for the new year, so be sure act quickly to take advantage of the discount!

Thank you again, and come back and visit often, you never know when I'll be offering another Simply Klassic prize!

I'm Doing Guest Post Double Time Today!

2011-01-20T08:31:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago, I was approached by not one, but TWO wonderful ladies, asking me to stop by their blogs for a guest post. And they are both featuring Betty Crocker Wannabe TODAY!

AND guess what? There are is a different FREE PRINTABLE offered at each one, based on the Fruit of the Spirit scripture. Now, remember to use your manners; please don't just grab and run but thank these ladies for hosting me!

So go check them out!

Sharon @ Keen Inspirations
Beth @ The Patchwork Chronicles

Thank you ladies! Guest posting was a wonderful experience!!

I Love a Man Who Cleans

2011-01-19T20:46:00.000-08:00

Don't you?

Don't forget to enter the BLOG MAKEOVER GIVEAWAY! Ends Friday (1/21/11) at 11:50 PST.

I Got Motivated!!!

2011-01-18T17:58:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone for your sweet comments and emails about my last post. I'm feeling better, and even had a burst of motivation last night to finally get my pantry organized.

And I did!

It's not 100% where I want it to be, but it's a good solid start to getting my kitchen into an organized kitchen that will work with me instead of against me.

If you've been following for a while, you know that my home belonged to my grandparents before they died. So I basically grew up in this house. My grandmother was the kind of person who had a place for everything, and everything in it's place, even if it made no sense to anyone else.

When I moved in, I had a hard time visualizing any other way of storage and organization. Cereal was in the bottom cabinet to the right of the stove. Pasta and spices in the top cabinet to the left of the stove. Canned soup and veggies in the top right. Even my drawers were the same. But after three years of living in this house, I decided it was time to make some changes. Now, they may not seem major to anyone else, but they are huge to me.

Here's the pantry before:

And here are the other cabinets that are going to be organized. A lot of what's in them will be moving to the pantry.

I have a very large pantry, but it really wasn't set up in a way that made the best use of the space, so I moved some of the shelving around. It's so deep that it's hard to see what you really have. Perhaps the reason I have eight bags of chocolate chips, five of them half empty.

I took everything out of the pantry and the cabinets, and set it on the kitchen counters.

The cabinet is somewhat custom, as my grandfather installed it and didn't glue in or tack down any of the shelving. So it was all very easy to move around.

Here's what it looks like now:

I have a ton of Tupperware (I used to be a consultant), and I love my Modular Mates. I also used a bunch of $1 shoeboxes that were on sale at Target last week.

I still need to make labels, and I would really love to get rid of that ugly shelf paper and paint it...but I think that may be a little too ambitious for me right now. I'm just happy everything is in one place. I'm considering taking the doors off, since this is just a former laundry and it's closed off from the other rooms in the house. What do you think? Doors? or No doors?

Tomorrow I will be working on the rest of the kitchen. If I'm still motivated!

Special thanks to my bloggy buddy Gwen, who, even though she doesn't know it, inspired me to get busy with her sewing closet makeover. It's seriously awesome. I just finished Gwen's blog makeover, so stop by and check it out!

Do you want to win a FREE BLOG MAKEOVER? Enter the Blog Makeover Giveaway! Ends Friday (1/21/11) at 11:59 pm PST.

I Have Nothing to Say

2011-01-17T00:19:00.000-08:00

And that's totally not like me. Anyone who knows me, knows I ALWAYS have something to say.

But tonight, I am just not motivated.

I have so much to do, so much going on, and I'm not motivated to do any of it.

I think I have the January blues. (Is there such a thing?). Or maybe it's the after-Christmas blues.

Whatever it is, it's sucking the inspiration right out of me.

I'm having a hard time coming up with things to blog about, like tonight when I sat down to write a blog post (about four hours ago) and this is all I've come up with.

I need inspiration.

I could share recipes, but since we're eating healthier, it's all I can do to come up with the basics. Eating healthy sucks. Ok, so it doesn't really SUCK, I know, it's fun! (did you detect the sarcasm?) But the stuff we have to eat, sometimes, sucks. I would much rather be eating the Hershey kisses we have leftover from Christmas while I sit and blog surf, than carrot sticks.

