Dinner TONIGHT v.1

 

 

DINNER TONIGHT:

mini breakfast pizza's! =) eek!

I'm so excited to try these. Once or twice a month I try to do breakfast for dinner, as a nice change.

 

http://pinterest.com/pin/281475045432148458/

 

 

Thanks to InspiredByCharm for the recipe! I'll let you know if it's a hit or miss!

Fall is Here for Good

If I didn't believe it before, I do now. Fall is definitely here. While it is my favorite season, I was still sad to dig up/cut back the garden this week.

 

"Sweet smell of phlox drifting across the lawn—

an early warning of the end of summer.

August is fading fast, and by September

the little purple flowers will all be gone."
-Rachel Hadas, The End of Summer



Frankenmuth Chicken

One of my favorite places in the world is Frankenmuth, MI. It just feels like you aren't even in Michigan, the sights, smells, and locals are just fabulous. I haven't been there in years, but I remember their CHICKEN! There are a few restaurants (The Bavarian Inn and Zehnders) known for their famous chicken dinners. This seasoning is SO similar to what they make that when I whipped it up for dinner one night with some hollandaise sauce, it was literally a memory in my mouth! I seasoned chicken breast cutlets with this mixed with a TB of flour to "dredge" it, and then pan-fried them in a few TB of oil. Buttered egg noodles were made, with a TB of the frankenmuth chicken seasoning mixed in, parmesan cheese put on top, and then placed into a 350 oven for about 15 minutes to help it all get together! PS- Knorr's makes a fantastic hollandaise packet mix ;)

 

I will be posting recipes more often on Tuesdays now, so keep your eye out! I've
joined up with 33 Shades of Green's TASTY TUESDAYS 



Meatless Monday

At the beginning of this year, I had gone meatless monday myself (actually, I did both Monday & Thursday). It was sort of a new years resolution. Lo and behold, like many others, I fell off my resolution wagon around March-April--when the hubby came home there were so many other changes/things to get use to and meatless dinners was not okay with him.

Thankfully, this past week we had a really good heart-to-heart. He said if it's important to me, he'll support it. And he'll try the things I make, but he will most likely throw some grilled chicken on it ;) So I'll take it. Being able to compromise is a necessary talent for marriage.

So tune in next Monday, for my new vegetarian recipe! For more information on what meatless monday is, check out http://www.meatlessmonday.com/ where you can pledge your family or yourself, learn recipes/how to make the change! Let me know if you partake in a meatless day/meal each week!

Answered Prayers!

Just a little over a week ago I had given a *6-months later* update on how life was back together as a family and in the 'civilian world'. In it I vented my frustrations of trying to find a full time steady job, since my husband had only a seasonal job that was weeks away from ending.

It must have been a wee bit of luck, because HE BECAME RECENTLY EMPLOYED AT A FULL TIME, FULL YEAR JOB!! EEK! =) SUCH a load off our minds, and chests. Monday is day 1! A few nerves are starting to show but I think he'll do fine! It's something he loves and is qualified for, it's what he's been working for a while now.

Over the weekend I tried to spoil him, we went out to dinner and then I treated him to a random breakfast. We went shopping and stocked up on hot-pockets ;)

The first few weeks are going to be hectic, as my job (slightly seasonal as well) is winding down for the year but his is just starting...we're on the same shift. So getting Sammy to preschool might be a hassle but we'll figure something out! I didn't want to turn in a 2 week notice yet, I'll give it this first week of my hubby's new job to see how it clashes. I love the company I work for and have a lot of respect for all of my coworkers so I don't want to put them on hold just because of me.

We are so excited to start this new chapter in our lives. Hopefully we can sleep a little easier now!

Fall Bike Ride...attempt

 

 

I love lists. Cleaning, grocery, honey-do's, buckets....any sort of list. With all my good intentions they only get half completed, maybe. I still love them all the same. I have a fall "bucket list" this year, and I'm determined to do every single thing on it. One of them was to take Sammy for a bike ride when the fall colors were out.

