Candy Bar Anyone?

They are amazing. That's all I have to say. Angie told me a while back to try them, and I am addicted. Somtimes I have 3 a day. One after each meal since you feel like you are eating a yummy candy bar. And the best part? They sell them in a huge box at Costco (or at least my Orem Costco). With being only 2 Weight Watcher Points, you can't go wrong. TOTALLY RECOMMEND THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm In the Mood For Christmas!!

Whatever you do, don't read this book without a box of tissue!!! I loved this book-many of you have probably already read it! The book is called "Christmas Jars", and Jason Wright is the author of this modern day " It's A Wonderful Life" story. It will give you that warm and fuzzy holiday feeling, and the inspiration to find your own way to give this Christmas! I love a good cry- and this one definately did not disappoint! Merry Christmas everyone!

Great Show!

I can't believe my sisters haven't posted about this yet. I took my kids to see the movie Enchanted over Thanksgiving - It is super cute! It was funny and really just a fun movie, I recommend you all go see it and take your kids!

It Works and is SOOOOO Yummy!!

Oh my gosh has it ever been a long time since I last posted on here! Time sure does fly!
Anyway, a few weeks ago I saw Jessica Seinfeld on Oprah talking about her book "Deceptively Delicious". I thought it was such a great idea so I ran out and bought a copy of it! With the craziness of my life I didn't use it even once until this week and let me tell you how great it is! The other night I made Meatloaf (for the record I'm not a meatloaf fan) with mashed potatoes and it was SOOOO good. The Meatloaf had pureed carrots in it and the potatoes had pureed cauliflour. My kids chowed and had no idea I had snuck Vegi's into their meal. My older two do pretty well with eating fruit and vegis but my younger two, especially me five year old, are BRUTAL!! It was so great to see them eating everything I served them and say how good it was.
Tonight I made Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs with pureed pinapple and sweet potates in them. Once again the kids had NO IDEA there was healthy stuff in their food and it tasted fabulous!
So if you have children who give you a hard time with eating the healthy stuff, try this, you'll love it!

PS-there is another book out there that is VERY similar to Jessica's book. Apparently hers was published first and they even tried to get Oprah to do a show about it. Of course because the author wasn't a celebrity, Oprah said no... anyway, you can imagine the issues about that! Anyway, either book is great and helps kids eat healthier!

More Pumpkin!

When a 12 year old boy came to my house last Sunday and I heard him tell Ben that my house smells really good I knew I had something yummy going on. I have The Perfect Autumn Pumpkin Wallflower, from Bath & Body Works, plugged in. My house is delicious. I also got some of the room spray in the same scent and I spray it whenever I want a boost of yumminess. I have had this plugged in for a few weeks already and I remember when I came home from being out of town last week I was loving the smell when I walked in the door. I'm faking myself out that it's fall around here!

Hot Dog!

Okay, so I never really publicly admit that I like hot dogs. But I do. I love everything about them. I love corn dogs, regular hot dogs, polish dogs, hot dogs with cheese, smoked sausages, brauts, should I go on? So in my attempt to shrink my waistline, I found these gems. They are smoked turkey sausages with cheddar. They are simply divine and seriously so delicious! They are only 120 calories, 6 grams of fat, and 10 GRAMS OF PROTEIN! Another staple of my diet now. They are super good sliced up with sauteed cabbage and butter. I think I'll have another for lunch today!

Christmas Suggestions Anyone??

Who better to ask than WKTGS! Just wanted to ask all the girlfriends on here for any suggestions to different, specialty, boutique Christmas stores, preferably online (if not located in Utah) for Good, Fun, Beautiful Christmas decor and tree ornaments? I've checked out Tai Pan (and the typical Costco & Walmart stuff) but I'm convinced there's got to be more choices out there for Christmas decor....any ideas?

Binki Be Gone!

A few months ago when I took Josh to the Doctor we were discussing when a good time to get rid of the Binki would be. He said that he thinks that around 2 is a good time. At the time I could not agree more and actually still do agree because I am just not prepared to deal with the whole fuss and process. He then suggested a good way to help them kick the habit all by them selves with no fuss. This week while I was at Marilee's she told me she had tried it with Logan and it had worked! So, here is what he told me!

Find a place in the house (Marilee used the rocking chair in Logan's room) where you can send your child to suck on their Binki. They can only use the Binki in that one spot in the house. So if they would like to use it they have to stay there, if they come away from that spot they must leave it. He then said that they will soon realize that they are missing out on a lot of fun, TV, games and playing by sitting in the corner or where ever sucking on their Binki and you will find that they spend less and less time and then leave it all together.

Sounds pretty simple - Marilee said it worked for her. So for all you out there who are dreading the time when you have to get rid of it, give this a whirl!

Hallo WEEN!

Here is a photo from my brother's annual haunted garage. It is fun for the kids of all ages. He was his usual gruesome self, and she made a decapitated Marie Antionette costume. I just put it up so you could see her sewing and artistic genius! There is an article about it in the Des News if you want to follow this link: http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695223463,00.html
Anyway, hope you all had a great halloween. Now, can it possibly be NOVEMBER?!

Some Fixes

Hey ladies. I have no idea why we aren't getting the comments emailed to us anymore. It's buggin. Since Google Groups doesn't feel like fixing the problem, I came up with a solution myself. That's why I added the Recent Comments on the side. Hopefully this will work. We can have it set to show however many comments we want (right now it's set to show the last 5, but if you think it should show more, just tell me and I'll quickly fix it).

Which VS Model are YOU?

This site has TONS of fun quick surveys you can take to find out what flavor lip gloss you are, which 80s girl band you should have been in, or in this one, which Victoria's Secret model are you most lit. (ha ha.) I figure while I'm suspending reality, I might as well really push it! ENJOY!

You Are Most Like Heidi Klum

Girl next door vibe with top model looks

Which Victoria's Secret Angel Are You?

It's done!

Hey Girls. By now, you've probably received an email from me about our new blog. It's titled, Inspired Ideas, and the website is http://wktgsinspiredideas.blogspot.com/. I hope you all take a moment to check it out, and post what you did this week or ideas you have for upcoming activities. Especially with the holidays approaching, we all might need each other's help. I would also ask Marilee to post about their Youth Conference they did last year with the Amazing Race...I'd like to copy it for next summer! Enjoy!

Yet another blog?

i propose an idea. from heather's blog entry the other day regarding Activity Days, and the many responses she got...here is my idea. i would entertain the idea of another blog. it would be an area for everyone to post their idea, lesson, or activity. whether for activity days, primary, relief society, activities committee, or young women's, it would just be an arena to share our experiences. what are everyone’s thoughts on this? i would volunteer to set it up, get out the invites to everyone, and get the ball rolling. it would be the same type of forum as this blog. you could post what you did that week for your calling, and then whoever wanted to, could use that idea for their own activity. let me know what you all think.

Calling on All You Acitivity Days Leaders!

Alrigh ladies I was just put in as an Activity Days Leader and I need some ideas! My partner has been doing this for almost 3 years and is fresh out of ideas so I need some help! I am up for any and all suggestions! You can email me at sempey860@comcast.net if you want. Thanks Heather

Books and Hot Chocolate!!!

Hey Girls! Its been a while since I've posted on here but I have been looking at all of your posts. Glad to be back with some "good stuff."