I could share some home decor, but we're preparing for a big remodel of our enclosed patio and my house is a disaster. I'm not motivated to clean it either. There are rooms and pantrys and closets that need organizing. But I don't want to.

I could share some feel good story about motherhood, but quite frankly my son testing my patience lately. He did say something funny the other day though. He told me I was like the Grumpy Old Troll from Dora the Explorer.

A friend told me I should make him answer a riddle every time he wants to go somewhere.

Did I mention I'm lacking inspiration?

What do you do when you're not motivated? Where do you get your inspiration from?

******

There is one thing I'm still very motivated about - my new blog design business! Don't forget about the blog makeover giveaway from Simply Klassic. (maybe that's where all my inspiration has gone??). Giveaway ends Friday, Jan. 21 at 11:59 pm PST.

Something NEW is HERE! (and I'm GIVING IT AWAY!)

2011-01-14T15:02:00.000-08:00

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

I told you a few days ago that something new was coming to this blog.

Well, the surprise is finally complete, and here it is....

I started my own blog design business!

I'm so excited to get started!

When I started this blog almost a year ago, I had so much fun designing it that I wanted to do more! So I emailed my FIRL (friend in real life), Kate of Salvage Dior, and showed her a concept I had for her blog. She agreed to let me give her blog a makeover. I've done three makeovers for her, the latest just a week ago. Each time she was so excited, and I loved the simple joy a makeover could give!

One of my bloggy BFFs, Noelle of Because Nice Matters, had mentioned how she had paid a designer to design her blog and the designer had never followed through. I offered to help her out, and you can view her recently completed design here.

The wheels started turning and I thought how fun it would be to be able to work with different people designing blogs. And my new blog design business was born!

If you're interested in a new look for your blog, jump on over to Simply Klassic.

AND just for my lovely followers...a special treat!

Would you like a makeover for your blog?

Would you like a blog makeover for FREE?

I thought you might.

I am giving away a Deluxe Blogger Package to one lucky follower of Betty Crocker Wannabe.

Here's what you have to do (Please leave only ONE comment for all three) :
1. Leave me a comment on this post telling me the design style you like for your blog (scrappy, vintage, modern, etc.) AND
2. Be a follower of Betty Crocker Wannabe (and let me know you are), AND
3. Become a follower of Simply Klassic (and let me know you are).

Since I will use random.org to choose a winner, I will have to delete invalid entries (I know, I'm a big meanie!).

BUT...
For an additional entry, blog about Simply Klassic and the giveaway. Leave a separate comment on this post with a link.

Giveaway ends on Friday, January 21 at 11:59 pm PST.

The winner will be announced on Saturday morning, January 22, and also notified by email. Please make sure that your email is linked to your blogger account.

I will also be giving a discount of 20% to the first five customers who place an order (mention the giveaway).

Thank you all for being such loyal followers and friends of Betty Crocker Wannabe. I hope you will stop by Simply Klassic and let me know what you think!

Simple As It Gets Garlic Chicken

2011-01-14T13:39:00.000-08:00

We're trying to eat healthier, and that means no butter, and no fancy sauces. This recipe is not only healthier, and tasty, it's an easy one.

Garlic Chicken
Boneless chicken breasts/thighs
Olive Oil (or just enough to coat the bottom of the pan)
Lots of minced garlic
Salt & pepper

Pour olive oil in a 9" x 15" pan. Add the garlic and spread to evenly. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees, and place the pan in the oven as it heats to warm the oil & garlic and help blend the flavors. When the temp is set, pull the pan out of the oven and dredge each chicken piece in the oil/garlic, coating both sides. Season with salt & pepper. Bake for about 25 minutes, turning halfway through, until juices run clear.

I didn't include measurements, because it's really based on your liking and needs.

This chicken was so flavorful and moist. This is a real keeper, and it would be easy to make and freeze for chicken tacos, enchiladas, soup, or anything else you can think of!

My Valentine's: A Printable, a Present, and a Vignette

2011-01-12T22:17:00.000-08:00

****Have you entered the blog makeover giveaway yet???****

Valentine's Day came early for me when I spied some gorgeous nightstands in my friend Kate's space at Country Roads.

