tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61321683456802517162023-08-17T07:07:32.493-05:00Going G-Free"The only thing different about being Gluten Free, is that now, Momma has to learn to cook!!"Alishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06466752587820198367noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6132168345680251716.post-74842655735312306972012-03-07T09:42:00.000-06:002012-03-07T09:42:22.223-06:00Gluten Free Banana Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ER5VdyvaQZg/T1d6mk4HflI/AAAAAAAAAMc/qfJHwTtpIcc/s1600/Banana+Muffins" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ER5VdyvaQZg/T1d6mk4HflI/AAAAAAAAAMc/qfJHwTtpIcc/s320/Banana+Muffins" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Here are my muffins....aren't they pretty...come on just lie to me and say they are!! They taste really good, isn't that all that matters.<br />
<br />
I got the original recipe from <a href="http://www.pamelasproducts.com/recipes.aspx" target="_blank">Pamela's Products</a>, but I've tweaked it just a bit...<br />
<br />
1 3/4 c baking/pancake mix flour<br />
1/4 c butter melted<br />
1/3 c sugar<br />
1 egg<br />
2 tsp vanilla<br />
2 smashed up bananas<br />
<br />
optional: 1/4 c chopped walnuts<br />
<br />
Preheat Oven to 350.<br />
<br />Have Milk and Egg at Room temperature.<br />
<br />
Mix all ingredients together and spoon 2/3 full into cupcake liners in a muffin tin. Bake for 18- 20 minutes. <br />
<br />
Yields 12 muffins, I leave 6 out for breakfast and freeze 6 for the following week. They freeze well. I have not left them frozen for longer than 2 weeks.<br />
<br />
I have made the same recipe adding blueberries and bananas, and Chocolate Chips and Bananas.<br />
<br />
Why all the banana muffins you ask??? Well, Avery hates bananas, but she gets really bad cramps in her legs, so I sneak them in wherever I can so that she can get as much potassium as possible...<br />
<br />
Do you have any sneaky tricks to fool your kids to eat foods they hate?? What food do you not like??<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #518986; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light;"><b>~XOXO~ </b></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #518986; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light;"><b>Alisha </b></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #518986; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #518986;">
<b><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: x-large;">You can often find me <a href="http://goinggfree.blogspot.com/2012/01/places-i-like-to-party.html" target="_blank">at these Parties!</a></span></b>
</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6132168345680251716.post-43931113710487991262012-03-05T11:27:00.000-06:002012-03-05T11:27:52.470-06:00Meal Plan {3/5-3/11}What is going on...The weeks are <span style="font-size: large;">flying by so very fast!!</span><br />
<br />
Spring Break is NEXT week!!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_AJAvOKIsQg/T1KFZRiS48I/AAAAAAAAUiU/e1lEhRxHuWc/s400/Jean+Allsopp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_AJAvOKIsQg/T1KFZRiS48I/AAAAAAAAUiU/e1lEhRxHuWc/s320/Jean+Allsopp.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://brabournefarm.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I haven't gotten anything accomplished. I have a To-Do list a mile long and I just keep adding to it...<br />
<br />
<br />
I was prescribed several new medications with funky side effects:<br />
<ul>
<li>lack of appetite</li>
<li>drowsiness</li>
<li>nauseousness</li>
</ul>
<br />
I didn't think anything of it because usually the side effects don't bother me, but boy, oh boy...I have actually slept 9 straight hours every night since Thursday and food is absolutely disgusting. All I have been able to stomach is a bowl of cereal and yogurt. I am not craving food, I'm not hungry, and the smells actually makes me sick.<br />
<br />
<br />
So this meal plan was lots of fun to write!! I have no idea if any of these meals will actually get made...my poor family may be stuck eating baked potatoes for a week. <br />
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<br />
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Monday (3/5):<span style="color: black;"> Tacos</span><br />
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Tuesday (3/6): <a href="http://goinggfree.blogspot.com/2012/02/quick-easy-enchiladas.html" target="_blank">Enchiladas</a><br />
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Wednesday (3/7): Calzones w/ Caesar Salad <br />
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Thursday (3/8): <a href="http://goinggfree.blogspot.com/2012/01/potatoes-and-sausage.html" target="_blank">Sausage & Potatoes</a></div>
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<br />
Friday (3/9): Chili w/ Corn Bread<br />
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Saturday (3/10): Corn Dogs w/ Tator Tots and Fruit Salad</div>
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<br />
Sunday (3/11): Tuna Salad<br />
<br />
Monday (3/12): BBQ Chicken w/ Veggies and Yellow Rice<br />
<br />
Tuesday (3/13): Not Real Sure...</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Hope you all have a great week!!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><br />
<div style="color: #518986; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light;"><b>~XOXO~ </b></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #518986; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light;"><b>Alisha </b></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #518986; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #518986;">
<b><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: x-large;">You can often find me <a href="http://goinggfree.blogspot.com/2012/01/places-i-like-to-party.html" target="_blank">at these Parties!</a></span></b>
</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6132168345680251716.post-75397284723014186082012-03-02T10:51:00.000-06:002012-03-02T12:45:02.402-06:00Gluten Free Beefy Mac<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-smfsSPfjzoQ/T1DzdDUoCkI/AAAAAAAAALY/fejmo-q33bA/s1600/beefy+mac+%282%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-smfsSPfjzoQ/T1DzdDUoCkI/AAAAAAAAALY/fejmo-q33bA/s320/beefy+mac+%282%29.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Easy, Cheesy, Beefy Mac...The Kid's Favorite Meal!<br />
<br />
1lb Ground Beef (turkey or chicken could do also)<br />
1/4 finely chopped onion<br />
1 clove minced garlic<br />
3-4 overly ripe tomatoes chopped (or a can of diced tomatoes)<br />
Small can of Tomato Sauce & can of Water or left of Spaghetti Sauce <br />
Seasonings of your choice...sometimes I use Taco and sometimes I use Italian...<br />
2-3 cups of shredded cheese of your choice<br />
16oz cooked pasta<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. <br />
Cook noodles and set aside. <br />
Brown and drain the ground meat. Add onion, garlic and seasonings. If you are using fresh tomatoes add them now and cook until onions are soft. Add your liquid to the meat and tomato mixture and cook till well blended. Cover bottom of 9x13 pan with a spoon of sauce and then mix noodles and sauce together.<br />
<br />
Place a layer of the noodle mixture over the sauce and then cover with cheese. Top with remaining noodles and then cover with last of cheese. Cover dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and broil for a few minutes to get the top nice and browned. Let sit for 3-4 minutes, then serve...<br />
<br />
Enjoy!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mJRhL_4Ni7I/T1D6KbCfotI/AAAAAAAAALg/qqMThOQhFJA/s1600/beefy+mac+%281%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mJRhL_4Ni7I/T1D6KbCfotI/AAAAAAAAALg/qqMThOQhFJA/s320/beefy+mac+%281%29.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<br />
<div style="color: #518986; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light;"><b>~XOXO~ </b></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #518986; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light;"><b>Alisha </b></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #518986; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #518986;">
<b><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: x-large;">You can often find me <a href="http://goinggfree.blogspot.com/2012/01/places-i-like-to-party.html" target="_blank">at these Parties!</a></span></b>
</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6132168345680251716.post-27058011352902142162012-03-01T14:13:00.001-06:002012-03-01T14:13:45.773-06:00A New Doctor Experience...Going to a new Doctor's Office is STRESSFUL...yeah I used all caps, cuz that is how I felt this morning...<br />
<br />
I never know exactly <i>who</i> to tell <b>all</b> the info to. Do I tell the poor nurse taking my blood pressure or do I wait and tell the Doctor? I have a long list of issues and the list just keeps getting longer as the years go by.<br />
<br />
I remember when I was 23 the hardest question they asked was when my last cycle started.<br />
<br />
When I was 25 it was when my last shot of hormones was given.<br />
<br />
When I was 27, 28, and 29, I practically lived at my OBGYN's office. I swear I saw him 3 times a week for both of my pregnancies. Why do you have to pee in a cup at each and every appointment? Is one's pee really all that interesting...And why is my pee not interesting now?? No uterus means no more cups?? No idea...<br />
<br />
So anyway, I'm 36 now and I get asked all kinds of hard questions now...and I never know how much to say. I have a ruptured disc in my spin, L5 to be exact, when they ask <span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">"How'd that happen?"</span> Do I tell them I was chasing my son through the Sears parking lot or do I say I took a step when there was actually a step down and fell smack on my tailbone. Then to make matters worse a year later I was rear ended and injured my back even further...I can't sit cross legged anymore...<br />
<br />
Then they say<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> "Well what kind of exercise are you getting?"</span>.....Ummmm, not much...remember the tailbones constantly grinding together, it kinda makes things difficult. "I swim in the warmer months when I have money in the budget to go to the pool."<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">"Your cholesterol is a little higher than we'd like, it is 100, and with diabetes it should really be at 70, have you made any changes to fix that?"</span> Ummm, no, I thought 100 was okay, but as of January I haven't eaten a single fast food meal because my daughter is gluten free. <span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> "Oh, well that would have made an improvement!"</span><br />
<br />
Then we start discussing all the medicines I am on and none of them are the right dosage or even close to being beneficial. That makes me angry. I made this appointment with a new office because I felt my other doctor wasn't listening to me. Now not only was she not listening to me, she wasn't even helping me! <br />
<br />
