Recipe Corner: French Toast Fingers

This is an easy version of French Toast that the kids will love! Add it to your Easter brunch and enjoy!


Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup strawberry preserves
• 8 slices day-old white bread
• confectioners' sugar

Directions

1. In a small bowl, beat eggs, milk and salt; set aside. Spread preserves on four slices of bread; top with the remaining bread. Trim crusts; cut each sandwich into three strips. Dip both sides in egg mixture. Cook on a lightly greased hot griddle for 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Dust with confectioners' sugar if desired.

(From Allrecipes.com)

Movie Quotes

We all have had so much fun with the useless facts that I thought we should give some movie quotes a shot.
Try to guess the movie that the quote below comes from.  Bonus if you can guess the character too!  No peeking!!!

"Hey Harry, you know we're sitting on four million pounds of fuel, one nuclear weapon and a thing that has two hundred thousand moving parts built by the lowest bidder. Makes you feel good doesn't it?"

Organizing Your life (And Friday Follow)

I am by no means an expert on time management and organization, but the system I have works real well for me. I didn’t realize how much my “plan” helped alleviate stressful days until I spent so many days caring for my sick babies and then caring for myself. With my entire schedule ignored for the week, all I could see around me was filth, clutter, and destruction. I am hopeful that by Monday I will be back on track. I know my husband will probably laugh that I am disclosing my “plan”, but if it works, why not share it?

Every Sunday afternoon I go through my coupons, plan my meals, and make my grocery list for the entire week. Sometimes I even plan for two weeks at a time. It helps save time and money. I try to pick meals that can use some of the same ingredients. This way I can buy the larger package and save my pennies. Shopping for two weeks in a row also helps eliminate extra snack buying. If you aren’t at the grocery store, you can’t make those impulse purchases. And if you aren’t stuck at the grocery store, you open more time in your busy schedule for other things. On Monday, I head straight to the grocery store after dropping my daughter off at school. Going early in the morning means no lines and getting to park near the cart drop-off area. I know those of you with little children completely understand how important this is.

I also have made myself a chores schedule. This makes cleaning faster and more manageable. It is much easier to deal with one load of laundry each day than four in a single day. When you put too much on your plate at one time, the job can get tedious or even seem overwhelming. And we all know that when cleaning gets overwhelming, it usually doesn’t get done. With my chore schedule, I have my bathroom cleaning day, dusting and vacuuming day, mopping day, and so forth. Yes, I know. It seems very silly. I completely agree. But I usually don’t get stressed out or overwhelmed with housecleaning (usually). So I will stick with it!

With these, and other schedules, I am able to have more time with my kids, with my husband (when he’s home), and I definitely have more time for myself and my newly discovered blogging habit. How do you keep your life under control? Grab a latte, put up your feet, and join the discussion!

Don't Forget to Link up for the Friday Follow!  I hope everyone has a Blessed Easter!

Here's how YOU can join the Friday Follow celebration:

 

--Click the button above and link up your blog name and URL using the MckLinky. Only need to add on one blog to be seen on all the blog hops.

--Grab the Friday Follow button and include on your Friday Follow blog post.

--Follow the Friday Follow hostesses listed in the first 3 slots.

--Follow as many other blogs on the linky as you'd like.

--Take a moment to comment on the blogs telling them you're from Friday Follow.

--Follow back when you get a new follower through Friday Follow.

This list is new each week. The links do not carry over. Please link up each week for new participants to find your blogs. The list is only open to add your blog links on Fridays. It will be visible all week to visit the blogs listed.

Recipe Corner: Whisky Chicken

This was a recipe I was a little hesitant about making, but I am glad I did. It a had the perfect mix of the sweet and spicy flavors to make it absolutely delish. Enjoy! (Unknown source)


Ingredients

• 2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 3 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Directions
1. Saute chicken in a large skillet over medium high heat until cooked through (no longer pink).
2. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, garlic powder, pineapple juice, whiskey, pepper and sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved and pour over chicken. Let simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until sauce is thickened to taste.

