Twice baked Potatoes - Fancy Smancy

So the picture just doesn't do these justice! I was having company over for dinner and really wanted a side dish with a little pizazz. I tried this recipe for twice baked potatoes and I cannot even tell you how good they were. They may look a little rough here....but on a plate they looked awesome! Pair with steak and some grilled asparagus and you have a positively yummy dinner!!

Twice Baked Potatoes

6 large baking potatoes

1/2 package (8 oz. size) cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup sour cream

1 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

salt and pepper, to taste

Bacon crumbles

Bake potatoes at 400 until tender. Slice potatoes in half when cool enough to handle. Scoop insides of potatoes into a large bowl; place shells on a cookie sheet. Combine 1 cup of the cheddar cheese and remaining ingredients with potatoes. Beat till light and fluffy.

Spoon potato mixture back into shells. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar and lightly sprinkle with bacon. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes or till heated through and cheese is bubbly on top.

Works for me Wednesday

When you are a mama, you and the pediatrician are friends. As in....you have basically paid for their children's college with the amount of visits in the first couple years alone.

Then you have another child (Or a couple) and you start to pray before you hit the door that the doctor will not be running behind.

You know the scene.

A sick, whiny child crying or laying on the floor. ewwww. Another child trying to get in the drawers or touch things they shouldn't. My son used to play rocket man with the doctors chair while I was trying to get my daughter out of the big paper roll cabinet.....good times.

A couple of months ago I started taking crayons with me to the offices. It saved my patience, tolerance and sanity :)

I now plop both kids promptly on the table, hand them crayons and watch them go to work. They can draw and color on the paper to their hearts content. There has even been a game of tic-tac-toe or two. The paper gets thrown away after every visit so there is no guilt and the kids stay entertained.

And that works for this crazy mama!

Menu Plan...errr Tuesday?

I am ready for spring Y'all! Can I just say that after being well on the road to recovery, we all got the stomach flu. Thus, the late meal planning. Its going to be a lite one since we are not quite ready to jump into heavy dishes. I pray to the good Lord that this is our last bought of sickness...at least for a little while :) Happy Eating !!!!

Monday: Oops...no food Monday :)

Tuesday: Chicken noodle soup, yeast rolls

Wednesday: Grilled chicken strip salad with cranberries and walnuts

Thursday: Steak Fajitas, (Recipe follows) black beans and rice

Friday: White Pizza, salad

Saturday: Leftover night- If its not movin you can eat it...but mama is not cookin!

Sunday: Beef pot Roast, mashed potatoes, green beans

Steak Fajitas

1 pound lean steak, cut into strips
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 tablespoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, cut into thin strips
1 julienned green bell pepper
2 lemons, quartered
salt and pepper to taste
6 (12 inch) flour tortillas

Combine the lime juice, ground pepper and cilantro in a shallow dish. Place steak strips into the marinade and refrigerate for two to four hours.

Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak strips, and fry until cooked to your liking. Remove meat and set aside.

Add remaining oil and onions to the skillet. Cook over medium low heat, until translucent, stir in green peppers and steak. Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon over the top and stir. When the green bell peppers are just tender remove the pan from the heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the steak fajitas with tortillas and lemon wedges on the side.

Works for me Wednesday: Birthday wishes

My baby girl is going to be 2 on Friday. ~sniff~ sob....okay I will pull myself together.

I realized that I decorate my front door for every possible holiday in the world....except birthdays! Since we are between Valentines and St. Patricks day, I thought it would be the perfect time to create a fun, whimsical birthday wreath.

I figure the kids can help me hang it for their birthdays and it would be a fun way to announce to the world (well at least the neighbors and passer by's) that my little babies are turning a year older.

I just took an old ugly ivy and wretched purple flower wreath that someone gave me and stripped it bare. I then searched through my things until I found some festive ribbon and then some purple star shiny wire stuff. (Because I like to use technical names.)

I weaved the ribbon in and out of the vine. I then went through my party favors and found some children's whistles and the ball/ cup game thingy. (Again, I am s tickler for proper names.) Throw in some star wands and a birthday candle that says. "Happy Birthday" ...and WHALAH.

The fun thing about this wreath is that almost all of us has old party things hanging around our house. I would have loved to use a pink boa I found but I didn't think my hubs and son would like that on their birthday.

I would like to think that this makes my people feel special around their special time.

And that works for this mama.

For more great Works for me Wednesday visit We are that Family!

Cheese stuffed meatballs

My meal plan is a yummy one this week! Lots of family favorites! So I wanted to share my cheesy meatball recipe...hope your family loves it as much as mine does!

Cheese Stuffed Meatballs!

4 sticks (1 oz. size) mozzarella string cheese, cut into 3/4" cubes

1/2 cup Italian style bread crumbs

1 jar (48 oz. size) tomato pasta sauce, divided

1 1/2 pound lean ground beef

2 tablespoons finely chopped onion

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves

1 egg

12 ounces uncooked spaghetti

2/3 cup shredded fresh Parmesan cheese

Put cheese cubes in small resealable freezer plastic bag; seal bag and freeze at least 1 hour.

