Glasstop Stove Cleaner. (pinterest)

Forget that expensive B.S.! ... By the way Pinterest is amazing.

This amaziness actually works. But before what I tell you what it's all about I want to show you what I've been using.

This stuff came with the stove. It works but not for that heavy duty stuff on gunk. So when I found this on Pinterest I had to try it. And it works. I had to do it 2 times, but only because I had A LOT of gunk stuck on there.
So Click Here for the website with Pictures.
But in case you can't view it here is how it works.

All you need is

1. Bowl & Hot Soapy Water
2. Baking Soda
3. A Cleaning Rag
4. Gloves (optional)

First, you fill a bowl with hot tap water water and mix it with some dish soap. Submerge the rag in the bowl and get it wet.
Apply baking soda in a generous amount all over the affected area.
Now pull out that hot soapy rag out of the bowl and squeeze half the water out. You want it to be soggy, not sopping.
Then wait about 15 minutes…
Then swirl the rag around in circles, using the baking soda paste as a gentle scrub.
Then dry up the surface and shine it up with windex. Good as new!!
I repeated these steps 1 time to achieve these results. You may also leave the rag on for longer, depending on how bad it is.



Bam!!

Happy 4th

Hope everyone had a safe & enjoyable 4th of July. We had a blast.
First we attempted to go on Bragg since they were having some country singers & doing some Vendors/Kiddie Stuff. But around 5pm it started to rain it was over quick but we had already left & at home.

So we watched a movie, Hayden took a nap & Spencer cooked some Sausages & Beans.
Around 8pm we decided to try our luck at Hope Mills Park near/closer to us. Much better than the last time we went there. (Not last year but the year before) Hayden was in Aw.
Then came home. We had a box left over the past Holidays of Fireworks so we tried to use as much as possible since we are moving in a few months & I don't think traveling with explosives is a good idea. So we went to our street a lit stuff on fire. Hayden loved it, Rebecca wanted to eat it, Julie hid in the garage. Lol. This year we were out done by the neighbors. Sucked a bit but still put on a good show. After all that we are left with Sparklers, & those things you throw at people's feet. Lol. Forgot the name.

 

Save some $$$!

Want to go shopping online for kids clothes but don't want to spend a leg on it. Check out http://www.thredup.com/
I just browsed it for a few seconds & I already want to go shopping. But seriously, it's like shopping in a resale store. I haven't gotten anything from there yet, but plan on it. Especially the next time I want to go shopping.

Omelet in a Bag

So last night I tried something from Pinterest. Omelet In A Bag, the instructions are pretty straight forward but the taste of the food wasn't that great. It was okay for that one time trying it, but I don't see myself eating it again.
Even Spencer was skeptical about it when I was making it & he even said it wasn't that good. Which is a shame because I was excited about the reviews I've seen about it. But I guess if you like poached eggs then this would probably be for you.

Crockpot Chicken & Dumplings (Lazy Way)

1 Tablespoon Butter

1 Can of Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup

1 package/can of Refrigerated Biscuit Dough (I didn't have Biscuit but have Crescent)

1 Can of Mixed Veggies (drained)-- (Didn't have Mixed Veggies but had different can's I'll explain later)

1 tsp of Cumin (used Tony's)

Sprinkle of Cayenne Pepper (used Tony's)

1/2 tsp of Pepper

Pinch of Salt

1/2 tsp of Onion Powder

1-1/2 cup of Chicken Stock

Here is everything but the Butter. 

Now what your going to do it put everything in your Crockpot except your Biscuits/Cresents.

Now if your like me & only have multiple can's of veggies but no "mixed veggies", watch this! 

I threw 1 Can of Whole Kernel Corn, 1 Can of Sliced Carrots, & 1 Can of Green Beans into a bowl. Stirred & plopped 3-4 scoops of it into the crockpot. You can always add more if your into the veggie thing.

Next I threw in the Stock. The reciepe asked for a cup but with my crockpot I add a half cup more because it just looked really low with all the ingredients in it.

Finally I added everything else, and put the chicken in last. So it can soak everything from the bottom. I squished it down a bit just for it to settle.

Now your going to Cover & Cook on Low for 5-6 hours.

About 2 hours before serving tear up the biscuit/crescent dough & place it in there. Make sure your "dumplings are cooked all the way through.

And stir, & Enjoy!!

Stay Tuned!

