Thursday Thoughts

I'm linking up with Jennifer over at ROASM for Thursday Thoughts.

--First, I've been gone forever it seems.. been getting ready to move. Only to find out the Army has changed our date. Of course. That's what you get when you go & try to make plans in the Army. It is so frustrating & there is absolutely nothing we can do about it! They say it will only be a few more weeks. Yeah, they say. We will see.

--I already had all my mail forwarded to my grandmother's (where we are going to be staying for a few days until we find a house) & I know:

~Bluum, Bulu, Stork Stack, Ipsy, 2 of my Say Yes To Carrots orders, my Diapers.com order, like 2 or 3 of my Amazon orders & others that I can't think of right now, have arrived at her house.

I am dying knowing all of that is there & I can't rip into it. I'm going to be like a kid on Christmas when we finally get there. I wonder if she thinks I'm a shopaholic with all those packages?! To be fair, all.. well ok most of those orders were at a discounted price. That has to count for something, right?

--So since we will be here a little longer, I went ahead & put my daughter back in preschool. Any little bit helps. It helps both of us. She is beyond excited, she loves going to school. I know I need to enjoy it while I can because I am sure that will change someday. It also gave me an excuse to buy her a Skip Hop Lunchie & a Lunchbot!

--If my 6 month old doesn't start sleeping for more than an hour at a time I don't know how I am going to make it! The doctor told me that once they hit 6 months they can slef soothe and that I don't need to feed him during the night anymore. Well, he wakes up hungry.. so I am going to feed him. She also said to just let him cry it out, that it would be a miserable couple of weeks. That would be all fine and dandy if he slept in his own room. Which he doesn't. He sleeps right next to me in his bassinet. Speaking of his bassinet, he is growing out of it, so I am going to have to figure out some other sleeping arrangements soon.

--I bought a bunch (80 pouches) of NurturMe on a FSOT facebook group for only $30! I don't know what I was expecting but I thought the pouches would have more in them. It takes at least 3 to feed my fat baby in one sitting ;) Still, at only $30, I'm not complaining. I don't know if I would ever go and buy at full price though.

Well, that's all for now.

Monday's Scrumptious Sunday

I missed yesterday's Scrumptious Sunday, so this week I'm making it Scrumptious Monday!

As always, these are easy, yummy & mostly healthy recipes!

Sweet & Salty Coconut Chicken

Ingredients:
4 cups Honey Nut Chex® cereal (coarsely crushed)
2 cups shredded coconut
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
4 eggs
1 1/2 lb chicken breast tenders

Directions:
Heat oven to 425°F.
Generously spray large cookie sheet with cooking spray.
In shallow bowl, mix cereal, coconut, salt and pepper.
In another shallow bowl, beat eggs.
Coat 1 chicken tender at a time with coconut mixture, then eggs, then again with coconut mixture;
Place on cookie sheet. Repeat to use up chicken.
Bake about 20 minutes or until chicken is golden on outsides and no longer pink in the center.

Nutrition Info:
Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories 460 (Calories from Fat 170)
Total Fat 19g (Saturated Fat 12g, Trans Fat 0g)
Cholesterol 210mg
Sodium 980mg
Total Carbohydrate 40g (Dietary Fiber 2g; Sugars20g)
Protein 32g
% Daily Value (based on a 2,000 calorie diet):
Vitamin A 15%; Vitamin C 4%; Calcium 10%; Iron 60%

Spicy Broccoli-Mango Salad

Ingredients:

Sweet-Hot Pecans~
4 teaspoons sugar
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
1/2 cup pecan halves broken into coarse pieces

Dressing~
2 6-oz.) containers 99% Fat Free (Orange Crème) Yogurt
1/3 cup light mayonnaise
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1/8 teaspoon salt

Salad~
5 cups fresh broccoli florets and cut-up stems (1 small bunch)
1 1/2 cups diced peeled seeded mango (2 medium)
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion

Directions:
Lightly spray 8-inch skillet with cooking spray.
Add sugar and ground red pepper; mix well.
Stir in pecans. Cook over low heat
Stir occasionally until sugar mixture is melted and pecans are coated.
Remove from heat; set aside to cool.
In small bowl, mix all dressing ingredients with wire whisk until smooth.
In large bowl, mix all salad ingredients.
Add dressing to salad; toss gently to mix.
Just before serving, stir in cooled pecans. Store in refrigerator.

