St. Patty's

I just got a couple pics yesterday of Riley and Hannah.

I wanted to make sure I captured Riley's shirt!

We had a nice day together.

Went to the mall; played outside; went for a walk and played indoors some too!

dress up

Riley has been playing dress up lately.

It's so fun!

She's mostly into the necklaces right now.

She's also into these boots. 

They were a hand-me-down and she loves them! 

She wants to wear them all the time (even though they're a tad big).

And, even first thing in the morning with her pajamas still on!

We're into play-doh now too!

Just some pics of our week...

We've been enjoying the outdoors every day too; the weather has been so nice.

Going outside after dinner has been extra fun - now that our days are longer!

Hope you all had a great week.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

back to simple

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately.

My priorities are out of whack again.

It happens.

I have to do what's best for me and my family.

With my hubby's return on my mind; I'm wanting to change the way I do some things around here.

I created this blog when Riley was born so that I could update family and friends with pictures and stories about her and our family.

I think at one point I had dreams and ambitions of making my blog bigger, but I'm realizing now it's not for me.

I want to go back to simple.

I will still be blogging but I'm not putting any pressure on myself as to how often I blog, the content I blog about, etc.

I may still post an occasional recipe with you (or something else personal) but my main focus on this blog will be my family.

Anyway, you may see some changes here and there on my blog and I wanted to give you the reason as to why.

Thanks for reading and sticking with me!

dough fun

Riley had fun making her first pizza!

(Grandma was kind enough to let her help.)

Actually, she just helped with the dough part.

I need to let Riley help me out more around the house.

In the kitchen; cleaning the house; doing chores.

Sometimes I honestly just don't think of it!

That and I don't want to deal with it, because she obviously can't help out that much.

On occasion she helps with laundry (dumping the clothes all over the floor)

or vaccuming (running it over and over the same spot).

She's at the age (almost 2) where she's wanting to help me!

(And really, I could use the help.)

I know I can let her help out in some more small ways.

What fun (helpful) things do you make a point to do with your kids?

I need ideas!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

I ran out of cookies.

It's a sad day when that happens!

I went ahead and made a new favorite of mine, realizing I never shared this recipe with you!

Reasons they are a favorite? 

They have peanut butter in them, and chocolate chips too!

All with no butter, less sugar and egg whites.  These are definitely a healthier cookie.  (Which I am into right now.)

These cookies are very light, soft and cake-like!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

(Printable Recipe)

Ingredients:

*½ cup granulated sugar

*½ cup packed brown sugar

½ cup creamy peanut butter

¼ cup water

¼ cup canola oil

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 large egg whites

1 large egg

2 cups all-purpose flour

*2/3 cup whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate mini chips

Directions: 

·         Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

·         Combine first 8 ingredients in a large bowl; beat with mixer at medium speed until smooth.

·         Combine flours, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl; stir with a whisk.

·         Add flour mixture to peanut butter mixture, stirring just until combined.

·         Stir in mini chips.

·         Drop dough by tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart on baking sheets (lined with silicone baking liner).

·         Bake for 12 minutes or until golden.

·         Cool on a wire rack.

* Original recipe calls for 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup brown sugar.  It also calls for only all-purpose flour but I always like to add some whole wheat flour in too!

Source:  slightly adapted from Cooking Light, December 2008

Enjoy your weekend!

Shamrock Shake

Hi, March!

Welcome.

I'm so very glad you are here.

You will bring spring with you...(yay!)

and we're one month closer to my hubby being home!

But first, let's enjoy some (homemade) Shamrock Shakes together.

Oh, how I love these shakes.

I was introduced to them a few years ago.

(Yes, I lived most of my life never knowing they existed!)

And ever since, the second March hits I want to drive to McDonald's and buy me a green, mint-y shake!

Not this year.

I can't.

You see, the last couple times I've had them - I felt ill afterwards.

(Sad, but true.)

They are too heavy; too rich.

I'm a wimp.

I'm used to skim milk and light ice cream so the real versions are tough to handle sometimes.

(Yet, I could eat six cookies in a row?!  I don't get it either.)

So, this year I wanted to make my own!

I used skim milk, reduced fat vanilla ice cream, and vanilla protein powder.

Yummy in my tummy.

I honestly can't say I will ever buy a McDonald's shake again.

I mean, who knows.

All I know is I can create a lower fat version at home and it tastes even better (it does!) and doesn't make me want to barf all over the place after I drink it.

Ha ha.

How thirsty are ya now?!

Shamrock Shake

(Printable Recipe)

Ingredients:

1 to 1 1/2 cups low fat vanilla ice cream

1 cup skim milk

1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract

1/2 - 1 scoop vanilla protein powder

green food coloring

Directions:

• Blend all ingredients in blender.
• Adjust the ingredients to your taste preference - more ice cream for a thicker shake; more peppermint extract for more mint, etc.
• Enjoy!

Makes one (large) serving

Source: slightly adapted from allrecipes.com



I love you, March.

I love you, green shakes.