"let's go to the corner"

Those words rang so sweetly when I heard them last night...
because it's been years since I have.
If you are dancer, you know those words.

Last night, I took (survived) my first dance class in years!
I was so so excited and had nervous butterflies in my tummy too.
But it was amazing.
It was so so good for me. Not just for my body, but for my soul.

(on my way...)
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Everything possible tried to prevent me from going last night, which I know was just the enemy trying to get in the way
of what the Lord wanted for me.
Both girls weren't feeling well, I started not feeling great,
Bethany would not take a bottle like she normally does if I'm not there, so I had to nurse her extra and thought I was going to be super late.
Then I got lost on my way there.
I seriously almost turned around and just called it off.
I was already nervous anyways...

BUT. I made it. And it was SO so worth it.
(remember this post about God using my sweet friend to tell me to dance again?
so thankful for that.)

I took an adult modern class and it was ah.ma.zing.
The teacher rocked, and I didn't feel out of place at all.
It is amazing what your muscles and mind remember after just a bit of practice.
Once i heard some dance terms and saw the teacher do them, it all came just flooding back.
I even had a "moment" where I just stood there and just smiled.
I think it surprised me at how second nature dancing still is for me.
And that brought me so much joy in my soul.

(after class)
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I can't wait for class each week! And get this...I even have a recital at the end of the year!!
That makes me happy too, because Parker has never seen me dance.
It will be the best feeling in the world to have the person I love watch me do what I am passionate about.
Oh, and it gets better...
My recital will be the night before Abigail's very first dance recital!!!
a weekend filled with dance!

I am so stinking sore today.
But my heart is really full.

So I want to say this.
If there is something in your heart that you are wanting to pursue, create, learn about,
or do again that you used to do...Do it.
It will be so good for you, trust me. :)


Linking up today with my precious friend Leslie:

topofthepagewithleslie


"The Girl Behind the Blog" VLOG announcement!!

Have y'all participated in the "Girl Behind the Blog" VLOG link up
over at 5ohwifey?!
If not, you NEED to!!

and guess what?
I am SO excited and honored to be this month's co-host with Ashley!!
AND, Im super excited about this month's prompt:
*HOW HAS BLOGGING CHANGED YOU?*

I know for me personally, it has changed how I think about some things, how I value community, how I reflect in my heart, and (obviously) I take more pictures! hehe.
It has added to my life in a way I had NO idea it would!!!

I love me some "Ashley 5ohwifey" (that's how her name is in my phone) :)
She is one of the most open and real bloggers I have met.
She is not afraid to share her heart about anything, and is such an amazing example of just working through her faith and life with the Lord... as a Mommy and as a Cop's wife.

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I don't even remember how I found her blog, but she's one that I keep up with consistently and always look forward to.
We became friends on the bird (thats what I like to twitter),
and have built a friendship over the last several months.
I am so thankful for her heart and for the tool God is using her as through her blog.

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(isnt she beautiful?)

Several months back, she started a monthly link up called "The Girl Behind the Blog".
which is where bloggers can make a VLOG, yes that's a Video-Log, so that your readers and bloggy friends can get to know you on a new level.
A face-to-face level. :)

If you have never vlogged, or are nervous to....be comforted that most everyone is.
Or look at it as a good opportunity to laugh at yourself and how many times you say "um".
jk.
no but really...
it is SO fun!!!!

I have enjoyed it so much when I have linked up
(you can watch that here and here and here)
and i LOVE watching other friends on their vlogs.
You really do feel connected in a different way.

convinced now?

So, here is the prompt for this month's Vlog...
Hope to SEE you!!!!

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So, Wednesday, August 29, 2012... one week from today... we invite YOU to tell us what you love about this blogging community and how it has changed you. And maybe make a few new friends. All you have to do is follow both of our blogs, post a button anywhere on your blog, and post a short vlog answering the following questions. You'll only have to link up on one of the host's blogs because our links will be interlinked. We really hope you join us. You can grab a button below to put up on your blog. Spread the word and lets get to know each other a little better! Here are the deets... feel free to make your video your own but please try to stick to these prompts and the time limit.


