Pumpkin VoxBox & The Unbeatable Taco Fries

I've blogged about Influenster before, and I'll do it again. This incredible online company continues to send our family samples and free products to test, and the Pumpkin VoxBox was certainly a welcome surprise. It was full of really great products like Downy fabric softener, scented markers, delicious snack squares, and coupons to redeem for free products at my local grocery store.

Alexia was one of the companies that included a coupon for a free package of fries. We've had Alexia sweet potato fries before, so I wanted to try something new. The rosemary variety caught my eye, so those came home with us.

Along with the fry coupon, Yucatan Guacamole was another freebie that we picked up. Found in the refrigerated section, I was pleasantly surprised how fresh and flavorful this store bought guac tasted. I'm pretty particular about my guacamole, and I was rather surprised to find that this really measured up to my homemade recipe.

What better way to enjoy these two products than by creating a unique recipe that incorporates both?

So, I came up with these amazing taco fries. A spicy take on your typical chili/cheese fries, I topped the Alexia rosemary fries with seasoned taco meat, shredded cheese, fresh diced veggies, and a whopping scoop of Yucatan Guacamole.

Needless to say, these were delicious, and I think they would especially make a great meal for a sporting event or tailgate party. They were incredibly easy to throw together, and oh so satisfying.

The great thing about these fries is you can completely customize your dish to suite your preference. I used 1 pound of ground beef, 1/2 c. cheese, 1 small onion, about 1 c. cherry tomatoes, and a half of a cucumber. One whole bag of fries and that pound of meat was more than enough to feed our family of four. In fact, you could easily create 8 very filling portions!

Note: I received these products free from Influenster for testing purposes. These opinions are completely my own. I am not monetarily compensated for this post. #farmtoflavor #contest

Recovering From a Broken Family

I never considered my family to be broken. I never felt robbed of a childhood that society said I should have. We lived in a middle-upper class home with 4 bedrooms. My parents never had to miss work because their high-mileage, low quality car wouldn't crank. They never had to decide between keeping the lights on or putting food in the pantry. I never had to recover from the debilitating blows of divorced parents.

My brothers and I participated in sports. We took a vacation every summer, and despite a cluttered and chaotic house, we always had more than enough toys and electronics to keep us busy, a playhouse in the backyard, and a new (to us) car on each of our 16th birthdays.

We were truly blessed.

I met my husband in high school. We started dating my sophomore year and like many teenage romances, we fell head over heels. I was enamored by his independence, spontaneity, and self-reliance. He had freedoms and flexibility. He was kind and funny and good looking. He was edgy and mysterious, but warm and inviting.

In hindsight, those years simply flew by. More than a decade later, we've built a steadfast foundation of love and commitment. Together we've grown and experienced and discovered what it's like to become independent adults. We've been blessed with two healthy, outgoing, and mischievous kids, and thanks to them, we have an entirely different perspective on life. They have opened our eyes and have helped us to become the type of people we've always wanted to be.

Having kids also introduced us a new understanding of familial relationships.

My husband didn't have a picturesque childhood. He hates for old skeletons to be drug out of the closet and he certainly doesn't appreciate it when personal matters are shared so publicly - especially on social media - but I feel the need to establish that our family dynamics are nothing short of polar opposite.

I talk to my mother almost daily. Although we've had our fair share of strained seasons over the years, my parents have never backed down from their supportive and generous roles. Not once have I ever questioned their adoration and dedication to their children. They aren't perfect, but they've always been there for me. Always. They are active in our lives, make an effort to be present, and in turn, we do the same.

My husband, on the other hand, could write a book, or maybe even a TV series about the unbelievable, outlandish, and mind-boggling scenarios he faced growing up. From the constant roller coaster of a father with bi-polar disorder, inconsistencies of repeated moves, separation, abandonment, dishonesty, and isolation, his concept of 'family' was basically shattered.

Numerous psychology studies have shown that children from broken homes are significantly more likely to develop addictions, destroy relationships, and experience profound bouts of depression.

My husband's past was more than enough to identify exactly what type of family he desired to have in the future. It is very much the opposite of the dysfunctional unit he came from, but creating that sturdy assembly has not been easy. You see, even when your family is sloppy, disorganized, and absurd, you still cling to them with the hope that one day it might change.

His family continues to rise and fall. They come in and out of our lives like the tide. The smallest disagreement or miscommunication sets off a spark that leads to a 10-gallon drum of explosives. Hope builds on the potential for months, and then collapses with the minuscule weight of a toothpick. Unpredictable. Messy. Deceptive. Disappointing.

Don't get me wrong. There have been plenty of tolerable moments, and even some really good ones over the years, but they never seem good enough to push their relationships over that hurdle of dysfunction. The good moments are just the eye of a raging hurricane. A brief moment of peace before the fury reconvenes. The mountains of pride, skepticism, disappointments, and letdowns only grow larger. And with each forgiving reprieve, that wound, just on the verge of being fully healed, is barbarically ripped back open. The sharp knives of spite cut deeper, and the resentment is nothing more than a cup of salt to accompany the sting.

My in-laws have waltzed in and out whenever it's convenient - and that statement swings both ways - we're entirely guilty of that as well, but we're also human. And we make mistakes too. We're really good at holding grudges and keeping score. We're not perfect, and we haven't entirely figured out how to perfect relationships. I have a hard time forgiving. I have an even harder time understanding the sheer disconnect, the grudges, the contempt, the maliciousness.

But one thing we've learned is that above all else, we have to guard our hearts. They are already scarred and damaged enough from our personal imperfections. They are fragile and delicate. When the same people keep dropping your heart on the floor, at some point, you learn, maybe you shouldn't let them hold it anymore.

In fact, when those same people throw daggers from across the room - regardless if they are directed at your heart or your back - you begin to avoid them altogether.

Recovering from a broken family is a very complex and obscure balance of forgiveness and protection. It is a strenuous and often painful journey of vulnerability and rationality. It's messy. It's uncomfortable. It's turbulent. It sucks.

But in the process of that recovery, you cling most to the ones who know how to nurture, safeguard, and sustain your heart. You embrace new beginnings that give you a clean slate. A fresh start. You hold on to what satisfies your soul and you surround yourself with the things that build you up - not a past (or people) that are determined to tear you down.

Once you have a taste of what's on the other side of a stormy and unstable mountain, you have very little desire to go back. And you certainly don't want your kids to be exposed to that mess either. I'm pretty sure that navigating puberty and high school will be challenging enough. In the meantime, we no longer wish to explain to our kids why some family members are so close in proximity, but choose to be absent. We don't want to tell them anymore how both grandparents can't come to their birthday party because they're too wrapped up in selfish disagreements. We like spending Christmas morning at our house - not shuffling all over town to 4 different households. We're through forcing them to hug family members they don't recognize, but should.