So I don't LOVE Oprah, but I was watching a few weeks ago when Sean Penn, who I also don 't particularily care for, was on. He just directed a movie called "Into the Wild" which was based on the book written by Jon Krakauer. Its a true story about a kid who ditched his well off family, donated his savings account to charity and spent 2 years hitchhiking across the country. Eventually he was found in Alaska because he starved to death. On the show they talked to his sister and his parents and it was very very intriguing so of course I had to read the book. It was written by the same guy who wrote "Into Thin Air."

So I'm alway cautious to recommend books so let me tell you that there is some bad language here and there. Its mostly when he's quoting sources, and there are probably only 10 in the entire book. If you read it let me know. I'd be interested to see what you all think.

The next item I can't take credit for discovering. I credit Angie for this awesome little machine. Its called a Cocomotion and its a hot chocolate maker. It mixes and heats your hot chocolate, using milk (which is always my preference) or water. Its the best thing ever, but they can be tricky to find since they're sold seasonally. Wal-Mart's your best bet if you want one.

And of course, to go along with the Cocomotion you'll need the best hot chocolate ever. Stephen's Gourmet Hot Cocoa comes in all flavors and is THE BEST! If you live out of Utah it may be tricky to find but I have seen it in the Super Target here and you can order it online by going to www.indulgentfoods.com

So there ya have it! Enjoy your books and hot chocolate!

Dark Chocolate Lovers dream...

I have found yet another amazing thing at Walmart. Okay, so one of my many loves and obsessions is chocolate mousse. I've found some dry dark chocolate mousse mixes that you make on your own with milk, but never tastes just like whipped mousse. So, I am in the refridgerated asile near the butter and puddings and such, and I see it. It's what I've been looking for for years now. Swiss Miss now has a dark chocolate mousse in a pudding cup...I can't find the exact name...their website doesn't have anything about it, and I threw away the paper packaging. But...it's a 2 layered pudding cup with dark chocolate mousse on the bottom, and I think milk chocolate mousse on the top. It's completely amazing! It only has 140 calories for the whole thing to boot! My philosophy has always been, "If it's not dark, then chocolate is not worth the calories." So far, I've eaten 2 mousse cups today. One for breakfast and one for dessert tonight. I mean, I thought I had hit the jackpot when they came out with dark chocolate M&M's, but this is 10 times better. If you love dark chocolate and love mousse...then join my club. I have a feeling that they will be stocked 24/7 at my house!

Twilight...at 11 pm?

Yeah, that's right. I finally started reading (Beau's out of town hunting) and I can't put it down. I started a couple of hours ago and I'm about 200 pages in. If I keep up this pace, I'll have a complete opinion by morning. :) Here's to hoping I get some sleep!

G'Night!

I have found it!

Okay, so I am a genius. Not really, but I have made a miraculous discovery. I have the answer to one of life's mysteries. Here's the story...I was in the shower yesterday morning, and felt the need to clean it. In my bathroom, we don't keep any cleaners (after collin drank windex), but I do keep a container of toilet bowl cleaner up on a high shelf. I kinda have a secret obsession with cleaning my toilet. I probably clean my toilet 3-4 times a week. I know, OCD. Anyways, I was already wet in the shower and didn't want to get out to get my Soft Scrub, so I grabbed the Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner. I thought...hey it's cleaner, and it cleans the dirtiest place on earth (a toilet) so why not clean some shower tiles also. I read the back of it and it even kills the HIV virus! So, as I was scrubbing the tiles and grout with my toothbrush and toilet bowl cleaner, a little flicked onto my shower stall door (we have the frosted glass shower doors in our master bath) and it started to FOAM! I though to myself...it's foaming, it must be cleaning. I let it foam for a mintue, and after I rinsed it off...NO MORE HARD WATER STAIN! I have been purchasing the most expensive crap out there, I even spent $38 on 1 bottle of green cleaner from a door to door salesman who promised me no hard water stains. No avail. So after my discovery, I squirted a bunch in my hand and wiped it all over the door...it was a beautiful foaming mess! (but stings any cuts you might have) Now I don't mean huge foam, more like a peroxide type of foam...the blue cleaner turns white as it's killing the hard water stains. I continued to use the whole bottle on my shower and love that I've made an amazing discovery. Now if they'd just give that Nobel Peace Prize to me rather than Al Gore...hummm.....

Boden & Long Distance

Ok, I've been meaning to post both of these things for awhile now. Someone asked in my introduction post what Boden is. Boden is my VERY favorite clothing company. Here's a link to their website: Boden

Their clothes are fabulously made and just a little bit different from what you see everywhere else. I am especially a huge fan of their little boys clothing (and dresses for myself). My son is definitely out of the gymboree phase and I have had a hard time finding things for him the last year or so. They also resell for a fabulous price on ebay (I ebay most of my kids' clothes, therefore justifying the insane amount of money I spend on them).

Boden is an English company so if you do order from them, make sure you pay attention to their sizing since it is different from US sizing. Best of all, they are almost always running some kind of promotion. The best time to buy is during their sneak peek sales that they do about 3 times a year - it's usually a preseason sale and 25% off everything plus free shipping and returns. This is when I do 90% of my ordering. Right now their promotion is 10% off plus free shipping and returns - you have to get the offer through email so email me at anmfrost@hotmail.com if you want the email.

ALSO, I just have to post about the cheap, cheap long distance. We have been using Big Red Wire for about 4 years now. The rate is 2.6 cents a minute in the U.S. and 3.9 cents to call Canada (I checked for you Angie). You sign up on their website and they bill your credit card. I usually spend less than $15 per month for all the long distance I use (I use a lot because I don't live near my family). Anyway, I'm always on the lookout for ways to cut costs on my budget so I though I would pass this along to all of you!

Beans, beans

Hey ya'll,

I've been kind of a slacker on this blog lately, but after a great conference weekend, with yum food I thought I'd share one of my favorites. Sorry, not in time for conference but this recipe is good ANY TIME.

Bean Pico
1 16oz. can black eyed peas (rinsed & drained)
1/4 C. thinly sliced green onion
1/4 C. diced red pepper
2 Cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbs. EVOO (extra virgin olive oil for you non-watchers of the food network)
2 Tbs. Cider vinegar
2 Tbs. Salsa

Add the following to taste:lime juice, hot sauce, salt, pepper, cumin, celery salt, and any other spices you like.

Chill all ingredients and then add Cilantro - fresh, chopped finely - just before serving.

I like to serve these with key lime tortilla chips (a delicious meal on their own by the way), but since I'm trying to LOSE weight, I've been eating it alone, on lettuce or with some whole grain crackers.

Enjoy!

ps. Louise - I didn't realize that you were Louise (used to be Coomb) from Calgary. I saw your blog and just wanted to say hi! I'm Thomas Glenn's younger sister.

(Oh and by the way, for those of you who do know my older brother Thomas, he just announced yesterday that he will be performing at the MET next year!! NYC baby! We're thrilled for him. He's performing in an opera called Dr. Atomic. It seems to be taking the world by storm - he'll be performing it in Chicago this December/January. Here is a link to his site: http://www.thomasglenntenor.com/)

Conference Weekend!

The muffins. That's all I have to say. Angie and Julie can attest to these muffins. This is what conference weekend was all about when we were in college. That, and sleeping through the whole thing. These are the most amazing muffins you've ever tasted. And I took the liberty of getting the recipe from my mom for you girls to enjoy...Mandella, I am making them Sunday morning and will run some over to you...you'll love me for it!

