the traveling wife

Great Buns

2012-01-15T09:41:00.000-07:00

When I was younger, I never thought I would love to cook. I never thought I would want to love to cook. After having my kids, the desire grew, and is still growing. When I find a recipe I am excited to try it that night usually consists of last minute meal shopping.

Years ago, I was craving Philly Cheese steaks and realized I had no buns. Then it hit me. Why not bake them. I have never really attempted rolls or breads for the simple reason... easy to ruin.

I have now mastered them. They are my easiest and most requested roll. The rosettes are always perfect moist and soft. My husband says I get better and better each time I make them. I agree.

The recipe is NOT mine but adapted from it.

4 Cups all purpose Flour

1 Pkg Active Dry Yeast (or 2 1/4 teaspoon bottled yeast)

1 cup Milk

1/3 heaping cup Sugar (for some reason my rolls got better when I added a tad bit more sugar!)

1/3 Salted Butter cut into 4-5 peices.

2 room temp Eggs (you can put cold eggs in a bowl of hot water for a few minutes)

-In a mixer using the whisk combine 2 cups of flour and the yeast.

-In a saucepan combine milk, sugar, butter. Cook over med heat, stirring frequently. Heat until butter is almost melted. You want it warm not hot. (stick you finger in it, if it feels warm not burning it's probably ready, but you don't want if cold)

-Add slowly to flour mix. (turn on mixer and add slowly) Mix until combined, add eggs one at a time. Beat for a few minutes.

-Switch to hook, mixing by adding the remainder of the flour 1/2 cup at a time.

-Once it's all combine, I let it mix for a minute or 2. Then I take it out and knead it myself for a few more minutes. You don't want to over mix it and make it tough. If you don't want to or know how to knead just knead in mixer for about 5 minutes total. Mold into a ball.

-Let it rise by spraying a bowl with cooking spray to prevent sticking, placing the ball of dough in the center of the bowl. Cover with a warm wet towel from 1-2 hours until it doubles in size. (this is important, don't rush it)

- Punch dough down after it has doubled and form into the rolls you want. You can make all sort of shapes; my favorites are pinwheels and rosettes (pictured above).

- Proof them. This means let rise again for at least 30 minutes. I let it go longer if I have the time. Basically I put them in my oven UNHEATED with a bowl of boiling water next to it. The steam will help them rise!

-If you did the oven method, take everything out and Preheat to 375.

-Bake for 10-12 minutes. But watch them, over done rolls are not tasty.

At our most recent get together with my family after I brought 2 dozen rosette rolls/buns for a turkey salad sandwiches, I asked my husband if he liked my buns. "You have great buns... and I like your rolls too."

Learning to Run

2011-12-29T10:42:00.000-07:00

I want to run. Like run run... you know, half's and full marathons... yes that kind of running.

I want to love to run. To feel the air, enjoy the scenery, accomplish a goal not everyone has the heart to do.

I want to run.

I am not a runner. I try. But most of the time I fall short, because I have not trained my lungs. My husband tells me I need to focus and do it like "Hell Week" where you literally push so hard you want to cry. Although, this seems like fun, with winter at my fingertips and snow about to fall, I might have to simply try and not run until I get sick. Most people don't train in the winter, do they?

I have a plan. A goal. And when I cross that finish line I will know that I did my best.

Now to start!

Tomorrow though.

Sweet Baby Flower for Headband Tutorial

2011-12-28T10:15:00.000-07:00

This should help make one of these. The photos aren't the greatest, they were taken via iPhone. My camera is being packed, and I can't find my battery until we move yet again.

First, you need a bouquet of flowers. And some small(or large) crystals.

Both can be found at a local craft store.

(And a glue gun)

Pull all the flowers off. Like this.

Now stack them one by one. Make sure you align them they way you want and put a small dab of glue. Do this one layer at a time.

Add some bling.

These are SUPER simple to make and cost next to nothing. You can get a whole bunch of flowers and the crystals for a few dollars and make a ton of these. Easy!

Ice Skating

2011-12-23T09:18:00.000-07:00

I haven't been ice skating since I was 16 years old. This is over a decade {holy crap, I am almost 30} so you can imagine my husband's surprise, when I strapped skates to my little ones and sent them off with their dad.

