Jumat, 29 Maret 2013

Out of Ketchup? Healthy Homemade Recipes When you Run Out {Recipe}

Food Fridays: 

Do-it-yourself condiments are a simple trick to having the added tasty flavors without ingesting preservatives, additives and wasted calories. And best of all, when you run out of the store-bought stuff you actually can make a quick substitition rather than make a last-minute run to the store OR just going without (FYI - my family doesnt' go without ketchup EVER.) 

Photo courtesy of MariluIrwinPhotography

Rachel Berman, Director of Nutrition for CalorieCount.com, a free health and wellness site that provides diet and nutrition information to 5 million members worldwide has put together recipes that help reduce the amount of saturated fat, sodium, added sugar, and calories you typically get with the usual condiments. These recipes will help you take small steps towards your health and weight loss goals plus help you when you run out of the stuff you need.

Recipe (makes about 4 cups):
1 large onion, quartered
2 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons salt
30 oz. canned tomato paste/puree
½ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon honey (or molasses)
¾ cup red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon paprika

Wrapped in cheesecloth:
1 stick of cinnamon
½ teaspoon whole black pepper
½ teaspoon coriander seeds
3-4 whole cloves
6-7 sprigs fresh thyme (can break sprig into pieces)

Directions:
  1.  In a blender, blend the onion and garlic into a puree.
  2. Heat up the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and add the puree. Add the salt and stir the mixture until very slightly browned. (2-3 minutes)
  3. To the pot, add the canned tomato paste, brown sugar, honey, and red wine vinegar. Let simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, uncovered, stirring every 5 minutes.
  4. After 15 minutes, throw in the cheesecloth filled with spices. Let simmer for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until there is about half the original volume remaining.
  5. After volume is reduced, stir in 1 teaspoon paprika and let the mixture cool.
  6. Spoon out the cheesecloth pack and place ketchup in jars.

You can store DIY ketchup in containers or mason jars in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks.


Recipe (makes about 4 cups):
1 large onion, quartered
3 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
30 oz. canned tomato paste/puree
½ cup molasses
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper

Directions:
  1. In a blender, blend the onion and garlic into a puree.
  2. Heat up the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and add the puree. Stir the mixture until very slightly browned (2-3 minutes).
  3. Add the tomatoes, molasses, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce. Stir well and let simmer for about 10 minutes.
  4. Stir in the spices and let simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the mixture is reduces by about a half. Stir occasionally.
  5. Let the mixture cool and then transfer to jars.
Notes: 
  • Keep in containers or mason jars in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
  • DIY BBQ sauce cuts sodium in half from typical store-bought brands.
Recipe (makes about 1 cup):
½ cup buttermilk
½ cup plain non-fat yogurt
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
¼ teaspoon pepper
½ tablespoon parsley leaves, finely chopped
½ teaspoon dill, finely chopped
1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped

Directions:

Mix all the ingredients together and then refrigerate 1-2 hours before use

Notes:
  • Yogurt replaces mayonnaise to help drastically reduce the amount of fat and calories found in store-bought brands.
  • The home cook can play around with spices: dill, oregano, basil are all good options.
  • There’s no added sugar!
  • Buttermilk can be made at home too, by using 1 tablespoon white vinegar/lemon juice and adding enough milk to make 1 cup.
  • Store this in a jar in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Kamis, 28 Maret 2013

Celeb-Inspired Spring Jewelry Looks {Invitation to My Online Spring Trunk Show}

To-Do Thursdays:



JOIN THE PARTY  
---------------> AUTUMN'S TRUNK SHOW <-----------------


So this week's Want-it Wednesday and To-Do Thursday comes together to for a mega party and YOU'RE INVITED! 

Spring means it's time to update your wardrobe with color and fun...for me that means it's time to take out the black and put some white in there, too. Luckily, I dress up my look with fun statement pieces like big necklaces and cuff bracelets. (In the words of Rachel Zoe, "I die!") 



I'll admit that my kids love to play in my jewelry and even my son likes to help me accesorize my look - he actually told me the other day I needed a little pop of color! So I'm taking his advice and sharing a few of my favorite pieces (and the celebs) from the spring Stella & Dot line! 


I'm kinda obsessed with this Modern Mom, Brooke Burke!

Most people know Stella & Dot for at-home parties with your friends - but the lack of time makes it hard to just have a night to hang out with the girls. So I've done us all a favor and created an online jewelry trunk show you can attend in your PJs and from your couch! 

JOIN THE PARTY  
---------------> AUTUMN'S TRUNK SHOW  <-----------------

Elizabeth Banks is more than "Pitch Perfect," but she's got jewerly perfect taste, too! 



If you don't love Olivia, you should - look at her good taste! 

I hope you join me at least for a little time-out to see what you're missing...
and even better: 


So what are you waiting for? 


JOIN THE PARTY  
---------------> AUTUMN'S TRUNK SHOW <-----------------





\

Selasa, 26 Maret 2013

Easter Basket Idea: Hatch & Grow Your Own Easter Bunny, Chick or Duck!

