Sunday, February 28, 2010

Menu Plan Monday

So I'm back on track this week and actually got two weeks worth of menu planning done in one shot. I know that next week might need a little tweeking come Sunday night, so I'm only posting one week at a time. This is going to be a tough month. Its going to be just the kids and I for 28 days, as my husband will be checking in to inpatient rehab to hopefully get a grip on his alcoholism. I haven't touched on that much lately, and you can expect a post to come about this battle...


Recipes are below!!

Sunday: Beef Stew (carryover)

Monday: Grilled Cheese & Soup

Tuesday: "Mistake" Chicken

Wednesday: Crockpot Lasagne

Thursday: Penne with Cauliflour

Friday: Crockpot Swiss Steak

Saturday: Spaghetti Frittata

Once again, breakfasts are usually cold cereal, oatmeal and sometimes Boug just wants toast and a banana! Lunches usually are leftovers or sandwiches paired with yogurt or fruit generally. My meals are usually a bit heavier in meats and chickens as hub is a butcher and brings so much home for free or next to nothing!! Check out more Menu Plan Monday entries at orgjunkie!!

Recipes::

Crockpot Beef Stew
2 lbs. stew beef
pepper to taste
splash worcestershire sauce
3 potatoes, cut into chunks
4 celery stalks, cut into chunks
4 carrots, cut into chunks
salt to taste
1.5 c. beef broth
2 tbsp. minced garlic
1 large onion, cut into chunks
1/4 c. flour

Place meat into crockpot, mix together flour, salt, pepper and mix in with the meat. Stir to make sure meat is coated. Add in remaining ingredients and mix well. Cover and cook on low for 10 hours. Stir and serve!

Mistake Chicken
1 lb. chicken breast
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can of French style green beans
1/2 of a 7 oz. can of French fried onions

Put the chicken into a casserole dish and top with soup, bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Add green beans and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Top with French fried onions and bake for an additional 5 minutes, careful not to burn the onions.

Crockpot Lasagna
12 lasagna noodles, uncooked
1 pound ground beef, browned and drained
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 jar(28 ounces) spaghetti sauce
1/4 cup water
16 ounces cottage cheese
2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated

Break noodles in half. Place half of the noodles in bottom of greased 4-quart slow cooker. Stir Italian seasoning into meat and spread half over the noodles already in slow cooker. Then layer half of the sauce and water, half of the cottage cheese, and half of mozzarella cheese over beef. Repeat layers. Cover and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours. Do not cook more than 5 hours.Makes 6-8 servings.


Penne with Cauliflaur
:
8 ounces penne pasta, uncooked
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup frozen chopped onion
1 tablespoon bottled minced garlic
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 (16-ounce) package frozen cauliflower
¼ cup Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon dried parsley
3 tablespoons bottled lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper


Cook the penne normally, but save 1 cup of the pasta water. Melt butter or margerine in a skillet, add olive oil, onion and garlic. Cook about 7 minutes or so, add in the cauliflaur and red pepper. Cover and cook about 5 minutes. Add in about 3/4 of the pasta water and cook about 5 minutes. Add in the penne, parmesean, parsley, lemon juice, salt and pepper, and stir well. Cook til the cheese has melted and everything is heated through.

Crockpot Swiss Steak (from Finding Joy in my Kitchen)
1 1/2 lbs. boneless beef steak of your choosing
3 T flour
1 tsp. ground mustard
1/2 tsp. salt
2 T olive oil
1 can stewed tomatoes
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 large onion, sliced
1 large green bell pepper, sliced


Cut beef into 6 serving pieces. In a small bowl, combine flour, mustard and salt. Coat the beef in the flour mix. In a 10-inch skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Cook beef in oil for about 15 minutes, turning once, until brown. Place beef in a 3.5-6 quart slow cooker. Top with onion and bell pepper. Mix tomatoes with garlic and pour over the beef and veggies (alternatively, you can used a can of diced tomatoes with onion and garlic). Cover and cook on low for 7-9 hours.


