My Pinterest Reality

Cajan Crawfish and Rice

2013-05-22T00:00:00.000-04:00

Thank you to everyone who offered their kind words as support for my first half marathon. Needless to say, I was in a lot of pain from an IT Band injury but pushed through and finished. I didn't envision ending how I did but I'm happy. My body needs to rest. I think in a way, it was it's way of saying stop and slow down. A couple weeks prior to my race, I was feeling stressed so what better way to relax than cook.

I will be the first to say that this is my take on Crawfish Etouffee. I'm not a fan of celery or peppers so I ended up substituting these vegetables with garlic and corn. The flavor was awesome!

Pinterest Inspiration:

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/photo/Crawfish-Etouffee-242926

My Results:

2 pounds peeled craw fish tails
1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) butter
1 cups chopped onions
2-3 cloves of garlic minced
1 cup corn
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 cup water
Cajan seasoning to taste
Salt and cayenne pepper, to taste

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat and saute the onions.

2. Once the onions are glassy, add the garlic and corn, stirring until they are soft.

3. Add the craw fish tails and cook, stirring occasionally, until they throw off some of their liquid, 6 to 8 minutes.

4. Dissolve the cornstarch in the cup of water and add to the craw fish mixture.

5. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens, 4 to 5 minutes.

6. Season mixture with Cajan seasoning, salt and cayenne. Mix together and let simmer over low heat.

7. Serve immediately over steamed rice.

Two Little Birds Crocheted Hat Giveaway! Only a couple days left...

2013-05-21T15:46:00.000-04:00

There are only a couple more days to enter this great giveaway!! By entering below on lucky person will be able to pick a crocheted hat of their choice!! Check out the Two Little Birds Etsy site to see some of her new creations!

All of her crocheted hats would be adorable on any boy or girl. She even has a crocheted hat for summer. I'm so excited that she's giving ONE LUCKY WINNER the chance to win a crochet hat of their choice because they are super cute. Take a look at her Etsy store and visit her on her Facebook page. She's a mom of 2 little girls who does all of this amazing work when she's not changing diapers or carpooling. How can your resist these?? Give her some love and good luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Aloha Friday Blog Hop

2013-05-17T16:31:00.002-04:00

You can also share any blog hops you are hosting by linking your blog hop post in our linky below! I love to join new blog hops, so please share them! We had over 420+ link ups!! Each name gets clicked on average 5-50 times so link up, get some followers!!

To ensure a follow back from me, leave a comment with a link to your blog!

An easy, quick way to follow each of the hosts is by clicking on buttons labeled "GFC" or "Bloglovin'" under each picture!

Grab our button!!

(Other button sizes {big & small} available HERE)

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.whatjeanlikes.com/search/label/aloha" title="Aloha Friday Blog Hop" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1226.photobucket.com/albums/ee419/whatjeanlikes/AlohaFridayBlogHopbutton.jpg" alt="Aloha Friday Blog Hop" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Welcome to WEEK 56 of the Aloha Friday Blog Hop!

Here's the extra special addition to our lovely hop. It's an oh-so-easy opportunity for you lovely participants of the Aloha Friday Blog hop to get some exposure to your blogs!! What do you have to do to enter? Just link up to the Aloha Friday Blog Hop Below!! It's that easy!! No extra forms or hassle, just link up! Each week we will pick a linker to featured at random and invite you all to say ...

<div align="center"><a href="http://acatlikecuriosity.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Aloha" title="Aloha Hoapili" target="_blank"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U4bM2HwNLY8/UKnx1zTR7aI/AAAAAAAAI1I/jrflm1VMyzw/s1600/Aloha+Friend+button.jpg" alt="Aloha Hoapili" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Aloha Hoapili translates as Hello Close Friend. So, without further ado let me introduce you to this week's featured friend...

Melissa at This Girls Life.

Melissa blogs all about DIY, food and the adventures of life!

Want a little taste of her blog? Check out these posts to find out what you've been missing:

Tips for Happy Feet
DIY Spring Wreath
Cake Mix Cookies

If you're interested in co-hosting future month's Aloha Friday Blog Hop, please email jean@whatjeanlikes.com for more info.

Want a chance to win $750 Cash?
Come enter my Big May Giveaway
Linking up to the Aloha Friday Blog Hop gets you an extra 10 entries into this giveaway!

Follow our lovely Post Sponsor!

