The Greene Life....

New Year, New Goals

2013-01-02T00:15:00.005-05:00

Happy New Year! Welcome 2013!

Although 2012 was not a terrible year, we hope 2013 is a wonderful year for our family.

Goals for the year (this will be continually updated):

Baby G:

Potty training
Work on word reciting
Early reading goals
Ditch the bottles

Greenette:

Grad School classes
Grad School research project
New employer school by Summer
Better gym workouts & routine
Leisure Reading List
Continue to promote & expand Greenemade
Family & Love goals

Job Search & Possible new changes

2012-04-19T17:32:00.000-04:00

So this past Tuesday, Husby had another interview. Because it was my day off and I had errands I wanted to run in the area for my bows and it is almost 2 hours away from our house, B and I tagged along. This is an oil & gas company, so market is good for them, they are continuing to grow and will be building an R & D plant soon and are looking to replace someone who left them to become an astronaut (I'm not kidding). We drove up, stopped for lunch at Panera and then dropped Husby to his interview. B and I went on a whirlwind shopping adventure within a 2 mile square of shopping centers. I was able to score some good sales and deals, so all in all it was a good shopping trip...B was a bit of a handful (especially since I am still not supposed to be lifting him...yea good luck on that 1 while I am by myself with him).

It seemed the interview went well and after picking Husby up, we stopped at the mall to let B burn off some steam and grab a drink before the drive home. Fast forward to this morning and Husby gets an email from the company HR person asking when he could be available to meet with 1 other Senior Engineer (meanwhile he has met with like 4-5 other engineers/managers/etc. of this company) since this Engineer always interviews potential new engineers....I take this as a good sign...so now we wait to schedule this interview (this guy travels A LOT...and is currently traveling). Fingers continue to be crossed he makes it through this interview as glowing as he has already been and they offer him a job in the next week or so.

Now this is all fantastic, but remember in the beginning I said this company is located 2 hours away, this leads to a huge predictament....

To move or not to move...that is the question?

Husby & I started discussing the possibilities on the drive home...and I think we came to the conclusion we would move up north closer to the company, but not until I finished my teaching commitments for the Summer (at least Summer 1)...that way we have time to find a place, fix-up/sell/rent our current home and I don't leave my job abruptly....

We also decided (well, sortof) that we would look for a fixer-upper; either a newer house that just needs some updating/TLC or an older house that would be a "project" house....and knowing me, I already started looking and found 3 in the first category and 1 in the second category...oh and I love them all...

But then the other shoe drops, if we were to move (and if Husby's new salary would cover mine), I would probably not work until I finished grad school(again!) and focus on school & the side business and of course raising B and "holding down the fort". B will also probably get signed up for part-time EarlyVPK or some other educational program for part of the day during the week to allow me time for schoolwork/craft work...

Like I said, A LOT to think about....now we wait to see how things play out....please say an extra prayer and keep your fingers (and toes!) crossed from Husby & I as we wait and see our new adventure...

Easter 2012

2012-04-08T01:51:00.000-04:00

Now that B is more aware of things, this week leading up to Easter has been a lot of fun. Last weekend, we took B to the local shopping area to see their Easter Bunny. Due to the fact that he is currently cutting 8 teeth (including 2 molars) and had an ear infection, he was less than impressed but we finally got a good one.

Last night, we dyed Easter eggs...

...to which all had fun. We did a dozen eggs various ways in 3 simple, safe dyes..

Today, we had a whirlwind adventure of a day. We headed to Orlando to do some errands and see the Easter Bunny.

Our first stop was Joann's so Husby & I could each stock-up on some supplies that are hard to find near us. We struck out on some, but scored on others....we also walked away with a savings total of $41 having spent $50....

Then, we went to Bass Pro Shop so B could take his picture with the Easter Bunny, and I could look for more boxes (I use fishing tackle organization boxes for the storage of ribbon, embellishments & other items for Greenemade. After getting his picture taken and playing the egg hunt...we headed to lunch at BJ's brewhouse and then to IKEA.

Hours later, we left there with a new set of drapes for the back slider, a cushion for my craft chair, B picked up 3 pillows for himself and we picked up a bunch of storage stuff (zippable top bins for storing fabric and ribbons, etc., new shelving for craft nook and hopefully a new wire hanging system to organize and visualize my ribbon and an organizing container for all the bags)....B also got a new mini stuffed to tease the pups with and a set of art smocks.

As if the day was not successful enough, we then hit the outlets (I need new dress work shoes) and instead of finding shoes, I hit the VS outlet and found some new cute PINK undies, a Gators Tshirt & yoga shorts!

Finally we headed for home where Husby & I set up for tomorrow's Easter festivities...

