Pinterest Cooking

Recently I have rediscovered my love for cooking, especially trying new recipes.  This has been pushed recently by seeing amazing foods on Pinterest. 

Last weekend I made a cinnamon roll cupcake with a cream cheese frosting.  Simply put they were gone at Derek’s work by 10:30 on Monday.  AMAZING.

This weekend I made a chocolate cupcake with a vanilla butter cream frosting.  While the cupcake was dense and the frosting was, as always, amazing it wasn’t our favorite chocolate cupcake.  I am however glad we tried it.

The other night for dinner we made another Pinterest find of a Chicken Bacon Casserole. They call it “Crazy Good Casserole” that just isn’t descriptive enough for me. I did not take any pictures of this but I will add the link so anyone is free to check it out.  Since it’s the new year and for a couple months now Derek and I have been trying to “watch” our food intake we halved this recipe. Even while halving it there was plenty for the two of us for dinner plus 2 leftovers for lunches.

Ingredients:

• 2 bonelss, skinless chicken breast
• 4 strips of bacon (we used Kroger Turkey Bacon)
• 1 can cream of chicken soup (we used the 98% fat free)
• 1 cup cheese (we used Cheddar, and you’re going to split this)
• 8oz of spiral pasta
• ½ tablespoon garlic powder (we used A LOT more because as Derek said “have you ever tasted anything with too much garlic?”)
• Salt and pepper to taste
   

Cook bacon in pan and then set aside.  In the same pan cook up cubed chicken.  Add the garlic powder and salt and pepper to taste. 

While the chicken is cooking boil noodles and get a 9x9 pan ready by spraying with non-stick spray.  Preheat oven to 400˚F.

Once pasta is complete mix together cream of chicken soup, chicken, half of the cheese and pasta.  Add to the 9x9 baking dish.  On the top put the remaining amount of cheese and bacon.  Cook until cheese is melted, around 10-15 minutes.

This meal was amazing.  While we only made half the calories were a little on the high side at 2,240 for our whole meal, but as I said it makes a lot. We ended up with two 820 calorie dinner servings and two 300 calorie lunch servings.

We decided that we will be making this again; especially since it is better for us than our normal comfort food of Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake.

Next weekend I am going to try a new cookie recipe, so I will post how that is.  For anyone interested in possibly making the Chicken Bacon Casserole Recipe above, please click the following link Chicken Casserole.

Cookies are coming next weekend so...

Here's To The Next Pinterest Recipe!!

 

 

 

Summer Summer Summertime!!

Wow ok I suck.  Let’s get that over with. I know it’s been forever since I’ve wrote a blog…BUT I’m going to try…again.  I will start this with a relatively long post then.

So today is September 1, 2013 why not go over my favorite things from this past summer. Sounds simple enough since we only a few short weeks until summer is officially over.

First are my must have cosmetics…sorry guys you can please just ignore this section and well maybe this whole blog unless you use this to get one of those special women in your life (i.e. significant other, mother, sister etc).

1)      Maybelline New York 24 Hour Color Tattoo

a.       No. 55 Inked in Pink

b.      No. 25 Bad to the Bronze

These are amazing as base formulas for additional eye shadows or me being lazy this summer just by themselves.

2)      Nivea Lip Butters

a.       Carmel Cream Kiss

b.      Vanilla and Macadamia Kiss

I love all the lip butters, but these smell/taste amazing and moisturize better than any other lip balm or butter that I’ve tried before.

3)      Aveeno Clear Complexion

This is a very light but full moisturizer for the face.  I love most if not all of the Aveeno products but this summer this is what I’ve lived by to help clear up my skin.

4)      Organix – Moroccan Argan Oil Body Lotion

This body lotion not only smells amazing it also works wonders for the bumps and dry skin on the back of my arms.  It actually makes them smooth and reduces my redness from the bumps.

5)      Maybelline New York “The Falsies – Flared” Mascara

This product is by far the No. 1 make-up product that I use.  I could have no other make up on and if I want to feel amazing I apply this and my eyes pop.  No need for fancy mascaras I 100% believe that this is the best and it would be hard to convince me otherwise.

