Four Marrs and One Venus

Chicken Fettucini w/ Pesto Sauce: The F&Easy Way!

2013-05-24T07:25:00.002-07:00

As a mom to three active boys, dinners can be quite the challenge. Of course we have our fast food nights here and there, but I have to let you in on a secret today. You see time is a valuable thing. Not many of us have too much spare time to whip out a healthy, tasty meal. But then, Fresh & Easy came into my life. I have to say, this store being only 5 minutes down the road has been my life saver!

Fresh & Easy allows us to serve our family with amazing dishes, some already prepared...just heat those babies up and waa-bam..grub! Fresh ingredients at amazing prices are available to create tasting meals..and still catch that baseball game!

After school is out.. I gotta throw my taxi driver hat and game face on. I have been know to look something like this:

But you know what, I wouldn't change it for the world. I love seeing my kids active in sports and learning new things. I love that with one quick stop into Fresh & Easy, I can grab some items and whip out a meal everyone will love.

Fresh & Easy Shopping List

- Fettucini Noodles

- Heavy Whipping Cream

- Ready to Eat Chicken Breast Pieces

- Genovese Basil Pesto

-Cheesy Garlic Bread

- Strawberries

-Bistro Salad Kit

-Fresh Grated Parmesan

- Fresh & Easy Coupon! Don't ever leave home without one!

Fresh & Easy Chicken Fettucini w/ Pesto Sauce

Pour heavy whipping cream and pesto sauce in a saucepan. Rip up the chicken and add to mixture. Heat thoroughly.

Cook Noodles as directed. Drain. Add pesto mixture to noodles. Sprinkle fresh grated parmesan on top and enjoy!

This entire meal was whipped out in 20 minutes. Now how fast, "f&easy" is that? Amazing.

Well my job here is done... wait I have to go pick up Aaron from Taekwondo! I almost forgot!

A BIG thank you to Fresh & Easy for making my job as a mom a whole heck of a lot easier, serving my family super meals and allowing me to still catch my kids accomplishments! Gotta love that!

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Homemade Ice Cream Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter

2013-05-21T07:31:00.002-07:00

I will wait.
Wait for you to run to your drawer and grab a spoon.
You are going to need it, you will want one. Ready?

Dig into this bowl of homemade chocolate peanut butter ice cream! Baskin Robbins eat your heart out!

Meals for Dinner: 5 Quick Meals for Busy Moms

2013-05-16T09:08:00.002-07:00

Moms on the run...I hear ya! Once that school bell rings, kids flock home-and BOOM..baseball practice, taekwondo, boy scouts, piano, dentist appointments, yada-yada. I live by quick and tasty meals for dinner! These ones below are winners for us...so I must pass them on to all the busy mom's I know! Enjoy!

Winner GYCO: Cooking on the Front Burner

2013-05-13T13:34:00.001-07:00

Secret: Deb can cook! "Let's turn up the heat!" - this lady is no joke... and WON the title of Get Your Chef on last round! I am beyond lucky and happy to bring you all these super amazing dishes below from Cooking on the Front Burner aka Deb! Enjoy!

First up...the salivating beer and bacon glazed pecans that took Julie and I away into never never land- and WON Deb the title of GYCO!

Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas: A+ Teacher tag {free printable}

2013-05-10T08:03:00.000-07:00

Teachers rank #1 in my book. They have love, patience, creativity and smarts to teach our kids. I love the fact that for one whole week we are able to give the Teachers some love. Show them how much we appreciate them. This week we started with classroom door decorating and today we end with a simple A+ Teacher Tag {Free Printable} gift.

Breakfast for Dinner {The new way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo}

2013-05-09T08:53:00.001-07:00

Breakfast for Dinner? Yes please! I am always running out of dinner ideas, and seem to forget about the good old fashion "breakfast for dinner" -- so while others were celebrating Cinco de Mayo with tacos on Sunday, the Marrs were chilling in their P.J.s grubbing on some breakfast! Can't beat that!

Take a look at that spread aye? You name it, we had it! I even got crazy with a new recipe from I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! Did you all know that this buttery spread has less than 70% less saturated fat than butter? Yep. True! It also contains no hydrogenated oils and is made from a blend of vegetable oil, and-and-and- gluten free! Back to the amazing fun recipe I recreated from their website!

Get your Chef on is back....round 7 Ding Ding Ding!

2013-05-07T07:09:00.000-07:00

Julie and I are really excited about this round. I can't believe we've put off making chocolate the featured ingredient for so long. I mean seriously. Doesn't everyone have some in their nightstand drawer?!

If this is your first GYCO challenge, please go to the GYCO Page to learn all about how to participate and rules if you want to win. As always, your co-hosts and judges are Julie from White Lights on Wednesday and me!

We'd love for you to you follow us and keep up with all the GYCO happenings!

