Ideas of a Housewife....

Yummy Treats

2013-04-20T10:32:00.000-04:00

I have been working out like crazy and eating super healthy, so I decided to have a cheat meal last night. Well more like a few bites of a cheat meal. I couldn't resist the temptations of Kroger Private Selection Chocolate Molten Cake. It's part of their new Upside down cakes. I have to say it's very good and worth every bite (only a few- I had to dig deep to find my willpower).

*This post is part of a review for BzzAgent. All opinions and taste buds are 100% my own.

Organic tangles

2013-02-03T19:24:00.000-05:00

Thirty minutes a day. That's how much time I normally spend (at a minimum) combing my daughters hair. Yes, I've thought of cutting it. But she loves her long hair "it looks like Rapunzel" says Maggie. I've tried leaving conditioner in after shampooing but she's left with long stringy locks. Mornings of combing, tears and tired arms was starting to wear on us and I was getting a little desperate.

So one night I was watching television and a favorite show of mine came "Shark Tank" came on. A super smart mom was on there introducing her product "Hot Tot". A natural luxury line of hair care for kids. Immediately I said I've got to try that on Maggie. A few weeks later here we are using Hot Tot Shampoo, Conditioner and a Spray Leave in Conditioning Detangler. I cannot describe to you how happy we both are using these products. Especially the Conditioning Detangler, can't do without it now. This product cut our hair combing routine in half. No more tears, stringy locks or sore arms.

Hot Tot is such an amazing brand that cares about what goes on your kids hair. What other company really does this? Their products contain Natural Ingredients and no harsh chemicals, cruelty free and never tested on animals, made in the USA and has a great light scent - What's not to love? Plus it is affordable.

I am so happy with the Hot Tot line that I asked them to offer you a discount code to be able to try it for yourself. I know you will love it. Just go to their website and enter code HOUSWIFE to receive 10% off your entire order.

Happy Brushing....

Maggie Before

Yes this is what we deal with

Maggie After - A very happy girl "thank you Hot Tot"!

Covergirl Blast Flipstick

2013-01-08T08:21:00.000-05:00

Two lipsticks in one - Blast Flipstick! Double ended lipstick. One side is a creamy shade the other shimmer.

13 Awesome blend-able colors to choose from.

Winner of the CEW award for best Lip product.

*Product provided by Buzz Agent all opinions are my own.

Good Morning Girls Bible Study

2013-01-07T11:13:00.005-05:00

Folgers Coffee, Classic Roast Regular, Ground, 33.9 oz., Can (Google Affiliate Ad)Folgers Coffee, Classic Roast Regular, Ground, 33.9 oz., Can (Google Affiliate Ad)Starting January 17th a new Bible Study on Luke.

Want to join me? Go on over to the Good Morning Girls Website and sign up. Enrollment is free with Blog subscription (which is free).
A lot of women don't have the opportunity or time to go to an actual group bible study and sometimes trying to do it on our own leads to failure. By doing this bible study online with a group I'll be held accountable for actually doing the bible study. What a great way to be consistent in your bible study.
Sessions last January 17 - March 8th.

Check out Good Morning Girls on Facebook and Pinterest as well.

Free Greeting Card from Treat

2012-11-19T16:46:00.000-05:00

Your holiday checklist just got shorter. Create and send a totally personalized greeting card from Treat for FREE. Whether saying thanks for Thanksgiving, wishing a best friend a holiday birthday, or simply sharing the holiday cheer with a just because card, Treat lets you create a one-of-a-kind card that is sure to impress.

This offer for one free Treat card good only on Monday 11/19 & Tuesday 11/20. Just for you by using code:

TREATBLOGR

Check out some of their awesome Thanksgiving Designs - you can personalize.

Check them out online at www.treat.com .

Thanks!

Tiny Prints Holiday Cards Giveaway- Winner Update

2012-11-08T16:39:00.000-05:00

*Using Random.org #1 was chosen!! Congratulations Melissa King! You will receive an email from Tiny Prints with your gift code.

This year Tiny Prints is featuring some brand new Christmas Cards.