The Girl Behind The Blog- How Blogging Has Changed You

Time limit: Vlogs should be 2-3 minutes long


Introduce yourself and your blog

What is one of the main ways blogging has changed you?

How has blogging changed the way you reflect on issues that you wouldn't have before?

At the end of the day, how are you empowered and encouraged by blogging- by your own and by others?

How do you think you could add to your blog being a blessing to yourself and others?



5ohwifey

<a href="http://www.5ohwifey.com/search/label/TGBTB" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1210.photobucket.com/albums/cc416/5ohwifey/Blog%20Tools/NEWtgbtb.jpg" alt="5ohwifey" width="200" height="200" /></a>


pwetty pwease?! I wanna see your vlog!!

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Thrifty Love Blogger Gift Exchange!!

I've never been a huge "thrifter", but I always admire people who are and who find awesome stuff!
BUT, I'm gonna give it a go and join some of my closest blog girls in a super fun Thrifted Gift Exchange!!

We live right by a cute little thrift store called "Stuff"...
can you believe some of these treasures I have seen while browsing?

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I have yet to ever buy anything, but now I have an excuse!!

You wanna get a thrifted treasure in the mail and make some new bloggy friends in the process?
well, you should join us then!!

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{hosted by me, hannah, danielle, jami, stephanie, heather, esther and carina}

so what is this thrifty love gift exchange?
a fun new way to get to know some fantastic bloggers who share a love for thrifting!
get paired up, hit the thrift shop for that perfect little treasure, and send it to your new bff.
if you are interested in participating (and I know you are), here's what you need to know:

1. send an email to carina at punkpumpkinpeanut {at} gmail {dot} com by july 5
2. include a link to your blog and a mailing address (only to be shared with your match up!)

you'll get your match no later than july 10.
at that point you can get to know your new blog buddy and set to thrifting!
spending limit is $10, which is like lottery winnings at the right shop.
all packages should be in the mail no later than july 25.
if it turns out you can't participate, please let carina know by july 20 so we can set your match up with another buddy!
get your blog posts ready with a full report of your thrifty love for a
HUGE BLOG LINK UP ON AUGUST 6th!

{grab a button to spread the thrifty love, yall}
*if you cant get the button to work, let me know*

a punk, a pumpkin and a peanut

Let us know if you want in on the fun!!!
Can't wait, yall!

Meal Plan Swap...coming soon!!

GET EXCITED!

what do you think of when you hear "meal planning"?
does it overwhelm you?
well, it shouldn't my friend!
It saves time, money, food, and its actually kindof fun!

so guess what??????

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all you gotta do is come up with a week's meal plan, blog it, and come link it up!
Carina from A Punk, a Pumpkin, and a Peanut and I will be hosting this interlinked swap next Friday April 20th!!

We could each literally have MONTHS worth of meals planned.
Ill take that!
The more we have link up, the more weeks of meals we get...
So, spread the word, grab a button, plan some meals and link up!!
(these can just be simple meals, you don't need to be a chef...Lord knows I'm not!)


{see, I told you you should be excited!}

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never done a meal plan before? thinking about doing it?
well, now is a great time to start!!

here's some simple tips:
-Get your computer, or a pen and pad of paper if you are old school like me
(I have a minor obsession with legal notepads)
-Find 6-7 meals you'd like to make for the coming week either from cookbooks, your mom's old notecard recipes, pinterest or wherever you find your recipes from.
-write down ALL the ingredients needed in one big list
-now go "shop your pantry" (Ashley taught me this, thanks girl!) with your list and cross off anything you already have...this prevents over-stocking and saves money
-now you have your shopping list! (and I try and break the list down by "sections" of the store to save time since I usually have both little ones with me!)
*I find it really helpful to put the week's plan up on the fridge so I can look ahead
(especially for the days I need to get the crockpot out...so I don't forget the next day, and then its too late!)
What are YOUR meal planning tips??

oh, and guess what?
here's a week's meal plan for you!!!
feel free to use it as an example for the link up, and def feel free to copy it and use it!! :)
Blessings friends, Happy Cooking!!

