Our Babies!

Bear had a hard time getting used to his little brother but now they play so much I'm afraid they are going to tear up the house!

Sorry For Lagging

Ok, so as you may have guessed I am settled in and happy as can be. I love where I live and I also love our new addition to the family. His name is Blue and he is a golden lab mix, we are thinking possibly with pitbull but we'll see. I am happy because I was able to save him from the humane society.

I found him when I was picking up Bear from his grooming and they had a couple of dogs in Petsmart. I looked at him and he was so sad and depressed I knew I could make him happy and loved. The reason why he was sad was because his sister was adopted earlier and he missed her. I had to wait for Jose to agree but he feel in love with him too. He is now very happy and tearing up our whole place, but we still love him. When I can I will post a picture so you can see him.

Other than that we are enjoying our first Christmas in the new place and bought our first tree together.

Luv you all lots!

I'm Moved!!! YAY!!!

So I am officially moved now, and I am so happy and relaxed! This past year has been a tough one but this move has already made me happier. I am happy to be able to see Jose every day and be able to relax on the weekends and to be able to have my brothers come visit for the weekend. I am happy to know that I will not be moving again for a very long time, and that was never assured before because it was really hard paying for a place on my own.

I will be posting recipes again soon but for now I am working on getting settled.

Live, Laugh and Love!

Oktoberfest Themed Meal

In the spirit of Oktoberfest I think bratwurst is a great and easy meal. This can also be made into two or three meals, the brats can be cut up and added to pasta with a little bit of butter and Parmesan or Alfredo sauce. Brats come is all types so be creative!

Traditional
1 Package of stadium brats
5 (or 6) French rolls (the amount varies depending on the package of brats)
Mustard
1 can of sauerkraut

1. Grill or place brats in a saute pan and cook until the skin starts to break.

2. Toast or warm buns in oven & heat up sauerkraut.

3. Combine how you like it.

Zesty
1 Package of stadium brats
5 (or 6) French rolls (the amount varies depending on the package of brats)
1 large onion
1 bag of frozen bell pepper strips
Vegetable oil
Mustard (any kind you like)
1 can sauerkraut

1. Grill or place brats in a saute pan and cook until the skin starts to break. While this is happening slice onion to a similar size of the peppers. Saute until cooked through. This can be done with the brats but start cooking the vegis a little before the brats.

2. Toast or warm buns in oven & heat up sauerkraut.

3. Combine how you like it.

Last Weekend

I went Bakersfield with some coworkers and we had fun. Kelsey's wedding was beautiful! Other than that, it was pretty relaxing, besides the little voice in the back of my head reminding me about the house and wondering if I should even worry about packing.

So this weekend we are supposed to be moving, lets keep our fingers crossed and pray.

Today and Tomorrow

So are we going to be moving soon you ask? I DON'T KNOW!!! That is really frustrating me more than everyone else who wants to know. Last I heard, next week... If we survey the past few weeks, that has been the story every time so what makes this one so different? Nothing. So, you still want to know if we are going to move? I really and honestly don't know.

I really want to go on a vacation, now...

Live, Laugh and Love

Chicken Alfredo with Broccolli

This is a great quick and easy meal, and really inexpensive!

Serves 4
By, Vanessa

1 Jar Alfredo sauce (I love Trader Joe's version)
1 Bag frozen broccoli
2 chicken breasts (I buy the bone in versions and cut off the bone before cooking)
1/2 package Angel Hair pasta (Angel Hair works well but you can use any kind you like)

1. Remove bone from chicken breasts and cut into 1/2" to 1" cubes. It doesn't have to be exact but they need to be similar in size for even cooking.

2. Place chicken in a skillet with a little bit of oil, or cooking spray, and cook for about 10 minutes, or until cooked through.

3. Add the frozen broccoli to the pan, you can defrost it a bit and this will reduce your cooking time.

4. Cook the pasta according to the instructions.

5. Pour the Alfredo sauce into the chicken mixture and combine. Allow for sauce to heat up.

6. Drain pasta and place pasta on plate and top with chicken mixture. Serve and enjoy!

Budget Meals

Lately, I have found myself trying harder and harder to create meals with a limited budget. Now that grocery stores are getting more and more expensive I am finding it quite a challenge but it is still fun.