After a little bit of teasing me for being afraid of embarrassing myself with falling on my face or rear, (he was right) He enjoyed taking each child one at a time until they felt good enough to skate freely, and I enjoyed taking pictures and watching my kids fall in love with ice, snow and the magic of both of them combined.

We ended up going to a outside rink in downtown SLC. I love SLC in the winter. Especially with Temple Square within walking distance. We didn't get to see it that day because it was too late after ice skating for almost 2 hours... my kids and late nights don't mesh well the next morning. I do love the memories even though I sometime regret the late bedtime.

I'm sure this is why we only venture out past 7 pm, on occasion. Usually a special occasion, and ice skating is now one of those special occasions.

Let the battle begin

2011-12-22T09:31:00.001-07:00

The battle began with graham crakers, royal icing, and candies. With 45 minutes of pure chaos, 6 families including a dozen children under the age of 11. We set off to compete in our 2 annual Graham Cracker Creation Iron Chef battle as our Christmas Family Party. (we chose graham crackers over the typical gingerbread.)

This year we won with our "Up House"... after losing last year to an outhouse. Ahem, LITERALLY! Complete with toliet and path. (it also came with a cabin, but really who notices a cabin when there is an OUTHOUSE made of our graham crackers!)

Apparently details are important.

Chocolate Bark {with mint swirls and peppermint}

2011-12-19T10:08:00.000-07:00

I wanted to make chocolates, fudge, and all varieties of Christmas cookies to hand out to our friends and family. But I also wanted my kids to be involved a bit. My kids love to help cook and bake. Sometimes, it's a hassle and I want to just do it alone so the mess will be minimal... but mostly I love letting my kids in on the fun. How else are they supposed to learn to cook if I don't teach them?

This chocolate bark is super easy.

*Parchment paper. (I used wax paper which I got for FREE!! using my coupons)

*Bag of Mint Chips (this depends on how much mint you want, I used a cup)

*Bag of Milk Chocolate

*Bag of Bittersweets Or Dark Chocolate

*Crushed peppermints or Chopped Nuts

Preheat oven to 325.

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Pour a bag of chocolate on the baking sheet and spread it evenly.

3. Pour about a cup or more of the mint chips over the top evenly. Doesn't need to be perfect just not all in one spot.

4. Place in oven for about 2-3 minutes. Until the chocolate has a shiny look. but NOT melted fully.. you want them to be chips still only very soft.

5. Take out of oven and using a butter knife swirl the chocolate and mint chips back and forth and circle around until you get the effect you'd like.

{*Sprinkle on nuts or crushed peppermint if you want before you refrigerate.}

6. Refrigerate for an hour+

7. Break and enjoy. Or share. You choose.

To make a two tone chocolate look, simply replace the mint chips for dark chocolate chips. Milk Chocolate with Dark swirls or vice versus. Sprinkle with nuts or peppermint. Refrigerate.

I use Guittards or Ghirardelli mostly because I think it has the best flavor.

Merry Christmas Teacher Gifts

2011-12-17T20:44:00.006-07:00

I needed to bring 16 small tokens or candy for my sons preschool class. So I went to Walmart to find some trinkets. I saw pencils and stencil ruler which I thought would be a simple easy gift for a bunch of 4 year olds. I decided to tie them with ribbon, then after reading the paper sent home, which read "Please bring 16 WRAPPED tokens or candy." Wrapped, GOT IT. So not only did I tie ribbons to stencils and pencils, I then proceeded to wrap them all. I am quite sure 4 year olds won't even care about ribbon or wrapping paper, but I did. It was written I should do so.

The morning I arrived other parents began helping their child put their "gifts" in the bags and I noticed just then that NO ONE wrapped the gifts.

I asked the teacher, "Weren't we supposed to wrap them?"

Nope. It simply meant must be store bought wrapped! I was completely embarrassed. Now not only do I feel like a complete idiot because I misread a note from preschool, I probably have a bunch of parents thinking I was trying to over do it. Obviously, it seems I did... but it was not intentional. I have to smile and giggle to myself because I spent 45 minutes wrapping those blasted things and what kid doesn't love to rip open a gift anyway.

