I recently made these to take to dinner at a friend's house. I (and everyone else) was pleasantly surprised on how they turned out. I am not a baker, so mine definitely did not look like the picture, but they were very good and super easy with just a few ingredients. They don't have icing, which I liked and frankly, they don't need it. They are decadent and worth a try!
White Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes
MAKES 6 (I doubled my recipe, but this recipe below only makes 6)
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup self-rising flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg, slightly beaten
1/2 cup milk
3/4 cup fresh or frozen raspberries (I used frozen and did not defrost them)
confectioners sugar for dusting
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare 6 cup muffin tin by greasing or adding liners.
In a small saucepan over LOW heat, melt half the white chocolate chips with the butter, stirring gently until smooth, set aside to cool.
In a mixing bowl, sift the flour. Stir in the sugar and remaining white chocolate chips. In a small bowl combine the egg, milk and melted butter and chocolate mixture. Add all at once to the flour mixture together with the raspberries. Stir until just moistened. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cups.
Bake until the tops spring back when lightly tapped, 20-25 minutes. Cool on a wire rack 5 minutes, then turn out. Dust with confectioners sugar.
Enjoy!
Monday, November 12, 2012
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Playdough!
You can go out and buy expensive playdough in the containers or you can mix up a batch right in your own kitchen with stuff you already have in your pantry, I guarantee it! This is the best recipe I have found so far for playdough, and I have tried alot! And with helpful little hands that can actually help you make it, it's a breeze and fun to make!
1 cup flour
1 cup water
1/4 cup salt
1 Tbsp veggie oil
2 tsp cream of tartar
food coloring
saucepan
cookie sheet (for cooling your dough)
Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and mix well. Stir in the ingrdients on medium heat for about 5 minutes. When the mixture forms into ball, it's time to remove it from the heat. Turn the ball of goop out onto your cookie sheet and let it cool. When the mixture is cool enough to handle, flatten it out a bit and place desired amount of food coloring in it. Fold up the sides and start kneeding it until it's the color you want.
You have to store it in an air tight container. I put mine in a plastic bag, flattened it out, sealed up the bag and stored it in a glass container.
Enjoy!
1 cup flour
1 cup water
1/4 cup salt
1 Tbsp veggie oil
2 tsp cream of tartar
food coloring
saucepan
cookie sheet (for cooling your dough)
Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and mix well. Stir in the ingrdients on medium heat for about 5 minutes. When the mixture forms into ball, it's time to remove it from the heat. Turn the ball of goop out onto your cookie sheet and let it cool. When the mixture is cool enough to handle, flatten it out a bit and place desired amount of food coloring in it. Fold up the sides and start kneeding it until it's the color you want.
You have to store it in an air tight container. I put mine in a plastic bag, flattened it out, sealed up the bag and stored it in a glass container.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Austin's first day of PreSchool
It's a day I have been uncertain of for months...after a long hard look at things, we decided it was time for Austin to start PreK. He is going to Clear Branch Methodist Church 3 days a week for 5 hours a day. As if handing in tear stained registration papers a few months ago and bawling at the welcome letter that came in the mail from Mrs Dana (austin's teacher), the constant "I'm NOT going to preschool" I got from Austin had my mind in a whirlwind. I knew he would love it once he gave it a chance.
We met Mrs Dana last week and he was very shy and quiet. She had cookies to decorate and some magnetics and playdough for the kids to play with and get used to things. He spent most of his time decorating two cookies and eating them and then playing with the magnetics in the room with a few other boys. At the end, when we were walking out (after grabbing a cookie for Lucas), he turned to his teacher and said "Mrs Dana! I'm not scared anymore! see you tomorrow".
It was a short battle this morning to convince him to go. I showed him his new back pack and special lunch I packed him complete with a juice box...and as a special surprise, a Lego napkin from his birthday party in June. I was ready and prepared for a battle at the car line. He was steadily looking for Mrs Dana and when he saw her, his face lit up and he was all aglow. When he reached the front of the car line, I was sure we were about to have WWIII on our hands. The woman came to the car, unbuckled him and he jumped out, grabbed his bag and said "Bye Momma!" like such a big boy. My heart lept with joy and then sank to the bottom of my stomach. My sweet "baby" is growing up. He is getting so big and there he goes, right through the door... to a new world for him (and me).