I really should title this blog Budget Cooking/Baking.... Maybe I'll do that later.

An Update

So, we are waiting to hear that the house is ready for us to move in... They are telling us this will happen this week so we are all pretty anxious. If it happens this week, I will be moving next weekend (not this one). We figured it would be best, so we can clean and paint and get things ready to just bring it in and unpack. We also need to change the locks and what not so this will reduce stress and make the move easy, since I have so much stuff to move...

Moving stinks but it will be worth it, I remind my self every day :)

Live, Love & Laugh!

Super Easy Chicken Pot Pie (under $12)

By, Vanessa

I found this recipe to be very cost efficient for 4 servings. It also keeps well for the next days lunch. Don't let the time deter you from making this dish, it is very good and worth every minute. I have also used crescent rolls flat for more of a pie-like crust but the bread to liquid ratio is better with biscuits. Also, if you are trying to be healthy, you can use reduced fat items and they don't make a difference, I usually use low fat milk and the reduced fat Cream of Mushroom soup. Please try it and tell me what you think!

1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
2 cans Cubed Chicken Breast in Water
1/3 cup Milk
1 small package (12 - 16 oz) of frozen vegetables (any variation you like, I use the traditional Garden Blend with carrots, green beans and corn)
1 tube biscuits

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray a 8x8 square pan or deep pie dish with non stick spray (aka PAM).

2. Combine soup, chicken, milk and vegetables and pour into dish.

3. Place dish into the oven for about 20 minutes, or until mixture is heated through but not boiling.

4. Remove dish from the oven and place biscuits on top of mixture. They may not all fit, if not bake the rest of them on a baking sheet, per package directions. Bake pot pie for about 20-30 minutes. Make sure and keep an eye on the biscuits and if they start to turn too brown, cover with foil.

5. Remove from oven and check to make sure the biscuits toward the center are fully cooked and not doughy. If they are, continue to cook and check every ten minutes. The reason there isn't an exact time is because every oven is different. I found 25 minutes seemed to be the time for my oven but make sure to keep an eye on it during the last 10 minutes.

So I havn't moved yet...

We are hoping for this weekend but its hard to tell this early. I should know by the middle of the week, so keep your fingers crossed for us and pray!

BTW I'm sick :(

Finally - A Few pics

Jose watching a junior rodeo in Durango, CO 

Our first anniversary trip to Catalina

My Head Hurts

Between moving and the uncertainty of the house buying process, Jose and I are getting really stressed and tired. So far, we should be signing the final papers tomorrow, which means we will be moving in this weekend.

So on top of the stresses previously discussed we are now faced with the fact that we will be living together and I will be living with a family, not just roommates.

I haven't lived with any family since I was 17, which was 8 years ago... This is a little different than living with roommates because the dynamics are so much more difficult and if there is a frustration they see it as an affront to "the Family" not just with that person. I love his family, so I think we can do this OK, it will just take some getting used to.

That is all...

Recipe of the day (or week)

I loved this recipe ad Jose did too! Its super easy and great for an easy home cooked meal. (I didn't use Tarragon or any spice for the biscuits.)


Skillet Chicken and Dumplings
A skillet makes quick work of scrumptious chicken and dumplings featuring all-white-meat chicken breasts.

Prep Time:30 min
Start to Finish:50 min
Makes:4 servings





Chicken and Vegetables
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/4 lb)
2 cans (10 3/4 oz each) condensed 98% fat-free cream of chicken soup
1 bag (1 lb) frozen stir-fry vegetables (or any vegi mix you like)


Tarragon Dumplings
1 cup Original Bisquick® mix
1/3 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon dried tarragon leaves

1. In 10-inch skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in oil about 5 minutes, turning once, until chicken begins to brown.

2. Stir in soup and frozen vegetables. Heat to boiling, stirring frequently.

3. In small bowl, stir all dumpling ingredients until soft dough forms. Drop by 4 spoonfuls onto boiling chicken mixture. Reduce heat. Cook uncovered 10 minutes. Cover and cook 10 minutes.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): No change.