Want your link to be one of the first people see? Sponsor What Jean Likes by purchasing an ad space!! All Sponsors are automatically linked up! More info on becoming a
sponsor {here}
50% off ALL ads this month! Use code: MAY

Link up to this week's hop.

get the InLinkz code

To guarantee a follow back from What Jean Likes, please leave a comment. Makes it easier and faster! :) [Still working on following everyone back from last week so don't worry, I will follow you back if I haven't already!]

get the InLinkz code

Working Through Self Doubt

2013-05-16T09:41:00.002-04:00

I've been absent from my blog. It's not getting the TLC it deserves but I've had other things on my mind. Last week my husband had surgery. My daughters last day of preschool was yesterday. She's now a kindergartner. The weather's nice and I have my first half marathon this Sunday that I don't feel prepared for whats so ever. Have you ever prepared for something but started to psych yourself out that you can't do it? I'm there right now. The last couple of runs were rough to say the least. My IT band has been bothering me so I've taken a week off to focus on stretching. The self doubt I normally have has increased. I know that the only obstacle I have in my way is myself right now. I need to get over the hurdle of feeling like I can't do it and make up my mind that I can.
I think we all go through this in life. We work hard towards something and instead of feeling 100% prepared, we fill ourselves with doubt that we could have done something better. What are your tricks to overcoming self doubt?

Grain Free Double Chocolate Cookies

2013-05-10T00:00:00.000-04:00

Okay...I may get some flack about this post being categorized under a Healthy Eats Friday recipe but I think it's important to have some sweetness to your healthy lifestyle. Being overly rigid can make you want to stop eating healthy altogether. A group of families got together for dinner and I offered to bring dessert. I was feeling a bit daring so tried out one of my 'pins' under my Healthy Eats Pinterest Board with NO backup. These could have failed miserably especially since I'm not used to cooking without grains. Luckily no backup dessert was needed. These were awesome and you'd never know there was not even a pinch of flour. The kids has no clue these cookies were different from their normal everyday cookie.

Again, even though these are grain-free, they still have calories so use moderation because it's easy to lose count!

Pinterest Inspiration:

http://www.onesweetheat.com/2012/04/double-chocolate-cookies-grain-free/

My Results:

1/4 cup honey or agave nectar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup almond butter

1 egg
1 tbsp vanilla
3 tbsp cocoa powder
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup white chocolate chips

1. Preheat your oven to 350°.

2. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or Silpat Baking Mat.

3. Add the honey, brown sugar, almond butter, egg, and vanilla to a mixer bowl and blend until combined.

4. Add the cocoa powder, sea salt, and baking soda until mixed thoroughly.

5. Fold in both the semi-sweet and white chocolate chips.

6. Drop the cookie dough 2″ apart from each other.

7. Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes.

8. Allow the cookies to cool on the cookie sheet before transferring them to a rack.

Aloha Friday Blog Hop...Join Us!!

2013-05-09T19:54:00.001-04:00

You can click on each of the hosts & co-hosts links and labels to easy follow them! If you want to go to their main blog and follow from there, click their link in the hop below!

You can also share any blog hops you are hosting by linking your blog hop post in our linky below! I love to join new blog hops, so please share them! We had over 370+ link ups!! Each name gets clicked on average 5-50 times so link up, get some followers!!

To ensure a follow back from me, leave a comment with a link to your blog!

An easy, quick way to follow each of the hosts is by clicking on buttons labeled "GFC" or "Bloglovin'" under each picture!

Grab our button!!

(Other button sizes {big & small} available HERE)

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.whatjeanlikes.com/search/label/aloha" title="Aloha Friday Blog Hop" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1226.photobucket.com/albums/ee419/whatjeanlikes/AlohaFridayBlogHopbutton.jpg" alt="Aloha Friday Blog Hop" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Welcome to WEEK 55 of the Aloha Friday Blog Hop!

<div align="center"><a href="http://acatlikecuriosity.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Aloha" title="Aloha Hoapili" target="_blank"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U4bM2HwNLY8/UKnx1zTR7aI/AAAAAAAAI1I/jrflm1VMyzw/s1600/Aloha+Friend+button.jpg" alt="Aloha Hoapili" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Aloha Hoapili translates as Hello Close Friend. So, without further ado let me introduce you to this week's featured friend...

Karina at Mom In The USA.

