Homemade Apple Sauce

I had mentioned in my last post that I had bought tons of different apples. I made apple pie with the more tart apples I had (like the granny smith and Jonathan apples). I had a ton of red and golden delicious left over that needed a recipe soon.
My boys absolutely LOVE applesauce. However we are less than impressed with the high price tag that comes with it.
I found a really good recipe that was easy and delicious (how can a recipe for apple sauce be hard, right?)
This recipe cuts out a lot of the sugar sometimes called for, and has a delightfully cinnamon-y flavor.
I betcha this recipe would taste wonderful if you added a couple of pears! or just use pears instead of apples.

I can't say it enough that Cinnamon might be my favorite fall smell!

We have been enjoying the wonderfully cool weather, we've enjoyed some really beautiful walks. while my boys were running through the woods, I noticed the slight sound of crunching leaves under their "little" feet.
Oh be still my heart! It is fall!!! excited does not describe it lol

I hope you are experiencing beautiful weather and walks ;-)

What recipes do you use for apple sauce?


Homemade Apple Sauce:

Serves 8

Ingredients:

• 8 Apples peeled, cored and chopped
• 1 1/2 cup Water
• 1/2 cup White Sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon 

Directions:

1. In a saucepan, combine apples, water, sugar, and cinnamon. Cover, and cook over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until apples are soft. 
2. Allow to cool, then mash with a fork or potato masher.

Recipe adapted from allrecipes

Apple Pie , the sweet smell of fall !

I know it has been awhile. I've been busy with family and work. It was a good time of rest and re-evaluation :-) 
I have missed posting here, and more than often I would find myself grabbing my camera to catch a moment to post on here. 
Facebook got most of my updates filed, so they are not completely lost. But i am glad to be writing again.
I find myself getting nervous right before I write. I'm not sure what to write about...or i have waaaaay to many thoughts and can't organize them sufficiently. 
anywho...I'm back for now with this gem of a post (HA!) 

The weather is getting cooler, I don't know if it's just me, but I swear I can smell fall coming 
What does fall smell like to you? 

Here are a few of my favorites

• pumpkin spice latte's (duh right? who doesn't like that smell!) 
• damp rain falling on the ground
• cinnamon and pumpkin pie spices.
• oranges and cloves
• cookies, snickerdoodles
• soups and roasts
• baked squash with brown sugar (mmmmmm)
• maple syrup
• firewood
• pine trees 
• baked apples...everything apple!
• there are so many more!!!

Apples are in season right now and I've loaded up on quite a few different kinds. mostly to test the flavors and texture in baked goods. 

my conclusions:  

Granny Smiths:  decent choice for pie.They will hold up during baking and can take a lot of extra flavor from sugar and spices. 
Jonathan, Jonagold and Pippin:   excellent sweet-tart choices. 
Gravenstein, Braeburn, Fuji and Pink Lady:  are crisp and sturdy. 
Red Delicious and Golden Delicious:  are not good choices for baking, and neither are Gala and Cortland, since they tend to become mealy and "applesaucy" in pie fillings.

Apple pie is a staple for fall. I have the hardest time making pie crusts and getting the perfect texture and crispness in the crust. This pie turned out great, the flavor was amazing but the crust, although done was light in color. I'll have to try different techniques on washes. But for now I'm just savoring the beautiful and delicious smell coming from this pie ;-)

Hope you are bringing out your inner baker this fall! with so many awesome recipes I don't see why not.

Have fun and be fearless!


Apple Pie:

Crust

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/3 cup cold butter, cut into chunks
1/3 cup shortening
4 to 5 tablespoons cold water

Filling

1/2 cup sugar1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar1/4 cup all-purpose flour1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg6 medium (6 cups) tart cooking apples, peeled, sliced 1/4-inch1 tablespoon     butter

