Book Review–365 Nights by Charla Muller with Betsy Thorpe

Okay before everyone starts saying that I’m a perv, this is not a “sexual” book.  This book was actually quite interesting and not “dirty” like someone would think.  This book is about reconnecting with your partner and making sure that you take the time to have some intimate act whether it be sex, kissing or hugging.

This book is pretty much about the Mullers and their marriage.  They have a typical marriage with normal issues.  They are married and have 2 children.  Their day is so busy that all they seem to focus on is what needs to get done and not really about what they need in their relationship. 

So, Brad’s 40th birthday was coming up and Charla was trying to figure out what would be the ultimate present to give him.  So she decided that for 1 YEAR that she would have sex with her husband every time.  She was putting her husband into her schedule.  It was amazing to her what she thought was just a gift for her husband, ending up being a gift for their relationship.

30 Days of Truth–Day 30

A letter to yourself, tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself.

I think that I have already pretty much done this on another day.  They definitely like to make this 30 days of truth time consuming.

Tom's of Maine

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Toms of Maine. All opinions are 100% mine.

Tom's Of Maine are awesome products.  They were the one company that we could find, in our area, that we were able to find that had no artificial ingredients.  We decided that we were going to go with no dyes or artificial colors in our diets.  We extended this to our personal care products also.  It was amazing to find that the toothpastes that we were using had artificial coloring in it.  We looked through all the toothpaste brands to find that they all contained the coloring and dyes.

So with that, we looked to the section in which the Tom's Of Maine products were contained.  This where we were able to find all our natural health and personal care products.  First, we started with the toothpaste.  It tasted great and we didn't have to worry about what we were putting in our bodies.  Tom's of Maine also has other items such as deodorant, mouthwash, and soap. 

Also, right now, Tom's Of Maine is running a contest where you can win $500 or other prizes.  Just go to That's Wicked Fresh contest page  to sign up today.

Don't forget to add Tom's of Maine on Facebook and/or follow them on Twitter @TomsofMaine.

30 Days of Truth–Day 29

Something you hope to change about yourself and why.

I hope to change my health.  For the new year, I would actually like to be more contentious of what I am putting in my body and how I take care of it.

Peach Dessert

Ingredients:

• 2 big cans of peaches, drained
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 2 cubes of margarine

Directions:

1. Dump peaches into a 9x12 dish with some of the juice.  Then put yellow cake mix on top of peaches and slice margarine on top of mix so that it all over. 
2. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes until top is golden brown.

St. Nicholas Square 2-Foot Pre-Lit Tinsel Christmas Tree

Kohl's offers the St. Nicholas Square 2-Foot Pre-Lit Tinsel Christmas Tree in Silver (pictured), Blue, Green, or Purple for $6. Coupon code "TWENTY4U" cuts it to $4.80. With 99 cents for shipping, that's $14 off list and the lowest total price we could find. Sales tax is added where applicable. It features pre-lit branches with 75 tips.

Croft & Barrow Women's Hat, Scarf, and Gloves Set for $8 + $1 s&h

Kohl's offers this Croft & Barrow Women's Hat, Scarf, and Gloves Set in White for $9.99. Coupon code "TWENTY4U" knocks it to $7.99. With 99 cents for shipping, that's $22 off and the lowest total price we could find for such a set. Sales tax is added where applicable.

Free Kindle Book: The Year She Fell

Download this free novel “The Year She Fell” by Alicia Rasleywhile it’s free for a limited time (usually costs $12.95).

What other free Kindle digital books are available? Check out all of the FREE bestselling Kindle eBooks and consider it your digital library where there is never a late fee.

Remember that you can read Kindle books on your computer or smart phone for free (you don’t have to own a Kindle). I read them on my iPhone and love how much more accessible books are for me now (they are always with me).

HOT Deal on Kid’s PJs at Kohl’s!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HOT Deal on Kid's PJ's at Kohl's!

You can grab kids PJ's on Kohl's.com for less then $2! That is HOT HOT HOT! I just bought 5 pairs for $13.49 shipped with coupon code TWENTY4U!

Thanks My Dallas Mommy: HOT Deal on Kid's PJ's at Kohl's!

I Want to Get Rid of…

COCKTAIL DRESSES

Send them to Housing Works, which sells high-end secondhand apparel at thrift stores throughout New York City.  Sales go toward providing housing, job training, medical treatment, and more to homeless and low-income people living with HIV and AIDS. 

Housing Works Thrift Shop Warehouse

48-49 35th Street

Long Island City, NY 11101

Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 2 tbsp. butter
• 1 4 oz. can diced green chilies peppers, drained
• 4 oz. cream cheese
• 1 tbsp. milk
• 1/4 tsp. cumin
• 12 flour tortillas
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 8oz container sour cream
• 1 cup milk
• 3/4 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey jack cheese

Directions:

1. In a sauté pan, heat up 2 tbsp. of butter and cook the onions and 1 tbsp. of the green chilies until the onions are translucent.  Remove from heat.
2. In a medium bowl, mix softened cream cheese, cumin, and tbsp. of milk.  Shred your chicken and add into the bowl along with the onion and green chilies mixture.  Place 3-4 tablespoons of chicken mixture in the middle of each tortilla and roll up.  Place seam side down in a greased baking pan and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, the rest of your green chilies and milk together.  Pour on top of your tortillas and cover with foil.  Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.  Take out of the oven and sprinkle with cheese.  Bake for additional 5 minutes with foil off.

