iNeed a Playdate

@NatureBox is Better Snacking, Monthly #sponsored

2013-06-17T19:12:00.000-04:00

My kids don’t eat, they graze.

I really don’t know how my son survives school days with only one meal. Now that summer has started I keep lots of fruits and crackers on hand for when they want to eat something between meals but they are like bottomless pits.

I know it is all the running around and playing that they do that makes them so hungry which is why I really don’t mind when they come to me before meals to tell me that they are still hungry but my responses are getting old, water or a banana.

Hunger can by a symptom of dehydration so by offering water to drink first sometimes makes them forget that they thought they were hungry in the first place and if it turns out they are still hungry, well, they can only eat so many bananas.

When I was offered this sponsored opportunity to try out NatureBox for this post, I jumped at the chance because I never know what to buy that will be good and they will eat. Besides, nutritious snacks are costly, hence all the bananas.

That is where the NatureBox Discovery Snack Boxes come in handy because they take out the guess work and the price is really reasonable. As a bonus a new box is delivered to your door each month; your box will include 15 to 20 servings across 5 different NatureBox snacks. Full size snack bags, not samples or coupons.

This means each serving is roughly $1.33 each and you know that they are getting something with extras that you don’t want them to have in their snaking choices. NatureBox offers a healthy alternative that is way more fun to eat and every month is a new selection so the kids won't be bored with my choices of snacks like banana or water.

We spend our summers on the run and by taking NatureBox snack's with us to the pool, the beach or out on the hiking trail, I won't be tempted to stop at the local doughnut shop or fast food restaurant before heading home to make dinner. I also have an easy snack to pack the kids' lunches with when I send them off to the sitter or day camp.

The only down side to this service, that I can see, is that you can’t reorder a snack that you really love. You can view past boxes and I am seriously craving some of these amazing snacks.

Check them out for yourself and by using this link when you visit the NatureBox site you will get $10 off any sized box (Deluxe, Family, or Professional Snacker) by entering the promo code SUMMERSNACK10.

The promotional code expires August 31st, 2013 and is valid for new customers only and may only be used towards monthly subscriptions. Cannot be used towards a purchase of a gift subscription. Monthly subscriptions may be cancelled at anytime.

Fine print: This is a sponsored post from NatureBox and all opinions stated are 100% my own.

Remembering My Dad

2013-06-16T11:52:00.000-04:00

My dad died my freshman year of high school.

It was not necessarily a surprise, he had cancer after all, but it was. He went in for a surgery that would extend his life but he never woke up.

It was hard, at first, to remember my dad and not the man who was sick with cancer sleeping in our living room. My dad was so strong, invincible but we watched his body give up, failing him. Cancer did not make him wistful and full of peace, it made him angry and mean.

I was barely a teenager facing adult situations and I was just so angry. My belly burned with resentment and my shoulders slumped under the responsibility. I also don’t remember a lot of that time. It feels like someone took an eraser and left faded marks. I am thankful for that.

I catch glimpses of the man who was my dad now that I have kids. I spent my twenties struggling to hold on to the fading memories so it takes my breath away to see him in my son’s scowl and my baby girl’s temper. She certainly has his temper.

But. I can also see my dad in their laughter.

I like to think that my husband and my father would have gotten along, playing golf and sharing a beer. And, I hope that he would have loved my kids as much as he loved us.

I miss you daddy.

Word(less) Wednesday - Determination

2013-06-12T09:40:00.001-04:00

Ode to Scary Mommy's Confessional

2013-06-09T13:34:00.000-04:00

As a mom we are pulled in so many directions that it can be overwhelming and what’s worse is the pressure we put upon ourselves to be the perfect version of the mom that we have created in our minds.

It is easy to feel alone with that much pressure. Sure you can discuss it with girlfriends, mothers or spouses but we don’t always do it, call it fear of failure or need to be in control.

Of course, some of us have a blog and get that instant gratification of sharing our stories with the hope of connecting with like minded souls. It is because of my blog that I found Scary Mommy and in honor of her I am going to share my mommy confessions.

My Top 5 Scary Confessions

One

I will neglect my family to watch reruns of Doctor Who (or Torchwood).