I made a little mention to her that maybe she should let my "cupid" know about them. Well being the good friend that she is, she did, and guess what showed up at my door today?!

I realize not everybody is into the "shabby" look, but these are vintage and I just love them. Unfortunately, it may have prompted a little (or possibly big) bedroom redo, as Rick and I both looked at our new nightstands in our room and said, "We need a new headboard." Our bedroom furniture belonged to my grandparents and is really beautiful and in great shape, but it's from the 60s, a laquered oak finish, and really just not my style.

I decided to add a little Valentine's vingette, complete with a new printable.

The sweet little cherub was a gift from my friend, Kate; another "I spy" from her blog.

And of course, this.

I had a vision for this a while back, and decided it would make a great printable for Valentine's day.

It has 1 Corinthians 13 (the love chapter) in the background, and the word LOVE in a transparent red. If you like it, it's free for the taking.

Size is 5"x7" (I actually reduced mine a bit to fit in a 4"x6" frame I had). As always, just right click and save.

I've got a big blog project coming up in the next few days...I'll be unveiling something new...don't you want to know what it is??? Come back this weekend and check it out!

So You Say You Want to Have Kids?

2011-01-08T17:50:00.000-08:00

A friend posted this on Facebook the other day, and I laughed so hard I just had to share it.
Thinking about having kids? Do this 11-Step Program first!

Lesson 1

1. Go to the grocery store.
2. Arrange to have your salary paid directly to their head office.
3. Go home.
4. Pick up the paper.
5. Read it for the last time.

Lesson 2

Before you finally go ahead and have children, find a couple who already are parents and berate them about their...
1. Methods of discipline.
2. Lack of patience.
3. Appallingly low tolerance levels.
4. Allowing their children to run wild.
5. Suggest ways in which they might improve their child's breastfeeding, sleep habits, toilet training, table manners, and overall behavior.
Enjoy it because it will be the last time in your life you will have all the answers.

Lesson 3

A really good way to discover how the nights might feel...
1. Get home from work and immediately begin walking around the living room from 5PM to 10PM carrying a wet bag weighing approximately 8-12 pounds, with a radio turned to static (or some other obnoxious sound) playing loudly. (Eat cold food with one hand for dinner)
2. At 10PM, put the bag gently down, set the alarm for midnight, and go to sleep.
3. Get up at 12 and walk around the living room again, with the bag, until 1AM.
4. Set the alarm for 3AM.
5. As you can't get back to sleep, get up at 2AM and make a drink and watch an infomercial.
6. Go to bed at 2:45AM.
7. Get up at 3AM when the alarm goes off.
8. Sing songs quietly in the dark until 4AM.
9. Get up. Make breakfast. Get ready for work and go to work (work hard and be productive)

Repeat steps 1-9 each night. Keep this up for 3-5 years. Look cheerful and together.

Lesson 4

Can you stand the mess children make? T o find out...
1. Smear peanut butter onto the sofa and jam onto the curtains.
2. Hide a piece of raw chicken behind the stereo and leave it there all summer.
3. Stick your fingers in the flower bed.
4. Then rub them on the clean walls.
5. Take your favorite book, photo album, etc. Wreck it.
6. Spill milk on your new pillows. Cover the stains with crayons. How does that look?

Lesson 5

Dressing small children is not as easy as it seems.
1. Buy an octopus and a small bag made out of loose mesh.
2. Attempt to put the octopus into the bag so that none of the arms hang out.

Time allowed for this - all morning.

Lesson 6

Forget the BMW and buy a mini-van. And don't think that you can leave it out in the driveway spotless and shining. Family cars don't look like that.
1. Buy a chocolate ice cream cone and put it in the glove compartment.
Leave it there.
2. Get a dime. Stick it in the CD player.
3. Take a family size package of chocolate cookies. Mash them into the back seat. Sprinkle cheerios all over the floor, then smash them with your foot.
4. Run a garden rake along both sides of the car.

Lesson 7

Go to the local grocery store. Take with you the closest thing you can find to a pre-school child. (A full-grown goat is an excellent choice). If you intend to have more than one child, then definitely take more than one goat. Buy your week's groceries without letting the goats out of your sight. Pay for everything the goat eats or destroys. Until you can easily accomplish this, do not even contemplate having children.