6)      Victoria Secret – Very Sexy Touch Perfume

A very light musk smell…that I can’t live without.  It smells like summer to me vs. the other musk that reminds me more of winter.

7)      Forever 21 LA: Love and Beauty Nail Lacquer

These nail polishes were very cheap and are probably the best neon colors I have.  Obviously with any neon if you want it to look brighter use a white as a solid base coat. I love them and they are probably the best deal on nail polish that I’ve run into this summer.

OK now that ramble is over additional things that I’ve loved this summer would include the following:

Concerts: Brad Paisley, Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Luke Bryan, The Backstreet Boys and the two remaining Toby Keith and Jason Aldean.  I just love concerts and concert season to me is summer!!

Music: One Direction. While I probably can’t match names to the guys’ faces I love their music.  It honestly is one of the best pick me ups that I have found this summer. So as Derek says “You are in love with them musically not their looks.”

Animal: My puppy.  He was sick this last week and wouldn't eat. I became so scared because honestly he has become my best friend the past couple months.  We tend to do everything together and well he’s kept me sane when I go to have my breakdowns about finding work.  

Oh and I should add another favorite animal would be hummingbirds.  My mother-in-law bought me a hummingbird feeder for my birthday and now there are 7 of them that flock to it!!

Books/Authors: Nora Roberts (any) and Jaci Burton

People: Besides my husband who keeps me “normal”, there are actually two couples that I would put into this category.  First our new friends the Pitchers.  Jordan works with Derek and his wife have been joining us for trivia on Tuesday nights. It’s been awesome to meet and get to know new people! I love our Tuesday nights and we’re getting closer and closer to victory.

Second would be the Onates.  Erin and Fernando are always amazing and I love spending time with them.  Recently, because I have been home a lot we have seen more of each other. They have also given Derek and me the amazing honor of being God parents to their son Michael.  Our amazing God son will be here this month so I’ll include him in with my favorite people of the summer!!

NON-FAVORITE: Potential employers or people who in general do not return phone calls. This has probably been my biggest frustration this summer and it still continues occasionally. Please, if a voice mail is left specifically stating please call me back either way, it is polite to do so.

So those would be my summer favorites as well as one non-favorite.  I promise to make more of an effort on writing, but sometimes I just get a block and don’t know what to write about. Apologies again this being ridiculously long!

-Here’s to leaves changing colors, cooler weather &

 everything else that comes with fall

K-LOVE

I love K-LOVE.  For those of you who don’t know, that would be the Christian Radio Station.  I thoroughly enjoy listening to not only their music, but also the different inspiring stories.  To some people, this may not be their cup of tea I owe my being hooked to one of my former co-workers.

   

July 5, 2012 I returned to work after taking time off for the holiday and I was told I would be going into the field.  This wasn't the most uncommon thing, the uncommon part was the fact that it was going to be for nine….NINE, 9, nueve MONTHS!!!!!!!!

Being sent out in the field made little to no sense.  First, there were several people that lived closer, had more experience, and well it was their team’s project.  I digress.   While adding to my drive by more than an hour, being stuck in 100+ degree heat (later single digits), I did get to work with someone new.  Eric.  Eric and I took a little to get to know each other, however I love learning about people.  Going around site with him his radio would play softly in the background.  I would faintly recognize some songs from when I was in high school.

Learning it was K-LOVE I decided to give it a shot listening to it.  This was probably one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life.  Starting around the end of October/beginning of November I would only listen to K-LOVE full time.  As stupid as it may sound the “positive and encouraging” station really did change a lot about me.  My moods became better, I was less stressed, and I realized everything happens for a reason.

Today, I listen to K-LOVE as often as possible (I’m not driving nearly as much), but I will even say I do catch my husband singing along! I challenge each person to try a “30-day challenge”.  They typically have this on the start of the New Year, but you can start any time. Go to the following link to locate the radio station closest to you, if you'd like: K-LOVE radio stations

One of my favorite things I've learned from the station (besides the cliche “everything happens for a reason”) is the quote that I try to live by:

“Being offended is a choice YOU make.”

Take a moment to think about this quote and see if you can try to implement it in your daily life.

-           - Here’s to trying new things learned from new people!!

