Want It Wednesday

Want It Wednesday

1) Food: Chicken Pot Pie

I have been craving pot pie for the last few weeks. I think this recipe from Southern Living is fabulous and I may have to make it soon. 

2) Product: Ipsy Subsciption

Since Gator got his first Citus Lane Box in this month, it has really got me thinking about a subscription for me. I really want to subscribe to  Ipsy and recieve a Glam Bag each month. Still thinking about it though. 

3) For Gator: Little Tikes High Back Toddler Swing

With fall weather peeping in, Gator is really enjoying being outside. He loves to swing inside, so I bet he would love to swing outside too! 

What are your wants this Wednesday? Tell me in my comments. 

- Erin

Spicy Sausage and Spinach Pasta

I was looking on pinterest earlier today and ran into this gem. It's was called Spicy Sausage Pasta from Kevin and Amanda. I thought it looked wonderful and cheesy. Just what my husband enjoys. I read through the ingredents and thought I could wing it from what was in the kitchen if i just changed a few things. I used cajun sausage, added frozen spinach, and used mozzarella. Like I said that that is just what I had on hand and I wanted to add a veggy. I left off the green onions because neither of us like them.

I hope that you try this recipe out and it is a hit in your household. Allen really enjoyed it! :D

Spicy Sausage and Spinach Pasta

• 6 oz  -- Cajun Sausage
• 1/2 medium onion 
• 6 oz -- frozen spinach
• 1 can -- rotel
• 2 cups -- chicken broth
• 1/2 cup -- whole milk
• 8 oz -- pasta
• 1 cup -- mozzarella 
• 1/4 tsp -- garlic powder
• salt and pepper to taste

1. Slice sausage in half long ways and thin slice into thin half moons. Dice onion into small pieces. Cook sausage in a skillet on medium until golden brown. Add the onions and cook until they are also golden brown. Then, add the frozen spinach and cook until the spinach has melted. 
2. Add the can of rotel, chicken broth, whole milk, garlic powder, and pasta. Bring to a boil, place a lid on your skillet and simmer on low until the pasta is cooked through (about 15 minutes). 
3. Uncover and taste and then add the salt and pepper you think it needs. Top with mozzarella and let it get melty and wonderful. 
4. Enjoy! (This makes 4 servings. Nutitional facts from caloriecount.com.)

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 serving (447.5 g)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 429 Calories from Fat 150

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 16.7g 26%

Saturated Fat 6.4g 32%

Trans Fat 0.0g

Cholesterol 110mg 37%

Sodium 1128mg 47%

Total Carbohydrates 47.6g 16%

Dietary Fiber 2.4g 10%

Sugars 8.8g

Protein 22.3g

Vitamin A 89% • Vitamin C 33% Calcium 34% • Iron 24%

* Based on a 2000 calorie diet

Citrus Lane August 2013 Review - 3 Month Old Boy

This was our first month to receive a Citrus Lane Box. Just to give you a quick run down about the business. Citrus Lane is subscription service for children. You pay to receive a new box of things each month. I bought a 6 month subscription. Boxes start as low as $21 a month. It ships around the 17th of each month and comes to your door by USPS. 

Here is the first few looks at what came inside of our box. 

  

Okay now to the stuff:

Cloe's Alphabet Book from Barefoot Books ($6.29): 

This is a cute little book at goes through the alphabet. Allen and I really love to read to Gator so this will be great for him. As teachers we are excited to help in his education. There are really bright pictures to get a child's attention. When I read through the book the first time I did notice that it doesn't say what the picture is, it describes the picture. This will make for good conversation about what the words and pictures are talking about. 

 All Natural Hand Sanitizing Wipes from CleanWell - Orange Vanilla Scent ($10.99): 

These wipes are biodegradable and kill germs naturally. They are alcohol-free and safe for sensitive skin. I plan to stick these in the car for outings. I am excited about these because they will be safe for Gator. They also smell like a creamsicle. (Which is my favorite snowcone flavor.) 

Calendula Diaper Care Samples by Weleda (3 samples)

Baby Bottle Strap from Ah Goo Baby ($10.50):

I am interested in this strap as well. While Gator is just getting grabby and wanting to throw things, I see this being very useful in the future. I am sure I could even use this for Sofia the Giraffe. 

Little Stackers from Rich Frog ($12.95):

This was Gator's and my favorite this out of the whole box. As soon as we opened the box he wanted that and snatched it up.I am so glad he got the frog. He is a gator and they eat frogs so it is perfect for him. :D It is soft and cuddle, lightweight, and sticks together with Velcro. It is making a great chew toy right now. 

 Fabkids ($39.99 value):

This was a code for a free outfit from Fabkids. It is a subscription service that delivers an outfit every month. You had to sign up for the service to get the out fit and paid $5.00 in shipping the receive after the code. So, its really only a $34 value. The sizes start at size 2 and Gator is only in 6 months; he won't be able to wear it for a while. However, I did order a size 2 and plan on cancelling the service whenever I receive the outfit. 

Overall I thought this was a really good first box. I look forward to receiving our next 5 boxes. I paid $21.00 for this box and the items in it cost about $76. Gator is going to get great use out of these items. There was also a 20% off coupon off on order at barefootbooks.com. 

 Did you order a Citrus Lane box? Did you like what you received? Let me know!  If you are interested in subscribing or just want to learn more, click here!  Using my link will save you $10 off your box (boxes are $25/month), however the coupon code “TAKEHALF” will save you a few dollars more!

Tootles

Time flies....

Lots of things have happened since I started this blog two years ago.. So, I thought I should catch you up.

Allen and I lived in Amory until June of this year. We had a wonderful job where we could work on the same school campus and teach (Allen coached basketball, also). I taught 4th grade language (2011-2012) and then 5th grade reading (2012-2013). That mean I taught the same kids two years in a row. That was an experience. I got to bond with my students very well and enjoyed my time there.

Allen and I had a beautiful baby boy May 24, 2013.I am going to refer to him as Gator. That is his nickname. He is the best thing that could ever had happened to us. We are very blessed. As of today, 8/19/2013, he is 12 weeks old. He is very alert and has been since he was born. I never got the lets sleep all the time baby. Here are some picture of my baby boy. 

Me and Gator before coming home from the hospital. 

Allen and Gator getting ready to come home. 

2 weeks old

After his first bath. 

AJ checking Gator out. That is his pup.

Most recent.. 3 months old.

 We are thrilled about our new journey. Allen has started a new coaching/teaching job where we are living now; I am staying at home with Gator and getting everything set up to start my graduate degree in Reading Literacy. I can't wait to go back to school! This was my first year since Kindergarten that I have not started school in August. 

I can't wait to update you soon! 

Tootles