Two

I have read Fifty Shades of Grey on the playground at a school sponsored event. Not sure which is the confession – the fact that I read Fifty Shades of Grey (the whole series) or that other parents now know that I read it.

Three

My three year old daughter occasionally calls people dumb ass and sometimes she is right so I don’t correct her.

Four

There have been nights, when the baby would not stop screaming and I could not soothe her that I had to stop myself from grabbing my keys and leaving.

Five

When my husband works over night shifts, I go to bed when the kids go to bed. It is as early as 8:00 PM when there is school or as late as 10:00 PM when I just don’t care. Of course, regardless of when I go to bed I am up three hours later and won’t go back to sleep until an hour before my alarm is do to go off.

Care to confess your scary mommy confession?

Don’t forget to enter to win tickets to see Scary Mommy in person on June 30 in Cleveland, OH. All proceeds of the event will go towards the Agnon School.

Because You Think You Want to Carve a Watermelon Shark

2013-06-04T17:03:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago I made a shark out of a watermelon for my son's First Communion Party and featured it last week as my Wordless Wednesday post. It was carved on a whim and mostly because I over heard my husband bragging that I could do it to my boss, no less. The problem was - I have never done it before, ever! Talked about it, but never did it. I felt on the hook.

There was a moment, while I was taking a shower, that my husband had informed that his mom was going to cut it. My reply was something like, "shucks, I so wanted to try my hand at the shark!"

He stopped her so I could do it.

Thanks to pinterest, I quickly found the directions but none where perfect and I had to go to a few posts to get a better view or more detailed direction. By the time I got to the fin, I was done with the whole thing and improvised (badly) with it just so I could wash my hands and get a beer.

I do wish I would have thought to take pictures through the process but it is probably better that I didn't since I had guests waiting. Besides, I was way to busy trying to recreate from a picture a carved shark from a watermelon.

This is not the place to get detailed instructions but what I will do is give you the nitty gritty.

What you will need: Besides an oblong watermelon and other various fruits for your shark you will also need a dry erase marker, a knife, probably a pairing knife and veggie peeler.

What you have to do: Cut the bottom of your shark off and at an angle. How big you want your shark to be will determine how much you cut off the bottom so use your own discretion. By cutting it at an angle, it makes it look like your shark is popping out of the "water."

Using the dry erase marker draw the mouth and cut it out. I imagined Pac-man when I was making my cut but feel free to imagine what you need to in order to make a mouth for your shark. I did not use a marker (dry or otherwise) and I made a pretty good mouth.

Carve out the fruit and set aside. You can use a melon baller or ice cream scope but I'm not all that fancy so I just cut it in chunks

What you should do: The next step I did not do because I was in a hurry and did not catch on how to do it but it will make your shark look even cooler. Rachel Ray has a great video on this step if you need to watch it, I will wait (I'd embed it, but they don't allow it).

If you did not watch it, carve a line, following the mouth, about a half inch away from the opening and scrape or peel the green off with a veggie peeler to expose the white. Once you do that, cut triangles into the white on the top and bottom for the teeth.

What you can do: To make the fin, cut a triangle out of the rind you cut off the bottom to make the fin. I cut a slit in the top to fit it into but I guess tooth picks work. Finally, add the eyes, mine are blueberries held in place with toothpicks.

@ScaryMommy's Cleveland Book Tour Tickets are Up for Grabs! #sponsored

2013-06-03T12:00:00.003-04:00

source

This is a sponsored post and giveaway on behalf of the author and there are also affiliate links included.

New York Times best selling author and blogger Jill Smokler (aka Scary Mommy) is coming to Cleveland on her national book tour for Motherhood Comes Naturally (and Other Vicious Lies) the follow up to Confessions of a Scary Mommy: An Honest and Irreverent Look at Motherhood: The Good, The Bad, and the Scary on Sunday, June 30, 2013 and they have given me tickets to go and to give away.

Jill is witty and clever and for an afternoon she is sharing her words with us and the proceeds of her appearance will benefit the Agon School. Although I have not read her book yet, I am an avid reader of Jill's blog which is refreshingly honest and she has a talent for making you feel less alone when you feel like the worse. mom. ever.