Anniversary Trip

Sorry for the bit of a period between posts, it was the wonderful 2^nd anniversary for my husband and me. Since our anniversary was on the 11^th we took a little holiday to relax.  Typically I am not one to do all the mushy, gushy stuff so I would say that’ll continue for this post as well.  I feel that since we just got back from a little trip I could share that as a little review.  Please keep in mind that this would be only my opinion, unless I state who else has given one. 

So to preface this trip, I knew NOTHING about it.  In fact I didn’t know we were going anywhere until Derek slipped up and said he took Monday and Tuesday off.  Typical me would have planned and planned and planned this trip to death keeping in mind what we both like to do. However, that wasn’t the case with this trip.  Derek planned everything.  Getting into the car on Friday night I had no clue where we were going, north, south east or west.  Nothing.

Now that the preface has taken place now a complete rundown.  First we went north. Dinner was at one of my favorite places on this earth and very important to our relationship…Purdue.  We had the amazing Bruno’s Pizza complete with Bruno Dough.  Simply amazing.  After driving around Purdue for a bit and realizing how much the campus has changed in the 3.5 years since either one of us has been there it was time to continue on our journey.

 Traveling through Chicago during rush hour, would not recommend, but paying the tolls helps a heck of a lot. We finally reached our destination of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express – Milwaukee Airport.  Typically I enjoy staying at Holiday Inns, however this experience was not the best one.  First, we were in a handicap room, which made me feel horrible.  Second it was on the first floor and I swear the people above us were moving dead bodies as well as not feeding their crying children. Finally the bed was just hard and uncomfortable.  Some pros to the stay are it was close to Milwaukee but not the expensive right down town type of place. As always the breakfast was amazing!!

Saturday was our main day in Milwaukee.  We did the MillerCoors tour. I will say after doing the Anheuser Bush Brewery Tour, this one can’t compare.  The only plus side, for those who drink, you get 3 drinks here vs. the 2 you get an Anheuser Bush.  The biggest difference was the tour itself.  Anheuser Bush goes through the whole beer making process vs. MillerCoors going through the packaging really.  However I am super nerdy and prefer the process making.

We then went down to downtown Milwaukee and decided to immerse ourselves into local food.  We went to a small pub called Brat Haus.  There we each had a brat, Derek the German style (sour kraut, sauce cooked bun) and me the Southerner (jalapeños, cheese, cooked bun).  It was delicious.  Little known fact they put parmesan cheese on both our French fries and our onion rings, odd. We then walked off our meal around downtown.

There we went to the main purpose of going, Brews vs. Philies.  This ballpark has to be the most “technologically” advanced park that I’ve been to.  It was very clean, and fancy.  Their food selections were amazing and included a baked potato stand.  The only thing we got there was oven roasted pecans.  We were holding out for half priced appetizers at Applebee’s, and the rest of the Blackhawks/Kings game.

After waking up on Sunday we decided to gradually make our way home.  Lunch was at Biaggi’s in Carmel.  Then my wonderful husband stopped at the Fashion Mall at Keystone so I could go to a store I’ve been dying to go into, Lush.  I bought two bath bombs and I’ll do a review of those later on.

We decided to enjoy the rest of our vacation at home as a little stay-cation while Ace was bored.  It was an amazing time, I loved every second of it and I can’t believe it’s already been two years of marriage to my best friend.

-Here’s to, many more to come!!

Happy Days!!

HOLY COW!!! It’s been a year!!! It’s so weird to think how much my life has changed in the past year.  That’s right one year ago TODAY, June 4.   To list everything would be too challenging and I really wouldn’t want to “relive” the low points.  However, some of you may be asking, June 4, 2012…significance? Oh no not our wedding anniversary, not a birthday, actually nothing happy at all. Exactly one week prior to our first wedding anniversary, our house was broken into and we were robbed.

Awesome huh? I like to think so as well.  Don’t worry Detective Vickie here figured out who did it, and now they are being prosecuted for selling stolen merchandise.  Long story but if you can’t PROVE 100% that they were the ones in your house (even if obvious to you), you can’t get them for breaking in.  No worries though, they will be doing a minimum of 5 years in prison.

