Slow Cooker Thursday- 5 Slow Cooker Hacks You Probably Didn't Know About

1. Get rid of the white film in a slow cooker with baking soda and dish soap.

Have a stubborn white film that won’t come off in a regular washing? Here’s a solution: add about three tablespoons of baking soda and a few drops of dish soap to your pot, and fill it up with water. Turn your slow cooker on low for a few hours. Then, pour out the water and use a non-abrasive sponge and a bit more baking soda to scrub away the film. Rinse and your slow cooker should look like new!

2. Create a barrier with foil to use one Crock-Pot for two dips.

Use heavy duty foil to create a snug barrier that cuts across your slow cooker. Then use a slow cooker liner to keep two different dips separated.

3. Convert any recipe to a slow cooker recipe.

You may have to adjust the amount of liquid called for in the recipe (like adding 1/2 cup water or broth if no liquid is called for), but otherwise, converting a conventional-cooking recipe to a Crock-Pot one is easy. Just use the guide above. Also, if you’re making a stew or soup, just be sure to add the veggies in first and place the meat on top.

 4. Brown meats before placing them in a Crock-Pot for more flavor.

Although you can cook meat fully in a slow cooker, searing meats first will give your dish a richer flavor. The seared pieces help hold in juices, and any extra fatty parts crisp up nicely.

 

5. Cook the main dish and sides at the same time by wrapping individual foods in foil.

Making a roast, and want potatoes not soaked in the juices as a side? Wrap the seasoned roast and potatoes individually, and the flavors will stay separate.

 

 

5 Simple Ways to Stay Organized

Lately I've been thinking alot about habits. I'm realizing more and more that habits are so important because they are what we resort to when we are going through the motions of our day. Forming good habits and sticking to them over time can build phenomenal long term results.

Today I thought I would share 5 habits that I've either gotten into already or am trying to get into that will make life more productive. These are all easy things to d that I think will help my days run more smoothly.

5 Simple Ways to Stay Organized

1. Make your bed. I never used to make my bed, but I quickly found out that If I made my bed my day was more productive. It gives a more positive start to my day.

2. Clean the kitchen and quickly straighten the house. Cleaning the kitchen and straightening the house are the two things that I strive to get done before going to bed each night. Like making the bed a neat and tidy house before going to bed puts me in the right mind set for keeping the rest of life organized. I do love waking up to a neat and tidy house.

3. Use your wait time. I used to be good at this before I had a cell phone. It I was heating up something in the microwave, I would use those minutes to wash dishes or wipe down the counters. I am amazed at what I can get done when I am waiting on something to finish in the oven when I commit to using my time wisely.

4. Make your to do list. I a good to do list. I mean, who doesn't? Right? I love checking things off and sometimes I make them just so I can check things off of them. 

5. Get some sleep. Sleep has everything to do with productivity. My natural inclination is to stay up as late as possible to get things done. Then the next day I'm tired and unproductive. Since realizing this I try to get to bed earlier so that I can get enough sleep.

So, there are my 10! What would you add to the list?

Happy Homemaker Monday {4/23/2018}

Good evening Friends, hope everyone had a great weekend.

Our weekend was great. We stayed home Saturday and rested and watched movies. Then on Sunday we went to our local museum and had some fun in the new exhibit.

Anyways, let's get on with Happy Homemaker Monday! Shall we?

Breakfast time....what is on the plate this morning

This morning's breakfast was scrambled eggs, toast, and milk

Right now I am

Sitting at the dining room table typing up this post.

The weather outside

There's rain (some severe weather) in the forecast and the temps are finally warmer.

 

Looking around the house

The living room still needs be picked up and the kitchen needs to be cleaned. The rest of the house is clean. I have two loads of laundry that need to be folded and put away and one load left to put in the dryer.

On today's to do list

Laundry- fold all of the laundry that I washed over the weekend.
Cleaning- general tidying of the house needs to be done.
Cooking- baking muffins for snacks this week, and then I need to finish my weekly food prep.
Meal planning- I still need to set up my meal plan calendar for May.
Planning- I need to update my planners and my bullet journal.

Currently reading

I'm still reading Cruel Doubt. Almost done

On the TV today

Right now I am watching some shows on Hulu before our free trial expires. I'm watching Beverly Hills 90210, Full House, Boy Meets World.