Karina blogs all about charities, decor, jewellery and much more!

Want a little taste of her blog?
Check out these posts to find out what you've been missing:
Giving Back In May
Good For You
Did You Know?

If you're interested in co-hosting future month's Aloha Friday Blog Hop, please email jean@whatjeanlikes.com for more info.

Do you want to be part of my Big May $675+ Cash Giveaway? Click here for more info on how to get involved:
Big May Giveaway

Brand spankin' new giveaway from your lovely co-host Sarah:

A Curiously Gorgeous Giveaway

Some exciting contests Jean's co-hosting that you may want to enter:

Win $500 VISA Gift Card (ends 5/10) | Win $100 Cash (ends 5/10) | $230 Cash Giveaway (Ends 5/17) | $100 Visa + Jewelry Giveaway

Follow our lovely Post Sponsor!

Link up to this week's hop.

get the InLinkz code

Grilled Sweet Potatoes

2013-05-07T08:48:00.000-04:00

Well I guess better late than never! Last week, I bragged about the delicious sweet potato side dish I made with our kabobs but never got around to posting the recipe on Friday for my Healthy Eats post. Today is Monday and a new day. I'm feeling 100% organized in life and ready to go. It's amazing how a little pre chore work on the weekend can open up a week.

This recipe is pretty easy and fast especially since you parboil the sweet potato rounds ahead. I can envision serving these with a wonderful warm brown sugar/cinnamon sauce but I wanted to keep all sugar out of this recipe so just used a little cinnamon and coconut oil.

My Results:

1 large (2 small) sweet potatoes 2 tbsp coconut oil
1/4 tsp.cinnamon
sea salt
Pot for boiling

1. Peel the sweet potatoes.

2. Bring a med/large saucepan of water to boil.

3. Slice the sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch rounds.

4. Drop the sweet potatoes into the boiling water and let parboil for 5 minutes.

5. While the sweet potatoes are boiling, preheat the grill to medium and spray your grill grates with a non-stick grill spray.

6. Drain the potatoes and rinse them with cold water.

7. Dry the sweet potato rounds and place them back in a bowl.

8. Drizzle and toss the rounds with the melted coconut oil making sure that both sides are greased.

9. Place the rounds directly onto the hot grill or on a piece of foil or grill safe pan.

10. After 5 minutes on the grill, flip and cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes.

11. Sprinkle with sea salt and cinnamon.

Win a FREE MONTH of Conscious Box

2013-05-04T00:00:00.000-04:00

I'm excited to be able to offer my readers the chance to win a FREE MONTH of Conscious Box.

They are the monthly subscription service that delivers the purest, most natural products on the planet, right to you doorstep! They have everything from Bath & Beauty, Food, Home & Garden and Health. You can give these boxes as gifts or subscribe monthly for yourself.

Conscious Box is all about discovery, so each month you’ll get a box filled with totally different products. It’s like having your birthday—every month! The contents of each box revolve around a theme that changes depending on the season or special events, and include content in the form of practical, daily living necessities. And yes, all boxes are suitable for all ages!

For your chance to win a FREE Month of Conscious Box...enter below.

Good Luck.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Aloha Friday Blog Hop...Yeah!!

2013-05-03T13:24:00.000-04:00

You can click on each of the hosts & co-hosts links and labels to easy follow them! If you want to go to their main blog and follow from there, click their link in the hop below!

You can also share any blog hops you are hosting by linking your blog hop post in our linky below! I love to join new blog hops, so please share them! We had over 429 link ups!! Each name gets clicked on average 5-50 times so link up, get some followers!!

To ensure a follow back from me, leave a comment with a link to your blog!

An easy, quick way to follow each of the hosts is by clicking on buttons labeled "GFC" or "Bloglovin'" under each picture!

Grab our button!!

(Other button sizes {big & small} available HERE)

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.whatjeanlikes.com/search/label/aloha" title="Aloha Friday Blog Hop" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1226.photobucket.com/albums/ee419/whatjeanlikes/AlohaFridayBlogHopbutton.jpg" alt="Aloha Friday Blog Hop" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Welcome to WEEK 54 of the Aloha Friday Blog Hop!

<div align="center"><a href="http://acatlikecuriosity.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Aloha" title="Aloha Hoapili" target="_blank"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U4bM2HwNLY8/UKnx1zTR7aI/AAAAAAAAI1I/jrflm1VMyzw/s1600/Aloha+Friend+button.jpg" alt="Aloha Hoapili" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Aloha Hoapili translates as Hello Close Friend. So, without further ado let me introduce you to this week's featured friend...

