My Name Is Snickerdoodle

I "Heart" Randomness

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 15:52:00 +0000

My pregnant hormones are driving me crazy...literally! I'm super weepy, irritable, impatient and then, at the same time, I get the giggles and can't stop. I thought the weird cravings were long gone weeks ago, but I am making deviled eggs for breakfast this morning. Wacky!

It's a great thing I'm blessed with a patient and loving husband because when I'm acting crazy, he'll just come up and give me a hug until the insane feelings pass.

Last week, when I was obviously off my rocker, he so loving kicked me out of the house and told me to go and do something mindless and fun. I have to admit, I sat in the car for about 10 minutes before I even knew what to do with myself. I am so used to just being at home...cleaning, blogging, cleaning, mommying and cleaning. I decided to just drive and see where it took me. I ended up at World Market. It's one store that I don't frequent too often, but I am sure glad I did that day. I took my time looking at everything and bought some very random items.

I'm a sucker for "fun" flavored sodas.

Anything Cadbury is always a plus in my book.

For some reason, I've been on a grape flavor kick lately.
Another one of those weird cravings!

I see some fun monster cupcakes coming up in the future!

I found Owen's Easter basket. And wait for it....I paid $5 on it without a coupon!
They have the best inexpensive baskets there!

I also bought myself an early birthday gift.
It's a cake stand, but I'm going to use it as a fruit stand.
I am in love with it!

I treated my self to lunch and got to talk to some friends on the phone without being interrupted! It was a wonderful few hours to myself and I was reminded that I need to take a break a little more frequently...for the sake of my family!

Fabulous Food Friday #116

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 19:19:00 +0000

I grew up with my mom making Shake n Bake chicken at least once a week. Well, that's how I remember it, but it could have been different. Now days when I make Shake n Bake chicken I always add a packet of dry ranch dressing mix to the "shake" mixture to give it extra flavor. I was wanting a different side dish one night and came up with this recipe. You can't really go wrong with potatoes!

Shakin' Ranch Potatoes
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6 medium Russet baking potatoes
2 TBSP canola oil
1 packet Shake n Bake Chicken Flavor
1 packet Hidden Valley Dry Ranch Mix

Preheat oven to 400°. *Peel and wash potatoes. Cut into bite size cubes. In a large bowl toss together potatoes and oil. Pour in Shake n Bake and ranch mix into the bowl and toss to combine and coat. Lightly spray a cookie sheet with non-stick spray. Spread potatoes out evenly over cookie sheet. Bake for 25-35 minutes or until potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Baby

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0000

I went in this week for a my regular check up, glucose test and another ultrasound. The extra ultrasound is one of (and the only) the perks of being of "mature maternal age". In other words...35 is the new 40 when it comes to pregnant taboo age. I'm not even 35 yet, but I will be by the time the baby comes. My doctor just wanted to take some extra precaution.

I got to hear what every pregnant lady wants to hear when going in for a check up..."You're fabulous and your baby is doing fabulous as well!"
Here's boy #3 and yes...we had the tech double check that he was still a boy!

I was hoping my due date would be pushed up since I feel as big as a house, but we are still due at the end of April. Only 8 more weeks to go!

Recipe Feature

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:00:00 +0000

One of my recipes is featured over at Whatever Dee-Dee Wants today! Make sure to stop by and leave a comment!

Friends+Breakfast=Bliss

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:33:00 +0000

When good friends come into your life, it's your job to never let them go. You might loose contact with them for months (or years) on end, but it's important to try to reach out to them and keep them in your life.

My friends Mandy and Jes are monthly friends...the kind that I might not see for months at a time, but when we get together it's always good times...laugh till you cry times.

Last week I was just feeling lonely. Some of it was hormone related and some of it was just plain loneliness. So when the girls wanted to get together for brunch, I was all for some adult interaction!

These two are THE coolest chicks I know in my life. The kind of girls you want to be in life. I just love them! We spend well over two hours at Mimi's Cafe just catching up, giving unsolicited advice to Jes (we are so excited she is having her first baby!!!) and chatted the morning away.

And while typing all of this, I just realized that I never posted about the hot chocolate party Ian and I threw back in January and had their families over for some food fun!

(photo from Mandy)

Oh, I want some hot chocolate right now!