Nutrition Info:
Serving Size: 1 Cup
Calories 250 (Calories from Fat 110)
Total Fat 12g (Saturated Fat 2g)
Cholesterol 5mg
Sodium 190mg
Total Carbohydrate 29g (Dietary Fiber 4g, Sugars 22g)
Protein 6g
% Daily Value (based on a 2,000 calorie diet):
Vitamin A 26%; Vitamin C 100%; Calcium 14%; Iron 6%

Crescent Fruit Treats

Ingredients:
1 an (8 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
1 container (8 oz) cream cheese with strawberries
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
1 to 2 kiwifruit, peeled, sliced and slices cut into stars
1 to 2 oranges, peeled, cut into pieces
1 banana sliced

Directions:
Heat oven to 375°F.
Remove dough from can in 2 rolled sections; do not unroll. Cut each section into 8 slices.
Place slices, cut side down, on ungreased cookie sheet to form tree.
To form tree, start by placing 1 slice for top; arrange 2 slices just below, with sides touching.
Continue arranging a row of 3 slices, then a row of 4 slices, and ending with a row of 5 slices.
Use remaining slice for tree trunk.
Bake 11 to 13 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool 1 minute on cookie sheet.
Carefully loosen with spatula; slide onto cooling rack. Cool 10 minutes.
Place tree on serving platter or tray.
In small bowl, mix cream cheese and powdered sugar; blend well.
Spread mixture over tree.
Decorate tree with fruit as desired.

Nutrition Info:
Serving Size: 1 Serving Calories 130 (Calories from Fat 70)
Total Fat 8g (Saturated Fat 4g Trans Fat 1g)
Cholesterol 15mg
Sodium 150mg
Total Carbohydrate 11g (Dietary Fiber 0g, Sugars 5g)
Protein 2g
% Daily Value (based on a 2,000 calorie diet):
Vitamin A 4%; Vitamin C 25%; Calcium 2%; Iron 2%

Codes! Coupons! Offers! Free Stuff!

I only found a few this time. I've been extremely busy with getting everything ready to move! I managed to find a couple good codes for you guys though. I hope you find these useful!

--Carol's Daughter Natural Hair Care is offering free shipping on orders over $25 with code AUGSHIP. Today only, also receive 20% off any purchase with code LUCKY.

--Plum District is offering 25% off everything for American Family Day, today only, use code FAMILYDAY25.

--Pacifica is offering 40% off Lotus Garden Fragrance & also free shipping on orders over $50. No code needed. They also have a new product, Hand & Body Lotion Wipes for $7 each.

--It's the final day of Melisssa & Doug's BOGO sale on all Arts&Crafts with code BOGOART. Also receive free shipping on all orders over $50 with code FREESHIPFIFTY.

*Some Subscription Box Codes:
Conscious Box (Use FREEBIE to get a your first box free,not including shipping.)
Julep (Use code FREEBOX to get your first box free!)
Kiwi Crate (Use code FF50 to save 50% off your first month.)
Love With Food (Use code FBGIFT to get your first box for $2.00!)
Citrus Lane (Use code TAKEHALF to get your first box for $12.50!)


*may contain referral links

July Bluum Review

Company: Bluum

Price: $24.95 monthly & free shipping.

Type: Baby/Kids

About: A hand picked-selection of essential products for you and your baby.

For a 5 month old boy.

