HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Remember what this holiday is for. We give thanks for everything God has blessed us with, starting back with the Pilgrims who came in search of freedom to worship Him and found our great country. For the food and resources that we take for granted and waste. For the family we have to share today with. Thankful for all the little things, even if life is hard right now, being appreciative of something as simple as the sunshine, or the air you breath, or a bird singing in the tree, can make all the difference. 

Sure, even I love a great deal, but we as society have lost the meaning of the holidays and commercialized them. I for one will not be spending this day I get with my family and all the food I could possibly eat camping out in front of a store for a half off TV or a toy. A good deal just isn't worth that to me. 

So please, enjoy today and your family and truly be thankful for what you have, there are so many who have to do without most, if not everything that you take for granted. Leave Black Friday to Friday. 

HAPPY TURKEY DAY!

Brunswick Stew

When Ma called me from next door to let me know there was some leftover Boston Butt that they were tired of eating, I thought this was the perfect opportunity to put up some Brunswick stew in the freezer! You can use any kind of pulled pork, I find Boston Butt to be the best.

• 3 cups of pulled pork
• 2-3 chicken breasts
• 3 cups of chicken broth
• 2 cans of diced tomatoes
• 1 can creamed corn
• 1 can whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 can lima beans, drained
• 3-4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup of barbecue sauce
• hot sauce (optional)

1. Boil chicken breasts in 3-4 cups of water seasoned with 2 boullion cubes and pepper to prepare your broth.
2. When chicken is done, pull it off the bone and cut into small pieces.
3. Combine all ingredients into a 6 quart cooker and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours.
   

Day 21:  I am thankful for my large Disney VHS collection. I have all the classics and when Bug is in a bad mood, a snack and a Disney movie always help.

Beef Stroganoff

This one is a favorite of mine, I've been wanting to try it in the crock pot for a while. This recipe is best used for a 3 quart crock pot, or do as I did and double it for a 6 quart. I froze my leftovers.

• 1 pound of beef (ground or cubed sirloin tip)
• 1 can condensed mushroom soup
• 1 small onioin
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 4 oz can mushrooms
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• salt and pepper
• 8 oz of sour cream

1. If using ground beef, brown with onions and garlic. If using stew meat or sirloing tip, chop into cubes and put in crock pot, raw.
2. Combine all ingredients into the crock pot except sour cream.
3. Cook on LOW for 8 hours. 
4. Stir in sour cream in the last 20-30 minutes. 
5. Serve over rice or noodles.
6. Enjoy!

Day 20: I am thankful for my parents and all that they do for me.

Chili

Bug's party was a lot of fun! I did good not to stress. I made up my mind that all that mattered was that my little girl was happy and I would only worry about what she and I wanted. (My "stay sane" tip of the day) I don't mean be selfish, but sometimes you have to remember that you're important too, and sometimes it's okay to put your own happiness first, because it's hard to make others happy if you're unhappy to.  It depends on the circumstance, I reckon. I always do my best and go out of my way for someone in need, God has blessed me tremendously over the year with helpful and giving family and friends, and I feel I can best glorify and thank Him for that by returning the favor. However, that's for "in need" situations, not those when folks are just making things petty and difficult.
Today was Bug's 12 month checkup at the pediatricians. She's a healthy girl! On average for weight and height and all her blood work was perfect. The doctor was very happy that she's not a picky eater, is on whole milk and off the bottle and is walking great -she tried to walk down the hall in her "scale attire" diaper only- She did get 3 vaccines, which she did not like at all, and took a 3 hour nap this afternoon. I did get to get some of the house straightened and even relax some as well.
It seems as if she turned 1 and everything changed and flipped upside down. We rearranged the living room and her bedroom to be better suited for a toddler and all her new/bigger toys and also for the removal of the diaper changing table that I quit using 3 months ago *tear*. I'm not sure why, but I'm worried over how to feed a one year old, I guess because now that she's not getting all her nutrients in formula, what I feed her is even more important! And the toddler phase tantrums have begun. That stubborn front tooth pressing through isn't helping any I'm sure, but it seems she went from being a very good and happy baby to a very frustrated toddler. She yells and hollers at us when we don't get food fast enough, or when we can't figure out what it is she wants us to do with the toy she just brought us. She hollers at her toys sometimes too. And if she even thinks we're telling her no or to stop, a meltdown ensues. One of those sad eyed, pouty lipped ones that escalate -quickly- into hysterics if not comforted right away.  I've been told it's a phase (the one that comes and goes repeatedly) and best I can do is to comfort her, but not feed her tantrums. It's hard though, to not yell back at someone yelling at you, even when they're not even 3 feet tall and staring up at you with big blue eyes practically begging for that cup of juice you're trying to prepare. 