1 teaspoon sugar

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 400°F. Combine 2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon sugar, salt, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg in large bowl; cut in 1/3 cup butter and shortening with pastry blender or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in enough water just until flour is moistened.
2. Divide dough in half; shape each half into ball. Flatten slightly. Wrap 1 ball of dough in plastic food wrap; refrigerate. Roll out remaining ball of dough on lightly floured surface into 12-inch circle. Fold into quarters. Place dough into 9-inch pie pan; unfold dough, pressing firmly against bottom and sides. Trim crust to 1/2 inch from edge of pan; set aside.
3. Combine all filling ingredients except apples, 1 tablespoon butter and 1 teaspoon sugar in large bowl. Add apples; toss lightly to coat.
4. Spoon apple mixture into prepared crust. Roll remaining ball of dough into 12-inch circle. Fold into quarters. Place dough over filling; unfold. Trim, seal and crimp or flute edge. Cut 5 or 6 large slits in crust. Brush with melted 1 tablespoon butter; sprinkle with 1 teaspoon sugar. Cover edge of crust with 2-inch strip aluminum foil.
5. Bake 35 minutes; remove aluminum foil. Continue baking 10-20 minutes or until crust is lightly browned and juice begins to bubble through slits in crust. Cool pie 30 minutes; serve warm. Store refrigerated.

* If desired, remove pie from oven when lightly browned and bubbly. Run knife through slits in crust. Pour 1/2 cup whipping cream evenly through all slits. Return to oven 5 minutes to warm whipping cream. 



Recipe adapted from Land O'Lakes

Summery Banana Cream Cupcakes

And once again it it summer! The GA heat is creeping in, and the pools are now open!
These cupcakes fit the summery feel and they sure as heck didn't disappoint!

The base cupcake was a plain vanilla cupcake. I added a scraped vanilla bean to the batter. I just Adore the little specks in the white vanilla cake batter! It makes me happy lol
it brings a distinct vanilla flavor to the cupcake. the cakes were a little dense (not bad at all).

the filling was my favorite part! It's a little tricky if it's your first time making it, but so worth it, trust me!
I used my Belgian recipe but I have included the american version below as well.
The difference between store bought vanilla pudding and homemade is incredible! I highly recommend making your own!

I added banana to the filling (otherwise the cupcake wouldn't taste like banana at all, and that's not okidoki as my son puts it )

The frosting was a simple homemade whipped cream. However I highly recommend you make the whipped cream and frost the cupcakes a couple minutes before serving for best results. Mine ended up melting in the heat on our way over to the BBQ :-( 

I topped my cupcakes with homemade pie crust cookies. you are welcome to add a slice of banana, but be warned!, the banana turns brownish in air. A solution to this can be; brushing the banana slices with lemon juice, using a banana chip or placing the banana piece on the cupcakes right before serving.

Enjoy the cupcakes.


Banana Cream Cupcakes

Don't panic when you see all the steps, they really are not that hard and the great thing is you can make everything ahead of time. The pastry cream can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. The pie crust can be baked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for several days. The cupcakes can be baked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container (I love this one) and filled and frosted the next day. i highly recommend making the frosting the day of and frosting the cupcakes just before serving, especially in this heat!. So with that said, on we go !...


Ingredients 

For the pastry cream:

• 2 cups half and half

• ½ cup sugar, divided

• Pinch of salt

• 5 large egg yolks

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch

• 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces

• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

For the cupcakes:

• 3 cups cake flour

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

• 2 cups sugar

• 5 large eggs, at room temperature

• 1¼ cups buttermilk, at room temperature

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

For the whipped cream:

• 1¾ cup heavy cream

• 6 tablespoons confectioners' sugar

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

To assemble:

• 60 banana slices (about 3 bananas), plus more for topping if desired

• ½ batch store bought pie dough or your favorite recipe

• 1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water

Directions:

Pasty cream

1. Heat the half and half, 6 tablespoons of sugar and the salt in a saucepan over medium-high heat until shimmering, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. 
2. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar for about 15 seconds, until the mixture is creamy and the sugar has started to dissolve. Add the cornstarch and continue whisking another 30 seconds, until the mixture is pale yellow and thick. 
3. Slowly pour in the simmering half and half, whisking constantly, to temper the eggs. Return the mixture to the saucepan over medium heat, whisking constantly for about 30 seconds until a few bubbles have burst on the surface and the mixture is thick and glossy. Remove from heat and whisk in the butter and vanilla. 
4. Place a fine mesh strainer over a medium bowl and strain the pastry cream. Place plastic wrap directly on the surface and refrigerate until cold and set, at least 3 hours and up to 2 days.

