Monday, February 27, 2012

Lemonade Diet

Just call me BEYONCE!

I feel empowered.  I finally kicked the diet soda addiction.  Haven't had one in almost 2 months.  I'm just a tad proud of myself and now its time to do the Master Cleanse.  I'm going to attempt to do this for...wait for it....30 days!  Crazy, I know.  With all this self discipline, I'm going to direct it toward this next challenge.  I'm ready to rid nasty toxins in my body and shed a little weight in the process.  Wish me luck!

Friday, February 24, 2012

Date Night #2

I have a date with my Hubby tonight....


Tonight we are going tubing up at Soldier Hollow with a bunch of our ward friends (like the mini tubes?!)  
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As I've said before, last year was a tough year for Matt and I.  I think every couple has their good years and bad years.  My blog is not a place where I wish to "air out my dirty laundry." My blog is my happy place where I choose to share my talents, thoughts, ideas, pictures, recipes, etc.   One of my new years resolutions is to date my husband a lot more this year and rekindle that fire and passion that we use to have.  It's not that we don't love each other because we do very much.  Hair loss, weight gain, fertility issues, step child, ex spouse, among other things, can start to weigh on a couple and a marriage.  Our life is stressful, but I love my husband and WE are worth fighting for.  
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 Here's to another fabulous date with the love of my life! 

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Excited

So, I'm working on a new business idea.....
If you get a Friend Request from "Rubee Lane" will you accept it?  Will you follow me via Facebook?  It's me!
More info on this to come in the next few months :)
Thanks friends!

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

DX4

Drop Dead Delicious Dessert
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Many begged for this dessert I served at my Valentine's Day Party.  So here you go!  I stole the recipe from HERE


Nutella Banana Cream Cake in a Jar
1 box of vanilla cake mix
1/2 c Nutella
1-2 Bananas
8 oz. Cool Whip
0.9 oz. Instant banana cream pudding mix
1/2 c Milk
Banana Cream
Add milk to a mixing bowl.  Turn mixer on low and slowly add the dry pudding mix.  Once fully incorporated add the Cool Whip and mix well.  You will want to fully scrape down the bowl and then mix again to make sure the pudding mix is fully incorporated.  Place in the refrigerator and chill for 30 minutes.
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Helpful Tip
Do NOT put cupcakes in the fridge!!  The chocolate gets hard and  you don't get the same Dx4!

Saturday, February 18, 2012

New Project

I'm SO excited about this project and I'm hoping it turns out as wonderful as I'm envisioning!  Somewhere with my love affair of Pinterest, I came across a beautiful story about the Boston Food Swap I fell in love immediately and knew I wanted to try this out with my friends, neighbors, and possibly even my community.  Watch out Farmers Markets...

Has anyone noticed how expensive food is getting?  I only have two children, and even we are feeling the crunch.  One can only assume things are going to get worse before they get better.  

What is a Food Swap?  Much like a Farmers Market filled with beautiful Mason Jars filled with goodness, fresh organic fruits and veggies, butters, jams, granola, spices, sauces, anything that is home grown/made.

Here's the best part....ready.....

ITS FREE!  

Yes, that's right.  Much like my Valentine's Party.  You bring a certain amount of Valentine's, trade with friends and leave with the same amount you brought, but you leave with others treasures.  Awesome right!?  The BFS does it a little different and its set up more like a trading/auction.  I want straight trade.  What do I get out of this?  Nothing but pure enjoyment knowing that everything I'm bringing home to my family is nothing but local home grown goodness.

It wouldn't hurt if everything was packaged CUTE....just saying...

So, who's in?  

You don't have to know me to participate.  You are welcome to share my idea on your blogs/facebook etc.  This will probably happen in August before school begins and as gardening is coming to an end.  I will have a small form for everyone to fill out and the item they plan on sharing (so we don't have a zillion zucchinis!!!!)  

If you have suggestions or thoughts, please share!!!
Please leave a comment or email me at:
andra stoker at yahoo dot com

Monday, February 13, 2012

Day 9 Valentine's Post

And the Valentine we chose for Preschool this year is.........