Tiny Prints 2012 Holiday Collection has arrived and I am thrilled to share all the fresh designs and fun features with you—especially their Premium DoubleThick™ Matte Paper, their most luxurious card stock yet. Here is a great video about Tiny Prints new paper.

Tiny Prints offers a wonderful collection this year from traditional colors and embellishments to merry and bright colors that take on a modern feel. They also feature religious/scripture based cards (including Hanukkah) and cards that you can showcase your fur babies (pets) photos on. Whatever your style is I am sure they have something you’ll love.

Be sure and check out Tiny Prints Special Offers page too!

Now, for the giveaway.....

One lucky winner will receive $50 off total order (does not include shipping & cannot be combined with any other promos).

To win - just leave a comment below stating which print you like the most A, B or C (yes that is all).

Contest Ends at noon EST 11.18.12.

If you'd like to find out more about this fabulous company and their amazing selection of Holiday cards check them out on:

Facebook

Twitter

Thanks for your interest in Ideas of a Housewife and Tiny Prints.

*This is a sponsored post but all opinions are my own.

Charm and Beauty Jewelry Display - featuring Paparazzi Jewelry

2012-08-14T09:00:00.000-04:00

Charm and Beauty Jewelry Display

A few weeks ago I told you I decided to start a company "Charm and Beauty Jewelry". I am still really excited about that new journey. I did a lot of research on how I was going to display my jewelry and accessories at shows and events. I found tons of great pictures and a few tutorials of some traveling jewelry displays. So I decided to create my own (with the help of my brother of course).
Total cost of materials including paint was only around $20.00 most all items were purchased at my local Home Depot.

Started off with two frames (24x30 approx)

Add a little black spray paint

Nailed and glued pegboard to fit on the back

piano hinge perfect fit!

Front lock

Painted the pegboard and an Oatmeal canister

This was a lot of work but definitely worth it I think.

Notice the Oatmeal Canister?? :)

To book your party, find out more about Charm and Beauty Jewelry or to even start your own business contact me @ angelajohnston78@gmail.com, check us out on fb and go to www.charmandbeautyjewelry.com.

PB2 Smoothie

2012-08-09T21:10:00.002-04:00

Have you heard of this stuff called PB2?

Chocolate PB2 and Regular PB2

It's a powdered peanut butter, but with nearly 85% less fat calories and only 1.5g of Fat per serving. Compare that to regular "natural peanut butter".

PB2 is made with high quality peanuts that are slow-roasted and pressed to remove the oil. All natural with no artificial flavors,sweeteners, or preservatives.
I bought mine at a local health food store but you can order online Here and it's a little cheaper.

I think this stuff is awesome, so I started making smoothies with it. Today's smoothie is called the Chocolate Banana PB2!

I used the following:

2 Tablespoons of Chocolate PB2

1 Scoop Chocolate Protein Powder

1 handful of raw spinach leaves

1 frozen banana

1 cup skim milk

Blend and enjoy!

Pure deliciousness to enjoy after a hard workout!

Nutriton facts for Smoothie:

Calories - 375

Fat- 6.1g

Sugar - 21.1g

Protein - 30.7g

Fiber - 4.2g

Fun, Parties and Making $$

2012-07-26T15:41:00.000-04:00

It started last Friday night, I decided to have a jewelry party for a friend of mine I haven't seen in a long time. We had an evening full of laughter and much needed girl time. The party turned out to be a success for my friend and so much fun that I decided - I could do this. You know, have parties and make money at the same time.
My company Charm and Beauty Jewelry will feature Paparazzi jewelry and accessories for only $5.50 each. You cannot find jewelry and accessories as cute as these anywhere for this value.
I'm really looking forward to this new journey.

If your interested in hosting a party and earning free products or want to know more about Charm and Beauty Jewelry leave a comment below. I'll be glad to come to you to set up a show, meet you or order online soon.

Lets Pray for our Kids

2012-05-23T17:32:00.003-04:00

Seriously - Let's pray for our kids. Please use the following printable guide to pray for your children. Courtesy of Keeping it Personal.