Conference Muffins:
2 cups boiling water
4 cups bran cereal (All Bran or Bran Buds)
1 pound pitted and chopped dates (ick) OR 2 cups raisins
5 cups flour
1 tsp salt
5 tsp baking soda
1 cup crisco
2 cups sugar
4 beaten eggs
1 quart buttermilk
2 cups bran flakes
1/3 cup molasses

You'll need a huge bowl for this one. Makes 6 dozen muffins! But trust me, if you share with neighbors, they'll be gone!
Pour boiling water over bran cereal and raisins. Sift dry ingredients together. Cream shortening and sugar; add eggs, hot bran mixture, dry ingredients, molasses and buttermilk. Add the 2 cups of bran flakes cereal. Mix just enough to combine. Baked in greased and floured muffin tins or line with cupcake liners at 400 degrees for 15-20 mintues. Batter can be stored in a covered container in a fridge for up to 6 weeks! Bake any amount as desired!

I was gonna overnight these to Angie and Julie, but then I thought you might have more enjoyment making them on your own. My tonsils better be healed by Sunday so I can eat these!

not makeup...

Ok, my post of the thing that totally rocks my world lately has nothing to do with makeup but everything to do with helping to keep us looking good!

I'm pretty lazy sometimes when it comes to eating veggies - I just don't eat them enough frankly, and I find that I throw half of them in the trash because they go bad. My solution? The Birds Eye brand frozen vegetables in their own little microwaveable steam bag.

These are so great because they are totally sog-proof and the veggies actually taste fresh. They also sell them in single serving packets which are so great for a girl like me who is single half the week! :)

And in case you've never checked it out, a great website that does all the hard work for you is www.hungry-girl.com. Enjoy!

Sound Familiar???

Since most of us are mom's and those of us who aren't have a mom, I thought I'd post this. I know I can relate...what about you???

As Good as it Gets!

Okay ladies! If you don't know who Paul Potts is, you will now! My dad sent me this clip and I got the chills. Just watch it. It really doesn't get much better than this!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oxTy7KIAaA&NR=1

Also, does anyone know of the perfect blush? Mine always disappears in 30 minutes. Is there a liquid out there that stays on? Let me know.

And one last thing for Halloween. Why do mummies make such bad friends?
...because they are SO wrapped up in themselves! Chortle, Guffaw~

Introducing Myself!!

Hi everyone. Angie invited me to join this awesome site and I'm finally getting around to introducing myself. I've loved reading this blog for the last month or so and have tried tons of the products mentioned here. I'm excited to contribute more! Here's a little about me.

1. Full Name: Monique Frost

2. Age: 31 but quickly approaching 32

3. Married/Kids - Married almost 7 years to Allen, Carter 4 1/2, Makenna 2 1/2 and baby girl due in February

4. Work: Stay at Home Mommy (though we don't stay home very often)

5. Resides: New to Phoenix, AZ (and for all you Twilight obsessed girls out there, I actually only live about 4 miles from Stephenie Meyer)

6. Hobbies: Scrapbooking, Reading, Traveling, Decorating, Entertaining

7. Loves: Date night EVERY week with hubs, shopping, Target, Gymboree, Children's books, Boden, Eating out, Holidays, Seasons (sob), giving gifts, paper crafting, diet coke with lemon, chocolate chip cookies, organizing, cleaning, salad, mexican food, family traditions, blogging, scrapbooking, my Achievement Days calling, hanging out with friends, Netflix, DVR, Lost & Heroes, my iPod, saving money, getting great deals

8. I am on this blog thanks to: Angie (Ang also set up my husband and I on our first date - I have a lot to thank her for)

9. Dreams: Serve a mission with my hubs, travel the world with my husband (and kids when they are older), build my dream home (sooner than later), be in really great shape again, live internationally with our family, finish my Master's degree, own a vacation home in Hilton Head, SC, live close to extended family, have my kids grow up to be righteous and productive members of society

10. Addictions: Target, eating out, Diet Coke, Staying up way too late, online shopping, blogging, buying clothes for my kids, chunky jewelry

11. Biggest Dislikes: disobedient children, working out (there, I said it), a messy house, general clutter in my house (esp. paper), gaining weight, debt of any kind, laundry and ironing

Get Your Beauty Sleep!!

Hi Girls,
I feel like it has been FOREVER since I last posted. I've been out of town for the past week or so and feel so out of it with all of you. I've been reading and catching up on everyones posts and feel much more at peace with life now that I'm back in the We Know the Good Stuff "Know" :-).

So here is my latest find! Sorry Shannon, it's not makeup but I do believe it can GREATLY enhance your look if you use it. It's a Sleeping Eye Cover. OH MY GOSH!!! Can I just say that I have never slept so good! You'd think it would drive you nuts, but oh no my friends, it is pure heaven. Everything around you is blacked out and you sleep like a baby. Check 'em out and let me know what you think.

I got mine while on vacation but I found a website you can order them on. They come in all different colors and styles as well.
Check it out:
http://www.dreamessentials.com/a_intro_eye_masks.aspx?gclid=CNua7ty98I4CFQzCYgodnyIcEQ

Yummy Dinner

I already posted this on my personal blog, but wanted to share it with you all. Any kind of Thanksgiving meal is a favorite of mine!

I don't usually watch Rachel Ray. Something about her totally bugs, but I'm not sure what it is exactly. Today, however, I ended up watching her show (mainly by accident - wasn't paying attention to what was on) and found the yummiest dinner recipe. It was so good, I had to share! And, to top it off, there is enough to make dinner for the next night (a Thanksgiving-style shepherd's pie).

Turkey-Stuffin’ Meatloaf With Scallion Mashed Potatoes & Gravy

Ingredients
· 7 tablespoons butter, divided
· 1/2 large onion, cut into small dice
· 3 pieces celery heart, cut into small dice
· 1 bay leaf
· 2 tablespoons poultry seasoning
· Salt and freshly ground black pepper
· 1 bag stuffing cubes (I used the cornbread flavor and they were so good!)
· 2 quarts chicken stock, divided
· 2 pounds ground turkey
· 2 eggs
· 2 1/2 pounds (about 4 to 5 medium-size) peeled Idaho potatoes
· 1/2 cup reduced fat sour cream
· 1/2 cup milk
· 1 small bunch scallions, chopped
· 1/4 cup flour
· 1 pound green beans


Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 375ºF.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 3 tablespoons of butter. When the butter is melted, add the onions, celery and bay leaf to the skillet, season with poultry seasoning, salt and freshly ground black pepper and cook until the veggies are tender.
3. Add the stuffing cubes to the skillet and mix in about 2 to 3 cups of chicken stock to moisten. Take the bay leaf out of the skillet, remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool, about 5 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey, eggs and cooled stuffing mixture. Form the meat mix into 2 long loaves on a baking sheet (or in bread pans, like I do). Drizzle them with olive oil and cook in the oven for about an hour, until brown and cooked through (165ºF internal temperature), about 45 minutes.
5. Once the turkey loaves are about half way done, start the sour cream and scallion potatoes: Add the potatoes to a medium-size pot of cold water and boil until tender.
6. While the potatoes are boiling start the gravy: Add the remaining four tablespoons butter to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, add the flour and cook for about a minute. Whisk the remaining 6 cups of chicken stock into the skillet with the butter and flour mixture, and cook until thickened and bubbling, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside half the gravy for tonight’s meat loaf and mashed potatoes and reserve the other half for the Shepherd's Pie.
7. Heat a pot over high heat with enough water to come one inch up the side of the pot. Once boiling, add the green beans and cook until tender, 3-4 minutes. Once the potatoes are cooked, drain the water from the pot and mash up the potatoes with the sour cream, milk, salt and freshly ground black pepper. Once the potatoes are mashed, stir in the scallions.
8. Serve one of the loaves of meatloaf and the potatoes with the green beans alongside. Save the second meatloaf for Shepherd's Pie.


