DETERMINED TO GET ORGANIZED! (even if it kills me)

LAUNDRY!!!

2011-10-21T09:26:00.000-07:00

Laundry. Just the slightest mention of that dreaded word can bring a woman to tears! It is a never ending, boring task that is oh so necessary. Now, I must say that the act of simply starting laundry and then putting it into the dryer is cake. It is the folding, hanging and putting away that kills me! In a typical week, I do roughly 7 loads of laundry, sometimes less, sometimes more. Is that normal for a family a four? If not, please don't tell me.

For several months, I have been doing my laundry either once a week or maybe twice a week. I was miserable and grew tired of watching the dirty clothes pile up. Last week, I decided to do one load of laundry each day. What a relief! I have found it quite refreshing to have an empty laundry basket each day.

In closing, I want to say how thankful I am to have a washing machine and dryer to make my job a breeze. It is too easy to complain about what we must do rather than looking at how much we have. I am blessed to have clothes to wash and appliances to do it all. Thank you Lord for your wonderful blessings....even the ones I often overlook.

How do you approach laundry in your homes?

Linked to: Women Living Well

Homemade Lasagna

2011-03-09T09:28:00.000-08:00

If I were to ask my daughter what she wanted for dinner, she would say lasagna. I was never real big on lasagna and never thought of making it homemade. It always seemed time consuming and difficult, so frozen lasagna became my best friend. Never again! About a year ago, I stumbled upon a wonderful recipe from Kraft for "Simply Lasagna." I have made it so many times that I no longer need to look at the recipe. It turns out perfect every time, is quick to make and makes my daughter very happy. :)

So, hurry up and head to the store to get these ingredients. You won't be sorry!

The recipe from Kraft calls for 1lb. of ground beef, but I always use ground turkey. This meal is bad enough with all that cheese....why add more calories? The recipe is as follows:

What You Need!

1 lb. ground beef (I use ground turkey)

2-1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 container (15 oz.) part skim ricotta cheese

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 jar (26 oz.) spaghetti sauce

12 lasagna noodles, uncooked

1 cup water

Make It!

HEAT oven to 350°F. Brown meat in large skillet on medium-high heat. Meanwhile, mix 1-1/4 cups mozzarella, ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup Parmesan, parsley and egg until well blended; set aside.

DRAIN meat; return to skillet. Stir in spaghetti sauce. Add water to empty sauce jar; cover with lid and shake well. Add to meat mixture; stir until well blended. Spread 1 cup sauce onto bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish; top with layers of 3 lasagna noodles, 1/3 of the ricotta cheese mixture and 1 cup sauce. Repeat layers twice. Top with remaining noodles, sauce and cheeses. Cover with greased foil.

BAKE 1 hour or until heated through, removing foil after 45 min. Let stand 15 min. before cutting to serve.

Recipe taken from http://www.kraftrecipes.com/

Hungry yet?

Recipe linked to:

http://diningwithdebbie.blogspot.com/
http://womenlivingwell-courtney.blogspot.com

Olive Garden Copycat Alfredo Sauce (Best EVER!!!)

2011-03-07T08:57:00.000-08:00

Photo credit: Lavender Lynn

Oh how I love the taste of hot, cheesy, alfredo sauce from Olive Garden. It is garlicky, flavorful and simply fantastic. My hips and booty don't enjoy it quite as much!!!

I mentioned before that one of my ultimate favorite websites for recipes is Food.com (formerly Recipezaar.com). On that website, you will find a recipe for everything your little heart...er...tummy desires. That is where I stumbled upon a copycat recipe for Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce. My husband, who is not a fan of Italian food, LOVES this sauce!!! It is quick and easy to make and you just may have the ingredients on hand.

To make this scrumptious sauce, you will need:

5 tablespoons sweet butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon white pepper

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
3/4 cup mozzarella cheese

1. Melt butter in saucepan over low heat.

2. Add garlic, cream, pepper and bring mixture to a simmer. Stir often.

3. Add the parmesan cheese and simmer sauce for 8-10 minutes until it has thickened and is smooth.

4. When sauce has thickened, add mozzarella cheese and stir until smooth. STIR FREQUENTLY!

5. Pour over your favorite pasta and dig in!!!

Be sure to let me know what you think!!! :)

Recipe linked at:
http://diningwithdebbie.blogspot.com/
http://grocerycartchallenge.blogspot.com/2011/03/gcc-recipe-swap.html

http://moneysavingmom.com/2011/03/this-weeks-menu-plan-6.html

http://momscrazycooking.blogspot.com
http://www.titus2atthewell.com/tempt-my-tummy-tuesday-spaghetti-with-four-cheeses/

Once Upon A Time.....

