No Stress last min. success

Being a mom there are a lot of stress and pressures put on us during the holidays. Parties, treats, gifts, food, shopping, pictures, relatives, shipping, wrapping... well you get the picture (you're living it) Some years you're Wonder Women of the holidays... all the gifts were bought and wrapped by Dec. 1st, the teachers gifts are all planned and ready, you've got the menus all figured out and then there's years where you are scrambling to solve all the last min. issues that just keep popping up like that stupid gopher game with the mallet. Today I have some VERY simple, Very easy, and budget friendly last min. gift ideas that I got ready last night in maybe 30 mins (with the print help of the local UPS store-dang printer doesn't have any ink) I did use my laminate machine but you don't have to, card stock would work great too.

The first one comes to you from http://lastingthumbprints.com/christmas-coupons-kids-free-printable/
These FREE printable coupons for the kids stockings are great! She even provides a blank sheet if you would like to add some of your own ideas or perhaps make a set for "Santa" with a little more personal touch ;)

The second one is brought to you by http://www.myloveforwords.com/christmas-guessing-game-printables/#_a5y_p=3067296
Also FREE printable Christmas "Headbands" type game. This is a great gift not only for the kids but also friends, neighbors, teachers, or the family gift exchange. Add box of popcorn, some homemade goodies and BAM! you have a great gift for less than $10.00

I almost forgot- you might need an envelop to put these in. Here's the link that I used for mine:
http://familycrafts.about.com/od/creativepaper/ss/Blank_Envelope_Template.htm


I hope you all enjoy your time together during this Holiday season. I look forward to my time off of work to spend with my family and enjoy the light and happiness Christmas brings.
Merry Christmas to all my readers and I hope the New years bring you happiness, love, and peace.

*I'm not given any monetary mean in exchange for mentioning UPS or the other links I've shared.

Look out deals- here I come!

I love finding deals! It's an addiction I have but I also love sharing those deals so I guess it's a good addiction is there's such a thing. Today I have a GOOD deal for everyone.

Northern friends or anyone else that actually has to worry about snow and getting cold toes (I live in central Texas so we don't worry to much about that.) Lands End is having a some great deals today-50% snow boots/footwear, bogo sweaters, and 30% off everything else, and if you pay with a Visa you get 2 day FREE shipping!!! Whats better than getting great deals- getting some of you money back!!! I recently join Ebates.com and I LOVE IT! I earned $23.00 back doing my Christmas shopping through my Ebates account. Right now if you join Ebates,  you can earn 6% of your Lands End purchase back! I know that doesn't sound like much but hey, every little bit helps. Besides, you (or your spouse) earned that money why not get a little bit back? Anyway, I'm off my Ebates.com soapbox. If you want to look into Ebates.com, here's a link:
 http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=nZUBtcJZDuBT5qmGAKBHSg%3D%3D&eeid=28187

http://www.landsend.com/

If you sign up, come back and drop me a line about what you think about it- good or bad. Just remember, if you sign up, make sure when you do online shopping log in to your Ebates.com account first and see what that store has to offer YOU. Ebates.com will also show you what deals the store has going on as well as promo codes and coupons.

Have fun saving money while you shop!!!

* I'm not being compensated in any way by Ebates.com, Lands End, or Visa to promote them.

Christmas is coming! Are you ready?

Now is the time of year where everyone is frantically thinking about what to get for everyone on their list and if it will hold a candle to what they gave last year. I'm totally guilty of trying to figure out the best gifts EVER! but I'm also usually prepared 2 months in advance. This year... not so much. I'm drawing a BIG FAT BLANK!! Although, it has made me think about what I'm teaching not only my kids but myself about Christmas... what is the message I'm sending? So I have found two things, yes two that are going to help me and my family (mostly myself and the boys-hubby is good) have a more Christ centered Christmas.

