Month: August 2011

  • Chocolate Butterhorns

     

    Never heard of Butterhorns before, but they sure do look delicious and pretty easy to make!  Definitely want to give these a try once the new kitchen is here!

    Chocolate Butterhorns

    Ingredients:

    Dough:
    1 cup milk
    1/2 cup butter, cubed
    2 eggs
    1/2 cup sugar
    4 – 4 1/2 cups flour
    1 teaspoon salt
    1 Tablespoons dry yeast, heaping

    Rolls:
    1-2 cups chocolate chips, depending on how chocolatey you want them

    Directions:

    Combine all dough ingredients in the pan of your bread machine according to the manufacturer’s directions. Set on the dough cycle and start machine. When the machine beeps, remove dough from pan and divide it into four equal parts.

    (While Crystal’s recipe make 32 larger rolls, I made the same number with about half the dough. This seemed to work better for my kids. Feel free to make 16 larger rolls if you’d rather.)

    Roll each part into a 12-inch circle and cut each circle into 8 wedges. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the surface of each wedge. Roll each wedge like a crescent roll, starting with the bottom of the triangle and ending with the point.

    If preparing ahead, place rolls, point down on baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, place in freezer bags and store in the freezer until needed.

    To bake: Grease a baking sheet or line with parchment or a silpat mat. Place frozen rolls on prepared sheet. Allow to thaw and rise for five hours or until doubled in size. Preheat oven to 375 ° and bake rolls for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly browned. Cool on wire racks.

    You better believe I’ll be checking out all of these recipes in a couple of months!  August!  GAH!

    ,

    ib

     

  • Homemade Marshmallows

     

    I’ve made these before [around the holidays], and they’re super easy to make and absolutely delicious!  Way better than Jet-Puffed marshmallows!

    Go HERE for the ingredient list, directions, and complete video!

    Love,

    ib

     

     

  • Grilled Chicken, Artichokes And Chocolate Pudding!

    grilledchicken1

    How freaking delicious does this chicken look?! My mouth is watering right now and makes me again long for our house to be finished so we can buy a grill and a spice rack (no counter space or cabinet space to store anything) and make this chicken! Check out the side-dish recipes we’ve picked out to pair it up with! Doesn’t it just sound delicious! We can’t wait to try this out!

    Here’s the recipe from Allrecipes.com…

    Ingredients:

    4 limes, juiced
    2 tablespoons olive oil
    2 tablespoons chili powder
    1 teaspoon dried sage
    1 teaspoon dried oregano
    1 teaspoon ground cumin
    4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
    Directions:

    Whisk the lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, sage, oregano, and cumin together in a small bowl. Arrange the chicken breasts in a shallow glass container; pour the lime juice marinade over the chicken. Cover the container with plastic wrap; refrigerate 1 1/2 hours, turning the chicken every 30 minutes.
    Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat and lightly oil the grate. Remove the chicken to a platter and allow to come to room temperature. Pour the marinade into a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
    Basting with the marinade, grill the chicken breasts until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, 8 to 10 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

    Pair it with a grilled corn-on-the-cob, or grilled artichoke, baked potato, and an ice cold microbrew, red wine, or homemade pop from the sodastream…and then THIS…chilled.

    Dinner is served!

    <3,

    ib

  • Ben Is Finally Here!

     

    Benjamin Thomas is finally here!  Our first Nephew is happy, healthy, and just getting over Jaundice.

    He was born on Friday the 13th of May at 8:11am in the morning, 7lbs 15oz and 21 inches long.

    We think he is the most perfect little person we’ve ever seen!

    We haven’t had the chance to meet him in person yet, but the plane tickets are purchased and he’ll be 3 weeks old by then!

    “All he knows of the world is what you show him.” -Mad Men

    I wish Kelly (sis-in-law), her husband Scott, and little Ben lived closer, and I hope that Scott’s career in the military doesn’t take them further away than they already are out in Oklahoma, and we get a chance to be a big part in little Ben-Jammin’s life.

     

    This will only be my second time on a plane and of course I’m really nervous considering there’s a layover on each flight.  So 2 take-offs and 2 landings to get there, and 2 take-offs and 2 landings on the return flight.  Eeeek.  Really not looking forward to that, at all.

    We’ll be gone for 5 days, which was originally just for a weekend, but decided to stay for a little longer, and I’m glad about that!  5 days of adorable baby-ness?