On the menu this week

Monday-Spaghetti and/or tacos
Tuesday- Baked potatoes and a veggie and fruit
Wednesday- Chicken nuggets, mac and cheese, corn
Thursday- Mississippi chicken, homemade bread, veggie and fruit
Friday- Pizza and breadsticks
Saturday- Mexican cornbread

Sunday- Baked potatoes, veggies, fruit

If I have a few minutes to myself I will

I will curl up on the couch with a blanket and read my current book.

Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key verses

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday, friends! Did this week fly by for anyone else, or was it just me? We have been busy with everyday activities, after school activities, and a few errands. Any way, wherever you are and whatever you do have a wonderful weekend and in the meantime please enjoy my favorite finds from around the web and beyond in this week’s Friday Favorites!

Favorite woah: Samuel’s Salted Caramel Peanut Brownie Bombs. Someone hand me a napkin to wipe the drool off my keyboard. These look heavenly!

Favorite comfy: Express London Tee. I saw this and it looks really comfortable and I want one in every single color!

Favorite funny: 35 Funny Parenting Tweets. #5 got me like ??? They just get funnier the more you read them!

 Favorite sweet: Strawberry Lemonade Donuts. So easy, so summery…sign. me. UP!

What are some of your favorites? Have an awesome weekend!!! 

Slow Cooker Thursday- Lasagna

Lasagna just got so much easier with this Slow Cooker Lasagna! Layer everything in the crockpot–even UN-COOKED noodles!


This slow cooker lasagna is a WINNER!  All of the time consuming parts of lasagna–the many dishes and all the prep, are taken away.
I love that this recipe doesn’t even require you to cook the lasagna noodles before hand. You can use regular lasagna noodles, and then just layer the sauce, noodles and cheese.   The lasagna takes about about 4-5 hours to cook on low.  If you are really in a rush, you could could put the slow cooker lasagna on high and it would be done in about half the time!
Who knew you could make delicious homemade lasagna in the crock pot.

How to make Slow Cooker Lasagna:

Prepare the red sauce, first. I make my own  homemade spaghetti sauce for the sauce, but you could use any bottled marinara sauce you like.

Add a little sauce to the bottom of the slow cooker.

Top with a layer of uncooked lasagna noodles. Break them if necessary, to make a single layer.

Spread some of the white cheese sauce mixture over the top.

Repeat for two more layers, ending with red sauce. Sprinkle more cheese all over the top.

Cover and cook on LOW in the slow cooker for 4-5 hours or until the noodles are tender.

Here is the full recipe! Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound Italian sausage (I use hot)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 large onion , chopped*
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons parsley
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 6 oz. can tomato paste
• 29 oz. can tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 8 oz. pkg regular lasagna noodles , uncooked
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat brown the ground beef, Italian sausage and onion. 
2. Add salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, and water. Stir and simmer 15-20 minutes. (You could make the sauce in advance!)
3. Spread a fourth of the meat sauce into the bottom of your slow cooker. Arrange a third of the noodles over the sauce (break the noodles to fit, if necessary). 
4. Combine the mozzarella, cottage cheese and parmesan cheese; spoon a third of the mixture over noodles. Repeat layers twice. 
5. Top with remaining meat sauce and sprinkle with extra mozzarella cheese, if desired.
6. Cover and cook on low for about 4-5 hours or until noodles are tender.
7. Serve with home breadsticks and a salad.

Inspirational Quotes

Hi Lovelies!

I just wanted to pop in and share some of my favorite quotes from Maya Angelou, Helen Keller, Carol Burrnet, and Christopher Reeve.

Have a good night and I will see you tomorrow with  a new blog post.

Slow Cooker Thursday- Ham and Potato Soup

Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup that’s creamy, full of vegetables and chunks of ham, finished off with milk and sour cream for a easy and delicious hearty soup.

 Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup is a delicious set it and forget it type of meal your family will enjoy. With less than 20 minutes of prep work your slow cooker is set and ready to go. The Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup simmers away on its own, melting the vegetables into this delicious creamy base. A quick mash, a bit of heavy cream and sour cream and dinner is served! 