Lucas was a little upset by the thought of some strange woman coming and snatching "bubbah" out of his seat and taking him into a strange new building. He kept asking "where bubbah going momma? Where he going??" He was not a happy camper on the way home. His little face drooped and he sat there and kept asking me over and over where his bubbah was going. Pitiful is not the right word... pathetic is.
I took Lucas to the Moody Library story time. They read a story about Llama Llama learning to share, drank lemonade and cookies (thanks ladies) and then painted with a paint brush a special picture. We then went inside and checked out a bunch of new books for us to read tonight. When we got home, we read every single one of the books, played Hi Ho cherry-o, ate lunch and mommy cleaned up while Lucas watched Team Umizoomi for a few minutes.
Before we knew it, it was time to go pick up Austin. We sat in the car line and when it was our turn, I saw Austin coming out of school beaming from ear to ear. That sweet look he has melts my heart. The very first thing he did when he got in the car was say "LUKIE!!! I missed you" and gave Lucas a hug. He had an awesome day! I asked him how Mrs Dana was and he couldn't tell me enough about her. She was great and nice and funny... "the best day ever". He got to pick a prize from the treasure chest for being a good boy all day. He read books, colored me a picture, played outside and even talked about Carver and Nathan, his new little friends.
I am thrilled that he was so happy when I picked him up. He was even more happy when I told him he gets to go again Thursday. He even gave me a high five when he found out.
My son is about to blossom in a way I can't even fathom. He needs this more than I do. Lucas needs this more than I do. I cant wait to be able to spend some special time alone with Lucas while Austin grows and matures into a little BOY.
Preschool is going to be a major blessing for Austin (and me) and I can't wait to see what this year has in store for all of us.
We met Mrs Dana last week and he was very shy and quiet. She had cookies to decorate and some magnetics and playdough for the kids to play with and get used to things. He spent most of his time decorating two cookies and eating them and then playing with the magnetics in the room with a few other boys. At the end, when we were walking out (after grabbing a cookie for Lucas), he turned to his teacher and said "Mrs Dana! I'm not scared anymore! see you tomorrow".
It was a short battle this morning to convince him to go. I showed him his new back pack and special lunch I packed him complete with a juice box...and as a special surprise, a Lego napkin from his birthday party in June. I was ready and prepared for a battle at the car line. He was steadily looking for Mrs Dana and when he saw her, his face lit up and he was all aglow. When he reached the front of the car line, I was sure we were about to have WWIII on our hands. The woman came to the car, unbuckled him and he jumped out, grabbed his bag and said "Bye Momma!" like such a big boy. My heart lept with joy and then sank to the bottom of my stomach. My sweet "baby" is growing up. He is getting so big and there he goes, right through the door... to a new world for him (and me).
Lucas was a little upset by the thought of some strange woman coming and snatching "bubbah" out of his seat and taking him into a strange new building. He kept asking "where bubbah going momma? Where he going??" He was not a happy camper on the way home. His little face drooped and he sat there and kept asking me over and over where his bubbah was going. Pitiful is not the right word... pathetic is.
I took Lucas to the Moody Library story time. They read a story about Llama Llama learning to share, drank lemonade and cookies (thanks ladies) and then painted with a paint brush a special picture. We then went inside and checked out a bunch of new books for us to read tonight. When we got home, we read every single one of the books, played Hi Ho cherry-o, ate lunch and mommy cleaned up while Lucas watched Team Umizoomi for a few minutes.
Before we knew it, it was time to go pick up Austin. We sat in the car line and when it was our turn, I saw Austin coming out of school beaming from ear to ear. That sweet look he has melts my heart. The very first thing he did when he got in the car was say "LUKIE!!! I missed you" and gave Lucas a hug. He had an awesome day! I asked him how Mrs Dana was and he couldn't tell me enough about her. She was great and nice and funny... "the best day ever". He got to pick a prize from the treasure chest for being a good boy all day. He read books, colored me a picture, played outside and even talked about Carver and Nathan, his new little friends.
