Tipsy Tuesday (#156)

Not that anybody in my house would have multiple cups out at once...

Tip #156

but, just in case the folks at your house do...designate a space for "In Use" cups.

Create a special spot on the kitchen counter where everyone can put half-filled coffee mugs that need to be reheated, water glasses to be used again later, or sippy cups that can be refilled. At the end of the day, put everything that's still out into the dishwasher. It cuts down on kitchen clutter, and it also avoids shouts across the house of "Are you done with that coffee yet?"

Alright now, I'm talking tips, head over to see what Impulsive and Shawn are talking about on Talk to us Tuesday!**

Boston Cream Pie is Not Just for Yankees

This month's Cake Slice Baker's selection was Boston Cream Pie. Its the official dessert of Massachussets, but this southern gal loves it! I was excited to try it out, and although I would have preferred a little more filling, all in all, I was pleased. A definite improvement over last month's Tiramisu Cake, that is for sure.

Want to make your own? Printable recipe here.

Car Caddies

Still working on my sewing skills and doing little projects to test my patience try to improve.

These cute car caddies (tutorial here) were a Valentine for Team Jacie's boys, B-Man and Mater. They love Matchbox cars and Chuggington trains, so these will be a perfect way to tote a few around and have their favorite toys handy in church, at the doctor's office, or on car trips. If I can figure out a version to hold action figures, they will be all set!

100 Calorie French Fries...(or The Day I Ate Barbie Doll Food)

I'll be the first to admit that I am not the healthiest eater, but I do try in some areas. For instance, when we go to McDonald's, 95% of the time, I get a Happy Meal. I still get some yummy goodness, a smaller portion, and a toy for either B-Man or Mater (though it does make me laugh every time the lady asks if I want a "boy toy"...).

Well, apparently (and without consulting me), they changed up the ol' Happy Meal. Now you get your meat choice, apples, and a smaller 1.1oz french fry. There are approximately 15 french fries and a mere 100 calories in 1.1 oz. The container fits in the palm of your hand (see photo, if you don't believe me). When you are finished, you can wash them down with your dixie cup sized drink.

It will probably be the only time in my life that I feel like Barbie......

Tipsy Tuesday (#155)

This one is a recycled tip from 2010, just in time for Valentine's Day.

Tip #155

Turn to the bees to get super kissable lips.

Indoor heat dries your lips leaving them rough and flaky. To soften your pout, rub a drop of honey into your lips 30 minutes before your date. The sweetener is a natural humectant that will draw moisture from the air into your skin, guaranteeing your kisser will look and taste irresistible!

Alright now, I'm talking tips, head over to see what Impulsive and Shawn are talking about on Talk to us Tuesday!**

DCB Recipe #6: Loaded Baked Potato Chowder

This is one of our favorite cold weather meals!

Loaded Baked Potato Chowder

3 baking potatoes (about 2 1/2 pounds)
3 1/2 cups of milk, divided
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp butter
2-3 green onions with tops
4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
Optional toppings such as chopped cooked bacon, sour cream or steamed broccoli florets

Slice potatoes in half lengthwise; place in Deep Covered Baker. Pour 1/2 cup of the milk over potatoes. Microwave, covered, on high 11 minutes. Remove baker from microwave. Move center potatoes to ends of baker and outer potatoes to center. Cover; microwave on high 8-11 minutes or until potatoes are easily pierced with a fork. Remove baker from microwave. Coarsely mash potatoes.

Meanwhile, whisk cream cheese until smooth in a mixing bowl. Slowly add remaining 3 cups of milk, whisking until smooth. Add cream cheese mixture and butter to baker. Microwave, covered, on high 3-5 minutes or until mixture is hot. Slice green onions.

Carefully remove baker from microwave. Grate cheddar cheese over chowder; add green onions, salt and black pepper and mix until cheese is melted. Serve with toppings, if desired.

Note: We like our soup a little bit thicker than this recipe yields, so I have been known to add 1 package prepared Butter & Herb Instant Mashed Potatoes. I think it adds a great flavor and a chunkier texture.

DIY Love Scratch-Offs

So, by now, it is no secret that I enjoy making gifts. I love the personal touch that you can add when you create something to give.

I had first seen this idea for DIY Love Scratch-Off Cards in the most recent edition of Better Homes and Gardens and then saw an even cuter and easier version (pictured) here. I decided to whip up a batch for the Rev (yes, he is probably reading, so they won't be a surprise, but he'll still get the fun of scratching off the cards to see what he has "won").

They were super easy and even you self-proclaimed non-crafters could manage, I promise! You only need cardstock, clear packing tape, metallic acrylic paint, dishwashing liquid and scissors. I love that you can write in your own prize choices, so you can pick the things that you know your sweetie will like the most!

So, now scoot on over here, print out the free pattern, and follow the easy instructions to make scratch-offs of your own for your Valentine!

Blingin' It Out - Part 3

With all of the excitement (please insert sarcasm here..) of the Rev's recent illness, I didn't get the chance to finish out the details of the Pinewood Derby. Sadly, I didn't win, but she sure was pretty when she was all gussied up!

I think I have figured out the secret to success. I've got a year to come up with a more aerodynamic design that I think will run faster....and a year to figure out how to use a saw or something to cut it out from a block of wood....it's probably just as easy as cutting fabric or something, right?

Step 1 - Select model of car

Step 2 - Sand

Step 3 - Drill holes in car and add weight for maximum speed

Step 4 - Paint

Step 5 - Bling!

Step 6 - Race to win!

All finished until next year!

Overachiever...

Yep, I've got an overachiever on my hands...apparently 3 plus weeks of pneumonia, PLUS a cold, PLUS an allergic reaction was not enough...so the Rev decided that he would throw in a little whooping cough.

