Spring Break Giveaway

This upcoming week is my spring break and I am sooooo excited!

Since I'll be out of town, I cant do any posts. So, I figured no better time for a giveaway! This will be an easy enter giveaway!

-Follow my Blog
-"Like" me on Facebook
-Comment below

That is it. Simple.

Here's what you will get:

Above is my "Spring Break" reading selection. I'm taking a copy of it along with me and I am looking forward to reading it. The second item is a cute little grass planter. Two fun little things to celebrate the much needed break!
 This ends May 1st 2014

Some bunny Loves You!

Today my boys had Easter themed bentos. My oldest must have liked it, because he came home talking about it!

Inside the eggs are things like marshmallows, spring gummies, and raisins.

Better Than Nothing Bento

Since my whole family has been sick (especially me), I really had no desire to make anything. However, I couldn't let another week go by. I pulled together this cute little Spring Bento for my boys. I have so many cute ideas to do next week before Easter. So be on the look out!

Hello April, How Are You?

So happy it is finally April. I started working on planting my patio garden. The weather is finally warmer. Spring break is on its way. Im just really pleased its Spring. If you know me well enough, this is unusual. I typically like fall and winter and avoid all forms of warm weather, but I can't stay cooped up any longer.

Anyway, the month of April brings a few new things on here as well. We are starting a new theme. This month I will be doing a series on Amazing Women. There are so many fantastic ladies in both the past and present that inspire me.

I will take a few posts to focus on one of these women each. I hope to highlight the traits that beckon me to grow as a person.

Although no one person is perfect, I believe that each person has qualities we can learn from. During this month, I will not focus on the areas in which I disagree with each woman, but only those traits I mentioned earlier.

I look forward to sharing all this with you. I also look forward to hearing your feedback and comments. Please feel free to share the women that inspire you. Whether living or gone, I want to know!

Oh, I almost forgot. I hit over 100 likes on my Facebook fan page, so I will be announcing another giveaway this month!

Two for Spring

So happy its spring! I made my sons' Bentos springy themed (although its not going to be very springy here tomorrow). I stuck with light colors. Fruits and veggies galore and simple finger foods. The boys both loved lunch. It would have been perfect for a picnic had it actually been spring like. haha!

I also had a Pampered Chef Party this evening. It was fun and I will have a recipe of my own creations to share at some point. So, keep on reading!

How was your Monday?

Pork Chop Cacciatore

Finally! Something I can succeed on cooking. I was just saying earlier today that if I failed on making Italian food, I was really in trouble. My family heritage is Italian and I've always been proud of my ability to make Italian dishes.

Today's meal was simple and easy. I did however speed up the process, rather than using the slow cooker like the original recipe for pork chop cacciatore stated. The only difference is using higher heat on the stove top. My family enjoyed it and I felt comfortable making it.

We ate the meal with corn on the cob, by request of my mother-in-law. I think it would be perfectly fine on its own. I also covered mine in mozzarella cheese after this photo. I LOVE cheese!

I apologize for not getting the cake done today. It truly saddens me. Sometimes mommy duty takes way too much out of me. I'm hoping to make it early next week.

Looking Forward

I continue My "Julia" project still next week. This is what I hope to make:

• Pan Seared Steak Rolls
• Lemon-Ricotta Pasta with Peas and Seared Scallops
• White Chocolate Lemon Truffles
• Crepes with Lemon Ricotta and Blackberries 

As well as the cake I missed this past week. I didn't make as high of expectations this week. Hopefully I will actually finish!

My Outfit

I had to show off this great Gwynnie Bee dress. I love it so much, I may purchase it.

Its the first time I've worn a true wrap dress. It was very flattering and comfortable!

A Nice Walk

After dinner my whole family enjoyed the nice Spring weather we had today. I hope you are taking advantage of it if it is nice near you as well!

These photos were taken after our walk. Notice my husband's pleasant expression...

Italian Tomato Parmesan Soup & Rosemary Olive Oil Bread

Some days are hard to have kids. As I write this, my two year old is playing in his room after I put him to bed. In fact, I started bedtime at 8, its nearly 10 and he is still fighting. I am blaming this on the missed nap for the third day in a row. All I can say is, my children exhausted me today.

Today I cooked dinner at my parents house. I had to bring my supplies from home, which ended up with me forgetting things! Dinner was totally different from what it should have been. The soup was loosely based off this recipe for slow cooker Tomato Basil Soup. It ended up Italian Tomato Soup with no crock pot required. Let me explain. I forgot the basil, chicken broth, and crock pot! I did however remember the vegetables!

