Green Machine

One of our family's favorite smoothies to have is The Green Machine! I know that sounds unusual, but it is really yummy and full of nutritious goods. I also call it the Shrek Smoothie for my kids. I thought I would share the recipe so that you can enjoy it too, and fight off all those sicknesses out there.

1 C orange juice
6-8 oz. vanilla yogurt
1 frozen banana
1 heaping handful of fresh spinich
1 T agave nectar or honey
1 C ice

I know, I know, you are thinking spinich? I promise you cannot even taste it. You just have to try it. Just think, you are getting 3 servings of veggies and fruit in one smoothie! Enjoy!

I thought I would also give a shout out that Oprah posted the recipe for Serendipity's Frozen Hot Chocolate!

Celebrate!

Another birthday was celebrated in our home, Chris'! We headed to the new Olive Garden by our house since we had not been yet. Can I say that it is such a pain taking kids to a restaurant!We came back home to open a few gifts. The kids were so excited, they just love birthdays.
McKay trying out Chris ' head messager. I know this seems silly, but it feels soooo good. I discovered it at my parents house and had to purchase one for our family.
One of Chris' favorite desserts, coconut creme pie! Blow out the candle!

Isn't he adorable?

I just had to share Trenton's 2 year old pictures.

Disco fever

Check out our dancing family!
http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/mnohLRy4yUjTGLqi

Sisters Retreat

2 years ago we had a perfect addition to our family, my sister-n-law, Lauren. We planned a sisters retreat to have some serious California fun. Mom, myself, Brooke and Lauren played non-stop and did some serious bonding! Here are some pictures from our weekend together:
To kick off the weekend right, we wanted to do a session at the Newport Beach Temple. Unfortunately my recommend expired two weeks ago, and I completely forgot to renew it. Whoops!
So instead we headed to Sprinkles for a 4 dollar cupcake. Ridiculous! I can now say I've tried it, and do not even get what the big deal is? I think cupcakes from a cake mix are better than those. LOL!

We made and wrapped some very addictive caramels.
We went shopping in LA in search of some pieces of jewerly and a few other things. After we got home, we snuck into our pjs and got straight to work on our charm necklaces.
We made neckalces similar to these, my camera would not co-operate in taking a picture of my necklace. I stamped all of my kids names on 3 separate charms. Darling!
The results of our morning pedicures.
I had to take a picture of my lunch, the presentation was so pretty. This guy was hilarious! We watched him from the balcony where we were eating. He was singing at the top of his lungs with a cardboard guitar at this busy intersection. I'm sure he had some loose screws.

A must try

This is soooo good. It is just like the Alice Spring Chicken from Outback. It is my new favorite meal, and for sure has a place in my recipe file. As I have mentioned in the past, food has to be packed with flavor for me to be impressed, this gets 5 stars in my book!

Smothered Chicken

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Garlic powder and seasoned salt to taste
1 T. vegetable oil
8 oz. button mushrooms, cut in half or quarters
1 c. shredded Cheddar cheese blend
½ c. chopped green onions
½ c. real bacon bits (real bacon works best and tastes the best)
½ c. tomatoes
1 bottle BBQ sauce

Flatten chicken breasts to ¼ in. thick (or just cut chicken breasts in half horizontally). Sprinkle with seasonings. In a skillet, brown chicken in oil for 4 min., or until mostly cooked through (you could also grill them if that is easier) In a separate pan saute cut up bacon until crispy. Drain the excess grease. Add mushrooms to the bacon and cook until mushrooms are soft. Place chicken breasts on a cookie sheet or in a 9x13 pan. Squeeze a generous amount of bbq sauce on top of each chicken breast. Top the chicken with the mushroom and bacon mixture. Sprinkle the cheese all over the tops of the chicken breasts. Cover and cook until chicken is done and cheese is melted, about 10 minutes. When chicken is finished, top the chicken breasts with the fresh tomatoes and green onions. Serve with garlic mashed potatoes and honey mustard sauce( I didn't care for the sauce, the chicken is just as good without it.)



Honey Mustard Sauce

1 c. mayo (can use fat free or low fat)
3/4 c. Dijon mustard
¼-1/2 c. honey
1/8 tsp. Cayenne pepper
2 T. Lime juice
1 tsp. Ginger powder

Mix. Add extra honey or lime for desired flavor.

Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

5 lb. russet potatoes (or red potatoes)
½-1 whole 16oz. tub sour cream (depending on how much moisture you need in your potatoes)
1 cube butter
8 oz. half & half or milk
Fresh or dried Parsley
1 clove garlic
Salt & Pepper
½ c. Parmesan cheese (optional)

Peel potatoes and cut into large chunks. Boil water and add potato chunks. Boil until potatoes are fork tender. Drain majority of water from potatoes. Mash potatoes with either an electric mixer or potato masher. Add whipping cream, butter, sour cream, garlic, salt, pepper & Parmesan cheese.

Copy Cat

Yep that would be me! I can't help it, I have so many talented friends who have such cute, fun ideas, and I have to make one of my very own. I love this birthday sign, you can use it over and over again because it is made from fabric. When you break it out, you know it is going to be a special day for someone!


I guess these stuffed witch boots were selling for 90 bucks at Swiss Days. WHATEVER! I'll make it for 8$ myself thank you! It looks so cute hanging on a door.