 

Sunday I geared up, put the bike in my mini van, packed some drinks, and we took off for a park close by. We laughed at the ducks, got his helmet on and strapped into the seat, took off......for about a foot. Were were thumping along at a very uneven pace. My front wheel had become deflated from the recent cold snap. Oh well, it's the thought that counts! We walked around and fed the "starving" ducks instead. The above pic was snapped just before "lift off" or lift down, whichever. =P

 

 

 



Love Story in 22 Pictures

One little snapshot, a moment frozen forever in time. A memory, a dream, a nightmare - HOPE. If you've never believed the saying "a picture holds a thousand words"... please, "read" this story below. It is so touching. My heart goes out to these strong people, role models for all of us (not just wounded warrior/veteran families but everyone in general).

*click for full size*

 



Sunday Coupon Sneak

Still debating over your cup of coffee whether to get the Sunday Paper today???

I think you should! Not only are the regular RedPlum & SmartSource inserts featured, GeneralMills will have their own insert today as well!

Some great coupon for these brands:
Betty Crocker
Campbells
Green Giant
Yoplait
Air Wick

Hop on over to Sunday Coupon Preview to see what today has to offer!

Pins I'm lovin

 

 

Hi, my name is Stephanie,

and I'm a pin-aholic. ^_^

 

 

Pinterest is the website I've waited for my whole life. My husband loves it b/c now I'm not spending as much money on magazines, and I don't have clippings scattered all over the place for my "ideas." Don't get me wrong, I still have my "dream book", a binder with all my house sketches, ideas, pictures, and crafts... but this website is just phenomenal. I've been trying to give more control for my pins, and actually DOING the pins I've saved rather than just pinning everything and letting them sit. Here are a few pins I'm super excited about this month, either for my October "to do" list or just an exciting find!

 

 

Cute Fall Things:

 

12 Toddler Fall Crafts from Toddler Approved.

 

 

How to keep your pumpkins longer! =) from myscienceproject

 

 

 

Make a paper bag pumpkin (how country-esque, love it) from Someday Crafts

 

 

Good To Know Tips:

 

 



Homemade Hair Detangler from LifeLoveLarson's Blog

 

 

Love Actually has some adorable Date Night Ideas. It's harder for me to think about dates when it's getting colder, and I get tired easy of the default dinner&movie thing ;)

 

 

Food & Drinks To Try:

 

 



Betty Crocker's Mini Chicken Pot Pies... HELLO! so cute and perfect for a fall get-together too!

 

 

Nutmeg Nanny's (how cute is that blog name?) delicious Honey crisp Apple Sangria...
fall, in a nice toxicated glass!!!! ;)

 

 

 

What are some of your favorite pins this month? Anything you've already done for the fall season that was pin-inspired? Let me know in a comment! I'd love to see what everyone is working on!

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 







 



Quick Pickles!

Sorry this is more of a summer recipe.... but I love pickles year-round! In august I attempted to tackle refridgerator pickles (a bucket-list item, actually) - and they were a SUCCESS! =)

There's just something about that tangy, crunchy little slice that just screams SUMMER! I love kosher dill. What makes it "kosher"? It does not mean it is a jewish recipe, made by jewish dietary guidelines. The difference between just regular "dill" pickles and "kosher dill" is that there is both garlic AND dill added to the brine.

Without further adieu, here is my quick pickle reciple! This recipe will make you 2 pints. It can easily be doubled, quadroupled ;)

 

special thanks to Ted Allen's refrigerator pickles at foodnetwork.com for
inspiring this recipe. I've tweaked it to suit my tastes, but he at least gave

a clue on how to do the whole fridge-canning thing! he also put cauliflower,
carrots, and other veggies in his mix. let me know if you give it a try!

September Horoscope

Ever since I was a little girl, I've been FASCINATED by the stars, how people use them for knowledge, and most of all-HOROSCOPES. Now, I'm not the kind who reads mine everyday and will live word for word by it... I like to ready my monthly or weekly horoscope at the END of it, to see if any of it was true! Though I do have fun giggling with friends over cosmo's steamy horoscopes each month ;)

Since it's the last week of September, I thought I would share my month's horoscope. I'm an Aries, and mighty proud (though my son is also, oh boy). Here is my september overview from www.horoscope.com :

ARIES: This could be a stressful month with Uranus and Pluto in square and Saturn opposite your sign in Libra. There will be tension when dealing with others, and perhaps upsets regarding your career. A Full Moon in Aries on September 29 will further stir things up. You could feel like your world is in turmoil and go through a personal crisis. A New Moon in Virgo on September 15 will help you pay closer attention to managing your stress and taking care of your body. You won't get ill if you can eat healthfully, get plenty of rest, and pace yourself.