************

I love making teacher gifts.. they are so much fun. My cousin who is a teacher actually told me that she received a bunch of supplies (wipes, bandaids, etc) this year instead of the typical gift. Which I thought was brilliant, I am going to do this next Christmas! I never really thought about it.

But this year, I went with a simply "Best Teacher" Snowman Ornament and some chocolates. With the help of my Cricut machine, festive paper, and some glitter, I really think the tags turned out great. Plus, these were a fun way for my kids to help make their teacher a present by bagging their own treats for them.

People need to feel appreciated. I think it's just human nature. And honestly, appreciating someone for whatever reason is gratitude. Gratitude it happiness. Try it. You can not be unhappy if you have gratitude in your life.

You know how they say Hawaii is more expensive? They ACTUALLY mean it!

2011-04-19T23:27:00.002-06:00

So my husband's company has sent us to Hawaii this year. Yup, you read that right... for 5 months. Hawaii, paradise, land of the highest gas prices in the USA.

Hawaii.

Usually people vaca here... it's understandable to pay more than normal for touristy things. But for someone living and breathing an entire summer on the Island.. is down right pricey.

Milk? $4.67 a gallon.

Eggs? $2.57 for a dozen

I'm used to milk being only $2 and eggs sometimes as low as $1 for 12. Since I am not becoming vegan anytime soon, I thought I may as well coupon like a TLC Extreme Couponer.

This is my first Safeway experience, and I was pretty freakin excited.

This isn't extreme but I did very well considering I didn't buy junk.

I spent $18. And saved $40 with my coupons.

8 Boxes of Better Oats Oatmeal

2 Packages of Nitrate Free OM Turkey Hot Dogs (we only buy Nitrate Free Hot Dogs)

1 lb of local Hawaiian Lehua Honey (I only buy Raw Local Honey. Ever. Sure it's more expensive, but What's the point of buying honey if you don't want ALL the benefits of it.)

Sadly I can usually get the OM Nitrate Free Turkey hot dogs for $1 with my coupon AND my Better Oats for $.50 each. The honey was actually the same. about $8 per pound. This would have been a much better deal in the states. But for Hawaii, I'm feeling pretty okay. I really didn't have time to wait for a Crazy Deal, we needed food now. Plus I still have months to perfect this method and teach a few locals how to save. :)

2011-04-05T13:56:00.000-06:00

I love finding good deals. I love finding my favorite products for good deals.

Since I will be living on the beach this summer, I figured sunscreen is going to be needed. Severely. I have 2 reddish headed kids, and their skin is somewhat fair. 1 actually gets a nice color without burning when I used sunscreen.

This one is my favorite. Coppertone Oil Free.

These were on clearance {CLEARANCE!! Are you kidding me?} for $5 at Wal-Mart. I had 3 $1 off coupons. You bet I bought 3.

I am definitely in the mode of moving. Happens every year. And every year I feel like I am scrabbling to know what to do. This year is especially hard considering I will be flying overseas for the first time in my life. Yes, we travel a lot, but I have NEVER been on a plane in my teenage/adult years. And never to a beach. Sheltered, yes, I know. I have been on a plane ONCE, once in 28 years and I was 5. I'm quite sure this doesn't count.

My father is an Air Force Veteran. So I have lived (6 states) and visited places, a lot of places, just never anywhere super fantastic and we ALWAYS drive. I do love road trips. I do, but I am excited to venture an airport. A terminal even. An actual airplane that ACTUALLY goes somewhere.

Somewhere like a beach.

My suitcases are being packed. No doubt when we land I will putting sunscreen on my kids for some good ol' fashion beach bummin'. Without having to worry about rushing to the store. I am prepared.

AND I am THRILLED!

*This is not a paid post.

Kids Bowl Free!!

2011-04-03T21:28:00.007-06:00

I am so excited about this!! Since we move and travel for 5 months out of the year, I am ALL for Free summer fun kid activities!!

