Seriously Impulsive Swap

We interrupt our regularly scheduled "Tipsy Tuesday" post to bring you the results of the Seriously Impulsive Swap! When Impulsive and Shawn announced their swap, I jumped up and down--I mean, who wouldn't want to participate in a swap that these cool chicks were hosting?
When they sent me the name of my swap partner, I was really jumping up and down! Janette is one of my newest bloggy buddies and she sent me the beautiful scarf that I told you about here. I had a great time emailing back and forth with her and getting to know what she likes and doesn't like, and trading past swap stories.

I was so excited to get home this past Friday to find a HUGE box waiting for me! Clearly, this girl knows me--I love jewelry, scarves, and anything that helps with organization. She sent me 2 beautiful bracelets, a sheer animal print scarf that is going to be perfect for summer, and a hanging jewelry organizer. I lay my clothes and jewelry out the night before because I get ready in the mornings in our spare room, so I don't wake the Rev. My jewelry has just been in a dish back there, so I am super excited to put this organizer to use.

She could have stopped there and I would have been happy...but taking something that I told her in one of our last email conversations, she sent me this amazing glass sculpture, in a gorgeous shade of red. Doesn't it look great in our living room with some of my other red glass pieces?

Want to see what I sent to Janette? Visit her here. Want some more swap talk, head over to see Impulsive and Shawn and all of the other swap participants on Talk to us Tuesday!

DCB Recipe #8: Chicken & Rice

Here is another super easy and super quick meal that you can make in the Pampered Chef Deep Covered Baker (DCB). We almost always have chicken in the freezer and Rice-A-Roni in the cabinet, so this is perfect for those nights when you are short on time. And of course, you can change up the variety of rice to suit your tastes--we had fried rice last night with a touch of extra teriyaki sauce and it was delish!

Chicken & Rice

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (I used tenders)
1 box rice-a-roni

Place chicken in the bottom of Deep Covered Baker; add rice, seasoning mix, then water (amount on the box). Put on the lid and microwave for 25 minutes.

Inside-Out S'mores Brownies

Inside -Out S'mores Brownies = YUM!

Trivia Night

Twice a year, our school puts together a Trivia team to compete in a Trivia night that benefits a local charity. The Rev and I love competition and the "Music, Movies & More" format that they use in the winter is one of our favorites. Its a great evening with dinner, fellowship with friends and co-workers, some heated competition, and all of the benefits going to the Special Olympics.

Our categories were: Classic Disney animation, "Tom & Sandra" (movies starring either Tom Hanks or Sandra Bullock), Superheroes, Ernest T. Bass, Famous TV houses/scenes/settings, "Must See TV" (shows of the last five years), Board Games, Card Games, Video Games. Audio clues including Famous Cartoon-Character voices and Show Tunes.

We did great, until the whole Ernest T. Bass category. I didn't even know who he was, I was never a big fan of the "Andy Griffith Show." So that category pretty much killed us and dashed our hopes for winning. Maybe next time.

Now, a mini trivia event for you...one of our questions (which we did not know the answer to) was what was Shaggy's (from Scooby Doo) real name? Shaggy was just his nickname. Without using Google, does anybody know the answer? A random prize to the first person that gets it right!

DCB Recipe #7: Lava Cake

If you make this once, I promise that it will become your go-to, in a pinch dessert for all of your dinner parties and potlucks. And it is customizable, just change up the cake mix and icing for many different variations. Devil's Food Cake with fudge icing is one of the Rev's favorites, so of course, I made one for Valentine's Day last week.

Lava Cake

Cake mix of your choice plus ingredients needed to prepare cake (see back of box)
1 can of frosting

Spray Deep Covered Baker with oil. (Once your stone is seasoned, this step is not necessary.)

Prepare a cake mix according to the package directions and pour batter into baker. (I usually mix mine right up in the baker)

Dollop a can of frosting all over the top of the cake batter.

Microwave, uncovered, 11-12 minutes. (If microwave does not rotate, turn ½ way through baking time.)

Scoop into bowls and top with ice cream or cool whip.

Suggested Variations:
Chocolate Covered Strawberry: Strawberry cake mix, Chocolate frosting
Chocolate Fudge: Devil’s Food cake mix, Chocolate Fudge frosting
Chocolate Peanut Butter: Chocolate cake mix, Chocolate Frosting, 1 cup peanut butter
German Chocolate: Chocolate cake mix, German Chocolate frosting
Lemon: Lemon cake mix, Lemon frosting
Sprinkle Fun: Funfetti cake mix, Rainbow Chip Icing
Strawberry: Strawberry cake mix, Strawberry Frosting

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!