Date Night Dinner!

So life has been a little hectic with packing up things, moving, selling, cleaning....and the list goes on and on! whew!

Kris loves Italian and some friends of ours just had a baby and they do as well so I decided tonight to try a new recipe I never have before! It not only turned out great but was easy to make and TONS of left overs to eat for the weekend or freeze for later! woop! Pinterest for the win!

Here's the recipe for stuffed shells with spinach and sausage:

This recipe I actually made in one 9x13 and one 5x9 pyrex dish perfect for Kris and I and lots to share with our friends!

-After browning the sausage meat, you then wilt the spinach in the same pan and set aside after draining fat from meat.

-While this is going on boil the noodle shells about 9 minutes and drain.

-For the stuffing I mixed cottage cheese, egg, Parmesan, mozzarella, garlic, and oregano.

-I filled the bottom of both containers with about one jar each of sauce (so add an extra one to your shopping list or just find at least half a jar left over in the fridge ;) )

-Then you fill the shells and line the sauce filled pans. 

-Next sprinkle the sausage and both Parm and Mozzarella over the top bake at 350 for 30 min covered and 3 min under the broiler uncovered to crisp the cheese! And viola!

I know we will be enjoying this into the weekend and hope our friends enjoy it as well! 

Cheers,

Alison

BiRtHdAy GiRl

I think I'm going to just keep turning 29! My last year in my twenties!! I feel the need to bring it or do something big. I feel way too young to be 29!

I like to basically celebrate for a week for my birthday- HA HA! I don't love myself at all ; )

Friday night, some friends and I are going to a Mexican restaurant and then going to watch the Bad Moms movie. It looks hysterical and perfect for a GNO (Girl's Night Out!).

Saturday I'm sure we will just spend the day by the pool and then we are going to Nakato's Japanese Steakhouse for a very early dinner with the kids. My husband, Patrick, invited some friends and family to come along. I love that place because my kids really enjoy watching the chefs cook in front of them.

So here's to more wrinkle cream and time at the gym!

XOXO,

Dana

Wooden Robot Brewery

One of the coolest flights I have seen! 

Last Wednesday night, I invited a few friends and family members to Wooden Robot Brewery to celebrate my birthday. This brewery opened up in the South End area of Charlotte a little over a year ago. I can't believe that it was the first time my husband and I went to check out their beer selection. We decided to start with a flight of his choosing: Overachiever, Good Morning Vietnam, Willie Saison, Kill All Humans, and Wicked Juicy.

My favorite was Wicked Juicy which is a NE- Style Pale Ale. I also loved Good Morning Vietnam a Coffee Vanilla Blonde Ale. There were both delicious! I believe we also included them in the next flight we bought and then I decided to get a pint of Wicked Juicy because it was my birthday after all.

My husband and daughter with the cute sample glass

The atmosphere of the brewery was wonderful! We were all able to lounge in comfy leather chairs to the right of the bar. They have an outdoor patio as well with cafe lighting but it was waaaay too hot to be out there. By the best part of our experience was the food truck located outside.

Twisted Eats is located outside of the brewery every Tuesday thru Saturday. Their menu changes everyday but we were able to enjoy finger licking good wings, deep friend bacon, mac & cheese egg rolls,  and pimento cheese tater tots. The deep fried bacon was on a cracker and then breaded and served in paper bag. They were so amazing that I think our group shared three bags of the bite sized HEAVEN. The Gorgonzola sauce for the wings was incredible as well...I could have drank it! I probably would have if I didn't have the amazing beer to wash everything down.

If you haven't checked out this brewery than you need to run over there ASAP! We will definitely visiting again very soon!

XoXo ,
Stella

What I didn't Know

Parenting is hard. But I knew that already. From the time you're expecting you hear that parenting is hard but so rewarding. People will tell you all kinds of crazy stories about parenting, pregnancy and kids. But what do they not tell you? Here is what I didn't know...not everyone likes kids.

Yesterday I had an experience I hope no mother ever has to go through. My mom and I took the kids to Panera for lunch. There was a bit of a line but the kids were behaving and waiting patiently. When it was our turn to order, we stepped up and gave the cashier our order. While this was happening, Mason was standing at my side and walked off just a bit. He accidentally bumped into the lady standing next to us in line. She immediately huffed and puffed. I quickly noticed and said "I'm so sorry, it was an accident". The lady said, "he hit me!" I said "ma'am he is 3 years old, he just didn't see you there". Then she said "well he is rude". She said "he is rude" a few more times in front of him while I tried to defend him. Three year olds don't even know what rude means.

