All over Pinterest there are recipes for chicken lettuce wraps "just like PF Changs!".  Who doesn't want that?  Those ones are so tasty and light!  The problem with the copycat recipes are that you need to buy at least 10 condiments that you'll barely use!

They often have coupons on their website.

A few months ago, I found these lettuce wrap seasoning packets by Sunbird and I've been obsessed ever since.  They are found right by the other Asian spice packets, like the General Tso's and Sweet & Sour.  For less than a dollar, you have a great dinner in a snap! 

I like to serve the lettuce wraps with some brown rice and potstickers (aka: steamed dumplings).  Heads up, at Costco they have the BEST chicken potstickers in the freezer department.   Even the girls love them!  You can add whatever condiments you want to them.  We like hot mustard and sriracha.  Chow mein noodles or rice noodles are nice for a crunch too.  Another great option for a crunch is to add sliced almonds and green onions to the brown rice, after cooking. 

Make sure to start the brown rice before you start cooking, about the same time you start to marinade the chicken.  The recipe packet calls for ground chicken, but I mostly just grind my own raw chicken tenderloins in a food processor before the marinade.  

Here's what you need:

• SunBird lettuce wrap spice packet
• 1.5 lbs of ground chicken
• 2/3 cup of mushrooms
• 1 can of sliced water chestnuts (2/3 cup)
• 1 tbs soy sauce
• 1.5 tsp sugar
• 1/3 cup sliced green onions
• 1 head of iceburg lettuce
• 1 cup brown rice (cooked) 

Just follow the instructions on the packet and assemble! 

If you can't find these packets, make sure to keep looking.  I get them at Meijer and some in the area carry them, some don't.  I always keep my eyes peeled!

What's your take-out favorite to make at home?

There's a new diaper in town: Kidgets

I have been buying diapers for almost 4 years now.  Actually, over 4 years!  When we found out we were having twins, we thought "yikes!" and started stocking up early.  Back in those days, diaper coupons were ah-mazing.  Huggies even had $5 off of ONE going around for a bit and Target had $3 off.  You better believe we stocked up!  Even though we lived in an apartment, we had closets and under the cribs stocked up with diapers and wipes. 

Bring us to today and diaper coupons, well, stink.  Every once in a while, there is a great deal.  But for the most part they are pretty lackluster.  Do they really think 20 cents off a wipes container is worthwhile? 

Since there aren't many deals to be found, we've turned to store brand.  They tend to be much cheaper and do the job.  Yes, there are some duds, but we are really liking most.  When I hear about an opportunity to try a new store brand diaper, I jumped on the chance!

Kidgets are a Family Dollar only brand with great prices!  I really loved the wipes, very comparable to the Kirkland brand we normally get.  What makes a good wipe in my book?  Not too dry, not too scented and easily comes out of the package.  The diapers were pretty good, as well.  Gabby did have a few leaks, but she will leak in ANY type.  I'm pretty sure my gals have extra large bladders.  Also, she sleeps like a lion with her feet tucked in.  So, we're giving Kidgets a B+.  Definitely at the top of our store brand list. 

Here's more information for you:

Introducing the newest addition to the family of Kidgets products: Kidgets Baby Wipes!

Available exclusively at Family Dollar, Kidgets baby wipes are made with a special three-layer fabric that is Thick, Strong, and Soft!! Available in Unscented and Fresh Scent, they are the perfect addition to your changing table, car, or diaper bag. Convenient press-open lids make on-the-go changes a breeze!

Family Dollar’s line of Kidgets diapers is also second to none. Family Dollar realizes that you want the best for your baby. That’s why they developed Kidgets – a soft, absorbent diaper that’s also a great value. With an ultra absorbent core, strechable grip tabs, and a cloth-like outer core, they are are so sure that you’ll love the Kidgets diaper that they offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee!
Check Kidgets Diaper and Wipes products out today – only at Family Dollar!

Check out that belly!

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Family Dollar.  All opinions are my own.

Craft time: shopping list clipboards

Hello again!  I decided to take a little break from posting to enjoy the holidays and my family.  I hope you are enjoying 2013 so far!  Ricky started a new job on the 2nd and we are absolutely loving having him home for dinner.  Plus, the days are SO much easier for me!  I have been trying to pack our days full with the Y and fun crafty projects.

Today, we decided to try out the new scissors Santa brought.  I have been searching high and low for scissors for kids that are actually for toddlers.  I finally found some at Toys R Us (Melissa & Doug, of course) that are plastic, but actually cut.  Best part?  They don't cut hair!  As much as Maddie loves to play with hair, I was afraid she would give Liv a new 'do. 



Every week, the girls love to look through the Sunday paper with me.  Olivia likes to know "what's on sale!".  When I take them shopping with me, I like for them to have their own lists.  It keeps them busy and it helps them look for different items...almost like a scavenger hunt.  I have tried a few different ways to go about the lists, but I thought having them make their own would be the most fun!

This is a super cheap craft and it's one that you can do numerous times!

(As you can see, only Olivia was interested in this.  Maddie just wanted to color)

Here's what you need:

• Clipboard (Dollar Tree has great ones!)
• Old store circulars
• Kid-friendly scissors
• Permanent marker (for YOU, not them!!)
• Glue (I made this glue sponge...Ah-mazing folks!)  
• Scrapbook paper (much heavier than construction paper)

1. Go through the circulars with your kiddo.  When Olivia wanted to add something to her "list", I made a shape around it with a Sharpie.  This makes it easier to cut out.
2. Have them cut it out and glue on!  Super easy!

What activities do you like to do with your toddler!  I need some ideas!  I am trying to bulk up our craft collection.  

Disclosure: I have included some affiliate links in this post to help keep this blog going.