Lesson 8

1. Hollow out a melon.
2. Make a small hole in the side.
3. Suspend it from the ceiling and swing it from side to side.
4. Now get a bowl of soggy Cheerios and attempt to spoon them into the swaying melon by pretending to be an airplane.
5. Continue until half the Cheerios are gone.
6. Tip half into your lap. The other half, just throw up in the air.

You are now ready to feed a nine- month-old baby.

Lesson 9

Learn the names of every character from Sesame Street , Barney, Disney, the Teletubbies, and Pokemon. Watch nothing else on TV but PBS, the Disney channel or Noggin for at least five years. (I know, you're thinking What's 'Noggin'?) Exactly the point.

Lesson 10

Make a recording of Fran Drescher saying 'mommy' repeatedly. (Important: no more than a four second delay between each 'mommy'; occasional crescendo to the level of a supersonic jet is required). Play this tape in your car everywhere you go for the next four years. You are now ready to take a long trip with a toddler.

Lesson 11

Start talking to an adult of your choice. Have someone else continually tug on your skirt hem, shirt- sleeve, or elbow while playing the 'mommy' tape made from Lesson 10 above. You are now ready to have a conversation with an adult while there is a child in the room.

Smoky Tri Tip & Vegetable Soup & a Story

2011-01-06T16:02:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, I had a Tri Tip roast that I had to cook. I had planned to BBQ but it rained (poured actually) all day, so that wasn't happening. I was going to put it in the crockpot, but forgot. At 4:00 I figured I'd better decide what to do with it and started to search my pantry and fridge and came up with beef broth, onion soup mix, carrots and potatoes.

One of my favorite restaurants is Wood Ranch Grill in Yorba Linda, CA. They have amazing tri-tip soup. I searched for the recipe and couldn't find one, so I made one up. (Sorry, I totally forgot to take a photo of this one!)

Tri Tip Soup
1 Tbsp Olive Oil
2 lbs trimmed Tri Tip, cut into small chunks
2 cans beef broth
1 package Onion Soup Mix
3 cups water
2 cups potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
2-3 cup raw vegetable (carrots, green beans, mushrooms, etc)
2 Tbsp Minced Garlic
1 tsp Liquid Smoke

1. Heat olive oil in a 5-6 quart pot; add Tri Tip and brown on all sides. Drain.
2. To the meat, add beef broth, water and onion soup mix. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about an hour, covered.
3. Add vegetables, garlic, and Liquid Smoke. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Season with salt and pepper if desired.
4. Serve and enjoy!

Sorry for the lack of photos. To make up for it though, I thought I would share a little story about the soup...

We (Rick & I) are attempting to eat healthier. In fact, Rick's son, who is studying to become a personal trainer, has him on a nutritional plan.

(I called it a diet and I was corrected: "It's not a diet. Diet's DIE. It's a nutritional plan." My bad).

So anyway, I made soup this delicious soup the other night, and I put lots of carrots in it, despite the fact the Rick hates vegetables. In fact, whenever I have made soup, and I have to remove the carrots/vegetables from his bowl. Otherwise, I get "the look."

As we were eating, Rick looked over at me, and very deliberately stabbed a carrot with a fork (yup, he ate the soup with a fork) and slowly put it in his mouth. I almost fell off my chair. Literally. And, ok, maybe a little bit dramatically.

The next night he ate some mixed vegetables. It was dark, and raining, but I'm pretty sure I saw a pig fly by our window.

Decorating with Vintage Cameras

2011-01-05T00:48:00.000-08:00

Once the Christmas decor came down, the top of my dining room hutch, which was filled with poinsettias just a few days ago, was looking mighty empty. It was time to change things up a bit.

I became inspired after seeing this photo in the latest Pottery Barn catalog (I'm really bummed, because you can't really see the top, but trust me, those are cameras).

Rick had a couple of old cameras, and I had some camera equipment that belonged to my grandparents in the 50s, so we thought there was enough to fill up the space above the hutch.

I added some old photographs and an old Disney movie reel (the only thing we purchased - found at Country Roads in Old Towne Orange for $9) and the vignette was complete.

