'Tis the Season

Our little guy  needs a stocking to call his own.  Not the one he is currently using that is a hand me down Christmas decoration.  I stumbled across these fantastic stockings from Allenbrite Studios on Etsy today and thank goodness I did.  I can't wait to order one...

(Photo from Allenbrite Studios)

...but which one to choose?

Tasty Tuesday - Chili

As promised, here is my top secret chili recipe. :)

Chili
Yield: 4 quarts

1 large can of diced tomatoes
1 onion, diced
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 can of tomato paste
1/2 lb. ground beef
1 1/2 c. dry beans
2 T. chili seasoning
Salt & pepper to taste
Splash of Worcestershire sauce
Water
2 T. cornstarch


Cook the beans according to the packaging - I use the quick soak method.  Reserve the 2 T. of cornstarch.  Brown the onion, ground beef and garlic.  Add the chili seasoning to the browned beef mixture.  Throw it all into a Crock-Pot and cover it with water.  Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until beans are tender.  When chili is finished cooking, make a slurry with the cornstarch and a little water.  Add to the chili, cover and let it sit for 15 minutes.   Enjoy!
 

Have a Tasty Tuesday!

Monday Must Have

LEGGINGS!!!

Thank goodness that this trend is back from the 80's.  If you don't have a pair yet, you seriously need to check your pulse.  Let me begin by telling you, I hate skinny pants.  They look fabulous on other ladies but when I put them on, I look like a 2 piece drumstick meal from KFC.

Leggings on the other hand are a blessing in disguise.  They go great with this whole fitted flannel shirt trend and boots.

Old Navy Women's Stretch Leggings: $10.00

P.S.  No, I don't work for Old Navy, they just have a lot of cute, affordable and trendy items right now.

Suspended from Story Time

Today I was that mom.

The one who pulled her child out of story time at the local library.

No, it wasn't because he was throwing a tantrum.  He was having too much fun.  Squawking loudly, staring at the lady babies and running through the group of children who were listening oh so intently.  The straw that broke the camel's back was the little boy sitting in his path who he swatted in the "no no" place.  

What will next week's story time bring?

Tasty Tuesday - Chili Seasoning

I am so stinkin' tired of putting everything for my chili in the crock pot and THEN finding out I am all out of chili seasoning packets.  Plus, those little packets are kinda pricey at just under $2 a pop.

I have decided to take matters into my own hands and whip up a huge batch of chili seasoning that I won't be running out of anytime soon.

Chili Seasoning
6 T. chili powder
1 T. cayenne pepper
1 T. cumin
1 T. oregano
2 t. black pepper
2 t. salt
3/4 t. smoked paprika

Mix it all together and store in a sealed plastic container.  I usually add 2 heaping tablespoons of the seasoning mix to my 5 quart Crock Pot of chili.

**Note: regular paprika will work just fine - I just prefer smoked paprika if it is available.**

What?  Oh, you need a chili recipe?  Then whip up the seasoning mix and see you again next Tuesday! ;)

Monday Must Have: Baby Bible

If there is 1 book you are going to get to learn about babies and children, please make sure it is this one:

Penelope Leach doesn't just pick one way of doing things, she shows you several different ways and tells you to to try whichever ones you are comfortable with.  I can't tell you how many times my husband and I have literally ran for this book in desperate times of need.  The book can be found on Amazon by following this link: Your Baby & Child.

Frumpy Favs: Fall Cardis

One thing I HATE wearing especially now that I am chasing a child around is thick, chunky sweaters.  I always end up a hot, sweaty mess, covered in some unidentifiable sticky baby crud.  Get the picture?  Ok, good.

Cardigans on the other hand are fabulous.  I love the fact that you can mix and match them with different tops, pants and shoes - the outfit combos are endless!  And they are classic, so feel free to take them along to the next decade.

Here are my current favs from Old Navy:

1.  Button Front Cardi $19.99    2.  Button Front Cardi with Stretch $24.94    3.  Softest Boyfriend Cardi $26.94           

4. Rib Knit Open Front Cardi $29.94