DISCLAIMER: I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC's 16 CFR Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.")

I'm all about creating a memorable holiday for my kids, but with a two kiddos under 4, the thought of creating an Easter basket, full of candy, just doesn't seem like a good idea! However, neither are stuffed animals or just more of the junk they already have. But when these Hide 'Em & Hatch 'Ems landed in my mailbox, I knew that I had to hide them from my kids because there was no one way they would be able to wait if they saw them! 



These pastel-colored eggs are great for hiding or filling the Easter basket...but here's the twist: simply soak them in water overnight and out will “hatch” some new friends...a duck, chick or bunny!

Kids will be amazed and parents will delight in the fact that there's no candy involved.

Hatch 'ems were the #1 Easter product on Amazon.com, but you can still score yours now - just in time for Easter!


During our first hatch, it took several days for the chick to hatch, so I want to share tips to ensure your egg hatches within just one day!

Instructions for the Best Experience with the Hide 'em & Hatch 'em Eggs!

1.  Place the eggs in ROOM TEMPERATURE water (this is critical to the grow process!)  Make sure the eggs are completely submerged.

2.  In 6 - 12 hours you will see small cracks in the shell.  At this point you can help your little friend out by cracking the shell (just like a mamma might need to do for her hatchling) or you can change the water and let it continue to grow.

3.  You will notice the water (and the baby) will be slippery.  This is the material that allows it to grow - it is necessary to change the water so your new friend can grow completely.

4.  Continue to change the water daily until your animal hatches on its own or until the animal is done growing.

5.  Enjoy your new friend - Once removed from the water shrinkage will probably occur but the animal will harden and is fun to play with! (Our little friend went on a train ride once he hatched!)

We hatched a chick our first-round, but we can't wait to see what we hatch next! 

I'd love to see your photos of your little friends! Please share! 



Senin, 25 Maret 2013

Healthy Apple Pie Pancakes with Go Go squeeZ on TV {Recipes}

Me Mondays

Hopefully today you've found me because you saw me on Good Morning Texas on WFAA 8 at 9 AM in Dallas. If you came to me because you always visit here, then welcome back for this Me Monday!

On mamachallenge.com, I like to find solutions to the challenges that moms face everyday that are healthy, inexpensive, easy and fun.  



One that's near and dear to me is: breakfast! I love breakfast but with two kids I don’t have the patience, time or the money to spend going out for a two-hour brunch experience.





Of course, one of everyone’s favorite breakfast items is pancakes – but nowadays these aren’t your grandma’s pancakes. These babies are all different flavors and toppings.
So inspired by the pie trend, today we are going to Apple Pie Pancakes with Cinnamon Butter that will taste like you’ve spent hours cooking them up, but actually took about 10 minutes to put them together!


Apple Pie Pancakes
1 envelope pancake mix 
1 c. water
1 c applesauce (I use 1-2 packages of Go-Go Squeez)
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ nutmeg

Stir together the ingredients and cook.
Heat your griddle or pan to 375 degrees.  (To test griddle, sprinkle with a few drops of water.  If bubbles jump around, heat is just right.)  Grease griddle with butter or cooking spray.  For each pancake, use slightly less than 1/4 cup batter.Cook pancakes until bubbly on top and dry around the edges.  Turn to cook other sides until golden brown.

Apple Topping

1-2 bags of kids apples – the browner the better/peeled or unpeeled
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons corn starch
¼ c. water

In a large bowl mix together chopped apples with all dry ingredients.Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add apples, stirring frequently. When a sauce starts to form (about 3 minutes) add some water, about 1/4 cup at a time until you have the amount and consistency of sauce desired. Cook for about 10 minutes. Serve warm.

Cinnamon Butter

1/4 pound unsalted butter, at room temperature

3 tablespoons good honey

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

Combine everything in a bowl and whip with an electric mixer until smooth. Enjoy!

Looking for more delicious food ideas? Then follow me on Twitter, Foodspotting and Pinterest!










Sabtu, 23 Maret 2013

Announce Your Sweetest Day with Minted

Sharing Saturdays:

On Valentine's Day I took a trip down my memory lane by looking at my wedding pictures. While I loved everything about my Mexican nuptials from start to finish, I realized that my destination wedding didn't give me the chance to experience some of the basics of the whole wedding experience like cake tastings, wedding invitations and even a "real wedding dress." 

This wedding invite says it all and that the couple's fun side. (All photos courtesy of minted.com.)

But nowadays with the invent of Pinterest, the concept of a "traditional wedding" is totally out the door for more creative, personal and inventive ideas, especially when it comes to wedding invitations and guest favors. 

We'll move over birds, bells, and big books of samples, brides-to-be are looking to stand out with unique invites that make an impression and on their own time. Minted, an online store for independent graphic artists to showcase their artistic invitation and announcement designs. While there are several classic selections, there are many options to portray the personalities of the brides and grooms. 

Since I'm a dork for beautiful paper and designs, I had to take a peek at what  "invitation" I would have chosen now if I had more of a typical wedding format then. (But let's be honest, there's nothing typical about my wedding.)