But there is GOOD NEWS...my A1C dropped from 8.0 to 7.2!! That is awesome!! I have NO IDEA what I am doing to get my diabetes under control, but whatever it is, it is working!! And now that my medicines will actually be effective, my diabetes will get even better!!<br />
<br />
We did the blood panel to test for Celiac. I am not going to do the biopsy. I just cant afford that procedure right now, and from all of the reports I've read the results aren't 100% accurate anyway. I know that eating gluten free makes me feel better, so that is what I'm going to do. I wanted the blood panel for peace of mind mostly.<br />
<br />
I know this is really all over the place, but it was my day at the doctor. My thoughts and what happened... <br />
<br />
What stresses you out when you go to a new doctor? <br />
What LOW impact exercise to you recommend?<br />
How do you pick a new doctor?<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #518986; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light;"><b>~XOXO~ </b></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #518986; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light;"><b>Alisha </b></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #518986; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #518986;">
<b><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: x-large;">You can often find me <a href="http://goinggfree.blogspot.com/2012/01/places-i-like-to-party.html" target="_blank">at these Parties!</a></span></b>
</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6132168345680251716.post-77441380109275117992012-02-28T16:34:00.000-06:002012-02-28T16:34:01.233-06:00To Go or Not To Go to the Warehouse Stores...Warehouse shopping isn't always cheaper. It is actually almost never cheaper, more convenient YES -- less expensive NO.<br />
<br />
However, there are several items that I always buy at my local warehouse store. These are items that we ALWAYS eat and eat LOTS of...<br />
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<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="width: 600px;"><tbody>
<tr align="center">
<td valign="top" width="195"></td>
<td valign="top" width="199"><span style="color: #518986; font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: medium;">Warehouse Price</span></td>
<td valign="top" width="204"><span style="color: #518986; font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: medium;">Grocery Store Price</span></td>
</tr>
<tr align="center">
<td valign="top" width="195"><span style="color: #518986; font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: medium;">Cheese Sticks</span></td>
<td valign="top" width="200"><span style="color: #518986; font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: medium;">48 @ 8.28</span></td>
<td valign="top" width="204"><span style="color: #518986; font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: medium;">24 @ 5.49</span></td>
</tr>
<tr align="center">
<td valign="top" width="195"><span style="color: #518986; font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: medium;">Shredded Cheese</span></td>
<td valign="top" width="200"><span style="color: #518986; font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: medium;">80oz @ 11.88</span></td>
<td valign="top" width="204"><span style="color: #518986; font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: medium;">32oz @ 8.38</span></td>
</tr>
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<td valign="top" width="195"><span style="color: #518986; font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: medium;">Bacon Bits</span></td>
<td valign="top" width="200"><span style="color: #518986; font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: medium;">20oz @ 8.98</span></td>
<td valign="top" width="204"><span style="color: #518986; font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: medium;">3oz @ 2.76</span></td>
</tr>
<tr align="center">
<td valign="top" width="195"><span style="color: #518986; font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: medium;">Salad in a Bag</span></td>
<td valign="top" width="200"><span style="color: #518986; font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: medium;">32oz @ 2.88</span></td>
<td valign="top" width="204"><span style="color: #518986; font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: medium;">9oz @ 3.50</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="195"><span style="color: #518986; font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: medium;">Fuji Apples</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="200"><span style="color: #518986; font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: medium;">6lbs @ 5.98</span></td>
<td style="text-align: center;" valign="top" width="204"><span style="color: #518986; font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: medium;">1lb @ 1.99</span></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #518986; font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: medium;"></span><br />
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<br />
Other items that we often save money on are Strawberries, Roma Tomatoes, and Generic Claritn.<br />
<br />
You have to be smart when shopping at a warehouse stores, think about what items are on sale and what items you can buy at your grocery store with coupons.<br />
<br />
Warehouse shopping is a great place to stock up on all those items you know you have to have, but only if the price is right. I wanted to stock up on Tuna the last time I went and was very disappointed that the price per a can was actually about 25 cents more expensive than my grocery store. You have to pay attention to the Unit Price Sticker and remember the prices from your grocery store.<br />
<br />
Learning how to read these little stickers was the first truly 'grown-up' & responsible thing I did. There are tons of sites out there that can explain them better than I, so I will leave that up to google. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hwj4OgnZAkA/T01OPYJkmDI/AAAAAAAAALQ/tMtTMWTWDy0/s1600/unit_pricing_300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hwj4OgnZAkA/T01OPYJkmDI/AAAAAAAAALQ/tMtTMWTWDy0/s1600/unit_pricing_300.jpg" /></a></div>
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Here is my Grocery List Price Sheet that I use all the time. I only add items that I buy often and items that have varying prices. Feel Free to print or download, and I hope it helps you like it has helped me...<br />
<embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="400" src="http://www.box.com/embed/y3uuqnd09un8m52.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="600" wmode="opaque"></embed><br />
<br />
<br />
While at your warehouse store, think about other things you've been thinking about purchasing. For example, I have wanted a new broom for awhile. We have hard wood floors and a black lab, I sweep 2-3 times a day! I wanted a broom with a LONG handle (I'm very tall), I wanted the handle to be very sturdy and not come unscrewed while I swept. I also wanted a wide head. I wanted it it cover as much floor space as possible....I wanted a lot!! I looked everywhere, and nothing was the right price or the right quality. Low and behold I found the absolute perfect broom in the industrial cleaning section at my local warehouse store for a whopping low price of $8.00. The little flimsy ones at Wal-Mart weren't even that inexpensive.<br />
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Warehouse shopping is a hit or miss, you can save big but if not paying attention you could also spend big! So if you've never shopped at a warehouse, keep these tips in mind and double check your prices. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I am in NO WAY a budget savvy frugalista, but I try. </div>
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So, please take my tips with a grain of salt, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and if you have better tips for shopping at a warehouse store, PLEASE share them...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we are all trying to save a few pennies here and there.</div>
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Thanks!!</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #518986; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light;"><b>~XOXO~ </b></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #518986; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light;"><b>Alisha </b></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #518986; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #518986;">
<b><span style="font-family: Shadows Into Light; font-size: x-large;">You can often find me <a href="http://goinggfree.blogspot.com/2012/01/places-i-like-to-party.html" target="_blank">at these Parties!</a></span></b>
</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6132168345680251716.post-91532308381932293812012-02-27T18:49:00.000-06:002012-02-28T13:59:52.202-06:00Meal Plan {2/27-3/4} Changes<br />
This week went by so very fast!! I was not prepared at all for today's meal plan.<br />
<br />
Avery and I have been sick...we have the crude....coughing, hacking, fever, sore throat, all over feeling yucky!!<br />
<br />
Due to the vast amount of time spent cuddled on the couch, I have been fiddling with a new theme....do you like?? Can you tell that aqua is one of my favorite colors? If you find any pieces out of order please let me know so that I can fix it. I am not an HTML/CSS code expert, but I know a thing or two.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A1BAl-XxKKM/T0LpMJXbM8I/AAAAAAAAAJE/zbrOW5zc_sk/s1600/Blog_Background_shabbymissjenndesig-1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A1BAl-XxKKM/T0LpMJXbM8I/AAAAAAAAAJE/zbrOW5zc_sk/s200/Blog_Background_shabbymissjenndesig-1.jpg" width="200" /></a>So I am in the mood for soup, yummy comforting soup...maybe because I haven't felt good.<br />
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Monday (2/27):<span style="color: black;"> Fajita Salad</span><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://goinggfree.blogspot.com/2012/02/chili-cheese-chalupas.html" target="_blank"></a></span></div>
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Tuesday (2/28): Pasta Fagioli</div>
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Wednesday (2/29): Chicken & Wild Rice Soup<br />
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Thursday (3/1): Leftovers</div>
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Friday (3/2): Pizza Rolls<br />
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Saturday (3/3): Ribs</div>
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Sunday (3/4): Salad & Sandwiches<br />
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Monday (3/5): Chicken & Rice Casserole<br />
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Tuesday (3/6): Not Real Sure...<br />
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I have several recipes to post so please check back often...</div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I link up every week at <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday" target="_blank">Organizing Junkie</a>,
because even before we started this Gluten Free way of life and I wrote
out our meals on the backs of envelopes or kid's school work, I always
visited her site for inspiration.