Continuing on, I feel as if this is the point where I can say look after June 4 -  x,y,z situations changed.  However the largest thing that has changed has been me.  I will say now I am on an upswing and thoroughly enjoying life.  Is everything perfect, well no, but please show me someone who has a perfect day every day.  While everything/day may not be perfect, I do try to take moments out of my day to realize how awesome life can be. 

For those people whom struggle to find little bright spots in the day, I do have a couple recommendations.  One of the things that both my husband and I try to do is every time we say something negative (i.e. this sucks, ugh I don’t want to do…, etc) we always try to follow up with something positive.  Sometimes it’s as simple as the sun is shining, we can go outside and play with the dog.  Other times it’s “yay, PAY DAY!!!”.  I will say sometimes this is a very hard thing to do, but it’s worth a shot.

Another thing that I have actually been using lately is an app on my iPhone.  It’s called “Gratitude 365”.  The “lite” version is free, however you can only use it to put information in 7 random days.  After that you would need to buy the full version ($1.99, but well worth it).  On here you can do several things: list gratitudes, take pictures, review previous, and share your calendar (if desired).  I discovered this little app while watching YouTube videos.  Sounds silly, but one of the people I subscribe to recommended it. I LOVE IT!!

I initially thought of just trying to take a picture every day to remind myself sometimes the happiness lies right under us, but this is so much more organized. Plus you can always look back on previous days and relive the happiness you had. 

Now that one year has passed, I think it’s time to close that chapter on our life.  Things can only go up and now it’s just time to keep them there.

Also if you’d just like a little smile, I’d recommend watching this little video and the secret one after, Baby Glitter (aka Darcy) is so cute: You Asked Baby Glitter!!! (You may need to hold control and click the link)

Here’s to the people who broke into our home: Thanks for making me a better person!!

Budget Monday

I feel as if my second post is probably the one with the most pressure.  So whilst mowing the lawn I thought of a great topic.  As I previously mentioned, I love the Detroit Tigers.  There is only one thing that I love more, and that is baseball itself (a cheap one at that).

A little known secret of major league baseball is that soft sided coolers can be brought into the stadium.  With the cost of stadium food these days, a huge savings can be made here.  Now most of my familiarity to this issue is with the Cincinnati Reds.  Recently my husband and I went to a Redlegs game and packed the following items: 1 2L bottle of Mountian Dew, ice, cups and homemade puppy chow and chex mix. 

Now there are probably a couple of teams I should cover for family friendly based off whom I think would be reading this: The Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, Toledo Mud Hens, and Indianapolis Indians.  For those that are upset I did not list a specific team, well there are a couple things 1) it’s called Google, use it and 2) use a phone, call that specific team’s customer service and just ask.

Continuing on.  Please keep in mind that the individual stadiums retain the right to inspect all items entering the stadium and are able to reject entrance.  Alcohol is not allowed to be brought into any of the stadiums being reviewed.

Cincinnati Reds: You are allowed to bring a 16”x16”x8” SOFT sided cooler into the ball park.  Inside of that you can bring no larger than a 2 liter UNOPENED bottle of juice, pop or water.  Cans and glass are not permitted, and the container must be clear plastic.  Individual portions of food can be brought in as well.

Detroit Tigers: Per the Detroit Tigers’ website - Guests are permitted to bring individual portions of food and factory sealed clear bottles of unflavored water in to Comerica Park. For kids in the group, or medical purposes, juice boxes are also allowed. Outside food and beverage is not permitted in the suites.

**Obviously the biggest difference is no pop can be brought into Comerica Park.  The size of the soft sided cooler remains the same (16”x16”x8”).

Toledo Mud Hens: Probably the worst about this would be the Detroit Tigers’ AAA affiliate.  It is clearly stated on the Mud Hens website that NO food, beverages or containers can be brought into FifthThird Field.  It is very clear cut with no loop holes on this one.

Indianapolis Indians: Per the Indian’s website - Coolers and other carry-in containers are permitted in the lawn area only and must be less than 20" in length. Coolers larger than 20" will NOT be permitted and must be returned to the owner's vehicle. Fans with coolers must enter through the designated Cooler Check Gates in center field or right-center field. Alcoholic beverages and glass containers of any kind are not permitted.