Basically Kids bowl for FREE! Awesome yes? You will need to register for your local participating bowling alley. {Note: some aren't register right now, so add your email to the specific alley you want, to be notified of when they are open for registration!}

All summer 2011 kids can bowl 2 games PER day all summer.

Most people want to buy the Family Pass along with the Free bowling for the kids. This includes up to 4 adults. Then the whole family can enjoy bowling this summer. It starts at $24.95. Which is still a great deal!

For a little more information visit their Facebook Page or Twitter.

Once you confirm your registration, you can print a coupon that you take with you when you go bowling. Who doesn't LOVE bowling with your kids!

**Summer months, times, and shoe rental (if any) depend on the the participating bowling alley individually. Also, ages for children vary from location. This is located in the right hand sidebar when registering for the location you choose.

Baked Potato Soup (Crock Pot Style)

2011-04-01T10:13:00.000-06:00

Can you say amazing?

I can. AMAZING!

{this sad picture is missing CHIVES! The Horror, I know}

Not only is this such a super yummy fantastic soup... it's super fantastically easy too.

(This makes soup for a family of 5-6)

6 Potatoes

1/2 cup chopped Onion

2 cans Chicken Stock

1 can Cream of Chicken

1/2 block of Cream Cheese

Bacon Bits

Sour Cream

Cheddar Cheese

Chives

Wash potatoes, peel 2-3.. the other 3-4 leave cleaned skin on. Chopped into bit size pieces. Add to Slow Cooker. Add onions, chicken stock and cream of chicken. Stir and cook on low for 8 hours.

30 minutes before serving, add cream cheese.

Serve with WHATEVER you like on a baked potato. Ours? Bacon, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and chives.

Sometimes I add a bag a corn at the beginning with the potatoes. This is also super yummy.

ENJOY!

Make it and break it

2011-03-25T23:52:00.007-06:00

I have to admit having a sewing machine needle enter my finger THROUGH my fingernail isn't quite the excitement I had for the evening...

All because I decided "last minute" that I wanted to sew my own shower curtain. Frankly, after searching every store in the county, I simply couldn't find THAT perfect one. I had an ingenious idea to ACTUALLY make one.

I used my Pottery Barn Duvet, that despite how much I truly love it, has been sitting in my closet for 3 years now. Because, I also hate it. That fabric is lovely, the duvet is just a pain.

I can see it coming together, and I am super excited. Although, I don't much feel like sewing right now.

My finger throbs.

AND lets say for fun sake that it went in TWICE and then BROKE OFF, leaving the needle poking out the end.

I almost passed out.

Lima Bean Wreath

2011-03-24T09:57:00.000-06:00

This is my Lima Bean Wreath. It's a love/hate relationship. I love the colors but I feel like it's missing something. Not sure what to do just yet. I may revisit this later.

I used large lima bean.. although next time I am going to use small ones. And the paint WOULD NOT stick to all the beans!! Boy that was frustrating. So you may see a few "blah" moments, but overall I think it's great.

Styrofoam wreath was about $5. A whole spool of ribbon was $2 at my local Hobby Lobby Grand Opening! (and I only used a little) Paint was $5. And the "W" was $1.25 at Hobby Lobby as well. I spent about $12. Lima beans, Oh and glue. But I already have a ton.

I don't have step by step photos, I may do this next time when I make the smaller one. It's pretty easy. I do recommend the smaller ones, mainly because I tried doing a diagonal pattern and it only worked for a short time. The beans were just too big and awkward. So I eventually just wedged them in places instead of being my totally awesome perfectionist self. :)

I really do like the look of it. Classic and modern. Whimsical even.

ENJOY!

Rustic Scrap Headband

2011-03-19T21:35:00.004-06:00

I saw a picture of this online, by *someone?.. {eek how awful, I tried googling it, but no such luck}. But the credit should go elsewhere, I simply made a headband using her idea... no pattern, just guessing. And It Worked!

Basically you used your scraps. That small middle piece is actually smaller than it should be but.. I love it. It's one of my favorite fabric so I just had to use it. And yes, it's all I had left of it. :(

After I made this, I realized I want to add another rosette. So I put a small blue one on.

It's not perfect, perfect just isn't me tonight, so I will call it rustic instead. And I love it.