30 Days of Truth: Day 28

What if your pregnant or someone got pregnant, what you would do?

This is kind of a weird question.  If, for some reason, I got pregnant again, we would just deal with it.  I think we are good with what we have right now but if we were to have another, we would just readjust to make run for the new person.  Although I have already said we cant have anymore because we have already run out of bedrooms.

I Want to Get Rid of…

BRIDESMAID DRESSES

Search www.donatemydress.org to find a local “dress drive”.  Donated frocks are given to disadvantaged teenage girls looking for the perfect prom attire.

Crockpot BBQ Beef Sandwiches

Ingredients:

• 3-4 lbs. rump roast, chuck roast, etc.
• 1 12 oz. bottle root beer
• 1 18 oz. bottle BBQ sauce

Directions:

1. Place your side of beef in the crockpot and pour the bottle of root bear over top of it.  Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.  About an hour before it is done, pull the beef out of the crockpot and shred it.  Pour the root beer out of the crockpot.  Place the shredded beef back in the crockpot and pour the bottle of barbecue sauce over it.  Stir together and let simmer for about an hour.  Serve on buns.

30 Days of Truth: Day 27

What is the best thing going for you right now?

Life is just going pretty good right now.  Except for not being able to find a job right now, everything is good.

I Want to Get Rid of…

BUSINESS ATTIRE

The Women’s Alliance provides a directory of local organizations that accept interview-ready clothing for disadvantaged job-seeking women.  Most accept jackets, skirts, pants, shirts, and accessories.  Men’s suits can go to Career Gear, which is based in New York City and has affiliates in five other cities.  (www.thewomensalliance.org)

Chicken Nugget Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 package frozen chicken nuggets
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 can (26.5 oz.) spaghetti sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning

Directions:

1. Place chicken nuggets in a greased 11x7 inch baking dish.  Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.  Top with spaghetti sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Italian seasoning.
2. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until chicken is heated through and cheese is melted.

30 Days of Truth: Day 26

Have you ever thought about giving up on life?  If so, when and why?

I don’t think I have ever seriously thought about giving up on life.  I know there have been times when things have been really bad and I have hated how things are going.  I still never thought about just giving up though.  I guess because I just feel that maybe eventually things just have to get better.

I Want to Get Rid of…

WINTER COATS

Hold on to them until fall, then find a local coat drive through www.onewarmcoat.org (most drives begin in October).  Coats must be clean, and all closures should work.

30 Days of Truth: Day 25

The reason you believe you are still alive today.

I guess the only reason I can think of is because I am kind of boring.  I have never really done anything so risky that I could die.  Other than that, I’m not sure why I am still alive today.  I guess I am just meant to be around.

I Want to Get Rid of…

MEDICATIONS

Flushing or pouring meds down the sink sends them to the water supply, harming fish and the environment.  Instead, put meds in a plastic bag (crush pills and add water to dissolve them), and add kitty litter or coffee grinds to make them less appealing to animals.  Seal the bag and place it in the trash.  Another option:  Many pharmacies offer a take-back program for unused meds.

30 Days of Truth: Day 24

Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs.  (Just post the titles and artist and letter)

Wow, I wouldn’t even know where to start with that one.  To be honest, since this is 30 Days of Truth, that would take up too much of my time to figure out a person to do that too and then the songs.

30 Days of Truth: Day 23

Something you wish you had done in your life.

I wish I would have been able to stay on the path that I had intended as far as schooling.  I was going to graduate high school, do my 4 years of college, and have a good career.  Instead it took me 10 years to graduate and so far, no job to show for it.  Although that would have taken my life in a totally different path and I’m not sure how happy I would be with other aspects of my life.  There is a good possibility I would have never met Jay and I would not have Ryan, Evan, and Brynlee.  At this point, I would probably have at least 1 child but I’m not sure I would have had them. 

Another thing I wish I had done was traveled more.  There are a lot of places I would like to visit and some of them are just too hard when you have children.  Hopefully I will still feel pretty good by the time the kids are grown to at least be able to catch up to do doing that.

I Want to Get Rid of…

VIDEO GAMES

Donate Games accepts used games and then posts them for sale at a discounted price.  Purchases fund medical research to help fight rare, life-threatening, or debilitating diseases.  (www.donategames.org)

30 Days of Truth: Day 23

Something you wish you had done in your life.

I’m not too sure about what I wish I had done.  I do hope that once the kids are grown, we will be able to travel more.  I don’t think there is anything at this point in my life that I wish I had done that I haven't yet.

