Can you believe it's almost 2015?! 

I would love to say that we have some elaborate fancy NYE plans, but not quite....and I'm actually not too sad!  I swear I have the curse of the awful New Years Eve.  One year, I swear we walked 7 miles all around freezing Madison chasing parties that were all lame.  UGH! No bueno!

Ricky always works until 11-ish and the little ladies and I have a girls night.  It's actually my favorite thing ever.  I totally love to make different appetizers and bust out Disney movies.

I know everyone makes this simple baked brie and it's always a party hit...but I have a little secret trick to make it PERFECT! No one wants gummy crescent rolls at the bottom!

Here's what you need:

• 1 package of crescent rolls (regular or reduced fat)
• 1 package of brie 
• I found brie at ALDI for under $3! Such a steal!
• Fruit preserves of choice- NOT jelly! About 3-4 tablespoons
• We used strawberry & orange marmalade mixed
• Apricot is always tasty, also blackberry!
• 1 egg white, for brushing 
• To dip: crackers, apples

My tips:

1. Gently scrape off the white case around the brie...no need to make it perfect.
2. Prepare and bake the brie on parchment paper--this is THE best way to cook it.  The paper creates a completely stick free barrier from the pan and helps the bottom cook. 
3. Brush with egg whites for that drool-worthy golden crust.

Let's bake!

1. Preheat the oven to 375.
2. Place parchment paper on a baking sheet.  Arrange the crescent rolls in a star fashion (see photo above) to encase the brie.  Dollop 2-3 tablespoons of preserves below the brie and more on top. 
3. Close the crescent roll star, trying to fully cover the brie.  Liberally brush with egg whites. 
4. Bake until golden brown, around 20 minutes.
5. Serve warm with crackers or apples. 

Any big plans for NYE?  I hope you've had a wonderful holiday season so far!!

Easy Lunch in 10 Minutes with Campbell's Slow Kettle Soups! #LoveLunchIn

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #LoveLunchIn #CollectiveBias

Working mostly from home has been a huge blessing for our family.  I am able to stay home with the girls during the week writing for this website and then I work in a local grocery store doing cooking demos on the weekend.   

While I love what I do, I find that working from home can have some challenges, especially when Gabby is home with me during the school week.  We tend to run errands in the morning and by lunchtime, I'm starving, but I have tons of work to do!  I find myself looking for a simple, yet hearty lunch to eat quickly.  

Campbell's has a new line of Slow Kettle Soups that taste like they're right from a restaurant, yet they are super simple to make at home.  Our Walmart had a HUGE selection, it was really hard to decide.  I like to pair soup with a quick wrap or sandwich to eat while checking email (or watching Bravo...).   Since it's winter, I was drawn to the creamy soups like the Kickin' Crab & Sweet Corn Chowder and Baked Potato. I ended up also buying Tuscan Chicken & White Bean soup and Fiesta Lime Chicken Tortilla Soup.  YUM!  

Not going to lie, I was super excited to have my OWN lunch options.  I usually end up eating the crust of Gabby's turkey sandwich and some super cold tomato soup.  These soups went up high on the shelf in the pantry next to my Mommy's Food ONLY basket of protein bars/snacks. Most items are purchased for everyone else in the family, so I have to make sure little hands stay away from my treasured goodies. 

You can make the soup in the microwave, but it's recommended to heat on the stove-top.  (I did eat the Chicken Tortilla soup at work last weekend and it heated up beautifully in the microwave, too!)  My Kickin' Crab Chowder only took about 4 minutes to heat up!  I ate it with a simple side salad and was able to get work done after Gabby napped.  

These soups will be a staple in our pantry from now on! I can treat myself for a quick lunch and get on with my work.  No more mid-afternoon stomach growls for this Mama!

Excited to try some Slow Kettle soup for yourself?  There is a coupon available!

Do you work from home?  What are your favorite simple lunches? 

