tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30869751388814881312024-03-04T22:05:21.093-08:00Kelley's CompilationUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086975138881488131.post-54628310862939750412014-10-22T09:18:00.000-07:002014-11-13T04:45:50.484-08:00Crockpot Venison Chili<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;">My kids looooove chili. So, since it was getting a bit chillier outside, I thought today would be a perfect day to make it. After realizing that I was out of ground beef, I remembered that one my husband's customers had given us some ground venison. Now, let me tell you, my kids devour venison. It's one of their favorites. But I refuse to tell them what it is. Why, might you ask? I once told them I was going to make deer for dinner, and they both burst out crying. So now, to sneak in the flavor and reduce a little fat in our diets, I substitute venison every once and a while!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;">Crockpot Venison Chili</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;">1 lb. ground venison</span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;">1 medium onion, chopped</span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;">2 large stalks celery, chopped</span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;">1 large green pepper, chopped</span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;">1 15 oz. can tomato sauce </span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;">1 8 oz. can No Salt Added tomato sauce</span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;">2 15 oz. cans dark red kidney beans, one drained, one with juices</span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;">1 15 oz. can cannellini beans with liquid (I used Simple Truth Organic- it had less sodium than the other brands)</span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;">1 1/2 tsp. chili powder</span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;">1/2 tsp dried parsley</span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;">3/4 tsp salt</span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;">3/4 tsp dried basil</span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;">3/4 tsp dried oregano</span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;">1/4 tsp ground black pepper</span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;">Dash of Salsa Picante (I use Juanita's Hot. You could probably use any hot sauce)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;">Brown the venison over medium-low heat. Venison dries out quickly, so I cook it over lower heat. It might take longer, but you don't run the risk of it becoming too dry.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;">Put all your ingredients in your slow cooker and mix 'em up. Cook over low for 8 hours.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;">Garnish as desired! We like to put ours in a bowl with Fritos, shredded cheese, sour cream and diced onions. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;">Enjoy!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;">Nutrition Information provided by myfitnesspal.com</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086975138881488131.post-56859147970898479852014-04-16T07:30:00.003-07:002014-04-16T07:33:10.416-07:00Pickled Beets<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">Wow! It sure has been a long time since I posted! Anyway... I attempted a juice cleanse about a week ago. All I have to say is- Never. Again. So, I had a bunch of beets left over. I hate beets. Luckily for me, I didn't have to throw them away! My husband loves them. So, being the cheapskate that I am, I decided to attempt to do something with them. I made pickled beets, and let me tell you, my husband is raving about them (he says they're just like his mother's!). Here's my recipe (adapted from several on the internet):</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">2 bunches of beets (3 large beets per bunch)</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">5/8 cup white vinegar + more to cover beets in jar</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">2.5 Tbsp Pure Cane Sugar (I use Zulka Morena sugar)</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">2.5 Tbsp Olive Oil</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">1.5 tsp Coleman's dry Mustard (If you can't find it, use a spicy dry mustard if possible, otherwise plain dry mustard will do)</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">Salt and Pepper to taste</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">First, slice beets into uniform sized slices. This is pretty hard while they are raw, but get a good cutting board and a very sharp knife. Boil for about 30-40 minutes, or until you can easily stick a fork in them. Once they're done boiling, run the entire pan under cold water. Rub the outsides of the beets to remove the skin. Place sliced beets into a mason jar. (I had to use two because my beets were so big.) </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In a mixing bowl, mix together the ingredients and pour into the mason jars. (I had to divide mine between the two jars). Close the jar and give it a good shake to coat the beets. Now that they're all coated, pour vinegar over beets until the top beet is submerged. Close up the jar again and give it another good shake. I refrigerated the beets immediately and let them set a few days, but you can leave them out and eat them in a few hours. Enjoy!</span></span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086975138881488131.post-22149746102857408372013-06-10T15:30:00.001-07:002013-06-10T15:30:21.826-07:00Customizable Chore Chart<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I don't know what it is about summer that makes kids go crazy, but mine, even though they're homeschooled have gone absolutely berserk! This is especially true in the chore department. So, I came up with a fun little chore chart for them. I decided not to make it too long and instead used it to focus on the chores that make the biggest impact on our house. These particular chores don't take a long time but sure do make the house a ton cleaner! Of course, you can edit the chart to suit your own household!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(By the way... I HATE to waste paper, so I laminated these and use a dry erase marker to mark when a chore has been done.)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Download it through this link:</span></div>