Fabulous Food Friday #115

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 20:40:00 +0000

I haven't been eating the best foods lately. I've really been craving a lot of ice cream and a lot of sweets. So, the other day when I started craving this salad, I knew I needed to make it right away. I was afraid that wanting something remotely "healthy" would pass quickly. Now, I do realize that this salad is sweet, but hey, let's not overlook the super healthy stuff in it, too!

Poppy Seed Citrus Salad
Serves 6
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Poppy Seed Dressing
1 cup mayonnaise
2 TBSP Mandarin orange juice
3 TBSP white vinegar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 TBSP poppy seeds

Salad
1 pk (9 oz) fresh baby spinach, rinsed
1 head red leaf or romaine lettuce, rinsed and torn into bite size pieces
2 small cans Mandarin oranges segments (in juice) drained, but reserve juice
1 red onion, thinly sliced
**2 Granny Smith apples, cored and thinly sliced into bite size pieces
1 lemon
2 cups water
1 1/2 cup craisins
1 cup sugared almonds

Sugared Almonds
1 cup sliced almonds
2 TBSP granulated sugar

Make dressing ahead of time by whisking together all the ingredients in a medium bowl until sugar is dissolved. Chill for at least one hour before.

In a medium saute pan, combine almonds and sugar. Cook on medium high heat for about 5-7 minutes. Stir constantly to prevent burning. You just want the sugar to melt and the almonds to be slightly toasted. Pour out onto a plate and let cool.

In a large salad bowl, combine all salad ingredients and toss with salad dressing. Serve immediately.

*You can make this salad ahead of time, but just wait until ready to serve until tossing with dressing.

**If you are making this salad ahead of time, you will want to put your sliced apples into a lemon bath. Juice one lemon into a medium bowl and combine with 2 cups of cold water. Once you've sliced your apples, place them into the lemon bath and let them "hang out" for about 5 minutes. Drain all liquid and add the apples to the salad. The acid in the lemon will prevent them from browning.

Celebration

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 18:42:00 +0000

Over the last few weeks, we have had plenty of events to celebrate! February is definitely a busy month for us, but it's one that I completely look forward to every year. (Brace yourselves as I attack you with pictures from my phone using every picture app that I have!)

Our not-so-little Liam turned 5. He is growing up and I can visibly see it every day. He is my sweet, tender, wonderful little helper and gives the best hugs ever! I have been wanting to make him a new blanket (we are a blankie family) for a while now, so I decided to save it for his birthday. He helped me pick out some of the fabric and was so excited to get it. We prepped him for weeks that he was going to give up his baby blankie (because it was practically in shreds) and he was just fine with it. I was the one that was crying!
This is him 4 years ago...

And him now with his new blanket...

We celebrated low key with just family, wonderful food and of course a delicious cake!

I had a wild hair and actually had Ian decorate the cake this year. Well, he drew his classic character of Liam with a toothpick and then I frosted it in. It turned out just how I hoped it would!

Liam got to pick out a bike this year and he was completely excited to finally get to ride it!

He's almost a pro now and I am thinking we will take off the training wheels come summer!

A few days later we celebrated our 12 anniversary, again, pretty low key. It gets more difficult with younger kids and with me being 7 months pregnant. I did purchase a scent from when we were first married and doused the house with it.

They discontinued it for a while, but I am so glad they brought it back. I bought us some fun treats and nibbles from Central Market and we just enjoyed the night together at home.

This last weekend also gave us cause to celebrate something totally unexpected. Ian was awarded employee of the year 2011 for his region (which covers three states)! He was blown away and honored! I especially love that he was recognized for all the hard work that I knew he was doing.

{I love sparkling grape juice!}

February also brings us Valentine's Day. We've never really been ones to go all out because our anniversary is so close. I mean the biggest thing we did was all dress in white and red and treat ourselves to Tutti Frutti! There we a ton of other families there as well so, I guess it was the happenin' non-romantical place to be!

So what I want to know is...

Have you celebrated something special recently?

Happy Valentine's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:36:00 +0000

{Source}

I hope everyone has a lovey dovey day!