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<center><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=1h8555" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i43.tinypic.com/1h8555.jpg" /></a></center>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6132168345680251716.post-38052559709721116642012-02-27T11:29:00.000-06:002012-02-28T14:00:22.027-06:00Chocolate & Peanut Butter BarsSaturday I got the urge to bake. It may have been because my son was rummaging around the kitchen looking for anything that would half way resemble a cookie. Poor kid, we haven’t had any cookies in a while…I should have waited till Sunday to start this ordeal seeing as it was already almost 9pm.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QhMbkFWFi4E/T0u3Amu4tsI/AAAAAAAAAKw/dxTcJ_bKVN0/s1600-h/IMAG0042%25255B11%25255D.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PiLb2UQN-jc/T0u3BB-ZUHI/AAAAAAAAAK4/0NPqzxByAAQ/IMAG0042_thumb%25255B13%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;">At first I think its ruined…</span><br />
The recipe I am adapting says to cook for 30 minutes, but when I check it at 22, the sides are already too brown for my liking. I do the tooth pick test and the center is still gooey…I was not sure what to do. I covered it with foil and turned the oven off, figuring it was a lost cause anyway.<br />
In every book and blog I have read, every author stresses the importance of taking whatever you are making out of the pan and letting it cool on a rack. So in my attempt to do that I lost the majority of the middle of the cookie bars. It broke apart into two clean pieces, no crumbling or anything…<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Feeling Completely Dejected, I covered it in foil and went to bed… </span><br />
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My son, who would eat anything with a little chocolate in it, decided he was going to have the first taste test. (at 7am) My daughter, who is a bit more picky about her sweets had the second taste test. (7:05am) And then, when they woke up my husband with chocolate smeared all over their mouths, he decided to join them in the taste testing… <br />
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Their official responses were “tastes kinda like a scone”, “not pretty, but very yummy”, and “can you add more chocolate chips next time”.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zSyIVf9WSO4/T0u3BsHjTEI/AAAAAAAAALA/ugh0hy4cyxQ/s1600-h/IMAG0045%25255B15%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img align="left" alt="IMAG0045" border="0" height="514" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Nsw_tTl1rmY/T0u3CFvwjxI/AAAAAAAAALI/cGB_wMxxUzw/IMAG0045_thumb%25255B16%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMAG0045" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">adapted from </span><a href="http://www.bakerella.com/i-hope-you-have-chocolate-chips-handy/" style="font-weight: normal;">Bakerella</a></h3>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Congo Bars </span><br />
2 3/4 c. GLUTEN FREE FLOUR (Bob's Red Mill)<br />
<strike>2 1/2 tsp. baking powder</strike> (already in flour mix)<br />
1/2 tsp. salt<br />
2/3 c. butter, softened<br />
2 c. brown sugar<br />
3 eggs<br />
1 tsp. vanilla<br />
1 package milk chocolate chips<br />
1 c. chopped pecans (optional)<br />
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<span style="color: red;">I added 1 cup Chunky Peanut Butter mixed with 1/2 cup powdered sugar. I roughly mixed it into the already prepared batter and then spread it in the pan.</span><br />
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sift flour, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Set aside. Combine butter and sugar using a mixer until blended. Add eggs, one at a time to sugar mixture, mixing on low in between each addition. Add vanilla and mix. Add flour and mix until combined. Stir in chips and then pecans.<br />
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Coat a 9x13 pan with non-stick spray and spread batter evenly into dish.<br />
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Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until top is golden brown. Make sure you don’t over bake.<br />
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Inspired by <a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2012/02/congo-bars-recipe.html" target="_blank">Six Sisters' Stuff </a><br />
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See where <a href="http://goinggfree.blogspot.com/2012/01/places-i-like-to-party.html" target="_blank">I Link Up</a>...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6132168345680251716.post-88562450053486721142012-02-24T08:38:00.000-06:002012-02-26T07:18:46.527-06:0010 Day YOU Challenge: {Day 2} 9 Loves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wMzEb6ib7fA/Tz4TGhiAltI/AAAAAAAAAGs/8-OzYykyNcs/s1600/10dayblogchallenge_thumb11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wMzEb6ib7fA/Tz4TGhiAltI/AAAAAAAAAGs/8-OzYykyNcs/s320/10dayblogchallenge_thumb11.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">9 Loves</span></div>
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This is going to be so super easy, too easy...</div>
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My first thought was to list off 9 foods that I <i>really</i> <i>really</i> love and have yet to replace in a gluten free replica. </div>
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But, there really aren't 9 foods that I can't have, only one...</div>
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So, when I lived in Miami, I lived in Coconut Grove, which is a more upper class area of Miami. I was a hick from Texas, working at a deli that sold $1000 bottles of wine and fresh bagels made daily.<br />
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If you've never had a fresh bagel, you are in for a treat. They taste nothing like what is sold at the grocery store. They are soft and so very chewy, mmmmm, just good!!<br />
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1)The only way to eat a bagel in my opinion is with cream cheese, tomato, and salt & pepper. I LOVE THIS!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Effloresce; font-size: large;">I am thinking the rest of the list will be pretty straight forward...Maybe a picture or two…</span><br />
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2) Pedicures. I love to go get a pedicure. Not only do I get pretty toes, but I get time with my girlfriends and a bonus back massage. (all of the spas here have massaging pedicure chairs)<br />
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3) My husband's shoulder/chest...there is this spot that my head fits perfectly. No matter what is happening, if I lay down in that spot, and he plays with my hair, I will pass out and sleep like a baby for at least 4 hours. I love that he lets me take a nap when I need one. I love that there are days that he says "come on you need to go take a nap." I love that, even though my insomnia is a hassle and really a major pain in the rear, he is understanding most of the time.<br />
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4) My son's imagination. He is amazing! When he was about 3, we watched <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20src=%22http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=30ACC1&t=goigfre-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=tf_til&asins=B000NIVJEU%22%20style=%22width:120px;height:240px;%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20marginwidth=%220%22%20marginheight=%220%22%20frameborder=%220%22%3E%3C/iframe%3E" target="_blank"><u><b>Eragon</b></u></a>. For months after, he would tell me stories about his dragon that lived on our roof and ate his corn dogs. His dragon took all the leaves off our oak tree for his bed and then sneezed and they got all over our yard. His dragon also decided that he was only allowed to eat chocolate and broccoli. That one was a little difficult! His imagination has matured as he has...he now draws robots and creates lego master pieces. He plays with his voice, creating a new sound every 5 minutes. This may not actually be a love...most of them are high pitched & squeaky!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5IVXkSbKTGc/T0c-Cz8tHgI/AAAAAAAAAKU/_KVZCm87hGg/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5IVXkSbKTGc/T0c-Cz8tHgI/AAAAAAAAAKU/_KVZCm87hGg/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
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5) "Oh I'm a pepper He's a pepper She's a pepper We're a pepper Wouldn't you like to be a pepper too!" I am a HUGE Diet Dr. Pepper Drinker...I probably have more DDP in my blood stream than actual blood. Yes, I drink that much...<br />
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REFORMED as of a week ago (2/13), I have not had a drop of DDP...I went through detox & everything!!<br />
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6) Cracking open a new book and falling in love. I LOVE to read. I love learn about the characters and picture them in my head. I really do not like watching a movie before I've read the book. If left a lone, I could sit and read an entire book cover to cover, in an afternoon.<br />
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7) Watching my children grow. I always hated when people would say, "You'll understand when you're a mother", but, here I am saying it...They is just no way to put into words the exact emotion that comes from watching your child grow. It is joy, love, fear, sadness, excitement, and so much more all rolled into one...I love it!<br />
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8) Winter. I love Winter...but I have to explain...I live in South Texas, we have 9 months of sweltering 100 degree summer, and 3 months of bipolar winter. I say bipolar winter, because Mother Nature just can't decide what to do...<br />
Here is an actual weather forecast<br />
<ul>
<li>Monday 50 & Foggy</li>
<li>Tuesday 87 & Humid </li>
<li>Wednesday 70 & Foggy</li>
<li>Thursday 60 & Drizzle</li>
<li>Friday 50 & Rain</li>
<li>Saturday 90 & Humid</li>
</ul>
And we all wonder why we keep getting sick. It is wet, then dry, then hot, and then cold...<br />
I would love to live in a climate that had all 4 seasons, with trees that changed colors and you actually needed to own a winter coat. <br />
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9) My Husband and Children...they are my everything. I love them more than anything else. Without them none of the above would matter at all. We are a small little family, but we are strong and solid. We laugh at each other and with each other, we help when help is needed and we support without being asked. We love with our whole hearts and we do our best to always share our true feelings.<br />
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To learn all there is about me visit the <a href="http://goinggfree.blogspot.com/p/who-are-we.html" target="_blank">Who are We page</a>.<br />
You can also read about my <a href="http://goinggfree.blogspot.com/2012/02/10-day-you-challenge-day-1-10-secrets.html" target="_blank">10 Secrets here. </a><br />
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<a href="javascript:void((function()%7Bvar%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)%7D)());"><img alt="Pin It" onclick="doPinIt();" src="http://i39.tinypic.com/29y0g7a.jpg" style="margin: 0 0 -5px 0;" /></a></center>
<center><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=1h8555" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i43.tinypic.com/1h8555.jpg" /></a></center>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6132168345680251716.post-83866280282799429192012-02-21T13:36:00.000-06:002012-02-26T07:19:15.170-06:00Avery's Design Board {Room Make Over}<br />
There is so much to do in Avery's room.<br />
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Her furniture is tattered and trashed looking compared to the <a href="http://goinggfree.blogspot.com/2012/02/averys-extreme-room-make-over-part-1.html" target="_blank">crisp pretty new walls</a>. <br />
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I browsed Craigslist last night and there wasn't a single item under $50. I don't know where all these DIY crafters live that get all these hideous pieces of furniture and then turns them into masterpieces...I even keep my eye out for any dumpster dive worthy furniture...nothing!! Maybe I need to go drive around a different town...lol<br />
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I have pinned a few pictures of inspiration. Most everything is bright and crisp...Not sure what Avery will say. I know she wants Bright Pink, Light Orange, and Green, like a jade green color....she wants a <span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: magenta;">bri</span><span style="color: orange;">ght</span><span style="color: #b6d7a8;"> <span style="color: lime;">che</span></span><span style="color: cyan;">ery</span></b></span> room!!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/42643527691590714_vqjTwiDU_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/42643527691590714_vqjTwiDU_f.jpg" width="240" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://projectnursery.com/projects/chloes-nursery-2//" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/42643527691590680_PgGlD5qd_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/42643527691590680_PgGlD5qd_f.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.allthingsthrifty.com/2011/04/pink-furniture-is-fun.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ThriftyHomeDecorationsAndAccessories+%28Thrifty+Home+Decorations+and+Accessories%29&utm_content=Google+Reader/" target="_blank">source</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/185773553348513774_koQhyybY_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/185773553348513774_koQhyybY_f.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/alisonturner/house/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/42643527691590692_Dk2eYgUy_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/42643527691590692_Dk2eYgUy_f.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=487904/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/95490454568567056_9Kw5PXPs_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/95490454568567056_9Kw5PXPs_f.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">no longer available on etsy :(</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Please tell me what you think!! Any tips on where I could find CHEAP furniture??<br />
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Have a great day!!<br />
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Linked Up<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/" target="_new">Show Me What You Got @ Not Just a Housewife</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.tipjunkie.com/" target="_new">Homemeade Projects @ Tip Junkie</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.homemakeronadime.com/" target="_new">Creative Bloggers' Party @ Homemaker on a Dime</a></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://somedaycrafts.bhttp//somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/search/label/WGWlogspot.com/search/label/WGW" target="_new">Whatever Goes Wednesday @ Someday Crafts</a></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></li>
</ul>
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<a href="javascript:void((function()%7Bvar%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)%7D)());"><img alt="Pin It" onclick="doPinIt();" src="http://i39.tinypic.com/29y0g7a.jpg" style="margin: 0 0 -5px 0;" /></a></center>
