The Gap Bear

This is the new gap bear and I love it! The only problem is it is $40!!! Crazy for a stuffed bear. I would love to try to make it. Anyone have any ideas or patterns?

If you love curry dishes-this will be your next favorite!

Once you get all the ingredients it is a snap to make. I make this at least 3 times a month. Good for entertaining too!

Thai Coconut-Curry Sauce

1 teaspoon dark (or regular) sesame oil, divided
2 teaspoons minced peeled fresh ginger 2 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup finely chopped red bell pepper *(see notes below)
2 tablespoons cup chopped green onions *(see notes below)
1 teaspoon curry powder
2 teaspoons red curry paste
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
4 teaspoons low-sodium (or regular) soy sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1 (14-ounce) can light (or regular) coconut milk
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
3 (6-ounce) tilapia fillets or 1 breast of chicken breast (cut small and cook before) or tofu
Cooking spray
2 cups hot cooked basmati rice
3 lime wedges

Heat 1/2 teaspoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add ginger and garlic; cook 1 minute. Add pepper and onions; cook 1 minute. Stir in curry powder, curry paste, and cumin; cook 1 minute. Add soy sauce, sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and coconut milk; bring to a simmer (do not boil). Add fish/chicken/tofu. Remove from heat.

Serve with rice, and lime wedges and cilantro.

*Instead of green onions you could use any kind of onion and I also add small bits of potatoes (can or cook before), and/or green beans.

Yield: 3 big servings

Posting idea from Jenny!

Favorite Makeup Products

I used to be able to go without make-up when I stayed home with the kids, but now if I don't wear any I look AWFUL (thank you 30's). I found Bare Minerals 2 years ago. I love it more than I can say. So here are my finds-Enjoy!

1. Eyes - Bobbi Brown; shadows and eyeliner, Prescriptives mascara (and eye lash curler), Bare Minerals; for the brows and eye makeup remover (the best).
2. Foundation & Blush - Bare Minerals (can't even tell you're wearing makeup!)
3. Lip balm- I use mostly chapsticks, my favorite right now is called Chicken Poop and don't knock until you try it, it smells like lavender and very moisturizing.

4. Lip gloss- Have not found one I like. I am kissing on too many babies and they wear it instead of me or it my hair gets stuck in my gloss.

5. Nails - OPI polish of course, love all the different color collections. Favorite right now is the dark purple -called EIFFEL FOR THIS COLOR.
6. Moisturizer - Olay- Total Effects.

What are your all time faves?

My great buy!

Saturday John was doing Tithing Settlement at church so Matthew, Izzie and I cruised around the neighborhood looking for some good Sales. Well we found one! I bought this elliptical (Proform 900) for $150. It is 6 months old and running great (Plus they delivered it for me-what service!). I am pretty excited to burn off some calories.

I also found a little bike for Matthew (picture to come later) and a book (the Uglies). All for $155. You can't beat that deal!

Izzie's 6 month check up

Our Izzie had her 6 month check up this Monday. Time flies, I feel like she should only be a few weeks old. She is growing so fast and getting so beautiful. Here are her stats:

Weight: 17 lbs and 3 oz - 50 to 75%
Height: 25 1/4 in - 25%
Head: 42 1/2 cm - 25 to 50%

Temple Trip

(Pictured-Leigh Ann, Jenna, Diane, Sara, and Kate)

It has been a long time since I have gone on a "Temple Trip" so thank you Jenna for asking me to go (but 5am!!!). You girls are the best of the best and I love each one of you! (Sorry the picture kind of sucks - we will blame it on the early hour and the photographer (some random woman walking by)).

Kids and Cooking

Pilgrim's Hat Cookies

Try this with your kids!

Striped fudge shortbread cookies

peanut butter cups

orange tictacs

white frosting with yellow food coloring

More Halloween

Halloween Night with our pumpkin.

Our Pumpkin - so cute!

We went to a photo shoot and let's say Isabel didn't like it so well. But it was a good idea.

The whole group - at least Isabel isn't the only one crying!

She is saying to me, "Mom how could you!!"

The other kids wondering why she is having such a bad day!

Twilight

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

You can call me a party pooper!
I want to go to the Twilight movie but NOT at Midnight! I still have a kid who wakes up in the middle of the night. So anyone out there who wants to go the next day at a NORMAL time -call me!!!

Baby Food

I have had a few moms ask how I make my baby food and here it is! It is so easy and CHEAP. And it just takes a few extra minutes of your day.

All you need is:

-Freezer (check)
-2 Ice cube trays (cheap you can find it at Walmart for $2)
-Sranwrap (check)
-Freezer quart size Ziploc bags
-Blender or Food processor or VitaMix

Foods to cook (or even buy in cans or frozen isle):
Carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, spinach, green beans, peas, the list goes on and on.

Cook or open can or frozen (thawed) bag of vegetables and throw in blender and process to a liquid. Pour into ice cubes trays, cover with sranwrap and freeze. After frozen, pop them out of trays and place into quart Ziploc bags. One cube is 1 serving for baby and I put it in a microwave safe bowl and zap for 30 seconds.

So easy! If you have any questions please ask!