Spaghetti Frittata:
2 c. cooked spaghetti
1 c. frozen peas
1/4 c. italian dressing
6 eggs
1/4 c. milk
1/2 c. chopped green onions
4 slices, cooked, drained, chopped bacon
1 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tomato cut into slices

Toss spaghetti, dressing and peas and put into a 9" pie plate. Beat eggs and milk and pour over top of the spaghetti mixture. Sprinkle with onion, bacon and cheese, top with tomatoes. Bake 40-45 minutes or until center is set. Wait 10 minutes before cutting into wedges and serving.

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Thank goodness for coffee convenience!!

To be perfectly frank with you, if I don't have coffee every. single. day. I'm absolutely miserable. I end up with migraines from lack of caffeine and its just not pretty. I'm not the best at brewing the coffee though and that can tend to be a problem when my husband either runs out of time to do it in the morning before rushing off to work or if I'm left to do it on my own for whatever reason. I like to keep some instant coffee on hand for those moments where I don't want to brew a whole pot, or don't trust myself to brew a whole pot the right way.

Nescafe Taster's Choice
has come out with their new singles of instant coffee and I was able to do a taste test. The different flavors available rock, and I'm extra happy to have some more variety in my instant coffees that are on hand. They have their Gourmet Roast, Original Roast, 100% Columbian, Vanilla, Hazelnut, as well as Decaf and five of the six flavors are available in the convenient one-cup stick packs. Like I said, this is the type of convenience that I simply LOVE!!

You can head over to the Nescafe Tasters Choice site and browse around, over there you'll find lots of info about the different varieties, or you can request your free samples there too. You can even calculate how much you'll save by giving up your coffee-house coffees and replacing them with Nescafe Tasters Choice!

Want to win your taste test samples of Nescafe Tasters Choice as well as a Nescafe mug? Leave a comment here with which variety you think you'd like the best!! This giveaway is going to have THREE winners!!

Extra Entries??

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  • Post my button on your blog.
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  • Post about this giveaway on your blog!
  • If you don't have a blog, you can gain extra entries by emailing a friend about this giveaway! Just CC me in your email! caseyscouch@yahoo.com

This giveaway will accept entries until 11:59 pm on Saturday, March 13th. U.S. entrants only please. Winner will be drawn with random.org and emailed. Winner must reply within 48 hours to winning email or a new winner will be drawn. Please make sure that your email is accessible, whether in the comment or a blogger profile, cause if I cant contact you, how can you win?


I received my own Nescafe Taster's Choice samples for review, which in no way changed or affected the reviews that I've given for the product. All opinions are 100% MINE!

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Monday, February 22, 2010

Skin Clear Cleanser with DMAE Supplements


I adore my Perricone MD products and the newest addition to my arsenal is another huge hit. I've been using the Skin Clear Cleanser, with DMAE, and I'm in love... My skin is finicky. At 27 years old, I still tend to break out like a teenager. Sometimes my skin is so sensitive that if I use something too harsh, I end up with dry patches and flakes. Its simply nasty. Skin Clear Cleanser from Perricone MD has serious topped my list of must-haves to tend to my skin. I love that its loaded with Eucalyptus leaf oil which is awesome for cooling and calming the skin!

The DMAE that is in the Skin Clear Cleanser is fabulous for you, and Perricone also offers it in a DMAE supplements form. DMAE is good for the skin and the brain, it works with the other nutrients and antioxidants in your body, and also acts as an antioxidant on its own. Tie the DMAE supplements together with their Maitake Mushroom, its a huge winning combination! Maitake Mushroom Extract is great for cardiovascular health, maintaining your metabolism, weight loss and maintenance. I love all the natural-ness in the Perricone products, to take care of yourself in a better way is a wonderful thing!

Want to win your own bottle of Perricone MD Skin Clear Cleanser? Tell me what your skin worries are!!

Extra Entries??

