So..
I found this local sign yesterday.
I think it says it all.

Please.
I worn you.
Never go shopping to Costco when you have a massive headache and two kiddos begging for cake.
You might just end up with a chocolate cake like the one above.
Ask me how I know.
Cake anyone?!

I tried this recipe on a whim on Thursday night, I simply did not feel like cooking but a crock pot meal fit the bill.
I did some searching, found this one and best of all I had all the ingredients.
This recipe created one tasty meal.
Srsly.
Dh, Spencer and Nate just raved about how good it was.
This recipe is now in my cookbook to make again.


* Exported from MasterCook *

Bacon Ranch Slow Cooked Chicken Crock Pot

Recipe By: Margret C
Serving Size: 6 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories: Main Meal -Crockpot

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3 slices bacon
1 teaspoon garlic -- minced
1 package Ranch salad dressing (dry mix)
1 cup sour cream, light
4 chicken breast, no skin, no bone
1 package egg noodles
1 can cream of chicken 98% Fat Free Condensed Soup

• Combine the first 5 ingredients.
• Pour over chicken in the slow cooker.
• Cook 3-4 hours on high or until chicken is cooked through.
• Serve over hot noodles.

Source:
"A Crock Cook.com"
Yield:
"6 "
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving: 448 Calories; 28g Fat (56.3% calories from fat); 40g Protein; 9g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 115mg Cholesterol; 593mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1/2 Grain(Starch); 5 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 4 1/2 Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates.

NOTES : Served with side spinach salad.

Ah.. doctors...
You know how much I detest love going to see them.
Well, today I was back to see mine and when I was done she then sent me on my merry way to get some blood work done.
*joy*
Getting blood drawn is not really my cup of tea.
I don’t have an issue with seeing blood just prefer not too, kwim.

Heads up, there is a story coming up so you might want to get comfy.
Whenever I am sent for blood work I always have a flash back to when I was a kiddo.
You see when I was 10 I was in getting blood work done, the technician had finished getting the two vials of blood from me (remember they were glass back then), placed them on the edge of the counter and then came back to place a band aid on me.
When to our horror the vials rolled off and shattered.
Ick.
The other staff quickly came and cleaned it up but that image of my blood all over the floor is forever etched in my memory.
Once all the commotion was over they then told me they had to redraw my blood.
You have to be kidding me but they were quite serious and determined.
Sigh.. that was so not a fun day.

Today, the woman who took my blood was very nice, she told me while chatting away that I would not feel a thing and I didn't!
Thank You!
Sometimes it hurts like the dickens and you feel like you have just been harpooned, today was not one of those days. *phew*
I survived but now I am done for the day.
Oh and I get to see my Dr. again on Monday.
I am so lucky!

I found a good bargain this past weekend on spinach so it only seemed natural to want a good and tasty spinach salad.
This recipe is quick, easy and is full of flavor.


* Exported from MasterCook *

Tangy Spinach Salad


Serving Size: 4
Categories: Salads

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
6 slices bacon
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
10 ounces spinach -- fresh, torn
8 ounces mushroom -- fresh, sliced

• Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crisp; remove the bacon, reserving drippings in skillet. Crumble bacon and set aside.
• Add lemon juice, brown sugar, and mustard to the drippings in skillet; cook over low heat, stirring constantly, 1 min.
• Toss together spinach, mushrooms, and leom juice mixture in a serving bowl. Sprinkle with bacon.

Source:
"Slow Cooker Cookbook -Southern Living"
Copyright:
"2006"
Yield:
"4 "
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving: 110 Calories; 5g Fat; 6g Protein; 11g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber; 8mg Cholesterol; 306mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1/2 Lean Meat; 1 Vegetable; 0 Fruit; 1/2 Fat; 1/2 Other Carbohydrates.

NOTES: You could substitute turkey bacon to save some calories.

Just sharing a tiny bit of sunshine since it seems so many are dealing with some pretty crummy weather right now.
There is hope that spring is right around the corner.
There little gems popped up over the past weekend.

I opted to hit the pet store to pick up some dog food before I went to my Dr's appointment today.
I was in and out of the store and still had some time left so I opted to head into Target to look around.
Once I left there I had about fifteen mintues to get to the office.
Oh boy!
I pulled out of the parking lot and began my journey knowing hoping that I would not hit the read lights.
No such luck.
I hit every rotten red light as I drove along.
Really, I hit all fifteen lights and was about ready to pull my hair out.
ARGH!!
I was able to get there with three minutes to spare but the frustration.
Why, why,why is it you tend to hit all the red lights when you are running behind?

mmm... blueberry pancakes.
Who can resist them?!
You can get my recipe for them here, whip some up and enjoy!