Bon Appetit!

Showering and Happiness

I have to share something I found just last night at Target. I was looking at the lotion section for something for my hands which have been extra dry since painting my bathroom (I found some "Hand" lotion in a small tube and got it). But that is not what I wanted to blog about. While looking for this I found the new Vaseline Cocoa Butter lotion (it came in cream, body butter, lotion with a pump or without). I smelled it, squirted a dab on my hands and immediately threw it in my cart. I was excited to use it for the first time today and I do love it. Love. I love the smell of chocolate, vanilla and coconut and I can't tell for sure but it seems like a mix of them all. HA! Most of the shower gels, lotions, body butter I have been buying lately aren't necessarily cheap. This was super cheap (the whole bottle was like 6 bucks or something). Anyway, yum!

Next, I have to make it complete. I have been using the Secret Kuku Coco Butter deodorant for a while now and LOVE. IT. It says it is "a perfect combination of sweet chocolate and warm vanilla"... and it is!! Pair it with the new lotion I found and I couldn't be happier after my shower. Enjoy!

The Best Stuff Ever!!!

As per Shannon's request to share our fave make-up product here is my favorite! It is Fluidline eyeliner from M-A-C. It comes in all sorts of different colors and is AWESOME. It last all day, in fact some shades are almost impossible to get off, and it goes on so smooth and nice. I love it! So next time you're at the mall, stop by the MAC counter and check out all the fun colors!!!

Yeah, I am a sucker...

Yup, I do it. I buy into the ads, the photos, the promises. I probably have about a dozen mascara's sitting in my make-up drawer. But this one takes the cake. I love this mascara and think it's such a great product for the price. Maybelline Define-a-lash. I think I'll buy a few of them just in case they discontinue it. I used to LOVE their Illegal Lengths, and then they canned it. Why? I would have bought them out!

So here's the blogging challenge: What's your favorite mascara? or Makeup Product?

Pumpkin, Pumpkin, Who Loves the Pumpkin!!

This one is for Julie, and all lovers of pumpkin and/or the fall season!!!! Yahoo! I love fall! I love the colors, the crispy coolness of the morning breeze, corn stalks, crysanthimums, pumpkins, gourds, Halloween, hiking in the mountains, the disney cartoon "Sleepy Hallow". I just can't get enough. Did I mention I love fall??!! Okay, so to kick-start the whole fall thing I had to stop by the other morning and get a "Pumpkin-Spice" steamer from my favvvvvv place to get hot chocolate....Starbucks!! Some Starbucks don't call it a steamer, rather a latte. Just my little morning indulgence- you've gotta get one tomorrow :-) Bottoms up girls!!

Low Fat Pumpkin Cookies

Okay Ladies...its been a while since I've posted but I've been in "Fall" baking mode for the last week so here is one of my families faves.

1 15 oz can of pumpkin

1 box of spice cake mix

1 bag of chocolate chips (I prefer milk chocolate but whatever floats your boat)

Preheat oven to 400. Mix pumpkin, cake mix ( just the powder--you DO NOT prepare the cake mix) and chocolate chips together. Place spoonfuls on greased cookie sheet and cook 10-15 minutes depending on your oven and cookie sheet. ENJOY!

They also make great mini muffins.

Olive Garden Soup

Inspired by "Zupas" in Alysha's post, here is a recipe for my favorite soup ever - Olive Garden's Zuppa Tuscana. This recipe is so amazingly close that we hardly dine out for it anymore. I've got another recipe for their salad (dressing included), but I haven't tried it out yet. Hope you enjoy!

INGREDIENTS
1-2 lbs spicy Italian sausage (not in the casings - found packaged like ground beef)
3/4 cups onions, diced
10 slices bacon
1 1/2 tsp. minced garlic
2 tbsp. chicken bouillon powder (or 2 cubes, crushed)
2 quarts water
5-6 medium potatoes sliced up and then halve the slices
2 cups kale leaves sliced thinly (spinach can be substituted)
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream (try fat free half and half)
parmesan cheese for garnish

Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Place sausage links on a sheet pan and bake 25 minutes or until done. Cool, then cut in slices, then halve the slices.
Put onions and bacon in a large saucepan and cook over medium heat until the onions are almost clear. Remove bacon and crumble.

Add garlic to onions and cook one minute. Add bouillon powder, water and potatoes. Simmer 15 minutes.

Add bacon, sausage, kale and cream. Simmer 4 minutes and serve. Garnish with parmesan cheese.

Buon appetito!

Locks of Love

Hey All! Ego asked how much hair you need to donate to Locks of Love. Here's the link to all the guidelines for donating to L.O.L. http://www.locksoflove.org/donate.html

My friend Holly asked me to do this post on We Know the Good Stuff for her. This same post appears on Tutus & Turtles.blogspot. So if things don't work quite right or look funny, check out that sight. As a cancer survivor myself, I am a HUGE supporter of anything that has to do with cancer research and support. After going through it myself, I can't even imagine what it must be like to go through something so devastating as a child. Read through this and see what you can do to help. Also, there is an adorable picture of a little girl named Sadie on the Tutus & Turtles blog. She is only 17 months old and fighting cancer.

*Kids Get Cancer Too*
Cancer in children is more common than most people realize. Childhood cancers behave very differently than adult cancers and the survival statistics are not as promising. Furthermore, the incidence of childhood cancers seems to be increasing. Please join us in increasing awareness of childhood cancer facts and statistics.

-Cancer is the number one killer of children by disease. It is the second leading cause of all childhood deaths exceeded only by accidents.

-One in 330 children will develop cancer before the age of 20.

-On average, 46 children are diagnosed with cancer every day in the United States.

-Approximately 12,400 children were diagnoses with cancer in the year 2000.

-Each year about 3,000 children die from cancer. This is more than from asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, congenital anomalies, and pediatric AIDS combined.

-Only about 20% of adults with cancer show evidence that the disease has spread to distant sites on the body at diagnosis, yet 80% of children are diagnosed with advanced disease.

-In the past 20 years only one new cancer drug has been approved for pediatric use.

-Only 3% of the budget from the National Cancer Institute goes toward pediatric cancer research. That's 3% of all pediatric cancers combined.

-The incidence of childhood cancer is increasing. The cause of this is unknown.

-Pediatric cancer funding is nominal in comparison to other more publicized diseases such as pediatric AIDS or juvenile diabetes, which increases in awareness every year.

-Most adult cancers result from lifestyle factors such as smoking, diet, occupation, and exposure to cancer-causing agents. The cause of most childhood cancers is unknown.

-Approximately 70% of children with cancer participate in research trials compared to only 3% of adult cancer patients. As a result, many of the advances in adult cancer treatments are due to breakthroughs in childhood cancer research.

-The government recently cut the budget for childhood cancer research.

-As a nation, we spend $14 billion dollars per year on the space program, but only $35 million on childhood cancer research per year.