Fabulous Food Friday #114

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:42:00 +0000

I've been making a lot of my go to recipes lately. Nothing new which means that after today, I am out of fresh ideas for FFF! YIKES! This recipe I did months ago so I may have to go digging in my picture archives to see if I have any hidden recipe gems that I captured digitally.
And, don't think for one second that recipe was last on the totem pole because it lacked in flavor. No, no, no. I was saving it for more warmer weather because this is not what you consider a wintery treat! So bring on spring and give yourself a reason to make this dessert. I found the original recipe over at Mel's Kitchen Cafe (we all know that woman can cook!) and altered mine a bit to make it my own.

Lime Bars
Makes 18 Bars
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Crust
2 1/2 cups crushed animal crackers (or graham crackers)
3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
Pinch salt
4 tablespoons butter, melted

Filling
4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
2 tbsp grated fresh lime zest (about 2 medium limes)
1 can (14-ounce) sweetened condensed milk
1/8 tsp salt
2 large egg yolks
1 cup fresh lime juice (about 3-4 medium limes)

Preheat the oven to 325°. Spray an 8x11 (or 9x9) pan with cooking spray.

For the crust, mix together animal cracker crumbs, sugar and salt together until well combined. Mix in melted butter and combine with a fork. Sprinkle the mixture into the prepared pan and press the crumbs into an even layer. Bake about 15-18 minutes until lightly golden brown.

While the crust is baking, in a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, lime zest and salt together until combined. Whisk in the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks and lime juice until combined and smooth.

Pour the filling evenly over the crust. Bake the bars until the filling is set and the edges just slightly begin to pull away from the sides of the pan, about 20-25 minutes.

Let the bars cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack for about 2 hours. Once cooled, cover the pan with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled, about 2 hours. *Cut into bars. Chill until ready to serve.

*When cutting bars of any type (brownies, lemon bars, etc.) use a plastic knife to prevent tearing or crumbling.

Just Keep Pinning, Just Keep Pinning!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:34:00 +0000

I promised you a Pinterest tutorial earlier this week and I am having some technical issues. Once I get those figured out (meaning, once Ian isn't completely busy with work/fun projects and can sit down and help me at the computer) I promise that I will share it with you!

Oh, Savannah!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:14:00 +0000

Even though it was two months ago, my trip to Savannah is still on my mind. I had such a great time meeting up with my fellow hosts and filming some videos for RWOP and Kraft. I was a little worried because this was the time that I was really starting to show and I refused to wear any maternity clothes. So, it was that awkward I-just-look-fat stage that every pregnant woman just loathes! I surprisingly didn't take a ton of pictures so this will be short and sweet!

We got to stay at The Mansion on Forsyth Park which was ultra luxurious and fancy!

The morning after we got there, we were on the local morning show.

WOW! 5 am and we all look so glamorous!

(I just love Moni, Paula and Kirsten!)

(This was the only picture I got of my beauties, Audie and Jessica...I miss working with those great girls...they helped change my life!)
We also got to dine at the ever-so-fabulous Libbie Summers' home. Her super husband (who is extremely handsome, but would we expect anything less?) made us the most delicious soup and we chatted the night away. Definitely a highlight of the whole trip! Check her more out here.

The next few days brought more filming (with a wonderful crew), hot lights and wonderful food!
Find my videos here and here!

We even got our very own make-up artist! Jules is the beautiful face behind Dollface by Jules. She is perfection!

During our downtime, we ate and shopped. We missed Moni because she had to leave at the beginning of the trip.

There was a movie being shot while we were there. The studio we were shooting at housed all of the wardrobe for the actors. I was wearing the same shirt that either Andie McDowell or Kim Basinger will wear!

We all had a wonderful time spending time together, learning new things, playing Yatzee until wee hours in the morning and just plan being pampered. I discovered that Savannah is one of my favorite cities. It was bittersweet because we all knew it was our last trip together.

I've worked with some wonderful people over the last 6 months. I never knew that cream cheese could completely change my life! And definitely for the better!

Delicious Lovey Dovey Day

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:52:00 +0000

Valentine's Day is coming up soon and whether you are cooking for your sweetheart, kids or co-workers, I thought you could use some ideas of some yummy treats I've made in the past!

No matter what Chicken Parmesan recipe you use, add a little sass with heart shaped pepperoni!

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Chocolate is always a must so why not three times the chocolate with a Triple Fudge Cake.

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And this Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Pie simply speaks for itself!

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These My Heart Melts For You Cookies has been a featured recipe for a while,
but I can't tell you enough how much of a HIT these were last year!
I just might have been the very first one to use those adorable chocolate peanut butter hearts!