1st: 25 Days of Christmas: http://25daysofchrist.com/

This kit comes with 25 unfinished ornaments, a book to help reference the different objects, and a bag to keep your ornaments in when you're done.
When I saw this I thought it was a great way to help us think of Christmas everyday of the month in December, have a reminder on the tree, and a fun craft to do during the Thanksgiving Holiday (because I have nothing else to do,said no women ever) I'll make sure to write a post when I get mine in the mail and finish!

2nd: 12 Days of Christmas Nativity countdown: http://overthebigmoon.com/12-days-of-christmas-nativity-countdown-printables/

This mom is amazing and had just made this one so easy for the rest of us. Shout out to Pam Dana for this great idea and the FREE printables that are on her website (listed above.) The name pretty much says it all, but what Pam has done is made it possible for the kids to interact in putting up the nativity and giving each object a reference and meaning to the kids. So as they put up the Nativity together piece by piece 12 days before Christmas, they have a better understanding of how important each symbol of the set is and what their role was in being apart of of Saviors birth.
Pam also includes a link to a "kid friendly" Nativity Set, so that way if you're like me and super protective of your Nativity set (like if you touch you die) than it's easy to just order one that goes with her awesome printables and it's not crazy expensive.

I hope you have fun getting ready for the Holidays and make sure to take time and enjoy your family and what the Holidays are really about.

P.S. make sure you check back with me as I will probably be trying so new holiday recipes and you know you don't want to miss out on that!

Two thumbs up

So I tried more recipes over the weekend and yesterday and loved them both! Of course I did some tweaking because that's what I do and everyone has different taste. One comes from a FAVORITE site of mine http://www.averiecooks.com and everything I have tried on her page is great! The other is from http://sweetcsdesigns.com/ and I do believe I will be going back to visit her page again. So on to the recipes!!!


http://sweetcsdesigns.com/low-carb-paleo-shrimp-scampi/#more-11223
LOW CARB PALEO SHRIMP SCAMPI

INGREDIENTS
4 zucchini, tops and bottoms cut off
1 lb RAW shrimp- peeled and deveined
3 tbsp to ½ cup butter or ghee, preferably grass-fed; coconut oil can be substituted
1 medium head of garlic- about 10-15 cloves, diced
pepper, to taste
INSTRUCTIONS

In a large pan, melt butter and add garlic on medium heat.
When butter is melted, add zucchini and shrimp and turn heat to high.
Toss zucchini and shrimp often, until shrimp has turned pink.
Top with parmesan cheese to taste, serve hot!
Please note butter is a subjective- If you'd like more of a sauce, add a little more butter. Sometimes you'll have a zucchini that doesnt release as much liquid and you'll need more butter. Add it slowly as you cook so you can gauge how the recipe is coming together to get a texture you like.


Alisha's notes and tweaks- So I was only cooking for my husband and I and I didn't think my hubby was going to really like it so I only used 1 zucchini and 1/2 of shrimp. That was enough for the both of us as an appetizer so if you're making as the entree go for the full amounts. I also bought pre-cooked shrimp to cut down on prep time and mess. I used olive oil and added about a half a TBS. butter at the end. When I was heating the oil I added the garlic and some onion as well as just a dash of cayenne pepper. Turned out delish and the hubby LOVED it too! If you're wondering what or where to get a zoodle maker, I found mine on Amazon (not getting paid to mention this) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J19AR7W?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00

http://www.averiecooks.com/2015/10/easy-30-minute-homemade-white-chicken-chili.html
EASY 30-MINUTE HOMEMADE WHITE CHICKEN CHILI
YIELD: about 8 to 10 cups PREP TIME: 10 minutes COOK TIME: 20 minutes TOTAL TIME: 30 minutes
INGREDIENTS:

3 tablespoons olive oil
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3 cups sweet Vidalia or yellow onion, peeled and diced small (about 2 medium/large onions)
1 large jalapeno pepper (about 4 to 5 inches long), diced very small (the seeds are where the heat is concentrated; included or discard them based on preference)
7 to 8 ounces canned green chilis, don't drain (I used mild heat)
4 garlic cloves, peeled and finely minced
32 ounces (4 cups) low-sodium chicken broth
4 cups shredded cooked chicken (use about 1 whole storebought rotisserie chicken to save time; or roast or cook your own chicken in a skillet)
two 15-ounce cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (see step 4 below about blending 1 cup of the beans with a splash of chicken broth or water)
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoons salt, or to taste
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional and to taste
1/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely minced
tortilla strips, chips, crackers, diced avocado, shredded cheese, and/or sour cream; all are optional for garnishing