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">https://www.dropbox.com/s/geztt3kn7thvxqj/Chore%20Chart.xlsx</span><br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">-Kelley-</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086975138881488131.post-61044976962741113942013-05-08T11:44:00.003-07:002013-05-08T11:49:32.656-07:00A Polish Girl's Take on Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (Avgolemono)<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Yesterday I started making plain old, boring chicken noodle soup for dinner. About an hour in, I realized, "I really don't want plain old chicken noodle soup." So, I ended up doctoring my soup to my own version of Greek Chicken Soup (Avgolemono). Check it out!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Not so bad for not following a recipe, if I do say so myself! Here's how I made it:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><u>Ingredients</u></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">1-2 lbs chicken backs</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">12 c. water (approx.)</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">1 med. onion (chopped)</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">3 large carrots</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">3 stalks of celery</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">1 box acini di pepe pasta (normally you use rice, but this is what I had on hand)</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">1 tsp. salt</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">1 1/2 tsp. garlic salt</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">4-5 bay leaves</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">10 (approx) whole allspice</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">1/2 tsp. ground thyme</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">2 lemons (zested and juiced)</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">3 eggs</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Put chicken backs, onion, celery, carrot, allspice, bayleaves, thyme, carrot and water in a large pot. Bring to a boil. Let boil about 20-30 minutes. Bring down to a simmer. Simmer for about 2 hours. While simmering, skim the scum off the surface. (Nice alliteration, I know.) </span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Remove from heat. Once cooled, remove the chicken. Pick off as much meat as you can from the chicken backs. About 30-45 minutes before you're ready to serve, add lemon zest, salt and garlic salt and acini di pepe. Bring to a boil for about 12 minutes. </span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">While this is boiling, juice the lemons into a bowl. Add the three eggs, whisking constantly until it is frothy. Remove about 2 cups of broth from the soup. Very slowly add the broth to the lemon/egg mixture while whisking constantly. This will temper the eggs. </span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Reduce heat to about medium on the soup. Add tempered egg mixture to the broth, slowly and stirring constantly. Heat through for about 20-30 minutes to allow flavors to develop. Do not allow the soup to go above a simmer or the eggs will curdle. </span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">I served each bowl as 2 ladles full. At this serving size, you will get about 11 bowls. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">-Kelley-</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086975138881488131.post-81111224521196741682013-05-01T14:26:00.002-07:002013-05-01T14:26:53.746-07:00Stuffed Cabbage- Yum!<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">I get so excited when I find something healthy that my kids like to eat. Last night, I made stuffed cabbage. They ate it all up, and asked for seconds! Yes, they <b>actually </b>ate it all up! So, I thought I might share the recipe with you!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">12 cabbage leaves</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">1 lb. ground beef</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">1/2 c. quinoa, rinsed (I didn't precook it and it was fine, but next time I will parboil it) (Or you can use rice in the same amount)</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">1/2 c. finely chopped spring onions</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">1 (4 oz.) can mushrooms, drained and finely chopped </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">1 tsp. salt</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">1 clove of garlic, minced</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">1 tsp. sugar</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">1/2 tsp. lemon juice</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">1 Tbsp. cornstarch</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">1 Tbsp. water</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Cover cabbage leaves with boiling water. Cover and let stand until leaves are limp, about 10 minutes. Drain water, set aside.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Mix ground beef, quinoa, onion, mushrooms, garlic, salt pepper and 1/2 of the tomato sauce. Place about 1/3 c. beef mixture at stem end of each leaf. Roll leaf around mixture, tucking in sides.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Place cabbage rolls seam side down in an ungreased 11x9 in. baking dish. Mix remaining tomato sauces, sugar and lemon juice. Pour over cabbage rolls. Cover and cook in 350° oven about 45 minutes, or until beef mixture is fully cooked. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Mix cornstarch and water in saucepan. Stir in liquid from cabbage rolls. (I used a turkey baster to get the juices out.) Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Serve sauce with cabbage rolls. (I like to put it over mashed potatoes.)