Anyway, that's the update on the world of Bug, Peanut is doing well, jabbing me just fine. We picked his "birthday" last week for the caesarean, I'm just waiting on the call from surgery to set the time of day, February 1, 2013. Here's to hoping he doesn't send me into labor before then. Meanwhile, my hormones are crazy, my skin/hair/nails are dry, feet are swollen, and appetite raging. Hello, Third Trimester. 

Now let's get on with what you're really here for... Wait, you weren't here to listen to me ramble on? Oh, fine then... 
I made a classic favorite around here tonight: Chili. I have just recently discovered that my favorite gravy brand, Southeastern Mills, also makes seasonings, such as Taco, Sloppy Joe and yes, Chili. And it is the best Chili we have ever eaten! You can use any chili mix that you like, I'm just saying that Southeastern Mills Chili Seasoning is by far my go to.

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 can Rotel
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can dark kidney beans, drained
• 1 can light kidney beans, drained
• 1 can of whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 packet of Chili seasoning

1. In a skillet brown beef and onions. Drain.
2. Combine all ingredients into crockpot and cook on LOW for 6 hours. 
3. Top with shredded cheddar and some hot sauce and ENJOY!

Day 19: I am thankful that I have a healthy baby girl.

French Onion Soup

We're back to cold weather again, and I needed something super quick to fix up before I went shopping for birthday part supplies.
And it was nice to come home to a hot meal after the day I had... 

• 3 Large onions, thinly sliced
• 8 cups of beef broth
• 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup butter
• salt to taste (bout 1/2 tsp)
• French bread
• Parmesan Cheese (Mozzarella is also good)

1. In a 6 quart crock pot, combine onions, broth, butter, Worcestershire, and salt.
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours.
3. Serve topped with cheese and with bread. ENJOY!

 
Day 16: I am thankful for Hobby Lobby. That was the funnest part of my shopping trip today. I'm also very thankful for my best friend, and our babysitters, so we could have some girl shopping time, even if we were both stressed and scatterbrained.

Manly Meaty Cheese Dip

Today's was Hubby's pick of the dish and he went with a cheesy favorite of everyone's : Velveeta Rotel dip. Now I know how much my Hubby loves meat and more meat in anything I cook, so I really brought the heat meat to this meal. This would be really great to bring to the guys during the Iron Bowl or the Super Bowl.

• 1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
• About 1 lb of the sausage of your choice (I chose Hillshire Farms Beef Smoked Sausage, cut into tiny bits) browned and drained
• 2 16 oz blocks Velveeta, cubed
• 2 10 oz cans Rotel

 **To spice things up add 1 packet of chili powder**

Mix all ingredients into the crock pot and cook on LOW for about 2-3 hours. Serve with the chip or bread of your choice. ENJOY!

Day 14: I am thankful for my wonderful husband and the Gatorade and Tylenol he fixed me before he left for work this morning. He takes such great care of me.

Potato Cheese Soup

Mmmm! The best thing about crock potting is that my house smells delicious ALL. DAY. LONG! And I tell you, this cheesy potato soup smells amazing! Okay, okay, I took a lil peek taste and maybe, just maybe, it also already taste amazing! I can't wait til tonight after the potatoes are cooked and all the flavors are married together in that yummy cheesy sauce... 

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 medium onion, diced
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups warm water
• 2 large carrots, diced ( I like baby carrots, used 8 oz of sliced baby carrots)
• 4 stalks celery, diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup of chicken broth
• 1 can condensed cheese soup
• 6 slices bacon, cut in 2 in strips
•  5 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1. Melt butter in a large saucepan and cook onions in butter til translucent.
2. Stir in flour til smooth.
3. Gradually stir in water, carrots, celery, garlic and salt and pepper. 
4. Heat through, and as it starts to thicken, add milk and cheese soup.
5. Let simmer 5-10 mins, stirring frequently, til cheese soup is well blended.
6. Add chicken broth and bacon. 
7. Let simmer 5-10 more mins.
8. Add cubed potatoes to slow cooker, pour soup mixture over top.
9. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 5 hours.
10. Stir in shredded cheese and allow to cook a bit longer until cheese is melted and serve!

Top with shredded cheese and bacon bits!