Another yummy goodness is coming. Crockpot Chicken & Dumplings. I found this baby off of Pinterest last night & I was already thawing out some Chicken so this was perfect. I rushed into the kitchen to check to see if I had all the ingredients. When I came back to the bedroom Spencer looked at me weird, apparently he's never seen a woman run to the kitchen that fast to cook. LOL.

So in a few hours, I'll be plopping those lovely chickens in the pot. It's so easy I may not have to do a step-by-step but I will include pictures of what I'm using tho.

**Stay-Tuned**

Moving

Well it's almost official we will be getting out of the Army. Spencer got his papers back yesterday from Washington & soon we can find out the date. Yay!  I'm super excited. I went out earlier and bought some moving boxes. I don't know the exact date yet but it's always a good start to get it moving early. Plus with some of my procrastination doing this could help. So I went around the corner to the closest Storage facility. Yes, I know I can get boxes from Walmart, etc. but I needed tape & other stuff too so why not? So I pick up a Moving Kit.
$50 for this baby. I couldn't believe it. I know some of y'all may be thinking, "this is a bit to pricey". But think about it. --5 Small, 4 Medium, 2 Large, The tall box it comes with, 2 Rolls of Tape, 2 Rolls of Bubble Wrap (oh lordy it's tempting to pop some, lol), and a Marker. After everything adds up, it will cost a little bit more. Plus this will last me a while so I don't need to get boxes. 

So far, I've boxed up almost all of Hayden's stuffed animals in a Large box, taped a few other boxes I got saved over from my business from Avon, and boxed up, but didn't tape, most of Hayden's books he has looked at for a few months, plus a few other odds & ends laying around. Later I'll hit up my closet & take care of some of the boxes that are up on the shelves collecting dust.

Hmm Potatoes & Meat

Scalloped Potato Casserole

1lb Ground Beef

1-1/1 cup grated cheese

Salt & Pepper

1 Can of Cream of Chicken

1/2 Onion, finely chopped

2 Large Thinly Sliced Potatoes

1 cup of milk

3 Quart Casserole Dish

1. Brown beef (not cook) & onion

Drain

2. Place Beef in Casserole Dish. Cover with Cheese, Salt & Pepper

3. Place Potatoes Over Meat & Cheese

(Now if your like me & for some stupid reason CANNOT for anything thinly slice a potato correctly & have them looking like wedges, it will not mess up the dish)

4. Mix 1 cup of milk & soup in bowl/pan & pour over top. (Might help to heat up a bit, but if in hurry you can mix off to the side of the stove.)

 5. THEN! Bake at 350 for 1 to 1-1/2 hours.

Pull out & serve!

Enjoy!

Okay I have another yummy treat coming soon. Scalloped Potato Casserole. Maybe even some Vanilla Cupcakes. Stay Tuned for it. If it's not posted on the Home page make sure you check the It Smells Good In Here page.

Here's Another One lol

This is what we do when bored & it's raining.

$10 Meal!

I came across another recipe the other day so I tried it out yesterday. It can also be used as a Freezer Meal, which isn't hard & I'll tell you.

Chicken & Rice

1 Box of Wild Rice w/ Seasoning Packet (didn't have any so used a Rice Side "Chicken & Broccoli")

1 Can Cream of Mushroom Soup

1 Can Cream of Chicken Soup

1 Can of Water (use one of the empty soup cans)

3-6 Skinless/Boneless Chicken Breasts (I used 3)

1. Mix together rice w/ seasonings, both soups, & water in a casserole dish. 

Mix well.  It will look like this.

Top with Chicken & season with salt & pepper if desired. 

 

Then bake for 1 hour @ 350 

Easy Right!!

 Family verdict, they loved it. Next time I may op. out the mushroom soup & do a double chicken soup. I wasn't a big fan of the mushrooms. 

 -----------------------------------------------------------------

 -----------------------------------------------------------------

For Freezer Instructions:

Same instructions for Number 1. Pour into 8x8 freezer dish. Top with Chicken. Double wrap in foil, label, & freeze. 

Thaw & bake uncovered @ 350 for 1 hour.

 

I will try & find some more awesome Freezer Meals for ya.

 

Stew

Recipe for this baby coming soon.

Okay as I promised here it is. Found this recipe online. Made a few changes, and if I may say it was AMAZING.