Want to buy tickets...? Buy them on Eventbright here.

Where?

Shaker Launch House
3558 Lee Road
Shaker Heights, OH 44120

When?

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Tickets

Patron Reception from 2:00-3:00pm
$36 in advance ($42 at the door)
(includes tasty snacks)

General Admission from 3:00-4:00pm
$18 in advance ($25 at the door)

Both of the above include a hardcover copy of Jill's new book, Motherhood Comes Naturally (and Other Vicious Lies)

Just Admission (if you already own the book!) is from 3:00-4:00pm

$8 in advance ($10 at the door)

Or... enter the rafflecopter giveaway below for tickets...!

...sorry no book, just general admission.

Refresh if you don't see it the rafflecopter form. So many chances to enter, just do the first and as many as you want after!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fine print: I received two general admission tickets to this event. Opinions are 100% my own.

Captain America Has Me Taking Public Transportation

2013-06-02T15:30:00.000-04:00

It has been a long time since I had to rely on public transportation to get to and from work. In fact, it has been so long that I didn’t have kids to worry about getting to daycare and school or collecting them when sick. So when my great city allowed a big budget Hollywood film to come in and a close a major artery to downtown Cleveland from the suburbs I knew straight away that I would be taking the train to work.

This past Friday was day one of the express way closing and I had planned ahead. I purchased my pass a head of time but did not read the rules. I didn’t activate it first by dipping it in a meter first so I couldn’t swipe it. I remember when taking the train seemed way less complicated and a whole cheaper. Still beats sitting in traffic.

Top 5 tips for Taking Public Transport

1. Make a plan

Call it research or recon but learn about the way things work. Check out your city’s website or phone, don’t wait till you are on the bus or train because bus drivers can be rude when you ask for help and put off by questions. I guess they have good reason; it is not an easy job.

Fares and routes can be found on the website as well as directions on how it all works but prepare to miss something the first day so give your self time. I was a frequent rider years ago and thought I knew what to do and when my pass did not work because it was not activated I was not able to go through the turnstile. Thanks to a rapid police officer who showed me that it had to be activated first in a box or in a fare card box otherwise I would still be standing at the turnstile.

2. Pack a bag

Leave your purse at home and use something practical like a messenger bag or backpack. You want to keep it close to your body and anything valuable closer. If you have a bus pass keep it in a pocket that is easy to get to and get out.

3. Bring something to do on the ride

I always had a book or my iPod and now my kindle. For the cost of the fare these days they really should have wifi on board.

4. Take a snack

I know it seems silly but you never know what could happen and something on the rails going to work or going home can make a longer delay when you are hungry.

5. Enjoy the ride

You don’t have to drive so enjoy the ride.

Since the great powers, in their infinite wisdom, decided to close down one of the most popular ways into downtown from the west side they have created a traffic jam on the streets going in and the highways. Don’t take a bus because the bus will be stuck in that traffic, too. Take the rapid transit, trust me and cheers to the start of a new work week.

Wordless Wednesday - Watermelon Shark Attack

2013-05-29T09:52:00.001-04:00

The Start of Summer with @MarcStores Great American Rib Cook Off

2013-05-27T11:41:00.001-04:00

Bright sunshine and a cool breeze off the Cuyahoga River made for a perfect Saturday afternoon to enjoy the Marc's Great American Rib Cook Off. The kids and I went compliments of Marc's to facilitate this post.

I wish I could bottle the smell of BBQ and grilling because it was truly one of the best smells in the world. Despite the cool weather earlier in the week, it finally felt like summer.

There was plenty of BBQ to be enjoyed but to be honest - I got for the corn and now, so does Baby Girl. Here are some pictures from the day.

My new favorite is now grilled pineapple from Marc's and it was also easiest on the budget. As a bonus, proceeds will be donated to the Downtown Cleveland Alliance.

Q104 raising money for the APL with a beer slide

Greater Cleveland Aquarium was out

Brett Michael performs tonight

Because There is Marker on Your Monitor

2013-05-25T15:53:00.001-04:00

What happens when your toddler takes a sharpie and draws circles on your fancy flat screen computer monitor?