Y'all let me tell you, my blood was starting to BOIL. I was so taken back that someone would say my child #1 hit them (which was completely untrue) and #2 he was rude, momma bear was coming out. I think I was so shocked that someone would say that, I just didn't even know how to react. I ended up saying a few not so nice words to this lady, which now I regret. I let this lady's bad day consume my whole lunch. It literally took me 30 minutes to calm down. You never know how protective you can be until you have kids.

I'm sure this will not be my last run in with someone who doesn't like kids. It sure was a good learning experience for me. I want to set a Godly example for my kids and I know the next time this happens to me how I will react. Who knows what people are going through. Maybe she had a child who died, perhaps she was never able to have children. Whatever the case maybe, the next time I have a situation like that my response will be, "I'm going to pray for you."

xoxo,
Rachel

A Coach's Wife

Sorry this is a late post but we have a sick baby boy on our hands :(

For those of you who don't know I am a high school coach's wife. My husband is a social studies teacher and high school football/track coach. I signed up for it 6 years ago when I married him. Being a coach's life takes a special person. Lucky for me I grew up a daughter of a coach so I had somewhat of an idea of the career/lifestyle. It also taught me the game of football so I am able to follow the game now :)

The teaching profession has always been one I have the utmost respect for. What a responsibility they have to teach and shape our children to be successful in their future. Along with them are also coach's. Coach's deal with struggles on every level especially for high school. There is such a responsibility they carry...it's easy to forget.

The time commitment alone is daunting and tedious. Up at 5:30 AM, out the door by 7, teach all day, practice until 6, meetings, post game break down, planning, etc. Don't forget game nights and traveling. Weeknights he is usually home by 7-7:30 then has to get up and do it all over again....exhausting. There are several nights where he won't get a chance to see his boys because he's home after they are asleep and out the door before they wake up. You can't help but sometimes feel like a single parent.

No one really comprehends the time...A coach's wife does.

So...on top of all that add in a full time working mom, 2 kids, school, karate, camps, groceries, laundry, dinner, cleaning, etc. All of that equals one crazy and hectic fall. With a lot of help we always seem to make it out. It isn't without some tears and arguments though. (although those have decreased over the years)

When we first got married the time commitment didn't seem to bother me. It gave me more time to do things with my family and friends. However, when kids came into the picture it was a different story. For a while I kept asking myself "Why is he picking them over us?". It took a while but God finally showed me that he wasn't picking them but was providing for US. It was a welcome realization and after seeing all that he does for those student athletes made me even prouder to be not only a coach's wife but HIS wife.

 We've had a great summer...my husband has been able to be home and spend some quality time with his boy, cook dinner, do some house projects, and a few fun trips! This mama has been spoiled and with football camp starting this week and the season right around the corner I am trying to mentally prepare myself for yet another long season ahead.

Despite all the struggles we face I hold tight knowing the Lord definitely had this plan for my husband. It is humbling and inspiring to watch how He works through him in these young kids lives. The life long relationships he's established and has even been able to follow some of his students through their college careers. It really is rewarding to see and I couldn't be more proud. Go Hawks!

Snack Pack Ministries

Happy Monday friends! It has been a Monday and that's why I am late on this post. My apologies. We are having a rain storm now and THANK YOU LORD! We haven't had rain all month & y'all it's hot. We need the cool down badly & our grass needs the rain. This brings me to the subject of my post.

If you are friends with me on FB then you probably saw my post last week about "Snack Pack Ministries." This is an idea I dreamed up, shared with my husband which he was quick to get behind, and totally a God thing in my eyes since it kept coming back to me over and over. Since moving to Austin last October, it was very clear to us that Austin has a homeless problem & by problem, I mean they need help helping these people. Every corner, every off/on ramp on the interstate, you are bound to see someone. Back in March, they came out with a new count of over 2000 in the homeless population here in Austin.

