Melons! :-)

It's hot. Really hot. Too hot to be outside, too hot to do anything really. What a better way to cool down than some watermelon?! And guess what! Watermelon is great for a diet! Actually, ALL melons are! They are a great snack that have low calories, are really healthy and help shed off those unwanted pounds. :-) So while you're keeping cool, you're losing weight. :-) WIN! :-)

Melons taste great, and are great for you. Kids love melons too if you do them in really cool designs. Get some cookie cutters, and cut out some cool shapes. It's a great brain exercise for young kids still learning shapes. Cut them into simple shapes and ask them what the shapes are then let them eat it! :-) Keeps them hydrated and teaches them about shapes. :-) You could even have them eat it into a new shape. :-) The power of food! :-) If you haven't noticed, I am a food junkie! I LOVE food. Except fish. Bleh.

If you ate nothing but melons for a full day, you could lose up to three pounds. :-) Try putting some melons on your dinner plate every night. Think of how hydrated you'll be with all the water you're already drinking, and adding melons every night! :-) Beautiful skin is just around the corner with all that healthy liquid going into your body. :-) Yup, beautiful skin as well as weight loss. The more hydrated you are, the clearer your skin is, and it just looks so much smoother. :-) I know my face has cleared up just in the past week due to all the water I've been drinking. About a gallon a day. :-) Half of the water I drink is just water. The other half is my apple cinnamon water. :-)

I know drinking water can be hard due to all those sodas and pure sugar juices. I've found it's easiest for me if I drink Voss water. It comes in a glass bottle and I just refill that with my apple cinnamon water. Voss water tastes pretty good compared to some of the other water out there. I can't stand tap water. So I have to have bottled. Crystal Geyser is pretty good too. :-) That's what I use for my apple cinnamon water. :-)

If you have a son like mine, they don't like helping you with your diet. He likes to shove candy in my face. My favorite kind as a matter of fact. Reese's. Mmmm...It's so hard to say no. But I have to. I gotta beat my husband. I think that my husband has something to do with this so he will win. He wasn't expecting me to be so strong! :-) That's right, I'm winning.

Oh, don't forget to check out my Etsy Shop! If you want a coupon, just ask! :-) I'm also doing a buy two, get one free! :-) Better hurry! This offer won't last long! :-)
http://etsy.com/shop/HomeLifeRecycler

Have a great day! :-) Be strong! Ignore the cravings for those sweets! Drink lots of water, and enjoy all the melons you want! :-)


I was not paid for using the Voss name or Crystal Geyser name. They are just my personal preference.

No Sweets?!

I am officially a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles as of tonight. :-) It is truly an honor to become a sister of the Eagles. Everything that they stand for is spot on for what I stand for. God, helping other, being loyal, honest, caring, putting everyone before yourself, and of course FAMILY! :-)

Losing weight means giving up those fantastic sweets...Unless they are gluten free! :-) Gluten free snacks are okay. They are much better than original snacks. So why give up those fantastic cookies just because you're on a diet? You don't have to now that more and more goodies are becoming gluten free. :-)

There are several cookies that are gluten free. :-) Breads, pasta, Domino's Pizza, even Subway (I hate Subway though.). So you can still have those yummy chocolate chip cookies, breads, pastas, even pizza. Mmmm...Pizza. :-) 

Make sure to check out my Etsy Shop! :-) Use the coupon code FIRSTTIME for 5% off $25.00 or more. :-) Plus, the buy two get one free deal! HUGE savings right now! :-) Make sure to get some of those HUGE savings! :-)

http://etsy.com/shop/HomeLifeRecycler

Have a great night! And don't give up on shedding those pounds! :-) I know you can do it! :-)

Cinnamon, anyone?

Well, losing weight means that you have to lose the delicious flavors of many meals, right? Wrong. Instead of going out, or ordering food, just go to the grocery store and buy what you're in the mood for. It is so much cheaper, and healthier. Cooking at home, you don't have even a quarter as much fat as when you go out or order food. So, it's a great way to lose weight and sit at the table with your family. :-) And family is the most important thing out there. Eating at the table together every night has proven to bring a family closer. Or even just once a week. :-) It is important to spend time with your family with no interruptions from work or anything electronic.