He is now on his 3rd antibiotic, this time a 14 day prescription, and a new inhaler. The doorknobs stay wet from being sprayed with Lysol and it is a wonder that our hands haven't cracked in two, they are so dry from washing and sanitizer...the only option left is to make him a bubble boy...

Whoever you are, wherever you are, I hope you are staying well!

Tipsy Tuesday (#154)

Chill Out!

Tip #154

Leaky door seals can lead to energy loss in both refrigerator and freezer. A door with a faulty seal lets cold air escape, making the unit work harder and cutting food quality.

Check door seals with the "dollar bill" test. Close the refrigerator or freezer door on a dollar bill. A well-sealed door will hold tight to the money; if the bill falls out, or can be slid around easily, it's time to clean or replace the door gasket.

Alright now, I'm talking tips, head over to see what Impulsive and Shawn are talking about on Talk to us Tuesday!**

DCB Recipe #5: 10 Minute BBQ Pork Tenderloin

This pork tenderloin, which cooks in the DCB (Deep Covered Baker) in the microwave for 10 minutes and then finishes cooking while resting in the baker for an additional 10 minutes, is perfect sliced and drizzled with my favorite Pampered Chef BBQ sauce, or shredded, sauced and served on mini rolls for super tasty sliders.

10 Minute BBQ Pork Tenderloin and Sauce

1 lb. pork tenderloin
1 tbsp. vegetable oil
2 tbsp. Smoky Barbecue Rub
1 large onion, sliced
Smoky BBQ Sauce (recipe to follow)

Place sliced onions into the bottom of the baker.

Trim fat and silver skin from tenderloin. Brush with oil and rub seasoning onto pork.

Place into baker on top of onions, tucking narrower end under to create a uniform thickness. Cover and microwave on high for 10 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 150.

Remove from microwave, keep it covered for 10 minutes allowing the temperature to rise to 160.

Top with Smoky Barbecue Sauce and serve as main dish, or shred meat and use in sandwiches.

Smoky BBQ Sauce

1 cup ketchup
2 Tbsp Smoky Barbecue Rub
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tsp cider or white vinegar

Combine ingredients and enjoy!

Super Bowl Fun

Well, I told you all about the Rev's illness yesterday, so sadly we will be having a Super Bowl party for 2 at the house on Sunday, since we are trying to avoid germs. The good news is that he is amped on the 'roids, so he'll definitely be in the mood for some yummy game time munchies--maybe some Monkey Brains, or some baked chicken wings, I don't know yet, but we'll eat some sort of fun, little food--I love appetizers!

And, because even sick, the Rev is always up for some friendly competition, we'll play this Commercial game that we played last year. Print it out and have fun with it at your party!

Super Bowl Commercial Game

Life Lately....

has pretty much looked like this...well, this and wads of used Kleenex, doctor co-pays, and a husband who has grown a grizzly bear beard.

The Rev is on week 3 with pneumonia and it has been pretty miserable around here....for everyone. Week 1 was plain, old pneumonia. By week 2, I guess he decided that wasn't enough fun, so he added in a cold. Week 3 rolled around and he decided to up the ante even further and add in some sort of allergies. He is having a hard time getting well, which I don't understand at all, since he has enough antibiotics and steroids in his system to kill even the resistant mold that lives in the cracks of the bathtub.

I've been relegated to the spare bedroom so that I can stay well, my DVR is backed up with my shows since he is either watching TV or playing PS3 while he rests, and there is a permanent Rev sized butt print in the loveseat. And to top it all off, the poor fellow is going to have to drag himself out of bed tomorrow to perform his 2nd funeral in the 3 weeks since he got sick. It has to get better soon, right?

P.S. FYI, If you are looking for sympathetic, willing-to-help-the-sick type of people, they do NOT work at the WalMart pharmacy......

Show Us Your Plum Challenge

A few weeks ago, Janette surprised me with a beautiful scarf in the mail! We had been going back and forth about scarves and I am afraid that I might have sparked an obsession with her...apparently, she saw the scarf on Pick Your Plum and thought of me!

If you have been hanging around here for even half of a hot second, you know that I love accessories and scarves are a favorite all year round. I was even more excited to realize that the scarf would go perfectly with some jewelry pieces (my other favorite accessory!) that I had purchased after Christmas. You know how you buy something because you like it, then get home and realize that you don't have anything that "goes" with it? Janette, the scarf, and my impulse jewelry buys came together and helped me jazz up my basic black and khaki.

This month, Janette, and Ashley are hosting a Show Us Your Plum Party. Don't know what Pick Your Plum is? It is a deal a day site offering swanky, sassy and cute products at low, affordable prices! The only thing is you have to act fast or else it will disappear before your eyes!! Each day they feature something new, like the scarf that Janette sent me, in a limited quantity, and at a great price. You can snatch up the deal and create something great with it or add some fun to your wardrobe. I'm kicking myself for passing up some great wooden earrings that came around shortly after I signed up for their email and Facebook updates--hopefully they'll come around again.

Sign up for Pick Your Plum deals by email or like them on Facebook. Then you can join in the fun at the next Show Us Your Plum party and be entered for a chance to win a mystery box full of plummy goodness!

Tipsy Tuesday (#153)

Keep the clothes in your closet from taking over...

Tip #153

by using this simple trick to purge never worn items.

Start each year with all of the hooks on your hangers facing out (towards you). After you wear an item, turn the hanger around, so that the hook faces the back of the closet. At the end of the year, take stock of any item that hasn't been worn (they'll be the ones whose hooks are still facing you) and get rid of the items that you didn't wear. Then, you'll have empty hangers and an excuse to shop...you can thank me later....

**Alright now, I'm talking tips, head over to see what Impulsive and Shawn are talking about on Talk to us Tuesday!**