The Box

First Look

The theme this month (for a 5 month old boy) was Solid Foods

Neck Pillow Chums $13.00
This says 0+ ages but I don't think my 5 month old will get much use out of it, but my 3 year old will! Especially since we are going on a very long flight soon.

Lansinoh mOmma Fork $5.00

Lansinoh mOmma Teether $5.00

Nurturme Plump Peas (2) $2.38 ($1.19 each) & 0.25 Nutureme Coupons (2)
I just bought a bunch of Nuturme & I'm waiting patiently until I receive it! I'm excited :) So of course I will be using these!

Baby Ecos Laundry Detergent Free&Clear 0.65(4oz) ($7.75 for 50oz)

ZizzyBee Bag $7.00 (3 for $19.99)
Washable, reusable & BPA free storage bags. For snacks, diapers, make-up & pretty much whatever you want!

Funktion Insulated Baby Bottle Holder $34.00
I don't know why this is $34 but I'm not liking the color combo. You can't really tell by the lighting but it's Christmas Red & Christmas Green.. but I'll get a lot of use out of it anyway :)


Conclusion: This is my first box from Bluum , I'm not disappointed! $68.00 total value! Way over the $24.95 I paid for it. I will use everything in this box. It's the first time I feel like I really got my moneys worth (based on if I'll actually use the product, not the overall price of the products) in any subscription box for babys/kids so far!
Although... it did take 15 days to get here! But I'm guessing that isn't the norm.
**contains referral links

Scrumptious Sunday

Looking for mostly healthy & yummy recipes!?

Grilled Turkey Mexiburgers

Ingredients:
1 lb lean ground turkey
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon onion salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 burger buns
2 oz reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese shredded 1/2 cup
1/4 cup Old El Paso® Thick 'n Chunky salsa

Directions:
Heat grill. In medium bowl, mix ground turkey, parsley, onion salt and pepper.
Shape mixture into 4 patties & place patties on gas grill over medium heat (or on charcoal grill 4 to 6 inches from medium coals)
Cook 11 to 13 minutes or until thoroughly cooked, turning once.
Place 2 tablespoons cheese on each cooked patty.
Place patties on bottom halves of buns.
Top each with salsa and top halves of buns.

Nutrition Info:
Serving Size: 1 Sandwich Calories 330 (Calories from Fat 110)
Total Fat 12g (Saturated Fat 4g)
Cholesterol 85mg
Sodium 600mg
Total Carbohydrate 23g
Dietary Fiber 1g, Sugars 6g, Protein 32g
% Daily Value (based on a 2,000 calorie diet):
Vitamin A 6%; Vitamin C 2%; Calcium 18%; Iron 14%

This is so good! I eat a lot of ground turkey so it's nice to mix it up with some new flavors!

Smoky Ranchero Corn

Ingredients:
1/4 lb mesquite-smoked or regular bacon (cut into small pieces)
1/4 cup sliced green onions
1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
11 oz of corn
1/4 cup ranch salad dressing
1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
2 lime slices
2 fresh cilantro sprigs

Directions:
Cook bacon in large skillet over medium heat until crisp.
In same skillet, combine cooked bacon, onions, bell pepper and corn.
Reduce heat to low; cook 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, in small bowl, combine salad dressing, lime juice, cumin and red pepper flakes; mix well.
Add dressing mixture to corn mixture; mix well.
Remove skillet from heat. Stir in chopped cilantro.
Garnish with lime slices and cilantro sprigs.

Nutrition Info:
Serving Size: 2/3 Cup
Calories 150 (Calories from Fat 80)
Total Fat 9g (Saturated Fat 2g)
Cholesterol 5mg
Sodium 480mg
Total Carbohydrate 13g
Dietary Fiber 2g, Sugars 7g, Protein 3g
% Daily Value (based on a 2,000 calorie diet):
Vitamin A 8%; Vitamin C 10%; Calcium 0%; Iron 4%

Mexican Hot Chocolate Sugar Cookies

(So this isn't exactly healthy, but it goes with the Mexican theme)

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1 roll (16.5 oz) refrigerated sugar cookies (of course you can make your own)
1/2 cup chopped cinnamon-flavored chewy candies
1 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:
Heat oven to 350°F.
In small bowl, mix sugar, cinnamon and chili powder; set aside.
In large bowl, break up cookie dough.
Stir or knead in chopped candies and miniature chocolate chips until well mixed.
Shape dough into 1 1/2-inch balls; roll in sugar mixture.
On ungreased cookie sheets, place balls 2 inches apart.
Bake 10 to 14 minutes or until edges are golden.