Day 13: I am thankful for my crock pot. I have a busy week of First Birthday planning and prep and doctor appointments, so being able to prepare a meal within 30 minutes during Bug's morning nap and letting it cook on it's own all day has and will be a blessing! 

Chicken Cacciatore

Today began as a beautiful breezy fall day, so during Bug's nap I opened the windows and doors and aired out the house with some frebreeze and a Cranberry Mandarin candle from Wal-mart, the kind with 3 wicks. They can scent my whole house! I then motivated myself to take advantage of the fresh air and cleaned the kitchen, laundry room, my bedroom and managed to get some laundry put away. A little sunlight and fresh air go a long way to making a house feel cleaner. 
I was definitely glad to have a meal in the crock pot today. By the time I sat down with Bug at 4 pm I was exhausted and could have really gone for a nap. There was no way I was feeling up to cooking dinner. But no worries! I had already prepared dinner that morning and it was cooking away, all by itself! Sure was nice.

Chicken Cacciatore

• 4-6 skinless boneless chicken breasts
• 14 oz can of diced tomatoes
• 6 oz can of tomato paste
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup dry red wine
• 1 tbsp. dried Italian seasoning
• 1/8 tsp. pepper
• 1/2 tsp. salt

1. Place all ingredients in 4-5 quart slow cooker. 
2. Cover and cook on low 5-6 hours until chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.\
3. Sever over cooked pasta with some garlic toast and ENJOY!

**If you want a thicker sauce, combine 2 Tbsp cornstarch and 3 Tbsp water in small bowl and mix well. Stir into crockpot; cover and cook on low 15-20 minutes until thickened.

Served with linguini and garlic Parmesan toast

Day 12: I am thankful for our soldiers and the sacrifices that they make.  Our veterans have done so much for so many that they do not know. My dad is one of the greatest men that I know, and I thank him for his service. My brother, is one of the sweetest, funniest guys I know, and he left out for the Middle East last night. I know he'll make us and this country proud.

Lasagna

This has been my favorite meal to try since beginning my crock pot journey! Hubby has told me a long time ago that lasagna was one of his favorites... and yet I have never cooked it before. 
Until now. And I must say, I don't know that I'll ever bake lasagna. Unless I'm taking it somewhere, then baking it in a throw away aluminum dish might be convenient. But this was delicious! By far the best I've ever had. Bug thought so too! If only I posted pictures of my darling baby on here, I could show you the mess that she made cleaning her plate (with a good sized spoonful on it) then reaching for my plate and begging for more. Then of course using it as hair gel =/ so much for that bath I just gave her! 
Best part about this recipe, is that I'll get 2 freezer meals out of it!!! That's a 3 meal dish right there! Now I don't mind all the prep (30 minutes) that it took ;).
**So I'd say this could easily feed 6-8 people.**

• 1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef
• 2 onions, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 48-ounce jar chunky pasta sauce
• 14-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 3/4 cup water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 15-ounce container part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 16 ounce package mafalda noodles (mini lasagna noodles)
• Parmesan cheese

1.  In a skillet, brown hamburger meat with onion and garlic. Drain.
2. Mix meat and onion in skillet with pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, and water.
   **Tip: I used the 3/4 cup of water and rinsed out all the leftover tomato sauce in the jar, no waste!**
3. Salt and pepper to taste and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
4. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese and egg til well beaten.
5. Add 1 cup mozzarella cheese to cheese mixture.
6. Now here's the fun part!! Begin layering.
1. Meat mixture
2. Noodles
   *I had regular sized lasagna noodles, so I just broke them up into 1-2 inch pieces*
3. 1 cup mozzarella cheese
4. Meat
5. Ricotta cheese mixture
6. REPEAT.
7. Finish off with Noodles and more mozzarella cheese!
7. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours.
8. Top with Parmesan cheese and serve!

I am putting mine in the fridge -still in the crock pot- to cool and get a lil harder so it'll be easier to put into freezer containers. I'm so glad to have gotten 3 meals out of this! All for 30 minutes of work and about $10! How I have missed the magic of my crock pot, I will never know! But I've found it now and I will spread it like fairy dust! Enjoy!

Day 9: I am thankful that if you hold strong and have trust and faith in the Lord, He will provide for His children. I am in total shock of how everything went from on edge of disaster to falling back into working order, but am thankful that He gave me peace through the valley that all would be ok. What would have normally been a horrible stressful week for me, was not and I was able to enjoy my daughter, husband and these amazing meals. 

God is good, all the time.

All the time, God is good.