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Line 15x10x1" pan with foil; spray foil with cooking spray.

In large bowl, mix bread crumbs and 3 tablespoons of the pasta sauce. Stir in beef, onion, salt, oregano and egg. Shape mixture into 2" balls.

Press 1 cheese cube into center of each ball, sealing it inside. Gently place in pan. Bake 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, pour remaining pasta sauce into 5 quart Dutch oven. Cover; heat to simmering over medium high heat, stirring frequently. Gently stir in meatballs; reduce heat to medium low.

Cover; simmer about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are cooked and not pink in center. Cook and drain spaghetti; keep warm. Serve meatballs and sauce over spaghetti.

Serve with Parmesan cheese.

Menu Plan Monday: I'm Back!

After a full week of antibiotics, I actually feel up to cooking again! I fully realized the value of a meal plan when I don't have one. It involves alot of standing in front of the fridge, foot tapping and sighing. My saint of a husband picked up the slack and cooked for us several times. (I think he may have not wanted me coughing over his food but I can't be sure:) )

Anywho, this week has so many great recipes that I will be posting them throughout the week! Happy Eating Y'all!

Monday: Stuffed green peppers, Crescent Rolls

Tuesday: Spaghetti and Mozzarella meatballs, Italian green beans, garlic bread

Wednesday: Steak, twice baked potatoes, grilled asparagus, salad

Thursday: Leftover buffet

Friday: Pizza, salad

Saturday: Fish and Chips (Recipe follows)

Sunday: Grilled chicken, roasted carrots, broccoli

Oven Baked Chips

4 medium baking potatoes

seasoning of your choice (I like Kosher salt and pepper)

Dry bread crumbs

Wash each potato and cut into wedges.

Soak potatoes in water for five minutes then drain and pat dry. Place favorite seasonings and bread crumbs into a large resealable bag. Place potato wedges into bag a couple at a time, seal and shake to coat.

Arrange potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray and bake until crispy, about ten minutes.

My finds at Odd Lots

Just wanted to let y'all know that I went to Odd Lots today. (All by myself!! I am still amazed at how much I can get done without little ones.)

Anywho, they have their Easter stuff out and OH MY the prices were awesome!

I got the most adorable Peter Rabbit chocolate bunny for $2 and my son a race car rabbit for $2. They also have many Easter basket fillers for a great price..something to think about :)

I also got a great coupon for 20% my entire order all day Sunday. Its their friend and family day.

Just something to think about :)

Sick and Tired

Sorry Y'all.

Everyone (but my hubby of course) is sick in this house. Add about 20 inches of snow on top of that, mix with two weeks of cancelled pre-school and you have a mama that is praying desperately for sun and warmth and a night out.

So there has not been much meal planning or cleaning going on here.....just alot of whining.

From me and the kids.

I don't have the strength to post very much but I did want to share a chicken pot pie recipe that was delish...... coming from Ms. Paula Deen. (Love her !)

I really REALLY promise to get back on the blogging bandwagon hopefully by the end of the week......

Someone pass the NyQuil please.

Chicken Pot Pie
2 1/2 cups peeled and coarsely chopped potatoes (about 2 small)
1 cup peeled and sliced carrots (about 2 medium)
1 (15.25-ounce) can corn, drained
1 (14.5-ounce) can cut green beans, drained
2 cups chopped, cooked chicken
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 (14.5-ounce) can chicken broth
1 pint half-and-half
1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 (12-ounce) can refrigerated biscuits

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 13x9x2-inch baking dish.

Combine potatoes and carrots with enough water to cover in a Dutch oven. Bring to a boil and cook for 8 minutes. Drain well.

In a large bowl, combine cooked potatoes and carrots, corn, green beans, and chicken. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Slowly add chicken broth and half-and-half, stirring constantly. Cook, stirring constantly, for 7 minutes, or until thickened. Stir in parsley, salt, and pepper. Pour butter mixture over vegetable mixture, tossing gently to combine. Spoon into prepared baking dish.

Separate biscuits, and place evenly on top of casserole. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until biscuits are brown and casserole is hot and bubbly.

Triple coupons for Kroger

Hey all! Kroger is having triple coupons today thru Sunday....WOOHOO!!!

They will triple up to $.50 and there are ALOT of coupons out there right now!

I went today and got so many things for free or $.20 that it was crazy!!!! (I ended up saving $155. My new record.)

Make sure you guys check it out!!

No menu Plan this week

Hey all. I just wanted to let you know that I am not posting a menu plan this week.

I have one but here in Ohio we are getting hammered with snow. That means that I am very busy playing blocks, games, puzzles and snuggling on the couch with my little ones....

I will be back next week with some great recipes that I have found including....

Chicken pot pie
Pepper and broccoli stir fry
Stuffed green peppers

Have a great week y'all!

Mama knows best - Cleaning the house!

