Friday, December 21, 2012

Crescent Cinnamon Rolls

Made these easy and delicious cinnamon rolls yesterday.
I buy the crescent rolls on sale for $1(Usually at Aldi)
They're quick, and there's very little clean-up.

Ingredient:
1 tube crescent rolls
1/2 Tb butter
Cinnamon sugar
2 Tb tub butter
3 Tb brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 Tb milk
1/2 c powdered sugar

*I did not measure anything- these amounts are approximate!*
 Melt butter and wipe around bottom and edges of muffin pan.
 Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
 Divide crescent rolls into four rectangles.
Here's a tip- microwave rolls for 10 seconds to make them more pliable.
Pinch together seams.
Spread with butter.
Divide brown sugar, cinnamon, & vanilla mixture evenly over rolls.
 Rolls up starting with short end.
Cut into thirds.
 Bake 12-14 minutes.
Don't overbake them!
 Mix milk and powdered sugar.
Drizzle over rolls.
 Perfect breakfast for the first snow of the year!

Friday, December 14, 2012

Love Couponing! 37 Items for $37!

If I had to choose my favorite place to coupon it would have to be Hy-Vee.
I find this is the store I go to every single week for great deals.
And I love supporting them, rather than Wal-Mart!
And they take care of their employees, customers and our new store is so nice!
(And now I can save cents off gas for my purchases!)


Here is a haul I did just the other week.
Shopping sales and using coupons got me this haul of 37 items for $37.
It includes:
 Three things of Kemps Frozen Yogurt for $1 each!
On sale for $1.99 plus three $1/1 coupons.
 Six bags of Golden Puffs for $.09 each!
On sale for $.59 plus three $1/2 coupons.
Folgers Gourmet coffee for $3.99!
On sale for $4.99 plus $1/1 coupon.
But it's like I got it for $1 with the average of my trip.
Gerber baby food for FREE!
On sale for $1 each plus two $1/1 coupons.

I find a lot of my coupon match-ups at
She does a wonderful job posting deals for lots of stores including local ones like Hy-Vee and Price Chopper.

 And I store my coupon inserts right by the computer for easy access.
Like when the match-up says I need a coupon from the SS 11/11/12 (Smart Source)

Happy couponing and happy savings!

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Time Lapse Pregancy Pictures

I just want to say thank you to my wonderful husband for taking these pictures every four weeks! He is so sweet that he was willing to take them in the same spot, at the same angle so they'd all look the same... guess I can be a little picky sometimes... :D








Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Fabric Labels, Burp Cloths and Wet Bags!


 Just look at these beautiful tags hot off the press from France! They were just calling out to me to sew them onto something. They need a home, snug in the hem of blankie!
 There's just something magical about seeing your name in print- looks so professional! I'm hoping to work on my crafts for sale now that I'm no longer working full time. And my baby boy has inspired a whole new line of crafts! Not planning on making many dresses or flower headbands right now (might get into that when I have a baby girl). Now in store are cute appliqued burp cloths, chenille blankets, security blankets and tummy time quilts. :D
 
My baby brand is Joe & Sallie. And the story behind this name is that I loved the Mandie series when I was a child. And her two friends we Joe and Sallie- so, being an artist I started tagging my paintings and drawings with two birds in the horizon. I named them Joe and Sallie. As I got older, and more into sewing, I appliqued the birds onto my crafts. And now, Joe and Sallie fit a baby line for both boys and girls!
 
 I even have the care instructions on the back!
 
These burp cloths are ready for their letter applique!
The left burp cloth is Gerber and I don't like it as much.
From now on I'm going with a brand I found at BuyBuy Baby.
And I'm going with a square corner because it looks cleaner.
  
 Also, I made a wet bag! And Levi thinks it's super cool!
 It's lined with PUL fabric so we can put soiled clothes and reusable diapers in it.
And I'll leave you with a sweet picture of my Drool Monster!

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Vegan Grilled Asparagus Wraps

    Ok, so I'm not really vegan, and even when I made this today, they ended up not being vegan because of the mayonaise I added in. But I tucked this recipe away in my folder months ago when my husband and I looked into this thing called Forks Over Knives. But at the time I was 8 months pregnant and had no desire to do a complete overhaul of our diet. Maybe one day we'll look into it more, but for now we'll enjoy our meat and animal products- and enjoy some vegan and vegetarian meals thrown into the mix.
    And yes, hello blog world, I'm back! I'm back during the last week of my 12 week maternity leave. This is the week I either do everything I meant to do during my leave or I do nothing but enjoy the last week with my sweet baby boy. I can only imagine that you're wondering why I returned to blogging with a post on a meal I made and not cute pictures of my boy... I don't know why myself. But, they will come. :D
   You might think this recipe and picture look way too healthy but let me assure you that my husband loved it! He kept telling me they were "really, really good" and "one of his top 5 recipes". (Sidenote: I want to do a Top 5 series and might do one on his top 5 favorite meals). I unfortunately halved the recipe so when he wanted seconds there were none...   Following is the original recipe and my version-