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This year I made some ombre style heart sugar cookies.
They didn't turn out the best (like I would have liked), but you get the idea!
I used Ian's family favorite sugar cookie recipe and this royal icing recipe.

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Corn?

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:48:00 +0000

I've only had few pedicures in my life time...and I've purely enjoyed every single one! I don't find them completely relaxing, though, because I am constantly fighting the urge to not jerk my foot because I am so ticklish!

I can't believe that I am actually talking about feet, but let's face it...we all have some sort of issues when it comes to the most unattractive part of our bodies.

I saw this fun tool years ago, but was too chicken to actually do it myself. It's a (brace yourself for a cringey name) callus/corn shaver. Ick, right? Now, I am not claiming to have calluses OR corns (what in the world?), but I do claim to have crusty feet that I purely blame on genetics. No lotions can cure them.

I bought it at Wal-Mart for less than $3 and it totally works. I've gone through a few of them over the past few months (we won't go into that) and I haven't regretted a single penny!

I haven't seen them in other stores, but it's completely worth quicky jaunting into Wal-Mart, grabbing that one item and ever so quickly checking out!

Fabulous Food Friday #113

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:45:00 +0000

This pregnancy all I've wanted is fruit smoothies. I just love smoothies of all kinds. Ian has been great and has picked me up one at least once a week on his way home from work. I created this recipe last week because he was going to be late and I couldn't wait any longer for my smoothie!

Blueberry Pineapple Smoothie
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Serves 4
1 can Pineapple Orange concentrate
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup frozen blueberries (If using fresh blueberries increase ice to 2 cups total)
1 1/2 cups ice cubes

Spoon concentrate into a blender. Add in milk, blueberries and ice. Blend until completely smooth. Serve immediately.

Interested In Pins

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:10:00 +0000

Okay...the last few ~~weeks~~ days my pregnancy brain has been really working overtime. For those of you unfamiliar with the term "pregnancy brain", it's something that happens to some pregnant women's brains...we become very, very, VERY forgetful. Forgetting words, forgetting that you are holding your car keys all the while frantically looking for them, or forgetting what you ate for breakfast that morning. It's been really bad for me lately. I don't get frustrated by it because I forget why I am frustrated in the first place!

Lately, I have been amazed by how many people have been following me on Pinterest. I was so confused of how they even found me there. I mean, Amy Williams is a pretty common name. I just chalked it up to some quirk with Pinterest, like someone just liked a pin of mine then it automatically had them follow me.

I've been thinking about some changes that I want to make to my blog and I've been wanting Ian to create a Pinterest button for me. People...it wasn't until MINUTES AGO that I realized I already had Pinterest button and THAT'S how everyone has found me! I completely forgot that Ian already created me one, to my specifications, months ago!

If you are wondering...I have not forgotten to feed my kids every day and yes, I am completely dressed currently!

I've been thinking about this fab site lately (did you know there are knock off versions?) and how much I've been inspired by it. I am pretty picky about what I pin so I don't have a million, but just enough to keep my going.

This brings me to the point of this whole post (took me long enough, right?). I would love to start following all of you! Leave me a comment with your Pinterest account link so I can add to my inspiration! You know where to find me (apparently better than I do!)

Come back early next week for a fun Pinterest tutorial! 

Zzzzz....

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:43:00 +0000

Dear Bed,

I don't mean to criticize, but you haven't been good to me lately. Here I am, up way too late, because I feel like you are not comfortable enough to fall asleep on.

Let's just ignore the fact that for the past two weeks I sneak in two minor naps on the couch during the day time. That is superfluous. I don't think that has anything to do with my restlessness at nighttime.

Let's also forget that I am down 50% with my choices of sleeping positions...right side or left side...Ugg!

I don't mean to be picky or judgmental, but why can't you be more like this bed?

(Original source)

So inviting. So fresh. So fluffy. So relaxing. So breezy easy.

Yet, ,now that I think about it, how in the world is a pregnant girl supposed to get down from that bed at least 3 times a night to go use the bathroom?

Good thing I believe in second chances.