My husband has been battling the raging currents of a dysfunctional family for most of his life. I dived right into those rapids when I was really young, but I was too blinded by love to see how hard he was swimming to keep his head above water. We make an incredible team. And together we've found how much easier it is to swim when you allow yourself the opportunity to float on down the stream to calmer waters. When you build a sturdy boat, you can stay afloat.

Even still, when a storm brews upstream, we always feel the consequences of high water. I know it will eventually pass. The dust will settle. The flood will subside. It always does. But it doesn't make it any easier.

Every family is a little bit broken - some more so than others - but we - our small and steadfast unit of 4 - we're choosing to be a team. And we're not excluding anyone from participating, but there are boundaries and precedents - something so valuable and necessary for protecting our unit. We will not allow anyone to come between members of our team. We will support and encourage each other, always. We will treasure and protect our relationships with all that we've got. And most importantly, we will build our family on an unwavering faith and love for God.

Tastykakes Review

Influenster  has chosen our family once again to test a new product, and the kids couldn't be happier about this mailbox surprise! In fact, my 2 year old son, Simon, declared "It's your birthday mom!" when I opened our box.

They couldn't wait to try out the new, bite sized, mini cupcakes that come cutely wrapped in a set of three.

These fingerlings are the perfect size for a sweet fix, and regardless if you eat just one, or all three, they are delightfully satisfying.

Between my husband and my kids, I'm not so sure I'll get to enjoy a snack alone. In fact, I have a sneaking suspicion that most of those lovely little treats will be gone by the time I return home from work today.

We had the opportunity to sample the classic, Hershey's chocolate iced cupcakes with creme filling, but this brand also features two other delicious flavors: Reese's peanut butter kake and koffee kreme kake.

In addition to a full sized box of Tasty Kake Minis, our Influenster package also featured a koozie, party hat, and coupons to share with friends for $1 off their own box of mini cupcakes.

Although I've only had the pleasure of trying just one mini cupcake thus far, I thought they were quite moist and definitely tasty. The kids give them a thumbs up, and the husband likes them too. I especially like the design of the box and how convenient it is to store the cakes upright, without them getting smooshed in the snack drawer.

For more information about TastyKakes and their products, check out their social media pages at:

​Facebook and Instagram

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes and all opinions expressed in this blog are my own.

Do Nothing. And Nothing Will Change.

For whatever reason, I have always carried some very harsh and abrasive stigmas concerning mental health disorders.

They wouldn't suffer like that if they just used a little self control.

If only he/she would open their eyes and realize how much their actions are hurting those around them.

Seeking attention much?

I'm not sure where these deep rooted, endemic ideologies manifested, but I know one thing is true, despite a plethora of published scientific discoveries, several years of experience working in both health care and research, and a very raw and emotional relationship with a sibling that eventually lost in his battle with depression, I still struggle with understanding this dark, intimidating, and very complex realm of mental health.

I'm going to take a leap of faith with this post. I'm going to expose myself in ways that I've probably never done before. I'm going to make some very difficult confessions and admissions that I'm not always proud of. But I'm also going to shine a light on a very important topic that deserves a spotlight. Be prepared, this is long and rambling, but it has helped me in more ways than one to finally put my words on a page.

I am a very computationally minded person. I like clear-cut, obvious, black and white answers, but I like them to be detailed and specific. I like tests and analyses that can blatantly and clearly spell out a problem as well as a potential solution. I want to knows the ins, the outs, the whys, and the hows. Hashtagging #breakthestigma and #breakthesilence do nothing to unpack, flesh out, and expose the underlying reasons why those stigmas and assumptions are there to begin with.

I also tend to be somewhat of a skeptic. Especially in today's selfish society, my trusting nature has been shattered by deceit, corruption, and self-absorption. I have been discouraged by the repeated laziness, apathy, and a sheer lack of work ethic that seems to be taking over a significant percentage of our generation. Unfortunately, I confess, I have judged, made assumptions, and falsely accused others because of ignorant speculations that emerge from my own brokenness.

Many symptoms of mental health dysfunction are self reported, which is the most likely source for some of my suspicions. Paired with a very ingrained belief that we're all capable of overcoming setbacks and obstacles, I can't seem to shake the question: why can't they just change the way they think? Why can't they just make a conscious choice to be different? 

In my mind, I've (ignorantly) convinced myself that everyone has the sole ability to walk away from their mental health disorder and choose to think/act/behave etc. differently.

To say that the topic of mental health is gray in color is an understatement. But my black and white brain is always searching to learn more.

Science continues to show us the physiological mechanisms by which depression, anxiety, and other major mood disorders present themselves. The same can be said of a myriad of other diagnoses such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, post traumatic stress syndrome, and postpartum depression. Most of these disorders have a biological origin, and luckily, many of these can be improved or even eliminated by pharmaceutical interventions.

Yes, behavioral interventions like therapy, meditation, and prayer can also set off a physiological cascade that may (or may not) have a profound impact on the body's natural functions, but when it comes to establishing chemical balances, these methods are not always as effective.

Even something like a moderately stressful day can set off a chain reaction inside our brains that can take several days to recover from.

I recently came across a viral blog post, A Letter To Those Affected By My Anxiety, and I was immediately inclined to write about how this brave girl's words resonated with me. For the first time, I was able to get an honest and understandable look inside what it felt like to battle this disease, but be able to do nothing about it.

One of my biggest frustrations when discussing this issue with my own brother was the fact that he could never voice or explain how it felt. He was never able to fully articulate the all-consuming burdens that rendered him completely helpless, or perhaps it was me who just couldn't understand what he was trying to say? He would freeze up, become silent, retreat into a shell of confusion, shrug his shoulders, and leave me with a frustrating and disheartening, 'I don't know.'

After years of him being unable to articulate what I wanted to hear, I found myself frequently drifting away from sympathy and settling into a state of annoyance and irritation. Not with his disease, but with him.

I would beg him, 'Are we not worth changing for? Don't you think about the consequences of your actions before or even during your thoughtless behaviors? Do you realize how your choices make US feel?'

In my selfish desire for affirmation, love, and attention from my brother, I failed to see that no, he probably could not stifle the emotional roller coaster of his severe depression and behavioral addictions, not even for the ones he loved most. The physiological imbalances and biological imperfections would entirely take over, completely hindering his ability to practice self control.