<center><a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=1h8555" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i43.tinypic.com/1h8555.jpg" /></a></center>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6132168345680251716.post-52907688861987534152012-02-21T03:55:00.000-06:002012-02-26T07:19:37.909-06:00Avery's Extreme Room Make Over {part 1}<div style="text-align: center;">
We have been very busy this weekend!! </div>
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FYI...This is a long post... </div>
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Currently the entire Contents of Avery's room is spread out in the hall, our bedroom, and the living room. </div>
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Her room has been gutted and stripped bare down to the concrete floors....</div>
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Non of this was really in the plans for this weekend. It has been in the talks, but it was always a distant future that we would tackle the kids rooms...</div>
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We purchased our home in 2000. It is a very basic starter home, no frills, bells, or whistles. When we moved in, we were young, poor and too scared to touch anything. We left everything contractor white until 6 months into my pregnancy with Avery. Bed rest be damned, I was determined to paint a mural on those walls! I think I finally stopped adding stuff to it when she was 3. It would have been sooner but I had to go paint a boys mural too...</div>
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So, then Avery, my very artistic and wise WAY beyond her years started adding to the mural as well. I painted a sky with clouds, flowers and luvbugs. She decided there needed to be a tree with a beehive and bees. Also birds, birds of every color that Sharpie makes...I searched all 50 million files for a picture of her room and this was all I could find...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E5IEPfInBDU/T0NgCOT2j0I/AAAAAAAAAJM/LvazKAFHG7M/s1600/Avery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E5IEPfInBDU/T0NgCOT2j0I/AAAAAAAAAJM/LvazKAFHG7M/s320/Avery.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tA_VHpeIdIU/T0Ngb18uCtI/AAAAAAAAAJU/4mMKWzXmSMc/s1600/Avery%27s+Rm+Decorations+%284%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tA_VHpeIdIU/T0Ngb18uCtI/AAAAAAAAAJU/4mMKWzXmSMc/s320/Avery%27s+Rm+Decorations+%284%29.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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About two years ago, I just couldn't take it anymore and started talking about painting her room. She said she wanted Pink. So I went to Lowes and bought 4 different paint samples of Pinks that I approved of...We all agreed on one and a few days later my husband comes home with a gallon of paint. He and Avery lock themselves in her room and emerge a few hours later looking like a bottle of Pepto Bismol exploded on them...I swear!! Avery is jumping with joy, Bob is grimacing, and I am laughing. It was the worst color I'd ever seen. The paint it's self was the worst quality I'd ever seen...It was bad all the way around...We left it because we were in the middle of replacing flooring in half our house. p.s....Bob, forgot to take the paint sample with him and just picked a pink at random...<br />
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So now, here we are, Avery was just re-diagnosed with Asthma. Our carpet is horrible...I mean really really horrible. We have replaced the carpet in the front half of the house with wood flooring and we were eventually going to get to the bedrooms, but it was low on our priority list. Well, thanks to a peeing dog, Avery's room got bumped up to doin it now. <br />
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Saturday we moved everything out of her room. My house already looked like a train wreck now it looks even worse...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cbl-ZoWzazQ/T0Nkncp_kfI/AAAAAAAAAJc/HT1atE1HEYU/s1600/CIMG1279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cbl-ZoWzazQ/T0Nkncp_kfI/AAAAAAAAAJc/HT1atE1HEYU/s320/CIMG1279.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The boys ripped out her carpet and cleaned up the floors...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MXiAVuU68dQ/T0NlrcOR4II/AAAAAAAAAJs/ptO9voECwT4/s1600/CIMG1272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MXiAVuU68dQ/T0NlrcOR4II/AAAAAAAAAJs/ptO9voECwT4/s320/CIMG1272.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g_xtF7FuYxQ/T0Nlmx5kgsI/AAAAAAAAAJk/sl3NONz1cuw/s1600/CIMG1271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g_xtF7FuYxQ/T0Nlmx5kgsI/AAAAAAAAAJk/sl3NONz1cuw/s320/CIMG1271.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Sunday Avery and I spent the day at Lowes picking out paint...all her choice, my only input was a no on that really dark one in the top right corner.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lVo2_VKWd_Y/T0NmpNZKG3I/AAAAAAAAAJ0/lmJdBQajFdo/s1600/CIMG1278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lVo2_VKWd_Y/T0NmpNZKG3I/AAAAAAAAAJ0/lmJdBQajFdo/s320/CIMG1278.JPG" width="316" /></a></div>
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Today we painted, we painted, and painted...and then painted some more!! Guess what...we need more paint to paint more!!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KTx5PJql9qA/T0Nnm-_0OXI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/6_z3b7le2FU/s1600/CIMG1283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KTx5PJql9qA/T0Nnm-_0OXI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/6_z3b7le2FU/s320/CIMG1283.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fI7sNg8w0j8/T0Nnu47GSMI/AAAAAAAAAKE/Cu_cQGpaAd4/s1600/CIMG1276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fI7sNg8w0j8/T0Nnu47GSMI/AAAAAAAAAKE/Cu_cQGpaAd4/s200/CIMG1276.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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Stay tuned for part 2!! I have to put it all back together and seriously need to refinish a dresser!!<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Linked Up</span><br />
<a href="http://diyshowoff.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span></span></a></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://craftomaniac.blogspot.com/" target="_new">CraftOManic Monday @ CraftOManic</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/" target="_new">Just Something I Whipped Up @ The Girl Creative</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.tipjunkie.com/" target="_new">Homemeade Projects @ Tip Junkie</a> </span></li>
</ul>
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<br />
Avery's latest medical discovery...Asthma. I'm not too surprised. Both Avery and Cole were born with it. We live in an extremely humid climate and due to their father's side of the gene pool they have HORRIBLE allergies.<br />
<br />
But around the time that they were 4ish, they stopped wheezing and the breathing treatments were needed less and less, their pediatrician said they grew out of it. I was fine with that and put the whole thing behind me, never to think of again...<br />
<br />
FYI...you never grow out of asthma. It just lays dormant for a while. I didn't know that.<br />
<br />
So anyway, Avery is back on all the breathing treatments and I am trying to figure out how I am going to fit an additional $150.00 into our monthly budget.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A1BAl-XxKKM/T0LpMJXbM8I/AAAAAAAAAJE/zbrOW5zc_sk/s1600/Blog_Background_shabbymissjenndesig-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A1BAl-XxKKM/T0LpMJXbM8I/AAAAAAAAAJE/zbrOW5zc_sk/s200/Blog_Background_shabbymissjenndesig-1.jpg" width="200" /></a>Pink Floyd's <i>Money</i> keeps running through my head. I have daydreams of winning the lottery, and although I'd miss my husband, wish he'd go back to his old job working 70 hours a week. Oh, those were the days...<br />
<br />
So, this Gluten Free meal plan is all about eating on the cheap. Easy, Kid Friendly, Quick, and Cheap...my favorite kind of meals...<br />
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<br />
Monday (2/20):<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1440719137"> </a><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://goinggfree.blogspot.com/2012/02/chili-cheese-chalupas.html" target="_blank">Chili Chalupas</a></span></div>
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Tuesday (2/21): <a href="http://goinggfree.blogspot.com/2012/01/not-another-baked-potato.html" target="_blank">Not Another Baked Potato</a></div>
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Wednesday (2/22): Spinach Fritata<br />
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Thursday (2/23): Chicken Tacos<span style="color: red;"></span></div>
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Friday (2/24): <a href="http://goinggfree.blogspot.com/2012/01/texmex-skillet.html" target="_blank">Tex-Mex Skillet</a><br />
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Saturday (2/25): Chicken Chili</div>
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Sunday (2/26): Tuna Salad<br />
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Monday (2/27): <a href="http://goinggfree.blogspot.com/2012/02/quick-easy-enchiladas.html" target="_blank">Quick and Easy Enchiladas</a><br />
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Tuesday (2/28): Not Real Sure...</div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I link up every week at <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday" target="_blank">Organizing Junkie</a>,
because even before we started this Gluten Free way of life and I wrote
out our meals on the backs of envelopes or kid's school work, I always
visited her site for inspiration.
</span><br />
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<center>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Leftovers</span></span></div>
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They are a NO GO in my house(<a href="http://goinggfree.blogspot.com/2012/02/bobs-chicken-noodle-soup.html" target="_blank">reason here</a>). </div>
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So I have to get very creative when we have them. </div>
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9 times out of 10 I eat them for lunch or send them with Avery for lunch.</div>
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However, there is that rare time when we have so much food left over there is no way I'd want to eat Chili for 5 days straight. So I usually freeze the food for a week or two then make a new meal.</div>
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Here is a super simple freezer to plate in 20 minutes or less meal...</div>
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Chili Cheese Chalupas.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QO4rtuOlZzw/T0Gfxa_vp2I/AAAAAAAAAIg/nMK5HNaUnEo/s1600/chili+chalupas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QO4rtuOlZzw/T0Gfxa_vp2I/AAAAAAAAAIg/nMK5HNaUnEo/s320/chili+chalupas.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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What you need:</div>
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Chalupa Shells</div>
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Refried Beans</div>
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Chili</div>
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Cheese</div>
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Lettuce</div>
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Onion</div>
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Tomato</div>
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Sour Cream</div>
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Salsa</div>
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Guacamole</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VXjgTkLp7Qk/T0Gf22XLtTI/AAAAAAAAAIo/_l1bQeueCfY/s1600/chili+cheese+chalupas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VXjgTkLp7Qk/T0Gf22XLtTI/AAAAAAAAAIo/_l1bQeueCfY/s320/chili+cheese+chalupas.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S5p1ukyc0sU/T0Gf56X_a9I/AAAAAAAAAIw/JeSPYSin5IQ/s1600/chili+cheese+chalups+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S5p1ukyc0sU/T0Gf56X_a9I/AAAAAAAAAIw/JeSPYSin5IQ/s320/chili+cheese+chalups+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hope you like it!! </div>
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What do you do with leftover Chili??<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Linked Up</span><br />
<a href="http://diyshowoff.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span></span></a></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://craftomaniac.blogspot.com/" target="_new">CraftOManic Monday @ CraftOManic</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/" target="_new">Just Something I Whipped Up @ The Girl Creative</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.tipjunkie.com/" target="_new">Homemeade Projects @ Tip Junkie</a></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></li>
</ul>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vRtj_wfplzI/T0GbPc03YKI/AAAAAAAAAIY/3-UP7FDrOgM/s1600/Woman-on-couch-with-laptop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vRtj_wfplzI/T0GbPc03YKI/AAAAAAAAAIY/3-UP7FDrOgM/s320/Woman-on-couch-with-laptop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I blog surf. I have done it for years. There are several blogs that I follow and read often, but majority of the time, I am clicking from one blog to the next. I have found some of the best blogs by doing this. <br />
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I followed a link to <a href="http://ohamanda.com/" target="_blank">oh, Amanda</a> and started reading a posted entitled <a href="http://ohamanda.com/2011/06/02/no-niche-memoir-blog/" target="_blank">No-Niche Memoir Blog</a>, which really made me start thinking about my blog. <br />
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I write 75% of the time about food. But not recipes that I have created. Just meals in general. Gluten Free Meals. 25% of the time I just blog. I would like to 'just blog' more often. I have a lot of thoughts swimming in my head, but I often think to myself " would anyone what to read about that or do they care about the dresser I painted?"<br />
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But tonight, I clicked on a link to a site that I seriously think I am going to sit down and read every single post. <a href="http://www.kellehampton.com/" target="_blank">Enjoying the Small Things</a>. The author of this blog, in my opinion, is brilliant. Her writing spoke to me. I think I have a serious girl crush.<br />
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I am going to quote a response she posted to a question on her <a href="http://www.kellehampton.com/2011/12/big-faq.html" target="_blank">FAQ page</a>.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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<i>Q: It seems there are so many categories of moms these days, especially on blogs. What kind of mom do you consider yourself?</i><br />
<br />
A:
"Just a mom. I don't want to sum up what kind of mom I am in one word
because that's limiting. I don't like being put in a box and I'm way too
impulsive to fit into just one category. <a href="http://www.kellehampton.com/2011/04/great-many-things.html">I've written about this before</a>,
but I think sometimes we feel like we can't explore a new area if we
don't completely fit in the box. Like "I'd really like to buy that
vintage plate because I love it, but my house is too contemporary and
I'm not really Vintage Girl." Who says you have to be just one thing?