 

 The career aspect is spot-on. This was a month of oops&mess ups . I had to call in sick (which I never do and hate to do), I messed up a day and went to the wrong place (I'm a school photographer). Just all-around off my "game." While I realize I'm only human, I had to stop beating myself up about it & just take it day by day.

 

Do you "believe" in horoscopes? What is your sign? How has this month been for you? Let me know in a comment!

 

*I AM NOT PAID BY HOROSCOPE.COM TO SHARE THEIR LINK/SITE. I'VE ALWAYS USED THIS SITE FOR MY READINGS FOR OVER 7 YEARS*

6 months later...



It has been 6 months since my husband has been home. 6 months done with the USMC. *click here to see our homecoming post* =) 6 months of being not just a military family, but a disabled veteran family now. Finding others similar to us isn't he easiest in our area. So it has been a big shock for me, someone who was very involved and comfortable in the "military family/community" aspect that life on base brings.

The job side of things has been one of the biggest struggles. In April he ended up getting a seasonal job as maintenance at a golf course. I remind him all the time there is no shame in a day of good work but he is still unhappy.

Multiple interviews, at least 1-3 every other week, has still shown up as dead ends. He has been as honest as possible, and when asked why he left the comfortable military life (it shows on his resume as honorably discharged), he will tell them the truth-he is a disabled veteran. Even though it is against the law to discriminate, it's funny how sometimes he will be on a second interview, sometimes even (an unheard of to me) third interview and once he mentions any disability they're thankful but never contact him again. He is considering keeping that little bit of info under wraps to try and see if that gets him any farther. *SW MICHIGAN WORKS* are very enthusiastic and helpful, they give us so much hope about "veteran-friendly" workplaces. I know they're out there, but finding the right one has just been hard. I've gotten to the point I have to try so hard to force some excitement and hopefulness to him when he has another interview, but I know my attitude has to be rubbing off and not helping him any.

By law, a workplace has to allow a disabled veteran attend his V.A appointments. And with my husband guaranteed at least 2-3 a month, I can understand from the employer-side why they would rather have someone else who would have a better chance attending work. Even though it hurts our pride when that someone else they choose is less qualified for the job than my husband.

As a huge change in our family, I started working at the end of July. My job is also partly seasonal, with it slowing down in November and picking back up in February. So this past week I have been looking for a SECOND job. Many friends/family have told me "but now you're going to be even more tired, and see your son even less"! I understand that fully, and it pains me a little but we have to do what's necessary. Just like so many Americans struggling out there. I know I'm not the first, nor the last. I have so much respect for others, and single parents especially, out there.

He has another appointment this Tuesday, and I'm praying the hardest I have in a year. Any good vibes readers have to send would be greatly appreciated!

Galaxy Nails

^click to make bigger!

I've seen these floating around pinterest and have wanted to try them for awhile now. The only problem is, when it comes to something this intricate---I need NO distractions. So I got up at a decent time, made a huge breakfast, and while the kiddo was distracted with that food I snuck off to my nail guinea pig-my mother's roomate Dee. =)

The technique used was taking makeup facial sponges (found at the dollar tree for a nice big pack - they're shaped like triangles), putting different blots of 'space' paint (dark blue, purple, teal, and a nice dark silvery grey), "stamping" the sponge into that and then rolling the sponge onto nails that already have a black base-coat on. This stamping effect is nice because it blends it so nicely and dries faster than the usual paint-by-brush way. For more detailed instructions on using sponges for nails, check out this pin *here*  from Laynie's Fingers Blog =) 

So after I rolled on the lovely colors, I went thru and blotted the blue, purple, and teal into certain areas that I wanted to have a more bold color. Let that dry, and then taking a nice chunky gold top coat, do little random areas in the gold. No need to be perfect, the galaxy isn't cookie-cutter shape! Take a toothpick and a super glittery silvery and make little "stars." To add contrast, I added little "star" dots mainly in the gold areas to let them show thru. It would be fun to do mini-constellations as well!

