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Thursday, September 12, 2013

16 Weeks .. and counting!



Have you ever felt like you know exactly where you want to go, but have no clue how to get there? Who am I kidding, I bet all of you have :) I have been thinking a lot lately about the direction I want to go with my blog and since finding my new giveaway obsession, the destination is becoming more clear to see, the way to get there however, is not.

That being said the 3 major blogs I am following daily, 21 Random, Thrifty Nifty Mommy & Viva Veltoro show me a lot about this new world, and I was very encouraged to read (somewhere) that Viva Veltoro was still considering herself "New to blogging" less than 1 year ago! I can do this! It is so much work though :)

First place to start is to join these ladies in hosting some giveaways - so I honestly hope you will be seeing this very shortly here!



As for the BABY ~ 16 weeks!!! I was really wishing I would have updates to post every week but it doesn't seem to be going that way. However, I have to be happy because it means nothing is wrong either!

As I sat at my in-laws on Sunday and they watched the football game, which I don't care about - at all, I tried to finish up our baby registry and there is just so much to choose from, I am so lost!


On to today's Featured links!!
I am pretty excited, because they are all FUN!!


Easy Stretch Bracelets: Riley would LOVE to do this!


Funfetti Cupcakes: When aren't cupcakes fun? Especially Funfetti!!


Monogram Wreath: No sewing required, I'm sold!





I really hope you will join us this week and share your favorite posts! Leave me a comment and I will Feature your link next week!!





XOXO,

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Back to Thrifty Thursday!

I spent some time yesterday trying to finalize our baby registries - it is not easy! I realized the shower invites are going out in about a week and people are going to be looking at these registries! They need to make sense, and have everything from the outset. I like to think I am very "price/cost conscious" - if that even makes sense (I don't so very often these days!) 

As a family, we went to Babies R Us to do the fun registry scanning a few weeks ago - Riley loved to scan everything I pointed out! However, as I will explain my definition of "Price/Cost Conscious", I then went and checked the prices of everything we wanted, at Walmart and Target, and then kept the cheaper one on that registry. I may need all this stuff but I sure don't want to spend all the crazy amounts of money on it, nor do I expect anyone else to spend that kind of money on us either!

On another note - I have this newfound obsession with Mommy Giveaways :) Thanks to my friend Chrissy over at Parlo & Logi / 21 Random. She's been having tons of giveaways and through that I found Thrifty Nifty Mommy & Viva Veltoro that have dozens of giveaways, I spend forever entering all of them :) ... Speaking of I just got distracted by a new one.



Go ahead and check out my Featured posts from last week (while I finish up that giveaway!)



Best Sweet Potato Fries: because my husband loves anything SP,
I have to try out this recipe!

Supreme Pizza Pasta: OMG - that is all I can say. 
I LOVE Supreme Pizza & Pasta!! Never thought to mix them - MUST try!
 
 
Crockpot Rotisserie Chicken: This look so good and I love saving Crockpot recipes!
Maybe one day I will make some!!
 

Wow so do you realize I Featured all food?? I guess pregnancy has given me food on the brain at all times :)
 
Now it's off for me to have my lunch!!


XOXO,

Thursday, August 29, 2013

I can't believe it!


First off, I can't believe it has been so long since I have posted - anything! (more on that below). It has literally been a month and a half since my last post... :( 


Second, can you believe that TODAY is my 1 year BLOGIVERSARY?? Go check it out! One year ago today, I posted my very first blog ever! This calls for a celebration, but like all other things, I have waited until DAY (night) OF to write this, so I don't have any celebration planned! Maybe, one day, I will get something together! 



With all that being said, I have been saving bits and pieces of info I've wanted to shared with you all - I have tons of photos and ideas of posts. I should be able to fill the rest of the year!


I took some time off and I wish I could say it was to enjoy life and my family over the summer! The truth is I got lazy and didn't make blogging a priority, which is upsetting but I'm here to try again.