I am thrilled that he was so happy when I picked him up. He was even more happy when I told him he gets to go again Thursday. He even gave me a high five when he found out.
My son is about to blossom in a way I can't even fathom. He needs this more than I do. Lucas needs this more than I do. I cant wait to be able to spend some special time alone with Lucas while Austin grows and matures into a little BOY.
Preschool is going to be a major blessing for Austin (and me) and I can't wait to see what this year has in store for all of us.
Monday, September 3, 2012
So....you don't use paper towels?
I was asked this question yesterday at work. My answer was no. This post is going to sound trivial to some, but I was so shocked that the people questioning me were shocked that I had said no. When I was growing up, we didn't use paper towels... we used rags. We used old towels cut up or old t-shirts probably even underwear... anything that was old but still had some use...was turned to rags. I have actually have distinct memories of folding laundry with my mom and she got up and got her scissors and just started cutting away on some of the older towels.
I use rags for everything, even down to wiping my kids faces when they are done eating their meal so I can at least save a little money not using the baby wipes we have around. I clean the counters, floors, doors, mirrors...everything in my house with rags. It's so easy to rinse them out in the sink, let them air dry (draped over your laundry basket) and wash with the towels on hot.
It's unimaginable to me to use paper towels and spend $5 a week on them. I can buy 2 pounds of ground beef, a gallon of milk, a pack of diapers (great value brand is $5.97) with that $5...stuff that I actually will use instead of just throwing away the paper towels.
I am not judging anyone that uses paper towels, that sounds ridiculous.So please don't get defensive and start sending hate mail to me! :)
So here's a great challenge. Go around your house and find old towels, t-shirts that are on their last leg even underwear...don't forget about your old dish rags or your old wash rags. Grab your scissors...remove the waist band (if you are using men's underwear) and go to town cutting them up. You can make a small cut and then just riiiiiip. If you want to get fancy, trim off the uneven sides. I like squares...don't ask me why. There you go. You just saved yourself some money, re-used something that was just going to be thrown away (unless you donate your old clothes) and have a nice supply of rags to use for cleaning or whatever your heart fancies.
I literally just spent 15 minutes cutting up a huge pile of Jerry's (too big) underwear. It's so easy is laughable.
Enjoy!
Crystin
I use rags for everything, even down to wiping my kids faces when they are done eating their meal so I can at least save a little money not using the baby wipes we have around. I clean the counters, floors, doors, mirrors...everything in my house with rags. It's so easy to rinse them out in the sink, let them air dry (draped over your laundry basket) and wash with the towels on hot.
It's unimaginable to me to use paper towels and spend $5 a week on them. I can buy 2 pounds of ground beef, a gallon of milk, a pack of diapers (great value brand is $5.97) with that $5...stuff that I actually will use instead of just throwing away the paper towels.
I am not judging anyone that uses paper towels, that sounds ridiculous.So please don't get defensive and start sending hate mail to me! :)
So here's a great challenge. Go around your house and find old towels, t-shirts that are on their last leg even underwear...don't forget about your old dish rags or your old wash rags. Grab your scissors...remove the waist band (if you are using men's underwear) and go to town cutting them up. You can make a small cut and then just riiiiiip. If you want to get fancy, trim off the uneven sides. I like squares...don't ask me why. There you go. You just saved yourself some money, re-used something that was just going to be thrown away (unless you donate your old clothes) and have a nice supply of rags to use for cleaning or whatever your heart fancies.
I literally just spent 15 minutes cutting up a huge pile of Jerry's (too big) underwear. It's so easy is laughable.
Enjoy!
Crystin
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Saying hello to a smaller me!
Jerry and I are going to Orlando, FL October 4th for the much anticipated Halloween Horror Nights. We have been going on our anniversary since 2003. It's been a tradition for almost 10 years. We did skip a few years after Austin was born just because we didn't have anyone to watch the kiddos for us. One year we were quite "plump" to put it midly and the pictures were so horrible I refuse to even look at them. This year, we are going and have decided to loose 10 pounds by the time we go.
