I can’t believe a entire year has gone by.  Where does the time go.

One minute I’m in labor, the next our little peanut is born weighing 5lb 4 oz…

Now he is a sweet little man weighing 21lb! 

So Bittersweet!

The Superbowl is right around the corner.  What does that mean?  It’s time to eat wings, pizza, and a whole lot of appetizers.  I like to eat all that great food but I’m not a fan of all the fat that goes along with them.  Here is a great healthier alternative to buffalo wings for your Superbowl party.

I have learn many things through trial and error or heck just by
simply living my life. Something may happen and I say
“Make a Mental Note…Remember that for next time.”

I am a big fan of Crayola.  I have purchased many of their products.  When I first saw their Color Wonder line I was thrilled.  What mother wouldn’t be?  To be able to let your children color with markers that will only work on specific paper.  No more worrying about the walls and furniture!  Simply FABULOUS!  So what do you think I did when I saw the had mess free finger paint?  Yes indeed, I went right out and bought it.  The boys LOVE finger paint.  Once again, it only works on specific paper.  BONUS!

Well that was until my most recent experience.  Jake and one of his friends were a my kitchen table playing with the Color Wonder Finger paints.  I always have them use something underneath just to be safe.    Unfortunately it wasn’t enough.  After they were finished I picked everything up and wiped down the table.  I went about my day as usual.  The next day while I was cleaning off the table I noticed a shade of faded lime green smudges.  What could that be?  They I realized it was where the kids were playing with the finger paint.  The finger paints are a similar consistency to clear pomade.  I must not have completely wiped it all up.  Aren’t they suppose to be mess free, worry free?  Not so much!  My “NEW” kitchen table was ruined in my opinion.  Thankfully it’s a dark mahogany color so others can’t notice as much as I can.

I am very disappointed in this product.  I feel that Crayola is misleading in the information they provide related to their Color Wonder Mess Free line.  I will say after looking over the whole Crayola packaging, I did find a small area on the back that cautions you in fine print.  It is by no means in your face, please be cautious.  But it’s there and that means their butt is covered.  I do still like the Crayola brand but I will NEVER purchase another Color Wonder product.

My advice to you if plan to use the Color Wonder product line…Be very, very cautious!

• 2 tsp. olive oil
• 1 lb. ground turkey breast
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, minced
• 8-oz. can tomato sauce
• 28-oz. can crushed tomatoes
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp basil or 1 tbsp fresh
  1 tsp oregano or 1 tbsp fresh
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 15 ounces low-fat ricotta or low-fat cottage cheese
• 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 pounds fresh spinach, washed, but not dried (optional)
• 16 oz -20 oz shredded low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese
• one package no-boil lasagna noodles (can substitute with  whole wheat)

1. Warm oil in  large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Add ground turkey and cook for about 10 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and season with salt and pepper; let simmer until thickened, about 20 minutes. Stir in basil and parsley; set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, and egg; season with salt and pepper and set aside.
3. Place damp spinach in a large skillet over medium heat; cook until wilted. Remove from heat and drain if needed.  Add spinach to ricotta mixture.
4. Place 1/4 of the turkey mixture into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish; spread to cover. Add a pasta sheet, 1/4 of the mozzarella, 1/3 of the ricotta/spinach mixture, and another 1/4 of the turkey mixture. Repeat process two more times; top with remaining sheet of pasta. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan over top. Line a piece of aluminum foil with parchment paper; spray parchment with nonstick cooking spray. Cover lasagna with prepared aluminum foil, parchment-side down, and transfer to oven. Bake for 20 minutes, add 1/4-1/2cup of mozzarella to top.  Bake uncovered for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted/bubbly.
5. Let stand about 5-10  minutes before cutting; serve.

* This recipe is a combination of a family-friendly lasagna recipe from White House executive chef Cristeta Comerford (found on Martha Stewart)  and a blog called Food & Whine (picture also).  It is so FANTASTIC!  No one will know its a healthier version.

As always ENJOY!!!