Deal Alert: Disney Planes Fire & Rescue Toys on Walmart Rollback! #PlanesToTheRescue #ad

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PlanesToTheRescue #CollectiveBias

Looking for last minute holiday gift ideas? Delight the little ones in your life with Disney Planes items now on Rollback at Walmart! All items listed below are on rollback through the holiday season!
#PlanesToTheRescue #ad

• Disney Planes Flight to the Finish Speedway ($24.97)
• Disney Planes: Fire & Rescue Die-Cast Vehicles, 3-Pack ($14.97)
• Disney Planes: Fire & Rescue Deluxe Talking Vehicle Assortment ($19.97)

How is your holiday shopping going?  

Creating New Holiday Traditions with Hallmark #NorthpoleFun!

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #NorthpoleFun #CollectiveBias

One of my favorite parts of having a family of my own is creating traditions together.  Each year at Christmastime, we love to look through cookbooks and try new cookie recipes--our favorite so far has been the Reese's Chewy Chocolate Cookie!  We have combined some of our growing up traditions: my family celebrates on Christmas Eve and Ricky's family hung candy canes on the tree with new ideas like Elf on the Shelf (ughhh!).  

After our Christmas pictures last week, we were doing a little holiday shopping at Walmart and the girls noticed the Northpole collection.  Before buying anything, I wanted them to check out all of the toys and products available to see what they gravitated towards. 

The biggest hit was the Northpole Communicator which you can call Santa and his elves once a day.  They have a super cool cookie cutter wheel (why didn't I think of that?!), soft plush polar bears, "snowballs" you can throw, a Dance Like An Elf microphone which calls out dance moves and much, much more.  Everything is located by the card section in your local Walmart store...also sometimes by the gift wrapping section.  Everything is based off of the new Hallmark movie Northpole and the DVD is also available in stores!  It stars Kelly from Saved By the Bell, so I'm already sold.

I wanted to surprise the girls with the Northpole Communicator, so I waited a few days until our next trip to Walmart.  Gabby asked to look at the section again and when I told her we were buying the toy, her face just lit up.  Definitely a priceless moment!  When the twins came home from school, I told them there was a surprise waiting for them.  The minute Olivia saw the big microphone, she screamed with joy...she's a bit dramatic.  Of course, we had to call Santa right after dinner.

The best part about the Northpole Communicator is that it can be used again year after year.  At the base, by the battery pack is a cartridge which you set the date and time.  You can buy new cartridges every season so every call to the North Pole is unique!  Heads up: you can only call the North Pole once a day, so make sure your family is all gathered around.  We like to keep ours up high so little fingers don't attempt to play with it all day long (*cough* Gabby).  Our new tradition is to "dial in" every night after showers and stories.  You never know who you'll talk to--either Santa, an elf or someone else!  Santa told the girls they were on the good list last night and they've been talking about it non-stop!

My favorite find was the Santa is Coming to Michigan book for only $8.99!  It is a new favorite to add to our holiday book basket.  I love how they really highlight all parts of Michigan.  The girls LOVE to hear their town Grand Rapids listed, although they are sure to point out that we don't have a chimney like they mention.  

There are many other gifts for everyone that I'm eyeing from the Northpole Collection,  They have cute mugs (think teachers!), sprinkle bells for cookies, books, ornaments and more! Make sure to check out the whole aisle of fun at Walmart before products run out! I can't wait to see the movie, which ares on the Hallmark Channel all season long. 

This picture sums up my crazy little ladies! 

Head to #Walmart to check out the new Northpole collection based on the #Hallmark movie! #Ad #NorthpoleFun #Cbias #flipagram made with @flipagram. See full video at flipagram.com/CheapAsh

A video posted by Ashleigh Evans (@itscheapash) on Dec 12, 2014 at 12:05pm PST

Have you started any new traditions this year?