(Clockwise from the left - my grandparents wedding photo from 1949, a baby photo of my dad from 1938, a photo of my dad and my grandmother from 1940, and my parents wedding photo from 1974)

From the left: Kodak movie projector & movie camera from the 50s, stack of film reels with old movies, including family trips to Knott's Berry Farm and Disneyland in the mid-50s, movie reel with old photographs, two vintage cameras that Rick had, and a 1940s vintage camera from Germany on a tripod.

Now, I must give credit where credit is due...the photographs were Rick's idea. Yeah, I think I'll keep him.

The hutch belonged to my grandparents, too. It kind of came with the house. Mostly because it's just too dang big to get rid of. And I kind of like it.

Because of the ceiling fan, and the fact that it was 11:00 at night, made photographing very difficult, but I am so pleased with how it turned out, that I just had to share.

What do you think?

A Printable for the New Year

2011-01-01T22:31:00.000-08:00

The Christmas decorations have come down and it's time to start thinking about a little redecorating and organizing in our home.

I'm still totally lovin' this new printable craze, and I've been enjoying coming up with new ideas for the coming months. Like this Bible verse I saw over at Just Devine Style. I thought it would be a great quote for a new printable for the New Year.

"You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance." Psalm 65:11

My friend had just given me a beautiful Pottery Barn frame, and this printable was a perfect match.

I've been told by several people that I should start selling my printable art on etsy. I don't know, I kind of like offering them to others for free. You know, when you start getting paid for what you enjoy it starts to be not as fun. What do you think?

Since I'm not quite ready to open up an etsy shop just yet, I'm still offering the printable for anyone who might be interested. Just click to enlarge, then right click and save. Size is 8"x10".

I hope you like it as much as I do.

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas You Guys

2010-12-23T13:18:00.000-08:00

I'm busy getting ready for Christmas, baking cheesecake (by request), Sugar Cookies (by request), making Rice Krispie treats, and just getting our house ready for the big day. In the midst of that, I wanted to post a few pictures of what's been going on in our house this holiday season, and I'm going to cram it all into one post!

~ Christmas At Disneyland ~

First up, our annual Christmas trip to Disneyland, and our annual photo in front of Sleeping Beauty's Castle.

Next stop ~ SANTA!

(Santa liked Cooper's hat)

Disneyland has the best Santa, and they don't shoo you out if you want to take extra pictures.
Cooper told Santa he wants a trash can for Christmas.

He meant a trash truck - Stinky, actually. I have it on good authority that Santa has one of these in his sleigh on it's way to our house.

We watched the Very Merry Christmas Parade.

Toy Soldiers are one of my favorite parts of this parade.

After the parade, we made our way to the castle to watch it light up, and then to Main Street for the fireworks and snow.

Disneyland really is one of the best places to be at Christmastime. It's truly magical.

And exhausting.

~ Christmas at Home ~

This month, I've cut back on the blogging, in an effort to spend more time with my family, and we've been having lots of fun!

We played Santa.

He asked his stuffed animals what they wanted for Christmas,

then told them to say cheese, while I took their picture.

We donated a toy to Spark of Love Toy Drive at our local Fire Station, and Cooper got a tour of the garage where they keep the big trucks. The fireman and paramedic who showed us around were AWESOME!

We watched Cooper sing in his first Christmas Program,

He's the curly haired blonde in the middle :)

baked cookies,

and posed for photos in our new jammies.

Cooper & Gracie (Rick's daughter) in their new matching jammies.

By the way, when you're finished reading this post, head over to Gracie's Mommy's blog Salvage Dior, and wish her a Merry Christmas. Take a moment to look around and read her story. She's an amazingly strong lady, and I'm blessed to call her friend.

~ Christmas Traditions ~

We started some new traditions this year, like Christmas Countdown Books, and opening up a new ornament on the day after Thanksgiving, so we can enjoy it for the whole season. We're continuing the tradition of fish on Christmas Eve, and Prim Rib & Twice Baked Potatoes on Christmas Day (YUM!).

One of my favorite Christmas traditions from my childhood was when my mom and I would bake cookies and watch the John Denver & The Muppets Christmas special.

I will leave you with my favorite scene from the special ~ "Stille Nacht." It's absolutely beautiful, and they sing it in German, which is the way I learned it when I was very young. I remember attending Christmas Eve services with my grandparents, and, being the good Germans that they are, when it came to the part of the service where we sang Silent Night, they always sang in German. Quietly, but nonetheless in their native language. Anytime, I hear the song, I can't help but sing in German as well.