I have tried many different beauty products brands from drug store brands to high quality department store brands.  I myself prefer the more expensive department store brands.  You aren’t just paying for the name, the quality of the products are better.  I don’t just use all the products in a specific brand, I have a mix depending on what I think works best for me.  It’s really all about trial and error.

I have sensitive and combination skin.  I use to regularly use Clinique products.  I never had any issues with their products and they worked well.  But…my mother has been a HUGE fan of Lancome for years.  Mothers can be pretty convincing ya know.  I ran out of a few products and while she was staying at my house she let me try hers.  I have to say first I simply LOVE to get the free trial packages.  They allow you to try things without having to spend the money without knowing if the product is right for you.  Thanks to my mom, she actually gave me several of the trial sizes.  Lancome’s products do have a mild fragrance but surprisingly they don’t affect my skin in any way.    I fell in LOVE with Lancome instantly. 

One of my favorite products is their…

Bright Expert

  What is Bright Expert?

A serum used to correct dark spots and brighten your complexion.

What is it formulated to do exactly?

Virtually erase dark spots to reveal an evenly radiant complexion in as little as four weeks. (Although the results are typically based upon 12 weeks.)

Does it really work?

Well, it depends on what your expectations are.  I think many times people’s expectations and hopes for a product are too high.  They are looking for  a miracle serum that is far cheaper than a clinical treatment.  The reality is you get what you pay for.  The results are not clinical.    No product is going to completely erase damage.  But with that said Lancome’s Bright Expert does lighten dark spots and absolutely gives your complexion a boost.

When I initally tried it I thought I noticed a difference.   My mild dark spots from occasional pimples did appear lighter.  But it wasn’t a drastic, “OH MY GOODNESS, my skin if flawless without any makeup!” kind of difference.  It wasn’t until I went back to just using my moisturizer did I realize that the difference in the radiance factor of my skin was more than I had thought.  When I use the Bright Expert under my moisturizer,  my skin definitely has a more radiant glow to it.  (F more so than with using any other product I have tired.)  Overall I am very happy with the results and will be purchasing it very soon.  I have been using the trial size for several months and it’s almost gone.

I know the overall price seems a bit high but you only use a little bit daily.  The small tube really does go a long way.

So if you are looking for a product to help improve your dull looking skin and boost your overall complexion, Bright Expert is for you.  If you are looking for clinical results that will  truly erase your dark spots and give you a flawless complexion, then it’s not.  You are probably better off sucking it up and paying the price for a clinical treatment.

Being a mom to ALL BOYS, I’m know this will NOT be the last time I have to deal with the crazy insane life that boys can sometimes bring.   But, SERIOUSLY!

How did this happen?  Well, I never pay attention to my kids.  I lock them in the basement and let them figure it all for themselves.  The result:  someone always seems to be crying or getting hurt.  Put me in handcuffs and send me away.

We have a finished basement and it’s pretty much a large playroom.  Most of the boys toys and games are down there.  The two teenagers that come over to play/help with the boys sometimes were down there with all four of them.  I was in the kitchen getting dinner ready when I heard my oldest crying.  I have to admit my first thought was…What the heck happened now?!  I love him dearly but he is a little accident prone.  He trips over his own two feet.  But unfortunately it was much more serious than I was anticipating.

Are you familiar with the bouncy balls with a handle that kids can sit on and bouncy around.  Well I was told that Parker and Jake decided to take our very deflated ones down part of the basement stairs.  WHAT!?  Do you know how many times we have told the boys NOT to play on the stairs.  Thankfully they made it down perfectly fine.  Well CJ isn’t typically our dare devil.  I have NO clue what he was thinking.  He decided he would try to ride my exercise ball down the staircase.  Initially I thought he fell down a few steps and got pretty bad rug burn. But it wasn’t until the next day that they tell me the real story.  He took the exercise ball to the very top step and sat on it to try and ride it down.  As Parker describes it, “Mommy he flew like a bird in the air, missed every single step, and landed face first into the bottom of the stairs.”

I could NOT believe it.  The next day is nose was swollen and he was complaining of a bad headache.  Now I was terribly concerned he may have a mild concussion.  Off we went to the doctors.  Thank goodness he was perfectly fine.  Well, except he had  STREP THROAT.  Apparently, a bad headache or throwing up can also be the first sign of strep throat.  The dr also said his tongue looked like the texture of a strawberry, which is also a signal it may be strep.  He had no fever and his throat didn’t hurt at all.  Crazy huh!