Cupcakes

1.  heat oven to 350º. Line cupcake pans with paper liners and set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder and salt. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the butter and seeds from the vanilla bean on medium-high for 3 minutes, until the mixture is light and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and continue beating an additional minute.
2. Add the sugar, ¼ cup at a time, beating 1 minute after each addition. Add the eggs one at a time and beat until incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Combine the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Reduce mixer speed to low and alternately add the dry ingredients and wet ingredients, starting and ending with the dry. Mix until just incorporated, then scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix for another 15 seconds.
3. Divide the batter between the prepared liners, filling each about ⅔ full. I like to use a large cookie scoop. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pans for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely. Repeat with remaining liners and batter.
4. To fill the cupcakes, remove the center using the cone method. Discard (snack on) the cones. Place a slice of banana inside of each cupcake. Add a spoonful of pastry cream and another slice of banana.

Frosting

1. combine the cream and confectioners' sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Whip on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, taking care not to over-beat. (If you're worried, you can always use the mixer until soft peaks form and then finish it off by hand.) 
2. Blend in the vanilla. Transfer the whipped cream to a pastry bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe a swirl of whipped cream onto each cupcake.

Pie crust cookies

1.  heat the oven to 400º. Line a baking sheet with a nonstick baking mat or parchment paper. 
2. Roll out the pie dough on a lightly floured surface and cut small decorative rounds with a cookie cutter. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and lightly brush with egg wash. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until light golden brown.
3.  Allow to cool completely. Just before serving, top cupcakes with a round of pie crust and another slice of banana.

Source: Cooks like a champion, Cupcakes adapted from Confections of a Foodie Bride, Pastry cream from Baking Illustrated

Happy Valentines Day! Black-forest Cupcakes with Kirsch.

All you need is love. 
But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.  

Charles M. Schulz

I agree Mr. Schulz! but I'm going a little further and adding boozy cherries...Yeah! 

did I get your attention? 

These cupcakes definitely fit the valentines theme, red and white, chocolate, cherry liquor and whipped cream with a cherry on top.

everything in one, convenient bite.

The cupcakes are a deep rich chocolate flavor, the sour cream really makes them nice and soft. 

the cupcake itself is not overly sweet (none of the components to this cupcake are really sweet) .

The cherry filling is a replica of a cherry pie filling and the whipped cream is  simple yet elegant vanilla flavored. 

 kirsch is a clear, colorless fruit brandy traditionally made from morello cherries. 

However, it is now also made from other kinds of cherries.

Black Forest Cupcakes with Kirsch

Printable Recipe

Makes 24 cupcakes

Ingredients

Cupcakes

• 1/2 cup hot water
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup {2 sticks} butter, unsalted
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup sour cream

Cherry Filling

• 16 oz  Frozen dark black cherries
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon almond extract

Frosting

• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
• 6 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish

• Kirsch
• Fresh cherries or maraschino cherries with stems

Directions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the hot water and cocoa until smooth, set aside.
2. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt, set aside
3. In a small saucepan, combine butter and sugar, heat stirring occasionally until the butter is melt. Pour into a large bowl and beat on medium speed until mixture is cooled, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition
5. Add the vanilla, mix, and then add the cocoa mixture, mix well
6. Add dry ingredients in two additions, alternating with sour cream, beat just until combined.
7. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and fill cupcake pan with liners
8. Divide batter into liners and bake 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean
9. Cool completely
10. Poke little holes (not too many) and brush each cupcake with kirsch. let the cupcakes soak.


Cherry Pie Filling

1. Drain cherries, reserving the liquid
2. Add water to measure 1 1/4 cups, add to small saucepan
3. Add cornstarch and sugar to saucepan, and heat, whisking occasionally until mixture comes to bubble and thickens.
4. Continue whisking so no lumps form and filling is smooth
5. Remove from heat and add lemon juice and almond extract, fold in cherries.
6. Cool completely. Store leftovers in fridge
7. To fill cupcake, use a small knife and cut out a cone shape from the middle of the cupcake, fill with the cherry filling.

Frosting


1. Pour whipping cream into a large bowl and beat on medium until it starts to thicken
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, beat on high until stiff peaks form {be careful not to overbeat}
3. Fold in vanilla
4. Fit a decorator bag with tip of your choice (I used the open star one from bake it pretty) and fill with whipping cream
5. Pipe onto filled cupcake
6. Top with a cherry

Enjoy!!!