    I haven’t changed a diaper or been around a baby this little in a very, VERY long time.  Since Lowell has been talking about wanting to have kids, like NOW, this should be a pretty good eye-opener for him on what babies are like.  From the talks we’ve had I’m pretty sure he think they come out as 1 or 2 year olds.  lol

    I know he’ll be a really great dad, and I can’t wait to have children with him!  Since the arrival of baby Ben, it’s been a pretty constant, “Lets have a baby.” around here.  As soon as this dang house is done and finished (should be starting it any day now!), I think we’ll probably start trying.  :)

     

    Once we have some room, and a yard…things will be so much better!  I’ll be less stressed from no longer being surrounded by stuff everywhere.  This tiny little apartment is just packed with almost every inch of space with STUFF, there’s only small foot and half walk-way space.  Don’t get the wrong impression that I’m a pack-rat or hoarder or something, I’m definitely not.  We just took 5 bags to Goodwill yesterday.  This place is just so small!

    Lowell always comments about how he ever let me pick this place to live, and I always have to remind him about location, location, location.  It’s close to stores, I got a job within a week of moving here within 5 minute walking distance, and lots of places to eat near by, etc.

    Things will definitely be so much better once we get this house.  There’s a HUGE kitchen, a HUGE great room, a HUGE master bedroom for us, a loft for additional space which we’ve already talked about possible turning into a 4th bedroom if we have more than 2 kids!  I just can’t wait.  August seriously can’t come fast enough!  I’m ready to move in and finally be settled and have a place to call our own!

    As soon as they start on it, I’m sure I’ll try and update with photos as much as I can!

    I can’t wait.

    Welcome to the world little baby Ben.  Uncle Lowell and Auntie Erin can’t wait to meet you, and hold you, and take care of you, and be a part of your life!

    With all the love in the world, from Indianapolis, IN, hugs and kisses are ready and waiting just for you!

    ,

    ib

     

  • Plant Table

     

    I love this beautiful, crisp, clean kitchen.

    And I love the flower pot table by the window.

    Ideas, ideas!

    Maybe a pretty table with some unique flower pots, pretty flowers, vases, and books next to our big window in the living room!  Such a great idea, and I’ve been battling on ideas on what to put there.  The couch?  Nah.  Nothing?  Nah.

    I think I’m liking this idea.

    What do you think?!

    ,

    ib

     

  • Baked Teriyaki Chicken

     

    • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
    • 1 tablespoon cold water
    • 1/2 cup white sugar
    • 1/2 cup soy sauce
    • 1/4 cup cider vinegar
    • 1 clove garlic, minced
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 12 skinless chicken thighs

    Directions

    1. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the cornstarch, cold water, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger and ground black pepper. Let simmer, stirring frequently, until sauce thickens and bubbles.
    2. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
    3. Place chicken pieces in a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Brush chicken with the sauce. Turn pieces over, and brush again.
    4. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Turn pieces over, and bake for another 30 minutes, until no longer pink and juices run clear. Brush with sauce every 10 minutes during cooking.
    I’m dying to try this recipe.  As soon as I give it a try, I’ll be back to give it a rating.  Let me know if you guys try it, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
    Found it HERE.

    SO YUMMY!!
    <3,
    ib
     
  • Lazy Saturday

     

    Today is just a lazy day of catching up on shows, True Blood Season 3, posting some long overdue items on ebay for work (search for TechReplay2 to see what I’ve got for sale!), getting some All Dog Blog posts set up for the week, answer emails, and spending time with the FurKids.

    I was going to do a little online shopping, but believe it or not my horoscope said to watch my spending, so I’m not even going to look around!  :)  It’s really taking all of my will power!

    We heard back about the house on Tuesday, and they’ve bumped us into early August, instead of our preferred closing of Mid-July, so that sucks.  Oh well, I guess it gives us a little bit more time to save some dough, for the things we’ll need or want to buy:  washer/dryer, new bedroom set, fence, maybe a new living room set, over the stove microwave, garage door opener, etc.  Just to name a few things!  lol

    Here’s a photo of the model we chose in the subdivision!

    It will look very similar to this, similar colors, etc.  The porch will come down and be above the front door (in-between front-door and window), and we won’t have the pillar.  I’m so incredibly excited I can barely stand it anymore!  Lowell can’t either.  We talk about it constantly, and we just can’t wait until they actually start laying down the foundation, and start building.

    It’s almost agonizing at this point, considering we started this whole process in October.

    I can’t wait till I can actually start posting photos of the actual build.

    This is our first house, and I’m so grateful that we have this opportunity to build and design what we want.  Thankful that we both have good jobs to support both our dreams and build our dream home at such a young age.

    In other great news, Lowell is about to be in Uncle for the first time next month!  And I’ll be an Aunt!  Mid to late May, Lowell’s little sis, Kelly and her husband Scott, are having a little baby boy they’re naming Benjamin Thomas!  We’re planning on going out to Oklahoma when he’s born and I’m sure I’ll share that news with you guys and post some pics of the little guy too!