Nutrition Info:
(not provided)

So there you have it! A healthier Mexican Style Meal. Like my previous Scrumptious Sunday, this isn't necessarily kid-friendly, but still yummy & still easy!

Thursday Thoughts

Linking up with Jennifer @ Ramblings of a Suburban Mom
for Thursday Thoughts.

--Finally got my Pacifica order today that was shipped out on July 1st! I guess it got lost & they 2-day'd me another one, which was very nice! After all that time I'm wishing I would've gotten a different scent...figures. With any luck I'll eventually get the original one and have 2. I can give it to my mom or something :)

--Still waiting on my Bulu Box (which was shipped July 10th) & Bluum Box (which was shipped the 16th). It's my first time for both of these. Does it usually take forever? Or is it the good 'ole Alaska curse? (80% of items take 10x longer & cost 10x more to ship to Alaska & Hawaii) Which brings me to my next thought-

--I am so ready to leave here! I can honestly say I hate it! The end of August needs to hurry!

--Does anyone have a HTC Windows Phone? Mine keeps saying SIM card error & it's so annoying because you have to restart your phone. I looked online & it seems to be a common issue. Should've went with the iPhone5. My husband loves rubbing it in because he told me I should've gotten it before I even decided I was getting the Windows Phone.

--When I was shopping at Safeway today, I came across Cookie Chips! I had seen them in some food box review a few times, I can't remember which one, but of course I had to try them.. and Oh. My. God. Yumm!(I am on a diet but these are 1g of fat a cookie so if I just have like a couple a day...)

--Speaking of my diet, I am doing pretty good. About 15lbs to go before I weigh what I did before both of my kids! Eating good sucks but I'm loving the results. I am also taking these Ab Cuts Sleek & Lean pills. They seem to be helping a lot! Has anyone ever taken them or heard anything about them?

(I take both the Thermo Rise & Dreamweaver PM)

--I'm so upset that Bri got sent home from MasterChef. She was my favorite! SO WHAT if she was a vegetarian. Krissi & Natasha need to go. I can't stand their attitudes. I don't know who I'm rooting for now that Bri is gone. Natasha will probably win the whole thing though.

--Well I think that's it for today. Mostly negative, I know.. :)

Ipsy: Exclusive Beauty Finds by Our Stylists--Just For You!

Thinking about finally subscribing to Ipsy & need that extra push?

About Ipsy:

"Michelle Phan has inspired countless women around the world through her beauty video tutorials on YouTube. Every day, the question Michelle gets asked the most is: "What are the right products for me?" With infinite beauty product combinations in the marketplace, choosing the best items for your needs can be a challenge! That was why Michelle created Ipsy. Michelle and her team of stylists have selected products they love, for you to try. Each month, subscribers will receive a beautiful Glam Bag with deluxe samples and full-sized beauty products. Members can watch and play along with the stylists with the same products that they are using. All for only $10 a month."

These are just some of the products I've received from Ipsy!

& what's even better is upon signing up, you take a Beauty Quiz so they can personalize your Glam Bag so it's right for you! I've been a member since October 2012 & I've never been disappointed!

So what are you waiting for? Take the plunge! Subscribe Now! You won't regret it! You can see my Ipsy Reviews here.

**contains referral links

Codes! Coupons! Offers! Free Stuff!

Got some more free/discounted finds! Enjoy!

Get this bundle for $5.95! Click Here!