Vegan Grilled Asparagus Wraps (Serves 4)
     from VeganCoach.com
  • For the Vegan version please see their website.
Roasted Asparagus Wraps
My Version (Serves 2)

1/2 c uncooked quinoa
Sea salt and ground pepper
1 Tb lemon juice
1 tsp dried thyme
2 Tb mayonaise
12 medium asparagus spears (I used frozen)
1/4 vidalia onion, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
1 Tb exra-virgin olive oil
2 tortillas
1/2 c spinach

1. Heat a large skillet. Add quinoa and toast until fragrant, stirring occasionally. Add 1 cup water and stir. Bring to a boil. Cover, and lower heat to a simmer until quinoa is tender and quinoa filaments are visible. Turn off heat, and drain quinoa, if necessary. Stir in lemon juice, mayo, and thyme. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover with lid to keep warm.
2.  Preheat oven to 375. Line cookie sheet with foil. Place asparagus and onion on foil and spray or drizzle with oil. Roast 10 minutes or until onions have softened.
3. Spread 1/2 of the quinoa over a tortilla. Place some onions and 6 asparagus spears on the quinoa. Top with spinach. Roll each sandwich tightly and cut in half, using wooden skewers or toothpicks to hold together, if needed.

Enjoy!

Saturday, June 23, 2012

I Love Food!

I love to try new recipes and cook up old favorites. Throughout my pregnancy I've maintained my very healthy diet and it's good knowing that what I'm putting into my body is helping our baby boy grow big and strong. Here are some of the yummy things I've made in 2012 so far...
 Broiled Tilapia, Kashi 7 Grain Pilaf and Asparagus.
My husband loves this meal!
 Huge hit at a family get-together!
Layers of vanilla pudding, cool whip, Nilla wafers, bananas and caramel syrup.
 I made this recipe off of a dish I had at Zio's Restaurant.
It's pasta, alfredo sauce, wilted spinach, bacon pieces and cubed chicken.
 A super yummy snack! I love fruit and could eat it all day!
Plain yogurt topped with strawberries, blackberries, kiwi and a cherry on top. :)
 Mom gave me a cucumber pickle from her garden.
I'm attempting to make pickles. 
I tried one today (they've only been in the fridge two days...)
and it tastes a little too much like vinegar still...
 Oatmeal every single day! 
I never have to think about what I'll have for breakfast.
Organic oatmeal, flax seed & wheat germ, blueberries and bananas.
 Hubby and I love salads!!
Mine is spinach, strawberries, wheat thins and raspberry walnut vinaigrette.
His is spinach, cheese, crackers and honey mustard dressing.
We're attempting to incorporate some vegan meals into our diet.
I've actually made these for many years. You won't even miss the meat.
Taco Salad!
Instead of meat I use lentils, rice and black beans with homemade taco seasoning.
I like to cook up big batches of all of these ingredients on one day. I put a serving of each in the fridge to use later, and freeze the rest in freezer ziplocks. Lay them flat to freeze and they store wonderfully!

And... we have just over 5 weeks to go until our little guy is due! My husband and I cannot wait! I'm overjoyed with the privilege of being a Mommy. Every moment of being pregnant has been worth it- and wonderful!

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Diaper Changing Pads

I made these super cute and waterproof diaper pads for my cousin's little baby girl. Beautiful little Claire was born just last Thursday!
I purchased the waterproof fabric at JoAnn's. They have a Babyville Boutique section. (Just discovered this!) The material is called Boutique Waterproof, Breathable PUL Fabric. You can also make diapers from this material. (I'm not going to that extent)
I bought coordinating flannel fabric for the back and binding. I quilted the two pieces together and sewed a decorative stitching around the outside to attach the binding. Super easy and useful! I'm going to be making some for my little boy on the way!
 