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  • Post about this giveaway on your blog!
  • If you don't have a blog, you can gain extra entries by emailing a friend about this giveaway! Just CC me in your email! caseyscouch@yahoo.com

This giveaway will accept entries until 11:59 pm on Saturday, March 6th. U.S. and CAN entrants only please. Winner will be drawn with random.org and emailed. Winner must reply within 48 hours to winning email or a new winner will be drawn. Please make sure that your email is accessible, whether in the comment or a blogger profile, cause if I cant contact you, how can you win?

I received Perricone MD Skin Clear Cleanser to aid in my review, which in now way changes my thoughts or feelings on the product!

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Menu Plan Monday

I'm late! I'm late! For a very important date!! Yes... my date with MPM...


Recipes are below!!

Sunday: Spaghetti

Monday: Mac & Cheese w/corn

Tuesday: Chicken & Potato Bake (carryover)

Wednesday: Crockpot Baked Ziti

Thursday: Crockpot Ham & Potatoes

Friday: Company Chicken Casserole (from the freezer)

Saturday: Crockpot Beef Stew

Once again, breakfasts are usually cold cereal, oatmeal and sometimes Boug just wants toast and a banana! Lunches usually are leftovers or sandwiches paired with yogurt or fruit generally. My meals are usually a bit heavier in meats and chickens as hub is a butcher and brings so much home for free or next to nothing!! Check out more Menu Plan Monday entries at orgjunkie!!

Recipes::

Chicken & Potato Bake from Kraft

Crockpot Ham & Potatoes from Finding Joy In My Kitchen

Company Chicken Casserole from Hillbilly Housewife

Crockpot Beef Stew
2 lbs. stew beef
pepper to taste
splash worcestershire sauce
3 potatoes, cut into chunks
4 celery stalks, cut into chunks
4 carrots, cut into chunks
salt to taste
1.5 c. beef broth
2 tbsp. minced garlic
1 large onion, cut into chunks
1/4 c. flour

Place meat into crockpot, mix together flour, salt, pepper and mix in with the meat. Stir to make sure meat is coated. Add in remaining ingredients and mix well. Cover and cook on low for 10 hours. Stir and serve!

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Saturday, February 20, 2010

I'm a THE VIEW Mom Ambassador!!

Ever since The View started airing, I was a fan... Though I'm a much bigger fan now that I'm aging ever so gracefully, and I have to admit, I like Whoopi a lot better than Meredith, and Elizabeth is NOT my favorite person at all... all things aside, I love The View regardless. I'm absolutely STOKED that I was selected to be a The View Mom Ambassador!! I'm so very much looking forward to getting some posts rolling about the show, and seeing what it is my readers think about topics as well!! Since the kiddies tend to hold the tv hostage at times, I love that I can catch up on my "Hot Topics" on the website and even view the full episodes when its convenient for me.

First things first though, I want to share with you a sweepstakes that Mom Central is running... You can head over to enter to win a trip to the ever-so-fabulous NYC to attend a taping of The View. New York City rocks, hands down, and to be able to head to a taping of the show is an awesome opportunity. I live north of the city, and I put myself on a wait list to attend a show about a year and a half ago... I still haven't been selected to go, the wait list is HUGE!! It makes sense why, since the show ROCKS!

Here's the rundown of next weeks shows...
Monday, 2/22: A Day of Hot Topics
Tuesday, 2/23: The Cast of Jersey Shore & Ricky Gervais
Wednesday, 2/24: Danielle Steel
Thursday, 2/25: Trying to have a baby?
Friday, 2/26: Regis and Joy Philbin

Is there an upcoming episode that you're looking forward to??

I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for ABC Daytime and will receive a tote bag or other The View branded items to facilitate my review.

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Thursday, February 18, 2010

Sippy Cup Success with Tommee Tippee

No matter how old my kids are, I'm always looking for great new products for their ages and stages and Tommee Tippee sippy cups are my absolutely new favorite sippy cup for Lil' Buddy. To be honest though, it doesn't matter really if I like them- it matters if he likes them and if he'll be successful using them.