Buy the damn plate if you love it. Our society is fabulous at
pigeon-holing people and identifying them into categories as if they
have to abide by a certain set of rules--and judgement and assumption
often follows. We've identified the urban mom, the hipster mom, the
churchy mom, the homeschool mom, the wild mom, the funny mom, the
divorced mom, the laid back mom as if once you have a label, that's all
you can be. That's so constraining and yet, I admit, I fall victim to
the labeling. Like I thought I couldn't make my own laundry soap because
it meant I'd also have to drive a hybrid car. Holding a solid faith and
dancing out with the girls don't have to be opposites. Having a home in
a suburban neighborhood doesn't mean I can't funk it up with crafts and
cherished kitsch. And writing about "the small things" certainly
doesn't mean I don't pay attention to "the big things" in life too. I
want to passionately explore a multitude of areas in life and, while
some areas might bubble to the surface with noticeable expression, some
simmer beautifully and quietly underneath--not to be forgotten. I'll dip
my toes into different hobbies and ways of life if I feel drawn to
them, and I won't let the box of "who I'm supposed to be" stop me for a
hot second. And I learn--oh, do I learn from so many other kinds of moms
who continually broaden the definition of motherhood with their insight
and experience. We're women. We are multi-faceted. We don't have to fit into a box. We
follow our own rhythms and we celebrate our movements that may change
over the course of aging, mothering, learning, exploring, loving.<br />
<br />
I follow my instincts and listen to my heart. <i>That's the kind of mother I am</i>."</blockquote>
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<br />
After reading that, do you too feel like you have put yourself in a box? I know I have. I know I have seen a plate that I loved, but didn't purchase it because it didn't go with the theme of my house...<br />
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<i><b>I</b></i> am the theme of my house. <i><b>We</b></i> (my family and I) are the themes of our house. We make it a home, not the French Country Curtains or the Traditional Couch. <br />
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So long story short,<br />
<br />
Yes, This is a GLUTEN FREE blog, but it is also a blog about my life, our lives. What we do, what we eat, and where we go.<br />
<br />
There are 50 million blogs out in the blogiverse. I am a tee-tiny little fish in that sea. I am not looking to compete with any of them, I just want to have a place to go, write down all the thoughts in my head, and document our lives.<br />
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I hope you all stay along for the ride. <br />
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I'd love to hear your thoughts on this post,<br />
Thanks <br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1tpEyFQqxXE/T0BUGV8U0wI/AAAAAAAAAIE/eruzNMECin8/s1600/I-actualy-made-something-i-pinned-in-pinterest-1+%28640x640%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1tpEyFQqxXE/T0BUGV8U0wI/AAAAAAAAAIE/eruzNMECin8/s200/I-actualy-made-something-i-pinned-in-pinterest-1+%28640x640%29.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://stacymolter.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I made the yummiest dinner tonight all in thanks to <a href="http://onceamomalwaysacook.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Once a Mom always a Cook</a>. Have you been to her blog, OMGoodness...very yummy food!! And most of her recipes are naturally Gluten Free or easily adaptable.<br />
<br />
Tonight I made her recipe for <a href="http://onceamomalwaysacook.blogspot.com/2012/02/egg-roll-stir-fry.html" target="_blank">Egg Roll Stir Fry</a>. It was surprisingly easy and good. It really does taste just like the inside of an egg roll. The recipe is enough to feed an army!! I'm wondering if I can freeze the left overs???<br />
<br />
Honestly, I had never purchased a cabbage before. It isn't a vegetable that we eat often. When I want coleslaw, I just buy the pre-made stuff at the grocery deli. If in the mood for Chinese food...we go out. Is there any other recipe that calls for cabbage?? See, we really don't eat it often.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0L_p8voToCo/T0BR2tq9vVI/AAAAAAAAAH8/8ML24PX0rQY/s1600/eggroll+stirfry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0L_p8voToCo/T0BR2tq9vVI/AAAAAAAAAH8/8ML24PX0rQY/s400/eggroll+stirfry.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Very GOOOOD!!</div>
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Hmmm, what to cook tomorrow...</div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Well, Good Bye Domino's and HELLO Chebe!!</span></blockquote>
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Tonight I made a homemade pizza that was pretty darn good. The crust was crispy and chewy in all the right places, seasoned perfectly, and loaded with all of our favorite toppings.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.chebe.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Chebe</a> bread mixes are naturally gluten free and based off of a Brazilian type of bread. Chebe states that "If you have a perfectly done Chebe roll it would be crispy on the
outside and if you pull apart a baked piece of Chebe Bread, you would
see that the center will stretch together for one or two inches before
the two pieces would separate."</blockquote>
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This first time I baked <a href="http://www.chebe.com/Home.aspx" target="_blank">Chebe</a> rolls, I was a little nervous about the texture, but the taste confirmed that it was done and it was GOOD!! I am a fan on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ChebeBread" target="_blank">Chebe Facebook page</a>, when I had a question about the texture, I received a response almost immediately. I thought that was pretty cool!!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dBaNA1kPlog/Tz95F39iWtI/AAAAAAAAAH0/y26pTRYGD6s/s1600/chebe+bread+ingred.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dBaNA1kPlog/Tz95F39iWtI/AAAAAAAAAH0/y26pTRYGD6s/s320/chebe+bread+ingred.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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From start to finish our pizza was ready in about 20 minutes. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x-ib_zoVKSI/Tz94s_xI_yI/AAAAAAAAAHk/O-gcRlTNXYY/s1600/chebe+ball+of+dough" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x-ib_zoVKSI/Tz94s_xI_yI/AAAAAAAAAHk/O-gcRlTNXYY/s320/chebe+ball+of+dough" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k0x0MJvXd14/Tz94uw6hXSI/AAAAAAAAAHs/w0LL7UCFvdE/s1600/spreading+dough" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k0x0MJvXd14/Tz94uw6hXSI/AAAAAAAAAHs/w0LL7UCFvdE/s320/spreading+dough" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--XPktGjfn0w/Tz94rLg2jmI/AAAAAAAAAHc/K7u8PPlUl3k/s1600/Pizza" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--XPktGjfn0w/Tz94rLg2jmI/AAAAAAAAAHc/K7u8PPlUl3k/s320/Pizza" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am actually having fun discovering new foods to cook...</div>
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who woulda thunk cooking could be fun...</div>
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<center><a href="http://sixsistersstuff.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh517/CamilleBeckstrand/sistersatbutton.png" /></a></center>
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<a href="javascript:void((function()%7Bvar%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)%7D)());"><img alt="Pin It" onclick="doPinIt();" src="http://i39.tinypic.com/29y0g7a.jpg" style="margin: 0 0 -5px 0;" /></a>
<a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=1h8555" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i43.tinypic.com/1h8555.jpg" /></a></center>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6132168345680251716.post-16136781943900621092012-02-17T08:30:00.001-06:002012-02-26T07:21:54.204-06:0010 Day YOU Challenge: {Day 1} 10 secrets<div style="text-align: center;">
I am being a copy cat. </div>
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Doing what the cool kids do. </div>
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Following along like a sheep... </div>
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Which, if you knew me at all is completely against my grain. </div>
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I don't follow memes, I am the leader of the pact not the sheep blindly following...</div>
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Why, you ask am I being a copy cat and following along....</div>
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well, because...</div>
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This is AWESOME!!</div>
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I am also smart enough to know I don't have to reinvent the wheel when there is a super awesome one right next to me...</div>
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So, a few days ago I was blog surfing {my favorite activity} and discovered <a href="http://becauseithinkican.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Because (I think) I Can</a>. The name alone pulls me in, I love it!! I am skimming along looking over craft projects(very cool), pictures of kids(too cute!), secrets, huh? What? Secrets...I stop and really read. She explains that she has never really talked about '<i>Who is</i> Because (I think) I Can', and I think..."hmm neither have I"... then I think, "well, I haven't because it's hard!"</div>
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So, I continue to read Leanne's <a href="http://becauseithinkican.wordpress.com/tag/10-day-you-challenge/" target="_blank">challenge posts</a> and they are funny and serious and I feel as though I know her. She would be an awesome friend to have. </div>
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So, I am posting my own YOU Challenge posts. Like Leanne, I am gonna spread this out and not do it all in 10 days. I don't think you all need to know that much about me that fast...lol. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wMzEb6ib7fA/Tz4TGhiAltI/AAAAAAAAAGs/8-OzYykyNcs/s1600/10dayblogchallenge_thumb11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wMzEb6ib7fA/Tz4TGhiAltI/AAAAAAAAAGs/8-OzYykyNcs/s400/10dayblogchallenge_thumb11.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Alright...Day 1....10 Secrets....<br />
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1) I can't sing to save my life. Really...I can't sing!! Not only can I not hold a tune, I can't remember song lyrics..<br />
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2) Speaking of Memory...I have NONE. I can't remember what I ate for breakfast let alone what happened two months ago. People will say, "Don't tell anyone this is a secret" and I'm like 'ohh, its okay, I wont remember what you told me in an hour.' It's not that I don't take stock in the event, I just honestly can't remember. <i>I have to look in my children's baby books to remember their time of birth stats.</i><br />
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3) I am a closet Twilight Junkie...Yes, I am one of those TwiMom Fans who has read the FanFic and all...<br />
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4) You know that Perky Perfect person in high school that you wanted to barf on every time you saw them? Well, mine grew up to be a labor and delivery nurse! Yep...My Perfect Perky Barf worthy classmate was the person who got to tend to me while I recovered from my first C-section. I may or may not have said some ugly words to her...<i>I can't remember.</i><br />
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5) I once told my children that if they didn't behave I was going to lock them in the closet. I was not serious at all but they stopping fighting. I tried it again a few months later thinking I'd get the same results...My daughter looked at me all serious and said..."You can't do that Momma. There aren't any locks on the closet doors." She was 4. That was the day I realized my children (specially daughter) was smarter than me!<br />
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6) I have NO IDEA what I want to be when I grow up. Before my children were born, I worked in the educational field. Then I worked in Business Management. But I have been a Stay at Home Mom since 2007. I have tried off and on to go back into management, but really why hire me, who has watched Disney for the last 4 years, or some kid fresh out of college. Looking at my resume, I would pick the college kid. No baggage, cheap, and easy to mold.<br />
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7) There are days that I drop the kids off at school then come home and check my email and facebook,. Then log on to Pinterest and before I even realize what has happened my phone is beeping at me to tell me it is time to pick up the kids. I am still in my PJs. <br />
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8) When I was a teenager, I didn't have any rules or structure at all. I am often amazed that I survived. The term raised by wolves could apply. I am in a constant internal debate on how I want to parent my own children. Knowing I don't what to give them what I had, but also not wanting to overcompensate for my own lack of parental guidance. I had to learn lessons the hard way. I learned them and they made me a strong independent individual, I want that for my children. But also I don't want them to learn <i><b>all</b></i> the hard lessons that I learned. <br />
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9) I don't take a shower everyday...and honestly have know idea when I shaved my legs last. {Leanne--I haven't had a baby in 8 yrs, don't feel bad about that one}<br />
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10) I own 16 pairs of yoga pants. 12 of them are black or should I say varying shades of black. I own 22 Old Navy Tees in every color but white. I own 8 pairs of flip flops. 1 pair of tennis shoes and 2 pairs of converse. I own 2 pairs of jeans.<br />
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Wow! </div>
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This was a lot harder than I thought it would be!! </div>