Over the holidays, I volunteered once with a group called Mobile Loaves and Fishes here in Austin. They allow the homeless to come in, get a hot meal, get a haircut, and "shop" for needed items. At the time, it was very cold and they were looking for warm items. They were so excited about getting to "shop." I'll never forget how I helped one lady who was specifically looking for clothes for church....y'all! She was homeless. She wanted a dress and heels for church. It totally blew my mind. I remember once I was done helping her she asked if she could give me a hug and thanked me over and over again. I have NEVER been so humbled. That was probably what got this whole idea started in my head.

I decided that it would be best if it was something I could quickly get out to them. Something I could throw in my car and if I saw someone, could roll my window down and pass on to them quickly at a stop light/interchange. It would be a gallon size ziploc filled with water & snacks & a piece of uplifting Scripture included. This first round of Scripture was Isaiah 40:10.

Well last week, I made up my mind that I was going to make it happen. The Lord reminded me of my Snack Pack Ministry every time I left the house. There they would stand, and it bothered me to no end. It has been weeks with temperatures close to or reaching 100 degrees. Do you know what it's like to stand out in the sun all day...literally? I take the trash out, and I have sweat running down my back. I can't get water down fast enough.

So we set out on Saturday with our friend, Marcus, here at the apartment loaded up with snacks, water, Popsicles, and Marcus had put together bags with clean socks, chap stick, a tooth brush & toothpaste. It was so exciting. We literally stopped traffic at one point, and Marcus jumped out of the
truck and ran to a couple guys who were huddled up under an overpass. They were so thankful. The more we handed out the cooler it was to see it all happening. They were thankful.

We came across one older gentleman who had a dog....end of story for me. I spotted him legit from a mile away. We pulled over, called for him to come over since we weren't sure if his dog was not friendly/over-protective, he got his snacks, care package, cold water for him & his pup, dog food, and a dog toy. He glanced at all of it and expressed how thankful he was. I wanted to jump out of the truck and hug his neck but I refrained. He thanked us again and said "God bless y'all!" My heart almost leapt out of my chest. THAT is what it is all about.

It was an awesome day, and I loved every part of it. Brian and Marcus were awesome too. They handed them out since they were both in front while I reloaded them for the next person. Everyone was thankful. We have a few bags left that we will hand out whenever Brian heads to work or I have to run out. We will need to restock soon. I have created an Amazon wish list if any of you would want to help out. We would so appreciate it and of course keep you in the know about our adventures.

Just a little bit of what's going on in our neck of the woods. It's not huge by any means but it's something. I challenge any of you who read this to take the time and see what's going on in your community. There is something for each of us to help with. It could be a Saturday once a month or if you are really gung-ho, even more than that. There's your challenge for the week. I hope y'all have an awesome one.

XOXO,
Haley

Beauty

I’ve heard when women get to a certain age that they normally have a beauty regimen that they are pretty convinced they are sticking with to the end. I’m definitely on board with Merle Norman cosmetics. I legit should work there and they have asked me to work very, very part time so maybe I will do that.  I love their products and in the past I would leave and try other make-ups and it never failed, I would go back to them.  Lately my beauty necessities have been…

The Flawless Effect Pressed Powder!! It has enough coverage that you can choose to do foundation or not. Days when I just want some quick coverage to run out the door then it's perfect.

I LOVE lip color. I mean way more than any other make-up item. I have never found anything that lasts as long as this lip pencil!! It has the liner on one side and the color on the other. I add a few different glosses over it but if I don’t add gloss then it just lasts that much longer. You have to have kissable lips, right?!

I do cheat…on the mascara! I am IN LOVE with Better Than Sex by Too Faced. It is SO good. Even the waterproof one is good.  This mommy does not help anyone until I have my mascara on!

And we can’t forget about HAIR. I am pretty high maintenance when it comes to my hair. I get it colored every 3 weeks and if a man does not understand that then he ain’t for me because I’m blonde for LIFE! HA!  My latest love is my root lifter. The bigger the hair the closer to Jesus, right? This works great and you should definitely try it!

That’s all from this diva. Being a woman is so much work. Next life we can be men, right?

Xoxo,

Dana

Hide and Seek with Veggies!

Hi again! So...in my house I am usually looking for ways to get my kids to eat more veggies. I know this is a common battle for some of you :) It's like playing hide and seek at dinner time!