Let me know if you've done "galaxy" nails before, or were inspired by this post! Link back to me, let me know! =)

Mal-Monday Facts

Can you read this? Good. You and I are some of the lucky ones. Admittedly, I had been completely oblivious to the news of today being Malware Monday. *hope* that means it's just my rigorous computer cleaning & safety I take. About a year or so ago, international hackers implanted a virus/malware into thousands of computers, to lay dormant until today. 250,000 computers were affected worldwide. It was meant to cut off internet. And for many, it did. The government created a website to offer solutions (there is much controversy with that as well, saying it's a "Big Brother" move).

Cnet.com is a great place to find free antivrus/malware/cleaning downloads. Avast, Avira, CCCleaner are among some of my favorites. I run quick scans weekly, deep scans bi-weekly, and cleaning every other week as well. Hope you all have as afe day on the internet!

sources:
*FoxNews*
*Cnet*

Anniversary Day-date!

I posted *last Thursday* that it was our 4th anniversary =) For anniversaries, I reallly like to stick with "traditional" gift-giving. I'm a little ol' fashioned & corny. 4th year gifts are: flowers and fruit (traditional); silk/linens/cloth (modern). This has been the hardest year for me to plan. Last month we picked up a grill for each other, for our anniversary...so no gifting was necessary but I still wanted to incorporate these traditions into our day. My hubby isn't a big flower OR fruit fan, and there isn't much clothing needed. I tried to find silky-type of boxers, but it was harder than I thought (I'm guessing because it isn't the holidays). And I also wanted to go DO something, not just dinner. I was driving one day and it hit me (because I passed it on the road): we could go to Hidden Lake Gardens. It is run by Michigan State University, and for a small fee you get into their beautiful grounds with hiking trails, picnic areas, and gorgeous views.

I then decided to pair it with a picnic of our favorite things: roast beef sandwiches (his), chocolate dipped strawberries (mine, but done in milk chocolate as is his fave), and rice homemade krispy treats (his). Along with ice water and we were packed! I did this all in secret, getting up before he left for work and having everything ready by the time he was home. He was happily caught off guard. It was such a simple date, yet needed! Being around a 3 year old constantly, the QUIET serenity of the gardens was ahhhh-mazing ;) We we almost rushed because storms were rolling in but we hiked 1 mile, and took cover when it rained in the tropical greenhouses.

You don't always have to spend $40-50 each year for your anniversary, sometimes a quick quiet get-away is just as fulfilling! It would also be super romantic to do a NIGHT picnic, take some blankets, citronella candle, and go gaze at the stars! What are some of your favorite, easy date ideas?

POPsicles!



I hadn't realized it...but I had never before made popsicles with my son. At age 3, I felt guilty for him missing out on this! The dollar tree has simple little popsicle molds this summer. So I grabbed it & gathered some of our favorite juice!

(no dollar tree? want to save even more? *click here* to see the DIY on how to use dixie cups for this!)

other great fillers:
-pudding
-yogurt
-blended/pureed fruit

Make sure to either do this outside, or lay down newspaper (a few layers, not just 1 sheet) to absorb spills (see above photo, haha). I thought I would try to use the MIO water additive... it was a bust. The flavor ended up sinking to the bottom. Kind of turned out cool looking, but the one end was flavored and too sour for my liking. Have your camera handy to capture some sweet summer memories!! Enjoy your sunday! <3

Heat Wave! +water tips

We've had triple digits here at B&B, like the majority of the country. Combine that with near-drought conditions for some places (where I live) and it is even more dangerous. Today I want to hit a few points when it comes to water, especially water in this heat. ESPECIALLY WATER & KIDS. Thankfully, my son has liked water since he was an infant...but that is because I hold firm and it's what I give him in the summer. Sadly I've realized as we meet more new people & friends, not everyone does this. Mom's look at me and say "well, he just won't drink it so I give him the kool aid (or, *gulp* pop) instead." Some think that because it's sprite- it's okay. IT'S NOT. I know *I* as an adult abuse my pop intake, and it should only be a once-in-awhile-thing. Kids drinking any pop on a daily basis, and I know that I want my kid to be better than I am.