Regretfully yours,
An Uncomfortable (and tired) 28 Week Pregnant Lady

Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:03:00 +0000

Inspiration comes in all forms and ways. Now, when it comes to doing something crafty, I always think of my best ideas while I am laying in bed about to fall asleep. Or when it comes to something of real importance, like enriching someone else's life with selfless service, a thoughtful note or even just an "out of the blue" hug, that inspiration comes to me in a flash while I am doing some simple task during the day. However it comes, I am one to try to NOT ignore inspiration because I believe that true inspiration comes from God.

My friend/family (more family than friend), Rachel, was inspired to start a blog featuring her family and adoption. I know that there are probably thousands out there with a similar purpose so, that's why I am featuring her blog here. With all of you, my fabulous readers, there is bound to be someone or someone who knows someone, who is need of a family for their unborn child.

I've known Rachel for more than 15 years and she has always been someone I've looked up to. I truly could go on and on about how kind, generous and loving she is, but I want you to read for yourself more about her family at Our Circle Isn't Complete and hopefully you will be inspired.

Watch Me In Action!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:03:00 +0000

In honor of Fabulous Food Friday...a cooking video!
This is still crazy to watch!
I can't believe what I've been able to do over the last 6 months!
I truly enjoyed filming this video (another one to come soon)
and it's just might be a hint of what's to come
to my site later this year!

To watch some other videos with my favorite girls watch...
Shrimp and Broccoli Fettucini
Cream Chicken Pesto &Bowtie Pasta
Baked Penne

Fabulous Food Friday #112

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:51:00 +0000

I don't think I need a story to go along with this recipe...I'm pretty sure it speaks for itself! I came up with it on the spot and it turned out FABULOUS! I do have to say that it was my dad who inspired me to make the French toast, but I went a little overboard by adding all of the extras! *Make your banana bread ahead of time and allow it to cool completely. (And the recipe with the longest name goes too...)

Banana Bread French Toast
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Banana Bread Loaf (see my recipe below or use your favorite recipe)
3 Eggs
3/4 cup milk
1/2 tsp cinnamon
butter
*Philadelphia Indulgence Dark Chocolate (a chocolate cream cheese spread) or chocolate chips
Caramel Sauce (I used Mrs. Richardson's)
Powdered Sugar for sprinkling

Preheat a skillet over medium heat. In a shallow dish whisk together eggs, milk and cinnamon. Slice your banana bread loaf into 1 1/2-2 inch slices (about 8 slices total). Place about 1 tsp butter in skillet and melt. Dip one slice at a time into egg mixture and place onto hot skillet. Cook a few at a time with about 2-3 minutes on each side. Repeat until all slices are cooked.
Place one toast onto a plate and spread a thin layer of Chocolate Indulgence on top. Place another toast over that, sprinkle with powdered sugar and top with warm caramel sauce. Serve hot!

Breakfast or dessert...you decide!

*See more about Philadelphia Indulgence here.

Banana Bread
Printable Version
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup mashed bananas (about two medium bananas)

Sift flour, soda, and salt together in a bowl and set aside. In a large bowl cream together margarine and sugar. Stir in vanilla and beat in eggs. Add flour mixture and sour cream alternately. Mix well. Stir in bananas until well combined. Pour batter into a lightly sprayed loaf pan. Bake at 350° for 40-50 minutes or until center is set and cooked through. Cool completely.

Looking Forward

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:03:00 +0000

Today I'm looking forward to...
*Getting my room cleaned out. Most of my scrapbook stuff is in there and it's time to purge.
*Making a chocolate cream pie, just because.
*Creating a chore chart for Liam. He's even looking forward to it.
*Playing with my brand new iPhone 4S phone that Ian bought for me! It's the fanciest phone and I love it!

In the Springtime I'm looking forward to...
*Our little boy to arrive! I had my dr. appointment yesterday and everything is looking great! I'm starting to get to the uncomfortable stage so, labor and delivery day can't come fast enough.
*Spring also brings my birthday and I'm always excited to celebrate that day!

In the Future I'm looking forward to...
*Liam going to school in the fall...actually I have mixed feelings about this one and find myself tearing up at the thought, but I am very excited that he will get daily adventures at school.
*They are turning my favorite book into a movie! Austenland is due out later this year and I am super excited! I said from the beginning that it would make a fabulous movie!
*This is actually going to be quite the year for us, but most of it is still in the works so I'll keep it to myself for now. 2012 is definitely going to be a great growing year for us for sure!

