I promise, I'm still alive!

Hi friends!  Did you wonder where I went?  Well, I was kidnapped and held hostage by a tiny baseball player, aka Jackson.  After the regular season of baseball, Jackson went on to play for the All Stars team, which basically translates to the fact that we did NOTHING but eat, sleep and breathe baseball for the last 2 months.  We literally lived on the field....it's over now, I'm back and I promise to not take such a long leave of absence again.

Have you been hosting cookouts or attending some this summer?  If so, you can appreciate a recipe that's a crowd pleaser and super easy to make.  For times like these, I rely on a super easy, delicious recipe called Candy Bar Salad.  Yep, you read that right...got your attention now?  Try this to take to your next gathering...I bet you won't come home with any leftovers!  And for those of us who love to indulge in an adult beverage or two, try this recipe using wonderful fresh blueberries...Frozen Blueberry Lemonade.  It's even great without the alcohol, so the kiddos can enjoy some too :)  Just be sure to remember which glass has the vodka in it...:)

Candy Bar Salad

1 tub Cool Whip (I use light, just so I don't feel as guilty!)
8 oz. light cream cheese (again, make it semi-healthy! )
4-5 Granny Smith Apples, peeled and chopped
12 snack size Snickers or Milky Way bars, frozen

In a large bowl, soften the cream cheese.  Fold in the Cool Whip and apples.  Next, put the frozen candy bars in a gallon bag and smash with a hammer.  Fold in and serve.  For large gatherings, double this recipe.  YUM!!

Frozen Blueberry Lemonade

1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
3 cups ice
1 c lemonade
1/3 c powdered sugar
1/2 c vodka (I used homemade vanilla vodka...could also use blueberry vodka!)

Combine all ingredients in blender and puree until smooth.  Enjoy!

Luscious Lemon Poke Cake

Ah, the first day of summer has arrived!  If you're like me, that means days of sun, boating, cookouts and family potlucks.  I love summer for a reason...it seems to be the time of year that we re-connect with not only nature, but our families.  This past weekend, we shared a day with my Mom-in-law and Dad-in-law.  He just loves anything lemon, so I wanted to make something special for us to enjoy.  This recipe has been deemed a "keeper" and I think it's definitely blog-worthy!   It travels perfectly, and it so good by itself, you won't need frosting or ice cream, but we did enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream :)  Try Luscious Lemon Poke Cake at your next cookout or family gathering, and be sure to let me know what you think!

Luscious Lemon Poke Cake

1 (18.25 oz) package of lemon cake
1 (3.4 oz) package of instant lemon pudding
3/4 c. water
1/2 c. canola oil
4 eggs
1/3 c. lemon juice
2 c. powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350.  Grease and flour a 9x13 pan.  In a large bowl, combine cake mix, pudding, water oil and eggs.  Beat until smooth.  Pour into greased pan and bake 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.  While the cake is still hot, use a fork and poke holes all over the top of the cake.  Mix the lemon juice and powdered sugar is a small bowl and pour over hot cake.  Let cool, slice and enjoy!  Would also make a wonderful coffee cake!!  Happy baking my friends!! 

Summer Time Savers!

I'm back!!  Am I the only one whose life is mass chaos during Spring?  Between baseball practices, games, field trips, awards ceremonies, graduation open houses, etc, I've met myself coming and going this past month.  I'm hoping with the school year winding down, things will start to slow to that easy, summer pace.  I've missed blogging and sharing with all of you, so here's hoping that time will be on my side once again.

Have you all caught the couponing bug like I have?  I believe I can blame my contributor and dear friend, Cassie, for that!  Seriously though, I never envisioned becoming a crazy couponer, but once you score some serious deals like I have, it becomes addictive.  I'll be the first to admit, couponing takes some time and dedication, but it's MUCH easier if you use this awesome website that Cassie shared with me... http://www.savingaddiction.com/ .   These gals do all of the work for you!  You just choose the store, and they tell you what the best deals are, and where to get the coupons you need!  It's amazing....some deals I've scored by using this site and my coupons are .17 for Lysol wipes, .49 for Chi-Chi's salsa, 1.45 for Ocean Spray juice, free Nivea bodywash, and the list goes on.  Try it, you will LOVE it!