This one!  So cute and fun to make.  Love the Free Printable from HERE

Friday, February 10, 2012

Day 8 Valentine Post ~The Big Day

The big day finally came! Year #7. I think this was the best year yet! I wish I had taken a photo of all my dear friends. I love, love, love this tradition I have with all my friends. Thank you to those that traveled many many hours to come. I loved being around all these amazing women who are wonderful examples to me. I love you all.













Thursday, February 9, 2012

Day 7 Valentine Post

Attention!!!
Grandma's and Papa's!!

We MUSTACHE you a question.......

Will you be our Valentine?
Love, W and L

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Day 6 Valentine Post

This recipe is DROP DEAD FANTASTIC! 
 Cream Cheese-Stuffed Lemon French Toast with Strawberries
From this Yummy site HERE




Cream Cheese-Stuffed Lemon French Toast with Strawberries
Recipe by Our Best Bites
Ingredients:
6 large, stale butter croissants
1 8-ounce package cream cheese
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar, divided
2 lemons
1 1/4 teaspoons lemon extract
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
Strawberry Sauce
Sliced fresh strawberries (about 2 cups)
Sweetened Whipped Cream (optional)
Instructions:
Slice the croissants in half lengthwise. Set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, zest of one lemon, strained juice of one lemon (about 1 1/2-2 tablespoons), and 3/4 cup powdered sugar. Mix with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
Spread the lemon cream cheese mixture over the bottoms of the croissants and then replace the tops, pressing down to flatten. Cut into halves (or even fourths if necessary) and arrange the pieces evenly in a 9×13″ pan lightly sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
Whisk together the milk, eggs, lemon extract, zest from the second lemon, and remaining 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Pour evenly over the croissants and cover with aluminum foil. Refrigerate for 8-10 hours.
When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350. Bake covered for 30 minutes and then remove the foil and bake for another 20-30 minutes or until the croissants are golden brown and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from the oven and allow it to stand for 5-10 minutes. Cut into squares and top individual servings with Strawberry Sauce, fresh sliced strawberries, and, if desired, sweetened whipped cream. Serves 10-12.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Day 5 Valentine Post

Made a zillion of these....


To make this! Saw these all over Pinterest and thought I'd give it a try. Cute inexpensive little project!

Monday, February 6, 2012

Day 4 Valentine Post


I got a little behind on my Valentine's Day Post over the weekend.  Oops.  I'm back at it this week with lots of fun things to share.  Have you ever made homemade Fruit Roll Ups?  What a tasty, healthy little treat.  My kids loved them.  All I did was:

Puree whatever fruit you like
add a little honey (I had raspberry honey on hand) 
I placed my silicone mat down on my pan
poured the puree in my pan
baked it for 8 or so hours on 170 degrees
Peeled off and dressed it up!  Worth the long wait.

Giveaway WINNER:
Renee!  
Please email me your address.
andrastoker at gmail dot com

Friday, February 3, 2012

Day 3 Valentine's

How do I love thee?  Let me count the ways.....

These little Gobstopper Hearts have had my heart for several years now.  When they come out,  I buy 3 or 4 bags and hope they last me a couple months .  I've even broken a tooth or two from these bad boys.  Not kidding
GIVEAWAY
If you'd like me to send you a bag, leave me a comment and tell me what you love.  I will pick a winner and announce it on Monday.  DON'T break a tooth!!!

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Valentine's Day 2

Cream Cheese (cheese cake) Pudding Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:
1 cup of softened butter
1/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup lightly packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 large box cheese cake instant pudding (just the mix – do not prepare)
2 1/4 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
dark chocolate chips – or semi-sweet if you prefer
  •  Cream the sugars and butter in a large bowl.
  • Mix in the egg, vanilla, and pudding.
  • Slowly add the flour and baking soda, and the chips last. Mix just until well combined.
Roll into 1 inch balls and place on a cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake at 375 degrees for 7 to 10 minutes. You do not want to over cook these! Then place on a rack to cool.
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If you like super chewy cookies, these are for you!  I prefer not so chewy.  Enjoy!

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

14 day Valentine Post

I love Valentine's Day, almost as much as I love Halloween.  
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I could spend hours and hours on Pinterest. Amazing talent out there and I love that its shared for the world to enjoy.  Since I love Valentine's so much I'm going to do a 14 days of Valentine's Posts.  Recipes, thoughts, crafts etc.  Hope you enjoy