Recipe adapted from Hoosierhomemade, who adapted it from Annie's eats

I'm being featured!!!! Soooooo excited!!!!

So I'm totally over the moon right now.

 I AM FEATURED ON THE LADIES HOME JOURNAL WEBSITE!!!!!

This might not be a huge thing for regular bloggers, but since I had dedicated my blog to be a hobby and had chosen to not put adds and such on my blog, I really wasn't expecting this! I'm so excited!

I'm so excited to be listed amoung a number of my favorite bakers and bloggers...such an honor. 

I'm definitly feeling the pressure now lol

You can check out the story here  ;-) Hope you enjoy!

Margarita Cupcakes

I know that valentines day is a day we pull out everything red, pink and any combo of the two. I honestly don't like red and pink together.
My husband has to be very creative when it comes to valentines, I'm not an average girl I don't like stuffed animals, I can't wear jewelry or perfume and I don't like spending money on flowers that will go bad in a couple days.
So I am going to give you a perfect valentines day present for any stressed out tired mom of little ones (at least for me)
These cupcakes are simply sexy (yes I said sexy, covering mouth is shock, Oh no she didn't just say that!)
They are light and moist and just perfect as a desert right after a romantic dinner.
I think the best gift I will be given is our marriage retreat coming up! I'm super excited. It's hard to keep our marriage romantic and creative when you have small kids!
I've read the book covenant marriage, it's really an awesome book, that would be another great gift idea. Try spending time together after the kids are asleep, reading and eating these lovely mini cakes.

What would your perfect gift or night be???

Happy Valentines remember to thank God for the ones you love!



Margarita Cupcakes

Printable Recipe

MAKES 2 DOZEN

INGREDIENTS

For the cupcakes:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp. baking powder
• ½ tsp. salt
• 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 3 limes, juiced and the zest kept separate
• ½ tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk

For the frosting:

• 2 cups sugar
• 8 large egg whites
• Pinch coarse salt
• 3 sticks (1½ cups) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2½ tbsp. freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2-4 tbsp. tequila

DIRECTIONS

To make the cupcakes:

1. Preheat the oven to 325˚ F. Line two normal sized cupcake pans with some pretty paper liners.  (I used Wilton's paper liners)
2. Grab a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt; stir to blend well.  In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy on med-high speed, 3-5 minutes.  
3. One at a time blend in the eggs , mix well after each addition and scrape the sides of the bowl if needed.  Beat in the lime zest, lime juice and vanilla.  
4. Turn the mixer to low speed, mix the dry ingredients in 3 additions beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk,   Beat each addition until just incorporated.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full, don't overfill. 
6. Bake the cupcakes 20-24 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  
7. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.  Brush the cooled cakes with gingerly with tequila to emphasize margarita flavor and to give the cupcake a kick.

To make the frosting:

1. Combine the sugar, egg whites, and salt in a (Bain-Marie) heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water.  
2. Heat until the sugar mixture reaches 160° F and the sugar has dissolved, whisk frequently.  
3. Transfer mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment.  Beat until stiff peaks form on med-high speed  make sure the mixture has cooled to room temperature, about 8-10 minutes.  Reduce speed to medium and add the butter, 2 tablespoons at a time, adding more after each addition has been incorporated.  If the frosting looks soupy or curdled, continue to beat on med-high speed until thick and smooth again, about 3-5 minutes more (Don't give up if it looks soupy, just keep going. it will come together eventually! might take a long time though)  Stir in lime juice and tequila and mix until fully incorporated and smooth.
4. Keep buttercream at room temperature if using the same day, or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze up to 1 month. Before using, bring to room temperature and beat with paddle attachment on low speed until smooth again, about 5 minutes.  Frost the cooled cupcakes with the buttercream.  Garnish with lime zest and lime slices as desired. Enjoy!

