High School Reunion

This past Saturday my husband had his 10 year high school reunion. I graduated from the same high school as him a year later and we were dating in high school so it was like a reunion for me as well. What a fun and surreal experience!!! First of all, it was my first time out and drinking since I had the baby so it has been almost a year since I have had more than one drink at a time. Then to see all these people I hadn't seen since high school (some of whom since college) was really interesting. In the days of facebook I know what is going on in many people's lives since high school so catching up wasn't really that hard. Plus, being a 10 year reunion, everyone pretty much looked the same, just a little puffier. It was great to catch up with people but I felt like I couldn't really get the full story on anyone since I was trying to chat with every one a little bit. We ended up having a great time (maybe a little bit too much of a good time) and the next day we were hurting. It was worth it in the end and now I can't wait until my reunion next year.

Slow Cooker Favorites

Today I am making one of my favorite slow cooker recipes, Chicken Tacos. It is so easy and tasty and that is why I love it. You take 1 packet of taco seasoning and put it into the slow cooker bowl. Then you add one cup of water to dissolve. You add one package of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (depending on your preference) and cover with one jar of your favorite salsa. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, stirring it and shredding the chicken every couple of hours if possible. Put it in taco shells and voila, you have chicken tacos. I love using the slow cooker whenever possible, especially if I have a long day out of the house or have a lot of cleaning to do. What is one of your favorite slow cooker recipes?

Things Have Been Crazy!!

Hey Guys. I'm sorry I haven't posted anything here in a while. Things have been crazy with the new baby and it seems no matter how hard I try, I can never have a clean house, the laundry done, the shopping done, and then have time to update the blog. I promise to set aside some more time to update things and keep an eye out for some updates. Thanks for following me.

Check out this Great Giveaway for a $2000 Serta Mattress

I NEVER blog about other people's giveaways but I had to write about this one because it is just so awesome and I REALLY need a new mattress. Mine really sucks and I really want to upgrade to a King Sized so this is one I really want to win. Go to serta.com and check out which mattress you would get if you won and then go to Survey Junkie and enter her amazing giveaway. I hope you win (but I really hope I win!!!).

Does Anyone Else Do Surveys?

Does anyone else do surveys online for points or cash? For the last few months I have signed up with a few survey companies with mixed results. Some of them I get invitations on a daily basis and qualify for most surveys. The surveys are not too long and you earn points that can be converted into cash or gift cards. These are Ipsos by I-say and Global Opinion Panels. Some of them I get surveys all the time but I NEVER qualify for them. It is really frustrating because I spend about five minutes on the preliminary questions and then don't qualify for the surveys. A good example of this is Survey Savvy. I am using these surveys as a way to earn some extra cash for the next few months. Coming up I have my brother's fiance's birthday, my mom's birthday, my brother's birthday, my husband's birthday, my sister's birthday, my mother-in-law's birthday, Christmas, my father-in-law's birthday, and my nephew's birthday...all between now and February. Does anyone have any suggestions of survey sites that actually pay off? I really enjoy taking the surveys as long as I qualify for them.

My Baby is Two Years Old!!!

Two years ago today my life changed forever. It certainly was not the BEST day of my life. My labor and delivery was absolutely horrible. However it was the best thing that ever happened to me. It let me know that I was capable of anything. The joy that my little Peanut has brought to my life is immeasurable. She is the smartest, funniest, and sassiest little girl I have ever met and I still can't believe that I could ever create something that beautiful. I love her more than life itself and I can truly say I would do anything for her. Happy Birthday Peanut!!!

Master of Disguise

Thanks to my wonderful mother who spoils the crap out of her, my little Peanut has developed quite the taste for all foods junk related. She loves chips, cookies, ice cream, chocolate milk, and candy. While these foods are ok in moderation in my opinion, it has been quite a struggle to get her to like anything that is healthy for snacks during the day. So I have tried to be creative and disguise some healthier choices as junk food. For chips, we use baked vegetable straws made from spinach and beets. For cookies, chocolate flavored rice cakes. For candy, yogurt covered raisins. And for ice cream, I bought go-gurt tubes and freeze them. She now asks for "ice cream" every night and enjoys the cold yogurt treat. And for juice, I give her half water, half

V-8 fusion, the fruit and vegetable juice. While I know that these are not a substitute for fresh fruits and veggies, they are a great alternative to the junk food that is really bad for her. Does anyone else use any smart mommy tricks to get healthy food and snack into their kids? I would love to know.

A Really Tasty Barbecue Sauce Recipe

I just wanted to share a really good recipe for barbecue sauce that I made the other day that I am now obsessed with. It is tangy and slightly sweet and spicy all in a good way. We put it on chicken but it would go great on ribs, pulled pork, or as a great condiment. The recipe makes quite a bit so you could save it and use it on many recipes.



Sweet and Tangy Barbecue Sauce

Adapted from Alex Guarnaschelli



Ingredients:

3 cups ketchup

2 cups cider vinegar

1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce

1/2 cup soy sauce

1 cup light brown sugar

1 cup dark brown sugar

2 tablespoons dry mustard

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 cup chili powder (yes I know this sounds like a lot but it tastes great, trust me)

1 4 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and cut into three pieces

5 cloves garlic, roughly chopped

2 lemons, cut into 1/2 inch thick slices



Instructions:

In a medium sauce pan, combine the ketchup, cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, sugars, dry mustard, Dijon mustard, and chili powder. Whisk to blend and incorporate chili powder. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add the ginger, garlic, and lemon slices and stir to combine. Simmer for about an hour or longer, until the flavors blend. Discard the ginger pieces before serving. Enjoy!!!

Mommy Needs a Movie Night

I really need a movie night. There are so many movies that are coming out or that are out right now that I want to see, first and foremost, "The Social Network." I absolutely love Aaron Sorkin from his days writing on "The West Wing." I recently watched all the seasons again on netflix and I just love his style of writing. He is also kind of crazy which I love. For example, I saw him on "The View" last week and he said he takes 7-8 showers a day. That is crazy and awesome all at the same time. I also love David Fincher from "Seven" and "Fight Club." Jesse Eisenberg was awesome in "Zombieland" and of course Justin Timberlake can do no wrong in my eyes. Has anyone seen "The Social Network?" Was it good? My husband and I really want to see it but with the new baby and him working weekend nights I just don't know when we will be able to go see it. I also want to see Wall Street, Case 29, and Let Me In, but I am sure those will have to wait until I can get them on Netflix.

Winner of the Stride Everyday Panties Giveaway

The winner of the Stride Everyday Panties is #3 KateConrey!!! I have emailed her and she has 48 hours to contact me back or I will pick a new winner. Thanks for entering.