DIRECTIONS:
To a large Dutch oven or stockpot, add the olive oil and heat over medium-high heat to warm.
Add the onion, jalapeno, green chilis, and sauté for about 7 minutes, or until vegetables begin to soften. Stir intermittently.
Add the garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir intermittently.
Add the chicken broth, chicken, cannellini beans including whole beans and blended bean mixture (take 1 cup of the beans, add to a food processor or blender, add a splash of chicken broth or water and blend until smooth; mixture should be thick. Add the blended bean mixture along with the whole beans to pot), lime juice, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, red chili flakes, optional cayenne pepper, and bring to a boil. Allow mixture to boil gently for about 7 to 10 minutes. It's unlikely, but if at any point the overall liquid level looks low or you prefer your chili to be thinner, add 1 cup of water or as desired; you'll adjust the salt and seasoning levels at the end. For thicker chili, allow mixture to boil longer and reduce until desired thickness is reached.
Add the cilantro and boil 1 minute.
Taste chili and add salt to taste. This will vary based on how salty the chicken broth, beans, and rotisserie chicken are, and personal preference. Make any necessary seasoning adjustments (i.e. more salt, pepper, cumin, cayenne, lime juice, etc.).
Ladle chili into bowls, and optionally garnish with tortilla strips, chips, crackers, avocado, cheese and/or sour cream; serve immediately. Chili will keep airtight in the fridge for 5 to 7 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Alisha's notes and tweaks-I didn't tweak much on this at all. I did a little less onion, didn't add the red pepper flakes, and for being a Texas gal we don't do spicy at our house (even my husband) so the next time I make it I will omit the jalapeno.

Hope you all enjoy!!!

Tried it and loved it!

So I'm eating clean and doing a pretty good job at keeping it but.... I NEED CHOCOLATE!!! I have tons of recipes "pinned" so I thought I would put one to the test. Well it passed!!! thanks to  Monique  @  http://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/ I have a yummy clean snack to curb my sweet tooth and not feel the quilt or the calories later. So without further ado here's the recipe and my little tweaks:

Healthy Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Oat Breakfast Bars:

INGREDIENTS

• 2 1/4 cups gluten free oats
• 1/2 teaspoon aluminum free baking powder
  
  
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
  
  
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 medium ripe bananas
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (gluten free, if desired)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup honey (agave nectar if vegan)
• 1/3 cup chocolate chips (vegan, if desired)
• For chocolate drizzle:
• 2 tablespoons chocolate chips (vegan, if desired)
• 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray 9x9 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. To make oat flour: Place oats into blender or food processor and blend for 1-2 minutes until oatmeal resembles flour. You may need to stop blender and stir oats a couple of times to ensure that all oats have been blended. Transfer oat flour medium bowl; whisk in baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon; set aside.
3. Place bananas, vanilla, applesauce, and honey into blender; blend 1-2 minutes or until smooth and creamy. Add to oat flour mixture and mix until just combined.
4. Gently fold in 1/3 cup of chocolate chips. Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly with rubber spatula. Bake for 15 minutes or until knife inserted into center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Cool 10-15 minutes on wire rack.
5. Prepare drizzle by adding 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips and coconut oil in microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high 30 seconds; stir well to combine then drizzle over the top of bars. Cut bars into 16 squares and enjoy!

My personal note: I used agave nectar and I didn't have any coconut oil on hand so I just mixed a little almond milk to the chocolate chips and it worked great!

Monique has some great tips so go see her site and what wonderful things she has to offer! http://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/2014/02/healthy-banana-bread-chocolate-chip-oat-breakfast-bars-vegan-gluten-free/

Enjoy and as always I would love to hear for you!