B's Loot

Crayola overload of Mini Markers, Color me a song tablet, 1 pack of drawing paper

Let's Rock Guitar

Small sand pail with some yogurt melts, Cookie Monster

stuffed animal & his artist smocks

*note the camo Easter egg*

Crayola Markers, a new toothbrush & toothpaste to go with the Peeps,

CARS Tshirt

*note the football Easter egg*

Daddy filling the eggs for tomorrow's hunt

The Hunt Eggs

Baby Book Ideas

2012-04-04T22:53:00.000-04:00

I am starting to pull some pictures of B from the past year and a half
to work on a digital book....ideas below

The cleaning and scrubbing

will wait till tomorrow,

for children grow up,

as I’ve learned to my sorrow.

So quiet down, cobwebs.

Dust, go to sleep.

I’m rocking my baby and babies don’t keep.

Presentation
Title Page, "The Arrival"
Table of Contents
This is a Record of the Life of:
"The Stork Came Stalking" by Eugene Field
Announcement
Shower Invitations and Birth Announcements
Letters and Telegrams
Footprints and Handprints
Baby's Weight
Baby's Presents
Baby's First Photographs
"Star Song" by Robert Herrick
Baby's First Outing
"The Bottle Tree" by Eugene Field
Baby's First Doll
Baby's Bath
Baby's Name
Photographs
First Short Clothes
"Googly-Goo" by Eugene Field
Baby's First Tooth
"Love" by Lewis Carroll
First Words
Locks of Our Baby's Hair
First Shoes
Photographs
Baby's Height
First Creeping
First Dinner
"A Charge" by Eugene Field
First Steps
First Holiday
First New Year
First Playmates
"Garden and Cradle" by Eugene Field
First Journey
First Book
Photographs
First Lesson
A Record of Birthdays
First Ride
First Letter
Baby's Writing at various ages
Signature at various ages
Notes

Baby's first photo
First glimpse (for sonogram, adoption or belly photo)
First thoughts
A letter to you
Your parents
Your family tree
Baby Shower
Page for copy of birth certificate or birth announcement
The day you were born
Who visited you
Keepsakes envelope
Impressions - handprints & footprints
Headlines
First home
Getting you home
A celebration for you
Early firsts
Mealtime
Playtime
Bathtime
Bedtime
Holidays and special days
Growing up
Health
First birthday
More firsts
Getting to know you
First time on a plane, train, bicycle, etc.
Your first vacation
Years ahead
Preschool
Kindergarten
School notes
Notes pages
Blank pages for pictures, etc.

In most standard baby books they ask you questions about the pregnancy like:
Due Date
First time you felt baby kick
How you felt seeing them in the ultrasound the first time
How you felt hearing the heart beat for the first time
What you craved

Baby Shower:
Date and time
Who gave it
Guests
Gifts
(copy of invite)

The Delivery:
What Time and How you went into labour
Who was there
How long did it last

The Birth:
Date
Time
Weight of Baby
Length of Baby
Full Name
eye color
Hair or No Hair and what color
(Copy of birth certificate)
(Footprints)
(Hospital Picture)

In the Hospital:
First Visitors
Gifts Recieved
Shots and Tests given

First Week Home:

Ceremonies:
(like dedication at church or an infant babtisim)

Milestones of the first year:
first laugh
first smile
slept through the night
first rice cereal
first tooth
first babysitter
first word
first time sitting up
rolled over
(and on an on)

First Birthday:
(picture)
Party Date
Time
(invite)
Guests
Gifts
Special things you did
Theme

Major 2010 events

So I want to add a page in my LO's scrapbook about major events that happened in the world in the year he was born.
The list so far:
* Haiti Earthquake
* BP oil spill
* Winter Olympics
* Chinese earthquake & subsequent tsunami
* US Healthcare reform
* US advances in World Cup
* iPad
* iPhone 4

* Comprehensive List by Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010

Target Beauty Bag (Free)

2012-04-03T17:55:00.000-04:00

In connection with Spring Break, Target is giving away free minibags full of beauty supplies (most likely, sample sizes--but hey free is free). Go to their Facebook page. Make sure you like the page and then fill in the necessary info. and away it goes.

My confirmation: d4866c41-376e-496f-816f-0ffca0ef094e

Prayers of Clarity

2012-04-02T13:02:00.000-04:00

So I really have become terrible at updating this blog given how busy we have been lately.

A LOT has gone on that I am not sure where to begin.

Husby has been job searching off and on since Thanksgiving after being let go from his previous employer. In some sense it was a blessing in disguise since it corrected a lot of his medical issues (obviously all stess-related) and allowed him time to focus on his grad work and spending time (making memories) with the little guy. From a financial standpoint, things have been fine and continue to be fine. I was given a slight raise (or finally paid for everything I do...and paid higher than normal), and Husby was given a severance. We were finally able to find insurance for the little guy in case of emergency and by not working, we have saved on daycare and fuel costs. Mentally, it has been draining for Husby to be out of work (neither of us have not not worked since high school....and we both do not have the personality to flake around).

