Better Than Febreeze

I love Febreeze and I think that it works very well at getting rid of common unwanted household odors.  However, I think that it is way over priced.  Here is an easy solution.  Make your own.

You just need:

 Your favorite fabric softener, baking soda, a spray bottle (mine was from the dollar store).

Use 2 Tbsp. soda and 1/8 cup softener...add hot water, shake to mix well, and your done.

 Use it and see for yourself.  It truly is...

Perfect Dinner, Lunch, Potluck Dish, or Appetizer

Anthony and I ate these while we decorated our Christmas Tree.  They take a little longer to prepare..but they are so worth it.  This recipe of Samosas was given to me by the Ure family.  They are soooo delicious.

You will need:
1 package egg roll wrappers
1/2 bunch of green onions (minced)
1 cup mushrooms (minced) -don't let this ingredient scare you because it just obsorbs all the yummy flavors

8 chicken tenders
1 1/2 Tbsp. ginger
1 Tbsp. garlic (2 cloves minced)
2 tsp. curry powder
dash salt and pepper
canola oil -to fry

Step #1
Start by mincing the onions and mushrooms, then set aside.  Cut the chicken into small cubes.  Saute in a large sauce pan, and green onions and mushrooms.  Add garlic, ginger, curry, salt and pepper to taste.  Take off heat and drain excess liquid.
 Step #2
Cut your eggroll wrappers in half.  Get a bowl of water.  Place one wrapper in front of you, dab your finger in the water and run it on the edge of wrapper. (this creates the "glue")  Place a Tbsp. or so of the chicken mixture in the top center.  Fold into a triangle like you would fold a flag.  Make sure to seal the edges.  Do this until they are all done.
Step #3
Fill a pan 2-3 inches with oil.  Fry until golden brown.

Whats great about these is you can do step 1 and 2 ahead of time, put them in a gallon ziploc in the fridge and get them out to fry just before dinner.  They are great for dinner, but also lunch, an after school snack, an appetizer for a party, or sign up to bring these to your next potluck.  They are the yummiest finger food I have tried so far.

Enjoy!

Our Very First Christmas Tree

Today my best friend (Anthony aka my hubby) and I went to purchase our very first Christmas Tree.  This makes such a fun FHE.  We went over to the local "vendor" and looked only at the trees in our $30 price range. I was blown away that we could actually buy a 6-foot tree with only $30.  We didn't have any way to put the tree on top of the car so we put the passenger seat down and the Christmas Tree took my seat.  We already had a few strings of lights and a couple ornaments...so we went out and bought some classic ornaments, hooks, candy canes, and a tree stand.  We looked for a star for our tree topper but couldn't find one that we both liked.... so I made one.

 

It took me a good 3 hours and I improvised the whole project.  But...I love how it turned out.  What do you think?

Decorating the tree is always the most fun when you do it as a family and make sure to turn up those Christmas Tunes.

Nativity

This Christmas Season is first and foremost a time to remember Christ.  One way we can do this is by putting up a nativity.   This free printable is also centered on our Savior and is also dang cute.

 I was given this nativity because a friend didn't want it any more.  So thankful I was in the right place at the right time.  This nativity reminds me of my favorite one growing up so it's pretty special.  I think I will continue my mother's tradition of adding 1 new nativity each year (or maybe just a piece of this next one).

 I would love for my willow tree nativity to grow a little each year until I have all the statues.  This was a wedding gift and we love it!

The Twist

Here is a quick tutorial on the twist for those of you who have seen it, like it, but have no idea how to do it.  Note: this is very popular right now and also very simple/ easy.  I like it because it is very versatile and it doesn't take too much time.

please excuse my "serious model face" it needs some work

 part your hair.

 take a section at your part.

 split it in 2 sections.

 twist the front strand over the back strand.

 add in a section of hair (from front hairline) and add it the section you are working with. in other words whatever section is in front.

continue twisting until you feel like stopping and use two bobby pins crisscrossed to secure it.

The most common twist is done with just the bangs, however if you keep twisting you can add it into a cute side-pony or bun.

...or create a twist on both sides, put your extra hair in a hair tie and tuck it in to get this look.

Thoughts on Black Friday...