 Southwestern Beef Stew

1lb ground beef

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder OR 2 minced garlic cloves (I used powder)

1 Can Tomato Soup

1 Can (10 1/2oz--1 1/3 cup) Beef OR Chicken Broth

1 Cup Water

2 Tablespoons Chili Powder OR Tony's Creole Seasoning (I used Tony's)

3 Med. Potatoes (I used 2 Lg.)

1 Can Whole Kernel Corn

Shredded Chesse

Cook beef, & garlic over med-high heat. Drain. (I cooked it into a separate pan, since it wasn't deep enough & transferred it into a pot shown in the picture.

In the pot combine soup, broth, water, chili powder/Tony's, & potatoes. Add the cooked beef. Bring to boil. Then reduce to low, cover, & cook for 15 minutes. Stir in corn. 

Once done, put in bowl/plate, sprinkle cheese on top. Enjoy! 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Simple Right?! It was so easy. It does have a kick to it. If it's too spicy for you, add a tiny bit of soy sauce to it. If you try this out, let me know what you think of it.

It's been a while since I've been on. Like I keep saying, I'm trying.

It's May

Oh goodness, it May. And Blogger has changed.  Took me a while to figure it out, but not too long considering I'm on here. Well here's a lil' summary since Jan. (last post). Still no pregnancy, don't think it will ever happen. Spencer is getting out of the Army due to his headaches. We should know the exact date soon, but we suspect before October this year. I'm so excited. We are Renting out the house & moving back to Texas. Yay! My parents are happy that we are coming  back, and are friends are also. No more 6 states, 20 hours, difference. Army said they are going to be coming in & help us pack, but some things I want to pack my self. Like the China Cabinet stuff, and my underwear. (some things are not to be touched)
Now the process on getting 3 people, 2 dogs, 2 iguanas, and "maybe" a guinea pig in a hatchback focus for 20 hours is going to be interesting.

There's really not much going on. Not of importance anyways. If you want to know more add me on FB. When adding me, just let me know that your from my blog.

I'm such a busy body....

Here is the before & after shots of the bathroom. I think I changed it a lot. I plan on doing something to cabinets but not sure just yet. But for now I'm going to work on another project until I'm sure.

I believe my next project is the kitchen. I got this wonderful idea from a fellow blogger. I don't know who she is personally, but her work is amazing. Her blog is called Lemonade.

http://timmonsfamilylemonade.blogspot.com/2011/04/kitchen.html

This lady has the same type of cabinets as I do. And I just love the way she re-did them. Above is the link on the idea I have for my kitchen. Let me know what you think?!

@};-

I've just been a busy body since the New Year started. And that's a good thing. Before I've just been sitting around. Now I'm still sitting around, but I'm also throwing in some crafts/redecorating into the mix. Spencer isn't really happy about all the changes happening so fast but is happy that's it's getting done, especially since our taxes will be done soon, we will be able to get a lot more done with more money.

I do have some more, I guess you want to call it information, about the baby front, no news that I want but I will fill you in more on the Baby Blog.

Well that's all I can think of for now. Laters!

Found this site called Pinterest. And it has given me awesome ideas/projects/help/etc.

It also has introduced me to a Calendar of a Daily De-Clutter Organizer

http://www.mysimplerlife.com/2012.htm

I don't have printer but was able to find a calendar I wasn't using & copied it. I skipped out on a few items, & changed/added a few. A few days left open, due to birthday's, holidays, etc. And just a relaxing day.
Hope this works out. My house is mess & I don't feel like doing everything at once. So this calendar should work.

Enjoy!

Once I find something else that could be useful to you. I will try to post.

Bathroom Renovation

After almost 2 years of having an ugly bathroom, for our (my) New Years Resolution we finally started on the bathroom.
Behind our giant mirror is the last of the ugly wallpaper, that will be no more

The Green stripes that the previous owner thought was so amazing. Not!
My Inspiration (Shower Curtain Holder)

Painted the first coat. And finally the new light fixture that will be added later after we call an Electrician. Previous owner did something weird with the wires so ....


Stay tuned for the rest/more of the Bathroom Pics on the "Our House in Movement" section.

Just got this cool iPhone app so maybe I can post more.

I'm just so horrible posting lately. Don't know if it's the will of posting or nothing interesting to post.

Christmas was good. Hayden made out like a bandit. For being the only child, and the only grandchild. He was, well let's say "Spoiled". He got basically everything he asked for & then some. Scooter, Drum Set, Whack-a-Mole, etc.