BBQ Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground beef or turkey
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs

Directions:

1. Mix the above ingredients together and put into loaf pan.  Top with extra BBQ sauce.  Bake at 375 for 25-30 minutes.

Sausage Hash Skillet

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp. oil
• 2 tbsp. butter or margarine
• 2-3 large baking potatoes, washed and cut into very small cubes
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 lb. smoked sausage, diced
• 6 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, optional

Directions:

1. Heat oil and butter or margarine in a large skillet. Add potatoes, onion, and carrots.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.  Cook for 15 minutes over medium heat, until potatoes begin to soften and brown.  Add sausage to the skillet and cook an additional 10-15 minutes.
2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.  Push potatoes and sausage combo over half of the skillet.  Pour eggs into the other half and scramble until done.  Stir to combine everything.  Season again with salt and pepper to taste.  Top with shredded cheddar cheese, if desired and serve.

Pulled Pork with Sauerkraut

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds pork tenderloin
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup shredded carrot
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can sauerkraut (the whole thing)
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 8 rolls for serving (optional)

Directions:

1. Use a 6-quart slow cooker. Put the roast into the bottom or your cooker. In a mixing bowl, combine the dried spices: mustard, thyme, sage, paprika, salt, pepper.
2. Rub these spices on all sides of the roast. Put the shredded carrot, sauerkraut, and caraway seeds into the empty bowl, and stir to combine. Then pour all contents on top of the spiced roast.
3. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or until the meat shreds easily with two forks.
4. Shred the meat completely, and stir well. Serve as is in a bowl, or serve spooned into toasted rolls.

30 Days of Truth: Day 22

Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.

When I was younger, I met someone that was totally wrong for me.  I wish I hadn't tried so hard to make that work.  I sometimes imagine what life would have been like if I had just let that person go the first time.  I am sure that things work out the way they are supposed to.  It is hard to think that without that person in my life though, I might not have had Ryan.  Or things would have been easier and Ryan would have the correct father, instead of the one he knows nothing about.  I know we are getting to that point in his life that it might be time to tell him.  I don’t know how he will reach though and that scares me.  I am hoping that he will eventually understand the decision I made about it.  I know that his life is much better because he hasn’t had to deal with this individual. 

I Want To Get Rid Of…

YOGA MATS

Wipe it down, roll it up, and send it to Recycle Your Mat, which recycles worn-out mats or donates those in good condition to local community programs.  (www.recycleyourmat.com)

Mexican Chili and Corn Chips

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 14 3/4 – 16 oz. can cream style corn, drained
• 1/2 cup chunky picante sauce
• 16 oz. pinto or black beans, drained
• half pack of 1.25 oz. taco seasoning
• corn chips

Directions:

1. Brown ground beef.  Drain
2. Combine all ingredients (except chips) in slow cooker.
3. Cover and cook on low 4 hours.
4. Serve over corn chips..

30 Days of Truth: Day 21

Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before.  What do you do?

I immediately go and apologize to the friend.  Life is not worth holding a grudge for the rest of your life.

I Want To Get Rid Of…

SPORTS EQUIPMENT

Your gently used athletic equipment can help underprivileged children enjoy the fun of sports.  Send Frisbees, baseballs, cleats, and more to Sports Gift.  They will refurbish the items and distribute them to need children in the United States and abroad.  (www.sportsgift.org)

Black Bean and Cheese Tacos

Ingredients:

• 1 15 oz. can black beans, drained
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• 4 burrito size tortillas

Directions:

1. Mash the black beans in a mixing bowl, then add the salsa.  Combine until smooth-ish.
2. Spread evenly onto the tortillas and top with shredded cheese.
3. Microwave for 1-2 minutes or until cheese is melted
4. Serve.

Chicken Fajitas

Ingredients:

2 large chicken breasts, cubed

1 tbsp. worchestshire sauce

1 large green pepper, sliced

1 large red pepper, sliced

1 14.5oz diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 tsp. chili powder

1 tsp cumin

1 tbsp. minced onion

8 flour tortillas

Directions:

1.  IN a medium sized skillet, pour the worcestshire sauce in and then add the chicken.  Cook the chicken until no longer pink.

2.  In a large skillet, add the remaining ingredients, and add the chicken once it is fully cooked.  Simmer for 10 minutes until heated through.  Add this mixture to warm flour tortillas and serve.

Heart Healthy Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup wheat flour
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup applesauce
• 3 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 tbsp. brown sugar
• 1 egg

Directions:

1. Mix together in a bowl.  Mix well and spoon on a hot griddle until lightly browned.

I Want To Get Rid Of….

PAINT, TOOLS, AND OTHER BUILDING SUPPLIES

Drop them off at your local Habitat for Humanity ReStore.  ReStores sell donated goods at discounted prices;  the money is used to fund the construction of Habitat homes.  Each ReStore is different, so contact one in your area (www.habitat.org) for information on what items they take.

30 Days of Truth: Day 20

Your views on drugs and alcohol.

Drugs…don’t do them, don’t care to do them.  If you do them, you are stupid.

Alcohol…I don’t tend to drink.  For me, it just seems to make me tired.  I have enough things in my life that make me tired as it is.

Remember the Milk….