...the amount of water we need during a normal day is more than most think. So that means the amount needed during extreme temperatures, is greater. The easiest way to get a good, accurate idea, is to use about.com's short quiz. Just enter in a few things like weight (so you can find out of each family member), and answer if you're in extreme conditions or not (like most of us are right now).

*HOW MUCH WATER SHOULD YOU BE DRINKING HERE*

If you drink pop, you need to drink even MORE water to make up for it. Pop actually DEHYDRATES the body (though I know, a good coke sometimes just QUENCHES your thirst, mine too *wink*). During a heat wave, it's even more tricky. Heat+Humidity combined slows down our bodies natural "AC" which is through sweating. *Heat Illness - quick facts*

 Having trouble getting your kid to drink water? Try:

- try using fun shaped ice cubes. little stars, flowers, etc.

- freeze little blueberries or cut up fruit for ice cubes. (my son loved froze blueberries last summer as a tasty snack)

- MIO is a calorie, sugar, and sodium free drink additive. Add just a few drops to flavor water.

- ...honestly... my kid seeing *ME* drink water makes him want water.

DON'T FORGET! Pets need water too! Their water should be changed daily, with fresh, cool water. Check often, you  might have empty bowls faster than you would guess. Our doges go thru over 6 re-fills a day right now, and that's with 2-3 different bowls of water!







4+ years of love

Today is our 4th year wedding anniversary. But for over 7 years I have

shared my life with this man. He has been with me thru my ups and the dark
downs. And I, with his. Sometimes when the going's gotten rough a few friends
have shaken their heads, calling me stubbornly stupid even, for sticking with it.
But marriage isn't just something you wake up one day and say "oh, I'm going to
throw this away." If something's worth fighting for, you will find a way. We have

realized we are not perfect, but we will work to be perfect together. "In sickness

and in health..." When people come down with the flu, they seek to heal their

bodies. Same should be with marriage, if something is ailing, work together

to make it right again. Until you are whole-one. I am so hopeful, and so

thankful to have such an honest, hardworking, and loving husband.

If anyone is reading this and has gone thru hard times in their

marriage...don't loose faith. If they want to get thru it with

you, find a way. Because after the terrible storm that

thunders on and on at night, the sunrise after is

one of the most beautiful things to behold.

June Faves (list)

My favorite things from JUNE 2012:

---favorite book:

Yes, I gave in to this reading frenzy. Read 1 book a week during June. It was more than I expected, and if you're a somewhat open individual, I highly suggest you read it! Check it out *HERE* on amazon. It is about 12+ (each book) at stores like Walmart.

---favorite hair product:

Hast_Placenta: Henna 'n' Placenta deep conditioning treatment. For about a buck (give or take some change) you can get a packet with more than enough conditioner, even for those with long hair. It does NOT smell unpleasant, and I was literally blown away at how my hair felt after. We live where there is well water, and combine that with every few months of hair color and summer sun= very brittle curly hair. It was such a pleasant surprise, and I will be using this monthly!

---favorite "find":

This month we went to Metamora, OH's 120-mile-yard/barn sale. I only spent $25 all day, and sometime in there I picked these little cuties up for only $2 each!

---favorite funny:

---favorite drink:

Amaretto Sour

Ingredients:

1 1/2 oz Amaretto
3 oz Sour mix
1 maraschino cherry

Mixing instructions:

Shake and strain. Garnish with a cherry. I love to pour a splash of the cherry "juice" into it, since I'm not a fan of eating maraschino cherries.

---favorite moment:

Becoming closer to my husband. This month has opened up so many doors for us. We have bonded deeply in a way we haven't done in years. And I haven't ever been as hopeful as I am now.

Grilled Bruschetta Chicken (Balsamic Marinade)

A savory and slightly tangy main dish that is perfect for a weekday! I love how everything just whips together quickly!