How You Can Help

-The Symbol for childhood cancer is the gold ribbon.

-Wear a gold ribbon to show your support.

-Have a car wash, bake sale, or any special event and donate the proceeds to the childhood cancer organization of your choice.

-Go through old video tapes, DVDs, and CDs to donate to your local Children's Hospital.

-Ask your Student Council or PTA for help in getting your or your child's school involved.

-Get your church youth group involved.-Host an Alex's Lemonade Stand.

-Educate youth by having them donate their allowance earned for the month of September.

-Participate in Locks of Love.

-Donate Blood.

-Join the National Bone Marrow Registry.

-Email Oprah requesting a pediatric cancer show.

-Support the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act.

-Copy, post, and circulate this information.

-Support the kids fighting cancer by leaving messages on their pages and keeping them in your prayers.

-Click on the Add to sk*rt button on the bottom of this post, log in or register a new account, and click on the Love It! button connected to this tutus and turtle's post to help increase awareness of childhood cancer. You may have to search for the post under tutus and turtles or childhood cancer.

Lick my lips!

Another great find! So these lip glosses are pretty cheap (only $6 bucks or so), and are so tasty. I tried the Guava one first (lighter pink on the left) and loved it. So I went back and got the Raspberry Splash (not pictured) and love it even more. Gonna try the Fig one next! They have 12 different shades and flavors, and the colors are awesome. They are light enough to wear with liner, but dark enough to wear alone. They aren't sticky, and have great shine power. Good job Cover Girl! Also on the website, you can have Cover Girl tell you what colors would look best with your hair, eye, and skin tone.

I have to brag...

Yup, it's mine. I got a Dyson. This is the one I got. It's fabulous. It's my early birthday present from my sweet hubby. So I vacuumed my living room with my old vacuum, and then went over it with my Dyson and all I have to say is, SICK SICK SICK. I had a whole CUPFULL of dirt and crap come out of my Dyson. I have been silently and falsely living in filth. I feel betrayed. Betrayed by my Hoover. At least now, I know I can trust again. Thank you Dyson.

Hello Calgary

Hey Louise, This one is for you!!! Sorry to all our US friends, I couldn't resist! This is a commercial that used to play over and over and over while we were growing up! Everyone in town knew the words to this song! I love the clothes people are wearing! Too Funny!!

Paul Brandt - Alberta Bound

Well ladies, at the risk of excluding some, I couldn't help but post this! It's a shout-out to all my fellow Canadian girls who contribute to WKTGS- there seem to be a lot of us! We love America too XOXOXO!!! This really takes me back to the times I drove up from Idaho and Utah as a college student! It was always so exciting to be in the homeland again! This video says it all!! Enjoy!

Help! I need some advice.

I know this is going to sound so totally gross, but here it goes. My oldest son Tyler started getting some little itchy spots around his ankles about 1 1/2 weeks ago. I figured it was some allergy to grass or something at school. Then the spots started showing up in other places. On Tuesday I had had enough and took him to the Dr. The Dr. informed me that he is being bitten by fleas. Totally disgusting!!! Well, I have been freaking out, my pest control guy sprayed the yard yesterday and is coming to spray the house next week, but everyone keeps telling me that if they are in the house we would all have bites. Oh ya, and we have NO pets, very rare to have fleas around with no pets, my pest control guy is baffled. NO one else has bites. So, my poor kid has these stupid bites all over his body and I can't figure out where they are coming from. The only think I can figure is from someone or something at school. So, I emailed his teacher and they are investigating on that end. Have any of you ever dealt with this? I am suspecting it is one of the kids he is sitting next to in class, should I asked if he be moved and see if that helps? I just don't know what to do. I am totally paranoid they are in my house - it so gross.

Recommended Read!

Alright Ladies I just finished the book I, Mona Lisa by Jeanne Kalogridis. It was really good. It is a good size book and not a super fast read, but really interesting. Basically it is about the lady in the picture Mona Lisa. It is a historical Fiction book you could say. Here is a little excerpt for you all. "My name is Lisa di Antonio Gheradini, though to acquaintances, I am known simply as Madonna Lisa. My story begins not with my birth but a murder, committed the year before I was born."

So, I would love you guys to read it and tell me what you think. Just as a side note there are a couple more adult parts, but nothing to risque. Happy Reading.

My DIMR's just arrived!!

Oh my gosh!!! I am totally dieing!! My DIMR's just arrived and I am sooooo excited!!!! Louise what a FABULOUS find girlfriend! The packaging is cracking me up too! They come in a little purse (see Louise's post below) and on the back of the little purse it says "DIMR's....are a girl's BrEaST Friend". Hilarious!!! If you haven't ordered yours, you'd better do it now!!

A Great Show!!

Last night we took our three older kids to see the Little Mermaid Pre-Broadway show! It's only here for another week and then goes to Broadway! It was FABULOUS!!!! If you are in New York it's a MUST see. Kids or not! You'll love it! If NYC is not on your travel docket, wait til it tours and be sure to go. Disney never ceases to amaze me at the creativity they put into EVERYTHING!!!

http://disney.go.com/theatre/thelittlemermaid/

Has anyone read.....

Okay, so my friend gave me a book called I, Mona Lisa and I'm about half way through it. So far it has been good and very interesting. I am wondering if any of you wonderful women have read it and what you thought if you did! Let me know. I'll let you know if it was worth the read when I am all finished.

Forks, Washington

http://www.forkswa.com/index.html
The previous link will take you to a homepage that shows you Forks, Washington.
There is a link on the left side menu that says TWILIGHT POINTS OF INTEREST.
After clicking the link, a map of the actual places in Forks, WA are located that are spoken about in "Twilight." Kinda neat!

Clear face, clean floor

Okay, since a few of us have had the "Adult Acne" issue, Jocelyn recommended this product to me and it's worked AWESOME! I haven't had a zit in the last 8 years (thanks Accutane) but for some reason, last week I got five!!! they all were in the same area, and nicely formed a circle. So for any of you having the Adult Acne issue, try this: Clearasil Acne Control, Adult Acne Treatment Cream. It's tinted, so you can wear it under makeup. But, you HAVE to make sure you buy the ADULT one...I went to 4 stores to find mine, but Walgreens had it. All the others had the same cream, but not the Adult version. Try it...you'll love it!

I also am still in love with my Bissel Flip-It. I know Julie and Angie both have one, but after 3 years, mine still is awesome. If you have lots of tile or hardwood, this thing is awesome. It sweeps, mops, and squeegees all in one. So the squeege part isn't all that powerful, but really this thing is a livesaver! I bought mine at Sears 3 years ago for about $100. It's pricey, but totally worth the time savings!

I'm Bringin' Sexy Back!

Girls. I have found them!!! I have been searching for the perfect pair of jeans for years now. You know the jeans that make your legs look LONG and SLeek, minimize butt size, etc? Well, I've found them! SILVER JEANS! The only drawback is that they are LOW RIDERS, so i've had to work on longer tops and my spare tire! They are a wee bit pricey, but after I begged my husband to get them for me, we went out and he commented that they were worth every penny! I like the Tuesday cut and the Suki, but there are many many styles and you just have to go the buckle and try them all on. HAPPY SHOPPING!

And the winner is.....

OK, you fierce competitors vying for the ugliest feet award, you are cracking me up with your very competitive, heartfelt and graphic pleas to be crowned queen but I'm sorry to say that you will have to continue your quest for the crown next summer - we have found our winner for this year.


