Thankful.

Today is Thanksgiving, which is a day to celebrate and be thankful for all the things in our lives.  Although we should do this on a daily basis, sometimes the hustle and bustle of life catch up with us and we forget to be thankful.

I, personally, have so much to be thankful for.  First and foremost, I am thankful for all of the special people that are a part of my life and surround me on a daily basis.  My husband (aka partner in crime) is a wonderful father and husband.  His support and fun demeanor help keep me grounded - which can be quite the task at times.  Our son is the highlight of our life and such a joy.  Being a parent is the hardest task I have taken on; however, it is the most rewarding, as well.  Some days more trying than others, especially with a 2 year old in the house. We love having a happy little fella around the house to keep us on our toes and always entertained.

Jason and I are blessed and thankful to have the best parents.  I have been blessed with most caring, supportive and loving parents anyone could ask for. I am thankful to be part of a second family who is just as special.  They welcomed me with open arms from the beginning and I have since felt like I was a daughter to them.  We are thankful for all of the extended family that are in our lives.

 I am thankful for all our friends and their children that bless our lives. Sometimes we all need someone to talk to and help us through tough times.  Over the last few months, this has even become more important.  We are lucky to be surrounded by such a great group of friends who are always available and offering up positive thoughts and prayers.  And within those friends are also my coworkers.  I can truly say that I work with the best group of people.  There is never a dull moment and we have so much fun, all while offering great care to the kiddos.

I am also thankful that my husband and I both have jobs that allow us to support our family.  With these jobs, we are able to have a warm house, food, cars, and other items that we are thankful for.  And health ... although it seems to not be on our side lately .... we are happy to not have more serious health issues.  In the last few months we have been had many hospital stays, doctors visits and followups.  But above all, I am thankful to have the job that allows us to have health insurance and the best care for Evan and his condition.

The last few months have been emotionally draining, overwhelming and tiring.  But because of all the friends,  family and things listed above, it is tolerable and we can start each day new and with a fresh beginning.  It may sound cliche, but we are thankful to be alive and have the opportunity to grow, learn and enjoy life.

Happy Thanksgiving to you from the Smith clan!  May all of you remember each of the things you have to be thankful for and continue to be thankful beyond this one celebrated day!

Too Good To Pass Up

So today's Groupon for the Kansas City area is for 2 hours worth of pampering at House of Fringe Salon - West Plaza.  This 2 hour spa package includes:

• A 30 minute Swedish massage ($45 value)
• A 60 minute classic European facial ($60 value)
• A brow and lip wax ($25 value)
• A paraffin hand and foot treatment ($20 value)

These two hours of pampering will knock out muscle and tension, boost circulation and inspire your youth (yes please!). The facial includes a custom steam cleanse, exfoliation, and facial massage. Hands and feet treated with paraffin to protect hands from the winter elements.  And lastly, the brow and lip wax. 

I just purchased mine.  This momma needs some ME time and I cannot pass up this deal for 2 hours of silence, alone time and a great way to get a huge boost to my skin. Get yours for $75 ($150 value). 

Terms:   Limit 1 per person, 1 can be purchased as gift. Must be used by May 16, 2012.  Check it out on the Groupon website!!!

Passing On The Bargains ...

                           Olay Gift Sets

A Christmas gift that would be perfect for any woman in your life!!! 
The Olay Luscious Body Gift Sets are on sale at Walmart for $10 (plus shipping).

Inside each gift set is a form to receive a one-year subscription to Allure Magazine or receive a $12.00 rebate. Choose the rebate and you will get the item for FREE.

Limit of one refund/subscription per household.

Thanks Common Sense With Money and Kansas City Mamas on FB




                    Toy Coupons Galore

Planning on buying toys this holiday season?  Here is a great round of the current printable TOY coupons.  Make sure you pay attention to the expiration date as some will expire prior to Black Friday, November 25th.

Coupons.com Toy Coupons

• $5.00 Hasbro KRE-O Construction set purchase of $20.00 or more

Hasbro Play Saver Toy Coupons

• $5/1 Spider-Man String Shooter printable
• $5/1 Spider-Man All Mission Racer printable
• $5/1 Iron Man Armor Charge printable
• $5/1 Captain America Deluxe Shield printable
• $5/1 Thor Lightning Hammer From Hasbro printable

Fisher-Price Toy Coupons

• $10.00 Fisher-Price Thomas and Friends Cranky and Flynn Save the Day
• $10.00 Fisher-Price Big Action Construction Site with Remote Control
• $5.00 Fisher-Price TRIO Hot Wheels Stunt Ramp Builder
• $5.00 Fisher-Price Topzy Tumblers Twirlin
• $5.00 Fisher-Price Magical Fairy Dora
• $5.00 Fisher-Price Little People Zoo Talkers Animal Sounds Zoo
• $5.00 Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Dance & Play Puppy

Target.com Toy Coupons (Also Available in In-Store Coupon Book)