Ann at Cairn Cottage.

Ann blogs all about cottage life, including decor, gardening and lake living.

Want a little taste of her blog? Check out these posts to find out what you've been missing:
Time for Tea to Warm the Soul
Renovation: A Before and After
Two/Too Cute Chi's

If you're interested in co-hosting future month's Aloha Friday Blog Hop, please email jean@whatjeanlikes.com for more info.

Do you want to be part of my Big May $300 Cash Giveaway? Click here for more info on how to get involved:
Big May Giveaway

Some exciting contests Jean's co-hosting that you may want to enter:

Win $500 VISA Gift Card (ends 5/10) | Win $100 Cash (ends 5/10) | Cash & More Mother's Day Giveaway (ends 5/5)

Follow our lovely Post Sponsor!

Link up to this week's hop.

get the InLinkz code

1,000 Facebook Fan Giveaway- $200 PayPal Cash

2013-05-02T22:46:00.004-04:00

Erica Start Walking has reached 1,000 Facebook Fans and in return she has decided to giveaway
$200 in PayPal cash to one lucky winner.

Giveaway will be open May 3, 2013 to June 3, 2013.
One winner will be chosen and e-mailed directly by Erica when giveaway is over.
This giveaway is open world wide.
Winner must be 18 years of age to win.

HOST: Erica from Erica Start Walking

Co-Host:

Sarah From Life In A Break Down Libby From Libby's Library

Carol From Little Angel on a Mission

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: My Pinterest Reality was not compensated for this post. This giveaway is no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.

$100 Home Depot Gift Card from Famous Free Samples

2013-05-01T00:00:00.000-04:00

It's time for another giveaway this time hosted by
Famous Free Samples!

If you're ready to start getting ready for warmer weather, this is the perfect giveaway. Whether you'd like to stock up on goods to make your garden enviable this spring or whether there's another home project that you've got your sights set on, this is a great giveaway to enter.

One lucky winner will be the recipient of a $100 Home Depot gift card to use however you'd like!

This giveaway begins on May 1st and will run through May 15th at 11:59pm EST.
It's open to residents of the US only, 18+.

Use the PromoSimple form below to enter this giveaway.
Be sure to come back daily for more chances to win.

$100 Home Depot Gift Card

Linen and Jute Wreath

2013-04-30T00:00:00.000-04:00

Last week, I reveled my spring mantel which I'm still so in love with. I promised to post the tutorial for the wreath and well, yes...I'm very late. This past weekend I participated in a Tough Mudder so my mind was pretty much focused on prepping for the race. Now that I'm home, rested and stuck in doors due to rain, I can focus and show you how I made one of my all time favorite wreaths so far. I never thought to use the vine wreaths but they are so much cheaper than the foam ones. I also was able to buy the accent fabric from the remnants which was great since I spent a little more than I imagined on a lovely khaki linen fabric. Lately, I've been shopping the remnant section because the fabric's cheaper and I don't have a bunch left over.

Play around with the textures and colors. The vines help keep the wreath very organic so you really can't go wrong.

Pinterest Inspiration:

http://www.peacefullyhome.com/2012/08/burlap-flower-wreath/

My Results:

Vine Wreath

Material to make rolled flowers

Hot Glue Gun

Raffia

Jute

Pearl Beads

1. Figure out which way you'd like the vine wreath to hang.

2. Cut a fabric strip 1 1/2 – 2″ wide. The longer the length the thicker the flower. I used anywhere from 6"-10" lengths.

3. Fold the strip in half lengthwise.

4. Dab a dot of hot glue on the end of the folded piece of fabric and begin rolling. Use a hot glue gun to secure the flower throughout the process if needed.

5. An alternative to the flower made in step 4 is to twist the fabric as it's rolled. Hot glue the flower occasionally to make sure it stays tight.

6. Continue until the fabric has been wrapped completely (yes the photo is with a different fabric!)

7. Before hot gluing the flowers, arranged them to make sure you like the placement.

8. Hot glue the flowers being creative with the placement. I decided to add additional pieces of folded fabrice within the flowers as filler.