Feel free to save and print it for yourself.

Have a great day!

Jamberry Nails

2012-05-17T21:18:00.001-04:00

I don't know about you but I love to paint my finger and toenails (or have them painted). As a matter of fact I don't think I've been longer than a week without my toes painted in the past 30 years of my life (yes I am almost 34 - old I know)... but the point is that it looks so pretty and really makes me feel good to look down and see beautiful colors on my toes. As for my fingernails I don't paint them as often because it seems the nail polish doesn't last very long. Then the other day I came across a product called Jamberry Nail Shields.

Jamberry Nail Shields is a new nail treatment that only takes about 15 mins to apply and last about two (2) weeks on my fingers and a lot longer on my toes. Not to mention they come in some incredible colors and styles that I could not create on my own unless I was willing to pay a lot more at the nail salon.

Here's one of my favorite designs:

So cute!!!!

If your interested in finding out more about Jamberry or even hosting a Jamberry party of your own (and earning free products) contact:
Sherea Ritter at Jamberry! Or email her @: sdd1499@yahoo.com

Mention you read this post and receive a 10% discount and better yet refer two (2) or more people and receive 25% off!!! You must contact Sherea Ritter for this deal.

I received a sample of Jamberry nails for this post but all opinions are 100% my own!!

Garnier Fructis

2012-05-04T09:06:00.002-04:00

Have dry, dull hair? Want to get rid of it? Try Garnier Fructis - New Triple Nutrition Shampoo and Conditioner. Garnier gives your stronger, healthier, shiny hair.

Find out more at Garnier Fructis.

**I was provided Garnier Fructis as a member of BzzAgent. Any opinions are 100% my own.

Unjunk Your Junk Food

2012-04-28T08:50:00.003-04:00

Unjunk Your Junk Food gives a realistic approach to finding better alternatives to your typical junk food.
The fact is that some people are just going to have their junk food. No matter if they are dieting, going thru and up or down moment or just want to satisfy that sweet or salty tooth. This is where Unjunk Your Junk Food comes into play. Andrea Donsky, Randy Boyer and Lisa Tsakos - the creators of NatuallySavvy.com have created a book to help you pick "healthy alternatives to conventional snacks". So while your still eating junk food it doesn't have to be the junkiest food.

Take for instance your craving something sweet and chocolaty like M&M's, sure they taste good but did you know they have 240 calories, contain artificial flavors and ten (10) artificial colors. The artificial colors contain dangerous chemicals such as petroleum (yes the same petroleum you use to fuel your car). So instead of eating those delicious sweet M&M's you can choose the equally delicious and sweet alternative like SunSpire Sun Drops. Sun Drops have only 180 calories and are naturally colored with wholesome ingredients like beet juice color.

SunSpire Sun Drops

Unjunk Your Junk Food is 232 pages of healthier alternatives to conventional junk food, tips for reading food labels and includes a tear-out chart of worst ingredients.

Remember it's still junk food though, so if you have the willpower to say "no thanks" always choose that option.

If you'd like to educate yourself further on making healthier choices you can purchase Unjunk Your Junk Food on Amazon or over at Naturally Savvy.

Check out Naturally Savvy on the web or on their facebook for more information.

*I was provided with a copy of Unjunk Your Junk Food as a Naturally Savvy Member. Any opinions are 100% my own.

Is Butter a Superfood?

2012-04-20T17:24:00.000-04:00

Have you ever read a post and it inspired you to DIY?? Well that happens to me a lot. Most recently I discovered a tasty recipe for "no bake protein bars with a superfood ingredient".

I did a little research online and discovered the superfood ingredient was not cheap, so that started my DIY fire. That's all it took and I was off making the "superfood" ingredient which happen to be Coconut Butter. With a little help from Pinterest and my DIY expert friend Melissa (and her food processor) I was off making my own batch of Coconut Butter at a 1/4 of the cost!