This matches, well kinda, a skirt I made my daughter last Christmas. It is perfect. Yup, I said it. I stayed up all night making that skirt.. perfectly!

I admit, I am not in the game lately

2011-03-11T11:33:00.004-07:00

I had my last {difficultly impacted} wisdom tooth extracted on Wednesday. And I hurt. My face looks and feels like I was hit by a freight train. I remember when I was 19 and had my other 3 wisdom teeth taken out at the same time and I felt fine after a day or so. The swelling was minimal even.

But this time... oh no... I am not as young as I used to be. This time, I am at THAT age where apparently things just don't heal as quickly, or nicely as they used to. This may have something to do with the fact that it was impacted in such a way that the dentist told my husband it was much more difficult to remove than he initially thought from the xrays. I look like a box on the one side of my face, oddly enough, the swelling is closer to my mouth than my extracted tooth. Making me feel like I was in a fight and not a dentist chair days ago.

This wouldn't be so bad or hard if, IF, I wasn't a full time mom to 3 kids. Do you know how hard it is to care for 3 kids and a husband AND still have to help make dinners! It's torture. I can't eat anything let alone sit and watch as they eat my delicious sweet BBQ chicken, I crock potted for them hours before. I love that BBQ recipe. And I even tried to take a small piece, chew it slowly and swallow.. only to feel like I got it stuck in my gums then tonguing it until it began to bleed again. I have boycotted food until my face returns to normal. It. Just. Isn't. Worth it.

AND just because I can't eat, doesn't mean I can't cook my family a meal. My husband offered, but he would just make the same things over and over again. Wednesday night he made dinner, Alfredo pasta with broccoli... But he would or will make pasta everyday until I am better, frankly... that's just TOO MUCH pasta for the week. Once is plenty.

I needed this fast anyway. Green smoothies and ice cream, what could be better..

It burns alittle

2010-12-02T12:52:00.004-07:00

I think my 1 year old son poops through his clothes.. on purpose. He loves the water, loves taking a bath so much that when I mention it, he lights up with excitement. This can't be coincidence, it's got to be his plan. And although this sounds nice, giving a kid a bath daily but this, my friends, is often a few times a day, every. single. day. No joke. I feel like I am constantly giving baths just to save myself the trouble of using 6 million wipes to clean it up. It's just that messy. And nasty, sort of burns my eyes, and stinks the house up for hours even after I have disposed of the culprit.

I have tried changing things too, you know the usual, diet, diapers, size of diapers... nope nothing works. Frankly, I have just come to terms with it. Not that I still don't get a smig upset when I am peeling nasty clothes off my baby, I simply complain to myself instead of outright throwing my own tantrum. It just feels better this way.

On a side note: my other son whose 3 years old, generally takes a bath with Mr. Pooper 1 year old, but he hates getting his hair washed. Because, Heaven forbid, (my husband) got shampoo in his eye. ONE TIME! One time in 3 years, and he will not let you forget it. He will scream bloody murder if WATER gets within inches of his eyes.

"MOM.. MOM, soap in my eyes!!"

"Honey, it's just water."

"NO! It's soap and it hurts my eyes."

"I haven't even put soap anywhere near this tub yet. It's just w.a.t.e.r."

"Oh, okay. Don't get soap in my eyes, Okay?"

Kinda like I have plotted this out. When he's not looking, BAM, it's going straight for those green suckers. You'd think my kids would realize by now I don't like hearing them scream at the top of their lungs. But no. Apparently, I am one of those Evil Moms.

Black Friday and Tangled

2010-11-26T21:52:00.003-07:00

This year was my first ever experience with Black Friday.. and honestly the only reason I went was for the experience of never doing it before. Curiosity killed that cat, uh yeah. It was pure craziness!

I did end up getting good deal on a few items that I had on my list... Like 2 LeapFrog games for $20 (I got them for $15 but also had 2 $5 off coupons!) And 5 pairs of jeans from Old Navy for $50, and this was at 9 am. But frankly, I wasn't all that impressed. Maybe it was the year, maybe because my wee ones are still small... I didn't need to elbow anyone for a Nintendo DS.