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THE "PLAN"

Monday:
B: oatmeal or cold cereal and milk, with cheese slices
L: sandwiches and chips with fruit
D: Shredded Rio Chicken (crockpot)

Tuesday:
B: scrambled eggs with shredded cheese on tortilla
L: leftover chicken on a taco or salad
D: Turkey Goulash

Wednesday:
B: omelet with diced ham and cheese
L: sandwiches or soup (or Turkey leftovers)
D: Steak and Zuccini (crockpot)

Thursday:
B: oatmeal or cold cereal and milk, with cheese slices
L: turkey and cheese roll-ups with jello or yogurt
D: Sloppy Joes

Friday:
B: simple skillet pancakes (with pancake mix) with sliced cheese
L: Sloppy Joe leftovers with fruit cups
D: Spicy Honey Chicken

Saturday:
B: scrambled eggs with cheese, toast
L: sandwiches, PB&J with fruit cups
D: Pizza Bar

Sunday:
B: yogurt and fruit tortilla rolls
L: (grill day)
D: (grill day)

* you can always add salad, bread, fruit, or veggies to the dinners,
I just didn’t include them here!
*as you can see, we aren’t too creative with breakfasts or even lunches…
so do what you want for those! ☺


THE MEALS

Shredded Rio Chicken
(crockpot)

2 lbs chicken breasts
Β½ of small bottle of zesty Italian dressing
Β½ TBSP minced garlic
1 pkt dry ranch dressing (mix with Β½ cup water)
Β½ TBSP chili powder
Β½ TBSP ground cumin

Put all in crockpot…cook on high for 5-6 hours
Chicken should shred easily with a fork at end of cooking.
You could put this on tortillas, chips with sour cream, cheese, etc.
Also good on a salad!
*this freezes well if you want to double or triple the recipe!

Turkey Goulash
Egg noodles (I use wheat) – about 8 oz uncooked
Onion powder (just a few shakes), or 1 onion chopped if you like onion
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 zucchini, sliced (keep skin on)
1 lb ground turkey
2 cups tomoato sauce
2 TBSP fresh basil, chopped
(optional) 2 TBSP red wine

cook noodles according to directions
sautΓ© bell pepper and zucchini (and onion if you use it, or sprinkle with powder) in a skillet with cooking spray. (medium heat)
Remove veggies from skillet and set aside.
Cook ground turkey in skillet.
Return veggies to skillet when meat is done.
Add tomato sauce, basil, and wine.
Cook and stir for about 5 minutes until heated through.

Place a portion of noodles on each plate and top with the turkey mixture.
Serve with a small salad and garlic bead!

Steak with Zucchini
(crockpot)

2 lbs round steak (cut into 6 pieces…I just get 2 3-piece packages at walmart)
2 TBSP Olive Oil
2 (7 oz) cans sliced mushrooms, drained
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp kosher salt
Β½ tsp rosemary
1 TBSP dried minced onion
1 TBSP minced garlic
2 TBSP red wine
2 lbs zucchini (about 3-4), but into ΒΌ in slices
1 pint grape tomatoes (about 10 oz)
(sour cream and parsley optional for garnishing)

Grease crockpot with olive oil and leave the excess in the pot.
Add all ingredients except the beef, tomatoes and zucchini,
Stir well.
Add beef, tomatoes and zucchini, toss with the mixture
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours
Can garnish each portion with sour cream and parsley.


Sloppy Joes

1 lb ground beef (lean)
Β½ cup chopped onion (I use onion powder instead)
1 cup chopped celery
8 oz can tomato sauce
1 can tomato soup
Β½ tsp chili powder (I use about 1 tsp!)
salt and pepper
wheat hamburger buns

brown the beef, along with the celery and onion, drain often
add the tomato sauce and soup
add chili powder and salt and pepper
let simmer on low for about 20 minutes.