Incorporating cinnamon into your meals will help you lose weight. Cinnamon has been shown to help with weight loss. Also, if you are superstitious, it will make you rich. :-) At least, that is what my grandma always told me. So, I figure it's worth a try, right? Who doesn't want to lose weight AND be rich?! I know I do! :-)

Cinnamon seems like a weird ingredient to add to your meals though. However, adding cinnamon sticks to many meals really brings out the other flavors. In my chili I add two sticks of cinnamon, you get a hint of cinnamon, but it really brings out the other spices in the chili. Try adding some cinnamon to your rub for steak, or ribs.

A great way to get some cinnamon into your diet is to drink apple cinnamon water. :-) It is really good, and all the ingredients are in the title. :-) First, get a pitcher of cold water, cut up an apple or two, drop three sticks of cinnamon in the water, then the apple slices, and add ice. Let it sit for about ten minutes in the fridge, and enjoy! :-) The longer it sits the more nutrients that come out of the apples and cinnamon. :-)

While you are outside doing your yard work, make sure to have a glass of the apple cinnamon water close by! :-) Or even while you're at the gym, working out in your living room, running around the block, going to work, where ever you are, put the water in bottles and take one with you where ever you're going. :-) Stay hydrated! It'll help shed those unwanted pounds. :-)

Don't forget to check out my Etsy shop! If you want a coupon, just email me. I'm also currently doing a buy two get one free! :-) Plus, you can use a coupon with the buy two get one free deal! :-) http://etsy.com/shop/homeliferecycler

Have a great week! :-)

Yard Work.

So our yard is covered with weeds. It drives us nuts. So last night we decided to start pulling some of those terrible things. We went to Lowes, purchased some fertilizer, Bermuda grass seed, and black mulch. :-) We continued our yard work today, and man does it look great! :-) Tomorrow we should be finishing it up. :-)

Now, I know most of us don't have time to do yard work, ever. Or we just don't want to do it. I sure didn't want to do it. However, yard work is a GREAT way to burn some calories AND fix up your yard. Wake up five minutes earlier, do a little bit of yard work, shower, and go about your day. :-)

The best way to burn a bunch of calories, do it for an hour or so, work up a sweat, and drink plenty of ice cold water! :-) Ice water really boosts your metabolism! :-) The more boost that your metabolism gets, the more weight you lose! :-)

If I lose more weight than my fabulous husband by September 1st, I get to go get a massage. :-) If I beat him and get down to 135, I get the massage and 120 dollars worth of clothes. :-) Now, if he beats me, he gets a bar night of 100 dollars. If he beats me and gets down to 175, he gets his bar night and 120 dollars worth of clothing. :-) Sounds like a great reward, right? RIGHT! :-) I am so going to beat him and get down to 135 by the 1st. :-) Let me know what your goal is, and what your reward is! :-) Even if you are doing it solo, give yourself a reward at the end. It's how you keep yourself motivated to lose the weight, and keep it off. :-)

Be sure to check out my Etsy shop! :-) Use the coupon code FIRSTTIME for 5% off $25.00 or more.Or the coupon code THIRTYFIVE for $5.00 off $35.00 or more. ALSO! I'm doing a buy two, get one free. So, for example, you buy two lanyards, I'll drop another one in your shipment for FREE! Shipping is free on the extra item. :-) If you want a certain color, fabric, smell, or what ever, just message me on Etsy! :-) This offer expires August 31st! Better hurry! :-)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/HomeLifeRecycler

I hope you have a great weekend, get to your weight goal and improve your yard! :-) Let me know how it all goes! :-)

Please make sure to check with your doctor before starting ANY weight loss program or taking ANY advice on losing weight. I am not a doctor. I am simply giving advice. You do NOT have to take it, you do NOT have to do it, and I cannot be held responsible for anything that may go wrong if you decide to take this advice. :-)

Weight Loss?

