Finally a new product at Sugar Giggles...
I'm loving these playdate cards. I always thought they were pretty silly until I started meeting new moms at playdates and had to write my info on napkins or whatever was handy. This is the first set but I'll have some more in a few days.
Hope everyone likes the new products. If you like them feel free to leave a review on the product page.
Have a great weekend!!
**This is the 4th time I've sat down at the computer in hopes that I might get a post done. Maybe I will this time...
I should definitely be in the bed but I never get a chance to post anymore. That could be because of my two little birds or the fact that my desk has about 2 feet of junk piled all over it. Either way I'm trying to remedy the problem.
Tim is in the process of replacing our carpet with beautiful wood laminate. He started last week so we went to Mississippi while he worked. It still isn't quite finished but we're home and working around not having furniture in the house at the moment. Lex loves it because he can just run everywhere.
While we were in MS we did lots of funs things. Rexana joined us for a few days and we headed to the beach for a day. These are a few pics that she took of our adventure ...
Layla at 4 1/2 months. She got her first two teeth on the bottom this week so she was gnawing on anything she could get a hold of. We also started feeding her rice cereal this week and she loves it! I think it is helping her sleep better at night. She had started waking up quite a few times in the night wanting to eat.
We did so many fun things while in MS. We went to Jellystone park for a night . The kids had such a great time getting to play with family and old friends. And we all enjoyed being out of the city.
Now back to the real world. Tim is finishing up our floors this weekend and I'll post pictures soon. They look stunning! I can't wait to get the furniture in and take pics. Actually I can't wait to get the furniture back in so that we don't have an empty house. :)
Tomorrow we're going to get out of the house and go shopping for a while so that Tim can work. I haven't shopped in a long time. I've got a few little projects that I'm wanting to make so I need to go to Hobby Lobby (always a bad idea...haha). Shannon gave me tons of bows for Layla so I want to make a cute bow holder for her room so that I can actually see the bows. And I've also been wanting to make a cork board for Lex's room to put his artwork on - maybe this would free up some room on my fridge. :)
What a crazy few weeks. We've been busy but I'm not sure with what. It seems as though times goes by so fast these days. Anywho, we blew up Lex's new pool and he's been swimming for the last few weeks.
I can't believe that Layla is now 16 weeks old!! Where has the time gone?? She is such a little chunky monkey just like Lex always was. She smiles and laughs all the time. She is such a happy baby. She has slept through the night once but then we went on our trip to Mississippi which I think threw her off a bit. Now she is back to waking up once at around 3. I still can't get her to take a bottle {any tips/tricks would be helpful}. I never had this problem with Lex.
Here is her photo at 16 weeks. Don't you just want to eat her up!!??!
I haven't been doing alot of cooking lately. Well, actually I have but only my tried and true recipes. I haven't been much in the mood for new recipes lately. Hopefully that will change soon. I've switched Lex to a Dairy Free/Gluten Free diet in hopes that it will help with some behavior problems that we are having. I am already on dairy free because of Layla so it hasn't been that hard to switch. We are already seeing great improvements which is making my days much easier. Anyway, you'll probably be seeing some gluten free recipes soon.
I've been doing a few invitations lately. This is one that I did using mostly elements from Sunflower's The Boys of Summer kit. I think it turned out super cute. I would love to start doing more invitations like these {email me if you are interested}.
I haven't been couponing too much lately since we've been out of town but I did go to target yesterday and totally scored on lots of items. This is my loot for $7!! Check out all the target deals on Survivingthestores.com.
Not much going on around the Simmons house lately. This weekend Tim had to work quite a bit so I was home with the kiddos. {Geez, I'm tired today}
We went to church Sunday then came home and relaxed most of the afternoon. Tim got a few cute pics of the kids. Layla is getting so big. She goes for her 2 month appt on Wednesday. Oh YUCK - her first shots!!
Here's my menu plan for the week. I'm trying a few new recipes so hopefully they will be yummy.
Monday - Hawaiian Chicken Burgers w/ sweet potato fries {these were pretty good but not somehing that I would go out of my way to make. I think the burgers needed more seasoning or something}
Tuesday - Steak Quesadillas with Mexican Rice
Wednesday - Spicy Chicken Bowties w/ French Bread
Thursday - not sure yet. ER finale starts at 7 so its going to have to be something easy and quick. Any crockpot suggestions anyone??
Friday - Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole over egg noodles
1 beaten egg
1/4 cup fine dry seasoned bread crumbs
3 tablespoons chopped water chestnuts
3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 pound ground raw chicken
1/4 cup bottled sweet-and-sour sauce
4 canned pineapple rings
4 kaiser rolls or hamburger buns, split and toasted
Fresh Shredded spinach
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
1/2 cup milk
2 lbs chicken breasts, cubed
1 cup plain breadcrumbs
1 cup oil (for frying)
8 ounces swiss cheese, cubed
8 ounces cubed ham
12 ounces alfredo sauce (your favorite)
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Beat egg and 1/2 cup milk together until combined. Stir in the chicken chunks to coat, then drain, and coat with bread crumbs. Heat oil in a large skillet to 375°F (190°C). Fry breaded chicken cubes in hot oil until golden brown on all sides, then remove, and drain on paper towels.