Very simple, all you need is:

1 package of unsweetened, unbleached shredded coconut, food processor and about 30 mins.
Just process and swipe down the inside of the processor every 3-5 mins (just to mix it up a little)

Here are a few photos to help:

In the process (about half way thru)

The final result - Coconut Butter

And for the No-Bake Protein Bar Recipe that started it all, they can be found over at Oxygen Magazine .

Well that doesn't end this post, not yet. I'd like to share a picture of the homemade butter my DIY expert friend Melissa made:

In process

The finished product - Butter

All she used was a carton of heavy cream, a stand mixer and about 30 mins. Yes we were making our butters simultaneously for those wondering.

While this might not be "superfood" it sure is good (in moderation just ask Paula Deen).

Tasty and Nutritious Chicken Tortellini Soup

2012-04-18T15:09:00.001-04:00

I made this for dinner last night. It was so good I had to share the recipe with you. I know you'll love it. Plus, its good for you.

Serves 6-8

1 qt. Chicken Stock
2 Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless)
1 can (14.5 oz.) petite-cut diced tomatoes
1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
1 medium-large onion, cut into medium dice
2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into medium dice
1 zucchini, cut into medium dice
1/2 bell pepper, any color, stemmed, cored and cut into medium dice ( I used Red)
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
2 cups lightly packed, stemmed and coarsely chopped kale
1 Package bite-size cheese tortellini, fresh or frozen
grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Drizzle a TBSP of EVOO in a pot on Med/High, lightly brown your chicken, then add your onions and carrot. Cook for additional 5 mins. Next, add your chicken stock, tomatoes, zucchini, bell pepper and spices. Cook on Med/low for about an hour or until you notice your carrots become tender.

Add kale and tortellini, cook partially covered, until tortellini are tender and their starch has lightly thickened the soup, about 10 - 15 mins.

Serve hot and garnish with Parmesan cheese if you like.

Deliciously G-Free Gluten Free Elizabeth Hasselbeck Review

2012-04-09T07:51:00.000-04:00

I decided to enlist the help of a good friend Jennifer N.'s for this wonderful review of Elizabeth Hasselbeck's Deliciously G- Free Cookbook. Since Jennifer herself is G-Free, I think you will like what she has to say.

Elisabeth Hasselbeck's "Deliciously G-Free"

I love Elisabeth Hasselbeck. When I started watching the View it happened to come on during my workout time. There is absolutely nothing good about treadmill sprints, but Hasselbeck somehow makes it all more interesting. Turns out, she also makes cooking gluten free more interesting as well. "Deliciously G-Free" has an easy, no-nonsense style to it, though the ingredients are sometimes complicated.

The hardest part of making the two dishes, namely the cupcakes, turned out to be gathering the ingredients. I ended up buying four different types of flour on amazon.com because they are not readily available in stores. However, since I am committed to being gluten-free (and am going to need these flours assuming I continue with Hasselbeck's book), it is a worthwhile investment.

The end product was definitely worth the while! The "chocolate devil's food cupcakes" were delicious! I also made two of the three kinds of cupcake icing Hasselbeck writes about, "the sophisticated chocolate cream cheese" and the "kids choice chocolate buttercream," which were equally amazing. I made them for St. Patrick's day and a friend who just had a baby, then used the leftovers for Easter and Karina's class. On the sugar high of success, I decided I was ready for the main meals section.

The gluten free "macaroni and cheese" overall turned out very well. I made it for a friend who just had her baby and happens to be a vegetarian. I chose it because she requested a child friendly dish, and this is definitely a kid pleaser. My 2 year old boy was quite fascinated with the homemade variety of macaroni and cheese, and proceeded to drink the bowl. I say "drink" because if you follow the initial set of directions, the dish turns out to be very soup-y. The cheese is an extremely liquid consistency, but if you look closely at the picture in the cookbook, you can see this is true of the dish. I ended up making two versions of the macaroni and cheese - the second time I added one cup less of milk - and it turned out to be a much better version, in my opinion. Overall this is a good dish if you are bringing something to a party or pot-luck. I placed it in an aluminum tin and it looked as though it could feed a small, gluten-free, army.