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">-Kelley-</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086975138881488131.post-54080690893217786402013-04-21T10:58:00.001-07:002013-04-21T11:08:03.778-07:00"Fruitcake"<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">I saw this quote today in the book my husband was reading, "Father to Daughter: Life Lessons on Raising a Girl." I thought it applied very well to my 9 1/2 year old as well. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVea9RC3fgWbg4RGu9LIzKNK1dNFbO7E8PW_WIcLjPe5jsslmd3diX1YGQGBGirvhuS1VfwbfKP8suTQmuy3p9ynBxiEEpL8jx4ViI1j9ADBFIFiiOhIsdQjVM5-4MeHsVZDk4Zzdfb7A/s640/blogger-image--894655414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVea9RC3fgWbg4RGu9LIzKNK1dNFbO7E8PW_WIcLjPe5jsslmd3diX1YGQGBGirvhuS1VfwbfKP8suTQmuy3p9ynBxiEEpL8jx4ViI1j9ADBFIFiiOhIsdQjVM5-4MeHsVZDk4Zzdfb7A/s640/blogger-image--894655414.jpg" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086975138881488131.post-32178716576388269492013-04-21T08:56:00.001-07:002013-04-21T09:08:47.420-07:00"Healthier" Apple Pie<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Mmm. There is absolutely nothing better than fresh apple pie. Last weekend my husband <b>really </b>wanted some. We are both attempting to lose weight, so this was kind of a what-to-do situation for me. So, I decided to healthify it with pure, non-GMO cane sugar and whole wheat flour. I figured it would be slightly healthier if I reduced the processed white flour and sugar. Neither the kids nor the hubby could tell the difference!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamlRmIzC2hOF9xZrLGmj8mNlobyY4XfwwSUc1HxNhUENEK119kCwkssPr-H5pg2R5wvl50i7w-QyLB8T-rqVTc_Xk5u7PzbjhnY1uHDpllUJVzrXAvHXCULPFpYPIDLM8YOJw7lPR0-s/s1600/IMG_0810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamlRmIzC2hOF9xZrLGmj8mNlobyY4XfwwSUc1HxNhUENEK119kCwkssPr-H5pg2R5wvl50i7w-QyLB8T-rqVTc_Xk5u7PzbjhnY1uHDpllUJVzrXAvHXCULPFpYPIDLM8YOJw7lPR0-s/s320/IMG_0810.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Here is my "Healthier" Apple Pie:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><u>Crust</u></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">2/3 c. Vegetable Shortening</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">2 Tbsp. Butter</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">2 c. Whole Wheat Flour</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">1 tsp. Salt</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">3 to 4 Tbsp. Cold Water</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Cut butter and shortening into flour and salt using a pastry blender until the mixture looks like a bunch of small peas. Sprinkle in the water, 1 tablespoon at a time, tossing with a fork until all the flour is moistened and pastry almost cleans the side of the bowl. </span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Divide pastry in half. Form each half into a ball. Roll out (on a floured board) the first ball to the desired size (about 2 inches larger than your pie plate). Put in pie plate.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Once you've added your filling, roll out the second half. Place on top and crimp together the edges. Prick several times with a fork to let steam escape. Sprinkle about 1/2 Tbsp. of sugar on top for decoration.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><u>Filling</u></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">1/2 c. Pure Cane Sugar</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">3 Tbsp. Whole Wheat Flour</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">1/2 tsp. Ground Nutmeg</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">1/2 tsp. Ground Cinnamon</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Dash of Salt</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">6 c. Sliced Granny Smith Apples</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">1 Tbsp. Butter (cut into pieces)</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Put the sliced apples in a large bowl. Mix in sugar, flour, nutmeg, cinnamon and salt. Pour into pie plate (with the crust already in it). Put the pieces of cut up butter all over the top. Now, finish up putting on your crust.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Bake at 425° for 40- 50 minutes. If the crust gets too brown, you can put foil on it to prevent burning. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086975138881488131.post-23343056971083123282013-04-06T08:27:00.000-07:002013-04-06T08:27:16.554-07:00Road Trip Scavenger Hunt!<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">This year for Spring Break, we are headed to Disney World. Now, for us Disney is about a 7 hour drive. While this is not the longest drive we generally make, it is still plenty of time for the kids to say "Are we there yet?" This time, I'm prepared! I made a scavenger hunt that I printed off for each child. Then, I laminated it so that the kids can re-use it. (I despise wasting paper.) Bring a couple cheap dry erase markers from the dollar store, and an old sock as an eraser. You can also use oil crayons, but I'm sure they would make much more of a mess.</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">*Don't have access to a laminator? Use clear shipping tape in overlapping strips and just create your own laminated paper!*</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">This is the scavenger hunt I came up with-</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhIfzMTUdKYLUone_jsHy7WFbxc6CZUUkVK3r508-HU1db7r_kuDyc3Gl8XT-fS2ShsDagZZ3A8JgmgRlirPj0i68Qqggg5cTixFcPuACaHYme7lzcAotKw9ruJ3auCm6uEsXNjwjh94/s1600/img001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhIfzMTUdKYLUone_jsHy7WFbxc6CZUUkVK3r508-HU1db7r_kuDyc3Gl8XT-fS2ShsDagZZ3A8JgmgRlirPj0i68Qqggg5cTixFcPuACaHYme7lzcAotKw9ruJ3auCm6uEsXNjwjh94/s320/img001.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">You can download it here: <span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/qlq390v7xmdhpmm/Road%20Trip%20Scavenger%20Hunt.jpg">https://www.dropbox.com/s/qlq390v7xmdhpmm/Road%20Trip%20Scavenger%20Hunt.jpg</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">I hope your kids have as much fun as mine with this!