So, it's been awhile. A long while. My precious little McKinzee keeps me pretty busy. Three months old now. Man, how time has flown! My little angel is growing so fast. She has definitely chunked up since we brought her home. :-) Now, breastfeeding does help with losing some weight. But, it's just not fast enough for me. I'm ready to lose my baby belly. I've Googled and Pintrested the MANY different HEALTHY ways to lose weight. And my fabulous husband has promised to do it with me! :-) Yes, he is that awesome. So, I figure the best way to keep myself motivated and looking for new ways to lose this baby weight, I'll post a new way every day, or a low-calorie meal. :-) Yes, I am going to do this. And the first way to help shed off these terrible pounds...NO SODA! Yup. Best way to get healthy and lose the weight in a healthy way. :-)
Want to lose the weight with us? Just follow along. :-) Want your partner to lose the weight too? Make it a challenge for the two of you. :-) Who ever loses the most in a month gets something that they've been wanting. :-) I'm planning on getting a nice massage, and three new outfits(but only if I get back to 135). :-) My husband hasn't decided yet. I'll make sure to let you all know when he does decide. :-)

So, to begin, no more soda.

Make some tea, put it in glass jars in the fridge, and grab that for a drink instead of a soda. We also keep water bottles in our fridge. Water is a great way to boost your metabolism! :-) Yes, that is the tip for yesterday. WATER. However, purified water is not good for you. Spring water is.
First thing in the morning drink at least one cup of cold water. It will boost your metabolism and make you feel great. Also, drink at least one cup half an hour before eating. :-) Cold water is best for losing weight. :-)

Let me know if you decide to follow along and take the challenge! :-) I would love to hear your weight loss goals and any tips you have! :-)

Have a great night! And good luck!

PSST...We started the no more soda on the first. :-)

Please consult your doctor before beginning ANY weight loss plans. I am not a doctor, and I do not guarantee results, and can not be held responsible for anything. This is simply advice. You do NOT have to take it, you do NOT have to do it, and it may NOT work for you. This is just what my husband and myself are doing.

Delicious Burgers!

I love cheese burgers. And the best day for a cheese burger is Saturday! Tomorrow is Saturday, so I figure I better share a great burger with y'all. If it's not too hot outside I suggest grilling these. However, I use a George Foreman for mine. It's WAY too hot in New Mexico to grill outside.

Anyone can cook these. They are so easy. And so delicious. I always over eat when I make these. As does my family.

You will need:

2 Pounds Ground Hamburger Meat

1 Pound Ground Sausage Meat (Any Flavor, I prefer Maple)

2 Eggs

Sliced Cheese

Hamburger Buns

Onions

Lettuce

Tomatoes

Whatever else you like on your burgers.

1. Begin by mixing by hand the hamburger meat, sausage and eggs.

2. Form meat into hamburgers.

3. Put in fridge for about an hour. If you are in a hurry, put in the freezer for at least 15 minutes.

4. Put on the grill until done until your liking.

5. Put cheese on until it begins to melt.

6. Pull off grill.

7. Put on bun.

8. Add vegetables, mayo, etc.

9. Enjoy!

These burgers are the best burgers around. I really hope you enjoy them! I know I do. :-)

Be sure to check out my Etsy Shop! Use the code FIRSTTIME for 5% off $25.00 or more. And the code THIRTYFIVE for $5.00 off $35.00 or more!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/HomeLifeRecycler

Thank you for all your support! :-) Have a great night. Let me know how you like the burgers. :-)

Hand Warmers or Bean Bags. :-)

It's Monday! Who doesn't LOVE Monday's? Its' the day after the weekend. So you are rested and ready to take on the week. :-) Of course, who isn't looking forward to Friday? Today I have decided to post a tutorial on how to make hand warmers and bean bags. :-)

To begin, for ONE you will need:
Two pieces of 5" by 5" fabric
A sewing machine
1/2 cup of rice

Steps:
1. Cut your fabric 5 X 5
2. Place the fabric cute side to cute side.
3. Sew three of the four edges. Be sure to back stitch where you start and stop!

 4. Trim the edges and corners if you want to. I chose to.

 5. Turn them right side out.

 6. Add your half a cup of rice to ONE of the pouches.

 7. Fold the open edges down into the bag.

 8. Sew the open edge closed. Be sure to back stitch where you start and stop!

All done! :-)
To warm them up, just pop them in the microwave for a short amount of time.