Making Holiday Treats Healthier with Splenda #HealthyEssentials

This post is part of the HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® 2014 program by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. and The Motherhood, who sent me a box of products and compensated me for my time. Opinions, experiences and photos shared here are all my own, and I hope you enjoy them.

How's your holiday shopping going? I was SO happy I knocked a few people off of my list today! Since I love to cook, I tend to give foodie presents--especially baked goods.  Plus, if I give them away, they won't end up in my stomach!  Um, that's what I tell myself at least!

As I get out all of my favorite cookie recipes (including Cranberry Hootycreeks and Cocoa Chewy Gooeys!), I try to find ways to make them healthier.  My favorite substitute is Splenda because it's almost impossible to tell they are healthified. Score!

There are many varieties of Splenda on the market now: granulated, brown sugar blend and sugar blend, to name a few.  For the most part, you use HALF the amount of Splenda as your recipe calls for.  To be sure, check the handy conversion chart on the back of the box or bag, though!

Using Splenda helps reduce the calories of your baked goods without changing the flavor or texture of what you're baking. Another great swap to healthify baking is using natural applesauce, mashed banana and coconut oil...all included in this recipe!

(Healthified) Zucchini Bread with Mini Chocolate Chips

Makes: 2 large loaves or 6 mini loaves. Also try muffins!

Ingredients

• 3 cups of flour
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup Splenda sugar blend
• 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1/2 cup natural applesauce
• 2 cups zucchini, shredded and drained--about 4 large zucchini (look for markdowns at your store!)
• 1 mashed banana
• 1/2 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• Topping: 1/2 cup mini chips 
• I like to just top the bread with chips instead of putting in the whole mix.  You can use less, but still get the chocolate flavor in the bread.

Let's Bake!

1. Preheat the oven to 350.
2. Spray Pam on bread pans.  
3. Mix eggs, sugar, coconut oil and applesauce for 1-2 minutes, until creamy. 
4. In a bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, baking soda and baking powder. Set aside. 
5. Add zucchini, vanilla, banana and Greek yogurt to bowl.  Mix until combined.
6. Slowly add dry ingredients.  Mix only until combined.
7. Pour into loaf pans and sprinkle the top with mini chips.
8. Bake until golden brown.  I poke mine with a toothpick to check the centers.
• Full loaf pan- 60 minutes
• Mini loaf pans- 40 minutes
• Muffins- 20-24 minutes

For gifts, Dollar Tree has very cute baked goods boxes.  You can freeze the loaves if you want to mail them out or gift them later.

Right now, Healthy Essentials has many coupons perfect for the season, including Splenda.  My girls have been wanting the Frozen Band-Aids for quite some time now--the coupon pairs with No More Tangles which is necessary for hat hair this winter.  There are tons of Johnson & Johnson baby coupons on there too--the Intense Moisture cream is ah-mazing!

How's your holiday baking going?  Share your favorite cookie recipe below!

Applebees Gift Card Bonus: A Perfect Holiday Treat! {Giveaway!} #BuyLocal

Are you trying to support local businesses while holiday shopping this year?  I absolutely love the idea!  Did you know that over 60 Applebee's in Michigan are locally owned and operated?  TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants (TSFR) is a restaurant group which is committed to supporting other local business throughout the state by using seasonal fresh produce when possible.  Also, TSFR has recently teamed up with Michigan breweries and distilleries to feature MI-made craft beers and cocktails!  How cool is that?

Friday after Thanksgiving, Ricky and I went to check out their happy hour menu and loved the locally inspired drink menu!  Plus, you can't go wrong with $4 appetizers and $3 beer specials. Many places don't feature local beer on their Happy Hour specials, but Applebee's had so many great deals.

Browsing the menu, I was very pleased by the kids menu.  I love to see healthy options like grilled chicken and GoGo Applesauce!  The girls love "Apple House" and I saw many things they would gobble up on the menu. 