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">-Kelley-</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086975138881488131.post-15395014716297860732013-04-02T07:29:00.001-07:002013-04-02T07:29:14.888-07:00Marbled Easter Eggs<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">I hate to spend money, not that I don't like to shop or do fun things, I just don't like to spend money. When we were at the store, looking for Easter Egg dye, the kids (of course) wanted the most expensive kit out there. I wasn't going to have it (as usual), and we ended up buying the cheapest kit. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Now, just because it's cheap, doesn't mean it can't be fun! Here is how to transform a cheap-o kit into fancy, marbled eggs.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSBxIkv5RxxKIfc9pY2Leg0mkwU5b-jOojjcWwJfzu1giP_XZFIqoU6OUuR71xiy02e4HrdIicUmCRi7CKqQ6wsN7ZqyW9LN_oTRnCZ7An__4YnxmYQzxtNDK2loy6fZf3X1MUAVcbIM/s1600/Pictures1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSBxIkv5RxxKIfc9pY2Leg0mkwU5b-jOojjcWwJfzu1giP_XZFIqoU6OUuR71xiy02e4HrdIicUmCRi7CKqQ6wsN7ZqyW9LN_oTRnCZ7An__4YnxmYQzxtNDK2loy6fZf3X1MUAVcbIM/s320/Pictures1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">The secret it......... Vegetable oil!</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">All you have to do is put a few drops in each cup along with the Easter Egg dye. Simple as that! Just drop the egg into whichever color you want, let it sit a while, then when you pull it out, because of the oil, not all the parts will be dyed! Simply drop it into the next color, and if desired, the next and so on! (My kids will get a little slap happy about this whole process and keep going until all the eggs basically look about the same... a weird ugly green...)</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">-Kelley-</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086975138881488131.post-71280966633785796562013-04-02T07:08:00.003-07:002013-04-02T07:08:40.946-07:00Snickerdoodle Muffins<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">Nothing is better than the smell of cinnamon and sugar in the morning. What a smell to wake up to! Well, this morning I woke up early and thought, "Why don't I treat the kids to some muffins for breakfast?" So, I whipped some up!</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">This recipe is one I've been handed down from my Mom. It was originally just called "Muffins," but my daughter re-named it this morning when she said, "These muffins taste like Snickerdoodles!" Thus, they are now called, "Snickerdoodle Muffins!"</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">Here you go!</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">1/3 c. soft shortening</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">1 1/2 c. sugar (divided)</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">1 egg</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">1 1/2 c. flour</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">1 1/2 tsp. baking powder</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">1/2 tsp. salt</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">1/4 tsp. nutmeg</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">1/2 c. milk</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">6 Tbsp. melted butter or margarine</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">1 tsp. cinnamon</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">Cream 1 cup of the sugar and shortening. Add egg, beat well. Mix and sift flour, baking powder, salt and nutmeg. Add milk and flour alternately to the egg mixture. Fill greased or lined muffin tins 2/3 full. Bake at 350° for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown (until a toothpick comes out clean). Melt the 6 Tbsp. of butter. Mix together the 1/2 cup of sugar with the 1 tsp of cinnamon. Remove from pan at once and roll in melted butter and then in cinnamon sugar mixture. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuVVukIaaeTtNYaZuxL80dV3bJOjGUztwom5gGoH3ZPllvTnkrRNJA1B9DVwWML-PBpnjEJFMtSa_9QScd74QcoctNzs23xFwbrfohhdDNFwtOsLPLfG4cvXEIPv0UK-Tht6jqN8gqxc/s1600/Pictures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuVVukIaaeTtNYaZuxL80dV3bJOjGUztwom5gGoH3ZPllvTnkrRNJA1B9DVwWML-PBpnjEJFMtSa_9QScd74QcoctNzs23xFwbrfohhdDNFwtOsLPLfG4cvXEIPv0UK-Tht6jqN8gqxc/s320/Pictures.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">-Kelley-</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086975138881488131.post-81708833183135764552013-04-01T06:51:00.003-07:002013-04-01T06:51:47.209-07:00Editable, Printable Calendar<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">I am a HUGE fan of anything that makes my life easier. Recently, I have been counting down 'til the last day of school. Because my kids go to an online school, I've had to make sure they will complete their coursework in time. So, I found an online, editable, printable calendar that would help me out. Here is a screenshot of my edited calendar (I put the number of days until the end of school on the top right of each box):</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUsSy0sRdF7zY5T9PqOuf9Ea0gGvRoGGFZrkqCLcOkU7KAq8zCMItwb1PewnIcTPHa1IV21CczbT5zMyNaJkPHXQ2J6mhAO3tdsoxNqTh8f57_IjK3eMZ28DDEnhWQTDa9bz4O0ikrei8/s1600/calendar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUsSy0sRdF7zY5T9PqOuf9Ea0gGvRoGGFZrkqCLcOkU7KAq8zCMItwb1PewnIcTPHa1IV21CczbT5zMyNaJkPHXQ2J6mhAO3tdsoxNqTh8f57_IjK3eMZ28DDEnhWQTDa9bz4O0ikrei8/s320/calendar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">Check it out at: <a href="http://505-design.com/2013-calendar/">http://505-design.com/2013-calendar/</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">-Kelley-</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086975138881488131.post-89399326998919772962013-03-28T07:52:00.002-07:002013-03-28T07:52:27.362-07:00DTI Dance Competition<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Sunday, my daughter had a dance competition, DTI in Chattanooga. I just have to say a huge congratulations to all the wonderful Bravo Dance Center Dancers! Her company, Jr. A, won a high gold ribbon for their Lyrical dance, "Rise," a high gold excel ribbon for their jazz dance "Betty Boo," and the entire company won a high gold ribbon and 1st place in Extended Line for "Rebeat!" Congratulations to all the wonderful Bravo Dance Center dancers!