I have been on a soup kick lately for lunches.
There is nothing like a hot bowl to warm and fill you up.
I stumbled upon a recipe in the Taste of Home Comfort Food Diet Cookbook that I just had to try.
The recipe took very little time to make and is so tasty.
I kept some out to have for lunches and froze the rest for later.
Dh finally had some for lunch yesterday and just raved about how good it was.
*pats herself on the back*
I left out the basil (makes me sick) and opted to place in the chicken (was a left over).
This is defiantly one soup that will be made again in this household.


* Exported from MasterCook *

Bean, Chicken and Pasta Soup

Recipe By :
Serving Size : 10 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories :

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 cup pasta -- small pasta shape or elbows
1/2 cup celery rib -- thinly sliced
2 medium carrots -- sliced
1 medium onion -- chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic -- minced
1 tbl olive oil
3 cups water
14 ounces diced tomatoes -- this would be one can
48 ounces low sodium chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon rosemary -- dried
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 can cannellini beans -- rinsed and drained
2 cups spinach -- shredded fresh
3/4 cup chicken breast, no skin, no bone, R-T-C -- chopped

• Cook pasta according to the package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, saute the celery, carrots, onion and garlic in oil for 5 minutes. Stir in the water, tomatoes, broth, rosemary, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10 minutes or until carrots are tender.
• Stain pasta, stir into vegetable mixture. Add the beans; heat through.
• Stir in spinach; cook until spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes.

Arthor:
"Maria Gooding"
Source:
"Taste of Home Comfort Food Diet Cookbook"
Copyright:
"2009"
Yield:
"10 "
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving: 367 Calories; 23g Fat (54.4% calories from fat); 17g Protein; 26g Carbohydrate; 5g Dietary Fiber; 11mg Cholesterol; 316mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1 1/2 Grain(Starch); 1 1/2 Lean Meat; 1 Vegetable; 4 1/2 Fat.

NOTES:

• You can use white kidney beans if you would like in place of the cannellini beans.
• I used about 1/2 cup of frozen cooked spinach without a problem.
• Can sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
• You can add in more water if you would like.
• I used low sodium, reduced fat chicken broth.
  

No, no not with envy.

I was soaping today.
Somehow I think you knew I was going to say that.
I was washing up some items to clean out the sink when I said to myself, " You should shake the dye up to make sure it is totally mixed."
I put the items in the dishwasher and grabbed the bottle of green dye.
Then I gave the bottle two good shakes and before I knew it FD&C dye was all over me, the countertop, dishwasher and some dots on the floor.
%#$@#@
One ruined t-shirt from the Atlanta Aquarium but countertop and floor are all clean now.
My neck and upper chest are a nice shade of green.
Off to wash up with a sugar scrub.
Let's hope that it does the job, I have a Dr's appointment tomorrow and really don't feel like explaining.
*sigh*
It is always something.


Mental Note: Make sure the cap is screwed down tight before shaking.

* wipes drool away*
chocolate cake...
mmm....

This is a buttermilk chocolate cake that Nate made two years ago and it is so good.
You can make this double layer chocolate cake in no time.
It is super moist, tastes great, and you might not be able to stop yourself from having more than one slice.
*wink*
Now go... you need a piece chocolate cake, you deserve it!

Double Chocolate Cake Recipe

OMG!
I have fallen in love with the pair of sneakers above.
They are absolutely too cute and perfect for every cupcake lover!
Get this- you can even customize the colors to fit your style.
I know of someone who is saving up their pennies to buy a pair.
This is the other pair that really caught my attention.
There are so many offered, I am sure you can find the right one for you.
Oh! You need to head right on over to Zazzle.com.

It was a happy moment this morning when I unwrapped the soap I made last night.
Perfect!
Just how I wanted it to work out.
I feel better now.

My soap supplies had arrived a few weeks ago but there was little time for me to roll up my sleeves and make some soap.
The bars up top are scented White Peach and smell soooo good. There was only one tiny mishap and that we me not having any distilled water on hand. Ran to the store and I was back up and running.
Now the bars below.. they have a different story.
It was all going as planned but then I added in the fragrance oil.
Bam!
Instant soap on a stick.
There was no separating it so pretty colors could be added, my hopes of creating a nice looking bar were dashed.
Instead I was frantically looking for my spoon to glop the stuff into the mold and try to smooth out the top.
I banged the mold quite hard to get it to settle into the mold and hope for the best.
They are a bit rough looking but hopefully I will be able to clean them up a little.
Oh! the fragrance is Children's Room very soft and pretty.

The soap that I made today I shall find out what happened tomorrow.
The top was a bit green not blue due to the fragrance oil being a tad on the yellow side.
Fingers crossed that it will be blue.
One never knows what shall happen when soaping.

While Nateman was taking his SATs yesterday, dh, Spencer and I walked around Pickens, SC.
It is a very quiet quaint southern town.
I decided to take the camera because you never know what you might be able to catch.