This is not to say that he deserved a free pass throughout his struggle. His actions, despite a mental illness, were very hurtful, often morally wrong, and almost always left irreparable damage.

But failing to accept that he had a physical illness, which often rendered him both physically and emotionally unable to make sound and conscious choices, did not help our relationship nor the recovery process that inevitably ensued after each gambling spree, each item stolen, each lie, and each attempt to end his life.

His mental illness was never enough to justify the pain and heartache that we experienced as a result of his choices.

I am privileged to be a research subject in a study investigating gastrointestinal responses to the food we eat. Part of this study recently included a series of electrodiagnostic tests which ultimately create a general report about your body's automatic response to mildly stressful stimuli.

As expected, both times I completed the series of breathing and physical tests, the report indicated that I likely suffer from moderate anxiety and therefore, a titre prescription was recommended to address these physical abnormalities. The completely involuntary reactions, electrical signals, heart rate, blood pressure etc. were disturbed, disrupted, and distressed beyond my own control, likely the result of a mild chemical/hormonal imbalance. My body was automatically sending me into a state of anxiety and there was nothing I could do to change it.

I was not surprised in the least to hear this information, but my shame and embarrassment were evident.

Nobody likes to admit imperfection, especially a perfectionist like myself, but the more I've thought about my experience the more I'm starting to understand that there is absolutely no shame in the body that God gave me - physical and emotional 'abnormalities' and all.

As many have already done, I could write an entire blog post about the recent, tragic events that unfolded in Virginia a few weeks ago where two innocent people were barbarically gunned down by a cruel, deranged individual. Throughout these various stories, blogs, and personal accounts, people have repeatedly exchanged the words 'criminal' and 'mentally ill.'

I cringe and my heart breaks.

Yes, this catastrophic and very graphic incident is deplorable.

But you want to know what else is disgusting and disheartening? The repeated association that folks who suffer from a mental illness are likely to commit such a heinous act - well, it makes it very difficult for our society to understand that not all mentally ill people have vicious hearts. Constantly pairing the term 'mentally unstable' with a predisposition to carrying out hate crimes is damaging. In more ways than one. Statistics don't lie, but if we're trying to break down the walls of any 'unfair stereotype,' be it race, gender, income, mental state, you name it, I think it's fair to say that we cannot always be deceived by ignorant conventions.

Yet another reason why my own personal stigmas may be so deeply ingrained and hard to overcome...

But back to the topic of mental health. This is where the issue still remains very gray.

How much of an affected person's actions and behaviors are controlled by their mental disorder? How many of their choices can they consciously make? Is there a way to quantitatively score or rate the severity of their dysfunctions so we know just how much we can realistically expect out of them?

In most cases, we'll never know.

But when it comes to other well known diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and even cancer, although we may not always have the right answer, the best plan of action, or the most effective treatment, we can only hope and pray for the best. We can support, encourage, and become more educated about the topics we encounter, so that we can not only take better care of our own bodies, but help others to do the same.

Most importantly, we can seek treatment. Someone with diabetes will only be able to self regulate their blood sugar so much using diet and exercise without eventually needing the help of medication or additional insulin. Ample sunscreen may not prevent cancer 100%. Not a fan of doctors? That's ok. Figure out a way to talk with someone. Start a journal. Pray.

As far as the person who's never experienced mental illness firsthand, it's so easy to judge and condemn others when we think they can do better, but God calls us to love. Before all else, we should love. Accountability and hard truths will fall into place if we establish and maintain relationships on an indestructible foundation of love.

Although I can't explain why people encounter struggle, I'm beginning to see and understand that maybe God has given me a taste of hardship so that I can be more understanding and loving to others who need support. Most importantly, my struggles, although small and insignificant compared to others', remind me to rely on God, for it is He who can give me ultimate peace.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, so in honor of my brother, please be kind to others. Please do not assume there is a quick fix to mental struggles. Open your minds and open your hearts. Most importantly, just love.

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Review

Influenster sent me another product to test out, so I'm writing up a brief post about my experience with Sally Hansen's Airbrush Legs makeup in the light shade.

Before trying the product, I thought this was some type of sunless tanner, but that's not exactly the purpose of this product.

Airbrush legs is a semi-temporary product that covers flaws and creates a smooth finish. It's like pantyhose in a bottle! However, if you buy a darker shade, it can certainly double as a bronzing product as well. Keep in mind, this product does wash off with soap and water.

As you can see from this particular shade on my skin tone, there wasn't a lot of additional color, but the product was sufficient at covering some flaws like dark spots, pores, and general discolorations. I would be very interested to see how much darker my skin would look if I tried the Medium tone.

(with)          (without)

Overall, I'm very satisfied with Sally Hansen's Airbrush Legs makeup. It was very easy to apply. It did not rub off on my clothing, and seemed to last for several hours. A quarter sized dollop was enough to cover one leg. If you are self conscious about varicose veins, scars, or other flaws on your legs, this is an ideal product to create a smooth finish. It's especially perfect for special occasions!

I received this test size bottle complementary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Meals on the Cheap: $7 and under!

It's been a long time since I've blogged, and that's primarily because we've significantly revamped the way that we eat. I've simplified our shopping, minimized ingredients, and streamlined our budget. As of lately, meals at our house consist of a basic meat, a starch, and a veggie. I've opted out of the more complex recipes because that just inflates our grocery bill.

Although I tend to be picky about variation, I've come across several fool proof meals that are not only easy, but affordable!

Naturally, food costs will vary depending on where you live and where you shop, but Aldi has been a very reliable go-to when it comes to creating a wholesome meal without spending a fortune. Here are some of our family's favorite meals that cost around $7 or even less!

- Lasagna ($3) with steamed veggies ($1.25). Aldi has a decent frozen lasagna that comes with 4 servings. It's not the fanciest dish, but it's sufficient and the kids like it.

- Hot dogs ($2), buns ($1.50), fries/tater tots ($1.50), canned fruit or green beans ($1)

- Cheese ($1.50) quesadillas ($1.75) with rice ($1) and black beans ($0.50)

- Pizzadillas (see cheese quesadillas above + pepperonis ($1.50)) with steamed veggies ($1.25)

- Frozen pizza ($3) with steamed or canned veggies ($1-1.25)

- Skillet meals - Aldi usually has a variety of frozen skillet meals that run ~$3 per bag. Our family of four usually eats most of 2 bags, with 1 or two servings left over for lunch the next day.

- Spaghetti: pasta ($1), sauce ($1.25), frozen or steamed veggies ($1-1.25), 1 lb. frozen turkey meat ($2) or 1 lb 80% lean ground beef ($3)

- Asian stir fry with chicken: sweet & sour or honey sesame chicken ($2.50), stir fry veggies with noodles ($2), egg rolls ($2).