NASTY! I don't think even the Diamancel could help poor grandma! This picture is so gross, sorry for posting it :) Yvette actually sent this in the spring with an Open Toe Shoe Pledge, which it sounds as though some of us have violated! I promise if I ever see any of my friends getting close to this (which you're not, Mar) I will intervene!

Ugly Summer Feet

I don't know about you gals but the summer takes a serious toll on my feet. The only time I even wear socks is to work out. What I'm left with is just downright scary. I'm surprised my hubby has never asked me to wear socks to bed :)

So, I kept hearing about this foot file by Diamancel. Every year in the In Style Best Beauty Buys issue (my favorite!!!) It is always rated the best. It's pretty spendy so I didn't buy it but finally earlier this year I got some money for my birthday and broke down and bought it. Amazing!!! It is $38 and is the Diamancel Callus Conqueror #20. It is incredible for that dry, thick, cracked skin around heels. I think it is made with diamonds and is supposed to last for about 5 years. It is pricey but when you think about it, it's only about the same price as one pedicure. Anyway - I LOVE this product! I think they sell it at beauty.com, so you can order this and the DIMRS together! :)

The Bumbo!

For all of you with little ones, this is a super invention. I just bought a Bumbo chair for Brooklyn yesterday and we both love it! She still doesn't have great neck control, she's a bit wobbly. But she can sit in her Bumbo really well and it helps her to strengthen her neck and back muscles. When I try to give her tummy time, she is just a lazy girl and lays down. So this chair has been great for her. I highly recommend it!

No More Blinding Head-lights!

Wow! A girl gets away from the WKTGS for a couple days and misses a ton of new great stuff! My hubby and I just got back from a two day stay at the children's hospital. Our 10 yr old son had emergency surgery to remove his appendix! He's doing great now, and resting at home...TOTALLY RELIEVED. It was so great to read a little fun girl talk today IE: recipes, products, get-2-know-u's, and PORN :-)!! TX for all the great stuff you gals have posted!! Well here is an awesome product to possibly be used in conjuction with Angies beautiful post on keeping the" twins" settled down while exercising!!
I absolutely love this product...don't leave home without it! As crazy as it may look girls these DIMR'S really do dim the head-lights so to speak! They are small silicone forms that basically succion right over top of the "PN's" (protruding nipples, as dubbed by Marilee ;-)) Listen. They can be worn under the sports bra, non-padded bras, bra-less, and swim wear. Yup, you heard me! The "mini sisters" can even be worn under water...they will not move! I will even be sporting mine at the triathlon I'm doing in two weeks! It's super sly baby! It's also totally funking however, to see the old "targets" totally missing when looking in the mirror;-) You gotta give'em a try!Remember, they're called DIMR'S and they are $29.99, but worth it! You can order them on beauty.com! Happy Dimming!

The best banana bread recipe ever!!!

Okay, so I might be biased, but my sisters, my mom, and my mother-in-law have all thrown away their recpies for banana bread after they tasted mine. It's seriously amazing. In fact, I am eating another slice as we speak!

2/3 cup real butter (unsalted)
1 1/3 cup white sugar
2 eggs
dash of vanilla
3-4 brown bananas
1/2 cup sour cream
2 2/3 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon

Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add each egg, one at a time. Add vanilla and mashed bananas. In a different bowl, mix the dry ingredients and alternate adding them into the wet mixture with the sour cream (1 cup dry mix, then 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 cup dry mix, sour cream, 2/3 dry mix). Bake in 2 pans for 45 minutes or until done at 350 degrees!

You can also substitute the bananas with zucchini (call me if you need some, i have them growing out my ears) or peaches, or cherries, cranberries, etc...)

A Few Good Recipes

So most of you know, I am all about eating (my size shows it sadly enough). Here are some good and good for you recipes.

Yesterday Jocelyn and I were talking about her obsession with Snackwells Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies and how they discontinued them. We googled it online and found the recipe! We both challenged eachother to make them, and folks...they REALLY do taste like the real thing! And for 13 of them to be 100 calories...count me in. Here's the recipe:

Makes 12 Dozen bite size Cookies
1 egg white
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon corn syrup
1 tablespoon shortening
1 1/2 tablespoons egg substitute
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon plus a pinch of salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Beat the egg white until thick. Add the granulated sugar to the egg white and continue beating until the mixture forms soft peaks. While beating, add the brown sugar; corn syrup, shortening, and egg substitute. In a separate bowl, combine the flour; salt, baking soda and baking powder: Combine the dry mixture with the wet and mix well. Add the chocolate chips and incorporate them into the dough. Divide the dough in half; then roll each portion into a long, thin Jog about the same diameter as a nickel and wrap each in plastic wrap. Put the dough into the refrigerator and chill) it for a couple hours (you may also use the freezer for roughly half the time if you're in a hurry). When the dough has thoroughly chilled, remove each log of dough from the plastic wrap and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Place slices on a cookie sheet coated lightly with nonstick spray about 1/2-inch apart, and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cookies turn light brown. Nutrition Facts: Serving Size 13 cookies Total servings 11 Fat (per serving) 3.3g Calories (per serving) 105

The dough will turn out really gooey, like peanut butter...so I have no idea how they were able to roll it into a log. Joce tried to put it in the freezer and that kinda worked, but I just rolled it into a fat log and threw that into the fridge. They are so yummy!

Here's another recipe if you're searching for something to make for dinner. We call it French Dressing Chicken which I grew up on. You can make it totally low fat too!

3-4 Chicken Breasts (un-cooked)
1 box Uncle Bens Wild Rice
2/3 cup white rice
1 can of cream of celery soup (i use the healthy request kind)
1 can of cream of mushroom soup (healthy request)
1/2 cup milk (skim)
1/2 cup french dressing (fat free)
slivered almonds
parmesan cheese.

In a 13 by 9 inch pan, put the wild rice and seasoning packet in (uncooked). Add extra white rice. Place chicken breasts (or you can use tenders) on top of the rice. Mix in a bowl the 2 soups, milk, and dressing and pour over chicken. Top with almonds, cheese, and foil. Cook in a 350 degree oven for 2 hours. Serve warm. You might also want to use minute rice to make sure it's cooked all the way through with the rice. It's seriously SOOOOOO good! We had it last night.

Missing Edward and Bella!

Sad, but true, but exciting all at the same time. I finished Eclipse last night. It was sooooooo good but it is bitter sweet since I have nothing to read now. I miss Edward and Bella! : ( I hope Stephenie gets on it and writes another one. She said on her website that she will...does anyone have any updated information on that???

Jacob or Edward?

Another Stephenie Myers post! Sorry non-SM fans. I just have to ask - is there really anyone out there who is pro-Jacob??? For me - it's ALL about Edward!

I did it!

Hey! Come take a look at my family blog site. I am so proud of myself. It is in the very simple stages right now, but hey, I have pictures on there. Thanks Alysha, again, for telling me about the blogging sites.

Comment Notification Email

Anyone who joined the email group... check your spam because I left a comment to test it out and Shannon got it and I didn't and couldn't figure it out. Then I found that it went to my spam. Anyway, it should be working now. So if you didn't receive the comment I left check your spam folders then mark them as not spam so they will start going to your inbox. They should have [We Know The Good Stuff!] New comment on ______. for the subject of the email.

Anyone who hasn't joined the email group. You can anytime. Just let me know and I'll send you the link to join.