Place chicken && ham cubes in glass baking dish. Pour alfredo sauce over chicken & ham, top with Swiss cheese.
Bake in preheated oven until golden brown and bubbly, about 30 minutes.
Just a few cards that I've been working on for a friend. Bridgett, Hope you like them. I forgot to put the proverbs reference on them so I'll have to go back and do that.
I have lots to post but I am exhausted so I'm just going to post a few pictures of my lovies. Are these the cutest kids you've ever seen? I think they are. Hopefully I'll get an opportunity to post this weekend about Lex's party last weekend.
Here is a shot I took of Layla the other day before Church. I love this little outfit because the bonnet is just precious. Look at those chunky little cheeks. She is getting to be such a butterball.
Tim has been letting Lex help him crack eggs in the mornings when he makes breakfast. So, now when Lex sees me cracking eggs, he wants to "Crackin' Da Eggs Momma". It is really quite cute and he's actually really good at it. I saw these confetti eggs the other day at walgreens and thought it would be a fun activity for us to do OUTSIDE. However, I forgot and left them on the island in the kitchen... Lex had a blast Crackin' da Eggs!
Layla is getting so big and she is just a doll. Look at this smile! I can't believe she is 6 weeks old! The time is just flying by.
We're getting ready for Lex's 2nd Birthday party on Saturday. I cannot believe he is going to be 2 on Monday!!Of course I've been planning a menu and such which has been a little difficult trying to plan a menu around things that toddlers like and things that adults will like too. This is what I've come up with so far...
Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders with dipping sauce
Ham & Cream Cheese Rollups - I've got to use up some of these free crescent rolls that I've been getting at Kroger. :)
Cocktail Meatballs with a Sweet BBQ Sauce - using up more free stuff. I think I have 5 bags of meatballs that need to be used.
For now that's all I've got but I need to look through my freezer to see what else I should make.
In other news, we went to the zoo on Friday b/c it was simply a beautiful day. Lex didn't care too much for the zoo b/c he wanted to play on the playground. I love the look on his face in this photo - simply sweet carefree fun.
Lex had a playdate on Friday and they had lots of fun. Lex and Nathan played in the backyard swinging and running until both were exhausted. Hopefully we can do this again son Bellamys - it was lots of fun for all.
I'm working on a menu plan for next week. I've got tons of food in my freezer that I need to cook. Anywho, I thought I would pull some old recipes out that I haven't made in a while.
1 1/2 lb. browned ground beef
Sm. onion
Sm. jar spaghetti sauce
8 oz. cream cheese
8 oz. Mozzarella cheese
1 lg. crescent roll
2 tbsp. melted butter
1/2 c. Parmesan cheese
2 c. chopped chicken
2 (3 oz.) pkg. cream cheese
1 tbsp. chopped chives
1 lg. bottle drained mushrooms
8 crescent rolls (unbaked tube)
Melted butter
1 pkg. seasoned croutons, crushed
Mix chicken, cream cheese, chives and mushrooms. Unroll crescent rolls, fill with mixture and reroll. Roll in melted butter and seasoned croutons. Bake in shallow pan 30 minutes at 375 degrees. Optional - top with cream sauce or chicken gravy.
Sunny Morning Star Biscuit Soufflés
Soufflés
1 can (10.2 oz) Pillsbury® Grands!® Homestyle refrigerated buttermilk biscuits (5 biscuits)
4 Eggland’s Best eggs
1/4 cup Old El Paso® Thick 'n Chunky salsa
1/2 cup sour cream
1/3 cup cooked real bacon bits (from 3-oz bag)
1 cup shredded mild Cheddar cheese (4 oz)
Garnishes
Old El Paso® Thick 'n Chunky salsa, if desired
Sour cream, if desired
Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 6 (6-oz) custard cups or 6 (8-oz) ramekins with CRISCO® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray.
Cut each biscuit into 6 wedges. Using 5 wedges for each cup, arrange wedges around side of each cup with pointed ends up to form a “star.” Press dough lightly on bottoms and sides of cups (it is not necessary to completely cover bottoms and sides of cups). Set aside.
In medium bowl, beat eggs with fork or wire whisk until blended. Beat in 1/4 cup salsa, 1/2 cup sour cream and the bacon bits until blended.
Spoon 2 tablespoons egg mixture into center of each cup; top each with about 2 tablespoons cheese. Spoon remaining egg mixture over cheese in each cup. Place cups on large cookie sheet with sides.
Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until eggs are set and biscuits are golden brown. Cool 10 minutes. Garnish with salsa and sour cream.