So I downloaded this app for my iPhone which we can also use online.  So today is the first day that I am going to be using it.  So it sent me my to-do list for today…let’s see if I can get all of these done…I am leaving to do number 1 right now…

These 12 tasks are due today:

1. Grocery Shopping

2. Clean Family Room

3. Clean Kitchen

4. Clean Living Room

5. Clean Bathroom

6. Finish Gift bags

7. Vacuum

8. Mop

9. Ryan's Concert (6:00PM)

10. Clean downstairs bathroom

11. vacuum steps

12. Dust downstairs

Pepperoni Pizza

Ingredients:

1 Pizza Crust

1/2 package pepperoni

2 cups Mozzarella cheese

1/4 jar spaghetti sauce

1 tsp. garlic powder

Directions:

1.  Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

2.  Roll, Flattened and shaped the pizza dough on a large pizza pan.  Then, pour and spread the spaghetti sauce.  Add pepperoni and cheese.  Sprinkle with garlic powder.

3.  Bake in oven for 15 minutes.

I Want to Get Rid of….

BOOKS

Books for Africa accepts texts of all kinds – from pictures books to encyclopedias – to help fill libraries and classrooms throughout the continent.  Except for dictionaries, reference books should be published in the last ten years (www.booksforafrica.org)

Chicken Wings with Honey BBQ Sauce

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs. chicken wings
• 1 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup Teriyaki sauce
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/8 cup vegetable oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Directions:

1. Season wings with salt and pepper.  Place frozen wings on broiler pan and broil for 12 to 15 minutes on each side.  Transfer wings to slow cooker.  Combine ingredients and pour over wings.  Cook on high two hours or low for 4 hours.

30 Days of Truth: Day 19

What do you think of religion?  Or what do you think of politics?

To be honest, I did not grow up in a religious household.  I know very little about religion.  It just always seemed like a pain to get up on Sunday morning to go and sit for 2 hours and be bored.  Granted, by the time we were going the most, I was a teenager and you know how they are…if you haven't been exposed to religion from the being and all of sudden you are having to get up early on Sunday mornings and dress up, you become a little pissy.  I guess I was brought up to believed that you didn’t have to dress up and go be someone you are not for a few hours in order to believe in God.  Of maybe you don’t believe in God…whatever your do believe.

As far as politics, I pretty much don’t care about it.  There is just too much fighting involved.  I have political views on certain subjects but I could care less about politics as a whole.

Kickin Sloppy Joes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 8oz can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp. brown sugar

Directions:

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and drain.  Add all remaining ingredients.  Simmer for 10 minutes or until heated through.

30 Days of Truth: Day 18

Your views on gay marriage.

I have nothing against gay marriage.  I feel that if they want to get married then, that is their choice.  I don’t understand what the big deal is.  There are gay couples that have been together much longer than heterosexual couples.  I think they should at least be giving the options to have same ability to do things like regular married couples.

I Want to Get Rid of…

BATTERIES

Batteries contain heavy metals that can contaminate landfills.  Instead of tossing them in the garbage, order an iRecycle kit from Battery Solutions (this does cost $35 from www.batteryrecycling.com).  Fill the kit, which holds 12 lbs., with any type of battery, including rechargeable.  Drop off the prepaid box to any post office or FedEx location and the company will recycle the batteries per EPA regulations.

Lazy Pierogi

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 1/2 lb. mushrooms, sliced
• 1 lb. polish sausage (optional)
• 1 30 oz. jar, bag, or can sauerkraut, rinsed and drained
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. black pepper
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1 lb. egg noodles, cooked and drained

Directions:

1. Melt the butter in a large skillet.  Add the onions and mushrooms.  Cook until the onions are tender and mushrooms are browed, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the Polish sausage and sauerkraut.  Cook for an additional 5 minutes.  Stir in the brown sugar, salt, and pepper.  Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

I Want to Get Rid of…

FURNITURE

The National Furniture Bank Association (www.furniturebank.org) will pick up and distribute your furnishings to families in need.  Most accept beds, dressers, nightstands, tables, chairs, sofas, and lamps.

30 Days of Truth: Day 17

A book you’ve read that changed your views about something.

I have tons of books here about different subjects that I am trying to read.  Who knows, I might just change my view.  I doubt I will though when it comes to book I am reading now.  I am reading The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff.  It is about plural marriage, otherwise known as Polygamy.  Here is the book if anyone is interested in reading it:

Italian Meatloaf Patties

Ingredients:

1/2 small green pepper, diced

1/2 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/4 – 1 1/2 lb. ground beef

1/2 cup bread crumbs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese

3 tbsp. tomato paste

1 egg

1 tbsp. Italian seasoning

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

sliced mozzarella cheese, optional

Directions.

1.  Pike the green pepper, onion, and garlic onto a cutting board and finely  mince.

2.  Combine veggies, ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, tomato paste, egg, and seasonings.  Work together with your hands or a spoon until fully incorporated.

3. Form mixture into 6 even sized oval patties.

4.  Heat a skillet over medium high heat.  Add patties and brown on one side, about 5 minutes.  Flip patties, reduce heat to medium and cover skillet.  Cook for about 15 minutes, until fully cooked.  If desired, remove cover and place mozzarella cheese slices on top of the patties 5 minutes before cook time is finish.  Cover skillet again and allow cheese to melt while the patties finish cooking.