He has been applying to all sorts of job, but nothing is seeming to pan out. I think some of these "job postings" are nothing but fluff to make some of these companies look better or even receive some government funding. Two weeks ago he took a phone interview with a popular boat manufacturing company here in FL. For those that do not know, Husby did an internship with a sister company of this manufacturing company, so it is really right up his alley. This past Friday, he had an in-person interview that lasted 5 hours! He talked to everyone there; met the rest of the engineering team and interviewed with the Engineering manager and HR and all the engineers (they are big on teamwork and good team environment). Then the manager took him to lunch before he came home. He was told they had to interview 1 other candidate before they would have a final decision. It seems positive, so fingers crossed he gets it.

Recently, we have discussed looking elsewhere for jobs (out of FL). I am getting burnt out in my job (the politics in this state in relation to education are very poor) and we have lived here now 10 years (this coming August)...we have owned this house for 5 years and so we have been thinking of a change. Husby has 2 really close college friends who have been trying to persuade him to come work at their companies, and I think he is considering it. One is in Texas and the other is in Louisiana. Although it would change our worlds due to new surroundings, new weather, and new lifestyles, I think we are swaying towards Louisiana as the job is a very secure job market (although the job is listed as risky since it is related to oil drilling). This job would also have him away from B and I at long time intervals (weeks to a month at a time and then home from a long span as well). It would definitely take some growing on my part, but given that I am beginning to really push this new business venture and also looking to go back to school, I think this is the best time to do it.

We will see how the next week goes and if he hears anything from any of the 3 jobs (1 here in FL, 1 in LA and 1 in TX). We could be looking at moving by this summer (which is nerve-racking and exciting all at the same time...).

SemiAnnual BJ's Stocking Trip & Deals at Walmart

2012-04-01T17:04:00.000-04:00

So, today was yet another good shopping trip for us. We have been waiting to do our big BJ's paper goods/cleaning products run for a bit since we didn't need anything until recently, so today we tackled that and then hit a couple good deals at Walmart while we did our usual grocery trip.

Walmart:

*Simple brand Exfoliating Facial Wipes (Sensitive Skin) 25pkg.: $4.97
Manufacturer Coupon: -$2.00
Total Cost: $2.97 (or $0.12/facial wipe)--trying out a new product since everything I have tried lately leaves my skin feeling dry & tight

*Beechnut Steamies(Chicken & Cheese Potato-2pk): $1.98

Manufacturer Coupon: -$0.75
Total Cost: $1.23 (or $0.62/meal)--great on-the-go/on-the-fly meals for B

*Playskool Sesame Let's Rock Guitar: $15.88 (originally 19.88+)
*Playskool Mini Plush Cookie Monster: $7.97
  Manufacturer Coupon: -$7.97
Total Cost: $15.88 (deal was Buy 1 Playskool Sesame Street toy for $15, get the mini plush for FREE)--more to add to Easter basket

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BJ's Trip

*Bounty ExtraSoft Paper Towels (12 megaroll pack): $18.99
  BJ's Coupon: $4.00
Manufacturer's Coupon: $4.00
  Total Cost: $ 10.99 ($0.92 per a megaroll)
Saved: $8.00

*Eucerin 3pk Handcream (Clearance Price) $4.70 (usually 1 tube is $4.87 at Walmart)
Total Cost: $ 4.70
  Saved: $ 9.91

*Lysol Wipes (5pack of 80-wipe containers): $12.99

BJ's Coupon: $3.00
Total Coat: $ 9.99 ($0.02/wipe or $1.99/container)

*Puffs Facial Tissue(12box pack): $12.99
BJ's Coupon: $3.00
Manufacturer's Coupon: $3.00
  Total Cost: $ 6.99 ($0.58 per a tissue box)
Saved: $6.00

*Bertolli Alfredo Sauce (3-pack): $5.79

BJ's Coupon: $1.50
Manufacturer's Coupon: $0.50
  Total Cost: $ 3.79 ($1.26 per a jar)
Saved: $2.00

*Tide Coldwater (170oz.): $19.99
  BJ's Coupon: $2.00
Manufacturer's Coupon: $1.00
  Total Cost: $ 16.99 ($0.10/oz.)
Saved: $3.00

*Dole Mandarin Oranges (8-11oz.cans): $7.99

BJ's Coupon: $2.00
      Total Cost: $ 5.99 ($0.74 per can)
Saved: $3.00

*GROUP COUPON*
Buy 3 products, get $5.00 off your total purchase

*Kraft Mac & Cheese 12-Box Case: $5.00 (usually $1.25/box at Walmart)

Total Cost: $ 5.00 ($0.42 per box)
Saved: $10.00

* Nilla Wafers (2-pk bulk box): $5.99
Total Cost: $ 5.99 ($2.99/box)

*Kraft Easy Mac (18 pouches): $6.19
Total Cost: $ 6.19 ($0.34/pouch)

Group Total Purchase: $17.18
BJ's Coupon: $5.00
Total Cost: $12.18

Target Shopping Trip...Take 2

2012-03-26T13:53:00.000-04:00

So this last week, I printed a Target coupon for money off the Tag Reading Pen. We had already decided we probably would not put the extra expense out for it since B got the Tag Jr. for Thanksgiving break, but after this week's ads and the coupon; we could not resist.