MARINADE:

1 C zesty italian dressing, your choice of brand ;)

1 TB balsamic vinegar

Throw 4-6 chicken breasts in a bag, pour marinade over... keep in the fridge all day/overnight ontop of either a cookie sheet or in a bowl (in case the bag leaks). Or if you're lucky enough to come across a Tupperware Marinator Container (link here), use it!

TANGY BRUSCHETTA:

6 roma tomatoes (or if you were really pressed for time, like I was, 2 cans petite diced tomatoes, drained well)

3 cloves minced garlic (use 2 if you're not a strong garlic fan)

1/2 a yellow onion, diced (try to keep it the same size as tomatoes)

2-3 tsp balsamic vinegar (honestly, I just did a few quick splashes, so that's a guesstimation)

1/4 C olive oil

Cracked Black Pepper & Salt, to your tasting

Throw everything into a bowl and mix. Let sit for at least 30 mins, or all day! =)

Come dinner time all you need to do is fire up your indoor or outdoor grill, throw the chicken on and cook (usda's reccomended cooking temps here). I've seen some versions of bruschetta chicken where they put the bruschetta ontop of the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking. However, if you're like me and DISPISE when veggies fall between the grill grade... let's learn from other's mistakes: heat your brushetta in the microwave for about a 1:30-2:00, then everyone can spoon their desired amount onto their chicken. If you wanted to you could put shredded mozerella on top! Cheese makes everything better for my toddler ;)

another month

Admittedly, I'm currently sitting dumbfounded that June is just a few days shy of being done. Over. Where did the time go? We've had a jam-packed month. Took Sammy to his first zoo trip, visited my brother, ton's of V.A appointments & paperwork, starting the process of getting a home... the list is endless! July looks to be even busier. All our weekends are taken with at least 1 event, and during the week I'll be trying to catch up on school since the first week it is closed.

June was also extremely hard. We had to put down my oldest dog, Hershey. She was a 12year old Chocolate Lab. She ended up getting an infected uterus. It was a hard choice to make, and has definitely shed some light on a lot of things for me.

Next week is our 4th anniversary! I'm so excited for my secretive plans that I have. I can give one clue... I like to keep to the "traditional" lists of gift-giving for marriage. You can view this list from The Dating Diva's Blog Post: HERE (SPECIAL MILESTONES). 4th year that I'm doing is: Fruit, Flowers, along with the linen/silk. ^-^ I've had to get a little creative since my husband isn't a big fruit OR flowers guy. I'm happy with my little idea. Just hope next week will work with me for this! haha.

Memorial Day FB Status

Quick update of my thoughts, tried to sum it up with a facebook status : this morning i kissed my husband and said, "thank you." he asked "for what"? i replied simply "for just being you." my heart is both sad yet proud. when people talk about today and i see everywhere advertised: "thank a vet"(and of course the brave men & women currently serving)...i realize my husband is now one of them. i am thankful and realize yes, i can be worse; he could have lost limbs, or have made the ultimate sacrifice instead of always coming home to us. but he DID give up his freedom for ours and now there are parts of him that CAN NOT be fixed. ever. both inside & out. it is both a struggle and a blessing. i am so happy and proud to be right beside him every step of the way as we're still transitioning to this new experience. thank you to all who have & are currently serving, keep safe. (yeah, let's just say i really miss my military fam being close) ♥

hello 22.

I am so thankful my husband was able to be home for our sons bday & my own. It has been nice (most of the time, heh) having him here. He has a seasonal job right now, and keeps getting interviews for bigger/better jobs (which I hope is a good sign the "right one" will come along). Next week I will post my son's train party pictures. This year for my 22nd, I was very spoiled. DH got me a brand new bike, WITH a backseat for little man! It is so cute. I spent the day doing traditions- starbucks with my baby for an iced mocha & BIRTHDAY CAKE POPS (loveeeeeeeeeee), and lunch out (this year with mom).