- Breakfast for dinner - there are so many different options here because Aldi's prices on breakfast items are unbeatable. I'll just name a few of our favorites:

-frozen pancakes $1.50
-bacon $2.50
-frozen biscuits $2
-sausage links $2
-eggs ($2)

I could probably keep going on and on with prices and such, but at this point, you get the drift. There are SO many ways to create a simple, yet delicious and balanced meal at Aldi without spending a ton of money. Not to mention, it's really cut back on the time that I'm spending in the kitchen!

If you haven't already, go check it out for yourself!

Meatless Southwesthern Spaghetti Squash

So, I haven't blogged about food in a while because for the last three weeks I've really tried to make better choices when it comes to my diet. When that happens, I tend to simplify our meals with a protein and a few sides or when in doubt, I just fix a salad.

That leaves for a very boring and lonely blog.

Until now.

I created a delicious lunch the other day and I was astounded at the amount I could eat, for relatively few calories. So here is what I did:

1 c. cooked spaghetti squash (I cook mine by slicing squash in half, scooping out the seeds, and microwaving in a water bath for 7-8 minutes, or until soft. Use a fork to scrape out the squash. Super simple!)
1 tsp. taco seasoning
3/4 tsp. cilantro paste
1/4 c. frozen peppers/onions
just less than 1/4 c. frozen chopped spinach
just less than 1/4 c. frozen chopped kale
1/4 c. canned corn
handful of cherry tomatoes, sliced
1/2 avocado, chunked
2 tbsp. corn/black bean salsa
1/4 c. fat free, plain Greek yogurt (as a substitute for sour cream)

Toss the first 7 ingredients in a sauce pan and simmer for about 10 minutes until frozen veggies are cooked. Top with remaining ingredients.

It was so easy it almost hurts and wait for it, this entire plate full of yummyness was only 208 calories (give or take because I estimated on certain ingredients, but still.) It was SO filling.

Do yourself a favor and make this - even if you aren't on a diet, you could toss in some meat of your choice and make it super hearty. You won't be disappointed.

SoapBox Soaps In Review

I was elated to be chosen for Influenster's SoapBox Soaps campaign, and when I opened my full sized bottles of (completely free) shampoo and conditioner, I was even more excited!

I have been a member of Influenster for about 4 months, and so far, I've had the opportunity to sample and review a slew of products, in addition to a few online campaigns for eBay gift cards. If you aren't a member of this incredible (FREE) platform, you should. Sign up here with my referral link.

My box included the Bataua Fruit version of SoapBox's shampoo and conditioner. It has a very uplifting, fruity aroma and has worked incredibly well for my 'normal' hair. And by normal, I mean that I don't have any issues with curls, coloring, or excessive grease. If anything, my hair is a bit on the flat side, but ultimately, it is very average. There are three other scents available in SoapBox's shampoos and conditioners: argon oil, coconut oil, and acai berry. Of the four scents, my favorites are the argon and coconut versions because they have a very sophisticated, neutral aroma that isn't too feminine or fruity.

The SoapBox shampoo leaves my hair feeling very clean and healthy. The conditioner is also much lighter in texture and density than most other conditioners. It does not have a heavy residue or leave my hair feeling weighed down.

My husband tested it, but unfortunately, he suffers from a very dry scalp and some mild dandruff, so this product didn't really help with that issue. Although Bataua fruit does help to nourish the hair and scalp, I think the Argon oil version would be more appropriate for his needs.

One of the best things about SoapBox products is their commitment to humanitarianism. For every bottle of shampoo, conditioner, or hand soap purchased, they contribute a month of safe drinking water or a bar of soap to a community or population in need. There is a code on the back of each SoapBox product that can be entered on their website for a review of how that purchase has helped someone else. In light of a recent earthquake in Nepal, I am thrilled that SoapBox is taking the initiate to offer assistance and relief when so many people there could us it.

I love the fact that by purchasing from SoapBox, I am also contributing to the greater good of global society. I also love being a part of Influenster and getting the chance to test out new products!

I received these products complimentary for testing purposes.

Chicken Avocado Wraps and Copycat Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice

Yet again, I've slacked on my blogging. The entire start to 2015 has been a whirlwind of holidays, birthday parties, events, work, trying to maintain sanity etc. The past several weeks especially I have not been cooking incredibly lavish or creative meals.

Most of our dinners have included a protein basic (mostly chicken or baked fish) with a quick fix veggie and starch. We've thrown in the taco and spaghetti go-to's here and there, but truthfully, I haven't been feeling very adventurous in the kitchen.

I did however create a delish dinner a few nights ago that was a huge hit. Best of all, I may have discovered an alternative to Chipotle's delicious cilantro-lime rice. Although it's not exactly the same, it's pretty darn close!

So here's what I did:

I boiled up 2 large chicken breasts and chopped them finely. (I should probably mention that I settled on this meal option when I realized that 2 frozen chicken breasts were the last bit of meat in our entire house...alas, this was a very healthy meal that didn't cost a whole lot of money to make. Two gold stars for budget friendly and tasty!)

While the chicken was boiling, I put together the cilantro-lime rice. I just made quick-fix rice (~1-2 cups) and added a dash of garlic salt, 2-3 drops of doTERRA's Lime essential oil and some really great organic cilantro paste that I picked up from the grocery store:

I prepped the chopped chicken similarly - dash of garlic salt, teaspoon of cilantro paste, and 2 drops of lime essential oil. I also added about 1/2 of a small onion, finely chopped and mixed in the rice:

Prepare the burritos with a hefty scoop of chicken mixture, chunky-chopped avocado, and top with shredded cheese. Fold the tortilla closed and grill on medium heat for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown.

I served ours with more of that delicious rice and some black beans. Dinner success for no more than $8 max to feed our entire family. Win. Win.

From sickness comes healing

I haven't blogged in sometime. My freelance writing has been very steady. We've been blessed with some warmer days so our family has been taking advantage of every opportunity to soak in the sunshine and fresh air. And I'm not sorry.

In fact, I've been praying for a chance to live without feeling confined and restricted by the cold and yucky weather.

I've said it once, I'll say it again. God answers prayers, y'all. 

Which is exactly why I'm asking for them. Not for me, but for my parents.

Even a few months of being stuck inside has made me go stir crazy. My dad has not only been stuck inside his house for the past SEVERAL months, but for years, he's been living in a body that just can't keep up.