On July 30th we started a exercise and weight loss program. It consists of nothing more than eating healthy and exercising. Nothing snazzy or exciting... We had a reception in Houston to go to on the 4th of August and let's just say our diet was ruined in those few days. On the monday we got back, we were back at it. For a full week (since August 6th) we have kicked it into high gear. We are both sticking to a 1200 calorie a day diet and working out regularly. In just a few short days, I have seen a pretty awesome difference not only in the way my body looks, but the way I feel.
I have been an early riser for quiet some time and lately, with the first thing I do in the morning is workout... I either head to the YMCA or I do an aerobics video in my living room. I also go to the gym during the day if I can manage it and then at night I am doing an aerobics video (if I didn't go to the gym during the day).
I eat several times a day. I eat small "snack" and light meals. I read labels and stick to my plan. I have been using MyFitnessPal on my phone (and on the web) and it's dramatically helped me keep track of my calories. In addition to tons of fruit and veggies, I am also incorporating 2 servings of whole grain a day. In addition, I am steering clear of alcohol (*sigh) and eating out. It's saving us money too in the long run, or I would like to think so.
I started this weight loss journey at 160 pounds (eek! since I'm 5'2)...and I know for a fact I have lost weight, I can see it. Jerry and I decided to go two solid weeks without weighing in, so I will see how much weight I have lost on the 17th. I have until the 4th of October to loose all the weight I want. I really am looking forward to this being a life change... NOT a diet. I love the way I feel. I don't feel sluggish or run down and I have tons of energy during the day.
Here's to a better me!
On July 30th we started a exercise and weight loss program. It consists of nothing more than eating healthy and exercising. Nothing snazzy or exciting... We had a reception in Houston to go to on the 4th of August and let's just say our diet was ruined in those few days. On the monday we got back, we were back at it. For a full week (since August 6th) we have kicked it into high gear. We are both sticking to a 1200 calorie a day diet and working out regularly. In just a few short days, I have seen a pretty awesome difference not only in the way my body looks, but the way I feel.
I have been an early riser for quiet some time and lately, with the first thing I do in the morning is workout... I either head to the YMCA or I do an aerobics video in my living room. I also go to the gym during the day if I can manage it and then at night I am doing an aerobics video (if I didn't go to the gym during the day).
I eat several times a day. I eat small "snack" and light meals. I read labels and stick to my plan. I have been using MyFitnessPal on my phone (and on the web) and it's dramatically helped me keep track of my calories. In addition to tons of fruit and veggies, I am also incorporating 2 servings of whole grain a day. In addition, I am steering clear of alcohol (*sigh) and eating out. It's saving us money too in the long run, or I would like to think so.
I started this weight loss journey at 160 pounds (eek! since I'm 5'2)...and I know for a fact I have lost weight, I can see it. Jerry and I decided to go two solid weeks without weighing in, so I will see how much weight I have lost on the 17th. I have until the 4th of October to loose all the weight I want. I really am looking forward to this being a life change... NOT a diet. I love the way I feel. I don't feel sluggish or run down and I have tons of energy during the day.
Here's to a better me!
Friday, July 20, 2012
New uses for old things
I love to find interesting ways to reuse stuff I was going to throw away. Here is a running list of ideas for turning "trash" into treasures that you can use around your house. If you have any ideas for reusing stuff around your house, let me know and I will add it to this list!
1. Paper Towel or toilet paper tubes as a hair tie holder. I thought it would be cute to paint the tube or wrap it in scrapbook paper... Secure all your hair ties to the tube...barrettes or bobby pins can fit nicely on the top.
2. New shine to old shoes: add a dab of veggie oil to a rag and rub gently on patent leather shoes. It gives a beautiful shine and makes them look brand new.
3. Tiny travel sewing kit: Get a match box...tuck a few essentials into it and hide it away in your overnight bag for emergencies. This would also fit securely in your purse or glove box.
