Major Multi-tasking!

On a typical weekday morning, you can find me running on the treadmill while instructing my 3 year old daughter on an arts and crafts project. Having a task for her to do, keeps her occupied and allows me to run longer. However, today brought a whole new meaning to my multi-tasking mornings. As soon as I started running this morning, she decided that she didn’t want to do art today. She wanted to have a picnic. I tried to explain to her (as I’m huffing), that I would have a picnic after I was done. She said, “No problem mommy, you can have one while you’re running. It’s only pretend food,” So she proceeded to ask me a hundred questions about what I wanted to eat, what I wanted to drink, what seasonings I wanted on my food, etc… Finally, she had the food prepared and it was time to eat (don’t forget, I’m still running). She happily handed me my food, one piece at a time and asked how I enjoyed it. Who knew that it would be so difficult to run, eat play food, and hold a conversation with a three year old, all at the same time? Once the picnic was over, I tried regain my focus and control my breathing. My little one had other plans though. She told me she needed to take her baby for a walk, but the stroller was broken. I told her she could just carry the baby until I was done. “But mommy,” she said, “that’s not how mommies do it. I have to be a good mommy.” So began my attempt to fix a stroller, while running. Thankfully for the baby, I was successful. Unfortunately for me, the baby was wearing the wrong clothes for riding in a stroller. So for the next five minutes I fumbled around with the doll’s clothes (while awkwardly running) until she was properly dressed for her walk. I’m not sure if my workout was successful, but at least I learned that I am one coordinated mama!  Do you often find yourself multi-tasking?  Grab a latte, put up your feet, and join the discussion!

Tricky Trivia

Human babies are born with ________ bones.  Human adults have _______ bones.

Take a guess in the comments below.

Two Giveaways Ending Tonight!

Don't miss your chance to win a free bracelet from the Charm Factory.  Giveaway ends tonight at 10pm.  Enter here.

Also don't miss a chance to win a free book from Second Hand Saturday!  Enter here.

Good luck to all that enter!

Fabulous Food Friday with Faith’s Firm Foundation

Welcome to Fabulous Food Friday! While exploring the blogosphere, I realized that there were many great recipes to share. So every Friday, I am going to try to feature an awesome blogger with their great recipe! Today’s feature blogger is Wendy from Faith’s Firm Foundation. When you get a chance, swing by Wendy’s lovely blog. You’ll love her fun, educational, and inspirational posts. Today I will be featuring her Mandarin Chicken Salad.

Here’s a little blurb from Wendy herself:

“I'm a Homeschooling stay-at-home wife and mom. I have a Godly husband, Jerry, and 2 wonderful, still-at-home, kids: Dane, 24, and Kelsey, 20. I love to write and my passion is encouraging women to be the wives and moms God has called them to be, and encouraging daughters in their special role, as well. So, blogging is my way of doing both! I love to meet people and share what God's taught me about marriage in thirty-two years, (I'm still learning!) and through raising my children to adulthood and Homeschooling them from start to finish.  My favorite blog topics are Marriage Tips, Child-training, Homeschooling, Hospitality, and Recipes! Please come and visit me!  A big thank you to Kelly for featuring me today! I hope you enjoy this recipe!"

 And her is here yummy recipe:

"This recipe has been in my Favorites File since I was a new bride 32 years ago. I've served it at Family Picnics, Ladies' Luncheons, Bridal Showers, and Women's Gatherings. I've shared it at potlucks and when I wanted to bless a new mom with a meal. And I've prepared it as a simple supper when we've been just the family eating at the kitchen table. Make it soon and have a copy of the recipe handy, because everyone who tastes Mandarin Chicken Salad wants the recipe!

Mandarin Chicken Salad
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked chicken, cut in medium chunks
1 tsp minced onion
1 tsp salt
1 cup green grapes
1 cup celery, chopped
1 cup (medium can) mandarin oranges, drained
1 cup macaroni rings
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup whipped cream

Directions:
Cook macaroni according to directions. Cool. Combine chicken, onion, and salt. Add grapes, celery, oranges, cooled macaroni, and mayonnaise to chicken mixture. Mix together and refrigerate until ready to serve. (Don't over stir.) Just before serving, fold in the prepared whipped cream. Sprinkle salted cashews on top.

This recipe is delicious and refreshing and it always gets rave reviews! I love its versatility. It is special enough for a "company" meal, or to serve at a bridal or baby shower, yet it serves well for a picnic supper or evening when you don't want to fuss. Be ready to make this Keep cooked, chunked chicken in the freezer so you can whip this up on the spur of the moment for a delightful summer supper! (If you want to pare down the calories, you can leave out the whipped cream and cashews--and add additional salt and salad dressing to taste.)
Enjoy!

Wired Whimsy

                                      

Are you looking for some beautiful, yet unique jewelry? Christy, from the Etsy shop Wired Whimsy, offers a great variety of necklaces, earring, rings, and other great products. Her handmade jewelry has a vintage feel that you will love. Not only is her selection great, but she loves custom orders. If you see something you like, but would rather a different color or chain length, don’t hesitate to ask her.

Stop on over at Wired Whimsy and check out Christy’s selection. If you fall in love with her jewelry, like I did, don’t forget to join her on her blog, Twitter, and Facebook. You never know when a special discount may come up!

Tricky Trivia

A male moth can smell a female moth from _________________ away.

Take a guess in the comments below.