You use the monitor for a few months, internally cussing out the makers of sharpie for making them so permanent.

But, as I sit at the computer trying to type a post about something or other, I went on Facebook to see if this may have happened to someone else and got a bunch of replies...

I had already tried hand sanitizer (it was all I had) and I made the Husband get me his WD40, which he reluctantly tried to no avail.

It was as if it was mocking me, laughing at my attempts to get rid of it. I did not have a magic eraser, I used mine to the bitter end and had not replaced it. The the husband reminded me that we have the mop.

Now, this is not a paid endorsement and I have received nothing for this but I tore a piece off my mop and wouldn't you know it - the damn thing worked!

Magic eraser really did work and left the screen spotless.

She is lucky she is so cute.

6 Random Facts About...

2013-05-23T14:05:00.001-04:00

6 Random Facts About Me

1. I am terrible at keeping a clean house.

2. I sit on a ball at work.

3. My letter to the object of my affection was featured by Mama Kat.

4. Until last year, I have never been to the theater in Cleveland and I grew up in Northeast Ohio.

5. I am currently tracking everything I eat on fatsecret, now.

6. I wish I could be a stay home mom because I am that bad at keeping house, keeping kids clean and keeping the husband happy. It was so much easier when I was younger to juggle two (sometimes three) jobs and now... not so much.

What are some random facts about you?

The Prompt:
2.) List six random facts about yourself.

A Girls Night with @MitzinTheBurbs at @CharlesScottSal

2013-05-22T16:55:00.000-04:00

Some girls love spa days and getting their hair done and then there is me.

It is nerve racking and panic inducing. I remember there was a time when I enjoyed it, but I never really get what I ask for and I am always disappointed.

So, when Canopi invited me to the Charles Scott Salon in Rocky River for an event hosted by Wella Professionals and Elle, I was a bit skeptical but applied back yes to the invitation. I have to get out of my comfort zone and my blog is about me needing a play date - this event makes sense.

After saying yes, I texted my pal to see if she would go with me and her reply was something to the effect: America Idol is on and I have extensions why would I need a consultation?

Needless to say that not only did Mitzi, from Mitzi n' the Burbs, go but she was tackled by a wonderful stylist that wanted to do her hair. In fact, when I saw them talking, I thought they were old friends! I know she is planning to go back and I may just have to join because the woman who did my hair was open, honest and really fantastic. These are qualities I like in a stylist because I don't think I have very good taste so someone who will tell me "no" (as in no, you should not cut your hair into a pixie bob) is a bonus.

My stylist was Karli and when I first sat down I had no idea what to expect. My hair is long and I had just come from rushing the kids home after a long day in the office. I did not have enough wine, yet, to feel pretty but that didn't matter, Karli went right from hello and expertly into questions about my hair and what I do with it - long and nothing. I did mention that I occasionally used a flat iron and she whipped her's out to give me tips.

Not only did she give me pointers but also explained that what I see as "frizzies" is actually new growth and directly related to having a baby and still nursing. My hormones are still wonky.

She did a fantastic job, but I think I will leave my flat iron parked in the closet and go to her for special occasions.

What made the night really special, was that the event was open to regulars and guests - it was a party! And they just happen to be doing hair, nails and make-up while drinking wine and eating fancy finger foods.

I am so glad I said yes.

What makes you feel pretty?

Fine print: I have not received any compensation for this post. The opinions are 100% my own.

@BEaLittleWeird Reviews: Summer Learning with @LakeshoreLM #sponsored

2013-05-20T16:36:00.001-04:00

I don't recall my mom ever wondering how she would keep us occupied in the summer much less if we would be learning anything over the long break from school but as we are approaching the summer months it seems it is all I can think about, well that and the beach. To help figure out how to entertain and educate the kids this summer, Lakeshore Learning provided a few titles from their educational software collection for review and Brian from BE a Little Weird took on the reviewing. -mj

Keeping Kids Educated Over the Summer Months

Mary received learning software from Lakeshore Learning and she asked if I would like to write up a review on it. So, I sat down with my son and daughter and asked them to try all of them out.