BIG NEWS!!! I am currently 14 weeks (&3 days) pregnant with a baby boy! We are so excited! I've always wanted to blog while pregnant, always wanted to be able to share everything going on, yet I dont feel like I have much to share :) 
This past weekend we did the Gender Reveal with cupcakes and shared through facebook to tell all our friends and family!
 IAmPregnant Ticker

This ticker is a few days ahead. I made it way at the beginning then we started measuring a few days behind, but I really like this one :) 


I really didn't intend for this post to be quite so long, and thank you for those still reading along!! Please be on the look out for posts more often! And if you'd like to link up for Thrifty Thursday, since it just works out that way, please do below!! I will be back on top of my Features next week!!



XOXO,

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Time to Win Prizes + Thrifty Thursday #25!!

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How to win door prizes!!!!



 
 
 
XOXO,
 

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Thrifty Thursday #24




Wow I can't believe it's Thursday! How does that happen? On Monday it feels like the week will never end, and then somehow it's already Thursday!

Well yesterday, Hubby & I went down to Miami to see Beyonce's Mrs. Carter show! It was AWESOME! I actually won 2 tickets from Mastercard's "Priceless Miami" Twitter Party on Monday (of this week), and was one of the first 3 names chosen!
I actually forgot to bring my camera.. but when we got there, I found out that "professional" cameras are not allowed, so they may have just made me put it back in the car. We do have a few cell phone photos and videos that I'll try to get together and post for everyone!!

OH Big news, I am working on a new Review/Giveaway post!! I hope to have something special for you real soon!

 

Now, on to this weeks Featured posts! Since I missed last week, I'll give you an extra ;)


Oven Roasted Brussel Sprouts - because I'm looking for a way to get my husband to eat them!




24 Useful Tips: Because I think we can all use these, some are really awesome!
Leave me a comment, and let me know what you think. Which was your fave?


Powder Room Makeover: I love looking at makeovers and remodeling!





I hope you all enjoyed my Featured posts this week! I can't wait to see what you all link up for next weeks Features!!









XOXO,

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Thrifty Thursday #22






Welcome back!! 
I have a special treat for you this week!
Remember last week, I shared that awesome looking dinner from Busy Mom's Helper - Creamy Cauliflower Pasta??
It took me all week to actually do it, but I made it this week!  
I was constantly missing 1 thing ... Cauliflower!

This recipe did take a lot longer than I thought it would but we loved it!
It made so much we both had it for lunch the next day, and still some left. Which we ultimately ended up tossing because we couldn't eat the same meal 3x's :)




Ingredients
1 tsp. Olive Oil
3 cups Cauliflower, chopped
3 medium Shallots, chopped
Salt and Pepper, to taste
4 tsp. Flour
4 cups Milk
1/4 tsp. Nutmeg, ground
2 cups Parmesan cheese, shredded
1/2 lb. Pasta Shells
1 cup Ham, sliced, smoked, chopped
4 cups Broccoli, cut
1/2 cup Bread crumbs

Directions
In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the cauliflower, garlic, shallots, and a bit of salt. Cook until soft, about 10 minutes. Stir frequently so garlic doesn't overcook.

Add flour to the saucepan and toss to coat well. Stir in the milk and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until cauliflower is very soft, about 15 minutes. Allow to cool for about 5 minutes, then pour into a blender, adding the nutmeg and half the Parmesan cheese. Blend until smooth.

Preheat oven to 400 Degrees.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add the pasta and broccoli. Cook until just slightly tender, about 5 minutes. Drain, then return pasta and broccoli to the pot. Add the ham and cauliflower sauce, tossing to combine.

Put into a 3 1/2 quart sprayed baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese and bake until center is bubbly, about 30 minutes.

Top with breadcrumbs and serve. Enjoy!!! - See more at: http://www.busymomshelper.com/2013/06/creamy-cauliflower-pasta.html#sthash.GanPRwv7.dpuf
Ingredients
1 tsp. Olive Oil
3 cups Cauliflower, chopped
3 medium Shallots, chopped
Salt and Pepper, to taste
4 tsp. Flour
4 cups Milk
1/4 tsp. Nutmeg, ground
2 cups Parmesan cheese, shredded
1/2 lb. Pasta Shells
1 cup Ham, sliced, smoked, chopped
4 cups Broccoli, cut
1/2 cup Bread crumbs

Directions
In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the cauliflower, garlic, shallots, and a bit of salt. Cook until soft, about 10 minutes. Stir frequently so garlic doesn't overcook.