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<a href="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/" target="_blank" title="I Heart Nap Time"><img alt="I Heart Nap Time" src="http://www.iheartnaptime.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/logo_Sundae2.png" style="border: none;" /></a></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6132168345680251716.post-79751873233124724972012-02-16T10:14:00.000-06:002012-02-16T10:25:05.271-06:00No Cooking Needed…<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Being Gluten Free can sometimes feel limiting. Can sometimes feel like a cloud following you around, a constant reminder, that ‘YEP, things are different now’…</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Pretty pictures inspire me, remind me, and motivate me…</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">So, today I have a collection of pretty pictures to remind us{me} that Gluten Free food can be fun and easy. Very yummy, kid friendly, and of course lazy mommy approved.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Veggies:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://annies-eats.net/" target="_blank"><img height="370" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/197665871114561324_kNSO59wj_f.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto;" width="253" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Store Bought Hummus and some quick chop veggies! Making hummus is as easy as pulling out your food processor/blender if you feel so inclined.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://yelp.com/" target="_blank"><img height="410" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/181481059953681424_qCnvM4tZ_f.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto;" width="328" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">A bag of salad, a container of grape tomatoes and a few slices of peppers or onions and you too could be eating this plate of beauty! </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Be careful which dressing you choose to top your salad.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">FRUIT:</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The SUPER
Food…I could eat fruit for every meal and still want some for a snack. I
love a wide variety of fruit, but Strawberries will always be my
favorite.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> <img height="399" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/194358540138234410_U6eBYpNK_f.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto;" width="268" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><img align="left" height="329" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/85075880430277413_ujR5xoAY_f.jpg" style="display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 10px;" width="230" />Strawberries and cream…either yogurt or ice cream!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">While we have the fruit out, there are a few other things to make. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><img height="207" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/118923246379736957_pRkNR5TW_f.jpg" style="margin: 0px 10px;" width="284" /><img height="211" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/156851999491493365_MosfM03U_f.jpg" style="margin: 0px 10px;" width="285" /><a href="http://island-oasis.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">island-oasis.tumblr.com</a><img height="233" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/132645151494377721_dVBd3OLN_b.jpg" style="margin: 0px 10px;" width="235" /></span></div>
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Guilty Pleasure:</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: small;">When all else fails and you just want that grab and freedom that the rest of the world have….you would never guess exactly how great a batch of Salsa and Chips can make you feel. Full, spicy, and just enough salt to get you over that crunchy salty craving. And because salsa is full of GOOD FOR YOU tomatoes you can eat tons of it…(not the chips though)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://kayotic.nl/" target="_blank"><img src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/193514115208058086_BLTVfkvr_f.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto;" /></a></span></div>
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NUTS:</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: small;">You know those little bitty snack size baggies that aren’t good for much…they are great for nuts!! Fill up a few with handfuls of nuts, dried fruit, chex cereal, and any other item your heart desires(marshmallows) and leave them everywhere…then when you are out and about…You have a snack ready to go…no thinking necessary… <img height="307" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/57702438945161407_xXNcFURn_f.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto;" width="244" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">
There are other foods that are Gluten Free as well, but these caught my eye today. Easy, no cooking, minimal mess, travel well, and if purchased in season you can get these item fairly inexpensively. </span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Please let me know what quick snacks you like have around. What do you do when you need inspiration or motivation? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">P.S....I have linked the pictures that had recipes back to the source on Pinterest, the others were google images. </span></span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6132168345680251716.post-82917033990303625302012-02-15T10:31:00.002-06:002012-02-16T00:38:02.750-06:00Testing Out Windows Live Writer…<h2 align="left">
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I have heard that it is much easier to format your posts using this program.</h2>
<span style="font-family: 'A Cut Above The Rest'; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'A Yummy Apology';"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'A Cut Above The Rest'; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'A Yummy Apology';"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'A Cut Above The Rest'; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'A Yummy Apology';"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'A Cut Above The Rest'; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'A Yummy Apology';"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'A Cut Above The Rest'; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'A Yummy Apology';"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'A Cut Above The Rest'; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'A Yummy Apology';"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'A Cut Above The Rest'; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'A Yummy Apology';"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'A Cut Above The Rest'; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'A Yummy Apology';"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'A Cut Above The Rest'; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'A Yummy Apology';"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'A Cut Above The Rest'; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'A Yummy Apology';"></span></span><span style="font-family: 'A Cut Above The Rest'; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'A Yummy Apology';"></span></span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: 'A Cut Above The Rest'; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'A Yummy Apology';">I</span> do <span style="font-family: 'Alte Schwabacher';">have</span> <span style="font-family: Ambrosia;">all</span> <span style="font-family: 'American Text';">of</span> <span style="font-family: 'all used up';">my</span> <span style="font-family: 'Alcohol Licks';">fonts</span> <span style="font-family: Asenine;">available</span> to <span style="font-family: 'Alte Caps';">play</span> with… <span style="font-family: Asenine;">not that I would go crazy like that all the time. I also have better <span style="font-family: 'Alcohol Licks';"><span style="color: #4f81bd;">c</span><span style="color: #ff0080;">o</span><span style="color: yellow;">l</span><span style="color: lime;">o</span><span style="color: #2bd0c8;">r</span></span> control. </span></span></h2>
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If I was an emoticon type of person I could have a field day…<img alt="Devil" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-devil" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PkKGI7bDUP4/Tzvdz08BwKI/AAAAAAAAAFs/z9o03vFCBAs/wlEmoticon-devil%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /><img alt="Freezing" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-freezing" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lN86B9nqP2Q/Tzvd0FXXPeI/AAAAAAAAAF0/v2uJCsg5chk/wlEmoticon-freezing%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /><img alt="Sick smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-sicksmile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wXmOgbe3Lis/Tzvd0RBe3pI/AAAAAAAAAF8/RCod20SCYCE/wlEmoticon-sicksmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /><img alt="Just kidding" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-justkidding" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-izwFCfv1gJs/Tzvd0l1fR8I/AAAAAAAAAGE/Eq3yHIhWOwk/wlEmoticon-justkidding%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" />But what I think I like the best so far is the automatic spell corrector!! I couldn’t win a spelling bee to save my life and here I am writing for the world!! I am sure you are are all shaking your head at all of my typos and horrible configured sentences. I can’t help it! I just start typing and it all just flows out…like I’m having one really long conversation with myself…the experts (<a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/">Pioneer Woman</a>) says to write as if I was talking to my sister. I am really goofy. Well, my sister says I am…so I’m pretty sure y’all think I am too…lol<br />
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Ohhh, I like that…I can add a separator too…<br />
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BUT…I can’t push enter to go to the next line…what’s up with that? I just discovered that backspace will undo everything you just did…like inserting a picture and erasing text…here, lets try that again…<br />
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<h3>
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1FkC9X2wiJ4/Tzvd0tZg_OI/AAAAAAAAAGM/B7Ax8A2bxzk/s1600-h/1.5%252520yrs%252520avery%25255B19%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="1.5 yrs avery" border="0" height="103" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sSKK_LjRAL4/Tzvd1GAq01I/AAAAAAAAAGU/AmJnNbAEbVM/1.5%252520yrs%252520avery_thumb%25255B15%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="1.5 yrs avery" width="66" /></a></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Pupcat; font-size: large;"> This is avery when she was 1.5 years old. yeah, I know, she is a cutie…she knew she was a cutie!!</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ti9tFwHeFCE/Tzvd1kCdTcI/AAAAAAAAAGc/vKgGqWKHhrg/s1600-h/SANY2309%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="SANY2309" border="0" height="331" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zMg7Z7MuD1c/Tzvd1x51RII/AAAAAAAAAGk/QUe_euERLJQ/SANY2309_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="SANY2309" width="277" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Pupcat; font-size: large;">And here are Avery and Cole this Christmas…They really are very silly!!</span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">So, in all seriousness, this program is very easy to use. It makes several post formatting tasks very simple. But, unless I am doing something wrong…the simplest task…hitting enter to go to the next line…is not available…that is just silly!! </span></span></h5>
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There are tons of picture formatting options, like watermarking, frames, and even simple color retouching. Hmmmm, it even has making a table as an insert!<br />
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If one of my readers uses this program, could you please tell me if I am missing something, because I really do not like that I can’t push enter to get to the next line…so silly…see I told you I was a goof!</h1>
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Okay<br />
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<br />
, that’s it for my fun experimenting…(this was really all just to avoid going to the grocery store)….Off to the grocery store I go…Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6132168345680251716.post-3823749679724349112012-02-14T14:24:00.000-06:002012-02-14T14:24:55.062-06:00My Dream Kitchen...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg307/kinneybrundrett/cleankitchen/CIMG1203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg307/kinneybrundrett/cleankitchen/CIMG1203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I like my kitchen. <br />
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It is nice. <br />
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Reds, Blues, & Yellows...<br />
Trying for the 'French Country' Look....<br />
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I have lived in it for 12 years. <br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I would love something new...</span></b></blockquote>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/56787645271237691_JQjiYnNH_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/56787645271237691_JQjiYnNH_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bhg.com/kitchen/cabinets/styles/kitchen-cabinet-door-ideas/?sssdmh=dm17.542720&esrc=nwhi081111&email=1381346667#page=4" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/218213544414703941_TDjuvm1H_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/218213544414703941_TDjuvm1H_f.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/blondeepisodes/amazing-interiors/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/175077504233841441_3FWdOWPs_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/175077504233841441_3FWdOWPs_f.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://younganddomestic.wordpress.com/2012/01/27/faux-whoa-whoa/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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This is just tooo cute!!</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/275001120965821501_on7tvLHP_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/275001120965821501_on7tvLHP_f.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.moredesignplease.com/moredesignplease/2011/4/28/inspiration-colorful-kitchen.html/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I would say I have a theme...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not too sure those colors would go great with the deep reds of the family room which is attached to the kitchen...</div>
