Schedule a trip here!

 Have you heard about Megabus?  I am excited to try this out.  Although Chicago is an easy drive from Grand Rapids, it would be nice to not have to worry about parking and just relax!  The bus has WiFi, too! 

Ricky and I have a wedding to go to this November and I am thinking about booking our trip through the bus!  It's only about $20 (each) round trip.  You can't fill up our tank for $40!  It leaves from GR and ends up at Union Station.  NOTE: I have noticed that prices change frequently.  Once I looked and it was only $10 round trip!


There are 4 different locations in Michigan: Grand Rapids, East Lansing, Ann Arbor and Detroit!  When you go to the website, you can check out different states to see what is available around you.

I am following on Twitter to watch for promo codes.  I've heard that you can get even better deals!

Have you tried Megabus yet?  I would love some reviews and input!

Mmmm Mondays: mexican lasagna

I love Mexican food.  If I was just cooking for myself, I would probably eat it every day!  I have found ways to make it much healthier, thankfully.  This is one of my favorite recipes.  It's a great freezer one too!

Once again, my photo skills aren't perfect.  Our camera broke once again...so we are stuck with phone pics.

Ingredients

• 3/4 lb ground turkey
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 (15.5 oz) can of kidney beans (I have also used black beans), drained and rinsed
• 1 (4 oz) can of green chiles
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 (16 oz) bottle of salsa (use up all of the cheap Chi-Chi's salsa!)
• 6 corn tortillas (I like Mission Extra Thin)
• 1 cup light sour cream
• 1 package of Mexican or Co-Jack shredded cheese (2 cups)
• Garnish: olives, picked jalapenos, cilantro or tomatoes...whatever you like!

Let's make some lasagna!

1. Toast tortillas in the oven at 350 for 5-8 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, brown turkey with onion. Drain. Add beans, chilies, chili powder, salt and pepper. Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes.
3. Time to assemble! In a 9 x 13" pan, add 1/4 cup salsa. Spread sour cream over tortilla and layer two over the salsa. Next comes 1/3 turkey mixture and top with 1/3 cheese. Repeat layers twice.
4. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes.
5. Top with desired garnishes.

Like Mexican food?  Try some of my other favorites:

• Make your own tortilla chips
• Turkey enchiladas
• Easy pea-sy Guacamole
• Watermelon Margarita (SO tasty!)

What is your go-to Mexican meal?

Calling all GR Mamas!

Sign up here!

As you may know, I love testing products.  I've done it for years and I'm not really sure how I got started doing it.  I get a lot of questions about it, if you have any just email me!

Most opportunities are from taking surveys through various websites.  My favorite local (Grand Rapids) place is Innovative Consumer Research.  They focus on testing food for babies (8 months and up) and toddlers.  Gabby tests food about 2-3 times a month and it really helps!  You get paid in Meijer gift cards, which we use for diapers and Gabby even "worked" enough for her own car seat!  The twins have only tested once, but we have been getting more opportunities lately for their age range.

Sign up here!

Each testing lasts 20-60 minutes and the gift cards range from $20-30, depending on how many samples you try.

The facility is located by 52nd and Patterson, on the SE side.

If you are interested in signing up, follow this link.  I would love if you used my name as a referral, but I understand if you prefer not to! Right now they have a referral contest where we are both entered to win $100 gift card!  Even if you don't have little ones, spread the word to your friends and family!

Not a parent of a little one?  I would recommend signing up for Contract Testing.  They are located off of the Beltline by the mall, where the Western Michigan campus is.  Usually you are either tasting a food or testing a paper product and they pay cash, which is nice.

If you are more inclined to try surveys, I love Focus Forward.  They offer high paying surveys and online focus groups.  Best tip: follow on twitter (@focusfwd) to get more opportunities.

Questions?  Don't hesitate to ask!  I have tried most online survey companies and I can tell you which ones are awesome (and which ones aren't worth your time!).

REMEMBER:  Never, EVER pay to join a survey or testing company!

DIY face mask: use up those cucumbers!

Our garden isn't doing very well.  I was super excited about the tomato plants, but something happened and we only got 10 out of all 6 plants.  We are going to need to investigate the issue for next year!  Anyone know anything about tomatoes with cracks in them?  Help!

We were successful with our cucumbers though!  We still have so many cucumbers to use up.  I've made pickles, salads and now I am looking for other uses.   I was browsing one of my magazines and I saw a simple face mask.  Perfecto!

I whipped this up in 2 minutes and the girls and I turned into monsters.  Anytime I use a face mask, I turn into a "monster".  Makes sense, especially since my normal mask is green.  

Of course, I didn't get a pic of the girls in time...but Olivia took one of me!  She is our future photographer.  

The cucumbers make this mask so cooling and refreshing.  I am obsessed!

Here's what you need:

• 1/2 cucumber, peeled
• 1 cup of oatmeal

Mix it up in a blender.  If it's too thick, add more cucumber...if it's too thin, add more oatmeal.  I mix this up in my Magic Bullet (obsessed!!) and it will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days.