The four titles I was asked to review are:

My son is in 1st Grade so I let him try out all of them. My daughter is in Pre-K and she only tried out the first three. (Each title is for Grades 1-2, except for Bubble Pop which is for Grades 3-4)

Once I installed the different titles on the kids’ computer, there were both easily able to follow the onscreen instructions and follow the directions for how to play each game.

Can Do! Reading Game Show - Phonemic Awareness
Set up to be played by an individual or in teams, this is a pretty straightforward multiple choice question/answer game. The host of the game show, a wise-cracking robot, asks for answers to questions in three different categories. After each correct answer, something funny happens to the robot as a reward for answering correctly.

There's more! Click...

Ode to CafeMom Studios and Hot Dads Doing Chores

2013-05-18T08:15:00.003-04:00

source

I can't say that I'm a regular reader of CafeMom but I am now a full time fan of CafeMom Studios and specifically... Hot Dads Doing Chores.

You're welcome.

And, in case my hot husband is watching... Thank you for all you do but could you please start doing it with your shirt offf? I've downloaded a soundtrack, it's on the Hot Dad Playlist.

Because Prompts are Fun - Let your fantastic out!

2013-05-17T00:30:00.000-04:00

As I sit here trying to think of something really fantastic to write, I decided I would add what I already posted to the link-up. No, it is not Pulitzer-worthy or even very clever but you get to see a side of me I never really share.

Cheers to a new week and a new link up and I hope you join Darcy and me.

Having a Ball at Work

2013-05-16T16:45:00.003-04:00

I have gained a lot of weight this past year. The most I have ever gained and not pregnant. I am not happy.

In an effort to motivate myself, I bought (another) balance ball to sit on while at work.

source: amazon (affiliate link)

My original balance ball for work was an actual chair!

But, I somehow got a hole in it and instead of patching it I threw it out.

As for the chair part, well in my pregnancy brain, I thought I should take it home while on maternity leave. Why I had to I just don’t recall and it got in my way.

So I tossed it down the basement stairs and didn’t think about it until it was time to return to work – twelve weeks later. The ball still worked, till it didn’t.

Needless to say, I thought it was time for a new one and bought a Gaiam Total Body Balance Ball pretty cheap on amazon.

I seemed to have blocked how it is that I came to blow up my first balance ball chair but lucky for me, I ordered the balance ball kit and it came with a pump (and some other things to use if I wanted to work out with the ball).

Two things to remember if you decided to order one for your office:

1) The directions say wait until the ball is at room temperature, do it.

The ball looked wrinkled when I blew it up and I was afraid that it would burst. Obviously it didn't but still, why take chances?

2) Prepare to have every guy in your office stop by to see you as you pump up your big blue ball.

Besides that, love my ball chair! My core feels tighter already!

The one big question I have that no one seems to be able to answer for me...

If I eat lunch while on the ball - do calories count?

I have not been paid for this post by the company. I do have affiliate links in this post

Because Prompts are Fun - Free for all!

2013-05-13T20:44:00.000-04:00

Oh what weekend! First Communion, Mother's Day, World's best in-laws in town and today - Iron Man 3! Phew its been a busy week!

For this week's theme I call FREE FOR ALL!

Yep, come back on Friday and link up anything that you have written that you would like to showcase as long as it is not a sponsored post or a giveaway.

Because Prompts are Fun - Top 5 TV Moms I (not so) Secretly Want to be Like

2013-05-10T19:36:00.000-04:00

It seems like I am always wishing I was a better mom, with more patience and heck of a lot more energy. Sometimes I feel like I yell more then I should and lose my temper a little too quickly but when it is all said and done, I know that my kids know that they are loved. I have learned to forgive myself.

Thank goodness we have some awesomely written TV moms to look up to for advice and funny quips.

Top 5 Moms I (not so) Secretly Want to be Like

1. Joy Turner My Name is Earl

Sure she is a little trashy and maybe has a record, but there is no denying the love she has for her children.

2. Amy Pond Doctor Who

In a coma, pregnant and her baby was ripped away from her only to come back to her as an adult. Everyone in awhile, for a fleeting second that sounds like a great way to rear children.