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our chocolate leather couch would look very good with the blue though...</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Hmmm, who wants to come over for a painting party?? </div>
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<center><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%20http://diyshowoff.com/category/pinterest" target="_blank"><img alt="The DIY Show Off" border="0" src="http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac195/Roeshel/pinterestpinfestbutton.jpg" /></a></center>
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<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6132168345680251716.post-12624540743290015022012-02-14T11:23:00.000-06:002012-02-19T03:39:27.514-06:00Just Don't Eat Wheat<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Just don't eat Wheat." </blockquote>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z_evwPIgIoY/TzqbCyoylKI/AAAAAAAAAFc/uzuC6H-esxY/s1600/wheat10a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z_evwPIgIoY/TzqbCyoylKI/AAAAAAAAAFc/uzuC6H-esxY/s320/wheat10a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
How hard could that be. </div>
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When you first think Gluten Free or Celiac Disease, that is the thought that comes to mind. </div>
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Then you do research and it is so much more than just wheat. As if one could say <i>"just wheat"...</i></div>
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You find pages and pages of lists like this one: </div>
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<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">
DON’T EAT THIS<br /><br />Wheat in any form (includes white flour, all-purpose flour, wheat flour, pastry flour, cake flour, bread flour, spelt, emmer, farro, bulgur, durum, einkorn, couscous, wheat berries, farina, graham, kamut, matzo, semolina, wheat starch, triticale) and ingredients made from those items (bread, pasta, pizza dough, cakes, cookies, pies, breadcrumbs, croutons, etc). Soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, and other wheat-based sauces, unless specifically labeled gluten free. Seitan also contains wheat.<br /><br />Barley this includes the grain itself and products made from barley malt: malt vinegar, barley malt syrup, malted milk, etc.<br /><br />Rye<br /><br />Beer unless it’s gluten free<br /><br />Oats oats don’t inherently contain gluten, but are often cross-contaminated. Try certified gluten-free oats if you can tolerate them.<br /><br /><br />from <a href="http://www.laurabrussell.com/?gluten101=eat-thisnot-that">Laura B. Russell, Notes from a Gluten Free Kitchen </a></blockquote>
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<h2 style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">
THEN YOU DO MORE RESEARCH...</h2>
<br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Modified Food Starch is GLUTEN</span></span></b><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Modified starch, also called starch </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derivative_%28chemistry%29" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">derivatives</a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">, are prepared by </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_change" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">physically</a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">, </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enzymatically" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">enzymatically</a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">, or </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemically" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">chemically</a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> treating native </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starch" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">starch</a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">, thereby changing the properties of the starch.</span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modified_starch#cite_note-Vaclavik-0" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">[1]</a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Modified starches are used in practically all starch applications, such as in food products as a </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thickening_agent" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">thickening agent</a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">, </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food_additive#Categories" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">stabilizer</a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> or </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emulsifier" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">emulsifier</a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">; in </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pharmaceutical" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">pharmaceuticals</a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> as a </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Excipient#Disintegrants" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">disintegrant</a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">; as binder in </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coated_paper" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">coated paper</a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">. They are also used in many other applications. </span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><h2>
</h2>
<br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;">This stuff is in EVERYTHING!! </span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Did you know wheat is in Wall Paper Paste, yeah...crazy...I know! It can all become very overwhelming. There were days were I wanted to throw every single item in my kitchen away. There were days when I just had to laugh at myself. And there were a few day that I really did just sit down and cry.</span><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Being Gluten Free is more than just wheat. Wheat is more than just Wheat...It is vitamins, shampoo, and wall paper paste. I promise the first month is hard. Adjusting to anything is hard. </span><br />
<ul style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
<li>The first month of grocery shopping and weeding through your cabinets is time consuming. </li>
<li>You may find yourself standing in the aisle at your local grocery store talking to a box of Uncle Ben's Rice.(NOT GF) </li>
<li>Your husband may tell you that food is more important than him. </li>
<li>Pinterest may become your best friend.</li>
</ul>
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<br />
But, I also promise that it gets better. <br />
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Here is what I have learned about the DO NOT EAT LIST....practically every condiment, combined spice, and recipe staple is on the LIST. Pinterest has great recipes---Everything from Ranch Dressing to Cream of Whatever Soup. I actually like cooking, it is the cleaning after that has always been my downfall. It is easier to make what I need than have to read all the tiny print and worry, or to call the 1-800 number. Sometimes calling the 1-800 number will get you coupons :). And lastly being Gluten Free isn't a death sentence. It isn't horrible. It is just different and it takes dedication, time, planning, and patience.<br />
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<br style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">P.S.</span><br style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> This info is also on </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1004043663" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Laura B. Russell</a><a href="http://www.laurabrussell.com/" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">'s website</a><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">, it really helps to explain how once foods leave their natural or whole state, they can become glutened. I have just discovered her recipes and really look forward to trying a few. Please visit her site for information on her cookbook </span><a href="http://www.laurabrussell.com/my-book/" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The Gluten Free Asian Kitchen</a><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">. </span><br style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" /> <br style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> BE SKEPTICAL</span><br style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" /><br style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Once a food ventures from its original state, it is suspect. If there’s more than one ingredient listed on a package, read it. It may be perfectly safe, but you’ll need to do your homework before drawing that conclusion. Remember: the more additives, the harder it will be to decipher. Be on guard.</span><br style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" /><br style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Examples:</span><br style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" /><br style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Green tea is gluten free, but flavored teas could contain gluten, possibly in the form of barley malt sweetener.</span><br style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" /><br style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">A roasted turkey is gluten free. Sliced deli turkey could contain gluten as a binder.</span><br style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" /><br style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Homemade salad dressing, made from olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs is gluten free. Bottled salad dressings may contain gluten as a thickener.</span><br style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" /><br style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Always check labels on soups and broths, candy, deli items, sauces and condiments, dairy products (ice cream, sour cream, buttermilk…can potentially contain gluten), anything packaged, processed, or “flavored”. Even prescription medications, vitamins, and supplements are at risk.</span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6132168345680251716.post-17072890285422978742012-02-13T02:46:00.000-06:002012-02-13T12:38:07.691-06:00Meal Plan {2/13-2/19} Making Do...So, as I have said in the past....I am great at making a plan. It is the follow through that I struggle with....<br />
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Last week I made a wonderful meal plan, I had it all mapped out, wrote out my grocery list and then went to the store and blew all of my food money on crap. That is really the only way I can explain it. I came home with crap. No meat, no eggs, not even the yeast I needed to make my dough....I did at least get toilet paper and milk. Those two items were on my list.<br />
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I blame the children. If they hadn't been with me then I wouldn't of spent all of my grocery money on crap. Yes, the crap was editable food, but nothing to make an actual meal with unless you consider Marshmallow Pebbles a meal. You could eat them with a side of Danimal Crush Cups...<br />
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So this week, I have a few things left over from last week and I have sworn to NEVER go to the grocery store with my children again!!!<br />
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Monday (2/13): <span style="color: black;">Beefy Mac {Homemade GF Hamburger Helper}</span></div>
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Tuesday (2/14): {Crockpot} I Love My Husband Ribs w/ Mashed Tators and Veggies</div>
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Wednesday (2/15): Grilled Chicken w/ Yellow Rice and Salad<br />
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Thursday (2/16): {Crockpot} 15 Bean Soup w/ Sausage <span style="color: red;">(from last week)</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p0EbzGC_kBs/TzjRO5b846I/AAAAAAAAAFE/Y2fz-nAWXHs/s1600/gusto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p0EbzGC_kBs/TzjRO5b846I/AAAAAAAAAFE/Y2fz-nAWXHs/s200/gusto.jpg" width="163" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new Fiesta Ware Bowls!!!! I <3 Fiesta
Ware!! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Friday (2/17): Chicken Spaghetti *Recipe to come <span style="color: red;">(from last week)</span><br />
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Saturday (2/18): Pork Stir Fry <span style="color: blue;">{The Hubs is in Charge}</span><br />
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Sunday (2/19): Fajitas<br />
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Monday (2/20): Left Overs<br />
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Tuesday (2/21): <a href="http://goinggfree.blogspot.com/2012/02/bobs-chicken-noodle-soup.html" target="_blank">{Crockpot} Chicken Noodle Soup</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I link up every week at <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/category/menu-plan-monday" target="_blank">Organizing Junkie</a>, because even before we started this Gluten Free way of life and I wrote out our meals on the backs of envelopes or kid's school work, I always visited her site for inspiration.