They will eat the usual suspects...green beans, peas, carrots...etc but those get old after a while and I am trying to introduce new vegetables that everyone will actually eat! Well...I found these bad boys the other day and decided to give them a try...and all I can is yum!

This recipe was super easy and I had just about all the ingredients already. Do you have any tricks or recipes to share on how your family eats good veggies? I'm always looking for ideas :) Check out the full recipe here

Zucchini Tots 
Ingredients:

• cooking spray
• 1 packed cup grated zucchini
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 medium onion, minced
• 1/4 cup grated reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt and black pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°F.  Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.

Grate the zucchini into a clean dish towel until you have 1 packed cup.  Wring all of the excess water out of the zucchini, there will be a lot of water. In a medium bowl, combine all of the ingredients and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Spoon 1 tablespoon of mixture in your hands and roll into small ovals. Place on the cookie sheet and bake for 16 to 18 minutes, turning halfway though cooking until golden. Makes 16.

Summer Jams!

I don't know what it is about the summer time, but I feel as if musicians wait until summer hits (no pun intended) to drop all the good music. Is it just me?? I love love love to blare good music in my car and sing along. If I'm not listening to Sirius XM Fly station (raise your hand if you know!!), then I have my phone blue-toothed so I can listen to my most recent iTunes purchases. I thought I would share with y'all some of my favorites that get me movin' and groovin' (in the safest way possible) in my car. Anything with a catchy beat or lyrics are sure to grab my attention + they always make for great workout songs. What songs am I missing?? Please share with me so I can add to my list.

Happy Monday, y'all! Hope you had a fabulous weekend. 

xoxo,

Haley 

Vacationing with Little People

 

My how “vacations” have changed now that we have not one, not two, but three little, dependent people with us.  My husband and I sometimes reflect and imagine where life would be if we would have chosen not to have children or not been blessed to do so. I think sometimes it would have been so much fun and I’m sure I would have accomplished many goals and be well traveled but it would be very sad for the most part. They bring unbelievable joy to our lives and my husband says I was MEANT to be a mom.  “How poor is the person who only has money.” The Holidays are the absolute best because getting a diamond bracelet is great but have you ever seen three little kids faces on Christmas morning that you brought into the world? I also like to think about how I have three people to take care of me one day when I need the favor returned and I also hear that having grandkids is even better than having kids.

So, it brings me to our most recent vacation. We never could have survived without my parents. Well, we could have but it wouldn’t have been near as fun. Patrick and I found ourselves one day sitting at the bar, talking to the bartender and enjoying fruity drinks. He said on the way home how that moment stood out and it reminded him of our honeymoon in Jamaica. We are so blessed to have a lot of helping hands with family on both sides.

My kids are hilarious. Cecilia doesn’t meet a stranger and I was asked if her name was Ariel (The Little Mermaid) because she was telling little girls and their moms that was her name. She is a total fish and has been swimming across a pool since she was 2. She can hold her breath so long under water that you start to panic. We took her to a mermaid show and I legit want to move to the beach so she can get a job as one. Whit is my oldest and he is a loner. The kid will play on the sand and build all day but don’t come near him or mess with his sandcastles. We all think he will be an architect one day and he can design our retirement home. Brandon is the baby and he is just that..a big, very BIG baby. He is so handsome and sweet but loves Mommy and loves Mommy to carry his big behind around all day. He will enjoy the beach more next year when he is older but he did start jumping into the pool on his own which was cool.

We had an incredible time but it is always good to be home. I look at their little faces and they have no idea how blessed they are….and neither do we.

Xoxo,

Dana

Pallet Art

 Pinterest at its Finest! 

I'm sorry about the late post but better late than never. We ended up doing this project late last night and thought I would share. I saw this pallet art on Pinterest a few weeks ago and knew we had to replicate it for our American Cookout this weekend. We were able to snag a pallet from the recycling center at our apartment and I went to Home Depot and purchased 3 samples of paint. The nice man at the paint counter helped me pick out the colors. The red is called No More Drama...I don't know what it is about paint and nail polish but I'm always a sucker for a good name. 

