"It's a party hat!"

Ava: "Look Mom! Jack's wearing a party hat!"
Me: "No honey. That's not a party hat. That's a pee-pee teepee."
Ava: "No Mom. It's a party hat!"
Me: "Okay Ava. Whatever you say kiddo."

Souper!

I recently attended a small dinner party and on the menu was Chicken Tortilla Soup. 


Ken raised an eyebrow when he heard, thinking he would probably need to hit up Mickey D's afterward because he was convinced it wouldn't put a dent in his appetite. 


Well, after watching him devour 2 large bowls I insisted she share the recipe with me. She actually laughed because she said this was the first time in her life that someone has asked her for a recipe. Don't worry Jen, your cooking skills are just fine in my book!


Well, she gave me the recipe (which actually came from Molly, a mutual friend) and told me how incredibly easy it was. And after dumping everything in the crockpot and merely turning it on, I too think this is one of the easiest (and most delicious) meals on the planet!

Ready for the ingredients? Here goes:

• 2 jars Frontera black bean chili starter (Whole Foods)
• 1 can drained black beans
• 1 can drained corn
• 1 whole can diced tomatos- I prefer garlic!
• 1 can diced green chilis
• 1 jar salsa- I made my own (recipe here) 
• 4-6 raw chicken breasts

Dump EVERYTHING in a slow cooker and either cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours!!! Use 2 forks to shred chicken and throw it back in the pot. You can add a little water if you prefer more 'soupy' or leave as is for thicker consistency.

Garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, or tortilla chips!

Yes, it's THAT easy! Happy cooking! Thanks for sharing the recipe, Jen! And no, we didn't hit McDonald's after your party! Full bellies were had by all! 

Big Jack- sitting all by his little self!

Dinner's Ready!

Well sort of. It's prepared and is just waiting to go into my lovely oven.

I made another goodie that I found on Pinterest: Creamy Chicken Enchiladas. I cannot tell you how excited I am to dig into this dish of ooey-gooey love!

It was pretty easy to make, which means if it's a hit with the family, it will become a new staple around here.

I'm also making some spanish rice and refrieds, to put on the side (to soak up all that cheesy yumminess). Add a little homemade guac and chips-- and voila! Dinner is SERVED! Now I'm craving margaritas. PLEASE tell me we have Tequila!

Did I mention how much I love all mexican food-- absolutely LOVE it. And it's even more fun to eat when you make it yourself (especially if it's delish).

Earlier this week I made Chicken Ranch Tacos in the crockpot (see, I told you I'm addicted to Mexican food). They were out of control-- Jaw-dropping good! And even better-- they were easier than anything I've ever made.

Want instructions? Here goes: You put raw chicken breasts in the crockpot. Pour in one Ranch dressing seasoning packet. Add one packet of Taco Seasoning. Add 1 cup chicken broth. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours. That's it! When it was done cooking, I shredded it and we stuffed it into hard shell tacos, with all the fixings. Thumbs up from all at the table!

All this talk of food is making me hungry (and thirsty!!). Is it 5:00 yet?!

Move over diaper cake!

I recently attended a baby shower for a friend of mine. We were asked to bring some must have baby items, all to give the second-time Mommy some stuff to welcome her baby boy. Well, I had originally thought I could give her a box of diapers. But that seemed WAY too boring. Then I thought about doing a diaper cake-- but I had never done one before. So off to Google I went. I saw some darling ones. But then I saw the one I knew I HAD to do. It was a diaper motorcylce. Talk about adorable!

So I immediately got to work, shopping for all the necessary items to put this little fella together.

Here are the items necessary to complete the bike:

• 3 bibs
• 1 bottle
• 2 receiving blankets
• 1 pair shoes
• 2 linky rings
• Stuffed animal
• Newborn outfit
• Newborn sunglasses
• Newborn hat

Loop one of the receiving blankets through center of each of the wheels, hiding the ends in the wheels

Pull another receiving blanket through the front wheel and secure on top with 2 linky rings.

Be sure to add "tread" to the wheels (I used red and white polkadot ribbon)

Shoes as handlebars!

Bottle as motorcycle headlight

Lastly, secure your little guy (dressed in the newborn outfit, sunglasses and hat) to the bike.

He looks like a little stud, eh?!

It was a hit! And I'll be making this from now on for baby showers!