On to Thanksgiving!!!

Halloween was fun but now it's over and the candy remains....forever! But I'm excited because I LOVE FALL! I live in Texas so I don't have a ton of beautiful big leaves all different colors and cold fall days but nevertheless I decorate like crazy, burn the pumpkin spice candles, and spend more time outside.

As stated in the last post I am participating in Skinnymom.com "30 Day of Thanks" challenge and will be posting on Instagram, Facebook, and here what I have to be grateful for.

Nov. 1st Day 1: Yesterday just happened to be my 12 yr. anniversary with my husband so of course I am grateful for him and the amazing life we have built together.

Day 2: My 3 amazing boys! They test me and teach me new things everyday.


Let's remember to be grateful this upcoming holiday season and start by taking the 30 day challenge. I look forward to seeing all my fellow Resident Moms on Instagram and all their blessings.

Remember to "Give Thanks"

I'm a "resident mom" for Skinnymom.com and the creator Brooke Griffin has a challenge for everyone- "30 Days of Thanks."
Everyday starting Sunday, November 1st post on Instagram what you are thankful for. So let the flood gates of  Thanks open and help fill Instagram with thankful hearts and see what joy we can bring to ourselves and others. For more info about hashtags and tags go to http://www.skinnymom.com/november-challenge-30-days-of-thanks/
You can follow me on Instagram @aliher78640 to see what I'm thankful for. Leave a comment with your Instagram, I would love to see what my readers are giving thanks for this season!

New recipe- Sweet potato Salmon Cakes

Clean eating this week and getting in the groove of being more healthy!!! with that I had to get some new recipes to try, because healthy or not I LOVE new recipes. I'm a foodie, I can't help it. So I found a recipe on Pinterest (what did we ever do without it?) and I played with it and this is what I turned it into:

Sweet Potato salmon cakes:
makes about 6 cakes

1 med sweet potato (I “baked” mine in the microwave in wax paper to cut down on the time)

10 oz Fresh Salmon (cook in some olive oil and season with pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.)

Egg-1

½ Lemon

Flour-1 tbsp plus extra for dusting

Parsley-just eye ball it (it’s not a lot)

Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste

Olive oil (whatever oil you use)

For the sauce (optional)

Greek yogurt, plain- 1/2 cup

Chives, chopped

Garlic, pressed- ½  clove

Lemon juice-  (I just squeezed some in)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl combine mashed potatoes and salmon (while making sure no skin or bones end up in there- after I got done cooking mine I “chopped” the salmon up tossed it back into the pan to make sure it was fully cooked)  and break an egg into it.

Add the lemon zest to the mixture, juice the lemon and pour it in as well along with chopped parsley and flour. Mix everything well, add seasonings to taste.

Scoop the mixture with an ice cream scoop to get even-sized cakes and roll them in the flour on your flour dusted board or plate, flatten them slightly to form a patty. Fry salmon cakes in hot oil until golden and crunchy on the outside.

For the sauce mix yogurt, lemon juice, chopped chives and minced garlic in a small bowl.

Add salt and pepper to taste. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes before serving for the flavors to blend.

Here is the original recipe if you would like to try it as well (must give credit- without this recipe I wouldn't have come up with my own!)

http://vikalinka.com/2013/01/05/salmon-cakes-and-a-lesson-on-the-virtue-o-frugality/#comments

 

Starting over- AGAIN!

So I've gone on healthy living kicks through out the years and have done great and then what happens- LIFE! Life get's in the way, or at least that is the excuse I make. I don't live a super unhealthy life style... I grew up eating healthy and my mom made pretty much all our meals from scratch. I took a lot of that with me and applied it to my family. Do we eat sweets - yes! Do we drink soda- every once in awhile but it's not a staple in my fridge. Could I be better? YES!! but isn't that the point?! Can't we all strive to do or be better in almost every aspect of our lives? So, in supporting my best friend who also just happened to end up marring my bro-in-law (which is awesome to have a best friend as a sister-in-law) start her new healthy living journey... my eating habits are clean this week and my working out is back in full force. I might be dead and really wanting a piece of cake by Friday but that's okay because I'm becoming better. So, "Thanks Laura! for getting my booty back in gear after life hit the fan!"