Teacher Appreciation: 20 Ideas for decorating classroom doors

2013-05-05T16:31:00.000-07:00

It's that time....Teacher Appreciation Week is in full swing over at Paloma! I was lucky enough to work with the fantastic room moms and coordinate the decorating of the classroom doors this year! The talent these room moms have is out of this world! I was blown away as I walked down each hall, loving each door! I was even more pumped up when they allowed me to photograph and share their hard work with you all! So cutting the chatter...away we go!

Read more »

Matt's triple celebration complete with cupcakes!

2013-05-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here it goes...are you ready?

1. My little brother Matt and his sweet wife Emma just moved back to town last Friday! Yay!

2. He also just graduated college last week- Rock Star!

3. His birthday was back in January that we missed celebrating with him.

{stay with me}

It just so happens that Safeway, VONS and Pavilions is offering an amazing crazy deal right now called "$5 Birthday Bundle"

DIY Dry Erase Board

2013-04-30T04:55:00.002-07:00

So you all know I attended SNAP up in Utah last week. What you may have not known is when I flew in on Wednesday I was picked up by my cute sister-in-law along with her 3 awesome kiddos! I was set to stay with them Wednesday night and then drive down for the conference! I was super happy to finally see their home and catch up with my nieces and nephew! Of course Aunt Jen couldn't go up empty handed right? I brought Jackson {my stud nephew} this tooth pillow, and Kaity {my dancing star niece} this fun DIY Dry Erase Board. Can't forget about little Addie, who I met for the first time and couldn't stop squeezing! I made that sweet girl a fun hooded baby towel! Let's get on with the show, and let me show ya real quick how to whip this cute thing out!

What you need

old/new frame

scrapbook paper

embellishments

Crayola washable dry erase makers {perfect for kids}

fabric

hot glue gun

Camping Supplies: 10 Things {almost} every boy should bring camping!

2013-04-25T19:48:00.000-07:00

I am stoked! Stoked as all heck that BeyondTheTent asked to come over and share some hot camping supplies every boy should bring camping! Being a mom of boys, this list is perfect! Grab that coffee and enjoy this fun information! Let's give a warm welcome to Ryan and Kelly...take it away guys...

Hello, my name is Ryan, my wife and I run a camping blog over at BeyondTheTent.com and Jen was awesome enough to let us do this guest post for her awesome blog.

My wife Kelly and I have 5 kids, 2 boys and 3 girls. My oldest son and I have done a handful of camping trips just the two of us, to the boundary waters and other areas. Jen asked if we could do a post on Must Haves for Boy When Camping and I thought, “I can do that!”

My son and I have literally brought every one of the things listed here and have had a blast with all of them. You would be amazed at how much creativity your boys have, even if you don’t see it in your daily lives. Give a boy a 30’ rope and watch him play with it for an entire day.

I know some of you either may not agree with knives or your boys may not be old enough, but if you teach them how to properly use them, they can be safe and fun. Plus every boy needs a few stitches in life!

On To The List:

DIY Seed Starter Station {ProBugs Frozen Kefir Style}

2013-04-24T08:16:00.001-07:00

Boy are you in for a treat! These Lifeway ProBugs Frozen Kefir treats are just what the doctor ordered. The perfect snack that gives your kids that extra boost..in a good way. Simply amazing that these are actually "healthy" treats to feed your kids. I would have never thought so being the way my boys sucked these down. I grabbed this wonderful treat over at Whole Foods Store. With three scrumptious flavors calling my name, I went with the Orange Creamy Crawler flavor.

Derek told me it tasted like cookie dough {hmmm. not sure about that}

Mason told me it was really good and tasted like sherbet ice cream.

Shepherds Pie {The Marrs version}

2013-04-22T10:39:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite meals to eat is Shepherds Pie. When I started asking other moms how they make Shepherds Pie, I was surprised to find out how many different versions were out there. My first time eating Shepherds Pie was at my mother-in-laws house, and I could not get enough. I love the simplicity of this meal.

The Marrs version of Shepherds Pie

1 lb ground beef

1 can condensed tomato soup

1 can corn {drained}

1 can green beans {drained}

1/3 cup milk

1 packet of instant potatoes {or you can make real ones!}

1 cup shredded cheese

Baseball Tooth Pillow: "Home Run"

2013-04-16T15:46:00.000-07:00

Oh stop rolling your eyes. I know what you are thinking..and yes I might have to start going to Tooth Pillow AA group. So this may or may not be my third tooth pillow I am sharing with you.. but you see why I am sharing this grand slam... right? Look at him!

This guy was picked up first round...scouters could not keep him off the bench...everyone wanted him. The lucky boy to get this "Home Run" Tooth pillow is my cute lil' nephew Jackson. He may or may not have all his baby teeth in yet..but he will be ~~Baseball~~ ready when they start falling out!