Our favorite part about our Applebee's visit? It seemed truly like a local neighborhood bar.  People knew each other and everyone had a friendly rapport with each other. Since this location is less than 2 miles from our house, we will be coming back whenever we have a chance!  To find a locally owned Applebee's around you, check here! 

In December, whenever you purchase a $50 Gift Card at Applebee's, you'll get a $10 card FREE!

Now time for the fun part! I have a quick giveaway for you! 

Applebee's Holiday Gift Card

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, but all opinions are my own! 

Healthy Breakfast: Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats!

Have you jumped on the steel cut oats bandwagon yet?  They are a bit heartier than regular oatmeal and super filling!  Another perk is they have protein, fiber and less calories than regular rolled oats. For a while, they were hard to find at a decent price, but now even Aldi sells them! If you're gluten free, Bob's Red Mill has a version for you.  I have found that they pair well with warm spices like nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger...even that leftover pumpkin pie spice you have on hand!

The tricky thing about steel cut oats is making them.  A little more time is required to cook than regular oatmeal which is not good for rushed weekday mornings. I will admit, you also have to get used to the chewier texture.  One problem with putting the steel cut oats in the slow cooker is they turn into a gummy, chewy mess.  The key to this recipe is only cooking for 1.5 hours on high and then leaving them alone in the cooker overnight.  They turn out perfectly! 

Lately, on Sunday nights I have been making a slow cooker batch of steel cut oats for my breakfasts during the week.  I tend to always add apple and cinnamon...the cranberry was something new a few weeks ago.  All you need to do is break up the oats into little 0.5 cup portions in containers and microwave them in the morning for a quick 90 seconds!  I like to add extra almond milk, bananas and a drizzle of honey.  Goes perfectly with coffee before the chaos of getting the girls ready for school! 

Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats- Apple Cranberry

Note: If you don't like cranberry, just add more apple!  

Recipe altered from Mother Thyme 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup steel cut oats
• 2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or skim)
• 1 cup cored, chopped apple
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup apple cider (or an additional cup of water)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 tablespoon agave nectar or honey
• 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoons of chia seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Put all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on high for 1.5 hours ONLY.  Stir and turn off. After sitting overnight in the slow cooker, they will be the perfect consistency!

To serve, reheat with a splash of milk.

Do you eat a hearty breakfast?

Keepin' it Real After 10 Years {Date Night at Home Ideas!} #TheMoodStrikes

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #TheMoodStrikes #CollectiveBias

This post is a little step out of my normal cooking/family friendly topic.  Although it is a bit out of my comfort zone, I thought I would face my fears make a fun date-night inspired post.  Here goes nothin! As Murray says in Clueless "I'm keepin' it real"...

Do you ever stop to think about how much your life can change in a matter of years? In the past decade, I have gone through quite a few life changing moments: moving, marriage, babies, turning 30, traveling...to name a few.  Ricky and I are coming up on our 10 year anniversary and it's so funny to think of how different our lives are, the three little ladies being the biggest change!  Keeping the spark alive isn't always easy when we are both so busy...but it's something we are trying to put more emphasis on with fun date nights at home. With K-Y® Liquibeads, you can have the freedom to be spontaneous without worry! 

When we first started dating, we were both serving at Smokey Bones BBQ and didn't have too many responsibilities.  If we wanted a date night, we would just plan one!  Now, we are averaging about 4-5 dates a year...and it's a HUGE pain to try to schedule one.  Between finding a babysitter, having the budget for one and finding a free night, we almost always give up!

One thing I like to emphasize is that date nights can be AT HOME.  Why waste money when you can cook and have fun at home!  Make sure you still keep it special, though.  We are huge fans of game nights, especially trivia or pop culture ones.  It's fun to simply play cards, too.  Instead of going out to a movie, rent one you've both been dying to see (or On Demand is a lifesaver) and cook up a meal.  You'll save at least $50!