I am not one to brag or be boastful about my children.
Today however I am going to brag just a smidge about Nate.
You see he (Nate) took the SAT's, he is only 12.
He took them to see if he could qualify for the DukeTip program.
He was calm until he arrived at the high school then he was a bit nervous. (totally understandable)
I am so proud of him words cannot even describe how I feel.
How did he celebrate completing them?
One large pepperoni pizza, a coke and a Kit-Kat bar. :)

Who knew of this day?

It is kind of a lost art, now we tend to email, text or simply pick up the phone and call those we need to communicate with.
So today for a quick minute (or two) go out and write something!
Yep, that is my handwriting.

but not out.

If you recall on Wednesday I went to the dentist.
Normally it is not a big deal but it turned into a big deal.
I had all intentions to post a bit more on Wed. night but that did not happen nor was I able to get on yesterday.
You see I went to the dentist feeling pretty good, a slight tingle behind my eye, and so I popped some Excedrin Migraine. (That tingle is a warning sign for me that I am working a migraine.)
Sat in the office, head feeling much better, called back into the chair, tilted back and wham! instant vertigo (an issue I am dealing with currently) and migraine full force now.
Great.
I sat there head throbbing while they cleaned my choppers.
Did some x-rays and was told all good come back in six months.
Swell
Now just to get home with my head pounding away and being totally nauseated.
Arrived home, took some more meds, and went to bed.
Thank goodness dh was working from home so he could do the school pick up.
Up and down to warm a compress for my eye and more sleep.
Slept until 6 am yesterday (Thursday) but the pain was now a dull roar.
I could at least semi function and get through the day.
Today, I am 100% thank goodness!!
So, I will be posting a bit here and there to make up for the lost time.

Missed everyone and it is nice to be back in the saddle again.

Ahh... the dentist.
I have to head out in a few short hours to have my six month cleaning done.
Not a big deal, something that has to be done.
You know I have to admit that I do not mind the dentist.
Sure I have had braces, wisdom teeth removed (all 4 at once), fillings (more than I care) but I would much rather visit the dentist over the doctor any day.
I will admit to crossing my fingers that I do not have any new cavities.
Wish me luck.

I stumbled upon this great stadium cake pan while checking out one of my favorite sites - Gooseberry Patch.
This is perfect for any Super Bowl party (in two weeks) and think about those college games in the fall!
I think it would be fun to make a huge rice crispy treat using this mold and then just decorate as you would a cake.
Check out Gooseberry Patch if you would like one and they are currently on sale for $16.95!

Psst....if anyone does buy one I would love to see your creation.

*drool*
I adore alfredo sauce but not all the calories that go along with it.
This recipe was dusted off last week to curb my craving for that wonderful creamy sauce.
Ahh, so good!
I think you will enjoy this creamy, delicious sauce; I know we did.


* Exported from MasterCook *

Low Fat Alfredo Sauce

Recipe By: Evelyn Tribole, M.S. R.D.
Serving Size : 6

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 cup evaporated skim milk
1/2 cup half and half
2 tablespoons butter -- cut into small pieces
1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese -- grated
2 tablespoons chives -- fresh

Source:
"Healthy Homestyle Cooking - 200 of your Favorite Family Recipes with a Fraction of the Fat"
Copyright:
"1994"
Yield:
"6 "
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving: 185 Calories; 12g Fat (59.6% calories from fat); 12g Protein; 6g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 35mg Cholesterol; 469mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 1/2 Non-Fat Milk; 1 1/2 Fat.

Serving Ideas:

• Side Salad and enjoy!

NOTES:

We are under a winter weather advisory for 1-3 inches tomorrow.
I have to say that I am tickled pink; I would love to see some snow.
Now as you sit there your shaking your head at me about how not even three weeks ago I mentioned that I did not like dealing with it.
You are right but I don't mind a day or two here and there of the fluffy white stuff.
I honestly miss the silence of walking in the snow as it falls; there is nothing like that experience.
Plus, here everything pretty much comes to a grinding halt.
The weather does feel like it, you know how the air feels and the sky looks before it happens.
Sure does look that way outside today.
*crosses fingers*

Yummy, yummy, yummy, popcorn.
Lots of butter, a sprinkle or two of salt and dig in!
At least that is the way Nate loves his popcorn, there is never enough butter to satisfy him. *lol*
Me, I like to make mine in my PowerPop and sprinkled with some seasonings.
I enjoy the Popcorn Seasonings by Kernel Season's.

I've tried the butter, nacho cheese and ranch; I have to say they are very good.
Check out the Kernel's site to see what other tasty flavors they offer, recipes and find a store close to you.
Go on and enjoy a huge bowl of popcorn today!

Psst... if you have tried some of the other flavors I would love to know what you thought of them. Thanks!