Ham and Cheese Biscuit Sandwiches
1 cup cubed cooked ham
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (4 oz)
1/2 cup finely chopped peeled apple
1 can (12 oz) Pillsbury® Golden Layers® refrigerated biscuits (10 biscuits)
1 Eggland's Best egg, slightly beaten
1 teaspoon water
Chopped tomato, if desired
Heat oven to 375°F. Lightly spray large cookie sheet with CRISCO® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray, or grease with shortening. In small bowl, gently mix ham, cheese and apple. Separate dough into 10 biscuits. Press or roll 5 biscuits into 4-inch circles on cookie sheet.
Place about 1/2 cup ham mixture onto center of each circle. Press or roll remaining 5 biscuits into 5-inch circles; place over ham mixture on each. Press edges with fork to seal. Mix egg and water; brush over filled biscuits.
Bake 13 to 18 minutes or until golden brown. Cut each sandwich in half. To serve, garnish with tomato. Serve warm.
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Biscuits
1 can (10.2 oz) Pillsbury® Grands!® refrigerated buttermilk biscuits (5 biscuits)
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
1/4 cup sugar
Strawberry Mixture
1 1/2 pints (3 cups) fresh strawberries, sliced
1/3 cup sugar
Whipped Cream
1/2 cup whipping cream
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla, if desired
Heat oven to 375°F. Separate dough into 5 biscuits. Dip tops and sides of each biscuit in butter; dip in 1/4 cup sugar. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 13 to 17 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 5 minutes.
Meanwhile, in medium bowl, mix strawberries and 1/3 cup sugar. Set aside.
In another small bowl, beat whipping cream and 2 tablespoons sugar with electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form. Beat in vanilla.
To serve, split biscuits; place on individual dessert plates. Top with whipped cream and strawberry mixture.
Strawberry Freezer Jam
(This isn't Mel's recipe but she inspired me to try Freezer Jam - maybe I won't have to buy so much Strawberry Preserves for Tim if he likes this)
2 cups crushed fresh strawberries
4 cups sugar
1 (1.75 ounce) package dry pectin
3/4 cup water
Mix crushed strawberries with sugar, and let stand for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, stir the pectin into the water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, and boil for 1 minute. Stir the boiling water into the strawberries. Allow to stand for 3 minutes before pouring into jars or other storage containers.
Place tops on the containers, and leave for 24 hours. Place into freezer, and store frozen until ready to use.
Mimi's Giant Whole-Wheat Banana-Strawberry Muffins
2 eggs
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 bananas, mashed
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 cup frozen sliced strawberries
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease 12 large muffin cups, or line with paper liners.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, applesauce, oil, brown sugar, vanilla and bananas. Combine the flour, baking soda and cinnamon; Stir into the banana mixture until moistened. Stir in the strawberries until evenly distributed. Spoon batter into muffin cups until completely filled.
Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the tops of the muffins spring back when pressed lightly. Cool before removing from the muffin tins.
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And lastly, I made a really fantastic simple recipe last night that I thought you might enjoy. I've made it before with things we had on hand so I don't really have quantities... just do everything to taste.
Shrimp, peeled and deveined (about a pound)
Angel Hair Pasta (small box)
Asparagus (sliced into one inch pieces)
Lemon Pepper Marinade (I use the Kroger brand and it taste just like Lawry's)
Saute asparagus in a few tablespoons of oil oil until tender crisp. Add 1/2 bottle of marinade and stir until heated through. Add shrimp and saute until done.
I simply cannot believe that Layla is a 5 weeks old tomorrow. The time has flown by so fast. She had her first real bath a few days ago. At first she didn't really like it but after she got used to the idea she loved the water.
Not much else is going on around Casa de Simmons. Lex wakes up every
morning now wanting to go to the "playground" so we've been hanging out
a lot in the backyard with his new playset that Paw-Paw bought him for his birthday next month. Tim and Glynn put the playset together in three {wet & rainy} days - which didn't seem to bother Tim because he got to use all of his new toys (sorry I mean tools) that he got for his birthday. {I love this goofy man}
This is Tim putting the final touches on before Lex came out to play.
Lex loves the clubhouse. For some reason he always looks out the window and says "Fries & Ham Sandwich". I think it is funny - I guess he thinks it is his little drive thru window. I know I'm a little biased but that little smile is about the cutest thing I've ever seen!
And here is one last shot of all of us enjoying a little toddler time while Layla napped. Hope everyone has a great week. Hopefully I'll have some more new photos this week to post. And stay tuned for some new scrapbooking supplies in the store. I'm working on a few new paper packs right now. :)
Lex is such a cutie these days. He's started saying lots of sentences and the 2 year old sentences that he comes up with are just too funny.
Yesterday we ventured out to Super Target for a few things and came home with a van load of toys courtesy of Paw-Paw. Among Lex's favorites was a shiny new tricycle with an Elmo helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads. Isn't he just the cutest!!
No new photos of Layla. She's been napping a lot and with family here things have been crazy. Hopefully I can snap a few new ones this afternoon when she wakes up. For now I'm going to make a run to Kroger for a few things then head to the church to pick Lex up.