Just another day in the life of a mama with all boys!

I LOVE cinnamon rolls but I don’t love how many calories and fat they tend to have with each bit.  I have searched and searched for a good homemade recipe. After playing around with a few different recipe I finally put this one together.  They are husband and children approved!  They are so delicious you won’t even realize they are a healthier version.  

 Dough:

1 cup of skim milk (warm) Plus 1 tbsp white vinegar (similiar to buttermilk)

3 tablespoons butter (melted)

1/3 cup sugar, (divided)

1 package of yeast (can use regular or Quick rise)

4 cups of bread flour (can substitute with 2 3/4 cups regular bread flour and 1 1/4 cups Whole Wheat ) 

1 large egg, (lightly beaten)

1/2 tsp salt

Filling:

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon

3 tbsp melted butter (can substitute whipped butter)

Icing:

3 tablespoons  butter softened (can use whipped butter)

2 tablespoons half & half

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup powdered sugar

Directions:

To begin put 1 tbsp vinegar into milk in large bowl and set aside for 5 minutes.  Add 3 tbsp melted butter, 1 tbsp of sugar, and yeast package, mix and let stand for 5 minutes.  Add egg and remaining granulated sugar to bowl.  Stir in  1 cup flour and let stand 10 minutes.  Add  2 1/2 cups of flour and salt to milk mixture, stir until a soft dough forms.  (The dough will be sticky)

**TIP: When measuring flour use a spoon to add flour to measuring cup.  Once filled use a knife to level off.  Do not pack flour.

Place dough onto a lightly floured surface.  Begin to knead until smooth (approx. 6 minutes)  While kneading dough add remaining flour 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent dough from sticking to your hands. Next, coat a large bowl with cooking spray and place dough inside.  Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°) for 35 minutes or until doubled in size. (Gently press two fingers into dough. If indentation remains, dough has risen enough.) Punch dough down; cover and let rest 5 minutes.

Combine brown sugar and cinnamon. Place dough onto a lightly floured surface; roll dough into an 18 x 11–inch rectangle. Brush remaining 3 tablespoons melted butter over dough; sprinkle evenly with brown sugar mixture. Beginning at one long side, roll up dough tightly; pinch seam to seal (be sure NOT to seal ends of roll). Cut dough into 18 (1-inch) slices. Arrange 9 slices, cut sides up, in each of 2 (8-inch) square baking dishes coated with cooking spray. Cover and let rise 35 minutes or until doubled in size.  Preheat oven to 350°.

Uncover rolls. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool rolls for 10 minutes in dishes on a wire rack.

6. To prepare icing, combine 3 tablespoons softened butter and half & half.   Stir in vanilla. Gradually add powdered sugar; stir until blended. Spread icing over rolls; serve warm.

(If you want an even lower fat version for the icing…omit the butter.  You can also use milk instead of half & half.  Icing will be a lot thinner without the butter.)

I have used whipped butter in my recipe verses plain butter.  They still come out fabulous.

You can purchase whipped butter at your local grocery or you can make it yourself.  For more information check out Whipped Butter…Healthy Recipe Makeover

As Always, ENJOY!

It’s been a crazy few weeks. Christmas, New Year’s, and whole lot of blog issues. My whole NEW and improved design took a even bigger change than I had planned. My blog was no where to be found in cyberspace for a few days. OMG! I have been working very hard to get things in working order. So please bare with me here. I have officially made the switch to (self-hosted) WordPress all by myself. WOOHOO! It was a bit stressful though. I really do like WordPress better but there is quite a large learning curve that goes along with it. Now I know why people pay to have the professionals do it for them! Unfortunately I had no time to be put on a waiting list.

My new design/logo should be done in about one week. FINGERS CROSSED! I am ready for a little normalcy and a whole lot of calm. I hope everyone had a fantastic New Year’s! Cheers to a New Year, a whole new look, and a new plan for blogging this year.