For a rainy day when the kids are saying "I'm bored. What can we do?" and they don't want to clean, cut some holes in a card board box, and have them toss them into it. :-)

These are on my Etsy shop if you would like to just purchase them. They are $5.00 for two hand warmers.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/HomeLifeRecycler

I hope you have a great day! :-)

Finally, Internet!

After the long move, we finally have Internet again. Which means that I get to begin posting on my blog again! :-) Yay! My little McKinzee is two months old today. Man, the last two months have gone by so fast. It's been quite the experience though.

Since moving to New Mexico, I purchased a sewing machine. And oh how I love it. :-) As a little girl I would sit on my grandma's lap and 'help' her sew. Now, I can finally sew myself. I plan to post tutorials on here, but you could also purchase the final product through my new Etsy shop! :-) I know how most people now days don't have a sewing machine, the ability to sew, or just don't have the time to sit down and sew. I use all new materials on my Etsy shop. I am also reasonably priced. You are paying for just the material pretty much. :-) Can't beat that! :-) I love being a mom and creating new things. There isn't much in my shop yet, but soon. Very soon! :-)

I am so excited to have opened my shop and I can't wait to get these items to y'all! :-) Use the coupon code FIRSTTIME for 5% off $25.00 or more. You can also use the code THIRTYFIVE for $5.00 off your purchase of $35.00 or more. They both expire on July 4th, 2013. I will have more on my shop before the 4th. :-)

Thank you all for hanging in there with me and supporting me. :-) I would love to hear from y'all on any of the upcoming tutorials that I post, if you would like to see a specific tutorial, or if you would like to see a specific item in my shop. :-)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/HomeLifeRecycler

My husband thinks I'm an incredible woman, and our babies are the best!!! He told me if I deleted this line he would be very upset. At least everyone knows how much my husband loves us. :-)

Free Money?!

After having my beautiful baby girl, and realizing just HOW many diapers and wipes she goes through, I realized that I needed a way to pay for it. Not that we can't do it without extra income, but, I would love extra income, even if it means me sitting on the computer for an extra hour a day. No big deal. So, I've been looking around online for way to earn money on the internet. One site I found is called Inbox Dollars. It seems pretty easy too! Hey, free and easy? You can count me in! :-) And it is easy, and you can do it all for free, or you can do offers and earn money faster by buying things that you want to buy anyways. Good deal, right? Right. I personally don't care to do the offers. I just check it once a week and do my emails and go about my day. It is easy. And it doesn't take more than twenty minutes out of my day! :-) So, I decided that I needed to share this little bit of extra income with my viewers. :-)

CLICK HERE TO START EARNING!!!

No, it will not give you a virus.
No, it does not ask for a credit card.

Yes, it CAN be free if you chose for it to be.
Yes, it IS EASY!

Ways for it to be FREE:
Confirm the emails.
Do surveys.
SOME offers are free.

Please realize that some offers are not free. I do not do the ones that are not completely free. I just don't care to spend my money trying to earn money when I can get free money.
When checking the emails, it shows you an offer, scroll down to where it says "CONFIRM THIS PAID EMAIL" Click that and close the tab or window that pops up. Free money. :-)
It really is that easy. Twenty minutes once a week. :-) Please keep in mind that this will not make you rich. Thank you! :-)

Click here to start earning that free money. :-)

Update on posts, and an EASY and CHEAP foot soak! :)

Oh my goodness. Life has been hectic. I gave birth to my beautiful baby girl on April 22nd, also known as Earth Day. :) Yay. An Earth baby! :) And we are in the process of moving. So, I apologize for not posting anything new and exciting. However, I will get back to posting, and posting regularly after the move! :) As for now, enjoy a nice foot soak. :)

3 parts Epsom Salt
1 Part Coarse Salt
a few drops essential oil (Optional)
Food Coloring (Optional)

Stir together, pour in warm water, allow Epsom Salt to dissolve, soak feet for as long as you would like! :) If you're doing this right before bed, I would use Lavender Essential Oil. Lavender is fabulous for helping get to sleep and staying asleep. :) Tea Tree Essential Oil is awesome for helping with congestion. If you're soaking your feet right before bed and you're a little congested, put a few drops of Lavender and a few of Tea Tree. :)

Have a relaxing day! :)

Smelly Towels?!