I Want to Get Rid of…

MUSICAL INSTRUCTMENTS

Former band geeks can donate instruments to the Roots of Music, an after-school program in New Orleans that teaches children ages 9 to 14 how to read and play music.  The nonprofit also provides students with academic tutoring and hot meals.  Instruments must be in working order.  Go to www.therootsofmusic.com

I Want to Get Rid Of…

COMPUTER EQUIPMENT

The National Cristina Foundation will match your used tech equipment – computers, printers, software, fax machines, monitors, mouse, or any other parts – with an organization near you that needs it.  Many are nonprofits that provide education or training to at-risk students or people with disabilities.  Go to www.cristina.org.

30 Days of Truth: Day 16

Someone or something you definitely could live without.

There are few things I could live without.  It is mostly just the little things in life that aren't that important anyway.  As long as I had my family, I could live without the technology things we hold so dear.  All a person needs is food, water, and shelter, right?

Meaty Calzones

Ingredients:

1 can pizza dough

8 oz. spaghetti sauce

12 slices pepperoni

1/2 package cooked ground sausage

1 cup mozzarella cheese

1 tbsp. olive oil

1/2 tsp. oregano

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2.  In a small bowl, mix olive oil, oregano, and garlic powder.  Place aside.

3.  Spray non-stick cooking spray on a large cookie sheet.  Roll out the dough in a circle, and spread the spaghetti sauce around the entire surface of the dough.  Cover with toppings.  Once the toppings are on, take one aside and pull over to the other side, making a semi-circle.  Seal the edges with fork.

4.  Pour olive oil mixture over the dough to cover.

5.  Bake in oven for 15 minutes or until brown.

30 Days of Truth: Day 15

Something or someone you couldn’t live without because you’ve tried living without it.

I don’t think I could live without my kids or my husband.  I’ve never had to live without them though.  The thought of having to do that, I just can’t comprehend at this point.  I love them so much.

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Mounds Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 package chocolate cake mix
• 1 cup margarine, melted
• 1 cup milk
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 24 large marshmallows
• 1 14 oz. bag coconut
• 1 12 oz. bag chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Mix cake as directed on box.  Add 1/2 cup margarine.  Bake at 350 degrees in a shallow greased jelly roll pan about 15 minutes.  Heat milk, sugar, marshmallows and coconut.  Cook until marshmallows are melted, stirring constantly.  Put on warm cake.  In saucepan, mix remaining margarine and chocolate chips.  Cook until chips melt, spread over cake.

Slow Cooker Taco Soup

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef

1 taco seasoning packet

1 15 oz. can black beans

1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes

1 14.5 oz. can beef broth

2 cups frozen corn

1 cup water

dash cayenne pepper

Directions:

1.  In a skillet, brown the meat and add in the taco seasoning as instructed on the packet.

2.  When the meat is browned, add the meat and all of the other ingredients to the slow cooker.  Cook on low for 6 hours.

I Want to Get Rid Of…

EYEGLASSES

OneSight accepts prescription glasses, bifocals, and nonprescription sunglasses in marked bins at Lens Crafters, Pearle Vision, Sunglass Hut, Target Optical, and Sears Optical stores nationwide.  The organization provides the used specs – along with free eye exams – to those who can not afford them at 20 clinics around the world.  Check them out at onesight.org.

30 Days of Truth: Day 14

A Hero that has let you down.  (Write a letter)

Once again, like yesterday, I don’t really think I have a hero so I don’t have anyone that has let me down.

Cheesy Chicken and Noodles

Ingredients:

3 chicken breasts, cubed

1 16oz box pasta

1 10 3/4 oz. can cheddar soup

1/4 cup milk

1 tbsp. butter

1/2 tsp. pepper

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

bread crumbs

Directions:

1.  Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

2.  Cook the noodles as directed in a large stock pot.  In a skillet, add the pepper to the chicken and cook until completely done.

3.  Once the noodles have been drained, return to stock pot.  Add the soup, milk, and butter, then stir to coat the noodles.

4.  Using a 8x8 baking dish, spray it with nonstick cooking spray then pour the noodles in the dish.  Top with the cubed chicken, then add the shredded chicken and bread crumbs.  Bake for 15 minutes or until cheese has melted.

Using Swagbucks to get FREE Amazon Gift Cards

Did you know you can use your Swagbucks in coordination with Amazon to get free stuff for your Christmas list?? Or Birthday?? Of just for anything you want??

It is so easy to use Swagbucks, it is pretty much effortless.  You win Swagbucks which you can turn into Amazon gift cards!

So you get FREE STUFF from Amazon.  Could you honestly turn that down?? 

Follow these instructions if you like to start earning Swagbucks and use them to get FREE stuff from Amazon:

1. Sign up for Swagbucks if you haven't already.  All you need is an email address and password.
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I Want to Get Rid of….

OLD CELLPHONES

Send your old cellphones to Cell Phones for Soldiers.  The phones are sold to companies that recycles them, then Cell Phones for Soldiers takes the money and uses it buy calling cards for the Troops so they can call home for free.  Shipping is free to send the phones in, just check out their site.