Slow Cooker Ham and Potato Soup

Ingredients

• 8 cups russet potatoes , diced
• 1 yellow onion , diced
• 2 large carrots , peeled and chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 16 ounce Cubed Ham 2 packages of packages Smithfield Anytime Favorites™ Cubed Ham
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
• 1/4 cup flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (you can also use milk - I used whole milk)
• ½ cup sour cream

Instructions

1. Add the potatoes, onion, carrot, celery, ham, Kosher salt, pepper chicken broth to your slow cooker and cook on low 7-8 hours, or high 4-5 hours.
2. Using a potato masher, mash about 1/3 of the potatoes (don't worry the ham won't really mash that much)
3. Add the flour, heavy cream/milk and sour cream and stir everything together.
4. Cover and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes.

Friday Favorites- My Favorite 80s Movies

When you think of the '80s, a few images come to mind: shoulder pads, big hair, and all-cheesy-everything—essentially summed up in the Teen Witch "Top That!" dance-off.

From John Hughes' The Breakfast Club to Steven Spielberg's E.T., the movies of the 1980s not only shaped its generation, but inspired subsequent generations in every way imaginable. At least a few of these films are guaranteed to be close to your heart: my top 10 favorite '80s.  movies (in no particular order).

My Top 15 '80s Movies 

1. Top Gun. The Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School is where the best of the best train to refine their elite flying skills. When hotshot fighter pilot Maverick (Tom Cruise) is sent to the school, his reckless attitude and cocky demeanor put him at odds with the other pilots, especially the cool and collected Iceman (Val Kilmer). But Maverick isn't only competing to be the top fighter pilot, he's also fighting for the attention of his beautiful flight instructor, Charlotte Blackwood (Kelly McGillis).

2. Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Stacy Hamilton (Jennifer Jason Leigh) is a pretty, but inexperienced, teen interested in dating. Given advice by her uninhibited friend, Linda Barrett (Phoebe Cates), Stacy gets trapped in a love triangle with nice guy Mark Ratner (Brian Backer) and his more assured buddy Mike Damone (Robert Romanus). Meanwhile, Stacy's classmate Jeff Spicoli (Sean Penn), who lives for surfing and being stoned, faces off against Mr. Hand (Ray Walston), a strict teacher who has no time for the slacker's antics.

3. E.T. The Extraterrestrial. After a gentle alien becomes stranded on Earth, the being is discovered and befriended by a young boy named Elliott (Henry Thomas). Bringing the extraterrestrial into his suburban California house, Elliott introduces E.T., as the alien is dubbed, to his brother and his little sister, Gertie (Drew Barrymore), and the children decide to keep its existence a secret. Soon, however, E.T. falls ill, resulting in government intervention and a dire situation for both Elliott and the alien.

4. Stand By Me. After learning that a stranger has been accidentally killed near their rural homes, four Oregon boys decide to go see the body. On the way, Gordie Lachance (Wil Wheaton), Vern Tessio (Jerry O'Connell), Chris Chambers (River Phoenix) and Teddy Duchamp (Corey Feldman) encounter a mean junk man and a marsh full of leeches, as they also learn more about one another and their very different home lives. Just a lark at first, the boys' adventure evolves into a defining event in their lives.

5. Back to the Future Part 1. In this 1980s sci-fi classic, small-town California teen Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) is thrown back into the '50s when an experiment by his eccentric scientist friend Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) goes awry. Traveling through time in a modified DeLorean car, Marty encounters young versions of his parents (Crispin Glover, Lea Thompson), and must make sure that they fall in love or he'll cease to exist. Even more dauntingly, Marty has to return to his own time and save the life of Doc Brown.

6. Gremlins. A gadget salesman is looking for a special gift for his son and finds one at a store in Chinatown. The shopkeeper is reluctant to sell him the "mogwai" but sells it to him with the warning to never expose him to bright light, water, or to feed him after midnight. All of this happens and the result is a gang of gremlins that decide to tear up the town on Christmas Eve.

7. Poltergeist. Strange and creepy happenings beset an average California family, the Freelings -- Steve (Craig T. Nelson), Diane (JoBeth Williams), teenaged Dana (Dominique Dunne), eight-year-old Robbie (Oliver Robins), and five-year-old Carol Ann (Heather O'Rourke) -- when ghosts commune with them through the television set. Initially friendly and playful, the spirits turn unexpectedly menacing, and, when Carol Ann goes missing, Steve and Diane turn to a parapsychologist and eventually an exorcist for help.