To order your copy of Deliciously G-Free go to Amazon or check out Elizabeth's blog here!

Thanks for your review Jennifer!

Easter Cupcakes

First Day of Spring Smoothie

2012-03-20T22:17:00.000-04:00

In honor of the first day of Spring 2012 I bring you:

Strawberry Mango Citrus Spring Smoothie

1 Cup Milk

1 Scoop Vanilla Protein Powder

1/2 Mango

1/2 cup strawberries

1 handful of spinach

1 handful ice cubes

1 packet of Crystal Light Citrus Energy Mix

Blend well and enjoy the spring time, sunshine and if you in Georgia - the pollen!

Tone it Up Girls!!

2012-03-19T21:47:00.000-04:00

I always follow the Tone it Up Girls for their fitness and nutrition advice, so I was excited to see them in the latest copy of Self Magazine (the one with Carrie Underwood on the front). Katrina and Karena are the trainers for Self's Drop 10 Challenge. I signed up not really to drop 10 pounds but to tone up, great workout videos, nutrition advice and some fabulous prizes too.

If you would like to sign up (it's Free!!) go the the Tone it Up Girls site or to Self Magazine.

I thought I'd attach a video of the workout I did today:
Click here for video: Tone It UP

Now go break a sweat!

Review of Food Network 1000 Easy Recipes - Guest Blogger Melissa King

2012-03-18T16:25:00.001-04:00

I usually try to post only healthy recipes but sometimes you need to add a little comfort food to your diet. So I asked my good friend, food network magazine fan and amazing chef Melissa King to do a guest blog and review for me. I think you will enjoy, here goes....

As a HUGE Fan of Food Network and the Food Network Magazine, of course I was completely ecstatic to check out the cookbook “Food Network Magazine 1000 Easy Recipes, Super Fun Food for Every Day”. So I started my journey through pages and pages of glorious recipes, all super easy and “every day” (unlike others I have pursued). It took me a while to decide on a recipe, turning page by page, reading intently. Then I stopped. I saw it. My favorite foods mixed together in a simple, yet flavorful recipe. YES! Eureka!! BLT PASTA!! (insert angels singing) You read that right, Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato all wrapped lovingly around the most comforting food around....PASTA!! I was stoked. I gathered my ingredients, most of which I had on hand. Then I set out to get ‘er done. The main ingredients are bacon, grape tomatoes, arugula (nice twist FN!) and penne pasta. Not so tough. I whipped out my cooking gear and proceeded. Bacon-check. Pasta, perfectly al dente-check. Red onions, garlic, red pepper flakes-check, check, and check. Mmmmm.....heavy cream-check. Now for the magic, toss it all together with grape tomatoes, arugula and basil. I could not help myself, all through out making this meal, to taste each layer. And after each step the flavors married together making the dish better and better. Now for the finale’ and the Parmesan cheese. Oh how I love you Parmesan cheese. This recipe far exceeded my anticipation of wonderfulness. I knew it would be good, no doubt. It had to be with bacon and pasta!! How could you go wrong?!? But once every ingredient was joined in matrimony, and yoked to the next blissful flavor, Umami was met. My family ate every tiny morsel in their bowl and asked for more. MORE!! Of course, there was enough to go around a second time and we all sang little songs of joy while shoveling bite after bite into our mouths, taste buds jumping. If you have the opportunity; run, don’t walk; to your local bookstore (or computer if you can wait) and snatch this gem up! You won’t be disappointed. I am sure not and that was after only one recipe. As all the GREATS would say “Good Eats, Love and Best Dishes and YUM O”. You will be pleasantly surprised at the masterpieces on every page!

*Recipe:
BLT Pasta

Cook 8 ( I doubled this) slices bacon; drain and chop. Cook 1 chopped red onion, 3 sliced garlic cloves, some red pepper flakes and salt in 3 tablespoons drippings. Add 5 cups grape tomatoes; cook 12 minutes. Add 1/3 cup cream; cook 2 minutes. Toss with 12 ounces cooked penne, 4 cups arugula, bacon, basil and some pasta-cooking water. Top with Parmesan.