Yummy Slow Cooker Pork Chops

These things fall to pieces and melt in your mouth! yum, so good.

• 4 boneless pork chops
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon basil
• salt and pepper

1. Salt and pepper both sides of the pork chops.
2. Place pork chops in slow cooker.
3. Mix other ingredients in a bowl til well blended.
4. Pour sauce over chops.
5. Cover and cook on LOW 6-7 hours, or HIGH 4 hours.

It's that simple! Made some baked potatoes (1 hour in the oven on 400* or 10 mins in the microwave covered with a wet paper towel). Enjoy!

Day 8: I am thankful for great cloth diaper deals! Once I can make myself stop splurging, we are going to be saving so much money on diapers for the next 3 years!

Mac N Cheese

Hate that I missed yesterday, but I have some serious sinus issues and Bug's naps are not going well due to cutting her two front teeth (finally) and it got the best of me. We enjoyed some of the leftover roast and soup out of the fridge. I hope y'all understand. But I'm feeling much better today and so we're back at it! So don't give up on me just yet!

This is a classic favorite of anyone - especially Bug - Macaroni and cheese.

• 16 oz pack of elbow macaroni
• 2 cups of half-half cream
• 1 can of condensed cheddar cheese soup
• 16 oz of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup of butter, melted

1. Cook pasta according to package directions, I left mine al-dente so they didn't get too mushy in the slow cooker.
2. In the crock pot combine cream, soup, and butter until smooth.
3. Stir in pasta and shredded cheese.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 2 1/2 hours.

This recipe would be super fun to play with and make like a full meal/casserole out of. Throw in some hamburger meet and some bacon and you got bacon cheeseburger macaroni. Tonight I'm just wanting some good ole mac-n-cheese and some meat loaf (crock pot meatloaf recipe to come toward the end of the month) so I'm not going to play with my macaroni today. Do not be surprised though if one day this month I decide to, though. I'm all about tweaking good recipes to make them better!

Day 6 (yesterday): I am thankful for having a best friend who came over so her little girl could play with mine and we could have some girl time. It definitely made me feel better. There's not much that a good friend and two adorable babies chasing a fluffy kitten around won't cure.

Day 7: I'm thankful that through everything, the valleys and the mountain tops, God is in control. He will see me and my family through in our time of need, and He will see this country through as well.  

"To get nations back on their feet, we must first get down on our knees." -Billy Graham

BBQ Chicken

Quick update: Bug is a full time walker now! We have less than 2 weeks til her first birthday. She's growing up too fast, starting to look more and more like a toddler.  She's taking her first trip to the fair tonight, so excited and looking forward to pigging out on good fair food. 
That being said, I do not need to cook dinner tonight. But I will not disappoint, I'm cooking lunch for the Hubby, Faja In Law, and a friend/co-worker, as they're working on a field near by. And what a better way to prepare lunch than in the crock pot for the morning.

**This recipe feed 4-6 people ( I will not have any leftovers for my freezer meals, but 3 happy and full men will leave my house very satisfied, I hope)**

Ingredients:
4-6 chicken breasts (3-4 pounds of your choice of chicken meat) boneless and skinless
1 18oz bottle of Sweet Baby Rays barbecue sauce
1/4 cup of vinegar
1/4 cup of brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon of honey
1 teaspoon of garlic
1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes

1. In a bowl, mix together barbecue sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, honey, garlic, and pepper flakes.
2. Put chicken breasts in crock pot.
3. Pour sauce over chicken.
4. Cover with lid and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours.

**Tip: I poured the vinegar into the pretty much empty sauce bottle and shook to get what was left and stuck to the sides. **

Make up some mashed potatoes, southern made biscuits, and Iced Sweet Tea, and ENJOY!

Day 5: I'm thankful for this little angel that God put into my life. Sure, I had plans, but His plans were different, and better, and I couldn't be happier with the path my life has taken. I'm so thankful to have been blessed to take care of Bug, watch her grow and learn, seems like every morning we wake up she looks and acts more and more like a toddler and less like a baby. Best year of my life. Looking forward to being thankful for many more wonderful years with my daughter.

Peach Cobbler

Down here in the good ole South Alabama, you can't get much better than Peach Cobbler, especially one cooked in the crock pot for a few hours. This is being made on Hubby's request. We're having a shrimp boil at my parents' for the Alabama vs LSU game -ROLL TIDE- so dinner is taken care of, but I didn't want to disappoint and not slow cook something, and Hubby wanted peach cobbler. Of course I find it amazing that you can crock pot such a thing, so I will share it with you. 