{What things are you looking forward to?}

My Heart Strings (How To)

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:23:00 +0000

Today I put up some of my Valentine's decorations that I almost forgot about. I got a huge smile on my face when I pulled out the bag of felt hearts that I sewed a few years ago and then added some fun felt conversational hearts to the year after. I've got them in a fun clear candy jar.

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I also got a little sentimental when I pulled out this felt heart wreath. I'm sure each and every one of you have this hanging in your home. It was the first project that I did where I found the idea off a blog.

As for these "heart strings" I actually made these last year, but I was so busy with a new born and all the sickness that was going around, I never got around to taking a picture.

They're back up this year and I just love them. It cost me $0.00 to make because I used random scrap paper I had on hand! You can make them to the length you need them or sew them horizontally and make a banner of sorts. Whatever you come up, I hope you love and enjoy them for years to come!

Heart Strings How To
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Supplies...
Double Sided Patterned Paper, News Paper, Vellum...whatever you have on hand
Scissors
Heart Punch (Optional)
Thread (I used white because I always have it on hand)
Sewing Machine

1. Cut or punch hearts out of paper. I hand cut all of my hearts (because I don't have a heart punch and I wanted each of my hearts to be unique in size and look). If you aren't a wacky person like me feel free to punch or die cut hearts. I have five strings total with about 14-17 hearts on each.

2. Thread your sewing machine and set it to a long straight stitch with medium tension.

3. Holding on to both thread, start running your stitch while lightly pulling it out, starting your "string".

4. Without lifting the foot, place one heart down and stitch down the middle.

5. Run the stitch about 1 1/2 inches and then stitch in another heart. And so on. Once you get going you'll find your rhythm.

I've just pinned them to my ceiling using clear pushpins.

Fabulous Food Friday #111

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:20:00 +0000

I don't even know how to express what joy and glee I've felt from this one recipe. Not because it's so delicious (because it truly is), but from the response I've gotten from posting it last year.

It's my Sweet Chicky Nugget recipe! Pinterest and Pinterest users like me (who are highly addicted and loving every minute of it) have brought this recipe to life with a click of a button.

So yes, today I am reposting this infamous recipe, but I'm going to answer a lot of the questions that I've gotten in comments and emails about it.

*Can I bake these instead of fry them?
I've never baked them myself, but a few of my readers have and were not happy with the results. If you have baked them and liked how they turned out, I would love it if you would share with us what you did. I know that frying them is not so healthy, but the trick with frying is getting your oil to the right temperature. You don't want it too high or else you will burn the outside leaving the inside uncooked. And if your oil is too low in heat, all your chicken will do is soak up that oil leaving you with a greasy mess. As for all the splattering some of you are concerned with...make sure your pot is deep enough to hold about 2 inches of oil plus plenty of room at the top where it's not bubbling over. Plus wearing a cute apron seams to help not getting it on your clothes!

*Can I substitute some of the ingredients for a more healthy or gluten free version?
Again, I've never done this, BUT many of my readers have tried this and have had great results. Some substitutions might be egg beaters, almond milk or Silk, gluten free flour, wheat flour, Stevia. This being said, it will alter the taste from the original recipe and might not taste similar to the "Not Cow Place".

*Pickle juice, pickle juice, pickle juice?!?!
So many of you have commented that you've heard the nuggets are marinated in pickle juice. Well, I consulted one of my best friends, Julie, about this mystery. When she and her husband were first married, they traveled around to multiple Chick-fil-as to bring up their sales, help out with management and get the store up and running to Chick-fil-a standards again. Here's the scoop...the nuggets are NOT marinated in pickle juice. BUT, the strips are marinated in dill pickle juice. And not for long 20-30 minutes. She also informed me that the chicken for the nuggets that is delivered to the store is already seasoned. They just dip the nuggets into an egg/milk wash then into their dry mixture (which is also pre-mixed and shipped). So, they do not marinate their chicken the egg/milk mixture. I like to do it because I feel it makes them completely tender.

*Is the peanut oil really important?
I know that peanut oil is really expensive. I've bought a little bottle of it purely for this recipe and it was definitely worth it. HOWEVER...these nuggets are just as good fried in canola or vegetable oil. One reader tried using coconut oil and said they didn't get brown at all. The reason for canola or vegetable oils is they have a higher burn factor hence getting food light to golden brown.