9. For an accent, add round pearl beads to random flowers.

10. Wrap twine and raffia to the opposite part of wreath as another accent touch.

11. Hang and enjoy your organic spring wreath.

My Sunday Reflection

2013-04-28T20:03:00.001-04:00

I realized after looking at the date of my last post that I've been absent from my blog. In a life where everything is a priority, I have become to realize that right now in my life, my blog is not at the top. I love searching for ideas, creating and sharing them with everyone but it gets difficult during any free downtime to sit and write the posts. As I grow personally, my interests grow as well.
I am an active mother who would rather be outside with my family, exercising, pushing my limits and living a healthy & happy lifestyle. This is my passion. During the winter months, it's more likely we're indoors which is perfect for my blogging. Living in the northeast, I need to take full advantage of my 'nice weather' months. I'm not calling it quits by any means but will probably be tailoring back the amount of posts I publish. I don't ever want to feel burdened by something that I should enjoy. Have you had similar feelings through your blogging journey?
I'm sure I'm not alone but even if I am, I'm 100% okay with my decision.

Blogger Opportunity- Serenity You

2013-04-28T19:00:00.000-04:00

Natasha from Serenity You is soon going to be reaching 1,000 followers on Pinterest. And to celebrate she is having a giveaway with a cash prize.

She is looking for bloggers to help her out!!

If you are interested in this opportunity all you need to do is fill out this form and do the items below

Share this post on your blog - get the HTML code here

Share your post on Twitter include me in the post - @SerenityYou

Pin this on Pinterest

You get a link to your Pinterest account added to the rafflecopter for FREE

for 1 extra link it is $2

for 2 extra links it is $3

for 3 extra links it is $4

If you would like to be a co-host it is $8 - for this you will have your button on the main giveaway page, and you get 3 links free along with your Pinterest link. Your links will be placed near the top of the rafflecopter. You will have to host the giveaway on your blog when it goes live. your twitter/Facebook/Google+ accounts will be included in my social media shout outs about the giveaway

If you want to buy extra links or be a co-host please send payment via PayPal to blackrose_the_ferret@hotmail.com

The Giveaway will go live soon after Natasha reachs 1,000 followers on Pinterest.

The total giveaway cash amount depends on how many bloggers take up this opp.

Natasha @ www.serenityyou.com

Spring Mantel Reveal

2013-04-24T11:30:00.002-04:00

I'm so excited about my new mantel decor. After the holidays, I wanted softer decor that read Spring every time I looked at it and I wanted to make only minor tweaks for the summer. I had a couple of cheap projects that helped pull this mantel together. I'll be sharing a couple of them over the next week.

Tomorrow I'll reveal how I made my wreath which ended up being one of my absolute favorites ever. This says a lot since I have a new wreath for every holiday/season.

Do you switch out your mantel for every holiday or season?

Free Blogger Opportunity

2013-04-24T10:54:00.000-04:00

Tip Hero is offering bloggers the opportunity to be a part of a great giveaway. This means exposure to your Twitter or Pinterest page at no cost and the option for additional exposure.

Famous Free Samples' May Flowers Giveaway Event

Sign-ups are now open for this great new giveaway event!

Event is free to join with an announcement post. If you don't wish to post the announcement, please send the $5 non-post fee to tiphero@gmail.com
You'll receive 1 free link for participating (either Twitter or Pinterest)
Additional links (RSS/Email, Twitter and Pinterest) are available for $5 each
Sign-ups for this event end on April 29th
Event runs from May 1 - 15
Prize: $100 Home Depot gift card

Please send all payments to tiphero@gmail.com as a "gift" via PayPal. Sign up for this event here.

Blog Makeover

2013-04-22T15:18:00.003-04:00

This weekend, I had some time to work on my blog. I decided it was time for a change and since I was up for a challenge, I decided to revamp the blog using tutorials I found on Pinterest. Be patient with me as I go through this makeover. I'm excited and think it's exactly what I needed to get myself motivated about blogging.

What are some of your favorite sites for blog tips and tutorials?

I was able to transform my blog look with a lot of my 'pins' that are on my
Blogs and Business Pinterest Page.

Check them out!

Healthy Eats Friday- Crispy Quinoa Bites

2013-04-19T00:00:00.000-04:00

Okay...I can already feel myself drifting away from my blog. The weather is nice and all I want to do is be outside. Any other bloggers feel this way? I think I'll be cutting my blogging down to 3 days a week. Don't you fret, one of those days will be my Healthy Eats Friday. I love writing this Friday post of mine every week and know readers do too. Almost 80% of my top posts are Healthy Eats Friday recipes. Plus, there are so many fun, healthy dishes for the summer I'm dying to make and try.