Leapfrog Tag Learning System Pen:

Target originally had it on sale for $34.89 (usually $35.99+)

Toys R Us was running a sale on it for $24.99

*Did you know Target price matches with a current competitor flyer (well I did not until last night when I saw TRU's price and researched it)

Plus, Target had their coupon for $7 off the price....

So after Tax, I walked away with a brand-new Leapfrog Tag Pen for $19.07!!!

I consider that a success...

Today's Savings/Shopping Adventure

2012-03-23T21:43:00.000-04:00

All About Kids Consignment Sale

MegaBlocks Take n Play Car Set....$10 (a bit high since we realized it was missing the 2 cars, but it kept B occupied and we couldn't resist

Once Upon A Child

Denim Levi Shorts $4.50
Carter's Khaki Shorts $3.50
All-in-One Swim Trunks $4.50
Leapfrog Draw & Learn Tablet $5.50 (looks brand new)

Goodwill

Monday: we picked up over 60 pieces of various wooden train sets (that connect in with his Thomas sets) $14.99
Today: Cozy Coupe $3.99 (now I will say it has seen better days, but we will probably scrub it down, take off most of the decals/stickers and give it some TLC (cleaning & loving), but who could wrong

Winn Dixie

12 chicken legs $5.19
Kraft's new seasoning pack $1.50 (after $1.00 off coupon just for purchasing chicken...mmkay? sure no problem)
6x 2pc hamburger patties (93% lean)...each pack was anywhere from $1.98 to $2.12 (we are super picky on our meat and only want the ultra lean meats so typically have to get the butcher cut but then can rarely score any deals....between these and the chicken we have the major part of our meat need for the next few weeks...will need to pick up more ground turkey but between tonight's stash and our bi-monthly chicken breast run at BJ's we are set for 2-3 months

Target Shopping Trip...

2012-03-22T21:56:00.000-04:00

3.22.12 Shopping Trip

Huggies Slip-on Diapers- 92 ct. *CLEARANCE* @ $23.78

Manufacturer Coupon -$2.00

Huggies Wipes Pack- 80ct. $1.97

Manufacturer Coupon -$0.50

TARGET coupon -$2.50

Total Cost: $20.75 (2 months of diapers & wipes..plus great for Potty Training & quick changes)

Boogie Wipes Travel Pack $3.59

TARGET coupon -$1.00

Total Cost: $2.59 (1 allergy heavy month of wipes)

My First Crayola Markers $4.99

Manufacturer Coupon -$1.00

TARGET coupon -$1.00

Total Cost: $2.99 (addition to Easter Basket)

Beneful Baked Delights Dog Treats 2x $3.89

Manufacturer Coupon (BOGO) -$3.89

TARGET coupon -$1.00

Total Cost: $2.89 (2 boxes of dog treats...lasts about 4 months+ between the trio...Easter Bucket stuffer)

Easter M&M's 2x $2.89

Manufacturer Coupon -$1.00

TARGET coupon -$1.50

Total Cost: $3.28 (2 bags of M&M's for Easter Treats & Cookies)

Christmas for Brantley

2012-01-01T10:59:00.000-05:00

Given everything going on and such, we at first decided to make Brantley's Christmas small. However, Husby and I have been scouring the ads and couponing and price-matching and checking out the local Consignment Shop for things.

For 2011 Christmas:

More 12-18 month clothes, PJs
Snowsuit & boots
Let's Rock Elmo
Toy Chest
Table & Chairs
Leapfrog Tag Jr.
Books for Tag Jr.
Megablocks Tool Bench
Megablocks Recycle Plant
Megablocks Construction Set
Cars Megablocks Set
Playskool writing tablet ABC's & 123's
Leapfrog PDA

Christmas in Myrtle:

Leapfrog Zoo Magnets
Fisher Price Phone
Leapfrog Fix & Learn Speedy
Leapfrog Jr. Big Bird Letters book
Leapfrog Jr. Cookie Monster Numbers book
Portable DVD player (Set of 2 for the truck)

*Wonderpets playset from the R,B, M, V M.

*Spring Reindeer ornament from T&J

*Birthday Gift from the C's: 2 Pooh wood puzzles, Children's Place khaki pants & thermal shirt

Christmas in Pcola

Lettersaurus
Good Night Scout book
Clothes, Paul Frank undies & hat

*Cake Pop pan & Bakerella Book

*Pirate Tub crayons, Cars Puzzle, Winnie doll

It was a great Christmas....