(be sure to turn off the music at the bottom of the page)

May your Christmas be a magical time of year, full of friends, family, good food, and wonderful traditions. May you feel the wonder and joy of that first Christmas day, and may the blessings of peace, love and health be yours in the New Year. We'll see you in 2011!

Merry Christmas you guys!!!

It's Because I Love You...

2010-12-19T22:16:00.000-08:00

That I set aside some time to share some A.MA.ZING cookie recipes with you. It's Christmas cookie time at the Betty Crocker Wannabe house.

Now, before we begin, I have to warn you this is kind of a long post. BUT, instead of making you come back tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day, I have included four incredible cookie recipes. Aren't I nice? And of course there are some pretty tempting photos as well. So there's that.

I've already packaged all of the cookies up and will be delivering them to friends and neighbors tomorrow.

Along with some yummy chocolate covered marshmallows.

You wanna know what's in the tin? Ok, here we go!

~ Cookie #1: Apricot Shortbread Cookies ~

I found the base recipe here. I knew when I saw it, that the author was right - these ARE dangerous, because as she states, there are only four ingredients in the base recipe: butter, sugar, cream cheese and flour.

I know, right?

I had actually been looking for a good shortbread cookie recipe that I could make with apricot jam, because after I tried the ones at Corner Bakery, I couldn't stop thinking about them.

Unfortunately,all of the recipes I found had almond extract, and if you been reading this blog for a while, you know that we are now a NO NUT family. So, when I saw this recipe, I knew that it could work.

The recipe is just a basic one, and calls for add-ins, but I decided to make them thumbprint style instead.

Apricot Shortbread Cookies

1 cup butter, softened

2 cups sugar

1-8 oz block of cream cheese, softened

2 1/2 cups flour

Apricot preserves

Powdered Sugar for dusting (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

2. Cream butter and sugar together; add cream cheese and mix until well incorporated.

3. Add flour (2 cups for a more delicate cookie, 2 1/2 cups for a firmer, chewier cookie)

4. Shape into one inch balls and place on your cookie sheet, 2 inches apart.

5. Using the end of a wooden spoon, or your finger, make an indentation about halfway into the dough.

6. Fill the holes with preserves.

7. Bake for around 20 minutes, until just beginning to brown.

8. Remove to wire rack to cool, and dust with powdered sugar.

I think it makes about three or four dozen, but I can't be sure, since Rick ate quite a bit of the dough. Yes, it's THAT good.

This is just a basic recipe, you can experiment with any add-ins you wish - I'm thinking white chocolate chips and cranberries.

Oh, wait, here they are:

To the base recipe I just added one cup of white chocolate chips, and one cup of dried cranberries.

~ Cookie #2: Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies ~

I found a recipe last year for Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies that I wanted to try. Only, I couldn't find Mexican Hot Chocolate tablets at my local grocery store, and I really didn't feel like dragging my toddler around to Mexican markets to find them.

So instead, I modified the recipe. I added 1/3 cup of cocoa and a teaspoon of cinnamon.

Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies

1/2 cup butter (1 stick), melted

1/ cup cocoa powder

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 package Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix

1 egg

1 cup mini chocolate chips

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 cup white sugar

1. Stir cocoa powder and 1 tsp cinnamon into melted butter.

2. Add sugar cookie mix and egg and mix well.

3. Stir in mini chocolate chips.

4. In a separate bowl, combine sugar with 1 tsp cinnamon.

5. Shape dough into one inch balls, and roll in cinnamon sugar mixture.

6. Place 1-2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets, pressing down slightly with the palm of your hand.

7. Bake for 8-10 minutes in a 350 degree oven, careful not to overbake (I mean really careful. A minute too long and they will be hard as a rock by the next day).

8. Remove to wire rack to cool.

~ Cookie #3: Rich and Creamy Fudge ~

Ok, so it's really not a cookie recipe, but it's a Christmas classic and a must-make at my house. I haven't had much luck with the true candy recipes (mostly because I don't want to buy a candy thermometer), and this recipe gets pretty close, even though it uses marshmallow creme.