One of the ones I've most recently made as a side dish were the crispy quinoa bites. They turned out well but a bit bland. If you're going to make these, add some of your favorite spices to kick them up a notch or do what my my husband and I did, serve them up with a side of Sirachi Sauce. There are lots of recipe versions out there so let me know if you have one of your own you'd like to share.

Pinterest Inspiration:

http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2012/08/parmesan-quinoa-bites.html

My Results:

1 cup dry quinoa
2 cups chicken broth
3 large eggs
3 stalks of green onion, sliced thin
1 cup grated carrots
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, plus extra to sprinkle on top
3 Tbsp flour
1/4 tsp pepper
Optional- spices of your choice

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Cook quinoa to directions substituting chicken broth for water.

3. Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl except for the extra Parmesan and mix well.

4. Spray the muffin tins with cooking spray. Spray the tins good or the quinoa will stick.

5. Scoop out enough mixture to fill the muffin tins 3/4 full.

6. Press down firmly with your fingers or the back of a spoon.

7. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top of each bite.

8. Bake in oven for 20-30 minutes.

9. The bites are ready when they are slightly browned on top and sides.

10. Remove from the muffin tin and allow to cool slightly.

Spotlight Blogger of the Month- Surprised By Joy

2013-04-17T00:00:00.000-04:00

I'm happy to introduce you all to Erin from

I was curious about how she came up with her blog title and am so happy she shared the meaning behind it.

Please welcome Erin and show her some love by visiting her blog.

Hi everyone.
My blog title, “Surprised By Joy” is named after a C.S. Lewis’ book of the same title. If you are not familiar with this book, the overview of it is, Lewis’ discovery of and then search for the phenomenon, “Joy”.

It spoke volumes to me since I truly believe that one of God’s intentions for me in this world is to be full of joy and leave the fragrance of it wherever I go.

My blog is simply a journal for me to write what God is doing in my life that is “joyfully” in pursuit of Him.

*****

If you're interest in being a Sponsor and having a spotlight post and shout out, I'd love to have you.
ALL AD SPACE is 50% off until May 1st.

Ranch Chex Mix

2013-04-16T00:00:00.000-04:00

I mentioned last week we took a LONG road trip to NY with the girls. Our saving grace was the ticket system that I'll write about next week and the snacks. Instead of buying snacks along the way, I made snacks which saved money and time. Last week I shared the sweet mix- White Chocolate Cranberry and today, I'll share the salty mix I made specifically for my husband- Ranch.

This summer, I think I'll keep experimenting with the cereal mixes because they are a lot cheaper, can be made for a group of kids and taste a lot better.

What are your favorite Chex Mix recipes?

Send me the link in the comments.

Pinterest Inspiration:

http://www.whatscookinglove.com/2013/01/parmesan-ranch-chex-mix.html

My Results:

3 cups Rice Chex cereal

1 cup pretzels

1/2 stick butter, melted

2/3 cup grated Parmesan Cheese

2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix

1 tablespoon garlic powder (optional)

1. Mix all the dry ingredients together in a large bowl until combined.

2. Melt butter in microwave.

3. Mix melted butter into the dry mixture and combine until coated.

4. Microwave the Chex Mix for 3 minutes, stirring after each minute.

5. Spread the mix onto a foil lined tray to cool.

FRIDAY CHAOS BLOG HOP!

2013-04-11T22:30:00.000-04:00

<div align="center"><a href="http://www.ohsoamelia.com" title="ohsoamelia"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FiSWMD72nXU/UOR-3L6jZDI/AAAAAAAAHHo/SQ7EHqVjxcQ/s1600/FRIDAY+CHAOS.png" alt="Ohsoamelia" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Blog of the week

Jessica - Our Baby Blog "My inspiration to start writing a blog came when I became pregnant, I really wanted something I could look back on and remember how I felt and the different stages I went through, I started from 12 weeks and updated every week up until the current day, I have written about my labour & experiences with being a first time mummy as well as photography posts and product reviews! "
Be sure to check out Jessica's blog. Her photography is amazing and she has the most adorable little girl called Abigail!
Don't forget to come by next week and link up to see if you're featured as Blog Of The Week!
Want to be a featured co-host? Email us and quote 'Option 2' Link up below and meet some new friends:
BLOG
BLOG LOVIN
FACEBOOK
TWITTER