I just wanted to thank you for the hundreds of thousands hits (literally) to my blog now. Cooking is one of my passions as well as crafting so, I am so excited where I'm taking my site to this year! I hope you enjoy it, too!

Sweet Chicky Nuggets
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2 skinless and boneless chicken breasts
1 cup milk
1 egg
1 1/4 cups flour
2 TBSP powdered sugar
2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
peanut oil (is best) or canola oil

In a medium bowl whisk the egg and stir in the milk. Trim any fat away from chicken. Cube chicken into bite size pieces. Place chicken in milk mixture,and cover. Let it 'marinate' for 2-4 hours in the fridge. This will make the chicken very nice and tender. In a gallon size resealable baggie combine flour, powdered sugar, salt and pepper. Seal and shake to combine. Place about 2 inches of oil in a medium deep pot. Over medium high heat (more towards the high side) heat oil until hot. If using a thermometer let the temperature reach 375°. If you don't have a fancy gadget like most people, I always test my oil by dropping a few drops of water into it. You want it to sizzle and not pop too much. Adjust your heat if necessary. Using a fork or tongs remove cut chicken from milk mixture and place in the flour mixture. Seal and shake until nuggets are completely coated. Place about a 6-8 nuggets into hot oil and let them cook until golden brown, turning half way through once the edge of your chicken starts to turn white. About 1 minute each side. Always double check to see if any chicken you make is cooked through. I always just make a tiny cut to see if it's pink. Remove and drain on a paper towel. Repeat until all nuggets are cooked. Serve with your favorite sauce! I will let you in on a secret that only my bestest friends know...I ALWAYS eat my nuggets with honey! Always.

Ketchup

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:48:00 +0000

I was going through our pictures and found some that we took on our impromptu visit to Utah. I am very happy to report that mom is finally home after almost 3 months of being in the hospital and rehab center. She is still recovering, but feeling SO much better!
These pictures remind me of the love that I felt from all of my family and friends that supported us in out time of need. Being an only child definitely has it's perks, but this was one time that I wished I had siblings to have shared the feelings I felt that I couldn't do anything for my mom. Now I know why Heavenly Father put the special people in my life that he did!

I flew out with Owen and then two days later Ian drove straight from Texas with Liam. He said Liam was a complete trooper and they enjoyed the time together.

Saturday, Utah got some snow and Liam got new boots, hat and gloves to celebrate! Owen was not interested!

We didn't take many pictures so I was surprised to see that Ian took this shot of the waiting room. It was our home away from home. My aunts (my mom's sisters) and my grandmother were always there to take care of my mom. They also gave the best help with our kids...as well as some of my wonderful friends. Food and entertainment was always provided!

And speaking of friends, we did get to spend a little time with some of them! I love the gang. My friend, Julie, was also a great support to me and I'm sad I didn't get a picture with her!

We ended up staying long enough that we were there for Thanksgiving. Because of the circumstances, it didn't really feel like a holiday to me, but I sure enjoyed the delicious food and company!

It's a tradition in my family to capture a picture of your children in front of the LDS temple you are married in. We needed some new pictures since Owen joined our family.

We left Utah 11 days later still not sure what was all going on with my mom. I had just prayed and hoped that it would all turn out positive...and it has! One great thing that did come from the whole thing is that I feel that much closer to my dad. He held on as best as he could with his spouse in such medical turmoil. I admire him for that.

I have such wonderful family and miss them all so much. Most everyone came to see my mom, take care of her, and just pour out their love for my family. I truly don't know what I would do without the love from my family and friends. I love them!

Lovely Winners!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:14:00 +0000

I want to appologize for announcing the winners for the the adorable Adhering Words pillow slipcovers giveaway a day late. Our family has been battling the flu twice now and yesterday I was trying to get Liam's fever of 103 down all day yesterday. I hope all of your families are doing better than ours in the sick department!

So, here are the THREE winners...I ordered some for myself so I know you are as excited to get them as much as I am!

The winner for the LOVE pillow slipcover is...
Kacey @ Cooking With Kacey

The winner for the 14 pillow slipcover is...
Karla

And the winner for BOTH pillow slipcovers is...
Emily

Please email me with your mailing addresses and they will be shipped off to you shortly!
Congratulations to all three of you and thank you to everyone who entered!

Giveaway Reminder!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:29:00 +0000

Don't forget about this fabulous giveaway that's closing today!
Your couches will thank you later!