Me& Spencer did well too. Spencer got the video games he wanted & a new Xbox controller since the other ones were sticking. He also got a new beanie (Cowboys) since Hayden stole the other one, a Cowboys coffee mug, & a Cowboys Hoodie. His mother also got him 2 extra hoodies. She doesn't bother buying me hoodies because I just use Spencer's. Spencer has like 20+ Hoodies. We are converting the Hallway closet just for those hoodies. Funny but also sad at the same time.

Me I got an iPhone, bath pillow, one of those neck pillows you can heat up in the microwave, and some earrings. The earrings I got from my mother. She got them at the Renaissance which the make their gage a tad but bigger than Department Store's so I stretched my ear open a little. I wore them all day when I got them so my ears wouldn't hurt so much later.

I've got some videos of Hayden playing the Drums & he's got rhythm. I try to post one later.

Stay tuned to the Iguanas blog. I'll post a few things soon. Nothing new on the Baby blog.
Well that's it for now.

Elf on the Shelf

So I was shared this Blog through one of my friends on Facebook & after I was educated on what the term of Elf on the Shelf meant this is funny. And yes, you can call this a mini blonde moment if you want.

Elf on the Shelf means: It's a pretty new concept-- something to get the kids to behave for Christmas because they think the Elf will go back and tell Santa if they were good or bad. So check it out.

http://peopleiwanttopunchinthethroat.blogspot.com/2011/12/over-achieving-elf-on-shelf-mommies.html

Okay Wow!, I am sooo behind on posting. Okay well, short story/update.
Had an okay Halloween, could've been better. It started out rainy, so we opt. out and went to the mall, which was obviously packed. Then came home for the last hour and noticed little kids running around. So we did our turn at Trick or Treating. Hayden had fun and that's all that matters. This year his was a Red Power Ranger.
K, November. Thanksgiving....again started out good. I cooked an Amazing Dinner since I'm a Culinary Genius LOL. ... Then shortly before going to bed, got sad news. My grandmother passed away. She was living in a nursing home, with Al-chimers & Dementia, and was in & out of the Hospital from falls. But the amazing part out of this was my mother & my aunt were able to visit her the week before & she was so clear, and remembered everything. I flew to my parents & was able to help my mom & aunt with the Funeral arrangements.
December. Came back home on the 8th, and got the tree up, and this weekend we are putting up the lights. A little later than what I wanted but at least its getting up. We had to buy new lights this year since 2 strands had some lights out on it. Also still need to catch up on a few Christmas shopping trips, but know me, a ninja of shopping, I shouldn't have a problem. Lol.

Well that's it for now. Hopefully I'll get back on here soon and give you more updates. Don't forget to check out my other 2 blogs. Tomorrow I'll try to get on the Iguanas and do a little update there. Until then, ... talk to later.

Carving....
At the Pumpkin Patch

Pumpkins!

This past weekend we made the trip to the local pumpkin patch. Well, local wouldn't be the correct word, since we had to drive 30 miles to get there. It was a blast either way. We didn't have enough money do everything they had there, so we stuck to the patch. We got 3 pumpkins, 50 cents/per pound. Not bad.

(More pictures up soon...)

So last night we had the opportunity to carve these pumpkins. Spencer did most of the cleaning out the pumpkins. We had a hard time trying to get Hayden to help out. Somehow, a few minutes later we ended up having a pumpkin gut fight in the kitchen. No, Hayden wasn't part of it. It was just Spencer & me. I can tell you one thing, we will be cleaning up pumpkin for a while. Well, we had issues with the biggest pumpkin, and when I went to pick it up after it was carved, it broke. So we had 3 pumpkins to start off with, but ended up with 2. I was soo mad at myself last night because I have never done anything like that before.

Grrrrr........but all is good. We spent the next hour picking out the pumpkin seeds so I can roast them today. A step by step is listed below.

Pumpkin Seeds!

Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F.

Mix desired amount of butter, brown sugar, salt and honey in a bowl. Add the pumpkin seeds and toss to coat.


Pour the seeds onto a pan and spread them out.


Bake the seeds for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, turn them and place them back in the oven for 15 minutes.

Remove the seeds from the oven and sprinkle with sugar. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 7 to 15 minutes & repeat once more time.

Allow the seeds to cool, & enjoy!

Wow, I've been such a horrible blogger lately. My last post was back in July....& it's now October.