Ever wonder why your towels quit drying you off so well? Or why no matter how many times you wash them they still tend to have a slight scent to them other than the detergent and softener? Well, that is because over time towels soak up a lot of detergent and fabric softener; And with the material full of detergent and softener, how is it going to soak up water when you use it? Well, it's not. I never really noticed that my towels weren't soaking up the water like they were suppose to until I tried this. My husband even noticed the difference.

Fill your washing machine with one load of towels.

Pour 1 cup of white vinegar either directly onto the towels or in the detergent spot. DO NOT USE DETERGENT OR FABRIC SOFTENER.

Turn the temperature up as high as it will go.

Wash.

Leave towels in the washer.

Pour 1/2 cup of Baking Soda onto the towels. DO NOT USE DETERGENT OR FABRIC SOFTENER.

Again, turn the temperature up as high as it will go.

Wash.

Dry towels normally.

Your towels will not smell like vinegar. Actually, they won't have a smell at all unless you use a dryer sheet in the dryer.

I would suggest doing this every other month, or as often as you prefer. I do mine whenever they start to get a strong detergent or other smell to them, which is normally only every other month.

Have a fresh day! :)

Vanilla Orange Body Scrub. :)

It has been awhile since I've posted anything. Everything got super busy for us. Tests, baby stuff, Easter, and of course, my nesting. :) Baby McKinzee will be here soon! :) We cannot wait.

I decided to share with everyone a great way to moisturize your skin using things from the kitchen. :) Yes, the kitchen. And, it smells like it's from a name brand company. It also feels like it when you use it. :) It's so simple, and takes not even two minutes to make. It's a body scrub. And oh how great it works!

Vanilla Orange Body Scrub

Ingredients:
3 parts Brown Sugar
1 part Granulated Sugar
1 part Olive Oil
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
A few drops Orange Essential Oil (Optional, you could also use any kind of warming oil or essential oil)

You want to use more brown sugar than granulated sugar. It just feels so much better. I did this one in parts because there really is no right or wrong way to make this.

Mix all ingredients together.
You can make it as wet or dry as you would like. If you like your body scrubs more wet, add more olive oil. If you like it more dry, add less olive oil.
You do not have to use any essential oils. It smells great without them. However, I like the smell of the vanilla and orange mixed. :) Also, I went to walmart in search of essential oils (There were none), and found warming oils. They work just as well as essential oils. :) If you have sensitive skin, I don't suggest using warming oils in place of essential oils, or even using essential oils.

This body scrub works wonders for moisturizing my skin! :) Try it out! Let me know how it works for you! And what smells you used and if you changed anything! I love trying new things. :)

Have a smooth night. :)

The Chicken Enchilada Stack.

Spring break is always so busy with kids. Never get a minute to breathe or think. I love it. I love staying busy. But, I love healthy, easy meals even more. And, the healthier, the easier, the better; especially during spring break. When I go grocery shopping for a meal, I purchase double so I can ensure to have enough to make another night if needed. This one it was needed. More wanted than needed to be honest.

I love enchiladas. I love making enchiladas. And my family loves my enchiladas. However, I've never thought of an enchilada stack. Until I strolled across this website while searching for some slow cooker meals. Turns out, I can't cook very well on the stove...I'm best with a slow cooker. :) This meal is so filling, so delicious and so healthy, it's hard to pass up. The most time consuming part? Cutting the vegetables up. Which, you could purchase them pre-cut to save time. But I've got plenty of hands two hours before dinner time during spring break. :)

Approximate prep time: 1-2 hours (depends on your chicken and vegetables)
Cook time: 2 hours
Total time: 3-4 hours
Serves 8

Sorry, no picture for this one either...It gets eaten too fast to take one. :(

INGREDIENTS:
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 cup chopped onion (red or white. I use both, my family loves onions.)
1/2 cup chopped seeded poblano chile (Leave the seeds in if you love spicy.)
1/2 cup celery
1/2 cup green bell pepper
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons chile powder
1 (10 ounce) Diced tomatoes with peppers
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce with basil, garlic, and oregano (I used Hunt's spaghetti sauce, the garlic and herb flavor)
Cooking spray
Slow cooker bag (If you don't have one, don't panic...it's not NEEDED. Just helpful. I don't use them.)
2 cups Chicken Breast (I buy mine raw, cut it, season it, and saute it myself, you can purchase the rotisserie chicken breast to save time. I also wind up with more than 2 cups of chicken from just one breast.)
1 Lemon or lime (Either is fine, and is only needed if cooking your own chicken)
1 cup frozen baby white and yellow corn (I use half a cup of each)
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
5-6 (8 inch) flour tortillas
2-3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