The players of this game are:

• 1 can of peaches in syrup      -OR-     4 cups of fresh cut/peeled peaches, 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of water
• 1 stick of butter
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 1/2 cup of self rising flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 cup of milk

The game plan is as follows:

• Turn on crock pot on Low. Allow butter to melt in bottom of pot. 
• If using canned peaches skip the next step. If using fresh peaches continue to next step.
• Bring peaches, 1 cup of sugar and water to a rolling boil, turn down and simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until a syrup forms.
• Pour peaches on top of the melted butter.
• Mix sugar, flour and cinnamon together in a bowl. 
• Gradually whisk in milk to avoid clumping.
• Pour mixture over the peaches.
• Sprinkle a dash of ground cinnamon on the top for good measure.
• Put the lid on and cook on Low for 3 hours, or until middle of the cobbler has set.
• Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and enjoy! 

 Tip: I stuck mine in the oven on BROIL for 3 minutes to get the brown on top.
 

Day 3: I am thankful to have had Hubby home today. I am thankful for the cotton yield, too, but definitely thankful that he had the weekend off and we got to spend some quality time together, work on the babies room, and watch some good old football. I love you, Hubby. 

Vegetable Soup

Went simple today as I prepared dinner before heading out to get some groceries, my list based diligently on my menu of crock pot meals on a budget. It's starting to warm up again, so after tonight we'll be going with some more of your traditional meals with a crock pot spin, instead of things like nice soul warming soups. Today's slow cooker recipe is Vegetable soup.

Again, this feed 4-6 people. I was able to fill a quart sized freezer bag AND put a bowl of leftovers in the fridge after feeding Hubs, Bug, and myself.

1 lb of ground beef
1 med onion (optional, I did not have)
1 16 oz bag of mixed vegetables -corn butter beans, green beans, and carrots- okra would be a great addition 
4-5 medium potatoes
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 cup of beef broth/stock

• Turn crock pot on Low. 
• In a skillet, brown hamburger meat and onions. Drain grease.
• Wash potatoes and peel -if desired- and cut up into decent sized chunks. Too small chunks will turn into mush. 
• Add and stir all ingredients into the crock pot.
• Salt and pepper to tast.
• Let cook for 6 hours.
• Make up some good old grilled cheese sandwiches and enjoy.

Day 2: I am thankful for my little family. I could not ask for a more beautiful daughter and a great father to care for her than Hubby. I am so thankful that Peanut is growing and active and a healthy little babe. I love them so much. 

Crock Pot Roast

As promised, we are kicking off our November series of crock pot meals. The holidays was probably a awkward time to do this, but hey! challenge accepted. I have some ideas a brewing!!! 

So today is the day before grocery day and therefore was a make what I got kind of meal.
Allow me to introduce to you my Roast. Made from 4 lbs of chuck roast, and you can't get any better than fresh, farm grown beef.  This is really such a simple meal, filling meal to make and it's ingredients really are basic.
This should feed 4-6 people, There are 2 1/2 of us so I'm hoping to get a whole other meal to freeze out of this. 
***Give this AT LEAST 7-9 hours to cook, the longer the more tender.***

The stars of this show are:

6 quart Crock pot
4 lbs chuck roast 
1 tbls olive oil
5-6 medium potatoes ( mine are small so I have 5 small and 1 large)
4-5 carrots, washed and peeled, or -my favorite to use- 16 oz bag of baby carrots
1 clove garlic
1 medium onion (optional, I did not have)
1 cup beef stock
salt and pepper
rosemary
1 can of mushroom soup (optional)

Now, lets set the stage.

• Wash your potatoes. Peeling is optional. Dice up into decent chunks, not too small, they'll be cooking for a while and you do not want them turning to mush.

• Begin layering with the carrots in the bottom of the crock pot.
  
  

• Now season with a lil salt and pepper and some crushed rosemary. Go ahead and turn on the crock pot to Low.

• Heat the olive oil up in a skillet on medium.
  
  

• Wash and pat dry your roast. Look how gorgeous this home grown roast is! Trim off any large excess of fat.

• Salt and pepper generously. Do not be afraid of the seasoning, this is a lot of meat your flavoring. Add some garlic seasoning and crushed rosemary to the rub if you like, rub it into the meat.
  
  

• Now brown each side of the roast in the skillet, about 1-2 mins on each side. This seals in the flavor and juices of the roast for maximum tenderness and yum!

• Once browned, put roast on top of the potatoes and carrots.