To purchase you copy (now available in paperback) of Food Network Magazine 1000 Easy Recipes click here or here.

It's Not About the Pom-Poms- Review

2012-03-07T12:43:00.000-05:00

Laura Vikmanis

It's Not About the Pom-Poms is definitely not about the pom-poms. It's a very inspiring and motivating story of making your dreams come, gaining self-confidence, not giving up and courage.

Laura Vikmanis is a courageous 40 year old mother of two who took chances, determined not to give up on her dreams and she won. Through out many obstacles (most of which I would have given up) Laura stayed determined and overcame every setback. Laura challenges included a horrific automobile accident, an abusive (both mentally and physically) husband, not making the squad on the first try, and grueling divorce and child custody battles just to name a few.

It's Not About the Pom-Poms gives an inside look into the world of a not so ordinary NFL cheerleader. While most of the cheerleaders were at least 20 years younger than Laura that didn't stop her from living her dream and being an inspiration and role model for all of us. Whether you want to be an NFL cheerleader, writer, lawyer - whatever your dream, whatever your age go for it. It's never too late to do it, be happy and love your life.

I have a feeling "It's Not About the Pom-Poms" will not be the last we hear from Ms. Laura Vikmanis.

To purchase your copy of "It's Not About the Pom-Poms" go to Amazon.com or Random House.

Check out Laura on Twitter, Facebook and her website Cheerleader Laura.

How do you make Valentine's Day special for your kids?

2012-01-24T19:20:00.000-05:00

Do you want to make Valentines Day really special for your child this year? Tiny Prints are offering some of the cutest classroom cards for your kids this year.

There are so many options to chose from for boys and girls....

For the Boys

For the girls

You can pick your favorite and personalize it at Tiny Prints. Check out their twitter, facebook and now on Pinterest for your own design. I cant think of a better way to help your kids say "Be Mine" or "Your Berry Nice" to their friends.
Kids will be so happy to give and receive these unique tokens of friendship to their Valentines this year.

One of my favorites ( I had to share)... How could you not love this one??

xoxoxo

Gettin Ready For Round Two - Kettlebell Challenge

2012-01-06T20:40:00.000-05:00

Begining January 16, 2012 I will start my second round of Life in the Dub Lane Kettlebell Challenge. Whoo- Whoot!!

I am looking forward to this challenge for many reasons. One - to get back in shape and two - for the accountability.
I was very surprised and humbled to learn back on November that I was one of two winners of the first challenge. After being chosen by Brooke Benten and reading these fabulous words from her:

Kettlebell Fitness Challenge November 3, 2011

"Angela, not only have you lost pounds and inches, but your % body fat has visibly shrunk. Your toned physique is drastically different than your body was 8-weeks ago. It is evident from your changes that you have eaten clean & small portions, and stuck to the Kettlebody exercise program without wavering. That is what Kettlebody by Brook is intended to be all about: eating right, exercising hard, and creating a total body metamorphosis in 8-weeks. Please join me in congratulating Angela, my winner". – Brooke Benten

I was so grateful and shocked. I could not believe she picked me. It was such a motivating and inspiring moment for me.

I was hooked or so I thought.... It seemed after all my hard work and winning I just "almost" completely gave up. I can blame the holidays, etc. but in the past eight weeks since the challenge I did not keep up my routine of working out and eating healthy. I quit using My Fitness Pal totally and only workout out 1-2 times a week.
So with that said I have started (as of last week) working out 4-5 times a week and eating much healthier along with using my fitness pal.
The new fitness challenge starts on January 16 and I am ready. I am so excited to be able to start this challenge again and just like before I have no intentions of winning- I just want the accountability and support from all the girls in the challenge.
If your interested in joining check out my friend Erin over at Life in the Dub Lane for more details.

Stay tuned for more pictures and Results!!
Happy New Year.

-Angela

Update!! Congratulations Amy O.!! Merry Christmas - Charlies Soap Giveaway and Review

2011-12-26T15:04:00.001-05:00

Well it's the day after Christmas and there's no better day to start a giveaway!