</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">-Kelley-</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfujc_ELKnORh7Fvca-hszIARraMXeg1O_Cdi5G8onTe9zHF2-Lz2KnQxiBSV_4Dqqa-s1OwHwPnPSR3JIgS9n75S7EuBlGsmM4Dzbn8FMe4f2qcPUl7pF5-V5YNlMk47oBNRwYW3kNdM/s1600/IMG_0662%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfujc_ELKnORh7Fvca-hszIARraMXeg1O_Cdi5G8onTe9zHF2-Lz2KnQxiBSV_4Dqqa-s1OwHwPnPSR3JIgS9n75S7EuBlGsmM4Dzbn8FMe4f2qcPUl7pF5-V5YNlMk47oBNRwYW3kNdM/s320/IMG_0662%5B1%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Bravo Dance Center Company 2012-2013</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTucQdM1BIEkk8oE5_g02lKfeboU-H5zmjO8Vma4Eppn73xczyB9ylUfvMgyRERHPLImA1598y6Nh3kG02l8Mqd8jXzYijrZsPLXVxJ2Bt1mGSJe4aSCO9P99BRLLMHDxvrL0jWMZbkOQ/s1600/IMG_0664%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTucQdM1BIEkk8oE5_g02lKfeboU-H5zmjO8Vma4Eppn73xczyB9ylUfvMgyRERHPLImA1598y6Nh3kG02l8Mqd8jXzYijrZsPLXVxJ2Bt1mGSJe4aSCO9P99BRLLMHDxvrL0jWMZbkOQ/s320/IMG_0664%5B1%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Jr. A Company 2012-2013</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086975138881488131.post-55450432181950085812013-03-28T07:29:00.001-07:002013-03-28T07:29:14.997-07:00Dandelion Lemonade<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">Not gonna lie. I am a HUGE fan of the health benefits of dandelions. Here are some of the main reasons dandelion is one of my favorite teas to drink:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">1. It improves digestion and aids in weight loss.</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">2. It eases congestion of the liver.</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">3. It helps purify the bladder and kidneys.</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">4. It reduces risk of urinary tract infections.</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="font-size: large;">5. <span style="color: #bf9000;">It contains calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, potassium, vitamins B, C, and A, niacin and lutein.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">6. It helps purify the blood, regulate blood sugar, </span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">7. It is prescribed to prevent Breast Cancer according to an article in the Journal of Cancer, Epidemiology and Biomarkers & Prevention 2007.</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">8. It helps ease bloating and aching joints.</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">9. It can lower serum Cholesterol.</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">10. Drastically reduces acid indigestion and gas buildup.</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">AND MUCH MORE!!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">I've searched the web and found that most people only really know this amazing flower because of "Jillian Michael's" detox drink. Now, I have searched and searched for this "podcast" in which she apparently gives the recipe and have had no luck. So, because her recipe couldn't be verified, I came up with my own. All you have to do is add lemon juice!</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">What are the health benefits of lemon juice you ask? Let me tell you!</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">1. They have strong antibacterial, antiviral and immune system boosting properties.</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">2. Lemon is a digestive aid and liver cleanser.</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">3. Lemon contains citric acid (Vitamin C), Calcium, Magnesium, Bioflavinoids, pectin, limonene and Potassium.</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">4. It can help with anxiety.</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">5. Helps control dizziness, nausea and high blood pressure.</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">6. Helps flush toxins out of system.</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">7. Studies from the American Urilogical Association show that it can cure kidney stones by forming urinary citrate, which prevents crystals from forming.</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">AND MUCH MORE!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">2 quarts Water</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">4 Dandelion Root Tea Bags (Dandelion Leaf will work too- You can buy them in the organic section at Kroger)</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">1 c. Lemon Juice</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">Stevia to taste</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">Boil the two quarts of water. Pour into pitcher. Add tea bags. Let steep about 10 minutes. Add 1 c. lemon juice. Let cool or serve warm. I usually let it cool and then add two packets of stevia to a 16 oz glass. Unlike the "Jillian Michael's" recipe, there's no reason to drink this all in one day. I drink this like regular lemonade, but my favorite time to drink it is after eating a fatty or high sodium meal because it aids in digestion and will is also a natural diuretic, so my body won't retain the water as much. (And it actually helps.)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8t_em8QmBkAyLGojW3KwcFK94PW-OYQu4VX5-bC9debVcesqfrytPV1GvuHoIixxM8Xyhpp8OzTT4htwbK71A-OuRhqHlIi03mCssOyryDqmYYeGYQXJQyIuRy5UnX97zXhyphenhyphenuG5-vWbI/s1600/IMG_0673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8t_em8QmBkAyLGojW3KwcFK94PW-OYQu4VX5-bC9debVcesqfrytPV1GvuHoIixxM8Xyhpp8OzTT4htwbK71A-OuRhqHlIi03mCssOyryDqmYYeGYQXJQyIuRy5UnX97zXhyphenhyphenuG5-vWbI/s320/IMG_0673.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkXrTA31CKidwch40A7Oj0YryRugHsSnbMYIFVxScNV0HzeTWYhdlR2wsjOfXN4MO4TSk7Itnes4hkX480B4YDU8lEbMaNGfpbV0G5v4OVlGrX8RWHFypelwWWAKcgj_KzhZRrf-quXBg/s1600/IMG_0675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkXrTA31CKidwch40A7Oj0YryRugHsSnbMYIFVxScNV0HzeTWYhdlR2wsjOfXN4MO4TSk7Itnes4hkX480B4YDU8lEbMaNGfpbV0G5v4OVlGrX8RWHFypelwWWAKcgj_KzhZRrf-quXBg/s320/IMG_0675.