Adventures in a Shop

2011-12-24T10:36:00.001-05:00

I decided to open a separate blog for our business stuff. Please feel free to visit: http://greenemade.blogspot.com/

Menu Suggestion for Myrtle

2011-12-19T14:53:00.050-05:00

+Dessert+

Apple Streusel Pizza

Ingredients:
Aluminum foil
2 medium apples
2 Tbsp cinnamon sugar
1 can of cinnamon rolls with icing (flaky recommended)
1 cup vanilla almond granola

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line baking sheet with foil.
Cut apples into small pieces and toss with 1 1/2 Tablespoons cinnamon sugar.
Open rolls and roll the entire dough onto baking sheet to form crust about 9 x 13.
Sprinkle apples over crust and bake 6-7 minutes until edges are golden.
Top with granola and bake 6-7 minutes until center is cooked.
Cool 3 minutes.
Place icing in microwave-safe dish and microwave for 15-20 seconds until thin and pourable.
Drizzle pizza with icing and sprinkle remaining 1/2 Tbsp cinnamon sugar.

+Salads & Sides+

Cheesy Zucchini Boats

Ingredients:
2 large zucchini
3 Tbsp Italian bread crumbs, divided
1 cup shredded Italian-blend cheese
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Cut zucchini in half lengthwise; scoop out seeds and pulp, leaving 1/4-inch-thick shell.
Place zucchini in baking dish.
Sprinkle 1 Tbsp of bread crumbs down center of zucchini halves. Combine all 3 cheeses with Italian seasoning, salt & pepper.
Divide mixture evenly into zucchini; sprinkle with remaining 2 Tbsp. bread crumbs.
Bake 20-25 minutes or until zucchini is tender when pierced with fork and top is golden.

Corn Risotto

Ingredients:
1 (8oz.) pkg. Steamfresh sweet corn
1 (32oz.) reduced sodium vegetable broth
1 cup rice
1 cup diced onion
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 tsp basil
2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Cook corn as directed.
Place all ingredients (except the cheese) in large microwave-safe bowl. Cover and microwave on HIGH for 10 minutes.
Stir once and microwave 10-15 more minutes until rice and vegetables are tender,
Stir in Parmesan cheese; rice will thicken as it stands.

Diced Caprese Salad

Ingredients:
1 (8oz.) pkg. fresh mozzarella chese, diced
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 tsp basil
1Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

Directions:

Toss cheese, tomatoes and basil in serving bowl.
Drizzle with oil and stir to mix well.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

Parsley Potatoes

Ingredients:
6 red potato wedges, divided
1/4 cup parsley
2 Tbsp garlic butter

Directions:

Boil potatoes so they are warmed
Stir garlic butter and parsley into potatoes and Serve.

+Dinner Ideas+

Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaves

Ingredients:
Cooking spray
1 1/2 cups pasta sauce, divided
1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
1 egg
1/2 cup diced onion
1 1/4 lb lean ground beef
4 sticks mozzarella cheese

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Coat baking sheet with cooking spray.
Combine 3/4 cup pasta sauce & remaining ingredients (except the cheese) until blended.
Divide into 4 portions; shape around string cheese so it is covered completely.
Seal tightly so hot cheese will stay inside
Bake 20-25 minutes or until 160 degrees inside.
Before serving, microwave remaining 3/4 cup pasta sauce on HIGH 1 minute or until hot.
Boil pasta to serve with.

Homestyle Chicken Tender Bake

Ingredients:
6-8 chicken tenders
4 potatoes (mashed)
1 jar chicken gravy
1 (11-12 oz) sweet corn
Aluminum foil
1 1/2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut chicken into bite-size pieces.
Spread potatoes evenly in 2-quart baking dish.
Top with chicken, gravy, and corn.
Cover with foil and Bake 30-35 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Remove foil and top with cheese; bake 3-4 minutes more or until cheese melts.

+Breakfast+

French Toast Bake

Ingredients:
1 pkg. Johnsonville Brown Sugar & Honey Breakfast Links
12 eggs
1 can (30oz.) pumpkin pie filling
1 can (12oz.) evaporated milk
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
15 slices of bread, cubed
Confectioner's sugar
Maple Syrup

Directions:

Cook sausage as directed. Cool & cut into 1/2 in slices.
In large bowl, whisk eggs, pie filling, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla.
In separate bowl, combine sausage and bread cubes.
Add pumpkin mixture and stir to coat.
Transfer to greased 13 x 9 baking dish.
Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes; until knife inserted in center comes out clean.
Dust with confectioner's sugar and syrup before serving.

+Christmas Day Dinner+

Italian Lasagna with a Garden Salad

Ingredients:
1 lb Italian Sausage; casings removed
1 Tbsp. minced garlic
1 can (~14.5 oz) tomatoes, diced
2 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. dried oregano
2 tsp. salt
2 can tomato paste (12 oz. total)
10 lasagna noodles
3 cups ricotta cheese
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
2 tsp. Parsley flake
2 eggs
1/2 tsp. pepper
16 oz. mozzarella cheese; shredded

Directions:

Brown sausage; draining fat. Add garlic, tomatoes, basil, oregano, 1 tsp salt, and tomato paste.
Simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes-add water if too thick.
Cook noddles as directed.
In bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, eggs, 1 tsp salt and pepper.
Layer noddles in 13 x 9 x 2 dish.
Layer with ricotta mixture, then meat sauce mixture, followed by layer of Mozzarella cheese.
Repeat layering.
Bake 30-40 minutes in a 375 degree oven.
Let set for 10 minutes before serving.