Over the past year alone, my dad has endured 6 different surgeries on one hip. Improper fit and recurrent infection has left its fair share of scar tissue, both on his leg and in our hearts. It's frustrating to see someone you love suffering and have to endure a plethora of medical treatments only to finish right back where he started.

These past 10 months or so have been a whirlwind of hospital stays, PICC and central lines, daily IV antibiotics, numerous dressing changes, wheel chairs, disappointments, progress, setbacks...

Just over two weeks ago, my dad underwent what we were hoping to be his last hip surgery. After 6 weeks of an antibiotic-laced, concrete spacer in his leg, they fitted him with a shiny, new artificial hip and after the surgery, he felt great.

For the first time in years, I could see his spark returning. He had energy. He was motivated. He was excited. We were all optimistic.

And then, just 14 days following his surgery, he suddenly spiked a fever. After arriving at the ER his blood pressure plummeted.

The past two days have been yet another whirlwind of lab work, bacterial cultures, multiple IVs, medication to stabilize blood pressure, elevated white blood cells, a slew of opinions on the best course of treatment etc. and finally - a culture result of streptococcus bacteria grew from the extracted fluid inside the hip.

Sometime today, he will undergo yet another surgery to open the incision and flush out the hip.

I shouldn't forget the faithful sidekick that has undoubtedly been my dad's biggest fan. My mom: the warrior, the nurse, the taxi driver. Pray for her too - this entire process has been equally draining and frustrating, but my goodness, what an example of God's love she's been. She has certainly been a bridge over troubled water - not only for me, but for so many people around her. They will never know how grateful I am for their devotion to each other. 

When we are doubly discouraged and disappointed, it's easy to lose track of God's promise. After all, if He loves us so very much, why do we have to endure such pain, heartache, frustration? Why does my dad's vivacious spirit have to be stuck inside a body that is failing him? 

I can't answer those questions, but what I do know is that God has a very purposeful plan for my life, and for my dad's. 

From pain comes strength. From darkness comes light. From sickness comes healing. And from doubt comes certainty.

If God never let us experience what it felt like to suffer, struggle, fear, doubt, and worry, we would never know the triumph of success. We would never know what it felt like to be an overcomer. Sometimes He reminds us through our trials that He is the ultimate healer.

Upon review of my dad's chart, the doctors and nurses have been astounded at how well my Dad looks, despite his situation. Even when he's discouraged, he has a way of being strong.

So today, I ask that you pray for healing. Pray for the team of medical professionals that will be conducting my dad's surgery. Pray that the room is sterile, the bacteria is weak, and this surgery is successful in eliminating the bugs that continue to put up roadblocks on his journey to healing.

We're so ready for the summer sunshine. And we're ready for Skipper to be able to enjoy fishing trips and sandcastles on the beach.

doTERRA Essential Oils for Mental Health

It's no secret that the mental health system in our nation is lacking. Although most primary care physicians are willing and able to provide medications that will address a variety of chemical imbalances, there are a lot of folks who are reluctant to speak up about emotional ups and downs.

There are a lot of people who might go through seasonal lows, experience temporary periods of anxiety or mild depression, or simply get overwhelmed when life becomes exceedingly stressful. Just the daily grind itself can make you want to pull your hair out some days. Can I get a amen?

If that sounds anything like you, doTERRA essential oils may be the perfect solution to your mild emotional instabilities.

**Let me just stop right here - before I go any further - and clarify one very important point: if you are experiencing recurrent, regular, unchanging symptoms of severe depression, please seek help from a licensed medical professional. Mental disorders are most often classified by a chemical or hormonal imbalance in the brain - a biological dysfunction that may only be helped with prescription intervention.**

From my own personal experience taking a prescribed serotonin reuptake inhibitor shortly following the birth of my second child, a couple of months taking a daily pill was enough to get me back to my normal self again. I was so glad to stop taking that medicine, but I'm a mom. I'm human, and some days still just get the best of me. This is why I am so grateful to have found doTERRA essential oils.

There are a variety of blends and single oils that are great for treating mood swings, disparity, lack of motivation, insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, stress and the list goes on. Here are some of my favorite EOs and how they are most often used to address common mental health concerns.

The Mood Matrix is a great tool to figure out which exclusive doTERRA oil blend is going to be most effective for your current emotional state.

Serenity has a smooth, soft, sweet aroma with notes of lavender and sandalwood. It is great for diffusing at night to promote relaxation and sleep.

Citrus Bliss is a combination of the citrus oils with a touch of vanilla. It is very reminiscent of a creamsicle.

Balance is a sweet, earthy aroma with hints that remind me of luscious trees perfectly paired with a salty sea breeze. It is the perfect blend for reducing stress and promoting relaxation.

Elevation is also a floral and citrus based blend that promotes rejuvenation. It reminds me of the first warm spring days following a harsh winter. It is a very uplifting blend that is both refreshing and joyful.

Vetiver has a very woodsy scent. It is earthy and pure. One of my friends described this oil with the following:

'Whenever I feel like I'm going to yell a my kids, I put on some vetiver to calm me down.' Truth.


For me personally, I feel that the citrus oils (lemon, wild orange, bergamot, grapefruit etc.) are great for an uplifting boost. I prefer to diffuse these oils in the morning for an instant pick-me-up.


I prefer the soft, earthy scents toward the end of the day when I need to regroup, unwind, and relax from a busy day. Lavender, cedar wood, sandalwood, Roman chamomile are just a few.

Another source of emotional ups and downs for a lot of women is their menstrual cycle. Although this is another topic entirely, I do believe that addressing your cyclic swings and sexual health is a key component for overall mental health. doTERRA's Clary Calm rollerball blend is excellent for addressing hormone fluctuations, mood swings, PMS symptoms, menopause and more.

I wasn't a huge fan of the sexual side effects that occurred from the prescription medication I took shortly after having Simon. Once I got my hormones back under control, I have found that these oils help to keep me in check. They ease my frazzledness, calm my stress, and help me to relax when I'm wound up.

If you have days like my momma said...like my momma said, check out these great blends and single oils from doTERRA. They just might change your life!

Pinwheel Taco Salad

I threw together a quick lunch on this beautiful snow day that was originally inspired by a recipe I had seen on Pinterest, but not very far into the construction of the bite sized taco bites I realized that my attempts were yielding something that looked nothing like the ones in the picture.

Instead of being frustrated that my plan was not going the way I wanted, I ran with it. These unintentional, palm sized pinwheels were perfect under a simple, southwest inspired salad and were incredibly filling.

These would also be very easy to make ahead and freeze for a quick snack, lunch or dinner on the fly.

*tips: allow cooked meat to cool significantly before topping the crust. Warm meat will cause the dough to become soft, stretchy and difficult to handle. Use a sharp, serrated knife to cut the pinwheels.