~how cool is this fortune? usually i only get proverbs/quotes, not an actual "fortune." I hope it's good luck! It's saved in my wallet. When DH came home from work that day he told me "I don't think Hershey is doing too well, want to come take a look at her"? (hershey is my choclate lab, and is 11). Worried, I rushed out, only to find my Hershey smiling, happy, and completely fine, and this bike instead! It was pretty creative and I was definitely happy but told him to not use our animals as coverup, it's not fair! =)

An extra treat, I made Ninja Turtles:

If you like Sweet & Sour...or Mt. Dew... or anything lime-y & sweet, you'll like these. Now this is just "MY" version, adapted from a local bar where I first tried them. I researched the web & there are many different ways to make it. NINJA TURTLE: 2oz apple pucker 1oz spiced/gold rum 1oz blue curacao add the alcohol to a glass with a few ice cubes in it already. pour mt. dew to the top. =)

new blogger & cinco de Mayo nails!

woah! it will take me some time to get use to this new blogger, like facebook, I opted to wait until they "forced" me to update to the new blogger. How is everyone? I had to take a step back, get some rest, and refocus myself. I became sick last month, and my anxiety keeps getting out of control-causing more issues than should ever be necessary. Then we had some family emergencies pop up, nothing extremely serious thank god but we've all been extremely busy. I have missed blogging, and continued to journal privately on my laptop late at night. This weekend we're traveling to Angola, IN to visit my closest friend Karry (read about her amazing, informative blog, Moment of Awe *HERE*for Cinco De Mayo! I am so excited to be baby-free and kicking back with some adults that aren't family. NOT that I don't love family, but y'know, gotta feel "normal" every now & then. ha. Here are my chubby toes with a little design I did yesterday during a break from the oustide HEAT! CAN you believe it? Record highs in MI for this time of year! *whew*

xoxo, Steph

Kool-Eggs&more!

I was super excited this year to stumble upon a neat alternative to dying easter eggs on pinterest: USING KOOL AID! (thanks to Hey Jen Renee blog!) Admittedly, I had a little whisper of doubt that it might not work, but really, for just pennies I couldn't pass it up and anything to get out of the strong smelling vinegar was worth it ;) Another thing that is 2 dollars or under (caught eggs on sale this week for .99) ... looove it!

Here is the original pin:
Kool Eggs Pin!



And they came out great! Not all colors were pretty (to the "grape" or purple, I added in a few drops of blue food coloring instead since it was a pretty ugly grey brown, so that is what the blue is from, add a few drops of yellow to "lemonade"). And some colors are pretty speckled (red) but I'm okay with that non-perfect, completely homemade look. This was my son's first egg-dying experience and he just had a blast! =)



Here are a few more pins I thought were cute for spring&easter:
Easter Egg Baloons (cute kid craft)
Peep Sunflower Cake (tempted to do this w/ brownies)
Basket-Fillers (great alternatives from candy)

Wonderful MI Photgrapher

I cannot say enough good things about my lovely friend's business, Cameo Layne Photography. It's been so inspring watching her grow over the years, and now with a blossoming business. Knowing a few complications a small business can bring from my own short experience, I try to help her out in any way I can. A few weeks ago I made darling little masks to use for props and her easter session (tutorial tomorrow)! And today I just wanted to give a quick shout out!

So check her out, "like" her page! Soon she'll be having a launch party for her updated blog, so be on the lookout for that!

https://www.facebook.com/#!/cameolaynestudios

Hot & Cold

Like I mentioned in a previous blog, we've had some struggles in the week & a half since M has been home. It's been almost 7 months being 800+ miles away from each other and 4+ years of a military life. We knew there would be adjustments, just not big blow-ups within days of being back in the family life. Little things have been setting him off, and I either cry or get angry myself. It's not something I'm use to happening often, much less as frequent as it has been. The great thing is we both don't like to let things sit & fester, so after a few minutes of either walking, or thinking by ourselves, we talk it out camly, apologize for our mistakes. Neither of us is perfect, and we realize we have a lot of work to do-but know it's something we can get thru.

I can't help the little whisper of guilt. This year I had a few simple resolutions, and one was to be a better wife. Not that I'm a bad wife, but I believe we all can be better versions of ourselves. Yet so far I'm sure I haven't held up to this idea like I expected. I will continue to try, and keep to my new resolution.

Even though he wasn't on a big deployment overseas, all this time spent apart is giving us some adjustment issues. If anyone has great blogs or articles that help in this aspect, they'd be greatly appreciated if left in a comment!