• $5 off NERF Vortex Nitron Blaster
• 15% off Thomas & Friends toy
• $5 off 3-in-1 CAT Dump Truck Ride-On
• $5 off Tonka Chuck & Friends Race Along Chuck
• $5 off Transformers Rescue Bots Playschool Heroes Fire Station Prime Play Set
• $5 off Transformers Ultimate Optimus Prime
• $5 off Star Wars Ultimate FX Lightsaber
• $10 off Little Mommy My Very Real Baby Doll
• $5 off Select Barbie
• $5 off One $19.99 or higher Dora the Explorer item
• $5 off FurReal Friends Cookie My Playful Pup
• $5 off Select Crayola items
• $10 off Select LeapFrog toys
• $5 off Select Playskool Poppin’ Park
• $10 off Fisher-Price Smart Cycle 3D
• $10 off Step2 New Traditions Kitchen
• $5 off Fijit Friends Interactive Toy
• $5 off Let’s Rock! Elmo
• $5 off Hasbro Bop It! XT Game
• $5 off Select Hasbro Flash Game
• $5 off Select Paper Jamz Pro Series
• $5 off Fisher-Price Rock Star Mickey
• $5 off Select Mega Bloks
• $5 off Select LEGO Building Set
• $5 off KRE-O Optimus Prime & Cycle
• $5 off Select Disney toys
• $5 off Select Hasbro Games
• $5 off Select LEGO Games
• $5 off With purchase of both UNO Roboto or Loopz Game and Duracell AA Batteries

Thanks, Frugal Reality!! and Penny Pinchin' Mom on FB

Smith Family Favorite Recipes

Since organizing my recipes months ago and now organizing them once again in a more practical manner,  we have been trying out all sorts of new recipes.  Seemed that we would eat the same 10 meals over and over, so I thought it was time for a change.  It has made me enjoy cooking and trying new things.  My hubby seems to enjoy the new meals also.  And since cooking more, I can make my own substitutes and concoctions that will get good reviews. 

So, as promised, I am sharing some of the Smith family favorites.  Thanks to Pinterest and another wonderful blog I have found (foodgawker.com), I am in recipe heaven.  Enjoy and let me know if you are enjoying these as much as us.  As I fix different meals, I will occasionally post the recipes so you can enjoy them as much as us!  Enjoy!

Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Chicken

1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
4 strips of bacon, diced
4 (6 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs (I used regular bread crumbs and seasoned them with salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder)
1/4 cup vegetable oil

1. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels.

2. Stir together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon, and jalapenos in a small bowl.

3. Cut a pocket horizontally through the thickest side of each chicken breast, and fill with 1/4 of the cheese mixture. Secure with toothpicks.

4. Roll the chicken breasts in bread crumbs to coat. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, and cook chicken breasts until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 8 minutes per side. If your chicken breasts are thick, like mine were, they can be finished in a 350-degree oven.

 

** I made this a little more spicy than for what the recipe called and it is one of my favorite meals ***

 

 

Cajun Chicken Pasta

 

 

Ingredients:
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into small strips)
4 ounces linguini (cooked all dente)
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons butter
1 green onion (thinly sliced)
2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon dried basil
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

¼ cup parmesan cheese  

 

Cooking instructions:

Step 1: Place chicken strips and Cajun seasoning in a bowl, toss the chicken with the seasoning until the chicken strips evenly coated with the seasoning.
 

Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add chicken and sauté the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked (the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees).
 

Step 3: Reduce heat to low. Add green onions, heavy cream, tomatoes, basil, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Cook until heated through. Pour over hot linguini and toss with parmesan cheese.
(Makes 2 Servings)

 

 

 Spaghetti with Sauteed Chicken and Grape Tomatoes

Ingredients: 

• 2 skinless chicken breast halves, diced in 1 inch cubes
• cooking spray
• 1/2 tsp each of dried oregano and dries basil
• kosher salt and fresh pepper
• 8 oz spaghetti (high fiber or low carb) I used Ronzoni Smart Taste
  
• 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
• 6 cloves garlic, smashed and coarsely chopped
• 4 tsp extra virgin olive oil
• 4 tbsp chopped fresh basil

Directions:
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.

Season chicken generously with salt, pepper, oregano and basil. Heat a large skillet on high heat. When hot, spray with oil and add chicken. Cook about 3-4 minutes, until no longer pink. Remove chicken and set aside.

Add pasta and cook according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.

While pasta cooks, add olive oil to skillet on high heat. Add garlic and sauté until golden brown (do not burn). Add tomatoes, salt and pepper and reduce heat to medium-low. Sauté about 4-5 minutes. When pasta is drained, add pasta to tomatoes and toss well. If pasta seems too dry, add some of the reserved pasta water. Add fresh basil and chicken and toss well. Serve and top with grated cheese.  

 

** I can officially eat tomatoes due to this recipe.  It is FABULOUS!  I have made it twice and it is my newest favorite because it is easy and healthy --- a Weight Watchers meal.  **

Recipes this week include crockpot pork sandwiches, pork chops in soup and some new snacks and desserts.  I will share these shortly .....