Nutrition Information
1 Serving: Calories 490 (Calories from Fat 160); Total Fat 18g (Saturated Fat 4 1/2g, Trans Fat 1g); Cholesterol 95mg; Sodium 1650mg; Total Carbohydrate 39g (Dietary Fiber 3g, Sugars 5g); Protein 42g Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 35%; Vitamin C 30%; Calcium 10%; Iron 20% Exchanges: 1 Starch; 1 Other Carbohydrate; 1 1/2 Vegetable; 5 Very Lean Meat; 3 Fat Carbohydrate Choices: 2 1/2 *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Substitution
You can use your favorite 1-pound bag of Green Giant® frozen vegetables instead of the stir-fry vegetables.

Success
To prevent dumplings from falling apart, drop dough onto chicken or vegetables rather than directly into liquid or gravy. If dough is dropped into liquid, the simmering action may force the dough apart.

Substitution
Don't like tarragon? Try dried basil or marjoram leaves or poultry seasoning instead of the tarragon for a flavor twist on these savory dumplings.

http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/recipe.aspx?recipeID=7855&Source=SearchResultPage

Packing... my thoughts

It is no fun task. It can be exciting when you have a place to move to and thoughts on where it will all go, but if you are like me and unaware if you will even be able to move to the fantasised spot, it makes motivation difficult.

We are still waiting on other people to finalize the details of the house and this alone can be a very stressful event. I am also one to eat junk when I am stressed so trying to lose weight in the midst of the stressful event I am enduring, is almost impossible. I have been frequenting the gym and keeping a food journal, with a limit on my caloric intake, however, I am still faced with challenges daily.

As previously discussed, my weakness for candy corn can overtake me at times and right now they are every where, including my kitchen. To make matters worse, when I cheat on my diet, I stress about how that one-time cheat will ruin my whole diet and make me gain 20 pounds. I know this is ridiculous but the fact of the matter is, that is how I am and I think.

Enough of the blabbing, I have to go pack :(

Recipe of the day (or week)

These were so good, everyone at worked liked them (or at least the ones who were quick enough to get one). I did modify a few things to make them less fattening. See the recipe, and the notes in brown are my changes. Enjoy!

Apple Streusel Cheesecake Bars

Prize-Winning Recipe 2007! Oatmeal cookie mix and pie filling make it easy to get a delicious apple pie-like bar.

Prep Time:20 min
Start to Finish:3 hr 40 min
Makes:24 bars

1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® oatmeal cookie mix
1/2 cup firm butter or margarine (or low fat butter or margarine)
2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened (or Neufantchel Cheese)
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg (try egg beaters, I haven't yet but they should work)
1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling (cut up the apple pieces, they spread better)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)


1. Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottom and sides of 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray.

2. Place cookie mix in large bowl. With pastry blender or fork, cut in butter until mixture is crumbly and coarse. Reserve 1 1/2 cups crumb mixture; press remaining crumbs in bottom of pan. Bake 10 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, in large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, flour, vanilla and egg with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.

4. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over partially baked crust. In medium bowl, mix pie filling and cinnamon. Spoon evenly over cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle reserved crumbs over top. Sprinkle with walnuts.

5. Bake 30 to 35 minutes longer or until light golden brown. Cool about 30 minutes. Refrigerate to chill, about 2 hours. For bars, cut into 6 rows by 4 rows. Store covered in refrigerator.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): Bake 40 to 45 minutes.


Nutrition Information (For Original Recipe)
1 Serving: Calories 240 (Calories from Fat 110); Total Fat 13g (Saturated Fat 7g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 40mg; Sodium 170mg; Total Carbohydrate 29g (Dietary Fiber 0g, Sugars 19g); Protein 4g Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 8%; Vitamin C 0%; Calcium 2%; Iron 4% Exchanges: 2 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Vegetable; 1/2 High-Fat Meat; 1 1/2 Fat Carbohydrate Choices: 2 *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
http://www.bettycrocker.com/Recipes/Recipe.aspx?recipeId=44250

So what is going on now, you might ask?

Foggy, gloomy morning. I love Fall. I really do. The cool nights and the warmer days. I love it when the Santa Ana winds kick in and everything is dry and dusty. Another great reason is Halloween, not really the day but the candy corn is everywhere and it is my favorite.