My husband and I painted using sponge brushes. It was easier and quicker for me to pour the paint on and then spread it around. It only took us about 30 minutes to paint the pallet. Then we brainstormed about how we were going to paint the stars. Daniel thought we should paint the blue area with white first, then place star stickers down, paint the blue and then remove the stickers. Too many steps for me. I had star cookie cutters that we were going to trace and then paint but he decided the stars were not "American' enough and preferred straight edges and pointy stars.

So, we went downstairs to the business center and printed out stars that he liked. I made sure we found stars that had a few in a line to make the process of painting easier. Daniel took an exacto knife and created a stencil out of a cereal box. We let the paint dry over night and will paint the stars today. Stay tuned for next week to see the final project!

XoXo Lauren

#POOPTALK

I have a 3 year old boy. Say no more. Boys are like the sweetest little human beings, until they aren't and they are acting like velociraptors and running through the house naked. Ok, lets face it he is naked 98% of the time. 

Since the summer started, we've been potty training. Which means lots of treats, excited chanting, good jobs and pulling your pants down in the middle of the drive way (or in my case today the middle of the gym parking lot) and letting it rip. So yeah, we've got the peeing thing down. We are good! But then there is this other thing called poo poo, the #2, poops or whatever you want to call it. That is a whole OTHER story. We've had pooping issues since day 1. My son was in daycare for over a year and NEVER went poop there. It was the strangest thing. I thought he was super constipated so I started giving the poor kid laxatives, doing diet elimination...you name it. We would have poop stand offs every other day. He would jump around the house, yelling and crying and then finally go poop in a pull-up. It was awful y'all. When he finally did go, he had to strip naked, go stand in a corner and asked for his privacy. 

When I started staying home with him back in April, he started getting super regular and going at home. HOORAY! This obviously made me feel awful because the poor little guy just wanted some friggin privacy. I get it man, who wants 10 other 2 year olds staring at you while you poop. So anyway, I knew the time would come that I would have to transition him away from the pull-up and get him going in the potty. 

So Monday, I just decided enough is enough. He turned 3 at the end of June and he will be starting school in September and the child should know how to poo in a toilet. What would his teacher think if he walks up to her and says "can you take off my clothes and put on a pull-up?" N.O. When it was time for him to go, I put on the pull-up but said this is the last time we are wearing a pull-up. If you put this on, you will have to clean your own poop. He was cool with it, ugh boys! Let me tell you, its quite the experience letting your 3 year old clean his own poop. Poop on the floor, poop on your fingers, poop on your face because your fingers of course go straight to your face....poop EVERYWHERE. Maybe this wasn't such a great idea. My husband was royally grossed out and thought I had completely lost my mind. Which is always a little questionable. I enforced that it was super yucky and dirty to poo in a pull-up.

This brings us to Tuesday. Here we are trying to get out the door and what does he have to do...POOP. Great, Awesome, there goes being on time. I literally had to hide all the pull-ups in the house and had to refuse a pull-up for 30 MINUTES. We had a 30 minute poop standoff. The child would rather poop in the grass outside than in an actual toilet. Yes, it happened once. Don't judge!! 

The child finally got on the damn thing and went poop. Thank goodness. I rewarded him with a trip to the cupcake store. Positive reinforcement right?!

...my work is done for the week. Going to have a poop party. 

xoxo, Rachel 

Online Grocery Shopping

So about this time last year (maybe a little earlier) after I had my second baby I soon discovered online grocery shopping. Whoever created this should get an award...seriously. 

For those of you who do not know, Harris Teeter (and now some Walmarts) offer online grocery shopping.  Now I know what some of you are thinking..."What about produce? I like to pick my own produce" In my experience, I haven't gotten one bad product pick and if there aren't any good choices they won't put in your bag. 

 

So here's how it works...you go to Harris Teeter website. You can click through the sales flyer, search by item or by category and simply add to your cart. You can also include special instructions like (I really want ripe bananas)You can also save some items as your favorites like eggs, bread, milk so they are easier to add for your next trip. When you're finished you review your cart, select a date and pick up time and you're done! It's that easy :) 

Some of the perks I have noticed....first and foremost. CONVENIENCE. With our busy schedule the convenience alone is worth it. Second, they up sell. For example, let's say you ordered store brand bread. If they don't have it they will give you the Sara Lee or up sell brand at the same price! Another example...I selected just some regular avocados. They said they didn't like any of the regular ones so they gave me organic ones at the same price. Third...it makes you stick to your list (saving you money). If you're like me I tend to wander in the store thinking..."oh yea...I need that....or yeah I can use that" when in reality I don't. 