3. Tami Taylor Friday Night Lights

I have never seen this show but after reading her quotes on buzzfeed I want to see it.

4. Norma Arnold The Wonder Years

I have no real reason other than she knew what kind of underwear her son liked and made sure he had plenty - that is so me!

5. Colleen Donaghy 30 Rock

Exhibit A

source

Your turn? Who are your favorite TV moms?

Catalog Envy with Spark Studio #sponsored

2013-05-07T22:01:00.000-04:00

I have not written about my catalog envy for quite some time and now, thanks to Walmart Labs, they are going to pay me to write about it.

Because of pinterest, my addiction to "catalog" perfect homes has grown. And, now that I have discovered Spark Studio, I have added a new pinterest board. Sure I already have several pinterest boards dedicated to my habit of gazing longingly at other people's homes but what's one more board...?

My Spark of Inspiration board is full of the fantastic things I found in the Walmart Spark Studio. Did I go a little crazy? Of course I did! With Spark Studio, you can browse and shop products by:

1) Inspirations- Items by Walmart shoppers on Pinterest
2) Fashion and Beauty- Discover must-haves from Walmart shoppers
3) For the home- Solutions and ideas from Walmart fans
4) Babies- Search the top picks from Pinterest moms
5) Pets- Find everything you will need for your pet
6) Playtime- A collection of items to entertain the whole family

You can even narrow your search to color and by what is recent or popular. Find an image you like and click to see the description. If you like it, pin it. Want to buy it? Click the image again and it will take you to the Walmart site to purchase it. Easy peasy!

I have been daydreaming about redoing my living room, starting with a new area rugs. I have all hard wood floors and I love earth tones so I started my search in Inspirations and the color brown. Seeing what others pinned certainly got me thinking and I found a rug I loved and would perfect with our home.

I also found one that I just love when I searched in the color red but does not fit with the rest of the house.

As I searched browns in For the Home, I came across this great ottoman coffee table. This is definitely a versatile and sophisticated piece and I can wipe off any sticky hand prints.

I could not resist checking out the patio furniture. I absolutely want this set for our backyard.

While I was daydreaming in red I came across this...

Who doesn't need one of these all year round?

Okay, your turn! What inspires you?

About Spark Studio

Spark Studio is the fun, new, and exciting way to shop Walmart. They have created an innovative shopping experience that will give you the opportunity to shop how you want to. Inspired by Walmart shoppers, you can find and select items crowd-sourced by Pinterest users. Find something you like? Pin it, or purchase the item through Walmart.

Full disclosure: this article is financially supported by Walmart Labs, Opinions are 100% my own.

Because Prompts are Fun! Mom

2013-05-06T16:04:00.000-04:00

I keep forgetting that it is Mother's Day weekend!

My son makes his First Communion on Saturday so the last few weeks (and weekends) have been busy carting him around to retreat day, practice and cleaning like a crazy lady! I laid mulch for the first time ever to make by back yard look less yucky. Did I mention that I am cleaning like a mother? Oh, and baking a bazillion cupcakes Friday.

The things we do for love.

I hope you can join us this Friday for the weekly link up!

This week’s theme: MOMS

Tell us about your mom (or another special woman in your life) – what did you learn from her?
Who are your favorite TV moms?
Share what you’ve learned about being a mom.

Pick a prompt (or two), write a post and come back on Friday to link up with us!

Don't forget to enter to win an 8x10 canvas print just in time for Mother's Day.

(okay not really but if you win you could tell her that you will be giving her one)

Because Prompts are Fun - Shepherd's Pie, My (forgotten) Comfort Food

2013-05-03T10:48:00.000-04:00

When I was a little girl, I use to go to my grandparent's house often. Actually, every Friday and most weekends I would spend the night. Their house was my favorite place to be and I lived for Fridays when I could go and hang out with my Grandfather.

Often, my cousins would come over and it was from my cousin Catie that I learned about shepherd's pie. It seemed to my little girl's eye, that she was just throwing food into a pot but when she pulled it out of the oven it smelled so delicious and that first bite - amazing, simply amazing.