4. Kleenex box for a plastic bag holder. Shove all your bags you get at the grocery store for an easy grab when you need them.
5. Rubber bands used to hold tank tops or strappy dresses on hangers. If you don't have those hangers that have the holes specifically for tank tops, why not tie some rubber bands at the end of the hanger. These keeps your tanks nice and secure without falling off.
6. Contact lens container for a pill container when traveling. Empty contact lens cases work perfect for a pill container. If fits easily in a purse, pocket or carry on.
7. Use a clear elastic band to keep flowers nice and tidy in a vase. Secure a band around the bottom of the flowers and let them fall naturally
1. Paper Towel or toilet paper tubes as a hair tie holder. I thought it would be cute to paint the tube or wrap it in scrapbook paper... Secure all your hair ties to the tube...barrettes or bobby pins can fit nicely on the top.
2. New shine to old shoes: add a dab of veggie oil to a rag and rub gently on patent leather shoes. It gives a beautiful shine and makes them look brand new.
3. Tiny travel sewing kit: Get a match box...tuck a few essentials into it and hide it away in your overnight bag for emergencies. This would also fit securely in your purse or glove box.
4. Kleenex box for a plastic bag holder. Shove all your bags you get at the grocery store for an easy grab when you need them.
5. Rubber bands used to hold tank tops or strappy dresses on hangers. If you don't have those hangers that have the holes specifically for tank tops, why not tie some rubber bands at the end of the hanger. These keeps your tanks nice and secure without falling off.
6. Contact lens container for a pill container when traveling. Empty contact lens cases work perfect for a pill container. If fits easily in a purse, pocket or carry on.
7. Use a clear elastic band to keep flowers nice and tidy in a vase. Secure a band around the bottom of the flowers and let them fall naturally
Greek Pasta Salad
This is definitely a great recipe and a really good way of using leftover veggies. It's heaped full of pasta goodness, veggies and OF COURSE Feta Cheese. I love Feta Cheese.
Traditionally, there are olives in this recipe, but I do not like olives, my husband does... So I left them out. I was thinking of putting a little bowl on the side for him with some chopped olives? If you love olives, add a 2.25 ounce can into the recipe. I would probably drain it first. I had the leftovers after it was in the fridge for a while chilling and it was tasty, although the pasta had soaked in the dressing... so you may want to add more dressing the next day.
Greek Pasta Salad
16 ounce rotini pasta (I use garden blend and it's so pretty to look at)
2.25 can of olives, drained (optional)
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
1/4 cup diced red onion (I actually kept some on the side and put more on my salad. I love red onions)
1 cucumber, peeled and diced
1-2, 1.5lb pkgs skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
Greek seasoning (sprinkled on the chicken)
Greek dressing
2 ounce crumbled feta cheese
Cook pasta according to the package instructions, drain. Cube chicken and season with Greek seasoning liberally. Cook in pan on medium high heat until done. Add all ingredients to a very large bowl. Stir to mix well. Cover with as much greek dressing as you like and top with feta cheese.
Traditionally, there are olives in this recipe, but I do not like olives, my husband does... So I left them out. I was thinking of putting a little bowl on the side for him with some chopped olives? If you love olives, add a 2.25 ounce can into the recipe. I would probably drain it first. I had the leftovers after it was in the fridge for a while chilling and it was tasty, although the pasta had soaked in the dressing... so you may want to add more dressing the next day.
Greek Pasta Salad
16 ounce rotini pasta (I use garden blend and it's so pretty to look at)
2.25 can of olives, drained (optional)
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
1/4 cup diced red onion (I actually kept some on the side and put more on my salad. I love red onions)
1 cucumber, peeled and diced
1-2, 1.5lb pkgs skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
Greek seasoning (sprinkled on the chicken)
Greek dressing
2 ounce crumbled feta cheese
Cook pasta according to the package instructions, drain. Cube chicken and season with Greek seasoning liberally. Cook in pan on medium high heat until done. Add all ingredients to a very large bowl. Stir to mix well. Cover with as much greek dressing as you like and top with feta cheese.
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