Maybe next year.... the blood may be on my elbows. But for now, I still have my dignity.

We also enjoyed a fantastic Thanksgiving tradition of watching a movie, theater style.. this years choice, Tangled. It was the cutest thing I have ever seen. We seriously loved it! Well worth watching it in the theater, usually we only take the family to movies a few times a year. I would love to see it again, and I just may!

And we got a Free ticket, naturally of course, because a friend gave me her Tangled coupon code for a Ticket!

LeapFrog Tag Reader.. all for $33.

2010-11-24T12:45:00.005-07:00

I got a Tag Reader Pen and 8 hard back books for $33.

My husband calls me a Crazy Coupon Lady, but I know deep down he enjoys the savings... wouldn't you? I saved $87!

This was with deals and COUPONS!

Here's how I did it. Target had a coupon for $10 off the Pen. LeapFrog had a coupon for $5 off the pen. It was on sale for $39.99. So I spent $25.

As for the books. I printed 4 $5 off coupons and 4 $3 off coupons. Target has them on sale (until today) for BOGO Free at the price of $9.99 and $13.99. TAKE IN Walmarts Toyland Catalog and price match the more expensive ones for $9.97. Use all 8 coupons together for 8 Books. And spend out of pocket $7.98.

This is a fantastic Santa Gift for my kids. Every year we{Santa} gets our family something we can all do together or share, so needless to say, I was more than excited to partake in this adventure!

Thanksgiving Day Pies

2010-11-24T12:22:00.006-07:00

I was in charge of Pies this year. Actually I am in charge of pies every year. Hmm.. what can I say, I make a fantastic pie. (except the one year I forgot to add sugar to the 100% from scratch apple pie, yes it was tart and yes.. I still take some heat for it... ONE YEAR! The same year I made 6 pies! Sigh.)

So just 2 this year. Two pies. Two measly pies... last year I made 4, so this was actually kinda nice.

{BTW: this pic was taken via iphone, and the blue wrap is just to keep it from forming a skin! I forgot to take it before I added the wrap. It's still divine!}

I like to semi- home make things. Not that making pie crust isn't exciting all by itself, I really just.. didn't have it in me so I bought refrigerated pie crust. GASP.. the horror I know.

Here's the low down. Easy dang pumpkin pie recipe EVER. Seriously, leave it to Eagle Brand to make a awesome pie recipe.

1 (15 oz) can of Pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie mix, blah.. live a little)

1 (14oz) can Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk (no I was not asked to write this, it's their recipe:)

2 large eggs

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp salt

unbaked pie crust

Mix all the ingredients together, until blended. And pour into pie crust.

Viola. Isn't that the easiest thing ever.

Bake at 425 for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 for 35-40 minutes. (you might need to do the tin foil wrap around the edges so it doesn't burn) Super yum!

#2 Um, oh my goodness.. it's Amazing! I was licking it out of the bowl. I got this off of Food Network.com. Wow. I mean, WOW!

Although, I did not follow the crust recipe. (I just bought a regular ol' crust) I wanted to give you the option.

Chocolate Cream Pie (Emeril Lagasse)

• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar

• 3/4 cup heavy cream, plus 1 3/4 cups

• 3/4 cup buttermilk

• 3 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch

• Pinch salt

• 4 egg yolks

• 4 ounces good-quality semisweet chocolate, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar

Directions

1 (9-inch) Chocolate Cookie Crust, baked, recipe follows

In a small saucepan combine sugar, 3/4 cup heavy cream, buttermilk, cornstarch and pinch of salt, and whisk until smooth. Place over medium-high heat, and bring to a boil, whisking from time to time for the sugar and cornstarch to dissolve and the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Continue cooking at a low boil for an additional 5 minutes, whisking constantly.

In a mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks lightly. Pour 1/2 cup of the hot mixture into the egg yolks and whisk thoroughly. Pour the egg yolk mixture into the saucepan and whisk over the heat until thoroughly combined and very thick, 1 to 2 minutes. Pour the mixture into a mixing bowl, and whisk in the chocolate, butter and vanilla. Continue whisking until thoroughly combined (mixture will be very thick). Cover the mixture with plastic wrap placed directly on the surface and refrigerate until cooled to room temperature, about 30 minutes.