Fans wishing to leave the lawn area may check their coolers with personnel stationed at the left - and right - field corners as you exit the lawn towards the concourse. No coolers, beverage containers or food shall be permitted into the seating bowl, with the exception of those used for infant feeding or medical purposes.

To finish my baseball stadium food savings I would also like to add that the Cincinnati Reds have a pair concession stands that everything is $1 (peanuts, popcorn, pop, and “kids” size hot dogs) and Monday games for the Indianapolis Indians have $1 concession menu items (Hot dogs, peanuts, Cracker Jacks, chips and popcorn).

I hope those that enjoy a good baseball game, or just “cheaper” family event find this useful. 

Here’s to hoping for a Reds/Tigers World Series!

50 Things About Me

So with this being my first blog post on here, I figured the best way to open up is to simply do a 50 Things About Me.  I will try my best not to go into TOO much detail simply because I am sure at one point or another I will be talking much more in depth on each one of these topics. These are in no specific order and most are just random things that came to my mind while staying up late, looking around my house.  So without any further delay here are the 50 Things About Me (Vickie):

1.       I was born  August 18, 1987

2.       I was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio

3.       I have one brother, who is 12 years older than me

4.       I attended and graduated from Purdue University (Boiler Up!!!)

5.       My degree is in Agricultural and Biological Engineering with a focus in Natural Resources and Environmental Engineering

6.       I met my husband in welding class our junior year of college and we started dating at the start of senior year

7.       I was married June 11, 2011 (6-11, easy for my husband to remember)

8.       I love to attend concerts (13 scheduled so far for 2013)

9.       In 6^th grade I declared I was going to be a Chemical Engineer, only to change for the first time after freshman year of college

10.   I hate driving in the dark and/or rain

11.   I have panic attacks that make me feel as if I am having a heart attack

12.   I get stressed at clothing stores that are not organized (i.e. Burlington, TJ Maxx (clothes only), Goodwill etc.)

13.   I get stressed in large crowds/super populous places

14.   I love sports… ALL sports but especially hockey and baseball

15.   I am a HUGE Detroit Tigers fan

16.   I have a dog, Ace (beware I also call him Bucky)

17.   I love to travel and explore things that are new to me

18.   I have technically been to four (4) continents, but have only left the airport to explore of three (3)

19.   I can speak Japanese and Italian

20.   I over analyze everything

21.   I am currently unemployed

22.   I went gluten free for 3 years but now I am not and boy do I LOVE bread/breaded food

23.   I love to laugh

24.   I am my happiest when with friends/family

25.   I am the 2^nd youngest of 27 grandchildren

26.   I am of Italian and Irish decent

27.   I hate hate hate watching people embarrass themselves even if funny (i.e. American’s Funniest Home Videos, initial auditions to American Idol etc.)

28.   Twenty (20) years ago I became a Backstreet Boys fan, today the love continues.

29.   My favorite color is lilac purple

30.   My favorite flower is white lilies

31.   I love Christian Radio

32.   Ice cream is my weakness

33.   I love to ask questions and learn about people

34.   I  hold conversations with Ace (my dog remember) as if were a human and can understand me

35.   I do not like baked goods

36.   I love to bake

37.   I am initially very shy

38.   Going to the mailbox every day is my highlight. I love to receive USPS mail. Nothing is better than a letter with a stamp

39.   I wore braces for five (5) years and to this day I wear my retainers every night during the week sans weekends

40.   We live in the country, with our home sitting on 2 acres

41.   I enjoy photography

42.   I love all fruits but hate all vegetables

43.   I love blue raspberry ICEEs

44.   I have a relatively recent fascination with make-up and fashion

45.   I want to have an artistic side, but I often fail

46.   If you want me to do something, it better be put on a list

47.   I “sing-talk” my way through life

48.   When I read a book, I won’t stop until it’s completed

49.   I am a horrible speller

50.   I do not like my food to touch

So there is a little about me, as I said I will most likely hit on each one of these topics one day or another more in depth.  There is a lot more about me.  However that’s all I could think of right now. 

Here’s to a new blog.

-Vickie