Spring Cleaning Sale- 50% off ALL Ad Spots

2013-04-11T00:00:00.000-04:00

White Chocolate Cranberry Chex Mix

2013-04-10T07:37:00.002-04:00

On our recent road trip with the girls, I made a couple of treats to take along so temptations for sweets at the rest stops would be at a minimum. My girls and I could eat cereal for every meal so what better way to make a snack out of something they love. I experimented with two types of Chex Mix- one salty and one sweet. I'll share the salty version tomorrow but for today it's the sweet Chex Mix snack.

The girls enjoyed this snack but probably not as much as I did. It's a little addictive so I had to tell my husband to keep the bag from me. If you're looking for a super easy party or road trip treat, this is it.

Pinterest Inspiration:

http://www.frugalfreebiesanddeals.com/white-chocolate-cranberry-chex-mix/#com-head

My Results:

4 Cups of Rice Chex
⅔ Cup White Chocolate Chips
⅓-1/2 cup Dried Sweetened Cranberries
1 Tablespoon Powdered Sugar

1. Place Rice Chex into a medium bowl.

2. Place White Chocolate Chips into a microwave safe bowl and microwave on high for 30 seconds, remove and stir. Repeat process until the chocolate is creamy and melted.

Keep a watch because white chocolate can burn rather quickly if over heated.

3. Pour all of melted White Chocolate Chips on top of the Chex Mix and gently fold in until evenly coated.

4. Sprinkle on powdered sugar and gently fold in until evenly coated.

5. Add cranberries and gently fold in.

6. Spread mix out onto a foil covered cookie sheet. Let harden on you counter for up to a few hours or place in the refrigerator.

7. Store in an air tight container for a week if it lasts that long!

Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup

2013-04-08T11:50:00.001-04:00

Before the weather 'officially' turns warm, I have to share this soup I created. Do you experiment with your recipes? I love when all the ingredients you think will blend together actually do! Much to my husbands liking, this blogs helps me document the recipes in my head instead of forgetting them them next time I want to recreate a dish.

I think the secret to this soup is the coconut milk which adds a bit of sweet to ingredients that are generally more salty.

Let me know what you think.

My Results:
1/2 lb of sweet Italian sausage (feel free to add more)
3 cups uncooked tortellini
4 cups water (you could use chicken broth instead of water and the bouillon cube)
1 cup of evaporated milk
1 cup of coconut milk
1 large chicken bouillon cube
1 tbsp. oregano
1 tbsp. parsley
1 tbsp. chives
Salt & pepper to taste
1 cup of corn
1 cup of diced tomatoes
Parmesan cheese

1. Saute sausage in a medium pan until cooked and break into pieces.

2. Add all liquids into a medium pot.

3. Add dry spices and bullion cube to the pot.

4. Add sausage with any drippings.

5. Add corn and diced tomatoes.

6. Mix the ingredients and bring to a boil.

7. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 15 minutes.

8. Add the frozen tortellini and cook according to the instructions.

9. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and serve.

Blogger Opportunity- Chance to win $200

2013-04-07T20:17:00.001-04:00

Erica Start Walking is bringing you an awesome Blogger Op to celebrate her 1,000 Fans on Facebook! It's such a great opportunity to get your blog seen and wanted to share it with you guys.

The sign-up is now open!
SIGN UP HERE

This event is FREE to join with an announcement post! You can find HERE
Giveaway will abide by the new Facebook rules, so Facebook entries will not get punished.
If you do not wish to post the announcement you can pay a $5.00 non-post fee.
You will receive one free link for participating, you can choose from Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest
Additional links $3 each
Co-Host Spots are available for $15. Co-Host will receive 4 links in the Rafflecopter, one link in the giveaway post and one enter/comment on Rafflecopter .
Page Host $10 (reminder this brings traffic to you page)

Sign Up ends May 1st. Giveaway will go live May 3rd and last for a month ending on June 3rd.

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Open International

The blogger with the most referrals will receive a free Co-Host Spot.

Please send payment for Additional links, Co-Host Spots, and Page Host via PayPal as a gift to ericabodker@ericastartwalking.com (ericabodker (at) ericastartwalking (dot) com

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