Crockpot French Onion Soup

Ingredients:

• 3 large onions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup butter
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 4-5 slices French Bread, toasted
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. In a slow cooker, combine onions and butter, broth, worcestshire, and salt.  Cover and cook on High for 4-6 hours.  Pour hot soup into bowls and top with bread.  Sprinkle with cheese.

30 Days of Truth: Day 13

A band or artist that has gotten you through the tough ass days. (Write a letter).

Well, see, I would do this one but I have never had a band or artist be that instrumental in my life.  I pretty much listen to music to enjoy it, not to get through a tough time in my life.

Mom’s Healthy Lasagna

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef

1 box lasagna noodles

1 jar spaghetti sauce

1 carton fat free cottage cheese

1/2 cup reduced fat mozzarella cheese

1 tsp. garlic powder

Directions:

1.  Preheat over to 375 degrees.

2.  In a skillet, add the garlic powder to the ground beef and cook until well done.

3.  Cook the lasagna noodles as directed on the package. 

4.  Spray at 9x13 baking dish, put 1 layer of lasagna noodles at the bottom , top with meat, and then cottage cheese.  Keep doing this in layers ending in meat.

5.  Bake in the oven for 30 minutes.

6.  Sprinkle with cheese and bake for 5 minutes more.

I Want to Get Rid Of…

I am going to be writing over the next couple of days, items that you may have around your house, you want to get rid of, and not sure how to.  It can be tough when it comes to figuring out where and how to get rid of certain things around your home…

30 Days of Truth: Day 12

Something you never get compliments on.

I don’t really get too many compliments on things.  Mostly I get compliments on how good I cook, and that is probably where it just starts.  At least I don’t get compliments enough for me to remember.

Chicken Dumplings

Ingredients:

2 large chicken breasts, thawed and cubed

2 10.5 oz. cans cream of chicken

1 14.5 oz. can chicken broth

1 cup frozen peas

1 cup water

1 can biscuits

salt and pepper

Directions:

1.  In a slow cooker, combine chicken breast, cream of chicken, frozen peas, and water.  Cook on low for 6 hours.  In the last 30 minutes, drop the biscuits into the slow cooker.  Then enjoy.

30 Days of Truth: Day 11

Something people seem to compliment you the most on.

Well, I don’t get compliments about myself personally but, I am always getting compliments on how pretty Brynlee is.  I have already had at least two people tell me she is a like a little doll, I think even referred to as porcelain.  The compliments are nice but I know as she gets older, it might just give her a big head

Start Earning Free Christmas Gifts + Mega Swagbucks Friday!

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Swaggers Remember: It’s Mega Swagbucks Friday! You can earn as many as 1000 Swagbucks from just one search! So get searching and share any big Swagbucks you win…we love the inspiration!

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Baked Chicken Spaghetti

Ingredients:

1 lb. spaghetti noodles

2 large chicken breasts, cooked and cubed

1 10.5 oz. can cream of mushroom soup

1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes with green chilies

2 cups shredded cheddar  cheese

1/4 cup bread crumbs

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2.  In a large stockpot, cook the spaghetti according to the directions on the package.  Drain and return to the pot.  Add 1 1/2 cups of cheese.  Then add mushroom soup, tomatoes, and chicken.  Mix up until all noodles are coated.

3.  Spray a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray then pour in spaghetti mixture.  Top the mixture with the remaining 1/4 cup of cheese and 1/4 cup of bread crumbs.  Bake in oven for 15 minutes or until cheese has melted.

Taco Chili

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef

1 packet taco seasoning

2 15.5oz cans chili beans

1 15.5oz can black beans

1 14.5oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 8oz can tomato sauce

1 tsp. cumin

1/2 tsp. chili powder

Directions:

1.  In a skillet, brown the ground beef and add in the taco seasoning as instructed on the package.

2.  In a large stock pot, add all the remaining ingredients, then add the cooked ground beef.  Once this has been brought to a boil, reduce to medium heat and let simmer 15 minutes.

30 Days of Truth: Day 9

Something you didn’t want to let go but, it just drifted.

I think the biggest thing that I haven't wanted to let go but it just drifted was some of my friendships.  It is just sad that you grow up and kind of drift apart.  Sometimes I think about how things were back when I was a teenager and it was just so much easier.  I miss going out with friends and having fun.  I wouldn't want to trade my husband or kids for anything but, I do miss that sometimes.

Barbecue Beef Sandwiches

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lbs. lean ground beef

2 celery ribs, sliced

1 large onion, chopped

1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce

1/4 cup ketchup

2 tbsp. brown sugar

2 tbsp. barbecue sauce

1 tbsp. prepared mustard

1 tbsp. worchestshire sauce

6 hamburger buns, split

Directions:

1. In a large nonstick skillet, cook the beef, celery, and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain.
2. Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat;  simmer, uncover for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to blend.  Spoon 3/4 cup onto each bun.

Stuffed Chick Cordon Bleu

Ingredients:

• One 5oz raw boneless skinless lean chicken breast cutlet
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 wedge The Laughing Cow Light Original Swiss Cheese
• 1 ounce (about 2 slices) 97 to 98% fat-free ham

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2.  Place chicken in large sealable plastic, squeeze out as much air as you can, and seal.  Using a meat mallet, carefully pound chicken until it is about 1/4 inch thick.  Remove chicken from the bag, and season to taste with salt and pepper on both sides.