All I want for myself is to be HAPPY! I find that when I work out and eat right I feel better about myself and that my friends is contagious. It's true, laughter is contagious and so is happiness (see link below, not now...when you're done reading.) When you smile at someone do they not smile back? Most of the time that's true,but you get what I'm saying. Find that smile in the mirror and go after it. Find out what makes the facial muscles work and do that every day. It's not going to be just one thing... variety is the spice of life and it's always changing. I'm not saying go start a clean diet and wear yoga pants all day long and work out like crazy (unless that's what makes you smile, then by all means- yoga pants on) but find your smile and keep it going. Your family,friends, neighbors, and yourself will thank you!


"Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy." ~Thich Nhat Hanh

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/cutting-edge-leadership/201206/there-s-magic-in-your-smile

                                           

Unwaivering faith- Do I have it?

I'm going deep today... maybe it's the rain we're getting here in Texas, but the following story is close to home- literally.

As most people know Central Texas had devastating floods this year over the Memorial Day weekend. Jonathan McCombs was among the many who suffered loss but how he's handling it is a testimony of God and faith. I have never had to experience loss on a large level and I am grateful to God that I haven't but I know the day will come where I will have to deal with losing someone that I believe I can't live without. I can only hope and pray that I have the courage and faith to handle it with as much love and dignity as this man. After reading the article (which you will need tissues) it made me realize how much most of us take for granted and how each day needs to be lived in happiness. To focus on even the smallest and simplest joys in every moment we have and not just with the ones we love but to give service and reach out to others. I have been trying to do this more in my life even before reading the article but now it just resonates even more. Here's to a new day everyday and trying to find joy one day at a time. 

http://www.kvue.com/story/news/local/texas-news/2015/10/22/man-who-lost-his-wife-children-and-close-friends-in-wimberley-floods-living-his-faith/74423012/

How are your buns?

So it's rest day on my Better Booty Challenge and I'm starting to feel a little burn, anyone else? While I rested my buns from the challenge exercises I opted to start my week off right at the gym to get back in my groove. Tomorrow I'll be back working my buns and I'll check back in a week or so. It's not to late to join the challenge!
#BetterBootyChallenge #skinnymom

Building a better me beginning with my booty!

So as I mentioned in my last post I have become a "Resident Mom" for Skinnymom.com, and I'm loving it!!! This month I decided to take on their "31 days to a Better Booty Challenge" #BetterBootyChallenge #skinnymom.

I love work out challenges than just trying to do structured work outs on my own... it give me a CHALLENGE. so if anyone is wanting to join me in my better booty challenge, please do!!! I've included a link so you can download your FREE printable booty challenge calendar and watch the video to see the "how to's" for the different moves.

Let's get out booty's moving and on track for all the great skinny jean and boot weather ahead.

 http://www.skinnymom.com/challenge-get-a-better-butt-by-november-1st/

I'll be posting pics (not of my booty) via Instagram and Facebook with #BetterBootyChallenge & #skinnymom if you want to follow. Best of luck with your new booty!

I'm published!!! Officially a "Resident Mom"

I'm beyond excited to announce that my first article has been published on www.skinnymom.com and I couldn't be more thrilled to be a part of these wonderful women. Go to the following link to read my article... I hope you enjoy and feel free to leave feedback or comments. Happy reading!!!

http://www.skinnymom.com/why-i-thought-grandparents-day-wasnt-for-me/

EXTRA EXTRA! I HAVE EXCITING NEWS

Exciting news for me!!! I have decided and have been excepted to be a "Resident Mom" writing for Skinnymom.com. I'm so happy for an opportunity to write more, I miss it. It's a great way for me to not only help myself by putting my feelings, ideas, and life into writing but also others who may have the same issues on a day to day basis. So look for my articles and check out www.skinnymom.com!
#skinnymom

Back to School

Good Day to all!