Believe it or not, I have never really made it as an adult. I made variations of it with cream of mushroom soup but it was not the same. Truth be told, I didn't really learn how to cook until about ten years ago so I thought my version was good enough.

A few months ago, the girls at my job decided to throw a comfort food potluck which happen to fall the same day as my son's school's family heritage potluck dinner. Last year I made cabbage and noodles and it seemed like everybody else did too so this year I figured I would make something that would fit both events. The first dish that came to mind was my cousin's shepherd pie.

It was a little daunting trying to recreate it and keep my emotions in check. So much time has past and so many sad memories since the last time we ate together. When I made this, my cousin and I had not spoken in three years and I had severed all ties to my mom's side of the family. Not that this was hard to do, they had cut me out years before that day.

Making this dish was reconnecting me with them just a little bit.

I am not sure how the family's at the school liked mine because there were three other shepherd's pies there when I got there and no cabbage and noodles! Oh, the irony. I do know that the girls at worked loved it. In fact, one has asked me repeatedly to make it again because to her it tasted like home. I won't ever make it again for them because that is way to much pressure. I will share the recipe.

I actually had to Google what was in it besides meat, veggies, and potatoes. I ended up using a version from Simply Recipes, but used frozen mixed vegetables and boxed potatoes since I was making so much of it and by so much I mean two large lasagna pans plus a crock-pot full for work.

Short Cut Shepherd's Pie

1 1/2 lbs ground round beef
1 onion chopped
1 bag of frozen mixed vegetables - carrots, corn, peas
1 box of potato flakes
1 stick of butter
1/2 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Saute the onions until clear with 2 tablespoons of butter in a dutch oven or a pot large enough for everything and can go into the oven. Add the ground beef to the onions and season with salt and pepper. I used really lean beef so I could use the juice from the beef in the dish.

While the beef is browning, make the potatoes according to the box. You will need enough to cover the mixture with at least an inch of potatoes.

Once the beef is done, add the broth and Worcestershire sauce and let simmer for about ten minutes. This is what will make it taste like you were cooking it all day.

Finally, add the frozen veggies, top it with the potatoes and top the potatoes with at least a had of stick of butter - melted already or cubed and let it melt while making. Bake for about twenty minutes or until the potatoes are a little browned.

This really is a one pot meal.

Do you have a favorite comfort food?

Because Prompts are Fun is now open! Join the link up or come read bout this week's theme - food! ow.ly/kGjcV #promptsrfun
— MryJhnsn (@mryjhnsn) May 3, 2013

@MarcStores Great American Rib Cook-Off & Music Festival! + Enter to Win #GARCO tickets! #sponsored

2013-05-01T10:38:00.000-04:00

Nothing says the start of summer than the 22nd Annual Marc’s Great American Rib Cook-Off & Music Festival.

This is a Northeast Ohio staple! I have been going almost every year since it was conceived and enjoyed every calorie consumed as well as so many great bands.

The kids and I will be going again this year along with a lucky reader and their guest courtesy of Marc’s Stores! Yep, this post is sponsored by the fine folks at this fantastic event and they are providing tickets for me and a winner + a guest (via rafflecopter at the end) to get in free (and see Rick Springfield)! Free!

This year the Rib Cook-Off will start on Friday, May 24 and run through Monday, May 27, at Jacobs Pavilion and Nautica Entertainment Complex on the West Bank of the Flats. That’s right behind the Greater Cleveland Aquarium!

Besides the mouthwatering barbecue to soul-inspiring music (and Rick Springfield!) price of admission includes:

Sizzling entertainment from Mega 80’s, Rick Springfield, Buddy Guy and Bret Michaels along with dozens of regional bands performing on two stages throughout the weekend

Ten professional grilling teams from across the country will engage in a fierce culinary battle for “Greatest Ribs in America,” “Butch Lupinetti Greatest Sauce in America” and “People’s Choice”

Five rookie barbecue chefs will participate in the annual Marc’s Amateur Grilling Competition

New Riverside Terrace and Dining Area offering scenic views of Lake Erie

Kids’ activities

And, Rick Springfield!