As far as cost goes...your first visit is free. You can then pay $17 a month or $100 for a year or $5 for each visit. I usually pay by month because we don't us it heavily during the summer. 

For this busy mama...online grocery shopping is a must and has saved us a lot of time and $! 

Happy Shopping!

xoxox

Katherine 

I'm only "HALF" crazy!

Good Monday Morning to you ladies (& gentlemen out there if there are any)! I apologize for my silence last Monday as I was on vacation in Boone, NC with my parents, husband, and lots of pups. I hope you all had a wonderful & safe 4th of July.

This post is going to be real thoughts that are going on in my head about running a half marathon in a little less than 7 weeks. I set out to do accomplish this mainly because of some personal things I was struggling with. I have always wanted to push myself to do something like this. This training is real. Lots of running, lots of mileage. So let's get into it shall we?!

[1] I. Am. Terrified. We drove the course while we were in Boone & y'all the first 6 miles are up hill as well as the LAST MILE. Who made this course?! Looks like I will be increasing that incline on the treadmill over the next 7 weeks.

[2] Some days I HATE running. Truth! When I see have a certain amount to get done, I dread it. I live in Austin, TX and y'all it is HOT. I have to run outside a few days a week just so I can keep up my heat tolerance. It ain't pretty. Just call me tomato face.

[3] I am not fast. This race isn't about me finishing a sub 2 hours. It is for completion. This is a total MENTAL game I am playing with myself. My accomplishment is to finish. That's it. 13.1 is a long way y'all.

[4] I apparently have the worst sub-conscience ever. My nightmares have already begun. My first nightmare was that I was running barefoot, I was late to the race start and was dead last the whole way, and I didn't follow the course. Like really?! Get outta here with all that craziness. [Side note: I also had horrible nightmares while wedding planning....I guess it is something I will always have leading up to a big event.]

[5] The REALEST of them all...the dang devil. I have questioned myself several times, WHY did I sign up for this?! I shouldn't be doing this! I will never be ready. I'm going to get tired. What if I don't finish. Y'all....I am telling you...when you are tired, the devil will come in and he will try to wreck you. Ain't. Happenin.

 

[6] To all my friends who see my running posts, I am sorry. No, really. I am. You can slap me later.

I've got 8 miles to conquer today that I should have done yesterday but after being in the car 2 days traveling back from NC...it just wasn't happening. Happy Monday y'all!

xoxo,
Haley

WHAT'S COOKIN' GOOD LOOKIN'

This girl loves to cook. My husband will kill me for typing this but he says girls who cook are good in bed and girls who bake aren’t. Basically the way I cook is I don’t follow directions. I view a menu and a recipe as ingredients and a guideline. So getting creative and doing your own thing makes you better in bed, haha??

But basically I’m a rule breaker and it has been my saving grace in the kitchen. I love Pinterest. I’m so daggum busy. I have 3 little people and sometimes I have to cook during “quiet time/naptime” so I don’t get distracted by them. Not to mention a hot pot on the stove terrifies me around kids. So, my pinterest account has been great to just quickly look and jot down some items to pick up from the grocery store. I don’t even use or remember I have cookbooks.

So, I will just share some very random, INEXPENSIVE, quick things I’ve tried through the dependable Pinterest.

MY KID’S FAVORITE:

·         1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened

·         1/4 cup mayonnaise

·         1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

·         1/4 teaspoon dried basil

·         2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese

·         3-4 Tablespoons miniature pepperoni slices

·         1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

·         1 cup pizza sauce

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a small bowl, use a spatula to blend the cream cheese together with the mayonnaise, garlic powder and dried basil. Mix in 1/2 cup of the mozzarella. Spread the cream cheese mixture in the bottom of a small oven-proof dish or pie plate.

Place half of the mini pepperoni slices in an even layer over top of the cream cheese. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the remaining mozzarella over top, then sprinkle with 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Pour pizza sauce over the cheese and evenly spread, then top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Finish by placing the rest of the mini pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Once the surface of the dip is golden, loosely top with foil to avoid burning. Serve hot with toasted baguette slices (recommended) or breadsticks.