Add flour to the saucepan and toss to coat well. Stir in the milk and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until cauliflower is very soft, about 15 minutes. Allow to cool for about 5 minutes, then pour into a blender, adding the nutmeg and half the Parmesan cheese. Blend until smooth.

Preheat oven to 400 Degrees.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add the pasta and broccoli. Cook until just slightly tender, about 5 minutes. Drain, then return pasta and broccoli to the pot. Add the ham and cauliflower sauce, tossing to combine.

Put into a 3 1/2 quart sprayed baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese and bake until center is bubbly, about 30 minutes.

Top with breadcrumbs and serve. Enjoy!!! - See more at: http://www.busymomshelper.com/2013/06/creamy-cauliflower-pasta.html#sthash.GanPRwv7.dpuf

Ingredients
1 tsp. Olive Oil
3 cups Cauliflower, chopped
3 medium Shallots, chopped
Salt and Pepper, to taste
4 tsp. Flour
4 cups Milk
1/4 tsp. Nutmeg, ground
2 cups Parmesan cheese, shredded
1/2 lb. Pasta Shells
1 cup Ham, sliced, smoked, chopped
4 cups Broccoli, cut
1/2 cup Bread crumbs
 

Directions
In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the cauliflower, shallots, and a bit of salt. Cook until soft, about 10 minutes. Stir frequently so garlic doesn't overcook.

Add flour to the saucepan and toss to coat well. Stir in the milk and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until cauliflower is very soft, about 15 minutes. Allow to cool for about 5 minutes, then pour into a blender, adding the nutmeg and half the Parmesan cheese. Blend until smooth.

Preheat oven to 400 Degrees.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add the pasta and broccoli. Cook until just slightly tender, about 5 minutes. Drain, then return pasta and broccoli to the pot. Add the ham and cauliflower sauce, tossing to combine.

Put into a 3 1/2 quart sprayed baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese and bake until center is bubbly, about 30 minutes.
Top with breadcrumbs and enjoy!

I did attempt to multitask and cook things simultaneously, but that only left the pasta ready and waiting for the cauliflower sauce :)

On that note, you may want to let the sauce sit for more than 5 minutes to cool! I learned the valuable lesson that enclosed heat will make the top explode off your blender :)

 
I hope you enjoyed this adventure!!
Want your post Featured next week?? Leave me a comment!


XOXO,

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Thrifty Thursday #21







Welcome back everyone!!! 
I can't believe another week has flown by!

There were some really great posts last week!! 
I'm not gonna lie, I couldn't wait to share my favorites with you!! 
Don't forget to link up your posts this week, leave me a comment and I will Feature you!!

And onto this weeks Featured posts:

Free Printable: Because I LOVE coffee
and have recently become more crafty, so I am going to try this!


Creamy Cauliflower Pasta: Mmm sounds and looks delicious!
Honey, Pasta for dinner tonight!! :)


Travel Tips: I am always looking for a way to do things cheaper!
Especially a trip like this! (London here we come!!)



Thank you to everyone who links up to our party! 
We truly appreciate it and I love seeing everyone's posts!
Until next week <3






XOXO,

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Thrifty Thursday #20






I can't believe it has been so long since I have posted. I have been taking some time to explore where I am headed and have a really long draft email saved up!

Today we are focusing on Thrifty Thursday, and I have found some really great posts to share with you!! 
Please comment below and let me know if you have a post you want Featured!!


Bathroom Update on a Budget - because we can all use this!!


How to make a Trifle - I LOVE trifle!
(I once made one with layers of brownie, choc pudding & raspberries! OMG!)


Tomato, Cucumber, Mozzarella Salad - 3 of my faves! 
I am so making this!


12 Kids Craft ideas! Riley will love some of these!


Well I hope you love all my Features!! Please post yours, then leave me a comment and I will Feature it!!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO ALL THE DAD's OUT THERE!!
Especially my WONDERFUL Husband, Father & Father-In-Law! And my Brothers and uncles, cousins, etc, etc ... :)





XOXO,