3.  Lake the chicken flat and squeeze the cheese wedge over it.  Evenly layer the ham slices on top of the cheese.  Starting with one of the longer sides, tightly rolls up the chicken breast cutlet, and secure with toothpicks.  Place chicken rolls in a baking pan sprayed with nonstick spray and then cover the pan with foil.  Bake in the oven for 20 minutes.

4.  Carefully remove the foil.  Continue to bake, uncovered, for an additional 15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.

Taco Meatloaf Patties with Mexican Mac and Cheese

Taco Meatloaf Patties:

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lb. ground beef

1 cup quick oats or breadcrumbs

1 tbsp. cumin

3 tsp. chili powder

2 tsp. garlic powder

2 tsp. salt

1/4 cup salsa

1 egg

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

1.  In a large bowl, combine ground beef, oats or breadcrumbs, seasoning, salsa, and egg.  Mix well with hands until thoroughly combined.

2.  Heat a large skillet over medium high heat.  Divide mixture into 6 to 8 uniformly sized oval patties.  Place in hot skillet and cook 3-4 minutes, until browned.  Flip patties, cook another 3 minutes.  Then reduce heat to low, cover skillet, and continue cooking until meat is fully cooked.  Once patties are fully cooked, sprinkle cheese on top.  Replace skillet cover until cheese is melted.

Mexican Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

1 lb. macaroni, fully cooked and drained

1/4 cup butter or margarine

1/4 cup flour

2 cups milk

2 cups shredded cheddar

salt to taste

1/3 – 1/3 cup salsa

Directions:

1.  Melt butter or margarine in a saucepan over medium heat.  Whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes.  Whisk in milk, bring to a boil, and simmer until thickened, stirring frequently.

2.  Remove from heat.  Add cheese and stir until completely melted.  Season to taste with salt.  Stir in salsa and noodles.

30 Days of Truth–Day 8

Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like crap.

Someone that treated me like crap…well I can think of one person that I dated that treated me like crap.  I was cheated on, lied to, and stole from…and stupid enough to keep going back.  But you know, I learned my lesson and was a much better person for it…

5 Layer Chicken Enchiladas

Ingredients:

1/2 lb. chicken breasts

1 1/2 cup chicken broth

1/2 tsp. cumin

3 tbsp. flour

1 tbsp. water

1 4oz can diced green chilies

1 1/2 cup rice

1 1/2 cup or 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup frozen corn

1 cup shredded cheese

6-8 tortillas

1 can green enchilada sauce

Directions:

1.  Place the chicken in a large skillet.  Add chicken broth and cumin.  Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat.  Simmer until chicken is fully cooked, about 20 to 30 minutes.  Remove chicken and set aside.  Shred once cool enough to handle.

2.  Meanwhile, stir flour and water together.  Slowly whisk into the skillet.  Bring chicken stock back to a boil and boil about 5 minutes, until thickened.  Stir chilies into the liquid and then stir the chicken back in.  Cool.

3.  Assemble the enchiladas assembly line style.  Start with the rice slightly off center of each tortilla.  Top rice with chicken mixture, then beans, then corn, and finally some shredded cheese.

4. Tightly roll up the tortillas and place in a 13x9 casserole dish.  Pour the enchilada sauce on top and sprinkle with any remaining shredded cheese.

5.  Refrigerate until dinner time or bake immediately at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes, until heated through.

30 Days of Truth–Day 7

Someone who has made your life worth living for.

My children make my life worth living for.  Every day I get to see their smiling faces and no matter what they do, I will always love them

Buy 1, Get 1 50% off LEGOS!

On the  Deals of the Day on Toys R Us website, there are some really good deals you will want to check out.  For today only,  you can get the following deals:

• B1G1 All Leapfrog Tag Books
• $5 off WWE Elite Collection or 2 pk Action Figures
• Extra 25% All Playhouses, Trampolines, Bouncers, and Wood Gym Sets
• B1G1 50% off All Lego Construction Sets

Tuna Croquettes

Ingredients:

2 cans tuna, well drained

1/2 small onion, diced

2 stalks celery, minced

1 cup bread crumbs, divided

2 eggs

1 tsp. paprika

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

oil

Directions.

1.  In a large bowl, combine the tuna, onion, celery, and 1/3 cup bread crumbs, eggs, and seasonings.  Stir until fully combined.

2.  Pour remaining 2/3 cup bread crumbs into a shallow dish.  Pat about a tablespoon worth of tuna mixture into a round patty.  Cover both sides with bread crumbs.

3.  Pour enough oil into a skillet to cover the bottom.  Heat over medium heat.  Add the breaded patties and cook until browned, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.

30 Days of Truth–Day 6

Something you hope you never have to do.

I hope that I never have to bury one of my children before I die.  This tends to be the worst nightmare, at least I think so, for most parents.

Open Faced BBQ Chicken Sandwiches

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cup ketchup

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 tbsp. honey

2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp. chili powder

1 tsp. cumin

1 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

1/8 tsp. allspice

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 box frozen garlic Texas toast

2 tbsp. butter

1/2 lb. mushrooms, sliced

1/2 – 1 cup shredded cheese.