Klutch Club is offering free boxes! Code: ZZBACKTOSCHOOL (today is the LAST day)

$10 off a order of $25 or more! Code: TenOff Click Here! By clicking on the link you also earn 60 4x6 prints for free, and I earn a $10 credit! (it's a win-win!)


Pampers Rewards Code (15pts): PAMPERSREWARDS1 (by August 4, 2013)

Scrumptious Sunday

On the hunt for mostly healthy kid-friendly recipes?

Apricot-Glazed Chicken Breasts

Ingredients:

1/2 cup apricot preserves
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 lb)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

Heat gas or charcoal grill. In small microwavable bowl, mix preserves, lemon juice, soy sauce and onion powder. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper.
Place chicken on grill; cover grill. Cook with medium heat 5 minutes. Turn chicken;
Spoon about 1 teaspoon preserves mixture over each breast. Cook covered 5 to 8 minutes longer or until juice of chicken is clear when center of thickest part is cut (170°F).
Microwave remaining preserves mixture on High 30 to 45 seconds or until hot. Spoon over chicken before serving.

Nutrition Info:

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories 250 (Calories from Fat35)
Total Fat 3.5g (Saturated Fat 1g, Trans Fat 0g)
Cholesterol 70mg
Sodium 520mg
Total Carbohydrate 28g (Dietary Fiber 0g, Sugars 20g)
Protein 25g;
% Daily Value (based on a 2,000 calorie diet:
Vitamin A 0%; Vitamin C 4%; Calcium 2%; Iron 6%

Honey Mustard Glazed Carrots

Ingredients:

1 bag (1 lb) ready-to-eat baby-cut carrots
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon olive or canola oil
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Instructions:

In 2-quart saucepan, heat 1/2 cup water to boiling. Add carrots.
Cover; simmer 10 to 15 minutes or until tender. Drain.
In medium bowl, mix remaining ingredients. Add carrots; toss lightly to coat.

Quick & easy! A simple way to dress up boring carrots. I'm not really a fan of carrots myself but this sounds yummy!

Nutrition Info:

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories 80 (Calories from Fat 25)

Total Fat 2.5g (Saturated Fat 0g, Trans Fat 0g)
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 190mg
Total Carbohydrate 13g (Dietary Fiber 2g, Sugars9g)
Protein 0g
% Daily Value (based on a 2,000 calorie diet):
Vitamin A 250%; Vitamin C 4%; Calcium 2%; Iron 0%

Fresh Fruit Frozen Yogurt Pops

Ingredients:

2 containers (6 oz each) of 99% fat free yogurt
2 cups cut-up fresh fruit of your choice
1 tablespoon honey

Instructions:

In blender, place all ingredients. Cover; blend until smooth.
Divide mixture among 6 (5-oz) paper cups. Cover cups with foil; insert craft stick into center of each pop. (Or fill ice pop molds)
Freeze about 6 hours or until frozen.

Nutrition Info:

Serving Size: 1 Pop
Calories 110 (Calories from Fat 5)
Total Fat 1g (Saturated Fat 0g, Trans Fat 0g)
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 35mg
Total Carbohydrate 22g (Dietary Fiber 1g, Sugars17g)
Protein 3g
% Daily Value (based on a 2,000 calorie diet):
Vitamin A 6%; Vitamin C 10%; Calcium15%; Iron 0%

Make it a meal! Add brown or white rice to your Chicken & Carrots and have the Frozen Pops for dessert! Mostly healthy, kid-friendly, & yummy!!

Newbie Blogger Problems! Help?!

I am trying to come up with catchy titles for each day of the week (Tuesday Troubles, Silent Sunday ect.) I've seen many variations on several different blogs I follow & it seems everything I think of is taken. What's the proper etiquette for this? Can I "borrow" someone else's? Do I ask? Do I do an unofficial link up to them to give them the credit? Is it even a big deal? Do I suck it up & keep trying to come up with my own unique catchy titles? Would love feedback, thanks!