2011-01-04T10:51:00.000-08:00

If I had to venture a guess, I would say that this pic was from 1997 or so which would make me 21 years old. At that time, I thought I was fat! It is crazy how our self image is often so warped. After two kids and almost 11 years of marriage, I am working hard to get that body back! I started my journey last year and lost a total of 17 pounds, 5 of which I gained back.

This year I am more determined than ever to achieve my goal and not only lose weight, but get healthy. As parents, we set examples for our children. I want my children to remember an active and healthy mom who worked hard and exercised often.

Today is the second day I have worked out this year and I am looking forward to posting a "hot mama" picture in a few months. Get healthy with me.

"We've Only Just Begun"

2011-01-02T10:05:00.000-08:00

2011!!! It always amazes me how quickly the years fly by. When I was a child, time stood still, but now with children of my own, time is setting a marathon pace. It is more and more important to sit back and enjoy the little things, the moments that seem so insignificant at the time but will someday fill ones heart with so much emotion and love.

The year 2010 was a positive year for my family, filled with lots of ups and very few downs. My family was and continues to be healthy, happy and blessed. God always provides for our every need!

I have several goals for myself this new year.....

Make better food choices for my family
Exercise at least 4 times per week
Plant a garden with an assortment of fruits and veggies
Set aside time to read my Bible
Finish up my AA degree

So, here's to a fantastic 2011! I wish you all a wonderful year filled with growth, change and accomplishments.

Blessed!

2010-10-07T17:01:00.000-07:00

Thank you Lord for Noah and Faith, my two favorite little people! I am one blessed girl!

34 Years Young Today!

2010-09-24T12:22:00.000-07:00

34 years ago today, the doctor gave me a good whack on the butt! I keep joking that I am 21 for the 13th time, but in all actuality, I am quite happy with where I am in my life. God has truly blessed me with a wonderful family, an amazing husband and two beautiful, healthy children. I may be half way to 68 (that's for you dad), but I feel 17!

My baby girl drew this picture for me....It's of her and I! Too cute!

I went out to dinner with my husband, children and wonderful parents
to celebrate. We missed you Jeff and Paulina! (My brother and his wife were in Paris.)

Change Of Plans

2010-09-24T11:57:00.000-07:00

Well, I was crocheting that scarf but after hanging out with The ChainMaille Lady this past weekend, I realized that I wasn't as crafty as I thought I was! Darn it! My scarf needed to be put out of its misery, so I decided to start a new project. My very dear friend Nova is expecting her third child this February, so I figured it would be a perfect opportunity to work on a baby blanket for her new bundle! I am on the right track and happy to report that my baby blanket is beautiful and done correctly. I guess I need to hang out with The ChainMaille Lady more often! :)

Sorry for the date post on my picture above. I had to use an old camera as I can't find our newer one so I didn't realize the date stamp was wrong until posting this.

Anyone else have crocheting disaster stories?

Happy Birthday To My Hubby

2010-09-19T07:36:00.000-07:00

35 years ago today, my husband entered the world. (Is it wrong that I told him that he is halfway to 70?....No, I didn't think so either!) I just want to wish him a wonderful year ahead filled with happiness and love. Happy Birthday Taylor....I love you!

My birthday is next week....so for my gift I would like him to shave that bushy, red beard. It is not gonna happen, but you can't blame a girl for trying.

Crafting Right Along!

2010-09-17T12:22:00.000-07:00

Since picking up some yarn on Wednesday, I have been attempting to crochet a scarf. This picture doesn't give the yarn color justice. It is a real pretty black, grey and white combination. I am pretty proud of the progress that I have made since I only work on it a little bit each day. Besides, this is my first time attempting anything like this. If all goes well, I think I will be done with this project by early next week.

I am heading to Michael's Craft Store this weekend to pick up some hot pink yarn for my next project....a scarf for my baby girl.

Anyone else crocheting along with me?

Crocheting

2010-09-16T08:09:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! Yesterday I decided that I wanted to start a new crochet project, so I headed to Big Lots to pick up some yarn. Once I got home, I hit the internet to get some ideas. I stumbled upon an awesome video tutorial for crocheting a scarf. The video is broken down into little segments and is very easy to follow. Check it out here.

What craft projects are you working on?

I remember how to crochet! Yeah!

2010-09-14T14:46:00.000-07:00

I asked my mom years ago if she would teach me how to crochet. When I say years....I mean YEARS. (10+ years ago, before marriage and my litter o' kids!) I was feeling creative today....so I whipped this up!

Totally kidding! I started this way back in 1999 and it has been sitting in my closet ever since. I pulled it out today and put a call into mom for a refresher course, but she didn't answer. So I decided to sit down and give it a try. It took about 5 minutes and my memory kicked in! I guess crocheting is like riding a bicycle....you never forget.

Thank you Mom! You are a blessing!

Roast....Dinner is served!