     

    Isn’t that the most precious photo!  I wish they lived closer, and we miss them so much!  Scott is an officer in the Army, and they recently just moved there so he could finish his training.

    We can’t wait to go visit and spend some time the both of them, and meet our new nephew!

    Time to take a shower, run some errands with LJ, and get some more work done!  Still have lots of items to post, and lots of posts to write for the blog.

    Until later...

    ,

    ib

     

  • Stressed

     

    Totally stressed.

    Typical end of the month.

    Sales.

    Working like a dog.

    M-U-S-T

    H-I-T

    G-O-A-L.

    BLAH.

       

    So behind on the blog, TONS of stuff to review, potential advertisers to get back to.  Next week, for sure.

    Finally heard back from Mike about our house meeting!  May 10th we meet with the builders to go over the Blueprints, so finally some good news!  Wasn’t the news we wanted, (being so late and we were supposed to hear something and go over blueprints this month) but oh well!  Progress is being made at least!

    Stopped at Starbucks after work and got a Venti Mocha Frappuccino.  OMG.  I haven’t had one of those in forever, not since they did away with the Orange Mocha Frapps.  Gotta try this….CHEAPER!!

    Homemade version of Starbucks Frappuccinos
    Ingredients
    • 1 1/2 cups crushed iced
    • 2-1 ounce shots of espresso OR use 3/4 cup of double strength (strong) coffee mixed with 1/2 cup of milk and increased crushed iced amount by 1/4 cup.
    • 3/4 cup your choice of milk
    • 3 tablespoons sugar (more or less depending on preference)
    • optional whipped cream in a can or freshly made and chocolate syrup
    Instructions
    1. Blend all the ingredients except the whipped cream in a blender for 30-45 seconds. Pour into a tall glass and top off with whipped cream and garnish with chocolate syrup. Best served with a straw.  Enjoy!

       

    Taking a break from posting things for work.  It’s all I’ve done all day!  Only 3 more days.  Only 3 more days.  We definitely need a little mini-vaca.  Maybe this weekend we can go up to the lake house for a little R & R.  It’s been non-stop since January and it would be really nice to get away and get some fresh air!

    Just remembered I need to order some gifts for Mom’s Day!

    ,

    ib

  • Essential Oils & Hanging Herb Garden

    I'm not going to lie, I know NOTHING about using essential oils or growing herbs.  Heck, I can't even keep a plant alive!

    I've never used them.  I don't even know where to buy them!  But I've been reading a lot about them, and all the beneficial uses for tons of things like cleaning, relaxation, healing, you name it they probably do it.  I know I've heard all about how great they work, and how clean and non-toxic they are, but obviously I've never really paid much attention to any of it, or I've just tell myself, "Yea, sure.  I'll look into another time."

    Now is the time.

    We've really become a society that loves the quick fix.  Have a stain, or a sprain we run out to the store and buy something in can that pollutes the air, or pop a capsule that has a bunch of ingredients we have no idea what they are!  To me that just seems like an alarm should be going off on our heads that something is no right.  It almost seems like we've all just become science experiments, outsourced our bodies and have given over control to advertising and marketing schemes.

    Well, no more.  Before I immediately turn to the store, I'll look for another solution that is healthier and in the long run, safer.  Starting an herb garden and stocking up on essential oils is my new goal.  It's funny, because today I came across a free booklet all about the basics of herbs.  You have no idea how excited I am to receive this in the mail!  The sooner it arrives, the sooner I can get started living a cleaner, healthier life!

    And check this out...

    ...growing your own herbs in a SHOE ORGANIZER!?!  You better believe I'll be jumpin' all over this as soon as I receive my first paycheck (I started a new job this week, we just moved to a new place last week!)!  Buy some seeds, and get a gardinin'! :)  Well, after I read up on it some more...

    Now, where can I get some essential oils...?

    If anyone has any experience using essential oils and has any recipes they'd like to share with me, or growing herbs and has any suggestions for me, PLEASE SHARE!  I would love to learn more about these two topics from some pros or even amateurs who've already gotten started!

    As I get started, I'll post some photos of what's going on, and my progress!

    Wish me luck!

    ,

    ib

  • Tin-Can Lanterns

     

    Photo by Scott Phillips

    These are the cutest, and so eco-friendly!  What a great way to turn a great recyclable item into something useful and very stylish for your outdoor garden or patio!  I can’t WAIT to make some of these!  I also have some coffee tins I’ve been saving that I was going to turn into planters, but I may just turn it into a great candle-holder for my patio table.

    For directions on how to make these, head over HERE and get started!

    When I make some I’ll definitely post a few and let you know how they turned out!  I’m not sure I’ll use a leaf design, but I do like it.  Perfect for the outdoors!

    ,

    ib