I quickened the recipe by bring the whole pot to a boil. Instead of using chicken broth I substituted for beef bullion and water. I also used whole milk rather than half and half. Otherwise, I followed the process pretty close. What can I say, I am a true Italian cook, I never measure and I work with what I have. On everyday occasions, I rarely use recipes! Remember, no basil... so thats why the name changed!

Even the none tomato eating crew seemed to enjoy the soup. It was very flavorful and I think it would be a really great base for adding all kinds of delicious things.

I followed the recipe for the Rosemary Olive Oil Bread a little more closely. I rarely bake, so I have less experience with substitution. I just didn't use basil. I also used fast acting yeast and normal flour (not whole wheat or anything). The bread is smaller than the above recipe because I am not patient and didn't let it rise long enough. Still, it was delicious! I would most definitely attempt bread again.

I would have loved to have made mozzarella grilled cheese with that bread to go with dinner. Another time, when I am more prepared!

My Outfit

I got a huge amount of compliments today, so I decided to share it with you. I am constantly amazed how many people are liking my hair! I never expected for it to be a fashion statement.

The sweater shirt is from Maurices. I love this shirt so much! I have had it since college, its been a favorite since then. The skirt is a Target design. The shoes also come from Target, many seasons ago. The biggest focus of my compliments was my earring, which I've noted before. They look like something between a feather and a leaf in pinks.

A Day In The Sun

We had lovely, almost summer weather here today. We hit 80, I know. My parents deicided to try to suffer through and not use the air conditioning and the kids were suffering. We decided to have a little fun outside!

My sweet little boy picked me a flower!

 





















Contest Reminder!

 Remember the contest ends April 13th at 8pm. See here to find out how to win a box of my favorite things!

Day Twenty-Five: Successful Day Off

I had a truly successful day off from work today. It was basically a redo of what my weekend should have been! I brought my youngest son in for a check up, I played outside with my kids, watched a little bit of a movie, did some sewing, and I looked cute doing it! It can't get much better than that for a snow day. Let me share my day with you in pictures!

Snow Day

Henry, the Easter baby!

 We figured that since its SUPPOSED to be Spring we would make a tiny Easter basket.

Building a snowman

 My husband enjoyed playing in the snow just as much as the kids did. In fact, he stayed out when the kids and I went back inside.

Ben's baby snowman

Benjamin showing off his snowman.

My son goes through moods when it comes to books. Right now he is very interested in the book Snowmen at Night. Since we are still getting wintry weather, I suggest you check your local library or you can buy it some place like Wal-Mart. 

Sew Creations

While my children slept, I was able to do a little sewing. I got a brand new sewing machine for this past Christmas, but Ive been so busy I rarely get to use it. I was so excited to sneak away for a while and play with it. I repaired my only denim skirt. (I had ripped the seam where the slit is, making it far too revealing!) I also did a project. I made a reusable shopping bag from an old t-shirt. I was inspired by The Art of Doing Stuff's blog. Follow the link to see her instructions on how to make your own bag. I adapted mine a bit.

Here is a picture of my creation.I wish it was a better view, but this is the best I got. It takes very little sewing machine know how to complete. If you can get it threaded and going, you CAN make this! For other great sewing ideas check out my Sew Creations board on Pinterest. During Spring break I hope to do several more projects.

My Outfit

Like I said, I relived Saturday. I made it a no make-up, no hair washing day. I did go out, so I couldn't stay in pajamas, but I was comfortable and cute.

From to: small diamond hoops, cross necklace, striped cowl neck t-shirt, jeans, felt loafers

You can't really see it in this picture, but I wore my hair in a side braided bun. The whole outfit was practical, without looking frumpy. The earrings are one of my few fine jewelry pieces. They were a gift from my in-laws. The shirt was a Goodwill find of a brand new Target shirt. The sleeves and the neckline are my favorite style. The only down fall I find with this shirt is the stripes. I don't find that stripes help my figure at all. The jeans are Lane Bryant, slightly flared. The shoes are a mix between a loafer and a flat. The work well with pants in both casual and work settings. These charcoal one's I got at Rack Room Shoes. Last, but not least in the cross. Ive probably had it since I was 14 or 15 years old. As a teenager I wore it all the time. My mother recently found it, so I'm rocking it again!

Life as I know it

What can I say, I really think this blog is helping me get more in tune with myself. After the birth of my children I lost myself in motherhood, now I am Amanda- wife, mom, and woman. I'm enjoying sharing my fashion, my family, my life with the blogging world. I'm also learning about myself. I like being more than what I can see!

Mini Focus

Random acts of kindness are hard when you are away from a lot of people! I was able to accomplish something, but I really want to do more. Do you have any ideas? I don't have money to spend, but Ive got heart and time. Please comment below with ideas.