8. The Goonies. When two brothers find out they might lose their house they are desperate to find a way to keep their home. They find a treasure map and bring some friends along to find it. They are all out looking for the "X" and trying to get away from a group of bad guys who also want the treasure.

9. The Shining. Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) becomes winter caretaker at the isolated Overlook Hotel in Colorado, hoping to cure his writer's block. He settles in along with his wife, Wendy (Shelley Duvall), and his son, Danny (Danny Lloyd), who is plagued by psychic premonitions. As Jack's writing goes nowhere and Danny's visions become more disturbing, Jack discovers the hotel's dark secrets and begins to unravel into a homicidal maniac hell-bent on terrorizing his family.

10. Sixteen Candles. With the occasion all but overshadowed by her sister's upcoming wedding, angst-ridden Samantha (Molly Ringwald) faces her 16th birthday with typical adolescent dread. Samantha pines for studly older boy Jake (Michael Schoeffling), but worries that her chastity will be a turnoff for the popular senior. Meanwhile, Samantha must constantly rebuff the affections of nerdy Ted (Anthony Michael Hall), the only boy in the school, unfortunately, who seems to take an interest in her.

11. The Breakfast Club. Five high school students from different walks of life endure a Saturday detention under a power-hungry principal (Paul Gleason). The disparate group includes rebel John (Judd Nelson), princess Claire (Molly Ringwald), outcast Allison (Ally Sheedy), brainy Brian (Anthony Michael Hall) and Andrew (Emilio Estevez), the jock. Each has a chance to tell his or her story, making the others see them a little differently -- and when the day ends, they question whether school will ever be the same.

12. Die Hard. New York City policeman John McClane (Bruce Willis) is visiting his estranged wife (Bonnie Bedelia) and two daughters on Christmas Eve. He joins her at a holiday party in the headquarters of the Japanese-owned business she works for. But the festivities are interrupted by a group of terrorists who take over the exclusive high-rise, and everyone in it. Very soon McClane realizes that there's no one to save the hostages -- but him.

13. The Terminator. Disguised as a human, a cyborg assassin known as a Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) travels from 2029 to 1984 to kill Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton). Sent to protect Sarah is Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn), who divulges the coming of Skynet, an artificial intelligence system that will spark a nuclear holocaust. Sarah is targeted because Skynet knows that her unborn son will lead the fight against them. With the virtually unstoppable Terminator in hot pursuit, she and Kyle attempt to escape.

14. Raising Arizona. An ex-con and an ex-cop meet, marry and long for a child of their own. When it is discovered that Hi is unable to have children they decide to snatch a baby. They try to keep their crime a secret, while friends, co-workers and a bounty hunter look to use the child for their own purposes.

15. Ghostbusters. After the members of a team of scientists (Harold Ramis, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray) lose their cushy positions at a university in New York City, they decide to become "ghostbusters" to wage a high-tech battle with the supernatural for money. They stumble upon a gateway to another dimension, a doorway that will release evil upon the city. The Ghostbusters must now save New York from complete destruction.

 

What some if your favorites movies?

Slow Cooker Thursday- Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches. Tender pot roast cooked low and slow and served on crusty bread with provolone cheese. A super easy make ahead meal!

Slow cookers are the best. Throw all of the ingredients together in the slow cooker and dinner is ready in 6-8 hours. How awesome is that? Best of all there’s about 5 minutes of prep time.

Slow cookers are a great way to cook pot roasts low and slow without keeping the oven on all day. The meat ends up tender, juicy and loaded with flavor.

I sear the roast in a super hot pan before placing it in the slow cooker. This gives the roast so much flavor and helps seal in the juices.  The longer the chuck roast cooks the more time it has to break down the connective tissues and become tender.

Simply sear the roast and throw the rest of the ingredients into a slow cooker. Cook for 6-8 hours. Take out the roast and train off any fat off the broth and serve alongside the sandwiches. Top each sandwich with 2 slices of provolone (my family likes to use mozzarella cheese) cheese and place under a broiler until the cheese is melted.