Thanks for all your support! I pray this next month is a little less stressful, and we're closer than ever.

Apple Croissants

Need a quick dessert for your family? Or, if you're like me, there's a few apples sometimes that really need to be used up. Come fall we'll be up to our armpits in apples (almost every family member has some sort of apple tree), and I can use every single apple recipe there is!

INGREDIENTS:
2-3 apples, peeled & sliced
1 can croissants (in the refridgerator section of your store)
1 TB butter
1/4 C splenda
1/2 - 1 tsp of cinnamon (I love cinnamon, so I do 1tsp)
quick dash of nutmeg

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add apples into the hot skillet. Cook and stir for about 5 minutes. Add the sugar, cinnamon & nutmeg, cook for about 2 minutes more. Turn off the heat. Seperate the croissant triangles from the roll of dough. Approximately 2-3 slices will fit in each croissant. Roll them up (they won't be perfect, this is a rustic dessert), and bake according to the croissant directions. Place into a bowl with a towel to keep their warmth. If you want you can make a quick frosting with equal amounts of confectioner's sugar & milk, with 1/2 tsp vanilla...and drizzle that over the croissants... oh... yum!

HOMECOMING!

Sorry for the lack of postings, but it's for a good reason---promise!
MY HUSBAND IS HOME! It has been a whilrwind week filled with just a myriad of emotions; excitement of him being home, frusturations as we deal with adjusting, happiness at not having to be alone, and well, you get the drift!

Here are some pictures from the last week.





He's already had his first job interview, and while we have our fingers crossed we know there's always competition. But in this economy I thought getting an interview is pretty good.


*for our 6 month update, go here*

Pirate Jack Chicken

Last year I started eating healthier, and trying to cut some of the processed foods from our lives. In the summer I looooove bbq like no other, but realize some of the sauces aren't the greatest for you. Somehow I stumbled up this marinade from Eating Well, and as I tasted it thought "hmm, pepper jack cheese would be awesome on this" so melted some ontop of the breasts for and it added a whole new dimension to this dish. My husband claims to not like fruit mixed with his meat, but he thought this was good--so it's a keeper in our house! This isn't always our "go-to" alternative for bbq sauce but it's a freqeunt flyer on our grill during summer.

Ingredients
4-6 chicken breasts (steak would also be awesome)
1oz slices of pepper jack cheese per breast
MARINADE:
1/4 cup canola oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup red-wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest
1/4 cup orange juice
3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground allspice
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
5 dashes hot sauce

1. Mix up the marinade, and let the meat soak 2hrs to overnight. My sweet spot for this marinade was about 6hrs, I didn't want to let the orange overpower for my husband.
2. Over medium heat, grill, or pan cook 6-12 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of meat. During the last minute of cooking, throw on the pepper jack cheese to get it all nice & melty!
3. Serve with whatever sides you wish, the tex-mex kind pair nicely with this! =)

Thanks to Eating Well for this fabulous marinade *here*

Week Wrapup & Future Projects

HAPPY ST. PATRICKS DAY! AHHH, glorious Saturday! I cannot believe we are expected to reach temperatures of 70+ today in MI. This week has been successful, I'm almost done with the projects for Sammy's party, today I should finish up the few things for hubby's homecoming, along with crafts for my photographer friend & her easter sessions (pics later). I'm becoming more excited & nervous for the homecoming. Excited because, well, it will be so nice to be together as a family again. Nervous because my husband & I have a lot of work for us cut out in our marriage, and hopefully not having miles seperating us will make things easier. I'm also nervous because over 4 years of a guaranteed paycheck are coming to an end, and the "civilian life" scares the heck out of me, I know these next few months are NOT going to be easy in that aspect. But I must have faith.

FUTURE PROJECTS:
-Egg Carton Wreath for Easter & Various Easter crafts
-Washer Ribbon Necklace *link here*
-Bunny Masks (be on the lookout for a post soon)
-Wrapup of train party decor
-Making more blog friends!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! I'm going to enjoy another cup of coffee!

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I haven't done graphics in so long, thought I'd dip my toe back into the water. Hope you like them! Let me know if you like them or use them, I love to see my stuff on other's blogs =)