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">-Kelley-</span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #bf9000;">Sources: <a href="http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-7134/8-reasons-to-drink-dandelion-root-tea.html">http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-7134/8-reasons-to-drink-dandelion-root-tea.html</a>, <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/206366-what-are-the-benefits-of-dandelion-root-tea/">http://www.livestrong.com/article/206366-what-are-the-benefits-of-dandelion-root-tea/</a>, <a href="http://www.leaflady.org/health_benefits_of_dandelions.htm">http://www.leaflady.org/health_benefits_of_dandelions.htm</a>, <a href="http://www.healtharticles101.com/top-10-dandelion-tea-benefits/">http://www.healtharticles101.com/top-10-dandelion-tea-benefits/</a>, <a href="http://cloverleaffarm.hubpages.com/hub/Health-Benefits-of-Dandelion-Root">http://cloverleaffarm.hubpages.com/hub/Health-Benefits-of-Dandelion-Root</a>, <a href="http://www.beliefnet.com/Health/Physical-Health/Hidden-Health-Secrets-of-Lemons.aspx">http://www.beliefnet.com/Health/Physical-Health/Hidden-Health-Secrets-of-Lemons.aspx</a>, <a href="http://krizzyla.blogspot.com/2011/01/top-10-health-benefits-of-lemon-juice.html">http://krizzyla.blogspot.com/2011/01/top-10-health-benefits-of-lemon-juice.html</a>, <a href="http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-lemon.html">http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-lemon.html</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086975138881488131.post-68300896251132925922013-03-28T06:58:00.000-07:002013-03-28T06:58:19.938-07:00Hubby's Favorite Birthday Cake<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Tuesday was my husband's birthday. To celebrate, I made him his favorite cake: White Cake with Whipped Cream Icing and Strawberry Filling. As you know, I like to keep things simple, so I found a few cheats to making this fancy sounding cake. This year I discovered the new Cool Whip Frosting. It was very tasty, I highly recommend it to those of you who like whipped cream icing, but don't like having to prepare it. Here's how I made the cake:</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">1 box Duncan Hines White Cake Mix</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">3 Eggs</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">1 c. Water</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">1/4 c. Vegetable Oil</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">1 Tub Cool Whip Frosting (I used the vanilla flavor)</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">1/2 jar of Strawberry Preserves </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Prepare cake mix according to package directions. Pour into two greased 9 inch cake pans. Bake at 350<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;">°</span></span> for 26-30 minutes. Let cool.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Once the cakes are cool, arrange bottom layer of cake on whatever you plan on serving it on. Put a small amount of frosting on the bottom layer (in the middle where the jelly is going to go.) By putting the frosting on first, the cake won't get soggy. Next, heat the jar of preserves in the microwave in 15 second increments, stirring between each time. When the preserves are nice and viscous (warm, but not hot), pour the jelly onto the middle of the cake. Spread until you make an even layer. You can make this as thin a layer or as thick a layer as you want. Pick up the top layer of the cake. Turn upside down to where the jelly will be touching the cake. Put a small amount of frosting over it so it won't be soggy. Place the top layer on top of the bottom layer and finish icing cake.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Let set a few minutes before serving.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdr9Lo5QHOcPqLOlg95H4xlI_TsCsie3JK8oppZKBdzBQaBu8bKw5dR6Zp-nZ8q3zSgh-w6snsk5TgFXuDjK8t4SHlm_1ikFmnHAIyAEzhYAwV7ztesrpzoA3sBItLO2-9jRoF1S1F30/s1600/IMG_0666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdr9Lo5QHOcPqLOlg95H4xlI_TsCsie3JK8oppZKBdzBQaBu8bKw5dR6Zp-nZ8q3zSgh-w6snsk5TgFXuDjK8t4SHlm_1ikFmnHAIyAEzhYAwV7ztesrpzoA3sBItLO2-9jRoF1S1F30/s320/IMG_0666.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4KHmcwezmum3R33jWHIq0JaCJVdXh0s23MiA03ypojKlsoQCDwa_2D_QXmdpz8dk5_DQ3C0wtGaWF4KV_mfyPdTupRO2vm5dwYmDsiaPWIj7OhjxEVnBdh3x5div-L77-zbFdjgzou8/s1600/IMG_0667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4KHmcwezmum3R33jWHIq0JaCJVdXh0s23MiA03ypojKlsoQCDwa_2D_QXmdpz8dk5_DQ3C0wtGaWF4KV_mfyPdTupRO2vm5dwYmDsiaPWIj7OhjxEVnBdh3x5div-L77-zbFdjgzou8/s320/IMG_0667.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">-Kelley-</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086975138881488131.post-13413002081166992212013-03-22T09:22:00.003-07:002013-03-22T09:22:45.480-07:00Fun Online Countdown Timer<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Every day my son has to do 20 minutes of printing practice. He hates this more than any lesson we have to. So, as always, I've been on the lookout for ways to make this more fun. We've discovered having a different timer every day helps. First we tried an egg timer, then we went through all the different ring tone timers on my phone and finally, when the phone had run out of options, I went online. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">After googling and using many generic timers, I discovered this really cute website for classroom timers.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<a href="http://www.online-stopwatch.com/classroom-timers/"><span style="font-size: large;">http://www.online-stopwatch.com/classroom-timers/</span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Today we are using the "army timer" as my son calls it.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_Mupt_N5q2RwYcIJgWfnVfOsbU56BEdljE48MuYJGt_KZsLjoC5rTDfoxFQOgTqr1xgCJxjD5oNGoMAcLXk5rlQBVKU2TcTmUlKfo5lnW-w8kqgR9ELkOY3nd1mxAUBMrslFYZPglwM/s1600/c4-timer.