Recipe courtesy of  Annie's eats

Biscoff Cupcakes A Tribute to the Ever Loved Airline Cookie

Biscoff cookies are a big part of my childhood. I was born and raised in Belgium (Europe, right under the Netherlands and above France). I remembered getting these awesome cookies at school as a treat for Sinterklaas (St Nicolaas). Every year on Dec 5th we would put out our shoes with a note to st Nicolaas and a carrot or sugar cubes for his white horse. the next morning we would find our shoes filled with speculoos (biscoff cookies), oranges  marzipan and a gift. Our school would hand out a bag full of chocolate st nicolaas figures and a bag of fruit and some chocolate covered biscoff cookies. We loved them. (read more about sinterklaas or st nicolaas here)
I've been so  excited to see the cookies here in the states. and now hey have biscoff spread???? why didn't I think of that? pure genius.
of course my little cupcake consumed brain started turning it's wheels, a biscoff cupcake? HECK YES!!!! it would happen just wasn't sure how...
The poor biscoff jar sat there for a month or so untouched! ( the horror!) until finally I found a recipe that might be a good base for the cupcake.
The cupcake itself was a little dense, so i might just need to work on that a little more. but the combo of the biscoff cupcakes, filling and frosting was a great success. i used the crunchy spread out of curiosity but next time I will try the smooth spread for the cupcakes and the crunchy spread for the frosting ( I really liked the little added crunch it gave) I also would use the crunchy spread for the filling.
so here is the recipe I followed and like I said i will be messing around with the cupcake recipe a little more. I'll keep you posted.


Biscoff Cupcakes With Biscoff Buttercream.

Printable Recipe

INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 cup butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup Biscoff spread (I would use the smooth one)
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups cake flour
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/3 cup milk

     Biscoff Buttercream:

• 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
• 1/4 cup Biscoff (I used the crunchy)
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 Tablespoons cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Line 12 muffin cups with liners. In a small bowl mix flour and baking powder until combined. set aside.
2. On med-high speed cream together butter, Biscoff spread and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time until just incorporated, add vanilla. Set speed to low. Add half of the flour mix until just combined. add half of milk and mix until just combined alternating between flour and milk ending with the milk. Mix until just combined.
3.  Divide batter evenly into cups.Bake for 17 to 20 minutes. The top will be firm like a cookie, and the inside will be soft like a cake. Cool completely on a cooling rack.
4. When cupcakes are cooled cut a small hole in the top of the cupcake, remove the cake. place about 1 1/2 tsp of biscoff spread in the cupcake. place the top back on the cupcakes.
5. To make the buttercream, cream together butter and Biscoff. Slowly add powdered sugar. Add cream and vanilla and beat until very light and fluffy. Pipe frosting onto cupcakes and add decorations if you like.

Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Baked Bree

Operation life changes 2013!

So the old year is gone and the brand spank-in new year has arrived.
I'm not usually one for resolutions per say but I do like reorganizing my life.  So far this year has been going good. Full, But good!
DH started his day shift again. I'll be honest and tell you that it feels like being liberated from a dark musty cell! I'm freeeeeeeeeeeee lol
Nights are just the worst when you have a family. I'm happy to wake up at 6am now and make my breakfast for my man ;-)
So changes we have made for this New Year?

1. We have a schedule (at least for the next 4 months, until he goes back to dreaded nights) 
2. I actually wake up at 6am (I know right??!! score on my part!) 
3. Couponing, this has made it so much more easier to make breakfast or actually have a schedule. (I find myself less "guilty" using the nice name brand soaps and shampoos because, face it paying $0.50 for it rather than $6 is a lot less daunting!)  
4. My kids cupboard space!!! oh wow where to start...the revelation, that just by folding clothes differently can save a ton of space, just totally blew me out of the water, and put a hot scorching fire under my lazy butt to reorganize! It looks the same from the outside but when you "slowly" open the dresser drawers, you can hear heavenly music playing and the warm golden glow of success and organization.
5. I cleaned the bathroom....yes me, moi! and it makes a world of difference getting ready at the God forsaken hour of 6am ( I'm working on the God forsaken part...my eyes just can't focus on my Jesus calling book that early)
6. Making our bed....the magic that lies beneath this simple act really astonishes me. making a bed in even the messiest of rooms, can make the room look somewhat put together.... which helps loads in feeling put together in the wee hours. Because honestly I feel more like a Picasso painting when I wake up.
7. cleaning my face before bed and when i wake up. This has helped with the "forsaken hour" and the feeling "put together" part. and not to mention a beautiful clear complexion. 
8. I get fully dressed every morning down to shoes (or socks...I know I cheat) this makes me feel ready to tackle the day.
9. Keeping the kitchen clean! 4 days in and my kitchen is still clean! makes me want to go prance barefoot outside (well maybe not now, but i can imagine it) the pure joy of having a clean kitchen!!! this means every morning I unload and load the dish washer, wipe the counters, sweep the floor and clean the sink et voila magnifique!!! 
10. last but soo not the least, devos...this one I have actually really been struggling with! I find it hard to get a quiet time in the day to devote to it. I guess for right now I need to be happy for the scarce little moments I do have to spend with God. they are there I just sometimes feel guilty because I can't sit down and properly give him my undivided attention. But then again toddler boys are a handful. I'm very thankful for the moments I do get to quietly talk to my savior! because they end up being in the times when i most need it and they are less "staged" ;-)