Place 1 3/4 cups heavy cream in a chilled mixing bowl and add the confectioners' sugar. Beat until stiff peaks form. Gently fold about 1/4 of the whipped cream into the cool chocolate pudding mixture, then spoon the chocolate mixture into the prepared pie crust and refrigerate until firm and cool, at least 4 hours. Refrigerate the remaining whipped cream until you are ready to serve the pie.

When ready to serve, top the pie with the remaining sweetened whipped cream and serve immediately.

Graham crackers to yield 2 cups crumbs

• Chocolate sandwich cookies (white centers removed) to yield 1 1/2 cups crumbs (recommended: Oreo)

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 stick unsalted butter, melted

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

In the bowl of a food processor or blender, process the graham crackers and chocolate cookies to make crumbs.

In a bowl mix together the cookie crumbs, sugar and butter with your hands. Press the mixture evenly into a 9-inch pie pan. (It will seem like an excessive amount of crumbs, but will compress down quite a bit with pressure.) Cover the crust with plastic wrap and top with another 9-inch pan, pressing quite firmly to make a smooth surface. Remove the pan and the plastic wrap from the pressed crust prior to placing it into the preheated oven. Bake the crust for 15 minutes.

Remove the crust from the oven and let cool completely before filling.

Yield: 1 (9-inch) crust

Can you imagine just devouring this on Thanksgiving... I made today and I'm not sure it will even make it to my sister's house.

Wags Crazy $5 Challenge

2010-09-29T21:21:00.004-06:00

Transaction #1:

Buy 2 Clorox Wipes 2/$5

~ use 2 $1.00 off Wipes (facebook.com {"like" it and it pops up in promotions})

Pay: $3 plus tax OOP, Receive $2 Wags RR

Transaction #2:

Gillette Body Wash $2.99

~Use 2 or more $2.00 off Coupon Gillette Body Wash

.69 Reeses Cup

Pay with RR from above.

Pay $.67 plus tax

Total OOP $3.67 (my tax was total $4.44)

Vitamin D

2010-05-26T18:06:00.004-06:00

I love sunshine.

But... this sunshine is too wet. {A dry heat kinda gal living in a humid southern state in the middle of summer, is hard to get used to.}

We sit inside a lot, desperate for some "real" sunshine.

So today we decided to celebrate hot sticky sunshine, with some cold sticky Popsicles.

What better way to get our douse of Vitamin D then with pure melon Popsicles.

About Me:

2009-11-19T14:28:00.004-07:00

I wear heels, lipstick, designer jeans, and my best attitude when I shop babywearing and couponing. I eat both raw foods and cooked foods, my family and I are obsessed with green smoothies. But I LOVE baking and cooking. {I have a small love affair with Food Network} I love whole foods, and REAL whole wheat bread, but my white rosette rolls are awesome. I make soup often, and love every minute of it. I enjoy buying organic anything. Although, my "food storage" and budget consists of everyday good deals.

I like the idea of reusable grocery bags, I babywear and breastfeed, I make dresses and ties, hairbows and accessories, craft anything and everything. I would love to garden more if I could, I like to clean, run, take photographs, organizing my mess, then re-organizing it, and watching the clouds. I want to run a marathon, learn to play the piano, swim in the ocean without completely freaking out, and write a children's book. I am afraid of live fish and deep water. My credit card is my best friend and my worst enemy. I could shop everyday if I had the money. I calorie count, :( and I cry when my weight spontaneously goes up while eating ice cream. :)

I laugh, travel, cry, jog with my children, talk far too much, have many goals I plan on keeping and completing in the next few years, I have had some pretty hard times, trials and tribulations that truly make me who I am, Jesus Christ is my Savior, and I love Him dearly.

My family teases me about being a domestic goddess... and I let them. I make mistakes but fix them accordingly. I am a mother to a 6 year old dancer, a 4 year old baseball player, and a sweet 2 year old baby boy, AND I want another child... I am a sports widow, and a traveling wife.

This is simply me. My name is Lorina and I am a Mormon.