Charlies Soap Laundry Detergent and Pre-Soak Spray Set (Also know as the Laundry Stain Fighting Kit) valued at $27.99

I started using Charlies Soap this past summer when The Fresh Market opened in my town. I was looking for something different than the normal detergents I see at the stores. I wanted a detergent that cleaned my clothes without all the harsh unnecessary ingredients. That's when I found Charlies Soap. It cleans my clothes just as well as leading detergents and has all the benefits mother nature enjoys. It's safe, non-toxic, biodegradable, safe for everyone. My daughter has skin allergies (eczema) and I don't worry about her clothes irritating her skin because of harsh ingredients from the detergent.

Here are just a few of the benefits of using Charlie's Soap

•Only use one (1) tablespoon per large load! (80 loads per container - that's a great value too!)
• Safe for all HE machines.
•Softeners are not recommended or needed. That means even greater savings on your laundry!
•Non-toxic & completely biodegradable.
•Safe and effective for all fabrics, including silk, wool, linen, cotton and high-tech micro fibers.
•Contains no clays, dyes, phosphates, ultraviolet brighteners or perfumes.
•Will not fade your colors.
•Removes entrapped odors from athletic wear

*For the giveaway please leave a comment below telling me what you would like most about Charlies Soap. For extra entries Charlies Soap on Facebook and let me know you did so below.
Contest ends on January 2, 2012 at noon EST.

If you can't wait to try Charlies Soap please visit their website to find out where to buy closest to you. http://www.charliesoap.com/

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

2011-12-17T15:01:00.000-05:00

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This recipe is similar to what I would think Olive Gardens Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe would be. I am certain there are a few things different (like the crock pot for one). But I really enjoyed this soup and I hope you will too.

Recipe

2 Chicken Breast
2 Cups Chicken Broth/Stock
Slow cook in crock pot for 3 hours

After about 2 1/2 hours cooking in crock pot start your soup base:
1/2 Stick Salted Butter
4 tbsp Olive Oil
1/2 Onion
1 Garlic Clove Diced
2 Carrots Shredded
3 tbsp Parsley
2 tbsp Flour
2 Cups of half and half or whole milk

Saute butter, olive oil, onion, garlic, parsley and carrots together until onions become tender then add your half/half or milk continue to cook and stir for a few mins, then slowly add your flour. This mixture should start to thicken like a rue. Cook for 5- 10 mins more. Add mixture to the crock pot.

Once you get the rue and chicken together add:
2 Cups Fresh Spinach
1 Cup Chicken Broth/Stock
1 pound Potato Gnocchi

Let cook in crock pot for another hour or until you see the gnocchi start to rise and become tender.
Add salt and pepper to taste, then enjoy!!!

Hope you like this recipe.
- Angela

Celebrating Maggie's 3rd Birthday - Strawberry Shortcake

2011-12-13T21:58:00.001-05:00

I just wanted to share with you my daughters 3rd Birthday Party. To say we had fun would be putting it mildly.
I was going to go with only a few friends and family since we had the party at our house, but I instead we decided to invite 10 of her "closest" friends (yes they are all close).
First, she wanted a Strawberry Shortcake party... so cute.
I went with a Lemon Meringue doll cake and Strawberry Shortcake cupcakes. (I'll post the recipe later)

Maggie and Daddy (so cute together)

It was such a great day full of joy, love and celebrating our baby girls third birthday. I feel so blessed to have such a great husband, son, daughter, friends and family. God is amazingly awesome!

the individual ice creams

Also, thanks to Pinterest I was able to come up with some great ideas for the party like these individual ice creams in cupcake liners (much easier than scooping the ice cream out while everyone waits in line)... and the easy peasy cupcake stands.

cupcakes and goody bags

Maggie and some friends opening her presents, her new fabulous desk and daddy and Ted playing with Maggie's birthday presents.

Maggie getting a birthday hug from her friend

And last but not least our family picture (all of the family that attended the Party)

Thanks for looking!
Angela