Pasta and Chicken are my Easy Go To and well Bacon makes it yummy and Broccoli makes it healthy!

·         1 tablespoon olive oil

·         1 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless

·         salt and pepper

·         3 cloves garlic, minced

·         2/3 cups heavy cream

·         2/3 cups milk

·         1 cup shredded cheese (use Parmesan, or Mozzarella, or 4-cheese mix)

·         8 oz fettuccine (for gluten free version, use gluten free brown rice fettuccine)

·         2 cups cooked broccoli florets

·         7 strips cooked bacon

·         salt and pepper

Instructions

1.      Heat olive oil on medium-high heat in a large skillet. Season chicken breast with salt and pepper. Cook chicken breast on high heat for 2 to 4 minutes on each side, until browned, then remove the skillet from heat and keep the chicken covered to continue cooking it in its own steam until no longer pink. Remove chicken from the skillet. You can also use pre-cooked chicken. Cut chicken into thin slices.

2.      Add minced garlic to the skillet. Add heavy cream, milk, bring to boil. Add cheese and stir till it completely melts.

3.      Cook pasta according to instructions. Drain.

4.      Add cooked pasta, cooked bacon, cooked broccoli and mix everything in. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with sliced cooked chicken.

My Go To Party Grabs

Caramel Sauce

Ingredients: 
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons vanilla (or 1 teaspoon vanilla and 2 teaspoons bourbon)
pinch of sea salt

Method:
Place sugar in a small heavy sauce pan. Pour water evenly over the top. Turn stove top to medium-high heat. Hold sauce pan by the handle and swirl occasionally until sugar has dissolved. Turn heat to high, and boil until syrup turns brown around the edges of the pan, about 6-8 minutes. Swirl the syrup occasionally until it turns a deep amber and just begins to smoke.
Remove pan from heat. Add butter and whisk, until all butter is mixed in. Stir in cream. Take care adding the butter and cream as the caramel will boil up and sputter quite a bit.
If sauce has any lumps, set pan over low heat and stir until smooth then turn off heat again.
Stir in vanilla and salt. 

And EASY but sure to be eaten are BACON DEVILED EGGS! You already know what to do!

Happy Eating.

Xoxo,

Dana

Hair Color Virgin

I have a confession.....I am (or WAS) a hair color virgin! YIKES! Ok so I am 30 years old and blessed with no gray hairs yet.... and have told myself I would dye my hair when that became an issue. I honestly thought it would by 30 but hey I'll consider myself blessed. One thing I was NOT blessed with was thick hair, but cant win them all. 

I am cautious by nature and also very thrifty so the idea of dropping $150 plus on a haircut and or color sounded nuts to me especially on a frequent basis. I threw around the idea of highlights a few months back but my girl that does hair has been out on medical leave. After our girls trip Rachel and Haley showed me what they had done to their hair recently. I'd never heard of Balayage. It looked like subtle ombre highlights, just what I wanted to try to get my feet wet in the world of hair color. 

I made an appointment with Rachel's girl at Nick's Salon and the rest is history. Not only was I greeted with a glass of rose and pretty faces with fun hair too. I told her an idea of what I wanted but decided to let her have some artistic freedom. 

 

Here's my before...pretty awful and not styled after exercising with my patients all day. 

So what is Balayage? Its a french technique to add subtle highlights to the hair that's painted on with a paddle and brush. Instead of soaking the whole strand in dye its just the top layer painted that is then cured with a clay mixture and a glaze added on top of that. As she explained to me the process I felt somewhat like pottery LOL but I decided to just trust her through the process. Here I am as my dye is setting in for a few min sipping my wine! 

I had no idea what this paint turning white on my hair was actually doing to the hair underneath?!?! I will say the wine helped me care a little less though. She said this method doesn't use foil like regular highlights instead does the curing under the clay mixture. I also have very fine straight hair and am not good at doing waves but after Jamie Lynn achieved the beachy wave look I am determined to replicate it. Here is the no longer hair color virigin! The other great thing about Bayalage is its low maintenance. You can get it done once a year if you'd like even and it will look good even growing out. That's my kinda style! Now it was time for the big reveal after the wash/cut/style. 

What do yall think?! :)

If you're looking for a change and very little upkeep I totally recommend Bayalage!

~Alison