With the busyness of the last month fresh in my mind, I've discovered another wonderful time saver.  Have you heard of freezer cooking, or once a month cooking?  Me niether, but I'm a huge fan now.  I have not done the once a month cooking yet, but for those of you brave enough to try it, Kendra suggests http://www.onceamonthmom.com/.  I just checked out the website, and it's mind blowing!  For those of you who are organization freaks like me, this website is a dream come true.  Spreadsheets with instructions, recipes, shopping lists and labels for the freezer!  I'm aiming to try this once the kiddos are out of school. 

This past weekend, I searched for freezer cooking recipes.  I found a few and and elated to say that I made 4 meals in one morning's worth of cooking and they are in the freezer for those nights when we are super busy or I simply don't feel like cooking.  I love the feeling of knowing that I have options in the freezer, and it's going to be a huge time and money saver.  No more calling in a pizza for delivery or running into town to grab subs.  Below are a few super easy, super economical recipes that you can make ahead and freeze.  I found these at http://www.momsbudget.com/ .  Check out this site too...so many neat things to save all of us time and money! 

Caribbean Jerk Chicken Freezer Recipe 2 1/2 lbs chicken pieces
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp thyme
1/2 tsp ground red pepper flakes
1 envelope Italian salad dressing mix
Combine ingredients except chicken in a small bowl. Add chicken to a freezer bag, then add Caribbean Jerk mixture. Carefully move the chicken around so it is thoroughly coated, then freeze.
On cooking day, thaw in refrigerator and remove chicken pieces, disposing of the leftover marinade. Barbeque on a grill or bake in a 375 oven for approx 60 minutes (may vary depending on which chicken pieces are used.


Maui Wowee Chicken Freezer Recipe
Perfect for summertime eating in the backyard!
4 cups cooked chicken, diced
2 cups onion, chopped
2 cup green pepper, chopped
4 14oz cans cream of chicken soup
2 cans (15 oz.) pineapple tidbits
1 tbsp. soy sauce
In frying pan, heat 1 tbsp oil then saute onion and green pepper until softened. Add chicken and heat (or cook chicken at this stage if uncooked, then dice). Add cream of chicken soup, pineapple tidbits and soy sauce. Divide into two containers, allow to cool, then freeze.
On serving day. Thaw in refrigerator, then heat in saucepan on medium heat. Serve with rice or pasta.


Freezer Coleslaw Recipe 1 head cabbage, shredded
1 tsp salt
1 carrot, grated
1 green pepper, chopped
Coleslaw dressing
1 cup vinegar
1/2 cup water
2 cups sugar
1 tsp celery seed
1 tsp mustard seed
Shred cabbage, place in bowl, and sprinkle cabbage with salt. Allow to stand for one hour, then drain any liquid. Then add carrots and green pepper.
In medium saucepan, combine all ingredients and bring to a boil. Boil for one minute, then pour on the cabbage mixture, stirring well. Freeze in freezer container.
On serving day, thaw in refrigerator, and serve.

April Showers bring Paper Flowers!

What a great Easter Hostess, Mother's Day or Teacher's Gift!  And it's CHEAP!!

I LOVE papercrafting...in fact, I adore it.  It's my therapy!  I retreat down to my own personal scrapbooking/craft room and spend time with just me, myself and tons of paper. When my crafty sidekick, Kendra, introduced this latest idea to me, I fell in LOVE!  And if you have as much cardstock/scrapbook paper as I do, you can get away with spending about $3 to make this nifty little gift!

Here's a quick rundown of what you'll need to make these flowers and the container.  Most scrappers/crafters will have a lot of this on hand in the first place:

*Cuttlebug/Cricut/Big Shot die cutting machine, and a flower die of your choice.  I used a Stampin' Up die that makes daisies.

*Assorted colored or patterned cardstock, your choice on colors

*Thumb tacks...one for each pencil

*10-12 pencils...I purchased mine at the Dollar Tree in a cute Easter motif

*Easter Grass to fill the bucket/vase.... I bought mine at Wal-Mart for just 24 cents!