Tommee Tippee is the number one brand for infant and toddler feeding supplies in Great Britain, and now they're available at Babies R Us stores. The sippy cups that we received, the Explora, are simply fabulous! They use an advance-flo valve, which is so easy to drink from using hardly any force, but they're still spill proof and leak proof. Lil' Buddy's chubby little hands were able to grip these cups easily which makes using a cup less frustrating for him. The Explora cup line has 5 different stages, great for as your toddler grows.

Of course there's much more in the Tommee Tippee line, like their Closer to Nature bottles that are, like the name suggests, inspired by nature to give your sweetheart a closer to breast bottle feeding experience. They also have their sensitive tummy bottles, truly spill proof first sips cups, microwave and electric steam sterilizers, bottle accessories and much more. To top it all off, products are BPA and phthalate free, which makes you feel good about the choices you've made for your lovey.

This review post takes part in a campaign with Mom Bloggers Club, I received Tommee Tippee sippy cups to base my review on, free of charge. This in no way changed the way I feel about the product.

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Dance along with the Curious George 2 Soundtrack!


Curious George was instantly one of our favorite movies of all time, from the second that we saw it. Not only that, we fell in love with the first movies soundtrack, complete by Jack Johnson who I'm desperately in love with... With the next feature length Curious George movie coming out, Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey, you know it has big shoes to fill, and as does the soundtrack.

We were able to get our hands on a copy of the Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey soundtrack, and I have to say how impressed that I was! I love music that I can enjoy right along side of the kids, and dance right along with them too!!

With 13 tracks, from Carbon Leaf, Jackie Greene, Heitor Pereira, and the wonderful Brian Wilson, the Curious George 2: Follow That Monkey soundtrack does not disappoint! Make sure you check for the release of the soundtrack and the DVD on March 2nd! The DVD and the soundtrack are both currently available for preorder from amazon.com.

Want to win a copy of the Curious George 2 Soundtrack? Head to the 429/Curious George Soundtrack site and listen to the clips, let me know which you like best!

Extra Entries??

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  • Post about this giveaway on your blog!
  • If you don't have a blog, you can gain extra entries by emailing a friend about this giveaway! Just CC me in your email! caseyscouch@yahoo.com

This giveaway will accept entries until 11:59 pm on Sunday, February 28th. Winner will be drawn with random.org and emailed. Winner must reply within 48 hours to winning email or a new winner will be drawn. Please make sure that your email is accessible, whether in the comment or a blogger profile, cause if I cant contact you, how can you win?

This post was written for Family Review Network as part of a program for 429 Records, who supplied the product for review. All opinions expressed in this post are 100% mine.

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Get some shopping done at Taylor Gifts

As always, I love shopping around online and finding great places to pick up awesome items. Taylor Gifts is one of the places that I can find perfect gifts for lots of people... including myself when I'd like to treat myself to something great!! Taylor Gifts carries so many items and different types of products, that while I was browsing, I found something for nearly everyone I know, that would be so perfect for each person!

Taylor Gifts home organizers section is right up my alley right now. I've been desperately trying to get more organized and get rid of the chaos that surrounds me. Its only February, and if one of your New Years resolutions was to get more organized, its not too late. I love the items that Taylor Gifts carries to make my resolution a reality!

Some of my favorite gifts lie in Taylor Gifts gifts and novelties selection. I love gifts that take a little effort, its great to pick up something like the money maze, to make someone really "work" for the gift that you're giving them! Even their coin counting bank would make a great gift for my 5 year old daughter, she absolutely loves saving her change!

But I must say, Taylor Gifts carries the Shark Steam Pocket Mop, which I already own, and I can't say enough great things about it. Being able to get so many great things at Taylor Gifts is awesome! I love one-stop shopping!! Oh... and they accept PayPal, another big perk in my eyes!!

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Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Wordless Wednesday

Yes, he completely climbed in there on his own... scaled the side just like a ladder...