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_Mupt_N5q2RwYcIJgWfnVfOsbU56BEdljE48MuYJGt_KZsLjoC5rTDfoxFQOgTqr1xgCJxjD5oNGoMAcLXk5rlQBVKU2TcTmUlKfo5lnW-w8kqgR9ELkOY3nd1mxAUBMrslFYZPglwM/s1600/c4-timer.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">I thought this was a cute find and just wanted to share it with you all!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">-Kelley-</span></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086975138881488131.post-28632728103461104762013-03-22T07:42:00.003-07:002013-03-22T07:42:58.224-07:00Brown Rim Cookies<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Brown Rim Cookies are one of my absolute favorite cookies. Perfect for dunking in coffee or tea, these cookies are lightly sweet, a mix between a shortbread and a butter cookie. They get their name from the slight brown rim that developes around the edge as they are baking. This recipe has been handed down in our family for generations.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbvTeLh0F_bWpZ7HOFzC7kZuB4z8qsYPwII7G2UgBdKwIw4sBuzPzQTyi0VabnG0LrvQ0XICY6ARKlFkYwGjUC4kSY4impSsehmyJodVS8dJC3AZjYpNaCyfHf9X4XfTeZk3A1yo3WWI/s1600/IMG_0647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbvTeLh0F_bWpZ7HOFzC7kZuB4z8qsYPwII7G2UgBdKwIw4sBuzPzQTyi0VabnG0LrvQ0XICY6ARKlFkYwGjUC4kSY4impSsehmyJodVS8dJC3AZjYpNaCyfHf9X4XfTeZk3A1yo3WWI/s320/IMG_0647.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><u>Brown Rim Cookies</u></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">1 c. shortening</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">1 tsp. salt</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">2 eggs, beaten</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">1 tsp. vanilla</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">2/3 c. sugar</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">2 1/2 c. flour</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Combine shortening, salt and vanilla. Add sugar, then beaten eggs and beat thouroughly. Add flour and mix well. Drop by teaspoon on greased cookie sheet. Let stand a few minutes, then flatten cookies with a glass covered with a damp cloth. </span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Bake in 375° oven for 8-10 minutes or until delicately browned.</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">These will make about 54 cookies if dropped by teaspoonful, about 36 cookies if dropped by tablespoonful.</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<u><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"></span></u>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086975138881488131.post-86616562668010810482013-03-22T07:33:00.001-07:002013-03-22T07:33:30.469-07:00Sneaky Veggies<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">Yesterday I wasn't feeling so well, so I decided to do something simple for dinner. It was cold outside and my husband wanted something hearty so I decided on a simple pasta bake.</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">Pasta Bake:</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">1 lb Ground Beef (I used Ground Chuck)</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">1 Jar Pasta Sauce</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">1 Box Ronzoni Garden Delights Penne Rigate (Sneaky Veggies)</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">1 c. Shredded Italian Cheese (Mozzarella will work fine)</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">1. Boil pasta according to box directions. Drain and set aside.</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">2. Brown ground beef and season to taste.</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">3. Layer ingredients in a baking dish. I used an 8x8 in square dish, but usually use a rectangular Pyrex dish.</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">4. Bake at 375<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;">° for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden on top. You can cover with foil if necessary to prevent the cheese from becoming too brown.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;">5. Once removed from oven, let set about 5 minutes before serving.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHxO_WAOEzzX8S6YgDvLz4I9SIrixuODP4Ac4ljXRWh5uUs641CAw6uFFq2e-a6YkacwaBG08nGpN1HqoDuHs4Y0pgQ0xhrscIB37Zk0vf21ObdEI_I1-XwVqkM_OHQUj7IGLKbKJIwo/s1600/Pasta+Bake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHxO_WAOEzzX8S6YgDvLz4I9SIrixuODP4Ac4ljXRWh5uUs641CAw6uFFq2e-a6YkacwaBG08nGpN1HqoDuHs4Y0pgQ0xhrscIB37Zk0vf21ObdEI_I1-XwVqkM_OHQUj7IGLKbKJIwo/s320/Pasta+Bake.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086975138881488131.post-67729892501947359322013-03-20T06:46:00.000-07:002013-03-20T06:46:43.070-07:00Looks Like Slop, but Tastes Mighty Good!<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Crockpot + Chicken = Easy and Delicious!</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Yesterday was kind of a crazy day. Everything that could go wrong did. So, while the online school (OLS) was down- meaning we couldn't access classes- I decided to run some errands. </span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">I was sitting in the Kroger parking lot, not wanting to buy too much for dinner and had already gotten chicken breasts out. What did I do? Start scrolling through my Pinterest boards of course!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Here's what I came up with:</span><br />