*Ribbon for the trim on the bucket or the vase

*Rubber Stamps for the tag...optional, but oh, so cute!

*Glue or adhesive to put the flowers together

*Glass Vase or Tin Bucket...each were $1 at either The Dollar Tree or Wal-Mart.

If I were super organized and had all the time in the world, I'd have a step by step photo how-to for this.  But most of you are crafty enough, if I share the steps and some ideas, maybe you'll take off and fly with it.  If you have a Cuttlebug, Cricut, Big Shot, or any other die cutter, you're in good shape.  Use your favorite flower die and cut out as many flowers as you need for each pencil.  My flowers were a 3 part flower, so I cut out enough to make 24 flowers.  Glue the flower layers together, then use a thumb tack to secure the flower to the pencil eraser, arrange in vase or tin, using Easter Grass to secure the flowers in the vase.  You could also use Easter candy as a filler :)

I love using and making tags for the gifts that I make.  This one is hands down my all time fave!  The saying is great, and so fun!  This was made using Stampin' Up stamps and punches. 

Be sure to make a few of these for your special friends...I know I can't wait to make some more, just to have on hand for those last minute gift giving occasions :)

Here's the glass vase option...I love this...so elegant and so FUN!!

All Aboard!

Wow, gas prices are soaring...grocery prices are climbing, and we're all feeling the pinch in one way or another.  Remember I told you all to stay tuned, as there were some exciting things coming our way?  Well today I am excited to share an idea that our Coupon Diva Cassie introduced to me this past week...The Coupon Train!!   It's such an easy thing to do, and a fun way to help each other save lots of $$ at the store!  I often think about all the coupons in the paper that I won't use, and think it's a shame to throw them out if someone else could use them...the Coupon Train helps us do just that!

I'm trying to set up a Coupon Train today, as we speak.  I need about 2-3 more people to hop aboard my train, so if you live in my area, and would like to hop aboard, please send me an email at shelbarnhart@netzero.com.  We'd love to have you join us!  Here are the basics of the Coupon Train...if you'd like to start a train of your own, go for it!  What could be better than helping each other out?! 

Here are the basics, and the rules...(yes, even with the train, you need to have rules so it stays on schedule and doesn't "derail"!  lol!) 

A coupon train is an envelope filled with non-expired coupons that is sent between riders.  When you receive the "train", take the coupons out of the envelope that you will use and replace them with coupons from your personal collection that you won't use.  You then mail it to the next address on the list. 

Here are a few tips to ensure a smooth train ride:

*Pick a "Conductor"...this is the person who starts the train and sets up the route/rules.
*  Limit your group to about 5-6 riders to be sure the train doesn't have too long of a route.  This helps you share more often, and prevents lots of coupons that will expire soon.
*  The envelope should contain about 40 coupons, as well as a list of all the riders and rules.  Mail the packet to the person whose name is below yours, and they will do the same, until the packet makes it's way back to the conductor. 
*  Take only the coupons you need.
*  Replace the number of coupons you take.
*  Do not include coupons with an expiration date within 15 days unless you know the next rider can use them before they expire.
*  Provide enough postage as to not delay the train...a good rule of thumb is 40 coupons + packing list/rules = 1 stamp.
*  Each rider should remove any expired coupons in the packet when they go through it.
*  Please do not keep the envelope any longer than 2-3 days so that the coupons can be passed around before they expire.  We all know life happens, and there may be some weeks where you just don't have time to do the train.  If so, please mail onto the next rider on the list. 
*  The last person on the list will mail the envelope back to the conductor, who will sort through them, remove expired coupons, replenish the packet and start the train all over again. 

I don't know about you, but this sounds like fun, and a great way to maximize coupons!  Just last week, I  had several great coupons for products I don't use, and my sis was tickled to get them.  I hope you all have a great time with this, and be sure to comment here and let me know how it goes!  And feel free to contact me or Cassie if you have questions...we're all about helping each other save cash!!  :)  Happy couponing and saving!!! 