Ever want to be an official Rib Cook-Off Judge? Simply download the free Live Nation mobile app by texting “LNAPP” to 404040 and prior to the cook-off and one random person will be selected (contacted through the Live Nation app) to be a judge! YOU could be a Rib Cook-off Judge!

Have I mentioned Rick Springfield will be there, yet?

Enter to win 2 tickets to the 22nd Annual Marc's Great American Rib Cook-Off & Music Festival!

There's more! Click...

Wordless Wednesday - These Aren't Your Mama's Communion Portraits

2013-05-01T10:28:00.000-04:00

Counting down to my baby boy's First Holy Communion and I could not resist sharing some of the amazing shots by very talented husband.

Don't forget to enter to win an 8x10 canvas print of your favorite photograph! Giveaway ends on May 10, 2013!

Capturing Memories on Canvas with @Printcopia + a Contest #sponsored

2013-04-30T10:59:00.000-04:00

As a Catholic Mom of a second grader May means First Holy Communion. The month of May could also mean Mother's Day, prom and the start of graduation season but to me - First Communion.

Besides the actual event this means, a party, cake and a new suit for my kid. It also means portraits, in their First Communion outfit and usually something angelic looking. If you follow me on pinterest I am certain you know all of this already.

I really wanted to do something special for my son's portraits and I did not want him to have the stale, boring shots that I had when it was my big day. I take that back, I wanted those but also something fun and personalized. Luckily, I married a photographer. Luckier still, Printcopia reached out to me with an opportunity to not only have a canvas print provided to me for free to review but they are also providing one to giveaway to one lucky reader!

To be honest, I had never heard of Printcopia prior to them contacting me but I was instantly blown away by their clean and easy to maneuver site. It's not over run with products and other services. It is simply about the prints and all the different ways you can get your photo made into a piece of artwork.

The whole process is done in four easy steps and you can also use photos by linking directly to your account. The photo above is the cover photo of my personal Facebook page.

Once you have selected a size you move on to either uploading a photo or grabbing it from Instagram or Facebook. I must say that this is the hardest step.

The Husband did a fantastic job on the photographs if I do say so myself. He has done First Communion pictures before but they were more portraiture looking with a stark backdrop and that was what I didn't want for these pictures. I knew what I wanted and he took my ideas and worked his magic.

All though the process took no time, it did take ~~an eternity~~ ten business days for the final product.

Speaking of the final product... I went with this image of our darling Communicant.

And it turned out like this...

The picture I took of the canvas print does not do it justice. It turned out so well and I can't wait to hang it up in our living room.

I highly suggest following Printcopia on Facebook and on Twitter because they have some fantastic deals!

And, as promised, the giveaway via rafflecopter!
There's more! Click...

Tasty Tuesday with Cory - Down and Dirty Chicken

2013-04-30T10:30:00.000-04:00

I've been trying to use my winter stockpile of frozen, ready-made meals and finally finished the LAST round of soup just in time to spring clean the fridge! YIKES!

I enlisted the help of my darling husband for this daunting chore! My 1980s fridge has never looked or run better! I tossed just about EVERYTHING in the darn thing out. So, what’s a girl to do with a barren fridge, no time to shop and a hungry family?

Lucky for me I had a bag of frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts and in the fridge I found the remainder of a bottle of Italian dressing. I let the chicken thaw in a casserole dish with the Italian dressing. Normally, I'd just seal it in a freezer bag but I’m even out of those! I'm running on empty here folks!

Once thawed and ready for action I mixed together some other pantry staples I had left - seasoned Italian bread crumbs and some Parmesan cheese. I dredged ONE side of the chicken with the bread crumb and cheese mixture. I suppose you could do both sides but, I didn't have enough bread crumbs. I didn't even use egg! The Italian dressing was enough. EASY PEASY!

Bake this bad boy in a 350 degree oven for 20-30 minutes or until the juices run clear. The house smelled delish! Even my kids were all. "mmm. Mommy what smells so good?"

The chicken came out very moist, tender and delicious! I can hardly call this a recipe really, I marinate chicken breasts all the time but have never thought to bread the one side with breading and bake it.

Do you have a favorite "what's in the pantry" recipe?

Tuesdays with Cory