Last weekend I was packing and relaxing. We realized it will be one of the last weekends we have before the move and when our life now drastically changes. We will be living together in a house that we will not be renting.

Another new thing is that Jose and I have been working out together and I really like it. I have lost four pounds since last Monday and I hope the weight will keep dropping off of me.

That's about all the excitement in my life as of now but coming up this weekend is more packing and the weekend after that is the move.

Keep smilin' and laughin'

Everything Happens for a Reason

I now have a moment to ponder how my life has flown by the last few months, enough time to write a bit about it.

June
A lot of anticipation was put into going to Durango, my Mom's choice resting place. Prepping the maps and information created an air of excitement but the realization of why we were going set in about a day before we left. This was supposed to be a little exciting, I hadn't been to Durango in about 10 years and Jose had not ever been outside the state, except to Vegas. We took off late at night to avoid traffic and Jose pretty much drove the entire way there. Our time in Durango was short but it is such a small town, that was ok. Jose and I were hoping to relax a little bit but that's not what other people wanted to do so we headed down south to visit Grandma. Phoenix was friggin' hot!!! So hot it was difficult to breathe. Again, we wished we could have stayed longer but that's not what ended up happening. We drove back, dropped off the boys and decided we were going to stay in Big Bear for a couple of days to get the relaxation we needed. We were so happy when we found out that Jesus and Letti were going to come visit us. We only stayed for two nights but it was worth it and we can't wait to go back again.

July
My Birthday!!! I turned 25.... It sounds so old.... but I don't feel it....
Also, we had started to look for a house that will fit our needs and the needs of Jose's parents. I didn't know this then but it would be a stressful couple of months...

August
We found a house in Corona that has everything we need and more... An offer was submitted and papers were signed... Now we only have to wait to make sure it all goes through ok...

September
The house is waiting and all we need is to fill the pool... All the papers are signed and we jsut need to show the bank that the pool can be filled, the problem is, it has to be fixed before it can be filled. All in all we are being told that October 3rd is the move-in date. We can't wait and we already have so many plans for our room and what we want to do with it.

That is a summary of everything that happened the last few months. Not too exciting but enough to make me tired and stressed. We can't wait until the house thing is done with and we can finally settle in but, in the words of my Mother and Jose, everything happens for a reason.

Memorial Day Weekend!!!

A three day weekend lies ahead for some of us and I am happy. Three days off, what am I going to do? It might be cold, it might be warm. It might be rainy it moght be sunny. It might be busy, it might be calm. I am not sure until the time comes. I can't wait!!!

A New Chapter

Sitting in the hot sun amongst a crowd of 5,000 people, I started to think about what lies ahead for me. The ever-present question, "What now?", pops in my head and I wonder... What really lies ahead for me? There is no "new" job that I will be searching high and low for. There are no plans to backpack across Europe. So what now?

Many people ask if I plan on getting married, and the answer is yes. When, is the better question. So I think about the day most little girls dream about and then I wonder, what then? The pattern of constant frustration on the ever-present future lingers in my head when every goal is contemplated and completed.

So what is the plan for me? Not quite sure. When I was done with the ceremony and I was on my way to meet up with the people who came to endure the three hour ceremony in the hot sun to see me "walk", I thought, What now? I have learned so much and I want to use every bit of it.

How can this be done? That is still be determined, but for now I will stay where I am and try to enjoy the now and not think too much about what's next.

My Advice: Try and enjoy the now, it will pass by quickly.

Happy Administrative Professionals Day!

It is the day for Admin to be recognized for their hard work for all the people they support. So say a thank you to your admin (if you have one...) and if you are an admin, enjoy the day!

On another note, don't forget to donate to SFWAR, the link to the donation site is in my Nonprofits list.

Luv you all and keep on smiling!

Excitement

One of my co-workers got engaged!!!

Last Sunday we took Jose's car out and it was fun. We were able to get a lot of pictures so I will post those up soon.

I don'thave much time becasue I am supposed to be working, so I better get back to it!

Luv ya all!

The Beginning

Through the numerous suggestions by Kym, I have begun the blogging process. I determined that I would be able to update family, who don't have MySpace. I will eventually stop using MySpace, except to maintain contacts.

Please understand that I am slowly getting used to this so bear with me for a while.

Luv you all and don't forget to smile!