If you prefer to make bite sized pinwheels, cut the crust in half before topping and rolling so they make two smaller spirals rather than 1 large one


Ingredients:

1 canned pizza crust flattened.
1 lb ground meat of choice - we used turkey.
1 c. Shredded cheese
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
salad toppings of choice
we used lettuce, cherry tomatoes, diced yellow bell pepper, salsa, avocado, and sour cream.

Other options include corn, black beans, rice, raw onion, you name it.

Cook meat, drain of necessary, add taco seasoning. You don't want this mixture wet or it will cause the dough to become soggy.

Spread out the crust and top with seasoned meat and cheese. Tightly roll the crust into a log and slice into approximately 1-2 inch pinwheels.  Bake at 350 on a lightly greased cookie sheet until crust is browned.

Top with salad fixings and serve. Enjoy y'all!

My Oil Story

Six months ago our family battled endless runny noses, lingering coughs, virus after virus, and symptom after symptom, many of which I had no ability to address or safely treat with traditional, over the counter medications.

Seeing your child sick and being able to do absolutely nothing about it is such a helpless feeling. 

I didn't seek out essential oils - they found me - and we hit it off rather quickly.

Six months ago I had seen relatively few posts about essential oils, and even when I did, I didn't understand them and I had no clue what they were capable of. Truth be told, I was a skeptic. With a strong background in science, mechanisms of action, and a general understanding of how pharmaceuticals work, this entire platform just seemed...silly.

Until I tried them.

Even the sales pitch didn't really have me sold. It wasn't until I got the chance to sample some oils from my mom's kit that I started to see just how quickly they get to work, how efficiently they address problems, and how versatile they truly are.

Within a few days of using oils, I knew I wanted some for our family.

I decided on the doTERRA Family Physician Kit for a number of reasons, but the top two are:

1. It offered a wide variety of oils that would address our family's most common ailments and issues.

2. It is one of the most affordable starter kits available.

As someone who has never been involved in a tiered marketing company, I am still learning the ins and outs of this sales business, but so far, the free inventory that I have earned and the income has been completely worth it - in just the 6 short months that I have been a Loyalty Rewards Program following Wellness Advocate, I have earned well over $500 (retail value) worth of products, and each month, I have more coming. I've been able to drastically expand our inventory and even try some of the health/beauty/wellness products that doTERRA offers outside of essential oils.

Perhaps the most outstanding thing that we have gained from essential oils is more wellness. In the past, we would sit back and watch mild symptoms slowly progress into something worse, still without many options for treating them. Eventually, over the course of weeks sometimes, the symptoms would reside, and then the bug would move on to the next member of our family. We'd start all over again.

With essential oils, I can treat the initial symptoms and give our own immune systems the boost they need to fight off colds and viruses faster. Instead of allowing a runny nose to end in terrible chest congestion, I can diffuse Breathe and literally see my kids' symptoms begin to clear up.

We've found sleep aids, stress reducing blends, air purifiers, first aid treatments, and protection through the use of essential oils, and luckily, we've avoided the doctor's office for a sick visit this cold/flu season. Most people I know can't say that.

Essential oils are not a miracle cure, and I personally do not think they should completely replace modern medicine, vaccines, or a prescription medication if severe symptoms continue to progress. Oils are a supplement that offer balance, purity, detoxification, and homeostasis so our bodies can proactively defend and heal - faster and with more efficiency.

I love that we finally have a safe and effective option for addressing our family's common issues without making a trip to the doctor's office - from headaches to tummy troubles - essential oils are completely natural. EOs are incredibly potent and powerful, so if you are new to them, be sure to read up on their safety so you can avoid an unwanted reaction or sensitivity.

Sharing my love of oils with others has become a bit of a passion, so if you'd like to learn more about them, please let me know. You can also visit my website at www.mydoterra.com/maggiebohannon



The Reason I Will Probably Never Shop at Harris Teeter Again

In preparation for a pending blizzard (~ 4 inches) I knew I needed to run by the store on the way home from work and grab a loaf of bread. Not just to fit the stereotype of the South, but we truly were out of bread.

At work, I browsed through the weekly Harris Teeter ad and naturally, some of their specials caught my eye. There was also a printed $10 off store coupon that I cut out to help save me a few extra bucks. In the past I've gotten some decent deals with their B1G1 or two or three free sales so I made a short list and after work, I pulled into the very crowded parking lot. Had I not seen the sale add, I probably would have stopped at WalMart instead. Both are located along my route home. In hind sight, I probably would have saved more money there...

There is a large open cooler to the right side of the store, near the produce, where most on-sale items are kept. Generally the same item spans across the width of the cooler. Price tags are located along both sides and occasionally a sign is positioned right in the middle of the cooler highlighting the specials. I'm visual, so I drew a fancy little diagram to help describe what I'm talking about:

I approached the cooler with the intent of calculating the price per pound on two items: frozen chicken and shrimp.

I came up to the cooler from the right side, so I saw the cheapest shrimp option first (see yellow area, letter A - $25 and some change per bag of shrimp). Keep in mind this is the B2G3 free, so ultimately, after tax each bag would come to roughly $11 each. Or at least that's what I thought. I did happen to notice that there were two types of shrimp directly beside each other - item B - with a slightly larger size and larger price tag. The packaging looked identical, except for a number representing the amount of shrimp in the bag. Even that option would have only increased each bag by about $1. I assumed that because the sign was in the center, it applied to all present shrimp varieties - at this point I only saw and assumed that two different types were available. I was wrong.

At the checkout, the 3 free bag discount was not applied, and a kind associate offered to go exchange them for the correct ones. Sure, I thought, it will be the $27 bags and it should only add a few extra dollars to my total.

The store was busy, my mistake was causing a lot of people to have to wait in line, so I just went along with it. Only after getting to my car and reviewing the receipt did I discover that each bag of shrimp was almost $36 each! That's a $20 difference on my total bill. I furiously returned in the store carrying my receipt, walked to the cooler to review the price tags only to find the above labeled section C which contained a completely different size of shrimp. Mind you, the bags still had the same design, color scheme, etc. The only difference in the packaging was the number under the larger logo and print. Nearly identical.

Ok, so yes, this is a minor issue that could have been prevented if I had just passed on the shrimp. I reluctantly left the store, but I knew that had I paid more attention the first time around, this price difference would have been apparent. I can't help but think though that these shrimp were strategically organized as such to promote this exact scenario, or something similar. People rarely approach this cooler from the back side, and the sign itself was placed so that it indicated all shrimp in that section were applicable to the discount. Wrong.