As always, you can find more WW at EM, 5M4M and of course, the hub.

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Monday, February 15, 2010

Yoohoo and Friends

I love finding new ways for my kids to tap into their imaginations and Boug's new fave toy is Yoohoo and Friends stuffed animals from Aurora. Yoohoo and Friends are a new toy that you can play online, without any codes, to learn more about different animals and habitats.

Different kids are attracted to different types of animals, and the nice thing about Yoohoo and Friends is that there are more than 30 animals in their line! Choices like the scarlet macaw, platypus, yellow tiger and so many more. Yoohoo and Friends are available for different special occasions, like graduations, or even holidays, like their Easter styles that sport bunny ears- perfect for tucking into the Easter basket this year!!

Their big eyes, puffy tails and super soft fur is so sweet and I can see why my Boug loves her Yoohoo and Friends so much!

Valentine's YooHoo & Friends.jpg

You can purchase Yoohoo and Friends on Amazon.com as well as purchase them through the Aurora World Gift Shop.

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Operation: DVD Premiere!!


We've grown to love the Penguins of Madagascar since the original movie, and their nickelodeon show, and with the release of The Penguins of Madagascar, Operation: DVD Premiere, we're getting more of our penguin fill! The penguins are too humorous with their interactions with King Julien. Skipper and the rest of the penguins crack us up with each and every episode!

Operation: DVD Premiere is loaded with some never before seen episodes, as well as some favorites that have aired. This dvd is also loaded with bonus material, like the brand new penguins Devious Dr. Blowhole game to be played at Nick.com. Its hard enough to get Boug off the computer, but with this new game to play, its getting even harder!! Other bonus material like the sneak peeks into new releases are great too! I loved being able to peek at some of the new movies that I know my kids will be begging me to go see!

You can order The Penguins of Madagascar, Operation: DVD Premiere, from Amazon.com

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Menu Plan Monday

Quite proud of myself this week again, I've had the MP done since last Tuesday!! GOOOO ME!! Except somehow I didn't get this posted Sunday night like I usually do... so here we are Monday afternoon...


Recipes are below!!

Sunday: Beef over Noodles (carryover)

Monday: Chicken & Dressing Casserole

Tuesday: White Cheddar Mac & Cheese

Wednesday: Beef Biscuit Cups

Thursday: Spaghetti Pizza

Friday: Orange Roast

Saturday: Chicken & Potato Bake

Once again, breakfasts are usually cold cereal, oatmeal and sometimes Boug just wants toast and a banana! Lunches usually are leftovers or sandwiches paired with yogurt or fruit generally. My meals are usually a bit heavier in meats and chickens as hub is a butcher and brings so much home for free or next to nothing!! Check out more Menu Plan Monday entries at orgjunkie!!

Recipes::

Chicken & Dressing Casserole from Eat at Home

White Cheddar Mac & Cheese from Finding Joy in my Kitchen

Chicken & Potato Bake from Kraft


Beef Biscuit Cups
1 lb. ground beef
1 jar spaghetti sauce
2 tubes of refridgerated biscuits
1 c. shredded cheddar

Brown beef and drain, stir in the spaghetti sauce and cook til heated through. Press biscuits into muffin cups, making a well- pushing the biscuits down and up the sides. Fill the well with about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 15-17 minutes, add the shredded cheddar on top and bake for an additional 3 minutes.

Spaghetti Pizza
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1 package (16 ounces) cooked spaghetti
1 pound ground beef, cooked and drained
1 jar (28 ounces) spaghetti sauce
1 package (3-1/2 ounces) sliced pepperoni
1 can (4 ounces) mushroom stems and pieces, drained
1/4 cup chopped onion
Garlic salt to taste
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and milk. Add spaghetti; toss to coat. Transfer to a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Top with the beef, spaghetti sauce, pepperoni, mushrooms and onion. Sprinkle with garlic salt. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with cheeses. Bake 10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Let stand 15 minutes before cutting.

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Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Parenthood is....

coming to NBC!

