Hi, my name is Ashleigh and I am addicted to Craigslist.  Wait, that sounds weird.  I'm addicted to the non-creepy part of Craigslist.

I always have loved browsing, but now that we OWN a home, the potential decorating options are endless. 

Wait, maybe we should move into the house first! 

I have a few potential items right now that I am looking into and 90% off regular prices.  I'm loving this!

As we decorate, I plan to take before and after pics with prices.  Stay posted! 

Any Craigslist tips for me?  Any decorating blogs you love?

Album Review: Mat Kearney

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You may know by now that I love listening to music.  When I saw the opportunity to review this album for One2One, I jumped on it.  I've liked Mat Kearney's music for a long time and the new song "Hey Mama" has been all over the radio.  So catchy!  The twins love to shake their tushies to it. 

This album is a light, summery listen.  I put it on while making dinner one night and it was the perfect backdrop.  I can imagine putting this on during a BBQ would be great, as well.  You'll love this if you like people like Matt Nathanson or John Mayer.  His music has the feel of One Republic also.  Kearney is a storyteller with catchy lyrics and beats. 

I would love to tell you my favorite songs, but I really like all of them.  I know that isn't what you want to hear from a review, but every song is super catchy and easy to listen to.  Tracks "Count on Me" and "She Got The Honey" are always stuck in my head.  I really would like to know who he is singing about, she is one lucky lady! All together the CD flows pretty well together, aside from the final song "Rochester" which is a slower song that does not go with the rest of the album.

Overall, this is a great CD to have as a backdrop or a long car ride.  I would definitely recommend this if you love the rest of his music, it won't disappoint!  



Disclaimer: Although I was supplied the CD by One2One, all opinions are my own.  I am in the running for a $50 gift card, but I was not otherwise compensated. 

Deal alert: Babies R Us clearance!

If you havent heard yet, Babies R Us/Toys R Us is having a crazy clothes clearance deal.  Until September 5th, all clearance clothes & shoes are $5 or LESS.  Some items aren't the best deal (think a single onesie for $5...), but some are great steals!  

BONUS:

• If you recieve their mailers, you can also get $10 off $50 or more (expires today 8/25!!)
• If you use FourSquare, you can get $25 off $100+ (this may vary by area)

I recommend checking it out before the weekend.  Think about summer essentials for next year or there are even some jeans & sweaters for this year.

Happy shopping!

Quick update: calling all bargain shoppers!

This summer has been crazy, to say the least. Here's what I have on my plate right now:

• Buying a house- our offer was just accepted and we should be moving in a month! eek!
  
• New baby- Gabby is doing SO well...she is growing super fast
  
• Planning a wedding- we set a date 5/5/12, which is the 7 year anniversary of our first official date
  
• potty training 2 year old twins- Maddie is doing very well...Olivia, not so much. hehe.
  

It's amazing I have time to write any blogs lately! I am loving every minute of the chaos, though. Well, not every poopy mess in the potty chair, but you get what I mean.

Now here is where I would love some help! I know how to save when it comes to shopping for groceries and clothes, but I would love some tips on decorating a house and planning a wedding! I have tons of books from the library, but I love personal advice from people who have gone through it themselves!

What is your best advice for planning a wedding on a budget? How did you decorate your house without going crazy?

Thanks in advance!

Quick tip: Roasting fruit

When I think of roasting produce, I think mostly of veggies.  I love roasted root veggies, peppers or garlic.  Earlier this summer I was reading an article in a local magazine and they were talking about roasted strawberries.  How could I not have thought of that?  Since then, I have been trying new combinations and I am addicted.  It's so easy to roast anything- basically cover in foil and roast at 400 degrees until soft.

Today I tried something new: roasted mangoes.  I got the idea from Food Network this weekend, but I decided to make my own variation.  I love the mango vinaigrette at Qdoba and I figured I could make my own variation.

(Of course I forgot to take photos....)

All you do is cover a mango in foil and roast for 20ish minutes at 400.  You are just looking for the mango to be shiny and soft.  Let cool and scoop out the insides into a chopper. 