Thank You Pinterest...

2011-12-12T12:04:00.001-05:00

After perusing Pinterest, someone's Etsy creation gave me an idea to try at our home. Every time someone touches B's door (or dare attempts to go in there), the creak of the door and the clink of the handle makes enough noise to wake him up. Enter: Door Muffler

Door Muffler in place

Close-up of it

This was a 5 minute project; hence the messy stitching, but so far it seems to be a solution.

All I needed was 2 fabrics (1 preferably felt or fleece), 2 pieces of ribbon cut in half and the sewing machine.

I also made these shirts after seeing something like them on Pinterest....

Crazy Reindeer

Snowman

Update on my stitching projects:

1st Monkey Bib finished
(notice the sleepy doghead in the corner)

Ribbon Blanket

2011-12-12T09:50:00.000-05:00

I have been seeing these ribbon blankets/taggies/lovies in stores and boutiques everywhere since before getting pregnant and decided it would be a fun adventure to make it myself. It ended up being a very simple procedure.

First, I took a piece of fabric and divided it evenly in 2. I used the patchwork Penguin blanket material that matches B's throw.

Second, I chose a number of ribbon spools (various colors, sizes and textures) and cut them into 6" strands. I ended up doing 26 pieces so as to make 1 per each side of the blanket patch squares.

Next, I hand pressed and creased the ribbons.

Then, I pinned the blanket together so everything was evenly lined up and good side-good side. Afterwards, I went through and pinned the ribbon loops backwards (loop in the middle of the good sides), leaving the ribbon ends sticking out a 1/2".

Finally, Husby sewed around the blanket, leaving a small section open for turning. Then he turned it inside out and sewed the open edge closed (you could do this by hand to hide the stichwork, but given that the blanket is patchwork by nature, we figured it was safe to just sew on the machine closed).

Final Product:

Worker Bee....

2011-12-12T09:38:00.000-05:00

After the house was quiet (aka B was down for bed), Husby and I got to work on some more sewing projects. I have been wanting to make B a ribbon blanket for him to play with/cuddle, so that was first thing up. Then Husby sewed up another soft book and then I decided to experiment with the PUL we bought this weekend and make 2 larger wet bags. I have to run to the store later today to get drawstring elastic to finish them, but at least their shape has been completed.

Wet Bag # 1 Blue PUL & Blue "Laundry" fabric

Wet Bag #2- Blue PUL & Blue Terrycloth

Jungle Babies soft book

Penguin Ribbon Blanket

Now that I am off from work until January, this week is our prep. week before our hectic holiday season of travel. My birthday is Wednesday and other than a Dr. appt. tomorrow, we have nothing major planned. A few errands to run and if the weather is nice at some point this week (because it is pouring today), we are planning to go to the zoo. I also have a batch of rainbow cookies to make and pistachio fruit salad for our Bowling dinner on Sunday.

Christmas Projects

2011-12-06T23:07:00.001-05:00

Since Husby's been home, he has been helping me finish some projects around here. He was able to fix the 2 curtains for our bed, hem my yoga pants (and make me 2 sweat headbands from the excess fabric), finish sewing 2 more burpcloths and sew 2 of B's fabric Christmas books.... Here are the pics of some of the stuff.

2 Burpcloths

(Fabric design 1 side, Blue Terrycloth/Towel material otherside)

Christmas Soft Fabric Books

The Night Before Christmas

12 Days of Christmas for Children

Penguin Blanket

Polar Bear & Penguin felt stuffed figures

Publix Savings

2011-12-04T22:40:00.000-05:00

Today was a successful shopping trip at Publix. I had a number of their Baby Club coupons to use, plus a $5 off a $30 purchase coupon.

Publix Disinfecting Wipes Container (2x $3.99)

Publix Baby Club (BOGO) $3. 99 (Savings: -$3.99)

Sweet Onion (0.95lb @ $0.99/lb) $0.94 (Store Savings: -$0.47)
Green Bell Pepper (0.44 lb @ 1.49/lb) $0.66 (Store Savings: -$0.22)

Publix Baby Club Coupon for $1.00 off Produce- Spent $0.60 after coupon (Savings: -$1.00)

Ziploc Storage Bags (2x $2.00)

Vendor Coupon $2.50 (Savings: -$1.50)

Hormel Pork Tenderloin $7.99

Publix Baby Club Coupon for $1.00 off Fresh Meat- Spent $6.99 after coupon (Savings: -$1.00)

Arizona Tea (2 for $5.00) $5.00 (Store Savings: -$0.98)
Ziploc Holiday Containers (2x $2.99) $5.98

Publix Baby Club Coupon (Savings: -$1.00)

Huggies Slip-on Super Pack $19.99 (Savings: -$6.00)

Huggies Slip-on Publix Baby Club Coupon ($3.00)
Huggies Slip-on Vendor Coupon ($3.00)

Stonyfield Organic YoBaby Yogurt (2 for $5.00) (Savings: -$2.98)

Store Savings (2x $0.49)
Publix Baby Club Coupon ($1.00)
Publix Baby Club for $1.00 off Dairy

Publix Holiday Mailer Coupon- $5.00 off a $30.00 Purchase (Savings: -$5.00)

Total Savings: $23.16
*Spent 38.80* (which goes on my UPromise account)-DOUBLE POINTS

I spent more than I wanted to, but then again I got meat and Arizona tea I was not planning on, so I guess it was good afterall.