</span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6132168345680251716.post-30983597171025342902012-02-13T00:48:00.000-06:002012-02-13T00:48:43.402-06:00Kid Friendly- Gluten Free -Snacks {Lazy Mom Approved}Since being GLUTEN FREE what we eat has changed. Our kitchen has done a 180....Our snacking habits have too.<br />
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We are definitely eating a better quality of food and the quantity has lowered considerably. I am not sure why that is, I guess whole foods fill you up faster and longer than all those gluten rich crackers and cookies do...<br />
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So, here is a list of what we eat from breakfast to lunch to after school snacks. They are all quick, simple, and kid friendly. If it is something I cook, I cook it in mass and keep extra in the freezer. I will update this list with recipe links and pictures as I make the next batch of goodies. Most is pretty self explanatory though...<br />
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BREAKFAST</blockquote>
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<ul>
<li>Yogurt with Honey Nut Chex crumbled on top.</li>
<li>Super Fancy Fruit and Yogurt Parfait {<a href="http://goinggfree.blogspot.com/2012/01/meal-plan-21-27-mighty-potato.html" target="_blank">Picture</a>}</li>
<li>Pamela's Muffins, I add blueberries or bananas to the batter. Make 2 batches at once. Kids nuke for a minute and YUMM, breakfast is done.</li>
<li>Eggies To Go Cups {Recipe coming soon}</li>
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LUNCH</blockquote>
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<ul>
<li> Cut Cheese Stick in half (width) & wrap w/ Lunch Meat. x2</li>
<li>Kabob Skewer loaded with Black Olives, Grape Tomatoes, Peperoni, and Chunks of Cheese. Could add other pizza topping...</li>
<li>Waffle PB&J...I make a huge batch of waffles, she eats them like bread. I've used GF Bisquick Mix and Pamela's mix, so far the Bisquick was better for waffles.</li>
<li>LEFT OVERS...I bought Avery one of those <a href="http://www.target.com/p/Thermos-Food-Jar-Pink/-/A-13271705" target="_blank">$15 Thermos</a> way back in the day...it is the best!!! It keeps her lunch warm for hours!! I nuke her food in the morning fill up the thermos and tada her lunch is done!! </li>
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SNACKS</blockquote>
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<ul>
<li>Popcorn Chex Mix {My Favorite}</li>
<li>Popcorn with any topping</li>
<li> Fruit, Fruit, Fruit...LOTS of Fruit!! </li>
<li>Rice Cakes with Jelly {Avery's Favorite}</li>
<li>Bananas drizzled w/ Hershey's Syrup {Cole's Favorite}</li>
<li> Veggies, Veggies, Veggies....LOTS of Veggies!!</li>
</ul>
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<div style="color: magenta;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">POPCORN CHEX MIX</span></div>
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Pop 1 bag of Microwave Popcorn.</div>
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In a gallon sized baggie add the following:</div>
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1/2 cup Wal-Mart Brand Trail Mix. Mountain or Indulgent</div>
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1/2 cup Honey Nut Chex</div>
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1/2 cup Rice Chex</div>
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Now add the popped popcorn, be sure to leave the unpopped kernels out of the mix.</div>
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Seal and shake well to mix up....</div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Eat and enjoy!! </span><br />
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<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6132168345680251716.post-44917800087822029552012-02-11T15:44:00.002-06:002012-02-14T16:13:57.300-06:00Potato Soup in 1 Hour!If you pay any attention to my <a href="http://goinggfree.blogspot.com/search/label/meal%20plan" target="_blank">Meal Plans</a>, you will have noticed, I have completely been astray this week...oh well, schmit happens.<br />
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In South Texas, one of our cold fronts is a nice Spring day to most. No matter where you live, temperature dropping below 50 degrees and being wet and rainy all day, is a great excuse to cook up some bone warming, comforting soup. <br />
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Baked Potato Soup is my most favorite soup of all. It is so rich and creamy. One little cup will fill you up for hours, and if cooked properly you really can taste all the flavors of a Baked Potato.<br />
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I have been playing with this recipe for years. I do that...I am really not a go by the book cook. As you can tell. My measurements are in chunks and handfuls. I use what I have on hand and make due with what the outcome is, most times it is really very good.<br />
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So I present to you Potato Soup in about an hour...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LpGEi8ZJCxg/Tzbah_lNRDI/AAAAAAAAAE8/APUkUpYtzvQ/s1600/potato+soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LpGEi8ZJCxg/Tzbah_lNRDI/AAAAAAAAAE8/APUkUpYtzvQ/s400/potato+soup.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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6-8 Roughly peeled and chopped baking potatoes.<br />
Boil in 4 qts water with a generous amount of salt.<br />
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Once the largest chunks of potato are starting to get tender, pour out 1/2 of the water. Add a large chunk of Velvetta, 1 stick of butter, 1 qt Milk, 1 box of Broth (chicken or veggie), 1 handful of Bacon Bits and Sharp Cheddar Cheese, and 1 wooden spoon full of sour cream.<br />
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Stir all of that together until the Velveeta has melted and the sour scream is completely blended into the soup. Now add whatever seasoning you like. I keep it simple..Salt and LOTS of Pepper. Simmer and stir till you are ready to eat.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
If your soup is not as thick as you would like you can add a pinch or two of Instant Mashed Potatoes or more Velveeta.<br />
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If your soup is too thick, add more milk and/or broth.</blockquote>
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Serve with Cheese and Bacon Bits.<br />
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*I have added left over steamed chopped veggies many times and it is always very very good. I chop them with my Pampered Chef hand chopper until they are tiny little pieces. It is a great way to get more veggies in and use up leftovers :)<br />
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<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6132168345680251716.post-31535391663428782122012-02-10T11:27:00.000-06:002012-02-13T15:13:35.560-06:00Bob's Chicken Noodle SoupMy husband likes to take over the kitchen about once a week. Do I complain...hell no!! On occasion he makes some pretty tasty dishes. My favorite is his Chicken Noodle Soup.<br />
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Here is what you need:<br />
1 Handy Dandy Slow Cooker<br />
3-4 Chicken Breasts<br />
Bag of Noodles (any shape)<br />
Chicken Stock <br />
Carrots (as many as you like)<br />
Celery (2-3 stalks)<br />
Onion (1 small)<br />
Garlic<br />
Mrs. Dash<br />
Salt & Pepper<br />
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We have a LARGE family sized slow cooker, so everything is based on filling and feeding a family of 4 with plenty of leftovers. You can adjust this to the amounts you need.<br />
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Fill crock of slow cooker with 4-6 cups Chicken Stock. <br />
Chop Chicken and Carrots into bit sized chunks and add to broth.<br />
Slice Celery and dice Onion, then add to broth.<br />
Add a table spoon or so of minced Garlic. <br />
Season as much as you'd like. <i>My husband thinks Mrs. Dash seasoning is the best in the world and goes a bit crazy with it...</i><br />
Cover and set to high about 4 hours.<br />
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When soup is done---<br />
Cook noodles in a separate pan.<br />
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To Serve----<br />
Each Bowl gets a scoop of noodles, then a slotted spoon of meat and veggies, then a ladle of broth.<br />
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Eat and Enjoy!<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
NOTES--</blockquote>
I know it seems funny to cook and serve it all separately. My husband has a few quirks from childhood, we all do...just to give you an idea of where he is coming from.....His mother would cook a can of whatever on Monday and still be serving the leftovers on Friday. My poor, sweet, husband had no idea that green beans were suppose to be CRISP. So, we have hardly any canned food. Left overs have to be a completely different meal. And I own no Tupperware small enough to hold 2 tablespoons of mac-n-cheese.<br />
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Do you have left over Taco Meat?? Do you LOVE Mexican food as much as we do? Do you want a quick filling cheap meal idea?<br />
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Well, I've got one for you...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t6CLWodSF-M/TzRbRHR2S2I/AAAAAAAAAC0/mKfuPJCMN0s/s1600/IMAG0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t6CLWodSF-M/TzRbRHR2S2I/AAAAAAAAAC0/mKfuPJCMN0s/s200/IMAG0005.jpg" width="133" /></a>Preheat oven to 350.<br />
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Dump a large can of Rotel and a Chunk of Velveeta into a medium sauce pan. Stir well.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-unzR9fWiFrM/TzRsO_xBhpI/AAAAAAAAADI/hkOeqLsjO8k/s1600/IMAG0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-unzR9fWiFrM/TzRsO_xBhpI/AAAAAAAAADI/hkOeqLsjO8k/s200/IMAG0006.jpg" width="133" /></a>Once the cheese is almost melted, dump the left over Taco Meat into the pan. Stir Well. I used Hamburger, but this can be made with any meat you have on hand. <br />
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Spray a baking dish with oil and put a layer of corn tortillas in the bottom of dish. You could also use stale chips. I am using both in this dish.<br />
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Now, layer one third of the meat mixture, and a good sprinkle of shredded cheese.<br />
Repeat layers like a lasagne, ending with a topping of shredded cheese. Cover with foil. Bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake an addition 10 minutes.<br />
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Serve with Sour Cream, Pico de Gallo, Avacados, Rice & Beans, Salad, anything really.<br />
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Super Duper Easy! Super Duper Yummy!<br />
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Enjoy :)<br />
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Also linked up at the <a href="http://becauseithinkican.wordpress.com/2012/02/19/3rd-sleepy-sunday-linky-party" target="_blank">Sleepy Sunday Linky Party</a></div>
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