• Next, sautee your onion til tender then toss your minced garlic clove into the hot skillet, stir being careful not to burn the garlic.
• Once it starts to brown, deglaze the pan with the beef stock (and I might have added 1/2 cup of wine). Stir and scrape any brown off the bottom of the pan, leaving none of that flavor behind.
• Bring to a boil, then pour it over your roast.

• Spread the mushroom soup on top.

• Put on the lid and let it cook on High for 2-3 hours. By this time the juices will start to fill the pot and simmer nicely.

• Cook another 5-6 hours on Low. Keep in mind that yes, the meat is done after about a total of 5-6 hours of cooking, but does not reach maximum tenderness til cooked a few hours past this point. 

Enjoy!

Day 1: I am thankful for the Lord. He has done so much for us as His children, and so much for our little family. We are truly blessed.

Happy Halloween - Tutu Tutorial & November Preview

Can't believe it's that time of year again. Boy does having a baby and being married to a farmer make life fly. And looking back I'm just shocked at where the time went and what I got accomplished. Sometimes I feel super productive, but like now, I still have so many things I would have liked to do this year.  2 more months and this year will be gone. I think my New Year's resolution should be to finsih the projects that I start. I've done alright at doing that this year, if I could keep this blog up I think it will help me finish each project so I can take pictures and show all you wonderful readers. 
Speaking of Halloween and projects, back when my nesting kicked into overdrive and I completed like 3 projects in one week, I made Bug's Halloween costume. She is a Lady Bug (go figure). I am not sure why, but I can not stand those super bulky baby costumes you get from the store and I feel like this was a better lady bug costume than a giant felt round suit I could have put my daughter in. 

She wore black tights and these cute lady bug shoes I got at her baby shower. it was adorable... til she ripped off the headband antennae and her shoes and refused to keep them on for more than the amount of time it took to remove them again. And it was super simple and probably cost less than one of those super bulky things.  My mom sewed the wings onto a plain black onsie, I ironed on the lady bug rhinestones on the front, the antennae from a pipe cleaner wrapped onto a black headband and a cute lil bow from Madre's shop. The tutu is even super easy to! I'll come back and add pictures, though pay no mind that the pictures will be taken from the Christmas tutu that I am currently working on, since I've already made this.

Step 1. Purchase supplies.

• tulle in color(s) of choice - you can find tulle by the yard at Walmart, 2 yards total should be enough, or by the roll at Hobby Lobby, 25 yards of 6 inches, I used less than 1 of each of the red and black.
• Ribbon of color of your choice (no-sew method) - I used Red 7/8 inch (you can also use elastic instead, 3/8 inch is best)
• scissors
• Measuring tape
• Sewing machine or needle if using elastic

Step 2. Measure Ribbon/waistband.

• Use the measuring tape to measure your baby or toddler's waist. Bug's waist is 16 inches. Now you should account for how much "bow" you want after you tie onto babe. I added 12 inches to each side, so my ribbon was a total of ...
                                          16+12+12=40 inches
• If using elastic use this formula to cut...
                                          16-2=14 inches
  The -2 accounts for the stretching of the elastic as you knot the tulle around it, or else you'll end up with a 18 inch waistband when you're through.

Step 3. Knot Ribbon/Sew elastic

• However long you wanted the "bow" strands to be, in my case 12 inches, measure in that far from the edge of your ribbon and tie a knot. Do the same to both ends. There should be your waist size (16  inches) between the knots.  Also use a lighter to burn the edges so they do not fray
• Sew the edges of your elastic together, be sure to go over the stitch multiple times to make it stronger against wear and stretch

Step 4. Cut your tulle.

• You could do some form of epic math to determine exactly how much of each strip you would like, or you could do like me and cut as you knot. Now here's how we form our strips. 
• How long do you want your skirt? This one is 10 inches long, comparing it to other's I have made I prefer 8 inch.
                                 Length x 2 (fold over) + 2 (knot account for knot) = total length
                                           8 x 2 + 2 = 18 inch strips for a 8 inch long skirt 
• I find that 3 inches wide strips work best, so each strip should be 3W x 18L
• Now how many layers of strips per knot depend on how fluffy you would like your skirt. This one is just 1 single layer per knot. Here's a picture of Bug's birthday tutu that is 3 layers for super fluff! Christmas tutu will be 2 layers. 

Step 5. Knot your tulle.