I had to work all night on Black Friday.  It was not fun at all.  Here are some of the things I experienced while on my shift.

• the very first two boys in line for our store stole 2 of our main promotional items and ran as soon as the gate opened.
• I had some lady tell me we were breaking the fire codes -she was very rude and crazy
• my manager was grabbed by an angry customer -customer was told to leave and manager had to take more than a few minutes to recover in the break room
• saw multiple children with their stupid mothers at around 2 am. -yes. i did see an infant

In conclusion...  Black Friday is a joke.   There is no deal worth it enough for me to ever participate in such a selfish event.  People have died on this day because they were trampled on by people who  "had" to get to their precious TV or whatever it was.  I would recommend saving your Christmas shopping for Cyber Monday or for any other day after Thanks Giving.  There will still be good sales all through December.

On Black Friday... I would recommend taking the family out to watch a movie at the theater or take them to Fun Works to play mini golf and ride on the go carts.

 Bubba up to put.

 My silly man and his butty shake.

 Notice how Tony's club is backwards.  He had a blast

 Here goes Mom.

 Jeremy was in town for Thanks Giving. :)

 Me.

 The gorgeous Alyssa reading to smoke the boys on the go karts.

 Miranda's havin' fun.

...and a thumbs up from Tiago.

Find out more about Fun Works here.  They have great deals.

Happy Thanks Giving!

HAPPY TURKEY DAY!!!

Want an Inviting Home This Holiday Season?

I had seen this idea on pinterest countless times but I didn't think much of it until I went to Kristi's house.  She had tried it and I have never smelt a more yummy smell in my life.  I love that this homemade fragrance is made with all natural ingredients, you control when you want it on and when you don't, and it should last until Christmas.  

Here it is:

In a medium pot combine-

oranges (just the peel or slices)

cranberries

cloves

cinnamon sticks (if you don't have them on hand just use powder)

nutmeg (optional)

Cover completely with water and put on the lowest setting of a back burner on your stove.  Enjoy this warm, holiday smell with family and friends.  I cut one of Anthony's buddy's hair today.  And he said, "I just want to eat that smell!" in regards to this awesome potpourri.

What's on the Menu: Thanks Giving Feast

As Thanks Giving is in just two days I thought I would touch base on all the yummy things we eat on this special day.

On my plate this year I will definitely be loading up with:
Turkey

So...I have never actually cooked my own Turkey.  But I do know that whether you deep fry it or bake it in the oven...it will be delicious!

Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

The key to making the best mashed potatoes is this:
Use russet potatoes.  Peel and cut into large cubes.  Put them in a pot of cool water with 2 inches of water covering the cubes.  Boil until a fork goes in easily. Strain water and return cubes to pan on medium heat.  Add warm milk, butter, salt and pepper to taste and desired  consistency.  I use a potatoe masher first and then use a whisk if I want them to be more smooth.

Stove Top Stuffing

Honestly, Stove Top is the best stuffing.  It taste the best and you just add water and milk.  What could be better?

Rolls

 I have a recipe that is similar to these... but here is her recipe.  I haven't tried it yet, but it is next on my list.

Martinelli's

Martinelli's is a classic beverage that instantly brings a sense of special occasion and celebration.

and for Desert...Pie

I want to try Lisa Ure's recipe.

Are you hungry yet?  I am!

Beautiful Thanks Giving Table Settings

Here is some inspiration to make your Thanks Giving table a beautiful one:

I love the simplistic elegance of this table.

 Fold your napkins like a turkey.  Here is the tutorial.  Or try folding your napkins another way.

 I love the candles.  This would be so easy too.

 I love the neutral colors and the leaves tied around the napkins.

This one is probably my favorite.  The table runner is gorgeous and the center piece is too cute.  I love that this table has a very cozy (at home) feel and yet it still looks festive and Holiday ready.

Free Printables- LDS ArtWork and Quotes

This Sunday I found a few different sights and blogs that make it easier for us to sooth our souls.  Printables are a must have and free printables are the best! It is always a good idea to fill your home with uplifting qoutes and artwork.  Here are some of my favorite findings:

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This is the website we talked about at our Relief Society Activity.  It doesn't have spiritual things but it is still uplifting.

Have a restful Sunday!