Another Baby Blanket

2011-12-03T22:22:00.000-05:00

Light & Dark Blue Minky fabric hooded wrap blanket

Interior is blue Terrycloth

So GQ stylin'

Pignoli Amaretti Cookies

2011-12-03T10:05:00.001-05:00

Pignoli Amaretti Cookies (Pine Nut Cookies)

Adapted from Sweet Maria’s Italian Cookie Tray
Recipe from: http://angelninascottage.com

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lbs almond paste (broken into pebble sized pieces)

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 cup confectioner’s sugar

4 egg whites

2 cups pine nuts

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine almond paste with sugars in food processor and pulse till size of pebbles.

Add mixture to mixer and add egg whites, mix on low till blended, then medium speed for a few minutes. This will make a sticky dough.

Roll dough into 1″ balls. Roll in pine nuts, or roll tops and sides in pine nuts. Place on lined (parchment or silicon) cookie sheet 2″ apart. Using your fingers, slightly flatten tops of cookies.

Bake for 15-20 minutes or till golden brown. Remove cookie sheets from oven. Allow cookies to cool on parchment for easier removal. When cookies are cool use a metal spatula to loosen from parchment.

Store in an airtight container.

Approx 50 cookies

I highly suggest using the silicon mats or parchment–these are sticky little buggers!

Wet your hands with water while forming the cookies–it really helps!

Kitchen Adventure...

2011-12-02T21:56:00.002-05:00

...Rainbow Cookies!

I have been craving rainbow cookies, cannolis and other NY treats lately, so I decided it was time to whip out the stand mixer and experiment in the kitchen with a recipe.

Rainbow Cookies recipe from BonAppetit

Ingredients

2 Tbsp. plus 2 cups unsalted butter, cubed, at room temperature
6 large eggs, separated
1 1/3 cups sugar, divided
12 oz. almond paste (not marzipan), chopped
2 3/4 cups plus 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. red food coloring
1 tsp. green food coloring
3/4 cup orange marmalade, heated, strained
4 oz. bittersweet chocolate, chopped, melted

Special Equipment

3 13x9x2" metal baking pans

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°. Line three 13x9x2" metal baking pans with foil, leaving overhang; grease with 2 Tbsp. butter; set aside.
Put egg whites in bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk; beat until soft peaks form. Slowly add 1/3 cup sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Transfer to a large bowl; cover; chill.
Using the paddle attachment, beat almond paste and remaining sugar on medium-low until incorporated, 4-5 minutes. Increase speed to medium-high; gradually add remaining butter. Beat until fluffy. Beat in yolks, then flour and salt. Fold in whites in 2 additions.
Divide batter evenly among 3 bowls. Mix red coloring into 1 bowl and green coloring into second bowl; leave third bowl plain.
Spread 1 bowl of batter into each prepared pan; smooth tops. Bake, rotating pans halfway through, until just set, 12 minutes. Let cool in pans.
With a pastry brush, spread half of marmalade over green cake. Using foil overhang, lift plain layer out of pan. Invert onto green layer; discard foil. Brush remaining marmalade over plain layer. Lift red layer out of pan; invert onto plain layer and cover cake with foil.
Top with a 13x9x2" pan. Weigh down pan with several heavy canned goods to compress cake layers. Refrigerate at least 4 hours and up to 1 day (we chose to do 24 hour wait time).
Remove cans, top pan, and foil. Transfer cake to a waxed paper-lined baking sheet.
Spread half of chocolate over cake in a thin layer. Freeze for 10 minutes. Cover with waxed paper, invert the baking sheet on top, and flip cake.
Uncover and glaze with remaining chocolate. Freeze 10 additional minutes.
Trim cake to 12x8". Cut crosswise into six 2"-wide strips. Cut each strip crosswise into 96 1/2"-wide cookies.
Store in an airtight container.

So far this recipe has been simple and straightforward..just time-consuming. We will see how tomorrow goes with the chocolate.

12/3/11

The cake before chocolate was added...

Thanksgiving in the Carolinas

2011-11-28T14:49:00.000-05:00

...

Awesome Shopping Day

2011-11-21T00:01:00.000-05:00

We had a great day of saving and stocking up on stuff.

First stop BJ's. I love BJs mainly because I can stock up on things we frequently use and they honor both manufacture coupons, plus their monthly flyer coupons, plus their weekly flyer coupons. In addition, our local one is great with "rainchecking" when they are out of stock (even though they do not have to since they say while supplies last).