• I use one of those teeny pant clip hanger things to hold my ribbon/elastic to make thing a bit more stable. 
• Take your first "knot" set (1 layer or how ever many layers you chose for one knot) and fold it in half to make it shorter. You'll be using what I call the "bookmark knot". Put the loop you created by folding the tulle behind the ribbon, pull the free ends of the tulle up around the ribbon and through the loop and pull tight. You'll want the clean side of the knot to face out, (pictures to come).
• Continue knotting your tulle onto your ribbon/elastic in the pattern of your choice to get your desired look. The lady bug tutu is 4 black knots 1 red knot repeat... My Christmas tutu is 2 green, 2 red, repeat.

Step 6. WEAR!

• Tie this adorable fluffy tutu onto your little girl and take pictures! 

There is my tutorial for the day. I'm looking forward November. It's getting cold here and nothing is better after a long cold day working on the farm than coming home to something hot and fresh out of the crock pot! I have decided to do a month long series crock potting our meals. It's a win win for everyone if I can keep it up everyday (with the exception of Sundays and Thanksgiving). Hubby comes home every night to a hot meal. I can prepare dinner during the part of the day I feel my best instead of around 5 pm when I start to get worn out chasing Bug especially with Peanut getting as big as he is and giving me pregnancy waddle swag. AND I can make enough to feed 4-6 and freeze the leftovers and voila! I have a whole month's worth of frozen meals for Hubs, Bug and I that I'm sure will come in handy when Peanut is born. So like I said win-win, and that starts tomorrow November 1. Still not 100% certain what I am making, it's time to get groceries, so it'll be a "make with what I got in the pantry" type of crock pot meal. Who else is looking forward to the Thanksgiving Leftovers crock pot meal??? I am! To eating it of course, maybe not so much trying to figure out what exactly to cook. :P

Diaper Laundry Day

I've been meaning to get to this for days now, but it's been so hectic. My little brother is down for a few weeks before being deployed, so we've been spending time with him. Bug just loves Uncle Muncle. 
Speaking of Bug, she's starting to walk!!! In spurts, but more steps get added to those spurts daily. She is also still trying to cut her top left lateral, and hasn't been sleeping well.
Got some major yard selling and grocery shopping to do today.

But how about some fluffy talk? I made my cloth diaper detergent and have used it twice now, so glad to say that so far it appears to be working. I know I should probably do a cloth diaper info post first, but I will need more time to do that, and perhaps a little more experience, but I will post it and refer back to this post. 

So, making your own detergent? great! it's so much cheaper. I'm still using up what's left of my (couponed) store bought detergent, so I haven't yet made/perfected a main laundry detergent, but here's my cloth diaper detergent:

Ingredients:

 1 bar of castille soap, grated (I used Dr. Bronner's baby soap, want to try the lavender)
2 cups of Sun Oxygen cleaner
1 cup baking soda
1 cup washing soda
10-15 drops tea tree oil

Grate the soap finely,

 mix well with rest of the ingredients.

 I put mine in a big tupperware bowl with the lid and shook shook shook it. 

Use 1-2 tablespoons, depending on water hardness or dirtiness of the load.

I use 2, I have hard well water, with this routine:
1 cold soak/prewash
1 warm normal wash with detergent
1 cold rinse.

About once a week I add a cup of vinegar to the cold rinse, followed by one last rinse. It helps keep away any kind of buildup and keeps the diapers soft, and helps balance the pH with the baking soda in the detergent. You can add the vinegar to every wash, I just do once a week though.

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Now, there are many questions and opinions out there about homemade detergents and cloth diapers. Of course I have mine, but I must stress that this is one of those things that is VERY individual based. So many factors play into washing your diapers. 
1. Your water. Is is hard, soft, normal, city, well, acidic, alkaline. These things affect the effectiveness of your detergent. Hard water has a tendency to "use up" detergent, as the detergent tries to battle and clean the minerals in the water, not leaving much left to clean the contents in the washer, leading to use of more detergent. A water softener (not laundry softener) can be used such as Calgon, to battle this, so can Borax. See below for my thoughts on borax.
2. Your washer. This refers to top or front load. I have a top load, it agitates well, and I can use maximum water level with no issue. More agitation, more water, more clean. I have read that front load washers have sensors in them that automatically set the water level. I think sometimes this can be tricked. You can add water to your washer by hand, or I know some women who put water in their pail to really soak the diapers, making them heavier to trick the washer into using more water. 
3. Your preferences. Lots of things that work for one family, do not work at all for another.