So far things are going well and I've been able to somewhat conquer all of these (except for #10) 

here are some of the inspirations behind these changes :-)

1. Daily schedule:  OK so I am NOT the best at schedules, I'm a lot like that little over caffeinated squirrel in over the hedge, Hammie??? I tend to start my day somewhat organized. but as I am making breakfast I notice the dish towel is dirty so I decide to drop breakfast and start laundry, my boys left a toy car in their laundry basket, making me stressed about the toys in their room and the state of un-organization! The horror!!, so now I am organizing toys, breakfast and laundry are still not done. but it gets worse I notice that the floor in the boys room needs to be vacuumed so now I'm vacuuming the floor, toys are somewhat organized, laundry and (my) breakfast are still half done and the house is worse off than before I started, because I never finished anything!!!! At the end of the day I'm exhausted and my house looks like an unorganized tornado attacked ruthlessly, Making for a very grumpy and tired mommy and over hyper kids! grrrr I can feel the frustration already!                               I did some research and these two sites offered the best advice in my opinion (every family works differently)                                                                                                                             Iheartorganizing: I think this woman is a fair share of crazy and awesome all in one. I had to take a step back and realize that my life did NOT have to be as organized as hers. Once I realized that, her site became a good source of  "possible" changes I could make. She has an awesome list of great organizing ideas. I like her binding and storing idea for her planner. She uses the arc disk puncher and system from staples. However you don't have to buy the punch necessarily  they also sell the notebook pre-made. I just prefer to print my own notebook. I cannot tell you how convenient these little notebooks are! if you mess up a page ...don't worry just punch it out and replace it! We used these at school in Europe and they are lifesavers! I really am excited that staples offers their own punch and equipment for these useful little notebooks. Jennifer from Iheart organizing actually sells her planner on etsy (only the printable paper NOT the notebook, you would have to pick up the notebook at staples) and believe me she has got the whole kit and caboodle!                                                                  the confident mom : Although Iheartorganizing has a good deal I personally prefer this planner. it comes with an explanation on how to start and has a very well rounded and detailed list of chores, broken down into 52 weeks. She has thought of everything! even to the amount of water you need to drink. I like having everything in one place
2. Couponing: I have three main sites that I look at regularly southernsavers, krazycouponlady and iheartpublix all of these have in depth lists on sales nearby you. they will match the appropriate coupons (both newspaper coupons and online ones, catalina's and other peelies). southern savers actually has a great tutorial on how to start couponing. click here for the tutorial. You can click on her "learning to coupon" button on the top or you an click the "workshop" button, scroll down half way and you will see the online couponing class button. definitely worth it! but watch out it is 2 hours long!

And I realy did write this after new year but am just now getting to posting it ugh I'm so busy! But hope this helps you. i will add pictures when i can.

What are some of your changes this year? How are they going? What is your motivation?

New Years Resolutions...and messies manuals!!!!

Like a lot of you out there, the coming of a new year entails detailed planning of how my life is going to drastically change this next year. Then the new year hits, give me about a week and I'm already off track. My track record on my posting here on the blog, should show you that I am NOT a good time manager. Priorities tend to come and go and change more than the mind of a diva !
Although I still like to schedule how I would like to see my life next year. I do have a realistic view that life does not go as planned. So structure is necessary but I need to plan to be flexible with my time. I tend to freak out when things don't go as planned and end up quitting altogether instead of rearranging my schedule..
So I am now trying figure that out all with the help of this awesome set of books...The messies manual (thanks mom lol)

If you are like me and try to find what suits you here are some sites and blogs that might help you out...remember that YOU are ultimately who can decide what works for you and your family.
DO NOT get sucked into the expectations of this world...If you can't do it...then don't worry about it.
I just can't post whenever I want. My kids need me and there are a multitude of things that need to get done before I can sit down and type. There is nothing wrong with that!

here are some helpful (hopefully) blogs...