Useless Fact of the Day

Giant Pandas weigh about _____________ at birth.
Take a guess in the comments below.

Drowning in…

Due to the ongoing illnesses in our household, I am drowning in laundry. So while I try to keep my head above water the dirty clothes, I will miss my daily post today. Thanks for stopping by and wish me luck!

Recipe Corner: Pasta Fagioli

One of my favorite reasons to go to the Olive Garden is to eat their delicious Pasta Fagioli. The major problem I run into is that my husband doesn’t like the Olive Garden. So I searched until I found this amazing soup (on allrecipes.com) I could make at home. It may not be quite as good as the Olive Garden, but it is definitely worth eating!


Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 carrot, diced (I use shredded carrots)
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 1 thin slice onion, diced
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped garlic
• 4 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 1 (14 ounce) can chicken broth
• freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1/2 tablespoon dried basil leaves
• 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 1/2 cups ditalini pasta

Directions
1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Saute carrot, celery and onion until soft. Add garlic and saute briefly. Stir in tomato sauce, chicken broth, pepper, parsley and basil; simmer for 20 minutes.
2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ditalini pasta and cook for 8 minutes or until al dente; drain.
3. Add beans to the sauce mixture and simmer for a few minutes. When pasta is done, stir into sauce and bean mixture.

Useless Fact of the Day

All clams start their lives as __________, but can change their "minds" at a later time.
Take a guess in the comments below.

Julie and Julia

As I sit here watching Julie and Julia, I wonder how many of you can envision yourselves in Julie like I can. She is a perfect portrayal of the typical blogger (although she had more success than the typical blogger). I laughed as she got excited over new comments and when she looked half asleep but still determined to write. When I started my blog, I had no idea how big the blogosphere was. I thought it was a unique and ingenious venture that few embarked on. How surprised was I when I began getting followers? Followers who themselves had more followers than I could ever imagine having! But as I continued writing, I found myself loving that I had readers. Loving that people took their precious time to make comments. I remember the first time I received comments from people I didn’t know. I didn’t do a hand clap game like Julie, but I definitely picked up the phone and called my husband immediately. My dream, like Julie, was is to be a writer. I have started many novels and have even completed one. Of course, I happily put my writing aside to have my wonderful baby girls, but I am ready to make another go at it. Writing for you wonderful people has brought back my writing itch and I am determined to give it my best shot. Wish me luck and thanks for stopping by!

Recipe Corner: London Broil

My mom is the best cook I know!  This recipe is our family's favorite that she makes.  Thanks mom for sharing such a mouthwatering recipe!

Ingredients

2 lbs steak (flank steak works the best)
1/4 c oil
3/4 c soy sauce
1/4 c worcestershire sauce
1 TBS dried mustard
2 tsp salt
1 TBS black pepper
1/2 c red wine vinegar
1 1/2 tsp dried parsley flakes
1/3 c lemon juice
1/4 tsp. garlic powder

Directions

1. Mix the marinade ingredients together.
2. Add steak and marinate over night, turning steak frequently.
3. Remove steak from marinade and grill on grill pan until done.
4. Meanwhile, boil marinade in a small saucepan for 10-15 minutes.
5. Slice steak thinly and serve with marinade gravy on top.  (Serve with rice, potato, or noodles)

Useless Fact of the Day

In Alaska, it is illegal to ____________________ from a flying vehicle.
Take a guess in the comments below.

Must Visit: Theme Parks

There are so many fantastic theme parks around the world. For anyone who knows me personally, they know that Disney World will always be my number one choice. If you visit Disney during the right time of the year, it is indeed as magical as they lead you to believe. A huge benefit of Disney World is that there are so many places to visit. Our family favorites are the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, but you can also visit the Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, Downtown Disney, Disney’s Boardwalk, and many wonderful resort and restaurant locations.