Today:

2.13 lb (~61 4 oz. bottles)-$28.99
Cascade Action Pacs (105 pks-approx. 6 month supply)-$19.99 - (Weekly coupon $2.00 off)- (Monthly coupon $2.50) = $15.49 (Savings: $4.50)
Tide Coldwater 170 oz (approx. 6 month supply)- $19.99 - (Manufacturer Coupon $3.00) = $16.99 (Savings: $ 3.00)
Oxi Clean (2 32oz. spray bottles-which is about 1 year supply)- 7.99 - (Weekly Coupon $2.00) = $5.99 (Savings $2.00)
Total Saved: $9.50

Next stop: Walmart

I am picky about where our fruits, veggies and meats come from, but most other groceries I get from Walmart since the price is right. Almost all of our fruits and vegetables come from either Publix or Winn Dixie (unless I am going to use the produce within 24 hours and then I will pick it from Walmart). Almost all meats come from Winn Dixie and we stock during their BOGO or sales.

Today:

2 Gerber Fruit/Veggie Melts @ 2.38/each (Gerber Coupon $0.65) (Savings $0.65)
2 Gerber Toddler Juice @ 2.04/each (Gerber Coupon $0.55) (Savings $0.55)
Tag Junior Scout- Reg. $29.99 (Target price match for $14.99)- ($5.00 Coupon on Cars 2 Book) (Savings $20.00)
Tag Jr Cars 2 Book- Reg. $10.99 (Target price match for $5.49) (Savings $ 5.50)
Total Saved: $26.70

Target:

Since we got B the Tag Jr., we decided to pick up a few more books for the road trip this week...

Today:

Command Hooks- $5.99- (Manufacturer Coupon $0.50) (Savings: $0.50)
Paul Frank Hoodie (for B in Michigan and cool days here; but also 1 size larger for long use)- orig. $29.99 (Clearance $10.48) (Savings $19.51)
Leapfrog Tag Junior-Sesame Street Monster Faces- $10.99 (on Sale $5.49) (Savings $5.50)
Leapfrog Tag Junior-Disney Cars Shapes All Around- $10.99 (on Sale $5.49) (Savings $5.50)
Leapfrog Tag Junior-Thomas & Friends Best Friends- $10.99 (on Sale $5.49) (Savings $5.50)
Total Savings: $36.51

Overall Savings: $72.71 (not including weekly food shopping savings since we are away majority of the week)

14 months...

2011-11-20T01:22:00.000-05:00

* Quick update *

24.6 lbs and approx. 30 inches

Size 4 diapers

Clothing size anywhere from 9-12 months on most stuff

Walking, Babbling and unkid-proofing the house daily

Stacking blocks, throwing toys & balls and yelling at the dogs

Watches & Loves the Disney Channel, especially Chuggington, Little Einsteins, Jake & the NeverEnding Pirates, Good Luck Charlie (his 1st star crush is Charlie-when she talks)...

Knows many words: yes, no, bye-bye, baby, up, go, nose, belly, Brantley, bottle, dinner, bathtime, puppy, Lucky

Says: yes, no, bye-bye, baby, dada, mama, baba, hey and lots of other babbles we have yet to decode

Signs: hungry, yes, no (that we know of)

Understands Spanish: Mira, Si, Que Paso? (that we know of...which means probably more we are unaware of)

Knows how to: sit on the potty (although no where near potty-trained), put his toys away, clap, pull on door knobs to open them, close doors, open cabinets, turn the TV on, play on the computer, baby dance..list goes on

Holiday Travel..here, there and everywhere...oh my!

2011-11-20T01:12:00.000-05:00

So I guess it is now official. We have yet another hectic holiday season (someday, I hope to not celebrate a wedding during Christmas-NewYear's). This Wednesday we are off to Myrtle for Thanksgiving along with my Aunt, Uncle & cousin from FL. It will be a large gathering with my Mom, Leo, us 3, them 3 and Ellen flying in from NY. I'm looking forward to a quiet, relaxing long weekend with them all. Then it's back home on Sunday in time for league, followed by exactly 2 more weeks of classes for me (this term has flown by...somewhat bittersweet, somewhat thankful)-so I am done the 9th-yippee! Then the schedule gets hectic...

Nov. 23- Caravan with The S's to Myrtle
Nov. 27- Return to Casa
Nov. 29-Dec. 9- K teaches
Dec. 14 K's Birthday
Dec. 19-Roadtrip to Myrtle
Dec. 26-Roadtrip to Pcola
Dec. 28-Fly to Detroit (wedding on Friday)
Jan 1-Fly back to Pcola
Jan 1-? Pcola?

The length of the stay in Pcola is dependent on many factors, but may also include some other day trips or visits. I am not saying anything concrete, but we definitely need to be back for league on the 8th...however, I do not think I can handle that long of a visit, so we will see. It will also depends on job prospects for Husby, sleep schedules and what the plans with the Neuro-Orthopedic doctor are...

More to come later...