I know you may be wondering why Borax is not including in my detergent, when it is indeed part of many homemade detergents, or why I use bar soap, if you have read this can cause build up and repelling in your diapers, or if you can use Oxi-clean instead of Sun Oxygen.  Borax is a little harsh. Though great for cleaning and water softening, you may want to consider the long term damage it could cause to the PUL and elastic of your diapers. Or that some babies have a reaction to the harshness of it. Same with Oxi-clean. Sun oxygen tends to be not only cheaper, but a little more gentler on clothes and skin. I want my diapers to last as long as I can get them to, being that I'm about to diaper 2 under 2, so I've got at least 3 years of diapering ahead of me, I'd hate to have to re-stash (for my budget's sake, not necessarily my own sake, I love fluff shopping) so I try to avoid anything that could possibly deteriorate the materials, such as Borax and heat drying (the heat can damage elastic especially, so I line/air dry all my covers and pockets)
Now the bar soap... I tried a detergent without the castille soap. It didn't clean well. At. All. I have researched that it can cause buildup, but most people's experience is that it doesn't. If it does, a simple strip here and there, to me, is worth it. Like I've said, only used it once, so I have no experience with or without build up. I should know in a few months or so. That is the only harm that can be done by castille soap. Some people use fels-naptha as well. It can cause reactions to sensitive skinned babes, which I have, so I avoided it completely. 
I also hear that many diaper brands warn against using baking soda. I call balongna.  I think this is one of those things to get you to spend money on the cloth diaper specific detergents that are few and far between without baking soda. I'm really not sure how baking soda of all things can harm any kind of fabric...
Now the tea tree oil, FIY, is fabulous. It doesn't take much, it's a strong essential oil, can find a big bottle of it at Wal-mart or Publix I'm sure. It is a natural disinfectant, and I personally like the way it makes my detergent smell.
I found that while researching and making my own decisions on homemade diaper detergent, it is trial and error. If you use this recipe and it does not work for you, do not give up. Find another recipe, or tweak it. A lady on another forum sent me a 3 load sample of what she uses. It worked after some tweaking. So see, it's easy to find a base to start with, but figure out what works for you. I'm sure that there is a combination out there somewhere that fits. Shoot, it may be Borax, washing soda, and fels-naptha for all we know.

What Hubs calls "Beef PotPie"

I had such an urge to shop today! I think it may be this prenatal sadness that has come over me that makes me want to eat or shop, and right now there isn't much to snack on in my house so I wanted to go shop. But I had to with hold myself til payday. It didn't matter what for either. I could shop for baby stuff at the local Kid's Market that is in town, go shop for some material needed for all my many projects I have lined up to make and share with you, or even just go get groceries. But another day I guess. 

Oh! I got fluff mail today! Thought I would share it!  2 minky Weegro diaper covers and a cow print Kawaii Good Night Heavy Wetter pocket diaper. **More on cloth diapers to come**

Today I have another recipe for you. I was very excited to discover (and tweak) this gem. I needed something quick and easy, without cheese, or any can goods -broken can opener- So I got this and it smells delish!

Beef and Veggie bake
Serves 2-4.

1 pound ground hamburger meet
1 med onion, diced
1 1/2 cup mixed vegetables
2 packets of brown gravy
salt pepper to taste
6 biscuits
5-6 potatoes
1/2 stick of butter
1/2 - 1 cup of milk

Preheat oven to 350*. In a large skillet, brown hamburger meat with onion til pink is gone and the onion is tender. Strain grease.
Mix gravy as directed on packet in the skillet. Add mixed vegetables and meat back into skillet. Simmer for 5-10 minutes. Salt and pepper to taste. 

Pour mixture into greased 2 quart casserole dish. Arrange biscuits on top.

Bake in oven for 25 -30 mins, or until biscuits brown.
Meanwhile, make up some yummy mashed potatoes. Boil chopped potatoes for 15 minutes or until soft. Drain. Put into a bowl over the butter (can always add more butter too =P). Beat with mixter or mash with potato masher -I prefer the mixer- Add milk when all the butter is melted. Mix until well blended adding more milk til desired consistency is reached. Add more butter and salt to taste.

 Pour your beef and veggie bake over your mashed potatoes and devour. You could eat this with rice instead or even just by itself even. The mashed potatoes was one of my little tweaks. **Sorry for the picture of the partially eaten dish, delayed baby brain, I was eating it when I realized I didn't get a picture of the finished product before we dug in.**
 
Wow that was so good. Bug thought so too. She made such a mess playing in it. But I have to say, I will be cooking that again. Hubs named it Beef Pot Pie  and rightfully so.