Might as well do a mani-pedi while you're at it!  Eyebrows a mess?  Check out my tip for DIY eyebrow wax...I swear by it!

What is your go-to DIY beauty treatment?

Quick and easy ABC soup

Sorry I've been a bit MIA lately!  It's been kind of crazy around here.   The twins have started some new activities (playgroup, gymnastics) and I feel like we are running around non-stop.  I like keeping them busy, otherwise we get too stir crazy!  Gabby is also walking now....eek!

I have my first blogging conference next week, which I have been preparing for.  Cannot wait to meet some new people and do some networking for this little old blog I have here!

Also, we've all been sick!  I'm not sure if it's just a bug going around or something stemming from our allergies.  It hasn't been fun! I can't even wear my contacts anymore.

When you aren't feeling well, there is nothing better than a bowl of hot chicken noodle soup.  Growing up, I always had Mrs. Grass' soup.  How can you not love a soup that gives you that fun little broth nugget to toss in?

For some reason, the girls don't really like canned or boxed soup.  I guess it's good they like my cooking!  This time of year, I make sure to whip up a batch or two of soup to put in the freezer.

Our new favorite?  Chicken ABC soup.  Yummy and they are learning while they slurp.

Best part?  Super quick and easy!

Here's what you need:

• 1/2 lb of chicken tenderloins (or 1 large chicken breast)
• 1 box of chicken broth- 4 cups
• 1 cup of ABC noodles (or 1.5 cups egg noodles)
  
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1/4 cup onion, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced

Let's make some soup!

1. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a soup pot. Add veggies to a large soup pot and cook until tender (3-5 minutes).
2. Add entire box of stock and noodles.  Bring to a boil.
3. Once boiling, add chicken tenders whole.  I like to poach them in the liquid to cook, then shred later.  You can chop beforehand, also.
4. Cook 15-20 minutes! 

I like to freeze in 1 cup portions for when needed!  Yes, it takes a bit longer than just opening up a can of soup, but it tastes 100 times better!

What is your favorite soup recipe?

Quick tip: How to make perfect rice

Rice is such a simple side dish, yet so easy to screw it up.  I know you all have made burnt rice before!

I have a few tips to help you out.  Of course, I still make crappy rice occasionally.  Usually when the twins are being crazy and I forget to listen for the timer.  Does anyone else have kids that go absolutely loco at 5 pm?!

Here's the deal.  Use brown or white rice, whatever you prefer.  Keep in mind that brown rice takes almost twice as long.  When I make it, I usually double or triple up the batch and freeze the extras. 

Tips:

1. Never use water.  Take the opportunity to add extra flavor by using stock.  Chicken or veggie!
2. Place the rice in the pan and toast with a dash of oil.  This prevents mushy rice.  Add the liquid, as usual after toasting for 2-3 minutes.
3. Always set your timer for 14 minutes after liquid starts to boil.

That's it!

Now for the fun add-ins!

Asian:  Make rice as normal, but finish off with almond slices and green onions

Mexican:

• Add normal amount of liquid
• 1/4 cup tomato sauce 
• whole jalapeno 
• 2 smashed garlic cloves 
• Handful of cilantro
• Salt, to taste

Cook as normal and fluff after 14 minutes.  So simple, but turns out amazing.

How do you like your rice?

Vote for us (please!)

You may have read my post a few days ago about our entry for an amazing room makeover.   Now it's time to vote! We could potentially win an EPIC makeover from Vintage Revivals.  Our sad living room could really use a boost!

If you could take a moment and vote for us, we would really appreciate it! 

Here's how:
Go to this link: http://bit.ly/QoTP0t and click on our entry (#74).

That's it!

We are hoping to make the top 10! 

FYI: you can vote daily until the 15th.

Love you all!

Our sad sad family room

We have been in our house for almost a year now.  Slowly, but surely we are making it more of a home.  Last month, we finally painted our bedroom.  Yes, we still have frames without pictures, but I am happy with our progress...upstairs.

Our basement family room is another thing.  It's used as a toy room, office and TV area and it's a great space.  We just have no clue what to do with it!  There is awful blue carpet and drop ceiling.  Despite it's few flaws, it does have a great layout and closet space. 

If we had an expert help us out (ahem, Mandi!), this room could be a comfy room for our family to relax in.  I want something with a pop of color, yet also kid friendly. 

The whole reason for this post is because Mandi at Vintage Revivals is hosting an amazing room makeover contest. Of all people to re-do our home, I would feel most comfortable with Mandi!  I love her great pops of color and she knows how to make a space functional.  Plus she has kids, so there is an understanding of how important safety and storage space is. 

Here's what we are working with.  I decided to leave the toys out to show what our family room typically looks like in the afternoon. 

This room has some major potential.  Get ready to vote for us and keep your fingers (and toes!) crossed.  Woohoo!