PREPARATION:
1. Chop all vegetables and have in a bowl ready to go. Keep 1 clove of minced garlic to the side.
2. Cut up chicken into small pieces, place in bowl, and squeeze lemon or lime juice on top and mix.
3. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Pour 1 teaspoon oil into pan, let heat up. Place the 1 clove of minced garlic into the pan and allow to brown just slightly. Cook chicken pieces. Set to the side. They will not be needed until ready to layer.
4. Heat another large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Pour 1 teaspoon oil into pan, let heat up. Pour vegetables into skillet and saute until tender; stirring frequently.
5. Stir chili powder, tomatoes and tomato sauce into vegetables. Allow to simmer for about 2 minutes.
6. Place half of tomato mixture in a blender. Remove center piece of blender lid to allow steam to escape. and place a clean towel over opening to avoid any splatters. Blend until almost smooth. Pour into large bowl, repeat with remaining tomato mixture.
7. Coat slow cooker with cooking spray; or place your slow cooker bag in slow cooker.
8. Place 3 tablespoons of tomato mixture in bottom of slow cooker.
9. Combine the remaining tomato mixture with chicken, corn and beans.
10. Place one tortilla on tomato sauce in slow cooker; pour about 1 cup of chicken mixture over tortilla; sprinkle cheese on top. Top with another tortilla. Repeat the procedure until out of mixture. End with cheese on top, not a tortilla.
11. Cover and cook on LOW for 2 hours, or until cheese melts, and edges are lightly browned. (My edges never browned, and it was still delicious. So don't worry if your edges don't brown. If the cheese is completely melted, it's probably done. I let mine cook on LOW for 2 1/2 hours, although, it would be done at 2 hours.)
12. Cut like a pizza.
13. ENJOY! :)

I know it may look like a lot of steps, but I broke the steps down a lot. :) It is very simple to do if all of your vegetables and chicken is ready to go. :) I really don't suggest trying to do both chicken and vegetables at one time...I couldn't do it. The chicken required too much attention.

You could add or take away any of the vegetables. This is my version of the recipe. If you click on the word website above the ingredients, it will take you to the original recipe where I got the idea from. :)

I hope you have scrumptious night! :)

Slow Cooking Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Cole Slaw

It's Spring Break here, and I'm wanting to keep the kitchen as clean as possible. Which means, the least amount of dishes, the better! So, I decided to have a try at using a crock pot to cook dinner for the week. Now, I'm wondering why I didn't try it sooner! Very few dishes, and fantastic meals!

Last night I decided to try a pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw, my family loved it. It also filled them up quickly, which is hard to do it seems. And, we have left overs! Perfect for lunches for the week. :)

Approximately 8 1/2 Hours total
Serves Approximately 20

Pork Sandwiches with Cole Slaw
Ingredients:

1 Five-Pound Boneless Pork Loin Roast, Trimmed.

1 1/2 Cup Water

3 Cups Barbecue Sauce (My husband makes all of our bbq sauce)

2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar

2 Tablespoons Hot Sauce

1 Teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper

2 1/2 Cups Packaged Cabbage-and-Carrot Coleslaw (This is NOT prepared coleslaw, it is bagged cabbage and carrot.)

1/4 Cup Canola Mayonnaise

1 Tablespoon White Vinegar

1/4 Teaspoon Sugar

1/8 Teaspoon Salt

20 Hamburger Buns

Preparation:

1. Place pork and water in a 3 to 4 quart electric slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 7 hours or until meat is tender. (I left mine in for the 7 hours and that was it. Came out PERFECT!)