I absolutely love tv shows that I can relate to, laugh with and of couse, that work with my work schedule so that I can really watch them religiously. Shows that resonate with me, and who I am as a parent are wonderful and Parenthood is definitely one of those shows. On Tuesday, March 2nd, Parenthood will begin airing, with its stellar cast- Lauren Graham, Craig T. Nelson, Erika Christensen, Dax Shephard and others.

From single parenting, marital issues, stay at home mom'ing, responsibility, and more, Parenthood touches on topics that have, from time to time, affected us all. The Bravermans are a big family, each with their own issues and quirks.


You can check out more preview videos here: Parenthood Previews

I absolutely can't wait for March 2nd to roll around, and for Parenthood to start airing!! Will you be checking it out??

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Show some love with Yandy

I try not to air my laundry out too much around here, but Valentine's Day is coming and when it comes to couple time, one of the most celebrated Valentine's purchases is lingerie. Yandy is one of the best go to places for lingerie that is quality, hot, classy, affordable, and has a ton of variety.

There's much to love about Yandy Lingerie, but the fact that they carry plus size as well as regular sizes is fabulous. Its nice to be able to get some of the same hot lingerie in a slightly larger size. I personally have four different pieces from Yandy and I haven't been disappointed once in the quality. I absolutely love the affordability of their items, for example you can get the lace tank top and boyshort set for only $16.95, which is so much cheaper then some big retail stores. There's even the bell sleeved chemise (shown above) which is simple and stunning, and less then $30!

Yandy Lingerie is everything from mild to wild, and an awesome way to spend your Valentine's Day... or any other 'loving' day you'd like... And sometimes, you just need something nice under your clothes for YOU, to make you feel good about yourself.

Valentine's Day is less than a week away, so its awesome that orders placed by 4 pm pst ship the very same day. And for you big spenders, orders over $70 ship absolutely free!!

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Trust in Johnson's for your sweetie!


Finding brands that you can trust can be difficult sometimes, so over five years ago, when I was pregnant with Boug, and I was asking around about products to use, I was stoked when most of the responses were the same. Johnson's. The Johnson's brand has been the go-to products for babies for so long, its so trusted, how could I not use those items for my very first baby? Of course, I carried it on with Bud too, and once again turned to Johnson's to help me care for my lil' man.

Another thing that I've always done for preggo moms, is make up baby shower baskets for them. Of course Johnson's products are a staple in those as well. I love grabbing a laundry basket and putting great goodies in them, like desitin, Johnson's shampoo and lotions, Johnson's bubble bath, a few toys and more. Giving the practical gifts are always a huge hit.

I recently tried out the Johnson's bedtime bubble bath and I'm thrilled to add another great product to the list of ones from Johnson's that I love. Anything that soothes and helps my sweetie to sleep is a wonderful thing in my book! Their naturalcalm essences that are in their bedtime line are wonderful!!

I could go on and on about the reasons that I love Johnson's products, but I'm sure you can understand. One last thing... I use Johnson's baby oil gel with aloe vera and vitamin e on my legs during each shower, especially during the winter months. I use the Johnson's pink moisture care baby wash on my highly sensitive face at times as a face wash. Who's to say that you can't share with your little one?!?! Soon enough their trying to share everything with you too, like picking food off of your plate while you eat!!

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Johnson’s and received samples of Johnson’s Baby products to facilitate my review.

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Monday, February 8, 2010

Free Post-It Durable Tabs

Get your FREE Post-It Durable Tab sample HERE

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Monday Mingle

Big thanks once again to Speedy for being our gracious host of Monday Mingle! Want to participate? Head over to Eighty MPH Mom and link up!!

MM 2/8 from CaseyDeuce on Vimeo.


Again, I'll apologize for the stripes on my face from my blinds. I obviously didn't realize how much sun was shining through, or else I would have relocated.

Thanks for stopping by!

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Sunday, February 7, 2010

Menu Plan Monday

I'm so ashamed. I spend over $100 at the grocery store last night, it was the first time I've spent over $75 in weeks. How depressing....


