Spare time, WHAT spare time?

Lots to post, so little time. Here is a quick rundown... I have been super busy with my business (BrinaBabe Boutique).

I was recently featured on Alaska Coupon Diva. If you haven't already, check me out on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Anchorage-AK/BrinaBabe-Boutique-Accessories/387384545482 or etsy: http://www.brinababe.etsy.com/

While I am thrilled to be doing so well, I am definitely working harder than I imagined. Additionally we had our St. Patrick's Day Party, and the R.S. Birthday Party. We had a great turnout and the food was FABULOUS!

Whew, I am tired just thinking about it. Speaking of good food, n and I have tried several new recipes and here they are:

Chicken Casserole (this was an experiment that turned out quite well)
3-4 chicken breast cubed and cooked
1 can cream of chicken soup (Depending on chicken qty. you might need 2)
a bag of frozen veggies
bisquick
milk
egg
Dijon mustard
1/3 cup Italian dressing (more or less to taste)
Cheese

I mixed the chicken, soup, veggies, a few squirts of mustard, the dressing and a little milk, then pour it into a 13x9 pan (if you aren't using a stone, spray it first). Top with cheese. Mix the egg, water, and bisquick until you get a pancake batter-like consistency. Pour over cheese and bake at 350 until golden brown.

Apple Cobbler

5 cups of apples (skins removed and sliced)

1 c. sugar

cinnamon

2 Tbsp soft butter

Fill bottom of 13x9 pan with apples and sprinkle sugar over top. Sprinkle cinnamon and top with butter. Pour batter mixture over top and bake at 350 for 30-35 min.

Batter

1/2 c. milk

2 c. Bisquick

1 c. sugar

1 egg

1 Tbsp butter

Mix ingredients until smooth.

Lemon Cake

1 pkg. lemon cake mix

1 pkg. lime jello (4 serving size)

1 envelope dream whip topping

1 pkg. instant lemon pudding (4 serving size)

1 1/2 c. cold milk

Dissolve lime jello in 3/4 c. boiling water. Add 1/2 c. cold water. Set aside. Mix and bake cake mix. Cool 20-25 minutes. Poke deep holes through top of warm cake with large serving fork. Slowly pour gelatin into holes. Refrigerate cake while making topping.

Topping

In a chilled deep bowl blend and whip topping mix, instant lemon pudding, and cold milk until stiff. Remove cake from refigerator and immediately frost cake. Store in fridge.

Spring is here!

This flower clip (small two-tone) is available locally and at www.brinababe.etsy.com. I have a huge variety of flower clips, hats, headbands, jewelry, wipe clutches and more! 

Catching Up!

Whew! The past week or so have been busy. Trying to stay on top of orders, hit all of my physical therapy appointments, be a mom... I get overwhelmed just thinking about it. A week from Saturday Jon and I are supposed to go dancing. This will give me a gauge as to what I can/can't do, my pain vs. activity level, and meter how quickly I am healing. I am nervous, but also excited. I am so tired of being hurt that I can't wait to jump back in the saddle. This could be a turning point. Then again, I could wake up Sunday morning and wish I hadn't.

If you haven't been following me on etsy or facebook, I'll just say this, I have been working my tail off. I have all kinds of new items - most of which have been listed. I have sold far more than I expected to at this stage of the game. Jon is such a good sport. He can run into JoAnn's and grab a 10mm crackle bead without even thinking about it. Not only does he indulges my hobbies, but often will help me in the selection process too.

Speaking of my sweetheart... he treated me to a wonderful Valentines WEEKEND. We went to dinner and watched Avatar. This was the first time we left all 3 kids behind. It was HEAVEN. I love my kids, but every now and then it's good to have a break. Well, this post is probably the most boring to-date, but I am grateful for that. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. We love you!

Mango Chicken Taco's

These were super yummy and could easily be transformed into a Panini.

4 (or more) tortillas
2 cooked chicken breasts
a few slices of Gouda cheese
a little mango salsa

Warm up your tortilla, add chicken, salsa, and cheese. You can "toast" these in the oven to get a slightly crispier end result.

Flowers...

I have been working like mad on hair accessories. These super cute flower clips can be worn alone, on dresses, or with headbands like the one shown. I have yet to photograph all my new items, but here is a sample of what's to come...

Pork Spare-Ribs

This was our "New Recipe of the Week". My thoughts - The sauce could use a little tweaking, but not bad overall. Here is the recipe if you want to give it a try:

4 1/2 lbs Pork Spare-Ribs
1/4 c. Molasses
1/4 c. Mustard
1/4 c. Soy Sauce
3 Tbsp. Apple Cider Vinegar
2 Tbsp. Worcestershire
1 Tsp. Tabasco Sauce
1 Tsp. Liquid Smoke

Mix all ingredients until well blended. Cut ribs into desired size. Put meat into slow cooker and pour sauce to cover ribs. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or until meat is tender. Baste every hour or two with sauce.

And there you have it, a simple easy to prepare dinner. Enjoy!

Can I just have 25 hours in each day??

I am finally getting all of my items on Etsy... or at least on the way. Even though I can't do much physically, I feel like I am constantly on the go. Between doctor appointments, physical torture (I mean therapy) and my crafty stuff I have been pretty busy. Oh, and my three adorable children, the dog... and my wonderful husband, yep, they need my attention too. I am going to TRY and post one Etsy item a week so you can see what I've been up to. I should also mention my "resolution" not to be confused with New Year's Resolutions (I gave those up years ago). I roped Jon into trying one new recipe a week. Last week we made B.T.S. cake. We tried two different versions and it was DELISH! If you don't know what B.T.S. is, well, either ask a friend or email me. This week I'm thinking something dutch oven. If you have any great recipes, let me know. Anyhow, here is one of my latest jewelry sales...

Bring on the heat!

Today marked my second session of physical therapy. I was nervous before the appointment started because I was already in pain. Luckily after heat therapy, elec. stimulation, and good stretching I felt better than I have in a while. Shortly after the pain returned; it was a nice break though. I keep asking Jon why our insurance won’t just cover a hot tub. I’m sure it would help my back. Hahaha… I know, I know. A girl can dream right. On the agenda I have exercises, exercises, and yep… more exercises. I am sure they will help me but right now it feels like work,work,work!

Today was also a very important appointment. I went for my follow up with Neurology. So far it’s looking like a migraine caused my “incident”. I have a few more tests to go, but things are looking good. You might wonder, wouldn’t I have felt a migraine? Well, I am learning a headache is a symptom of a migraine, and a migraine is not always accompanied by a headache. I am so grateful for all the prayers on my behalf. I know they are helping and I am recovering from all my physical trials. Even though the process is slow I have had amazing support. Thank you for all your service, love, and prayers. Until next time…