Maybe I'm just being crazy, but every other product in the cooler was positioned so the same item could be reached from either side of the counter. Why were the shrimp the only item in this case that were arranged differently? Very misleading.

Speaking of some other products in that open cooler, bags of frozen chicken on the B1G1 sale broke down to $2.20/lb when you can ALWAYS get fresh chicken from the meat counter for $1.99/lb. Explain to me how that B1G1 is saving me any money?

A few aisles later, I came across the BBQ sauce that was on sale. I couldn't help but question the advertising tactics and the actual prices offered with these products. The sale price on a smaller bottle was actually cheaper per ounce than the more enticing idea of B1G1 free in the larger size.

Basically, do your math, folks. Sometimes sale signs are just used to get rid of inventory that's been sitting...amIrite?

Finally, Bird's Eye frozen veggies in the steamable bags were on sale as well for B1G1. The retail price for one bag was listed at $2.26. That comes to $1.13 for each bag. Most other grocery stores sell this same product for no more than $1 each. Sale? I think not.

I probably could have spent more time picking apart Harris Teeter's inflated price tags and not-so-great featured weekly sales, but I'll stop with these. It's retailers like this that make grocery shopping entirely more complicated than it should be. It's retailers like this that make consumers question honesty and integrity. I feel like customers are being taken advantage of here, and it sucks. I'm not so naïve to believe that Harris Teeter is the only store pulling these kind of stunts, but I just wanted to point out that if you are trying to make the most of your grocery budget, be careful and don't allow yourself to get sucked into the sketchy and misleading tactics of sales advertising. Live and learn, y'all. Live and learn.

I'm not really sure why I keep insisting on visiting different grocery stores and forcing myself to buy things when I know I can get better deals elsewhere. Can someone please develop a grocery retailer that offers double cart seats, great prices (like Aldi), but a bigger selection, and produce that doesn't rot in 48 hours? Is that too much to ask?

Kitchen Sink Quiche

I've never attempted to make quiche before, but last night, I got a craving for something savory...with sausage...and bacon, so quiche it was. With the addition of some extra veggies, I felt like this was the ultimate western omelet, on steroids, with a flaky crust.

Can I get a amen!?

I'm delighted with how this recipe turned out. It was fluffy, full of flavor and the kids ate it right up. So, here ya go!

Ingredients
1 uncooked, prepared pie crust
8 eggs
1 1/2 c. milk or cream (I only had milk on hand)
8 slices of bacon (we use the turkey variety because it's cheaper) cooked & chopped
1 1/2 c. ground sausage (I did a mixture of 1/2 mild and 1/2 maple flavor)
spoonful of minced garlic
1 1/2 c. shredded cheese
veggies of choice (I used diced onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms)

Cook and crumble sausage on medium heat until ~1/2 way cooked. Add garlic and optional veggies and sauté until veggies are cooked.

While meat and veggies are cooking, thoroughly whip eggs and milk. Add salt and pepper along with the cheese. Mix in meats & veggies. Unfold pie crust into deep dish pan. Pour egg mixture into pie crust and loosely top with foil. Bake at 400 for ~1 hour covered, followed by ~10-15 minutes uncovered to brown the top. Adjust cooking time if necessary - our quiche was incredibly thick so it needed quite a bit of time to cook up completely in the center.

We actually ate ours for dinner, but this makes a great breakfast or brunch treat too. Enjoy!

 

 

7 Ways to Make Money & Earn Free Stuff

Let's face it - people like making money and earning free stuff. I know I do. We have a very tight budget right now, so even if I'm not able to spend a lot of money when I go shopping, it just makes sense that I'm taking advantage of opportunities to rack up points that can be applied for free stuff, right?

Right.

In addition to being a proud doTERRA Wellness Advocate, I also do quite a bit of freelance writing on the side to supplement our income. These two platforms alone have helped our family tremendously.

1. doTERRA What can I say? I'm an essential oil junkie. Being a doTERRA wellness advocate has not only given us a little extra income, but I've been able to acquire quite the oil inventory....for free! Free product earnings depend on purchases and sales, but ultimately, I'm able to keep our family's oil box stocked with a little extra at no cost to me. If you'd like to learn more about oils in general, see my post Essential Oils 101. To earn wholesale price, free product credit, and income through this platform, visit this site and be sure to choose enroller ID: 1158991.

2. Fiverr - From childcare costs to Christmas presents, my earnings from writing are sent directly to my PayPal account which makes it super easy to conduct my online shopping, send a payment to friends/family, or transfer straight to my bank account. Fiverr's platform is set up so you can solicit your gig - be it graphic designing, content writing, voice overs, videos, photography, editing etc. Basically any skill that you can conduct using your computer is acceptable.

Newbies start off with limitations - they can only earn $5 per each gig, but as you earn clients and complete more work, you earn the ability to charge more, offer larger gigs, do bigger projects, and best of all, earn more money. Fiverr is a platformed designed to help you get paid for your work - it's not a get rich quick scheme, and you have to put forth the effort to see the earnings. If you have a digitally marketable skill, this is a great way for you to earn some extra money on the side. See my referral link here.

3. ShopKick app - ShopKick is a smartphone app that gives you points for visiting stores, making purchases, or scanning certain items. Most places do not require a purchase - simply walking into the store earns you points. You can also earn points for scanning certain items within the store. Points can then be redeemed for gift cards to a variety of different retailers and restaurants. It's a very easy way to rack up points if you need to go run some errands. I highly recommend this app, especially if you're out and about a lot so check it out here.

4. Survey Mini app - similar to shopkick, SurveyMini is a mobile app that uses location-based pings to generate short surveys about your shopping experiences as well as your household. Earn points that can be redeemed for retail/restaurant gift cards AND certain surveys give little freebies like a free BoBerry Biscuit from Bojangles, free menu item at Church's Chicken, or even a free DVD from the local pawn shop. Although it will take us some time to build up enough points for a gift card, it doesn't require much effort.

5. BestMark mystery shopping - BestMark is a legit mystery shopping company that offers mostly automotive, beauty counter, and restaurant mystery shops - in my area that is. There is an occasional electronics store shop too. I have gotten several free oil changes and tire rotations for Blake's vehicle, and best of all, they pay CASH on top of the service reimbursement. We've also been out to dinner a few times and had the tab paid back to us for completing a fairly simple survey. Most shops do not allow kids, so if you are a parent, you'll need to arrange these outings solo. Regardless, it's a very quick and easy way to get a little extra cash for the places you likely need to go anyways. BestMark offers referral bonuses too, so be sure to sign up here and then share your own referral link to your friends!