 



Friday, March 2, 2012

Boy or Girl? Old Wives Tales Answers

 We find out in two weeks whether we're having a baby boy or a baby girl! We can't wait! I thought it'd be fun to see what all the old wives tales say that I'll have. I know- it's very silly and isn't accurate. But it's fun! Here's my answers----

Heart Rate
  If the baby's heart rate is faster than 140 beats per minute, then you are sure to have a girl. If the average heart rate is below 140 beats per minute, it is said to be a boy.
  At the past two doctor visits the heartbeat has been 150, so points to a girl.
Shape of Belly
 If you are carrying high with a big, round belly, you are having a girl.  If you are carrying low with a smaller   belly that sticks straight out, it’s a boy.
  My belly is low and I’m still really small, but it’s my first and it’s still too early for me to tell how I’m carrying. But maybe a boy?
Ring Test
  Using a string, hang your wedding ring over your pregnant belly.  You are having a girl if the ring swings back and forth and it’s a boy if it swings in a circle.  
  Haven’t tried this
Shape of Mom’s Face
  When your face gets fuller and rounder when pregnant, it means you’re going to have a girl.  If your face is long and narrow, it’s a boy.
  I bet my face will get fuller and rounder. Signs of a girl.
Key Test
  This test involves a key.  If you pick up a key at the top (the roundest part), you are going to have a boy.  If you pick up the key at the bottom (smallest part), you are going to have a girl.  If you happen to grab the key in the middle, congrats, it’s twins!
  Typically I pick up keys at the top so this looks like a sign for a boy.
Mayan Tale
  The Mayan tale adds the mother’s age at conception and the year of conception.  If the result is a even number then mom is having a girl.  If the result is an odd number then a boy is on the way!   
  My age: 24 Year of conception: 2011   Odd number means it’s a boy.
Drano Test
  The drano test combines a tablespoon of Drano and urine together.  If the mixture turns green, it’s a girl.  If it turns blue, it’s a boy.
  I have no Drano to test this one out.
Acne
  If you have acne while pregnant, it’s a girl.  It’s thought that acne during pregnancy is caused by the extra hormones.
  Horrible breakouts!!   Maybe a girl?
Cravings
  People believe that if you are craving salty foods while pregnant, you can count on having a boy.  If you crave sweets, fruit, and orange juice, you are having a little girl.
  I’m not craving cookies, but I love fruit! Sitting down with a bag of chips is not something I see myself doing so maybe I do lean toward sweet. A little girl maybe? 
Smell of Garlic
  If a pregnant woman eats a clove of garlic and the smell does not come out of her pores, it’s a girl.  If the smell seeps out of her pores, it’s a boy.  
  I am not trying this one. I don’t want to eat a clove of garlic and I don’t want to risk smelling like garlic. 
Previous Kids
  This tale only applies if you have had previous kids.  If you have and that child’s first word was momma, you will have a girl.  If your first child’s first word was dadda, you’ll have a boy.
  No kids yet! This is our first! :D
History of Parent’s Kids
   You can find out the sex by going off of your parent’s kids and the order.  If you are the first born, you will have what your mother had but starting with her second child.  If you are the middle child, you will have what she had, but starting with the third child.  If you are the last child, you will have what your mother had in the exact order.
 In my family it’s my older sister, me and my younger brother… so it’s a boy!
Legs
  If your legs get really big, you’re having a boy.  If your legs stay in shape and lean, it’s a girl.
  I can still fit in my skinny jeans if that means they’re still in shape! Looks like a baby girl on the way!
Moodiness and a Little Pecker
  If you are really moody, you are having a girl since you have another extra girl hormones in you.  Your pregnancy will make you smile and be more happy if you are having a boy because there’s a little penis inside you.
  I don’t feel like I’ve been terribly moody and I think I’m happy just because I have a baby inside me! Guess this one points to a boy.
Bread
  If you eat the ends of bread, it’s a boy.  If you eat the middle of the loaf, it’s a girl.
  I always prefer the middle, maybe it’s a girl.
Chinese Gender Chart
  The Chinese Gender Chart claims to have an accuracy rate of over 90%.  It is based on how old the mother is at conception and the month that she conceived.
  For me this predicts a girl.  
Mom’s Beauty
  Basically you are having a girl if your beauty disappears during pregnancy.  It is said that the girl “steals” the mother’s beauty.  If you think that pregnancy has never made you look more beautiful, you might just be having a little boy.
  I don’t particularly feel more beautiful, just feel like plain ol’ me. Maybe a girl?
Dream of Sex of Baby
  If you have dreams that you are having a boy, you will have a girl.  If you dream about having a girl, it will be a boy.  Dreams show the opposite of what you are having.
  Haven’t dreamed about any babies lately.
Clumsy vs. Graceful
  If the pregnant woman is graceful throughout her pregnancy, she’s having a girl.  If she becomes clumsy, she’s having a boy.
  No falls, or trips or dropsies so this points to a girl.
Toddlers
  If a toddler boy expresses interest in a pregnant woman, she is having a girl.  If he doesn’t show interest, she’s having a boy.
  Surprisingly I haven’t been around a lot of little toddler boys.
Side You Most Rest On
  If a pregnant woman prefers to lay on her left side, she’s having a boy.  If she prefers resting on her right side, she’s having a girl.
  Hmmm. I used to rest on my back but no more of that for me! I guess I prefer my right,  because I have to remind myself to lay on my left side since it’s better bloodflow.
Hands
  When the pregnant woman is asked to show her hands, it’s a boy if she keeps her palms down and a girl if she shows her palms up.
  My palms are always dry in the winter so I’d probably show my hands with my palms down- sign of a boy.
Dad’s Weight Gain
  If the dad-to-be gains weight while you are pregnant, it’s a girl.  If he doesn’t gain weight, you’re having a boy.
  David’s losing weight, so looks like a boy. Does this count if  he’s eating healthy and working out?
Necklace Over Hand
  Have someone hold a necklace over your hand.  If the necklace swings back and forth, it’s a boy.  If it moves in a circle, it’s a girl.
  I might try this one but it seems so random.
What Do You Think?
  71% of the time, the mom-to-be knows what she is having. (Where did the 71% stat come from??)
  I think I’m having a girl, and so does David. So we both might be wrong!
Morning Sickness
  If you had a smooth pregnancy with no morning sickness, it’s a boy.  If you were sick or felt really nauseous during your pregnancy and after your first trimester, count on a girl.
  Morning sickness wasn’t unbearable and I never threw up, but it was always there and did strike any time of day and lasted until about 15 weeks. Girl!
Areolae
  If your areolae (the part around your nips) have darkened, it’s a boy.
  They’re darker but I thought that was normal for any pregnancy? Boy for this one.
Protein
  When a pregnant woman craves meat and cheese, count on a boy.
  I don’t particularly crave cheese but I do feel like I need my protein. Hamburgers, chicken nuggets…. It’s a boy!
Feet
  Are your feet colder now that you are pregnant?  If so, you just might be having a boy.  If your feet have stayed the same before pregnancy and during, you’re having a little girl.
  Usually my feet are freezing in the winter, but they haven’t been that cold! So this looks like a little girl.
Hair on Legs
  If the hair on your legs has been growing at record speeds, you might be having a boy.
  My leg hair always seems to grow at record speeds so this one isn’t fair. Looks like a boy.
Hands are Dry
  If your hands are constantly dry, it’s a boy.  
  Always dry hands, but I work at the library and am always washing my hands. Never know where those books have been. Boy.
Urine
  What color is your pee?  If it is bright yellow, you will have a little boy.  If your urine is a dull yellow, plan on a girl.
  It’s a dull yellow, planning on a girl.
Nose
  Do you feel like your nose is growing and getting wider?  If so, you might be having a boy.  
  My nose looks like it always has- it’s a girl maybe.
Headaches
  If you are having headaches, you might be carrying a boy.
  I’ve been one to always have headaches and for the past 4 months I’ve only had a few! No boy here.
Baby Names
  It is said that when you can only think of specific names for a boy or a girl, you will have that particularly baby.
  I’ve been tending to think more about girl names. Baby girl?