Of course I followed the original monster tooth pillow instructions and tweaked it to my size and personality! Using an old pair of jeans to create the pocket was a different touch that I loved, and will do again! Don't forget to check out "Funky Tooth Pillow" and Mrs. "Sassy Tooth Pillow" -- easy easy, and make super fun, cute gifts!

What to pack for SNAP {2013}

2013-04-14T18:38:00.001-07:00

SNAP is a Conference for us "crazy" bloggers to get together, learn cool things, meet each other face to face and have fun! I leave this Wednesday for my First ever Blogging Conference..and I am super stoked!

The big question:

Birthday Party Idea: Going to the Movies!

2013-04-09T05:27:00.002-07:00

Me- "Hey Aaron, what would you like to do for your 14th birthday party?"

A- "Just grab some friends and go to a movie"

And that my friends...was all I needed to hear.

#1. Car {Teenagers love sweet wheels}

There was no way in heck I was just going to pick up his friends in a "plain-jane car".. nope!

Ladies and Gents... welcome aboard... The Party Bus:

Hooking you up with ideas for dinner: Chicken Bundles

2013-04-04T07:28:00.000-07:00

Who needs ideas for dinner? I see you all raising your hands... wait no more.. here is a keeper!

Kids love em, I love em, heck the grandmas love em!

Chicken Bundles {brought to you by my super cool mom yet again}

3-4 cups cooked, cubed chicken {about 3-4 chicken breasts}

8oz. cream cheese-softened

4T butter-softened

1/2 t. pepper

2 pkgs. refrigerated crescent rolls

3/4 cup melted butter

1 cup bread crumbs

Mix cream cheese, softened butter and pepper. Add chicken. Place large spoonful of mixture onto center of triangular crescent roll. Fold up corners and pinch together. Dip top into melted butter and bread crumbs.

Bake at 375 degrees

13-15 minutes

Makes 16 bundles

{you can easily half this recipe}

PRINT CHICKEN BUNDLES RECIPE

What did I use to cook my Chicken Bundles on?
My new Birthday present from my parents..and I am in LOVE:

They Slipped Right off! This SILPAT Non-Stick Baking Mat is perfect for cookies as well!

Easy enough right?

If you need more two thumbs up recipes, make sure to check out my other dinner ideas!

Boys Bustin' out the Bissell

2013-04-02T08:02:00.000-07:00

We have been doing some pretty major spring cleaning in the Marrs Home...and let's just say my boys were thrilled when this sweet guy showed up on our doorstep! Ok, maybe thrilled isn't the word...but look at that smile!

I announce to you: The BISSELL Perfect Sweep Turbo!

What's that? Take it out of the box... Allll-Righty Then!

Q&A with Vivacious Venus

2013-04-01T08:50:00.005-07:00

Hi, my name is _____ my name is ______ Vivacious Venus --- Just kidding, trying to be the next rapper. My name is Jen!

So nice to meet you!

I thought I would share a bit of "who I am" seeing how you may not know every nook and cranny ---------

Beer Thirty? GYCO Features!

2013-03-26T08:18:00.004-07:00

We Challenged! You Cooked! And Wow-ed us yet again!

Check out these Amazing mouth watering holy smokers recipes!

Starting with my girl Julie over at White Lights on Wednesday!
{who surprised the crappers outta me today- thank you mama!!}

German Beer Pizza

Welcome Spring Printable Tag

2013-03-21T05:45:00.004-07:00

It's Official: Spring is here!

Welcome Spring with this simple Dollar Store gift idea and free printable tag!

{Surprise!} Green Giant's Secret is bursting...what is it?

2013-03-20T06:20:00.001-07:00

Guess who has a GIANT secret bursting at the seams?
Green Giant! Take a look at these NEW Veggie Chips!

Read more »

Bread Baking: Beer Style

2013-03-19T05:24:00.000-07:00

Secret: I love bread

This round of Get Your Chef on we are cooking it up with Beer. I have always wanted to try beer bread, never have made it. My time was now. I got my bread baking on with some beer bread and threw in some fun chopped olives for giggles!

I found this beer recipe over at food.com and then just added some flavor of my own... Olives.

St. Paddy's Day Lemon Bars

2013-03-16T22:59:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's day!

Last night we were invited to a family St. Paddy's Day party. I thought why not try lemon bars with some green food coloring to make them festive? They turned out great!

Of course I used my lemon bar recipe I posted about last year...still a keeper! Added the green food coloring to the crust and the filling.

Simple, green and cute!

The mother loads of casseroles: Mexican Surprise

2013-03-14T10:19:00.001-07:00

Hello! Sorry to be somewhat MIA...but ladies and gents it is a nice kickin' 88 outside...I have been lounging in the sun sun {you can't blame me right?} I did however manage to get my lazy bootie to take some photos of dinner last night! This recipe is the Mother Loads of all Mexican Casseroles:

Mexican Surprise. yum