We scoop it on top of the buns and eat them open-faced!
You can also add a little grated cheese on top!
{on my blog here}

Spicy Honey Chicken

8 boneless skinless chicken thighs (and I cut off any skin or fat left on there to make them really lean)
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
Β½ tsp ground red pepper
6 Tbsp honey
2 tsp apple cider vinegar

preheat broiler (mine is on the β€˜high” setting)
combine the honey and cider vinegar in a small bowl, stir well
combine all the spices in large bowl
coat each piece of chicken in spices
place chicken in broiler pan (I just use a dark baking pan bc I don’t have one)
broil chicken for 5 minutes on each side
take chicken out and brush one side with honey mixture
return and broil for 1 minute
take it out, flip the chicke, brush that side with honey, and return
broil 1 more minute

*this is pretty spicy, so beware if you don’t like that! Abigail actually loves this but it is too hot for me. Parker LOVES this!!
*serves well with just a simple green salad!
{on my blog here}

Pizza Bar
Whole wheat pizza crust
Pizza sauce
Fresh mozzarella, sliced as thin or thick as you like
any toppings, but we use:
tomato, chopped
Pineapple pieces
Pepperoni
Fresh basil
(And sometimes grilled chicken pieces if we have it)

You know how to make a pizza…
And just follow the baking directions for the crust.
This is fun to set out as a β€œPizza Bar” and just let everyone get their own toppings on their own pizza or on their half!
{on my blog here}

β€œGrill Day”
we usually do this on Sunday afternoons, esp right now while the weather is great!
(and I don’t know if you ladies grill or just your hubbies do, but if you don’t…you should! I LOVE grilling…its super easy, quick, and the kids can run around outside while you grill)

and if you don’t have an outdoor grill (maybe this is just a Texas thing?) you could just use a George Forman!

Things we usually grill:
Chicken, lean beef (just burger patties), shrimp, zucchini, carrots, asparagus

Meats: just do a little Worcestershire, seasoned salt, and pepper
(shrimp: some lemon juice and parsley)
Zucchini: kosher salt and pepper
Asparagus: a little olive oil, kosher salt, and cracked pepper

*you could grill whatever you want, and just have a ton of stuff to choose from…this also makes us several meals for lunch (or a day I don't want to cook) for the coming week!


THE SHOPPING LIST
(just go through your kitchen and cross out what you already have!)

spices (you prob have most of these):
chili powder
salt
pepper
kosher salt
dried minced onion
onion powder
garlic powder
ground cumin
dried rosemary
minced garlic
paprika
ground red pepper

fresh spices:
basil
parsley (optional)

meats:
2 lbs round steak
1 lb lean ground beef
2 lbs chicken breasts
1 lb lean ground turkey
chicken thighs (about 8)
(and then any additional meats for β€œgrill day”)

veggies/fruit:
pineapple chunks
mushrooms
zucchini (about 4 large)
grape tomatoes (about 10 oz)
tomato to chop
1 red bell pepper
celery (about 4 stalks)

canned:
tomato sauce (1 8 oz can, 1 2-cup can)
1 can tomoto soup
pizza sauce

other:
olive oil
red wine (optional)
light sour cream (8 oz)
small bottle Zesty Italian dressing
1 packet dry Ranch dressing
honey
apple cider vinegar
whole wheat pizza crust
fresh mozzarella cheese
pepperoni
egg noodles
tortillas (wheat) or chips
salad

**I did not include here things like bread, eggs, cereal, milk, peanut butter, jelly,
sandwich meat, and snacks…

***I got this whole week’s meal plan at Walmart for just over $100! Yay!
(keep in mind I already had some of this stuff)

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special thanks to:
Danielle, for being an exhausted newborn mommy like me and requesting via Twitter that someone plan meals for her (she was only kindof joking)...and i totally jumped on that too!
Carina, for stepping up and making a meal plan...just because she's that cool.
Ashley, for inspiring with great tips about meal planning and shopping
love yall.