          School is back in session, football has started, the home of our dreams is being built and coming to a close in 3 week, and this mom is in full motion in her juggling act, how about you?

I work full time, so sometimes I feel like my kids get summer stolen from them with camps and craziness compared to my summers when I was kid... playing outside all day with neighborhood friends and buying ice cream from the "iffy" ice cream truck. But my boys are great sports about it and did enjoy the week long family reunion to Utah. So now that summer madness has come to a close, we enter into submission of the school year with every piece of paper and project that comes with it. I have a 5th grader, 1st grader, and pre pre-k'er (if that's a thing) so life is full of excitement to say the least. My oldest has picked up the "too cool" attitude and I don't like it one bit! I find that anytime he is embarrassed I try harder to embarrass him, because lets face it... all I'm doing is standing there, how embarrassing is that? I've had to talk to him about the importance of family a lot lately. Explaining to a 10 yr. old that the friends he has now more than likely won't be his friends in the next 10 years is a hard thing, not to mention heart breaking for him. Family is family and we aren't planning on going anywhere any time soon. I have never understood why people try to be someone they're not just to fit in, be proud of who you are and where you come from. Everyone has weird things their families do and traditions that may not make sense to others...but it's family. We believe a family is forever in our home, so he's stuck with us FOREVER and I love that . I know it's a phase and he'll go through many of them as I'm sure my other boys will too and each one will be different. I love my boys and the way they keep me on my toes - keeps me from getting the bottom of my feet dirty- which I hate! So here's to being a ballerina and replacing the tutu for a pair of jeans and the tiara with a ponytail.

The big boys first say of school

my littlest man moving up in daycare to the Pre Pre-K class (still not sure if that's a thing)

Fast food without the grease

Good morning! So as I have mentioned before, I LOVE TO COOK/BAKE!!! If I could I would just do it all day as long as someone else was doing the dishes. I HATE DISHES! anyway.... I wanted to share these two recipes I found on Pinterest. I'm a picky eater about flavors and food so if they hold up on my table, they are probably safe on yours. Everyone does have different taste, so... if it's not to your liking then I apologize.

I do work during the day so if it's not fast I usually don't cook it on the week nights which is how I think every women feels who work in or out of the home. I paired these two together and they make a great week night meal that is packed with protein, veggies, and flavor. Enjoy and let me know what you think.

Thanks to #shesaved.com and #rachelschultz.com for the amazing recipes!!!

Better than take out Fried rice
  http://rachelschultz.com/2012/07/14/better-than-takeout-chicken-fried-rice/

                               http://www.shesaved.com/2014/02/easy-chicken-stir-fry-recipe.html/

                   Try adding some different veggies or your own liking- variety is the spice of life!

-Alisha

Long time no Post (sorry it's a serious one)

So... I wanted to start this up again. Just me, my keyboard, and anyone who wanted to read. There's been a lot of changes in my life but that would take way to long to write about and no one wants that much detail (it wasn't  juicy or exciting anyway.) I do however want to talk about the current events unfolding close to home here in Texas. Many people have seen by now the devastation that has hit Texas and other surrounding states- it's just sad.  I thank God that my family and friends are safe but at the same have feelings of sadness and grief for those less fortunate. I do however see this as a wonderful opportunity for people to gather together to help and assist perfect strangers. There is not greater feeling or blessing than that of service. I always tell my boys to go by the Golden Rule- " Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Sometimes it's a lost statement or it gets taken the wrong way but, Mother Natures current events are a prefect way for my husband and me to show by example the TRUE meaning behind the rule. There is a power behind a stranger helping strangers that out shines the dark in the world and brings light to situations. Service is not to just be given during disasters but we should strive to do so on an everyday basis. It's as simple as helping someone with their groceries, helping at a local shelter, giving aid to the local teachers, making cookies for a friend who's having a bad day, or visiting a retirement home. It's the little acts of service and love that makes our heart fill with love for people we don't even know, and that in itself is a blessing.