We as mamas have to be innovative and thrifty all in the same beat. Some how we find new ways of doing things that save us money, time and maybe if we are really blessed.... sanity!

I clean on Saturday mornings. Its a time that I can let the kids play and I can do what I need to do. When I was telling my best friend that the other day she wrinkled up her nose and said "Doesn't it take up your whole day?"

The truth is that I have such a routine it only takes me 2 hours... max. Another confession is that cleaning is one of my control things. I go to cleaning when life seems a little crazy. As a result, I have picked up some tricks and tips that help the cleaning go faster and be more effective.

* Save the all out, sweeping the ceiling, washing down the baseboards type of cleaning for spring and fall. (Or at least quarterly.) If you try to tackle this type of cleaning every week...it will take you all day!

* Do one task at a time. Not one room at a time. For example dust the whole house first or empty all the trashes in the house. That way if something comes up and you can't finish the house you feel like you have actually gotten alot accomplished.

What sounds better? I got the whole house dusted or I got the dining room cleaned. See??

* Do the things you hate the most, first. I hate bathrooms so I do those first. After those, the rest seems easy and I breeze thru them.

* Start off with a picked up house. I always, no matter how tired I am, pick up the house last thing on Friday night. If I have to pick up the house, putting things away, it will take me forever to clean!!

* Keep things freshened up throughout the week. I sure won't clean but I may run the sweeper or wipe out a sink here or there. It makes things look nice and it cuts down the cleaning time on my cleaning Saturdays!!

Do you have a money/time/sanity tip to share? E-mail me at everythingmom@live.com

Pre-school days

My son came home from school proud as a peacock. He loves pre-school and is so excited to show and tell me what he has done...most of the time.

Sometimes he does the typical "man" thing. You know the one.

"How was your day, baby?"

"Good"

"What did you do?"

"I don't know."

Good times.

On this particular day in February he was brimming over with excitement. He had made his mama a Valentines day card and just had to show me.

After displaying the appropriate ooh's and aah's and maybe a few tears, I proudly displayed it in the kitchen.

My boy wasn't though, however. He was in a talking mood.

He then went on to explain to me that the teacher got out flashlights and let them play with them. (Now let me just tell y'all that I think we own the most flashlights in any household in the US. My little man is obsessed with them.) So you can imagine his joy at the flashlight teaching.

I was a little confused as to why the teacher would just get out some flashlights so I questioned my darling boy.

He shot a look at me that I translated as "Mama, you can't be that stupid." He then calmly explained to his dense mama that they were learning about shadows. How they are made with light and how you could re-create them.

He then added.

"You know..... in honor of Warthogs day"

I laughed so hard that I was crying in the middle of my kitchen.

Works for me Wednesday - kids clothes help!

I don't know about you guys but going through the kids clothes each season is comparable to taking a pencil in the eyeball.

Okay maybe I am exaggerating ....but I really do dread it! I have enough of a hard time getting my toddler to put his clothes on, much less trying on multiple outfits.

I hate to waste time or money. So I really do see the need to know what you still need to buy or what you already have!

So....now I save myself some eyerolls and ten counts. Each day while getting the kids dressed, I make them try on one pair of pants/shorts and a top. It only takes a couple of minutes and the kids don't get too grumpy :) In a couple of weeks I have a total list of what is still needed!

And that works for this mama!!

For more great WFMW ideas visit We are that Family!

Menu Plan Monday - I'm back!

This is my first week that I have actually gotten to go to the grocery store since my eat from the pantry challenge! WOOHOO!! I think my hubbie is just as excited because he asked me to fix a couple of his favorite dishes. :) Hubs is even going to attempt to make his own "skyline chili". (We will see how that goes....) Happy eating Y'all!!!

Monday: Chicken cacciatore, salad, garlic bread (Recipe follows)

Tuesday: Chili dogs, baked fries, mixed veggies

Wednesday: Stuffed green peppers, salad

Thursday: Grilled chicken over bed of rice, grilled asparagus, roasted carrots

Friday: Pizza Night!

Saturday: Leftover buffet - if its in the fridge you can eat it...but mama is not cookin!

Sunday: Broccoli chicken Alfredo, crescent rolls, green beans

Easy Chicken Cacciatore

1 tablespoon olive oil
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cubed
2 cloves garlic, chopped, or to taste
1/2 cup red cooking wine
1 (28 ounce) can Italian-style diced tomatoes
8 ounces small seashell pasta
5 ounces fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet with a lid over medium heat, and cook and stir the chicken and garlic until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, 5 to 8 minutes. Pour the wine and diced tomatoes with their juice into the skillet, and bring to a boil over high heat while scraping any browned bits of food off of the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.

Stir in the shell pasta, and return to a boil. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the shells have cooked through, but are still firm to the bite, about 10 minutes. Spread the spinach over the top of the pasta, cover, and simmer until the spinach leaves are cooked, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the skillet, and simmer until the cheese has melted and the pasta is bubbling, about 5 minutes.