Quick & Easy Vinaigrette

• 1 small handful of cilantro (or parsley for the cilantro haters)
• 1/4 cup EVOO
• 1/8 cup vinegar (I like red wine or apple cider)
• 2 roasted mangoes + 1/2 cup of pineapple chunks
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 jalapeno, seeded
• 2 tablespoons of agave nectar or honey

1. Blend together and add more oil & vinegar, if too thick. 
2. Cool in fridge and enjoy with salads or chicken!

I was seriously licking the spatula, I loved it!

With roasted strawberries, you can do this same recipe with some simple swapouts:

• basil instead of cilantro
• 1/4 cup green pepper for the jalapeno
• Balsamic vinegar for the apple cider

Note: This is another perfect way to use reduced produce from the store.  They always have strawberries and mangoes at our Meijer.  I usually chop and freeze them for smoothies for the twins, but this is a fun new way to dress up summer salads. 

Do you have any new ideas for light, summer cooking?! I would love to hear them!

Awesome app: CamCard

I am a newbie to the joys of a smart phone.  I've had an iPod touch for years, but my new phone is a whole new level of savings.  Needless to say, I'm addicted.  Since most people know about great apps like FourSquare, I'm going to mention a new one I've found super useful. 

Side note: I was super annoyed with everyone "checking in" places and being Mayors, I did not realize how amazing FourSquare is!  I've used it for little over a week and I have gotten some great deals: 50% off an appetizer, $10 off at JcPenneys. 

It's not like I have a ton of business cards, but whenever I do get one, I seem to lose it.  There is an app for that! (Anyone watch Sesame Street?....)  CamCard Lite is a free app for iPhone or Android.  When you get a business card, this app scans it and saves it on your phone.  If you want, it will add the contact information to your phone.  It's very awesome and you never have to worry about holding onto a card. 

I'm addicted to Words with Friends (itsAshleigh is my name...try me!).

Any other great apps you love?

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Recipe: Easy enchiladas

Let's be honest.  Dinner time is pretty much chaos around here.  It seems the minute I go into the kitchen to cook, everyone needs something.  Gabby is hungry, Olivia wants peppers (she is OBSESSED with green/red peppers) and Maddie has to go potty.  By the time I'm back to the kitchen, dinner is thrown together.  I try to make quick and simple meals, but after a while I get so tired of marinaded chicken or salads.  Here's an easy and amazing meal.

Ingredients

• 1 package of ground turkey (make sure it's the lean version)
• 1 small onion chopped
• 1 jalapeno (or 1/4 cup green pepper if you want it mild)
• 1 package taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 1 can of black beans, rinsed
• 1 cup of red enchilada sauce (I love Trader Joe's version, but Old El Paso is great too)
• 6 Wheat tortillas (fajita size)
• 1 cup of 4 cheese Mexican blend
• Toppings (all optional): green onions, sour cream, olives, avocado

Directions

1. Add chopped onion and pepper to a pan with a dash of oil.  Cook 3-5 minutes until soft.  Add turkey and brown until no pink is left.  Add taco seasoning, black beans and chicken stock and simmer for 10-15 minutes.  
• TIME SAVER: I made double batches of this for taco salads and nachos later in the week.
2. In a 9x13 pan, spread some enchilada sauce at the bottom. 
3. Place a tortilla in the pan.  Fill with turkey mixture and a sprinkle of cheese.  Roll up. Repeat until mixture is gone.  Top with more enchilada sauce, cheese and green onions (optional).
4. Bake at 375 until bubbly and delicious looking.
5. Top with avocado, sour cream, red onions or whatever toppings you like.
6. Enjoy!

Easy Mexican Rice

• 1 cup of rice, 2 cups of chicken stock, 2 cloves of garlic, smashed with knife (keep whole and remove after cooked), 1/2 cup tomato sauce, 1/2 cup chopped onion, dash of salt.  You can also add sliced tomatoes.
• Add a dash of oil to a pan over medium heat.  Toast rice and onion for 2-3 minutes.  Add stock, garlic, tomato sauce and tomatoes (optional).  Bring to boil, cover.  Simmer over low heat for 20 minutes.  
• Enjoy!

I usually start the rice first and everything is pretty much done by the time the 20 minutes to cook the rice is over.  This is a quick and easy meal and it won't burn if you get distracted for a minute!  Bonus!