6. Zulily - Zulily offers tremendous discounts on major fashion brands for men's women's and children's clothes. They also sell tons of toys, educational materials, household items, and decor. I've been shopping on Zulily for about three years now, and honestly, even though I've had a few issues with late shipping or a cancelled order, the customer service department is probably the best that I have ever dealt with.  I browse inventory regularly, but really shop the most right before Christmas or when they have major seasonal blowout sales. If you refer friends and family (and they place an order) you earn an extra $15 shopping credit for ever successful signup. If you haven't set up a Zulily account yet be sure to take advantage of their excellent deals here.

7. Influenster - Influenster is a great platform for getting free stuff! They have a large product database for leaving reviews and asking questions. Fill out surveys and answer questionnaires about your consumer habits, favorite products etc. for chances to qualify for VoxBoxes - completely free samples of things like food, cosmetics, cleaning products, beauty supplies etc. It's completely free to sign up - no obligations and no requirements. Check it out here.

So there you have it folks. The seven sources that our family uses to earn free stuff and additional income. Have fun!

Making Your Food Choices Go Further

I'm going to take a second here and be a little geriatric. There was a time in our lives that we didn't really have to think too much about our purchases. We didn't worry about expenses nearly as much, we ate out a lot, and I didn't think twice about making that unnecessary, but very fulfilling purchase of new shoes.

The economy, job changes, two kids - life happens, and perhaps now more than ever, we have to be very cognizant about our spending habits. Although it takes time and dedication, meal planning has truly saved us a ton of money when it comes to the grocery bill. In addition to making wiser choices about what we eat, I've developed some tips and tricks for making your food budget go a little further.

1. Keep it simple - Unfortunately, I was blessed with a very spontaneous and sporadic set of taste buds. I would not classify myself as a picky eater because I'll try and eat almost anything, but it's my current cravings and preferences that get in the way. Truth be told, I don't like to fix the same recipe twice. I like to make it different, change it up, be a rebel.

Part of minimizing our grocery bill includes the necessity for simple meals. A basic protein + veggie + starch kind of plate or even those quick fix skillet meals or single dish entrees. I typically meal plan for 2-week spans, and at least 3 of the meals within that list (of 14+ dinners) are usually something like frozen lasagna or skillet chicken teriyaki. Many of these other dishes include a more involved recipe for the protein portion along with canned or frozen veggies and a box of mac & cheese, quick fix mashed potatoes, or instant rice.

Basically, I focus my attention on the main dish aspect, and fill in the holes with side items that can be thrown in the microwave or a saucepan.

I have had to get over a lot of my persnickity preferences, but ultimately I have become more satisfied with simpler meals knowing they are saving us money.

2. Cut up the meat. I have also found that slicing and dicing our protein not only preserves portion control, but we waste less and save more. For example, instead of preparing 4 chicken breasts for our family, 2 large pieces that have been cut up are more than enough.

3. Add bulk to your meals with extra veggies and occasional grains. For example, a classic skillet meal with 2-3 servings can feed our family of 4 with leftovers when I add 1 extra bag of veggies and 1-2 servings of rice.

4. Meat isn't always a necessity.  I love my bacon, but the idea that every meal needs a meat is a misconception.  Every now and again I will fix a flavorful vegetarian meal, and I only get minimal complaints from my carnivorous husband. He gets over it and ultimately we save some money in the process.


I'm always trying to find new and creative ways to stretch our food budget. What are some ways that your family makes the most of a limited grocery budget? 

Oats Oats and More Oats

My recent pantry inventory revealed an excessive volume of cooking oats, so naturally I've been on the lookout for some not so predictable ways to use up this ingredient.

I started out by throwing together my own version of the 'no bake energy bite.' At the time, I had not yet graduated to technologically savvy with my new smart phone, so you'll have to settle with a stock photo from stridebox.com:

The glory about these delicious snacks is the fact that they can be assembled quickly and you can customize them based on what you have available. I didn't record exact measurements, but my bites were a combination of the following:

~3 c. cooking oats
2 leftover packets of Sweet & Salty trail mix (from Lily's birthday party)
~1 to 1-1/2 c. peanut butter
1/2 c. Reece's spreads (can just use more peanut butter if you don't have any of this)
2 tablespoons honey
3/4 c. chopped walnuts
1/2 c. sugar free chocolate chips
1 tablespoon Hershey's chocolate syrup

Mix all ingredients well and shape into 1-2 inch balls. Refrigerate in a sealed bag for keeping.

More peanut butter or honey can be added to help hold the bites together when you shape them. They can be a bit sticky, so I found shaping them with damp hands was more efficient.

Some other ingredients that might be fun to add to these bites might include: shredded coconut, raisins, flax seed, any other chopped nut variety, sunflower seeds etc. The possibilities are endless, but basically these bites are incredibly filling and are great for satisfying a sweet tooth.

__________________________________________________________________________________

My most recent attempts to reduce our stash of cooking oats includes a fantastic recipe that I found on thewholesomedish.com.

Amanda Fink's recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup canola oil
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup applesauce
• 1½ cups skim milk (or whatever milk you like)
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• ½ tsp. salt
• 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon
• 3 cups old fashioned rolled oats
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• Optional: your favorite toppings (fruit, nuts, chocolate chips, etc.)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a muffin tin with paper or paper/foil muffin liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, oil, and brown sugar until sugar is dissolved. Add the applesauce, milk, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk until well combined. Stir in the oats and baking powder.
3. Fill the muffin tin with ¼ cup of the oat mixture in each muffin cup. Add your favorite toppings. Push the toppings down into the oat mixture with a spoon.
4. Bake for 30 minutes. Let them cool for 5 minutes before eating. Store in an airtight container or freeze in a zip top storage bag.

 

 

 

 

Don't skip the muffin liners in this recipe <-- seriously - these suckers stick to the liners and can be quite a pain.

 

We made banana/walnut, raspberry/blueberry, apple/raisin, and plain.

 Although our muffins were fun to create and ended up quite tasty, perhaps the best part about putting this recipe together was the leftover batter that I poured into a small baking dish (~3/4 inches thick) to result in oatmeal cereal bars, or 'breakfast cookies' as my daughter called them. They were delightfully soft and chewy.

When I make this recipe again in the future, I'll skip the muffins and just make a couple pans of the flat bars. Our favorite muffin variety was the banana/walnut, so I can only imagine how delicious these bars would be with some bananas and walnuts on top.

 

So there you have it, y'all - a few ways to use up some of those lingering cooking oats if you have any on hand and happen to be looking for something a little different. Enjoy!