I recommend using a sturdy bread so that it holds up when you dip it into the au jus.

 Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• salt and pepper
• 2½ pound chuck roast
• ½ onion, quartered
• 2 cups low sodium beef broth
• 1 whole bay leaf
• 12 slices provolone cheese
• 6 onion rolls

Instructions

1. Add olive oil to a large pot.
2. Season chuck roast with salt and pepper. Add roast to the pan and sear over high heat until the roast is browned on all sides.
3. Add the roast to the slow cooker along with the onion, beef broth and bay leaf.
4. Cover and cook on the low setting for 6-8 hours. (I have found cooking it on high for 4 hours is not enough time for the meat to become tender.)
5. Remove roast from the slow cooker and slice or use forks and shred.
6. Strain the onions from the broth (make sure to reserve liquid). Set aside to serve on top of sandwiches if desired.
7. Skim fat from broth (if any). Set aside.
8. To assemble the sandwich layer sliced or shredded beef on bread and top with two slices of provolone cheese.
9. Place sandwiches under the broiler until the cheese is melted.
10. Serve warm with a side of broth.

10 Essential Ways to Plan a Successful Day

Happy Sunday Lovelies! Welcome to the blog! Today I will be discussing ways to plan a successful day. Today I encourage you to envision how you’ll want your day to go, then identify the tasks that will get you there. Check in on your progress midday, and finally, reflect on your achievements. When you implement this strategy alongside the practice of writing things down, you’ll go about your day with more focus. This will lead you to accomplishing significantly more in your day!

Today, I will be taking you through a step by step process of planning a successful day. Whether you are a work outside of the home, are a stay at home mom or a student, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and pulled in a million different directions.

So here are the......

10 Essential Ways to Plan a Successful Day 

1. Get an early start. Plan on waking a little bit earlier each day. Establishing an earlier wake up time may mean going to bed earlier the night before. Having this extra time will make a bit calmer and less stressful. For all the moms out there, you and your family will appreciate the calmer start to the day.

2. Picture the desired result. Take a few minutes during your morning routine think about this. Visualize how your day will go. How will it begin and how will it end. Doing this will center you making for a more successful day.

3. Set your schedule and list your to dos. Review your schedule, make adjustments where they are needed, and make your to do list. Remember to stay realistic about you will be able to accomplish during the day. As your outlining your day, remember to batch similar items together as this will make it easier to complete these tasks. 

4. Prioritize healthy habits. It's important to plan out your meals, snacks, and exercise. The best way to achieve these goals is t actually plan them out in your planner. It it's in your planner, then it must be done, right? Also, the check marks are so satisifying to see. Am I the only one who thinks this way?  Planning out your meals will keep you on track with your eating. 

5. Select your top three. Identify your top three. What three items would you not feel like the day was a success if they were not completed? 

6. Get to work. You’ve heard the advice start with the hardest things first. We believe that progress begets progress. Check a few things off your list first thing to gain momentum for the rest of your day. Check in midday on your progress, and if you feel like you’re running short on time, focus on your top three and that’s it.

7. Plan for tomorrow. Don’t neglect looking ahead to tomorrow. Review tomorrow’s schedule, adjust as needed, list your to dos, and move over tasks from today that you couldn’t quite complete. 

8. Practice gratitude. Being grateful each and every day will add more joy and positivity in your life. Think of at least one thing you’re thankful for, if not many more. This is also the ideal time to reflect on your day be proud of what you accomplished!

9. Unplug. Being successful also means knowing when to stop. Knowing when to turn it all off. Knowing when it’s time to take care of you. It means committing to quality, undivided time with those who matter most—and knowing how to live in the moment.


Have dinner as a family, meet up with a friend, enjoy a glass of wine, take your dog for a walk, read to your children, or watch your favorite show. Then, wind down with a calming activity such a detoxifying bath or a book. Truly unplug and take this time to refresh yourself after a day you should be proud of!

10. Commit to quality sleep. Determine the best amount of sleep for you. Become consistent with an ideal bedtime which will help regulate your body’s internal clock. Make a commitment to avoid electronics thirty minutes before bed—keep your phone far from that convenient bedside table of yours.


Remember the importance of a good night of sleep. Without it, tomorrow will be off!

How do you set up for a successful day?