2. Drain the pork, discarding all the liquid. Return the pork to the slow cooker; shred with 2 forks. After shredding, stir in Barbecue sauce, Brown Sugar, Hot Sauce, Freshly Ground Pepper. Cover and cook on LOW for 1 hour.

3. Combine coleslaw, Mayonnaise, Vinegar, Sugar and Salt in a bowl; toss well. (I purchased predone coleslaw to keep from having to mix all these ingredients.)

4. Place about 1/3 cup pork mixture and about 2 tablespoons slaw on bottom half of each bun; cover with bun tops.


These were absolutely delicious and everyone cleaned their plates of them. Not a single portion of this dish was wasted. I HIGHLY recommend this for anyone! :)

When you try it, leave a comment with how it turned out for you!

Have a delicious night! :)

Butterscotch Oatmeal Cookies

Well, it's Friday night. Which means it's the weekend, and for my boys, it's spring break! Which means, I get to find lots of crafts to keep them busy and entertained. Lots of baking as well. So, I thought I would share this delicious recipe I found online (http://damndelicious.tumblr.com/post/31507823030/white-chocolate-blueberry-oatmeal-cookies). I tweaked it a bit for my own liking and my husband's liking. :)

Unfortunately, I have no picture for these cookies, they did not last long enough. However, I will be baking them again this week and will take a picture. :)

Butterscotch Oatmeal Cookies

1 1/4 Cup All-Purpose Flour
3/4 Cup Old Fashioned Oats
1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon
1/2 Teaspoon Baking Powder
1/8 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1/8 Teaspoon Salt
1/2 Cup (1 Stick) UNsalted Butter, Softened
2/3 Cup Sugar
1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1 Large Egg
1/2 Cup Butterscotch Chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 Fahrenheit.

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat; Set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine flour, oats, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and sugars on medium-high until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in vanilla and egg until well combined. Gradually add flour mixture to sugar mixture at low speed, beating just until incorporated.

Gently fold in butterscotch chips.

Drop small amounts of batter onto prepared cookie sheet and press down to flatten.

Place in oven and bake until edges are golden brown but center is still moist, about 7-10 minutes.

Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.

These oatmeal cookies were delicious. Even the batter was delicious. I wanted to just eat the batter and not even bake them! They were very easy to make, and quite fun. Easy to clean up after as well. :) Would make a fantastic midnight snack. :)

I hope you have a very sweet night! :)

Yummy Pancakes

Good morning. :)
It's Thursday, which means, you made it over the hump and it's ALMOST Friday! :) So, I thought I would share a delicious recipe for some pancakes that taste amazing. :)
My husband is not much of a breakfast person. Actually, he hates eating breakfast. He would rather have just a cup of joe and be on his way. However, he ate these yummy pancakes this morning (and not without a little grump of being up at eight in the morning). He even mentioned that they tasted better than usual. Score one! It's going to be a good day for him due to him eating something good, and filling. :)

Now, I'm not a photographer, but here's what my pancakes looked like this morning. :)

And here's the recipe I used:
1 Cup Bisquick Mix
1/2 Cup Milk
1 Egg
2 Tbs Maple Syrup
1 Cap of Vanilla Extract

You can easily double this recipe to make more. It's perfectly fine if you make too many, just put them in an airtight ziplock bag and toss them in the freezer. Perfect breakfast for when you don't want to cook, but the kids or husband are begging for some pancakes. This amount makes six pancakes, which was plenty for my honey and myself. Also, if you like things a little sweeter but not the sticky mess of syrup after they are done, just add more syrup to the batter. :)

Mix together the Bisquick Mix, Milk and egg. Then add the syrup and vanilla extract. Mix well. I cooked mine on a griddle at 250 degrees.

I hope you enjoy and start your morning off tasty. :)

Welcome! :)

Hello, and welcome to The Home Life Recycler! :)
My name is Alexis, I'm currently a home-maker and mother of two with one more on the way! :)
I spend most of my time at home looking for ways to make life easier, cheaper and more fun with things that we have just laying around the house.
I enjoy making lots of crafts, body scrubs, home remedies for sickness, and homemade cleaning supplies.
This blog is to share some of my ideas with you and help your life become a little easier, cheaper and more fun like mine! :)
Looking forward to hearing from each and everyone of you who read my blog and find it useful. :)