We love to try new micro-brews, especially local ones.  Instead of buying 6-packs of one type of beer, take advantage of the MYO 6-Pack at Walmart!  For $9, you can get a variety that you both will love.  I tend to lean towards IPAs or dark beer, whereas Ricky likes ciders or new seasonal brews.  If you think about how much a single micro-brew can be at a restaurant, you're saving SO much.  Many other stores have this option, but I love that Walmart has a set price.  

If beer isn't your thing, there are many inexpensive bottles of wine out there.  Walmart has a HUGE selection ranging from as low as $2.97 to $15 that are all decent.  For our date night at home, I always pick out a red blend or a sweet white we can chill.  Bubbly is always special too!

When it comes to making dinner, the slow cooker can be your lifesaver.  Start the meal in the morning and by the time the kiddos are in bed, you can both finish up the meal together.  For the date night at home nights, I recommend letting the kiddos have a simple meal--mac n cheese and smoked sausage in our house!  Clean up the dishes so you'll have a nice clean kitchen for your date night.  

Another idea is to look on Pinterest for your favorite restaurant meal and try to make it at home.  There are many simple copycat recipes out there.  If you haven't noticed, I added a recipe list above to help you find some tasty recipes right on here!  It doesn't matter what you're making, the quality time together is what's important, even if you have to eat a little later than normal! 

Here are a few suggestions:

• Stuffed Lasagna Shells - serve with red wine & toasty bread
• Slow-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore - All you'll need to do is make up some pasta and a veggie/salad! The slow cooker does the work for you during the day!  
• Slow-Cooker Carnitas- Have a fiesta night with some guacamole and frosty strawberry margs! 
• If you're both craving some Chinese take-out, this Beef + Broccoli w/ Fried Quinoa will hit the spot.  
• Just looking for a dessert?  These Spiked Frozen Hot Chocolates are perfect! Cuddle up on the couch with a blanket together. 

With three kids at home 5 and under, I'll admit it's difficult to find some time alone...if you know what I'm saying. Also, it's hard for me to turn off my mind and relax when I know the girls could barge in the room at any moment (like, how many times can a little one go potty each night?!).  K-Y® liquibeads help us ladies be ready at any moment with a super convenient bead that is inserted every few days so that when the mood strikes, your body is ready to go without needing any extra messy lubrication. Now that I'm over the 30 mark, I can already tell my body is changing!  Case in point: during wedding season this summer, hangovers are BRUTAL.  

At first, shopping for these made me a bit nervous...especially since they were like RIGHT THERE in the cart, but I sucked it up.  I used to be the same way buying tampons as a teenager.  Why is that?  If you are interested in trying these K-Y® Liquibeads out, there is $1 off coupon available now!  Note: if you are pregnant or nursing, please consult your doctor to be sure this is the right product for you!

So no more excuses...let's reignite the flame with date nights at home! Save money AND get some QT in with your loved one. 

Don't be shy!  What tips do you have for keeping the sparks alive?  What's your favorite date night at home activity?

New DVD/Blu-Ray Coupons! #HolidayShopping

There are some great new coupons to print!  Remember to check your Cartwheel if shopping at Target...there have been quite a few for movies.

$5.00 off Black Nativity DVD or Blu-ray
$2.00 off Begin Again on Blu-ray™ or dvd
$5.00 off Halloween or Spartacus collection on dvd
$2.00 off Anchor Bay Fitness dvds
$2.00 off (1) MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET Blu-Ray
$5.00 off HOME ALONE 4-FILM DVD Collection
$2.00 off A CHRISTMAS CAROL on Blu-Ray
$5.00 off Let's Be Cops DVD or Blu-ray
$5.00 off X-Men: Days of Future Past
$2.00 off DUCK DYNASTY Season 4-6 DVd
$3.00 off A Most Wanted Man on DVD or Blu-Ray
$5.00 off The Fault in our Stars DVD or Blu-ray
$5.00 off The Other Woman on DVD or Blu-ray

How's your shopping going so far?