Directions:

1.  In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, honey, and seasonings until well blended.  Place the chicken in a baking dish and pour the barbecue sauce on top.  Cover with foil.  Bake at 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked.  Shred the chicken and stir chicken and sauce in the baking dish together.

2.  Bake Texas toast according to the directions on the package.

3.  Melt butter in a small skillet.  Add mushrooms and cook over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

4.  To assemble the sandwiches, scoop some of the barbecue chicken onto each piece of Texas toast.  Top with fried mushrooms and some shredded cheese.  Return to the over for an few minutes, just until cheese melts.

Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

6-8 potatoes

1 can (14oz) chicken brother

3/4 cup milk

1/2 cup sour cream

4 oz. cream cheese

Directions:

1.  Peel potatoes and cut into 1/2 inch chunks.  Place potatoes in a crockpot with chicken brother and milk.  Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until potatoes are tender.

2.  When potatoes are tender, mash well with sour cream and cream cheese.

3.  Serve.

30 Days of Truth–Day 5

Something you hope to do in your life.

I hope that I will be able to take my children to Disney World before they get too old.

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

Ingredients:

2 Large Chicken Breasts, uncooked

1 14oz can chicken broth

2 cups water

1 14.5oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 cup brown rice

2 cups frozen corn

1 tsp. cumin

1 tsp. chili powder

1 garlic clove

Directions:

1. Add all the ingredients to slow cooker, placing the chicken on top.  This will cook on low for 4 hours, then remove chicken, let cook, and shred.  Place shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and continue cooking for 2 more hours. 

30 Days of Truth: Day 4

Something you have to forgive someone else for.

I think point, I honestly can’t think of something I need to forgive someone else for…

30 Day of Truth: Day 3

Something you have to forgive yourself for.

Something I have to forgive myself for some times wishing I had taken the path in life that I had planned out after high school.  Sometimes I wish I would have stayed on the path that I had started.  I was planning to go to college (which I did go away for year to George Mason), graduate, have a career….you know, all the stuff that.  Then maybe, I wouldn’t be searching for a job right now.  Although, with that, I have to think about the fact that if my life had not gone on the path it did, I wouldn’t have Ryan, Evan, or Brynlee…or maybe I would have just had them later but I may have not met Jay.  Cause to be honest, at the time that I met him, it should have been when I was away at my sophomore year at George Mason but because I didn’t have enough financial aid, I had to stay home and work…I was around Fredericksburg to meet him

Holiday Mail for Heroes

I hope everyone will think about joining in the  Holiday Mail for Heroes, a program by the Red Cross that helps lift the spirits of American service members, their families, and veterans all over the world. By participating in Holiday Mail for Heroes, you can do a lot of good with just a little time and effort.
The mail will be distributed to members of the military and veterans in the U.S. and overseas. Cards will only be accepted through Friday, December 10th. Any mail received after that date will be returned to sender.
To participate, take a holiday card, address it (on the inside) to Any Serviceman or Woman, write some words of encouragement and well wishes, and mail it to:

Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

Please take care not to send care packages, monetary gifts, glitter or include any inserts with the cards.

30 Days of Truth: Day 2

Something that you love about yourself.

Something that I love about myself well, that is a hard one.  I don’t know if there is something that I actually love about myself.  I guess I love that I can cook.  Or at least I try to cook.  Sometimes I wonder if I should have went to culinary school…

Legos…On Sale Today Only! @ Target

Today over at TARGET…the Daily Deals  are all about LEGO’S, so if these are on your list, this might be a good time to get’em!

LEGO Atlantis Undersea Explorer$26.99 (down from $39.99)
Use Promo Code ER5PVIIO to get an additional 10% OFF
Final Price = $24.29 + Free Shipping

LEGO Power Miners Magma Mech Set $16.99 (down from $19.99)
Use Promo Code ER5PVIIO to get an additional 10% OFF
Final Price = $15.29 + Free Shipping

LEGO Star Wars Tri-Fighter Droid Set $18.50 (down from $24.99)
Use Promo Code ER5PVIIO to get an additional 10% OFF
Final Price = $16.65 + Free Shipping

LEGO Toy Story 3 Pizza Planet Delivery Set $29.99 (down from $39.99)
Use Promo Code ER5PVIIO to get an additional 10% OFF
Final Price = $26.99 + Free Shipping

LEGO Bricks & More Pink Brick Box – Large $24.99 (down from $29.89)
Use Promo Code ER5PVIIO to get an additional 10% OFF
Final Price = $22.49 + Free Shipping

Make sure if you make purchases online at TARGET you try to use the 10% off code!!  It doesn’t seem to be working on electronics, but always worth a try on other items.

30 Days of Truth: Day 1

Day 1:  Something you hate about yourself.

Something I hate about myself…I think right now, that would be my weight.  We have decided in the last week or so to go on a diet and I am pretty sure I am doing good so far.  It is hard because my scale isn't the greatest so I can really tell yet if what I am doing is working but I am hoping that it definitely will.