Cleaning & organizing: 

• Clean Mama : She has a great free cleaning calendar that's just so cute you will want to clean ;-) 
• Organizing Made Fun: She has a ton of great ideas. She has a lot of great motivational posts...I need motivation!
• The Confident Mom: Empowering moms, strengthening families and embracing God's design. She has a killer printable schedule that pretty much includes everything for the whole year!!!! I LOVE it. I am someone who needs everything in one place. I like browsing websites but I won't be able to keep up checking 6 websites every morning...I've got toddlers for crying out loud! I want a detailed list of everything I need all in one place. This schedule is just that complete with scripture verses to read every morning. by the end of the year you are somewhat closer to being organized and scheduled and you have read through the entire bible! (this however is not free but cost $9 for the simple version and $14 for the extra version)
• Alejandra Tv: She has been featured in a lot of big name companies like HGTV and family circle. She has a 7-day organizing video class for FREE!!! ;-)  although please don't get overly stressed by her take on organizing..she is not a mother of three and even though she has really good points and ideas, don't get over discouraged if your house doesn't look like hers...
• IHeartOrganizing: Oh my word my heart is already pounding uncontrollably...my house will NEVER look like this. but she has awesome ideas just look at her freezer storage! My biggest hurdle in organizing is the containers and stuff I need to purchase it's quiet a bt of money but then again...think one step at a time!
• Fly Lady: At first this site can be overwhelming. Take a deep breath and look for the "get started" button at the top right. you can figure it out from there. straight forward and really good lessons on knowing how to really clean your house without feeling stressed. all starting with your sink!

Meal Planning: 

• EMeals: This site does all the work for you, it's affordable and they even give you the coupons to go with your weekly meal plan. Choose from a variety of options both for families or singles. 
• Food On The Table: This website will base your meal planning on the store that you shop at the most. it will calculate the savings into your grocery list. This is totally free and if you are not a fanatic couponer it could really save you some time and effort! and it has it's own free app.
• All Recipes: this site is my go to for a lot of basics it's reliable and very very helpful. If you subscribe (not expensive) you can use all their nifty tools, like their meal planning and their recipe box upgrade.
• What's Cooking Chicago: She has a massive list of easy yet healthy meals to make and freeze ahead! 
• Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons: Being a mom of boys I can totally relate to this cute blog. If you are looking for doable and cute ideas for kids snacks just check this blog out!
• Annie's Eats: Still by far my favorite blog. Her recipes are easy glamorous and down to earth. I love her style and choice in meals. the fact that she is a dr and a mom of two under 5 AND a full time blogger is just plain amazing to me.

Parenting:

• Focus On The Family: Is by far the best resource for christian parenting. to the point and packed full of biblical truths.
• Christian parenting website from Family Life Today: Offers articles and audio form Dennis and Barbara Rainey. They offer a free monthly e-magazine, tips on manners and a Christian parenting forum.
• Christian Parenting at Crosswalk.com is a great resources for articles about Christian parenting. You can subscribe to their RSS feed.
• Today's Christian Woman: is a great resource for articles on parenting and how to love God and live fearless.
• LifeWay Parenting:  offers solid parenting advice and resources from a Southern Baptist perspective. LifeWay offers four different Christian parenting magazines target for local church distribution.

Mother and Wife-Hood: 

• MoneySavingMom: Love her down to earth way of writing and sharing...also love the deal updates ;-)
• Women Living Well: I love their blog, she and her friend coauthor on here and share with other bloggers. I have been blessed by this blog!
• Comfy In The Kitchen: great joy filled blog about motherhood and her joy of cooking.
• Good Morning Girls: A blog about the joys of connecting and having fellowship with other moms and women.
• Karen Ehman: Has a ton of great challenges and studies for us moms and women trying to find our calling.

Praying God reveals what He truly wants me to work on this next year. All things are possible through Him who gives me strength! Hope you have a great New Years!