I am loving this weather!  Aside from yesterday, it has been perfect weather to lounge around outside while the girls play.  I love just watching them on the patio while they march around the backyard playing various games.  It's so interesting to watch Gabby interact with them.  I cannot believe she is almost 2!  Gabby copies everyone and is talking up a storm now...she also chows on sand and dandelions.  So gross!

I've posted this dip before, but I have spruced it up a bit with some Greek yogurt.  I seriously could eat this daily with some carrots or Wheat Thins.  It's an old Weigh Watchers recipe, but no one has to know that! 

Sitting outside with some ice tea, I can munch on this dip.  The girls like it on their turkey wraps too. 

Here's what you need:

• 1/2 cup Feta cheese: I really like the Mediterranean style
• 1/2 cup 0% Greek yogurt
• 1/2 block of low fat cream cheese
• 3 large handfuls of fresh spinach (I tend to use a whole small bag)
• 4 green onions,chopped
• Lemon juice, from half of a lemon
• S&P to taste

This is so simple to make. 

1. Blanch spinach quickly in boiling water (2-3 minutes) and then ring out water with a strainer.
2. Combine everything in a chopper (or blender) and it's ready in less than 5 minutes!

What's your favorite dip to make?



Craftsy offering a FREE class {May 18 only!}

Pinterest has given me the crafty bug.  Well, maybe I should say the inspiration to be crafty.  Whenever we go to a craft store, I always glance at all of the fun classes they offer.  In a perfect world, I would have time to take all of them and be super crafty Mom.  But, let's be real... I'm lucky if I shower and eat lunch before 3:00.

Have you tried Craftsy yet?  It's a great website where you can take craft classes from the comfort of your own home.  Best part?  Once you buy a class, it's yours FOREVER.  No pressure to hurry up and finish.

They are always offering specials and FREE and discounted classes, so it's a great way to learn a new craft.  There are also fun free mini-classes.  I keep browsing the cake and sewing sections...I really want a sewing machine!

Today (May 18th), they have a great event going on.  All new members get a choice of a FREE class (up to $39.99 value!) and donations will be made to DonorsChoose, to fund arts education in schools across the US.  Win/Win situation!

I just started this creative play costume class and it's perfect for our family.  My girls could live in costumes if I let them...might as well know how to make some cool ones!

Make sure to get in on this great deal today and let's get crafty together!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.  By using these links, you are helping support this blog.

Spring is FINALLY here! {I'm back!}

The girls having their "morning coffee" outside.

Well HELLO again!

I am back and more excited than ever to be sharing recipes and money saving tips.

After working for a deal website for a few months, I have realized I LOVE saving money, but the deal site really isn't my thing.  I give major props to all of you bloggers out there who keep us updated on all of the great money saving deals happening...it's exhausting!

I have a fun spring-y giveaway coming up soon and some tasty recipes to share.  This is the first week we are working on our garden, so I'll have some great new tips I've learned over the winter.

How have you all been doing?  I've missed you all!  Any type of recipe you are looking for?  

Update! Check me out at Deals in the Mitten!

You may have noticed I've been a bit quiet lately!

I have decided to help Sarah out over at Deals in the Mitten  & Kitchen in the Mitten. I will be posting some recipes and deals daily.

Here are some recent posts:

• 2-Minute Cinnamon Roll Waffles
• How to Freeze Produce

Other than that news, things have been going well for us!  The twins turned 4 in February and they are in dance classes now.  They keep me busy, that is for sure!

Gabby is growing like crazy, she's directly taking the twins' hand-me-downs.  She's only 20 months and in a 3T already.  Where has my baby gone?

I have been chugging away on my 29 bucket list.  Since turning 29 in January, I have been trying to branch out and do new things before I turn the big 3-0 next year.  I have been trying new workout classes at the Y (I am addicted to willPower + Grace class) and getting out there more in the community.  In August I plan to do the color run (me? running? HA!).

So far 2013 is going well for us!  Although I am not regularly posting on here anymore, I will still update occasionally!

Mmmm Monday: Chicken lettuce wraps

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.