Fiesta!! Chicken Flautas with Avocado Cream

As promised, here's the recipe for Chicken Flautas with Avocado Cream.  The beauty of this recipe is that you can customize it to fit your tastes.  Next time I may try it with some grilled carne asada inside...yum!  Serve with homemade refried beans (the recipe is here on the blog, and it could not be any easier!  or cheaper...even better!) The nicest thing was that I assembled to flautas earlier in the afternoon, put them in the fridge and was able to take them out and start deep frying them when we were ready for dinner.  So convenient, and what a hit..delicious!!  Oooh, you know what else would taste just perfect with this?  An ice cold mojito or Margarita!  Have a fiesta at your house tonight!

Chicken Flautas with Avocado Cream

3 cups shredded, cooked chicken  (Can use rotisserie chicken, or cook the chicken breasts in a crock pot with water and adobo seasoning like I did, then shred)
1 3/4 cups fresh salsa
16 corn or flour tortillas, your choice
Shredded cheese of your choice, or use Queso Fresco for an authentic flavor!

Avocado Cream:
1 fresh avocado
1/2 fresh lime, juiced
salt
1/2 cup sour cream

Assemble your cream first...puree the fresh avocado until smooth, add lime juice, sour cream and salt to taste.  Set in fridge until ready to serve.  Don't do this too far in advance, or your cream will turn a lovely shade of brown/green...it will still taste fine, but the color is not very appetizing.

Next, assemble your flautas.  First, mix chicken and 3/4 fresh salsa in a bowl. Microwave tortillas to soften, this makes them easier to fold.  Place 2-3 T. of chicken mixture down the middle of the tortilla shells. Sprinkle cheese over chicken mixture, then fold up burrito style, then secure with a toothpick.  Heat 3/4" of oil in a large skillet.  When the oil reaches 375, place 3-4 flautas in the oil and deep fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, turning frequently.  Remove to a platter lined with paper towel and remove toothpicks.  Continue to fry in batches, then serve with avocado cream and remaining fresh salsa. 

Go Bananas!

It's Spring here in the great white North, but you'd never know it if you went outside...it still feels/looks like October.  I hate it...it's cold, wet and gray.  So, what do I do when it's gloomy and cold?  I bake!  I found a wonderful recipe for Banana Bread recently and since there were 3 sad little bananas turning a scary shade of brown in our fruit basket this morning, I decided today would be a perfect day to bake.  This is really, really delicious, probably because the recipe includes a chocolate glaze for the bread....so much for a healthy version!  I also love that it made 3 small loaves, perfect for sharing with family or friends. Try this the next time you have some bananas ready to go bad.  And if you don't have time to that, did you know that you can peel the bad bananas, pop them into a freezer bag and freeze them for future use?  Super nice to have on hand for days like this when you're itching to bake up some comfort food!  Happy baking!

Remember the last post when I talked about the giveaway???  We grew our followers that day from 5 to 10...Come on girls, let's spread the Domestic Diva Diaries word and get the 50 followers we're aiming for!  I'm ready to make that custom card set for our winner.  As soon as we hit 50, I'll draw a name randomly to win!!!   Keep sharing the link with friends and tell them to sign up to follow us.  There's some exciting things coming that you and your friends won't want to miss...trust me on this!  Good stuff, good stuff!!!

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread with Chocolate Glaze

Bread:
1 cup mashed ripe banana, about 3-4 bananas
2 eggs
1/2 sour cream
1 t. vanilla extract
1/2 cup melted butter or oil
1 1/4 flour
1 cup rolled oats
3/4 c. chocolate chips or chocolate chunks
3/4 c sugar
1 t. baking powder
1 t. salt
1/2 t. baking soda
1/2 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. almond extract (optional)
1/4 t. orange extract (optional)

Mix dry ingredients together.  In another bowl, whisk eggs, butter or oil, sour cream, extracts and banana together.  Fold into dry ingredients and pour into lightly greased loaf pan or 3 mini loaf pans.  Bake at 350 for 55 minutes for standard loaf pan, 35 minutes for mini pans or until toothpick inserted in center of loaf comes out clean.  Let cool 30 minutes in pan, then remove to cooling racks.  Next, make the glaze....

Glaze:
1 c. powdered sugar
2 T. baking cocoa
2-3 T. milk
1/2 t. vanilla
Whisk together until smooth and pour over cooled loaves of bread.  Yum!!!!