Universal Studios in Orlando is another must visit theme park. Universal offers their Studio Park, Islands of Adventures, and Universal City Walk. Universal Studios not only offers you an inside look at how movies are made, but also has fun rides and show for all ages. Islands of Adventure is absolutely the more exciting of the two parks. With their Marvel Comic Island, Jurassic Park Island, and their new Harry Potter World it is positively one you don’t want to miss. While Downtown Disney showcases Cirque Du Soleil, Universal’s City Walk features the Blue Man Group.

Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, VA is another must visit theme park. Busch Gardens has rides designed for children of all ages. From the Sesame Street themed area to the Big Bad Wolf Roller Coaster, there is something for everyone. For those of you who wish to walk around and enjoy the scenery, take a stroll through a French Village or swing in for a quick beer at Oktoberfest.

After surfing the net, I came across some other theme parks that look like tons of family fun. Take a look and see if you’ve ever been to any. Were they as fun as they look?


1. Dreamworld in Australia

2. Carowinds in North Carolina

3. Legoland in Denmark

4. Thorpe Park in England

5. Freizeitland Geiselwind in Germany

6. Cedar Point in Ohio

7. Sea World in Florida

8. Disneyland in California

9. Hershey Park in Pennsylvania

10. Holiday Word in Indiana

What other theme parks should not be missed? Grab a latte, put up your feet, and join the discussion!

Recipe Corner: Fajitas

This is a simple recipe that my mom made using a McCormick Fajita Mix.  Everyone who has ever tried it, has loved it.  Just make sure to use the ingredients below and not the ones listed on the package.  Enjoy!

Ingredients

1- 1/2 lbs chicken or steak thinly sliced
1 packet  McCormick Fajita Mix
1 TBS oil
2 TBS Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
Flour tortillas
Favorite Toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, sour cream, cheese, taco sauce, etc...

Directions

1. Stir together mix, worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar, and oil (using a gallon size ziplock makes it a lot easier)
2. Add meat and marinate 1 hour or overnight for a stronget flavor
3. Put meat and marinade into skillet and cook on medium heat until meat is cooked and liquid is evaporated.
4. Place meat and favorite toppings on a flour tortilla and Enjoy!

Useless Fact of the Day

There are __________ peanuts in a single 28 ounce jar of Jif peanut butter.
Take a guess in the comments below!

Blogger Award!!

I recently received the Prolific Blogger Award from Aleksandra at Aleksandra’s Corner.
Thank you so much for thinking of me when you received this award. It truly means a lot!

A Prolific Blogger is one who is intellectually productive… keeping up an active blog that is filled with enjoyable content.

1. Every winner of the Prolific Blogger Award has to pass on this award to at least seven other deserving prolific bloggers. Spread some love!
2. Each Prolific Blogger must link to the blog from which he/she has received the award.
3. Every Prolific Blogger must link back to This Post, which explains the origins and motivation for the award.

I would like to pass this award on to:

1. Mommy Memorandum
2. Wired to the Whimsy
3. The Thoughts and Travels of Rachel Cotterill 
4. Created by Diane
5. Jeremiah 29:11
6. Messy Mommy
7. One 2 Try

Congrats Ladies!!!

Recipe Corner: Cantaloupe Soup

This recipe is a favorite of my girls. I recently found it on allrecipes.com and made it for them for dessert. They thought they were eating a slightly melted Italian Ice. If you are looking for a healthy dessert or snack, this is the recipe for you!

Ingredients

• 1 cantaloupe - peeled, seeded and cubed
• 2 cups orange juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Peel, seed, and cube the cantaloupe.
2. Place cantaloupe and 1/2 cup orange juice in a blender or food processor; cover, and process until smooth. Transfer to large bowl. Stir in lime juice, cinnamon, and remaining orange juice. Cover, and refrigerate for at least one hour. Garnish with mint if desired.

Useless Fact of the Day

About ______% of all movies are rated R.

Take a guess in the comments below.

Silent Sunday

Random Cuteness