<a href="http://team-t-adventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/easy-crockpot-chicken-stuffing.html">http://team-t-adventures.blogspot.com/2010/01/easy-crockpot-chicken-stuffing.html</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjon9n0MZOsQs1C8idSbAv4qKASquY0b03zmNUsNtMHBUwKmxATRVfLte9_nA_9XEFQq0OVKoDerYcdKOIKZehRuI-2TIXIJaLmNZppG85U0nBaVEkyc7QuZrTtkyULV1e0Gdtocame8aE/s1600/DSC00131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjon9n0MZOsQs1C8idSbAv4qKASquY0b03zmNUsNtMHBUwKmxATRVfLte9_nA_9XEFQq0OVKoDerYcdKOIKZehRuI-2TIXIJaLmNZppG85U0nBaVEkyc7QuZrTtkyULV1e0Gdtocame8aE/s320/DSC00131.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Easy enough, right? Let me tell you, this was FABULOUS! Not intricate, go to a fancy restaurant fabulous, but easy to make and the kids will actually eat every bite of it fabulous. It tasted like a chicken and stuffing dinner without all the work.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Just a bit of a side note... I didn't really pay attention to the directions and added too much sour cream and forgot the water. I don't think it made much of a difference. Here is how it turned out:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZFKRgqyo3WHD7eJKVViabmA6Kw_l5vKcnIi2Xw2XHD7PmAUO22HAPwMNxGG7M-2UUPhEvKW_74DrBPb6WNd4DQ68QLSvYCOMcD9_g3YxbnOPED2QvhV61VSBD7BIj206BTFOI9WOW_M/s1600/IMG_0642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZFKRgqyo3WHD7eJKVViabmA6Kw_l5vKcnIi2Xw2XHD7PmAUO22HAPwMNxGG7M-2UUPhEvKW_74DrBPb6WNd4DQ68QLSvYCOMcD9_g3YxbnOPED2QvhV61VSBD7BIj206BTFOI9WOW_M/s320/IMG_0642.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">It kinda sorta looks like the picture on their blog... heehee. I think mine looks more like slop, but whatever, it tastes delicious anyways!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">-Kelley-</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3086975138881488131.post-31480150924469704572013-03-19T15:13:00.001-07:002013-03-19T15:13:16.514-07:00Sneaky Leprechaun Feet<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">So... a compilation, huh? Yep. Let me introduce myself. My name is Kelley and I am the mother of two wonderful children, Maddie (9) and Spencer (7). Of course, everyone says their children are wonderful, right? We're supposed to- we're mothers! Haha! Well anyway, we also have three crazy, loveable (but not always wonderful) dogs- Roxy (9), Norman (6) and Penney (2). My husband, Allan is a fantastic, hardworking entrepreneur who makes sure we are all well taken care of.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Paints a rosy picture, right? Now, let me tell you... I "homeschool" my kids through an online public school. Not gonna lie. It. Can. Be. Rough. While I love my kids, my dogs and my husband, our crazy busy schedule and the kids being always around makes me look for things to make my life easier. That's where the compilation comes in. I scour the internet (especially Pinterest) and find things to not only entertain my kids, but also cut down on my cleaning time, my cooking time and last but not least, (if it ever happens), my work out time. Basically anything to make my life easier and more fun.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-size: large;">So... This past weekend was St. Patrick's day. I tried to be all cutsey and make "Shamrock Shake" cupcakes. Okay. I go to the store, pick up white cake mix, Duncan Hines Frosting Creations starter and their chocolate mint flavoring. We're good to go, right? Nope! I started mixing everything together and realized we're out of eggs! Good thing bananas can be substituted for eggs... Not so good when you've added peppermint extract to the batter... My daughter said, "These taste like banana bread with a hint of mint." Let's just say, attempt at fun failed.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOaGlTWxnhVNILRYQMa0yQDGEHvgBRxx0NOCHgwNXwtiFePePg2MHDfH-YfBmjyb7mmuRZbZuL3Rp7vIzZTqInr8Jkf12ctGr6KBP2_rmNH0y930Gcqz4oLV9PaYR_W17GKxdTpkUEPRQ/s1600/IMG_0629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOaGlTWxnhVNILRYQMa0yQDGEHvgBRxx0NOCHgwNXwtiFePePg2MHDfH-YfBmjyb7mmuRZbZuL3Rp7vIzZTqInr8Jkf12ctGr6KBP2_rmNH0y930Gcqz4oLV9PaYR_W17GKxdTpkUEPRQ/s320/IMG_0629.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Well I felt bad about the failed cupcakes, so I decided the "leprechaun" needed to come. (Since they are no longer in Brick and Mortar (B&M) public school I try to make sure they're not left out of holiday festivities.) This attempt at fun did wonderfully! The little leprechaun snuck in the house, left footprints all over the shower and bathtub, peed green pee in the toilet (complete with footprints) and absolutely trashed the kids' bathroom. The kids were so suprised the next morning when they woke up!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Here's a picture of the footprints on the shower wall:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabdPHKYVhSlg9tsIauPyIdW515KOw8_MZ_O-DIT8JyN1IjD__eqkuQefGqanqp9gSH70jVoj-1Mtace26pyMtvsWC8D1O6Q79dPJyxjO1to2kCkps0MFJsFkxLfCaNkPl0bEQ-WVV2eo/s1600/IMG_0630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabdPHKYVhSlg9tsIauPyIdW515KOw8_MZ_O-DIT8JyN1IjD__eqkuQefGqanqp9gSH70jVoj-1Mtace26pyMtvsWC8D1O6Q79dPJyxjO1to2kCkps0MFJsFkxLfCaNkPl0bEQ-WVV2eo/s320/IMG_0630.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Now, you may be asking, "How did those sneaky, little leprechauns leave their footprints on the wall?"</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">I will tell you how!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">1. Make sure your kids are fast asleep.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">2. Sneak into their bathroom or whereever the leprechaun will be leaving footprints.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">3. Take watercolor paints (sold at any craft store or some grocery stores.) I used the little cheap-o ones that the kids had to get at the beginning of the school year. These are easy to wash off skin (aka no evidence), and easy to wash off surfaces (aka little-no mess for mom).</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">4. Make a fist. </span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">5. Paint the side of your hand green.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">6. Press your hand whereever leprechaun footprints are needed. (Use right hand for right foot, left hand for left foot).</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">7. Dot paint above hand print for toes.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">8. Continue as needed!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">I hope that gives you some ideas for next year. I hope to see you all next time for some more of my wonderful compilation!</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">-Kelley-</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0