Porn for us "good girls"

You've probably already seen these...but I had a good laugh this morning and thought I'd share! :) Happy Tuesday everyone!

Orange Julius

My visiting teacher (and friend) saw that I got a brand new, shiny blender and she gave me the recipe for an Orange Julius smoothie. I made it for dessert on Sunday...and Monday... and everyone loved it. So, of course, I thought of the WKTGS ladies and couldn't wait to pass it on! If you already have this - sorry! If not, please enjoy!

1/2 can frozen orange juice concentrate
3/4 c. milk
3/4 c. water
1/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
15-20 ice cubes
Blend together and serve. Serves 4.

P.S. Just read about "imprinting" in Eclipse. CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Keepin' my girls in check...

Someone asked about my fav sports bra in an earlier comment. Well, ta-da! Here it is! It's the Champion Double Dry Seamless Full Support (oh tell me about it...) Underwire (is there any other way??) Sports Bra.

I purchase mine at Kohl's for $40.00 and it looks like they're about the same price at the Champion site. They're super comfortable and seriously, the girls stay put during my most high impact aerobics classes or jogging.

If you're in the market for a new one, check it out! :)

***Update: The best thing about this bra is that it is sized pretty well. Kacey commented about smaller sizes - you can definitely get these for less well endowed. They are sized like regular bras but also have a cup size range, like for example I wear a 32-34 d/dd. I've never NOT been busty, but I would imagine that if I wasn't I might avoid the underwire if I could. Check out their other styles...they have some really great new saucy seamless ones!

Growing

Have you all noticed how many ladies we have on here now? Holy cow. I love it! But is anyone else having trouble with keeping up? Like if you post something and then want to read comments but can't remember how many comments there were so you waste a lot of time going to comments when you don't need to because there are no new ones? I have a solution... and want to know who wants to join.

On my own blog I have it set up so that any time someone comments on my blog the comment is automatically emailed to me. That way if someone comments on an old post I will know they commented (since I don't check old posts for new comments on my blog). If you don't have this set up on your own blogs you should check it out. Very handy. Under "Settings" then "Comments" at the bottom is the "Comment Notification Email" and you put the address in there where you want comments on your blog emailed to you.

Anyway... on to my point. You can only have one email address for the comment notification so I created a WKTGS google group email address that anyone on here can join it and then whenever a comment is put on the WKTGS blog it will send that comment to the emails that are in that google group. Again... very handy. Who wants in? If you do either give your email address in the comments or send it to me here and I'll invite you to the group.

Let Me Introduce Myself

Hey girls - First of all, I just want to say how excited I am about this blog! How fun.

1. Full Name: Tamara Faye Nelson Cooper-Leavitt (I know - a little long)

2. Age: Seriously? OK - 34

3. Married/Kids - Married almost 14 years to my hot hubby Jeramy, Ella- 4 1/2, Finn - 6 months

4. Work: In my former life I was a CPA but I got a promotion to SAHM when I had Ella. It's the best job ever!

5. Resides: Highlands Ranch, Colorado

6. Hobbies: Shopping, reading, working out, photography, decorating my house

7. Loves: Music, EBay, girls night out, date night, talking, Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, Clorox wipes, PuraCleanse (see Marilee's post on this), chocolate chip cookies, shoes, bags, jewelry - really all accessories, Sephora, J.Crew, Anthropologie, The Container Store, Nordstrom and the Rack, Diet Coke, vacation sex (sorry - I just got back from a trip with hubby and no kids. SIGH!)

8. I am on this blog thanks to: Marilee

9. Dreams: Rich, thin & beautiful! I would love to reach my goal weight/size before I have another baby (probably not going to happen but it's still a "dream"). Another baby. A pregnancy without puking my guts out. A house on the beach and cabin in the mountains that I could share with family/friends. To be able to walk into J.Crew, Anthropologie & Nordstrom and buy what I like without checking the price tag. To raise my kids to be loving, considerate, righteous and confident and have them still love me in the process. Lots of beautiful grandbabies!

10. Addictions: SHOES! My computer - Ebay, email, now blogging, iTunes (wow, those $0.99 songs really add up!) Cleaning and organizing my house, hair products, wardrobing and stylizing my family, diet coke, People magazine.

11. Biggest Dislikes: stretch marks, telemarketers/solicitors, rude people who work in the service industry (hello - you're getting paid to be polite!), inconsiderate people, a messy house, not being able to fit into my clothes after a vacation!

Help A Sista Out!

I want to go to a concert. It's September 1st, which happens to be the first day of dove hunting season (not that I would know that but I've been told so by you know who). You can hunt dove for many days... my concert is only on one night. It's Goo Goo Dolls with Lifehouse and Colbie Caillat. Sound good? Yeah I thought so too. Maybe you've heard one of my favorite songs on my playlist - Bubbly. Ben is refusing to give up opening day of killing birds so that means I am super bummed out. Anyone who thinks that is ridiculous (as I do) please help me out and comment or tell Ben here. I have tried reasoning with him... telling him that I am only asking for one night. He can go and hunt dove all he wants any other night. Help me convince him he should take me to that concert. If you think he should go on the dove hunt instead of taking me to that concert please lie. Thank you.

Get to Know Me

1. Full Name: Charlotte Renee` Mitchell
2.Age: 28
3. Married/Kids?: Husband: Jason, Kids: Amelia(Mia) Just turned 3 a couple weeks ago and Jackson who turned 4 months today!
4. Work: Stay-at-home mom, but certified Elementary Education teacher
5. Resides: Draper, UT
6. Hobbies: Reading, traveling, working out, scrapbooking, cooking, shopping for my kids and really for anything, watching football (NFL and College), fishing, sewing.
7. Loves: I love Ebay, watching movies, like many of you...my Bare Minerals(I have been using it for almost 2 years now), Ann Taylor clothing, hanging out with friends and family, going to plays, Gymboree clothes for my kids, Sundays, Sephora, going out to eat.
8. I am on this blog thanks to: Alysha
9. Dreams: That my family will always be healthy and happy and that we will all be together for eternity.
10. Addictions: The Internet: Ebay, now blogging, checking my email, Twilight Series (any info. about it.) buying clothes for my kids.
11. Biggest Dislikes: People who drive slowly, mean and rude people, waiting too long in line(hey, I have 2 under 3...) people who lie, people who are always late.

Hey Gals!

Hey to all! Alysha introduced me to this blogging website. I have to also say thank you to her for introducing me to the "Twilight"series. I have joined the bandwagon and ...LOVE IT! I have also gotten my mom to read the series as well. Wednesday I bought "New Moon" and "Eclipse." Earlier that morning I had just finished "Twilight." I can't wait until Alysha's Eclipse party either!
I love reading about what products you gals are loving right now. If you guys have any other product likes, let me know.I have a feeling that I will become like Alysha said, "Addicted to blogging." I am happy to join and I will be doing my page as soon as possible with 2 kids under 3! You all know where I am coming from!
I also got all the things needs to make the Cafe Rio food. I will let you know how it all turns out.

Copycat

So I know I've already posted this on my family blog, but since most of you are new to me, I thought I'd post it again. Here are the recipes for Cafe Rio/Costa Vida food. I make this, and then you can buy the dressing from there, and also get your own uncooked tortillas from Costco or wherever. Enjoy.