What are 10 Random facts about you that most people do not know? #challengetowrite

First off, I'm definitely failing this #challengetowrite! Just been so busy!

(19) What are 10 Random facts about you that most people do not know?

1. I am 1/8 Mexican & 1/8 Portuguese. My biological father is Mexican & Portuguese. I don't really look it besides having dark hair.

2. I can't fall asleep with the TV on. My husband kills me with this! He prefers it on to fall asleep. I have to wait for him to fall asleep so I can turn it off.

3. I would like to go to college someday. I never got the chance because I stopped in my tracks when I had kids.

4. I love the smell of rain. I don't know, just something about it. Also what the sky looks like... & the breeze that goes along eith it.

5. I collect Owls. I. Love. Owls. I have them everywhere! From salt&pepper shakers to paintings on the walls.

6. I enjoy watching trashy, dramatic reality TV shows. Yep, my husband can't believe I "watch that crap". I love it. Keeping Up With the Kardashians, Breaking Amish, Married to Jonas & a lot more!

7. I'm going to miss being an "Army Wife". I guess it's just the being proud part. Proud your husband serves. I guess I can still be proud of what he's done though. Going to be so different...

8. I joined the Army when I was 18 for a short period of time. I went to basic when I was 18. Got discharged a few months later for medical reasons. (nothing serious, they just have a lot of rules about certain medical problems.)

9. I never wanted to have any kids & I ended up with 2. I never ever wanted kids, but I am so glad I did! They have changed my life for the better! 2 is enough for me, though. No more please!

10. I wish I lived in the 1950's. I just love everything about the period. The fashion & the way society was.


That was harder than I thought! #challengetowrite

July Citrus Lane

Company: Citrus Lane

Price: $25.00 & free shipping.

Type: Kids/Baby

About: A monthly subscription box filled with goodies personalized to the age & stage of your little one!

Code: Use code TAKEHALF to get your first box for $12.50!

For a 5 month old boy.

"Beautiful weather means you'll be spending a lot of time outdoors. Whether you're planning a trip out of town or just running around town, we've put together items from some of our favorite partners- including ZoLi & Tiny Love- that will make traveling with you little one a lot easier- & more fun! Be sure to capture & share your summer memories with postcards from our partner Postagram. Bon Voyage!"

Inside the card there is a description of each item inside.

First Look

On-The-Go Formula & Snack Stacker from Zoli $15.00
Will definitely be getting use out of this!
BPA & Phthalate-free.

Jittering Giraffe from Tiny Love $8.99
This is why I love getting these boxes... Discovering new brands!
This is super cute & my baby boy loves it!

Little Buddy Wipes from Me4Kidz $2.49 (32 count)
Kills 99% of germs & is alcohol and sting free. In Fresh Cucumber & Tea Tree.
Well of course these will be used. Who doesn't need antibacterial wipes?

California Baby Shampoo & Body Wash and Aloe Vera Cream $1.00 (samples)
Offers more than 50 pediatrician & dermatologist recommended products. Toxin free.
Always love sample sizes to throw in my bag. Never know when I'll need them!

NurturMeals from NurturMe $1.50 (1 4oz serving)
First & only certified-organic, gluten-free dried fruit & veggie meals. For ages 6mo-4yrs. No added sugar, salt or preservatives. Add milk, formula or water to make purees.
I'm all about organic when it comes to my kids so I am super excited about this and will probably be ordering more.

Postagram from Sincerely Inc.
An app that lets you turn your pictures into printed, personalized postcard right from your smartphone. Citrus Lane subscribers get 10 free postcards.


Conclusion: $29.00 value, not including the Postagrams. Not a bad box at all! I like it a lot more than last month's! What did you get in your July Citrus Lane Box?

& before you go, here is my baby boy playing with his Jittering Giraffe :)

***Contains a referral link. You get $10 off your first box & I get $10 as well. (a win-win)