Rich & Creamy Fudge

1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow creme

1 1/2 cups white sugar

2/3 cup evaporated milk

1/4 cup butter

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 cups milk chocolate chips

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup chopped nuts

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Line an 8x8 inch pan with aluminum foil. Set aside.

2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine marshmallow cream, sugar, evaporated milk, butter and salt. Bring to a full boil, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

(the key here really is to keep stirring the entire time you are bringing it to a a boil and after it boils. And watch for splatters - don't ask me how I know).

3. Remove from heat and pour in semisweet chocolate chips and milk chocolate chips. Stir until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Stir in nuts and vanilla. Pour into prepared pan. Chill in refrigerator for 2 hours, or until firm.

(Have I mentioned how happy I am to have my oven working again???)

Recently Heard At Our House...

2010-12-13T23:25:00.000-08:00

I went to the salon the other day, just like I do every six weeks (I know, I know; but seriously, one of the very few things I do to treat myself) for my regular color and cut (wait, I don't color my hair. really, I don't).

Anyway, the woman before me was going to a fancy Christmas party and wanted a cute hairdo so my stylist, Linda, curled her hair in these big beautiful ringlets. It looked gorgeous and I was envious since I've always wanted curls in my straight as a board super fine hair.

Then later, when Linda was blow drying my hair, I said "think you could curl my hair like you did so-and-so's?" She said "Of course!"

So she did. After I saw it, I was wishing I had talked Rick into a date night that night, since all I was going to be doing was going home. What a shame!

When I walked through the door, the boys were on the couch. Cooper was excited that I was home, but when he jumped up to greet me, he stopped and started to laugh. Not just a little giggle, but big 'ol belly laughs.

"Mommy, you look funny!"

Way to pop that bubble, Coop.

Rick just kind of looked at me and said, "I've never seen you with curly hair before." I gave him the "stupid" look.

Two hours later we were sitting on the couch watching a movie, and Rick turns to me and says, "You know, it's kind of growing on me." I said, "The curly hair?" He said, "Yes, I just thought you should know."

Men.

Well, I LOVED the curls, so I managed to get a couple of Christmas pics in. What do you think?

Merry Christmas everyone!!

In desperate need...

2010-12-08T21:01:00.000-08:00

of a blogging break.

I've had grand ideas about posting photos of our Christmas tree, ...but I just don't have the energy right now. Between broken appliances (three to be exact), preparing for a remodel of our enclosed patio, and hosting two parties this week alone, I'm wiped out! I promise I will be back soon...with more decorations, a few crafts, maybe a printable or two, and some new recipes.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the comment love on my Christmas Word Tree printable!!! I'm blown away by the response, and by the near 50 new followers that seem to have appeared overnight! Welcome, and thank you for sharing in my little piece of the internet.

See you reeeal soon!

Cranberry Limeade Spritzer

2010-12-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite seasonal drinks is Sierra Mist Cranberry Splash. It's only available in the winter, so I usually stock up on it.

Another favorite drink in our house is Minute Maid Light Lemonade. Only, this week my grocery store was out of it, and I was stuck with Light LIMEade. (It's actually pretty good.)

Then today I was thirsty, so I opened the refrigerator and was greeted with a choice...

I couldn't decide, so I decided to mix them and came up with YUM!

I thought this would be a great party drink for the holidays, and plan to make it for my holiday staff party that we are hosting.

Here's the recipe:
1 part Minute Maid Light Limeade
1 part Sierra Mist Cranberry Splash
Ice

Pretty easy, huh?

I think I may have used a bit more Cranberry Splash, but you can adjust to your liking.

Don't have Sierra Mist Cranberry Splash?

I'm sorry.

Linking up to these great parties.

Guest Posting at Gwenny Penny

2010-12-05T07:18:00.000-08:00

I've made some new friends since I've been blogging, and Gwen is one of the sweetest. I'm so impressed with her craftiness, especially when it comes to sewing.

Gwen is hosting:

Swing by today and check out my Christmas Ornament Swag tutorial, and while you're there, take a look at some of Gwen's creations. I promise, you won't be disappointed!

If you're visiting from Gwenny Penny, welcome! Take a look around, and let me know if you like what you see.