Recipes are below!!

Sunday: Reuben Sandwich Casserole (carryover)

Monday: Corn and Spinach Enchiladas

Tuesday: Sweet & Sour Chicken

Wednesday: Meatloaf Burgers

Thursday: Steak Quesadillas

Friday: Beef over Noodles

Saturday: Veggie Burritos

Once again, breakfasts are usually cold cereal, oatmeal and sometimes Boug just wants toast and a banana! Lunches usually are leftovers or sandwiches paired with yogurt or fruit generally. My meals are usually a bit heavier in meats and chickens as hub is a butcher and brings so much home for free or next to nothing!! Check out more Menu Plan Monday entries at orgjunkie!!

Recipes::

Reuben Sandwich Casserole (from Feels Like Home)

Corn & Spinach Enchiladas (A Year of Slow Cooking)
1 c. creamed corn
1 c. shredded pre-cooked meat
1 c. baby spinach leaves
1/4 c. fine chopped fresh cilantro
2 tbsp. chopped jalepenos
1.5 c. shredded cheese of choice
1 can green enchilada sauce (28 oz. size)
2/3 c. sour cream
corn tortillas
extra shredded cheese

Combine meat, corn, spinach, cilantro, jalepenos and shredded cheese. Mix together to create your enchilada filling. Combine your enchilada sauce with the sour cream in a separate bowl. Fill corn tortillas with enchilada filling and place into crockpot seam side down. Stack to fit as many as need be. After all filling is put into the torts, and they are stacked, pour your sauce over top, top with shredded cheese. Cook on low for 5-7 hours.

Sweet & Sour Chicken (from My Kitchen Cafe)
Chicken:
3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper
1 cup cornstarch
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup canola oil

Cut boneless chicken breasts into chunks. Season with salt and pepper. Dip chicken in cornstarch and then in egg. Fry in a little oil until brown but not cooked through. Place in a single layer in a baking dish. Mix sauce ingredients (below) together and pour over chicken.

Sauce:
¾ cup sugar
4 tablespoons ketchup
½ cup vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon garlic salt

Bake for one hour at 325 degrees. Turn chicken every 15 minutes. If you like extra sauce, make another batch of sauce and bring it to a boil on the stovetop. Stir constantly and let cook over medium heat until thickened and reduced - about 6-8 minutes.

Meatloaf Burgers:
1 sliced onion
1 celery stalk, diced
2 lbs ground beef
2 c. tomato juice
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt & pepper to taste

Place onion and celery in the bottom of the crock pot. Combine beef and S/P, form into 6 or so patties. Place on top of onion/celery. Combine tomato juice, ketchup, Italian seasoning, garlic and more s/p to taste and pour on top of the burgers. Cook on low for 7-9 hours. Serve on buns.

Beef over Noodles:
This recipe is supposed to be made with sirloin tips, but to save I pretty much will use whichever cut of beef is thawed out.
1 lb. beef, cut into chunks
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 small can of sliced mushrooms

Place all into the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, serve over egg noodles, I sometimes top with a dollop of sour cream if I have it in the fridge!!

Veggie Burritos
1 can corn
1 can tomatoes (I use canned diced tomatoes just for ease.)
1 can black beans
grated cheddar or jack cheese
Flour tortillas

Pour the corn, tomatoes and beans into a pan. Heat the mixture to boiling and then let simmer until heated through (5 - 10 mins), add your favorite spices to taste. Warm up the tortillas in the microwave or on a burner. When the filling is ready, use a slotted spoon to put a spoonful (or so) on each tortilla. Sprinkle a little grated cheese on top of the filling, if desired. Wrap the tortilla around the filling "burrito-style."

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Thursday, February 4, 2010

Keep your eye on the time!

One accessory that I've always had, ever since I was young, was a watch. Still to this day, I despise being without one and I hate asking others what time it is. I know that now we're in a 'digital age' with cell phones, pda's, blackberries, ipods and so much more that have time telling capabilities, but a great watch will never go away as one of those classy, must-have accessories.