Café Rio Pork
3 lb. pork roast
16 oz. salsa
1 can of Coca Cola
2 cups brown sugar
water

Fill your crock pot with just the roast, and fill it half way with just the water.
Cook on high for 5 hours.
Take the pork out after the 5 hours, and drain the liquid.
Cut the roast into 3 or 4 sections and place back into the crock pot.
Puree the salsa in the blender and transfer to a bowl.
Add the Coke and brown sugar and mix.
Pour over the roast and cook on high for 3 more hours.
Shred with a fork.

My recommendations:

I also added ½ pack of fajita seasoning, 1 can green chilies, and about 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning during the last hour of cooking. Also, when it was done cooking, I drained out all the liquid and reduced it in a saucepan so it was thicker. With my additions, it tasted AMAZING!


Also, here's the recipe for the dressing, rice, chicken, and homemade tortillas:


Cafe Rio Creamy Tomatillo Dressing
1 package Hidden Valley Ranch
1 cup mayo
1 cup cilantro, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
3 tomatillos - peel off paper, chop
1/3 - 1/2 cups buttermilk, to consistency you want
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper (optional)

Put in blender and mix.

Homemade tortillas
3 C. flour
1/2 C. veggie or olive oil
1 1/8 C. luke warm water
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder

Mix all ingredients and knead. If too hard to knead, add a little water but if too sticky add a little more flour. Let stand for about 10 minutes. Makes about 12 small balls. Flatten each by rolling them out and then cook them in a frying pan.**I usually have 2 frying pans going at once so they all get cooked faster

Café Rio Rice
3 c water
4 t chicken bouillon
4 t garlic –minced
½ bunch cilantro
1 can green chiles—or equivalent fresh
¾ t salt
1 T butter
½ onion
3 c rice (see note)

Blend cilantro, green chiles and onion together in food processor. Bring water to a boil and add all ingredients, simmer covered 30 minutes.

Cafe Rio Chicken
1 small bottle Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing
1 T chili powder
1 T cumin
3 cloves garlic—minced
5 lbs chicken breast

Cook all together in a crock pot for 4 hours, shred meat and cook 1 additional hour.

Because Shannon Said I Had To...

1. Full Name: Lindsay Beckstrom
2. Age: 30
3. Married/Kids?: neither
4. Work: Recreation Therapist. I work at a residential and day treatment center for naughty teenagers and i love it.
5. Resides: Orem, UT at the Hotel Petersen.
6. Hobbies: MUSIC, reading, organizing, cleaning, hiking, scapbooking, knitting, crocheting, cooking, traveling, movies, golf, make-up artistry.
7. Loves: Hanging out with my sisters, a clean house, iPods, lipgloss, my Bath & Body Works oil diffuser, new mascara, a good flat iron, anything that helps me to be more organized (thanks Ikea), Lemon Propel, dark chocolate, Cafe Rio shredded pork salad, any kind of berry, Costco, Target, Post-its, air-conditioning, power tools, long showers, watching Lola tear across the back lawn, Collin's laugh, golfing with my mom, quiet Sunday afternoons, laying in the grass looking up at the sky, knitting anything for little people.
8. I am on this blog thanks to: Shannon....big shocker.
9. Dreams: to get married and have a couple of kids and watch them grow into successful adults, travel the world, get my masters degree, continue to be happy & healthy, oh...and pay off my credit card.
10. Addictions: Buying music from iTunes, scrapbooking supplies, powdered drink mix tubes that you pour into water bottles, Bare Minerals Make-up, cleaning and organizing my house (this is actually a sickness not an addiction).
11. Biggest Dislikes: People who are condescending and rude, people who drive slow in the fast lane, dirty public bathrooms.

New Blogger - All About Me...

1. Full Name: Yvette Marie Forsythe

2. Age: 34

3. Married/Kids?: Married to Paul. We have 3 kids: Chance, 14 (he passed away in Feb. of this year), Derrick, 12, and Shaylyn 6

4. Work: Full-time stay-at-home mom (& stay-in-the car mom - don't we drive around alot??).

5. Resides: Highlands Ranch, Colorado (suburb of Denver)

6. Hobbies: Reading!! I love to read new fiction, classics, non-fiction (once in a while), magazines, anything on the Web, emails, and recipes (is that weird??).

7. Loves: My husband, kids and extended family, anything chocolate - cake, cookies, brownies, ice cream, candy...laying out in the sun (don't get to do that very often in CO!), a good haircut and color, scrapbooking, shopping, pedicures and massages, exercising, one-on-one time with each of my kids, watching Shaylyn (my 6-year-old) getting hooked on reading, sleeping in, hiking, Girls Night with my friends, laughing and making other people laugh, Grey's Anatomy, What Not To Wear (there was a marathon on TLC last Sunday...loved it!), Nordstrom's shoe department, my little dog Bella (she's a shih-tzu), a really clean house (especially the kitchen, oh yeah!) and of course, vacations!

8. I am on this blog thanks to: Marilee and Shannon

9. Dreams: Wow! So many dreams...so little time! I would like to own my own business, get rich and go on Oprah to inspire other women to become entrepreneurs. Okay, that sounds totally corney now that I just said that-maybe I'll just go for the "get rich" part of that dream... I would like to go on more family vacations (that does not involve sleeping in a tent!). I dream of having a finished basement - somewhere the kids and their friends can play and have a little privacy and I would have a big scrapbook room down there too! I dream of my dad and step-mom moving from California to Colorado. I am holding on tight to the dream that a cellulite cream will be invented that will actually work-please see #7 above-I love chocolate...

10. Addictions: Diet Coke, Grey's Anatomy, my DVR - it is great to have the FF and Rewind buttons and I love being able to watch good shows while I'm folding laundry and ironing during the day, chocolate (please see #7), Costa Vida (it's like Cafe Rio for those of you in Utah!), reading (I'm a huge nerd!)

11. Biggest Dislikes: Wild animals-like...coyotes, rattlesnakes, mountain lions, bobcats, bears... I have an irrational fear of those animals (ask Marilee-she's witnessed my paranoia on a hike!). Just another reason I do not like sleeping in tents - I feel like a target for wild animals! Oh, I'm also kind of afraid of chickens and other big birds that walk around. Do I need therapy?? I don't like standing in long lines (who does?), clutter, dirty dishes, adult acne. Thanks for reading my ramblings!

Airbrush this!

Ok, a mutual friend of some of us (Heather Palmer Ward) has a link on her site to a company that touches up photos of the rich and famous. Go here:

http://www.iwanexstudio.com/

Click on the portfolio link at the top. As you click on each photo, move your mouse over the picture and you'll get a look at the before and after. All I have to say is Girl! I need to get me a program like this!! I recently took my own "before" picture to motivate myself to get back in the dieting game and a little airbrush or two would make a SERIOUS difference!

Enjoy -
aj

Last Post Today - Sorry!

I told you, I'm a blog addict. Being involved with this one only feeds my illness, enablers! :) Only kidding - love you all!

So I had to post a picture of my favorite new find ever! I got this frame for my birthday and couldn't wait to hang it on the wall before posting.



Not sure if you other moms out there have the same problem, but quickly (as we had kids), all the pictures in our house evolved to be of the girls only. I missed having pics of just me and Beau - maybe mostly because I was skinny and want to remember the good 'ole days. Either way, I wanted them around! So when I found this frame, problem solved. Now, I can have pictures of all of us! And, as newer better pictures come around, I can rotate out.

I'm in love.