Let's see.......... July we celebrated Spencer's Birthday. August we celebrated my birthday. September I worked for 3-4 weeks, but had to quit that due to the fact that Daycare we were putting Hayden in was $120/week....and I wasn't even making $100/week. So in order to save money I had to quit & pull Hayden out of Daycare until I find another job.

My parents came in early October for a week. We went on a mini-road trip over South-Mid North Carolina. The plan was go to Asheboro Zoo, & then down to Charlotte for some shopping. Well, we still were able to do that but had a bit of scenic route first. I got town's mixed up & we ended up going through Charlotte to Asheville. Pretty but not where we needed to go. We stayed 1 night in Asheville, back tracked to Charlotte & did some shopping at the mall, & stayed a night there. Then the next morning we left & went North to Asheboro to the Zoo.

As I promised.....

Last night was awesome. Me, Spencer, and Hayden went to go see the Mid-night showing of Captain America. Which was cool because I'd never been to a mid-night showing ever. And of course having it being mid-night Hayden passed out in our laps, so when the movie was over we carried him out to the car & he had no clue. I love my son, he's so wonderful in the movies. Now all we need to see is Thor. OH, and by the way, The Avengers Movie will be in theaters in May 2012.
I was not the girl who read or followed up on Comics or the Marvel story line when I was a kid. I was more of the Video Game, T.V., Computer girl. Come to think of it, I never really followed the movies based on books either, unless it was a school project.
I believe that The Avengers included obviously Captain America, the Hulk, Thor, Iron Man, Black Widow, (in the Comics the Fantastic Four, not sure if they are the movie), and Nick Fury. That's from just what I researched and what Spencer told me. I love the character for Nick Fury, Samuel Jackson. I think they picked the perfect person to play him, even though I know nothing about him. LOL.

So after the mid-night showing we came home and I didn't get to bed until 4am. Choice I was watching another movie on HBO. But finally woke up around 12:30, wow, I can't remember the last time I was able to sleep like that. Spencer cleaned the kitchen, and the living room.

Also, today Spencer got a call from our insurance company asking him if he still remembers what happened when he had the accident back in May. (2 months ago) Apparently the guy that hit him, even tho he has a ticket stating that he caused the accident with 2 witnesses, is still trying to fight it, stating he didn't cause the accident. Whatever dude.... ::eye roll:: .... I told Spencer that they need to put those nifty little annoying cameras on Post & then we won't have this problem.

After dealing with trying to get my computer to work, a visit from the father-in-law, and other issues, I'm finally back on Blogger. Please stay tuned for witty stuff. I'll try to get some stuff up tomorrow.

**putting Hayden to bed**
Hayden: Mommy there's monster's outside
Me: No there's not, your fine
Hayden: What about Zombies??
Me: No, your fine.
Hayden: Daddy took care of them?
Me: Yes, baby. Daddy made them go away.
Hayden: Ahhh, okay, now I can go to sleep.
*pause*
When is daddy coming home??
Me: Later while you are sleeping
Hayden: Okay, fine, I just miss daddy. He needs to kill more monsters & zombies
Me: Okay baby, go to sleep.
Hayden: I love you Mommy

New Guinea Pig Cage

We moved him from a tub to this new C&C Cage. Hobby Lobby didn't have coroplast which most people use, so I got a tough foam board. Still working on the second floor. He's now a happy guinea pig. :)

**On the phone with my mom. Spencer calls Twice. I get done talking to mom & call Spencer back**
Me: Yes?, you called?
Spencer: No, I didn't
Me: Yes, you did
Spencer: No, I don't think so
Me: Yes you did, twice, I was on the phone with my mother
Spencer: Ooooo, yeah, that's why you didn't answer

*eye roll* (like he can see...lol)

**Tells me something he could've texted, then says he has to go**

Yup, soo important he had to call twice....

Power Rangers Go!

The last few months Hayden has learned how to use the Xbox well enough that he now knows how to operate Netflix. He usually watches an episode, or movie several times a day. So this past 2 weeks Hayden has taken on a new favorite. Power Rangers. Not the new 13 different versions but the old school ones, the original . The ones that I grew up on. Especially the movie. It's so cute because now he's jumping around the living room fighting imaginary monsters that the Evil Rita has sent down. Like they are in the living room. He's even taken a used firework, a straw, and a door spring and has built himself a Power Ranger Sword. I just love the imagination of a 3 year old. I know that I was his age once I did weird stuff like that, but I would just love to know what he's thinking sometimes. (well half the time I find out...lol)