2010-09-13T15:43:00.000-07:00

My friend.....the crock pot! A wonderful tool that takes all the work out of cooking! I just love using my handy dandy crock pot every chance I get! I got up this morning, threw my roast, seasoning, potatoes and carrots in my cooking assistant and "dinner is done man!"

I have attempted several roast recipes, but none come close to this scrumptious recipe I found on food.com. It is an amazing, fall apart, give me a fork and let me eat it out of the crock pot, kind of roast! It calls for a packet of Italian dressing mix, a packet of ranch dressing mix and lastly a gravy mix packet. Sodium overload anyone? Click on the link above for full instructions! You can thank me later!!!

Recipe linked on:
http://grocerycartchallenge.blogspot.com/2010/09/grocery-cart-challenge-recipe-swap_09.html
http://allthesmallstuff-cole.blogspot.com/
http://www.titus2atthewell.com/tempt-my-tummy-tuesday

Beatuy Tip Guinea Pig

2010-09-11T15:56:00.000-07:00

How many times have you heard of different beauty tips, techniques or crazy "I'll never try that" ideas? I know I have heard my share of beauty tips, but do they work? I, being the not-so crazy girl I am, have decided to put these beauty tips to the test.

First one on my list.....using Elmer's style white glue in place of Biore Strips. The idea is to place a thin layer of glue on your nose, let it dry and then peel it off. Sounds simple enough!

I know you all wish I had pics of this lovely sticky mess slathered on my nose, but I failed to deliver such amusing proof....Sorry! What I will say is I am not really sure if it did anything at all. As I pulled the glue away, it was stuck quite well...so maybe, just maybe, it did do something. If I wake up tomorrow with a huge, red swollen nose, I'll let ya know!

I have never been one to use pore strips, as I am naturally this lovely (sarcasm!), but my pores might look a wee bit smaller and I ended up feeling a little pampered in the process.....even if it was using $.25 glue I got at Target! Yeah for simplicity!

Essentials for Life by Marcia Ford (Book Review)

2010-09-11T15:03:00.000-07:00

I was fortunate to receive a copy of the book Essentials for Life: Your Back-to-Basics Guide to What Matters Most by Marcia Ford to review. I would like to start out by stating that this book is perfect for anyone who is looking for a quick devotional to reflect on each day. Upon receiving this book, I read it in its entirety in one day. It offers easy to follow life topics, accompanied with tips for a closer relationship with God. There are Bible verses listed throughout each of the 50 chapters along with “do’s and don’ts” for everyday life.

Essentials for Life is a wonderful guide for the daily struggles that we often encounter. From “Learning to Forgive” to “Cultivating Healthy Friendships” this book touches on various topics while keeping a Christian based perspective. Not only did I find the book inspiring, I also ended up feeling challenged to walk a more Biblical based life. The Bible verses used in each chapter tied in Biblical based direction, while supporting the point of the author. Marcia Ford used simple wording, making this book an easy read. I highly recommend this book to those looking to strengthen their Christian walk, as well as those who are just starting the journey.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

September 11th

2010-09-11T11:01:00.000-07:00

God Bless the United States of America!

Swagbucks!!!

2010-09-10T08:31:00.000-07:00

I just love Swagbucks! It is a search engine, you know.....like Internet Explorer, Firefox, etc., that gives you points for searching the web. I have been skeptical in the past about websites claiming to give you something for free, but since joining, I have redeemed my points for $15 in Amazon.com gift cards! (It takes 450 points to earn a $5 Amazon.com gift card.) What a great and easy way to earn a little money by doing something you already do! There are several different prize options that you can cash your points in for, from gift certificates to merchandise. Swagbucks are not awarded for every search you do; however, I have won up to 30+ points in just one day! Check it out and let me know what you think. Happy searching!!!

God Can Do Anything!

2010-09-09T14:50:00.000-07:00

I have a wonderful daily devotional book by Joyce Meyer called Starting Your Day Right. This encouraging little book provides devotions for each day of the year. I purchased it quite some time ago and through the hustle and bustle of life, it got shoved in my closet.....my crazy, messy, obstacle course closet. While cleaning my closet for the 100th time, I discovered it once again. The message for today was how God will change each and every one of us, provided we are open to change. We often think that we can change ourselves and don't need any help. That is completely false. If we come to God with an open heart, He will start the change in us. I have to admit that on multiple occasions I have said the words "I can't do it." Well you know what, I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me! (Philippians 4:13)

~Lets Get Cooking~

2010-09-09T13:30:00.000-07:00

I love to cook! I could spend all day in the kitchen making tons of different things. I have been fortunate to stumble upon many blogs that offer scrumptious recipes that not only challenge me, but make my family very happy. :) One of my favorite blogs is http://www.ourbestbites.com/. Today I decided that while my doggy gets his beauty spa treatment, I will get busy in the kitchen. I am going to be making some yummy looking breadsticks that you can find here and some homemade taquitos found here. What are you making in your kitchens this week?