Girl Score:  Seventeen Points

Boy Score:  Eleven Points





Looks like a girl! At least from these silly answers. What do you think I'm having?

Monday, January 2, 2012

Baby On The Way!

      My husband and I are expecting our very first little one!! After three years of marriage we decided it was time that little feet pitter patter around our house. (And not the pitter patter of our dog's paws!) Oh, what a sweet blessing this little baby will be!
      This Christmas was filled with lots of fun of telling our families that I was pregnant. Everyone was so surprised- we didn't even tell them we were trying! We got a sonogram  image at 6 weeks and we made copies to put into picture frames for our parents and grandparents. (And they thought they were getting family Christmas photos!) We also bought super cute grandparent onesies.
6 weeks 1 Day
     I am so excited to be a mother! God put this desire in me and I can't wait to raise this little one to love God too! He is so amazing! Seriously, A life was created inside of me and I get the honor to keep him or her growing strong!
     Today I'm currently 9 weeks and 5 days. I think I'm doing amazingly well compared to other women I've talked to about being pregnant. I've felt like I've had a constant upset stomach but haven't gotten sick at all! Not too tired, or sore, and no headaches! No real cravings yet, but smells of certain foods bother me. Can't open the fridge b/c then I get a million different smells! 
 This is how I told my coworkers! They are all soo excited!

 "What?? You're pregnant Sweetie?!?"
 "This means I'm going to be a Dad?!?"
     Before we know it!! :D

     I love my husband! He's going to be such a great Dad. He is so much fun and it will be so sweet seeing him love our little baby boy or girl! (10 weeks until we find out!!)

*And thanks to my brother Brett for taking these quick photos! trophyproductions.com He does awesome work!

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