Over at ShopNBC.com, you can find some of the hottest watches and I'm definitely smitten with many of the choices. ShopNBC.com carries my most lusted after brand, Movado, and they have a ton of available Movado watches. I say that Movado is one that I lust after, only because their watches are just bit out of my price range. Another option that I find a bit more affordable for me, is the selection of Android watches available. I absolutely adore the bold faces of the Androids, which you can totally use to add a little funk to your ensemble. Though I must mention, one of the brands that I don't feel I have paid enough attention to in the past, has completely caught my eye big time while I was browsing, was the Invicta watches at ShopNBC.com. I'm so loving that Invicta watches range from simpler, to the more intricate designs and they definitely have a choice in every price point you could think of. I'm loving that Invicta watches are available at a price that I can afford!

With Valentine's Day quickly approaching, of course some of the other accessories like necklaces and bracelets are going to be popular. But why not think a little differently? Give diamonds in a different way? I'm drooling over the Invicta womens subaqua noma III with its 36 white diamonds!!

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Free Pampers with Dry Max Sample Pack!!

I hate the bulky diaper look on babies. Honestly, that can't be all that comfortable at all. Yay for Pampers for coming out with a new diaper!!! Pampers new Dry Max are special, they're 20% thinner than before and keep your baby even drier. Sounds like a win-win to me!!

I love how cool it is that Pampers came up with special Team USA Dry Max diapers for the Olympic athletes babies to take with them to the games this year, and although those sweeties are the very first to try them out, you can be next. You can grab your sample of a 3 pack Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max from their site. If the sample you receive contains a Team USA diaper, you won't have to buy diapers for a year because you'll have won a years supply of Pampers Cruisers wtih Dry Max!! Now that would be something fabulous to win!!

Click to downloadClick to downloadClick to download

Here's my personal fave though, the Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max helps to keep babies wetness locked up for up to 12 hours. Its becoming more and more of an occurance that my son wakes up with a leaky diaper, and I hate it! I definitely can't wait to put the Dry Max Cruisers to the test to save from the early morning leaky diaper frustration!!

Make sure you head over to the Pampers site to request your free 3 pack of Cruisers with Dry Max!! Fingers crossed for a Team USA diaper inside to win the years supply!!

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Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Indulge yourself with Caress

The little indulgences in everyday life is what keeps me going most days. One of my most favorite things to do, just for me, is to shower. There's nothing in my eyes that can compare to a hot, steamy, wonderful shower. Its my own time, to sneak away from the kids, the dishes in the sink, the laundry to be put away and everything else. The only thing that makes those showers better is using a seriously fabulous body wash or soap. My new shower indulgence? Caress Evenly Gorgeous body wash.

A body wash, for me, that is the whole shebang is a fabulous thing. Without costing a fortune, and without sacrificing anything that I like, I can relax with the Caress Evenly Gorgeous. The scent is perfect for me, in the burnt brown sugar and karite butter, the exfoliation and moisturization works wonders on my dry winter skin too. Of course the Evenly Gorgeous is available in the bars as well as the body wash if that's what you prefer.

Caress Evenly Gorgeous isn't the only product available in their line. They have the Daily Silk, which is the one loaded with silkening moisturizers, the Tahitian Renewal with pomegranite and palm milk, Cashmere Luxury with vanilla and white orchid essence, and the Glowing Touch with shea cream and gentle skin brighteners.

Want to win a set of Caress Beauty Bars? Leave a comment here with which variety you'd be most likely to purchase!!

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This giveaway will accept entries until 11:59 pm on Tuesday, February 16th. Winner will be drawn with random.org and emailed. Winner must reply within 48 hours to winning email or a new winner will be drawn. Please make sure that your email is accessible, whether in the comment or a blogger profile, cause if I cant contact you, how can you win?

This review was done as part of a campaign for Caress through Family Review Network. All opinions are 100% mine.

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