Mutt Cutts!

2010-09-09T10:52:00.000-07:00

Oh....my poor furriest friend!!! Miyagi was our first baby...you know what I am talking about! When we got him seven years ago, we swore up and down that he was always going to be "top dog." Fast forward six years and two kids, he has now landed on the back burner! Don't get me wrong, we still love, play with and take care of him but his grooming appointments that once occurred every month, are now every three months. (Yes, we do bathe him once a month at home!) So, today Miyagi is going to the groomer to get a mutt cutt! Doesn't he look so excited to hear the news!?!

Happy 6th Birthday Noah and Faith!

2010-09-06T21:00:00.000-07:00

Faith and Noah,

On September 7, 2004, my life forever changed! The Lord gave me the most precious gifts ever.....He gave me you! I love you both more than I am able to put into words. You have filled a place in my heart that I failed to realize was empty. I pray that God will direct your paths as you grow into the adults you will someday become. Happy Birthday Noah and Faith!

Love,

Mommy

Summer!!!

2010-07-16T09:47:00.000-07:00

Well, I decided that today is the day to start posting on my blog again. Between school and raising kids, it is difficult at times to make time for things that I enjoy. Although I may not be able to post each and every day, I am going to try to make an effort to post every few days.

So.....what is new in the Jenkins household? My kiddos graduated from kindergarten and are starting 1st grade in August. I can't believe how quickly time passes by. They are such a blessing and fill my heart with so much love!

I am still taking college courses and have 3 more to go before I will have my AA. I feel like it has taken me forever to get to this point but I am grateful to be almost halfway done with my education.

My hubby!! He started a new job the end of May and works in Orange County now. He works really long hours and has quite a commute but makes a decent salary and is able to support our family. I appreciate him immensely!

I hope this post finds you all well, healthy and happy!

~Contact Info~

2010-07-13T16:47:00.000-07:00

Save A Life! Donate Blood!

2010-03-15T17:14:00.000-07:00

It all started when I was a senior in high school...way back in 1994! Gosh, I am getting OLD! We had a blood drive at our school and I decided to donate. I have donated blood ever since and am certain that is a wonderful way to give back to your community. I actually donated blood today! Often times people say that they don't have money or items to donate. Donating blood will cost your nothing but your time.

When my children were born, they were 5 weeks premature. My son was okay and came home with my husband and I, but my daughter required a 3 week stay in the NICU. The night she was born, I had to sign an authorization form for a blood transfusion. I was a wreck! I am so grateful for those who had donated blood to save my daughter.

Donating blood is a simple procedure that can make all the difference for someone else. Check with your local blood bank for blood drives in your area.

Raspberry Almond Streusel Muffins

2010-03-15T16:55:00.000-07:00

I have been soooo good! I am totally NOT kidding! I stumbled upon a yummy recipe that I found on the blog Food For Thought and just had to make it. (I did not eat any....zip....zero....zilch!!!) Not only did I want to torture myself because this recipe doesn't qualify as "diet" food, but I wanted to do an experiment to see if my hubby's butt would jiggle for a week after eating these!

I originally was going to make the muffins with cherry filling, like the original recipe calls for, but could only find raspberry. My husband says they are the best muffins I have ever made. Tell me what your family thinks!

Raspberry Almond Streusel Muffins

Muffin:
1 3/4 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 t. each baking powder and baking soda
1/4 t. salt
1/2 cup cold, firm butter (no substitutes!)
1 egg
3/4 cup sour cream
1 t. almond extract

Muffin filling:
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 egg yolk
2 T. sugar
1/2 t. vanilla extract
2/3 cup raspberry preserves (or other fruit preserves of your choice)

Streusel topping:
1/3 cup flour
2 T. sugar
2 T. cold, firm butter
1/3 cup sliced almonds
1/2 t. cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 12 cup regular sized muffin pan with cooking spray and set aside.

In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, egg, sugar and vanilla, and beat until smooth and creamy. Set aside. In a small food processor, combine all of the streusel ingredients and pulse a few times until combined and roughly chopped. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine the dry muffin ingredients. Cut in the butter using a pastry blender until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, sour cream and almond extract until smooth, then add to the flour mixture, stirring until the mixture is just moistened.

Divide the batter in half and place equal amounts of the first half in each muffin cup, leaving a slight depression in the middle. Divide the cream cheese filling equally between the cups, and top off with a dab of jam. Divide the remaining batter between the muffin cups and spread it as close to the edges as you can to cover the filling. Sprinkle a generous amount of streusel topping over each muffin. Bake 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Cool muffins for 5 minutes, then remove from pan and serve immediately.

Recipe found at http://wherefloursbloom.blogspot.com/2010/03/cherry-almond-streusel-muffins.html