Since we had a destination wedding, I loved this Destination Wedding "luggage tag" with the map.



Love, love, love Faraway Destination one with the postcard stamp!



Of course, I'd like this Mexican folk art design that already had
"Puerto Vallarta" on the sample. 
 

There's something about this twine design that just captured
our personalities with a sophisticated retro look. 


Best of all, you can choose the design, paper choice, coordinating RSVP cards, envelopes, thank you notes and more and at reasonable prices. And when the wedding is all over with and you're ready to start planning for the birth of your first child and then later their  birthday, minted is ready to help you make the choice that is perfect for you and your special day.  

***

DISCLAIMER: I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC's 16 CFR Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.")


Kamis, 21 Maret 2013

Chef Jackson's Microwave Easter Day Bark {Recipe}

Food Fridays

I have high aspirations of making holidays memorable for my children cooking and decorating, but my best-laid plans sometimes fall short with all the other things that get in the way. But this Easter I wasn't going to let mom's crazy schedule get in the way of some family fun - even if it was a "minimized" version.




Using my new skills as the Microwave Mama, the boy and I decided to cook up what he called "Easter Day Bark." Needing only three ingredients and some microwave action, I was going to put together a video to show how easy it was to create this tasty and cute Easter treat. However, my son asked if he could do a video, too so I let him go.

Of course, in just one take, my own little TV star created a video that Bobby Flay could be proud of. While not the most innovative recipe ever, he tells you exactly how to do it in no time at all (although his focus is certainly on the M&Ms.)

So I can honestly this recipe is so easy your 4-year-old can make it.

Without further ado, here's Chef Jackson!


Jackson's Microwave Easter Day Bark 

Recipe Adapted from ServedUpwithLove

Package of White Almond Bark
Package of Easter M&Ms
Sprinkles
Easter Egg Malted Eggs

Place the almond bark in a microwave safe dish and microwave for 90 seconds to melt (adding more every 10 seconds until it's melted.) 

Line a baking sheet with wax paper and spread the almond bark. Drop the M&Ms and other candy over the melted bark. Allow to cool by placing in the freezer. When it solidifies, break into pieces. Makes for a cheap, easy and cute gift to friends, neighbors and teachers!




Rabu, 20 Maret 2013

4 Apps For Organizing Your Business Cards

Want-it Wednesday: 

Normally, if attend an event or meeting, more than likely you are going to collect some business cards. If you are going to a conference (like I am this week), you are bound to get a pile of business cards. Over the years I have tested several systems to minimize, organize and digitize business cards. Some of been good and taken forever to maintain while others have been bad, useless and left in a pile never to be looked at again. It's an endless cycle, so it's time to take control and put that technology to work by utilizing your smart phone to do a lot more than just tweeting and texting. 



So here's four apps that I can put my thumbs up on to help you put those valuable contacts to work for you! While none of them do everything I want, it certainly beats hand entering business cards or adding them to my pile-that-never-gets-done box (see above.) 


Probably my favorite, this one let's your scan the card, add it to an online "rolodex," export it to your regular contacts and then throw it away (no more piles!) While there's a free edition it limits the number of cards you can upload at a time. For just a few dollars, you can have the access to the app full-time (which is the way you'll want it after a conference and motivated.)





When the iPhone launched, everyone was into "Bumping..." when they meet someone. However, this app has so many other things it does as well like sharing documents and even works with your laptop now (haven't tried that!) I really think this makes it super easy to share contact information, but you'll have to rely on the other person having the app, which may take too long. Honestly, every conference should require you have a QSR code on your nametag and it will take care of everything - you'd just scan them all and have them in your database immediately. (Hint, hint #BlissDom!)


While this one doesn't have the clout that the other apps included in this list have, I can tell you, I'd wish it would. One of my favorite parts of business cards is getting to see the design and personality of the company or person I am speaking with. CardFlick allows you to have a digitally designed business card that you can "flick" (like Bump) with others. Unfortunately this app hasn't taken off yet, but if it does, I'll definitely have my business card ready for flicking! 


Until CamCard this was the way I uploaded my business cards. It works reasonably well although like any scanner, specific fonts and sizes are difficult to read and don't always convert easily. Available as both a free and paid version (with more options), this is a great app for you to organize your business cards with a few different options than CamCard. What I liked about CamCard is that it made it easier to export each contact immediately to my phone book as well as the user layout. 



What's your favorite business card app? Please share! 



Selasa, 19 Maret 2013

iCrap: What to do When You Lose Your iPhone

Try-it Tuesdays:

First, I'd like to add this disclaimer: this Try-it-Tuesday is actually one I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy - losing or having your phone/iPhone stolen. But since I recently had the joy of losing my social network lifeline, I'd thought I'd share a checklist of What to do When You Lose Your iPhone I created after my very sad, sad experience.




If you're anything like me, the most important thing in your life outside of your family, is your iPhone. Ever since it came in to my life around four years ago, I don't know how I was able to get along without it. It's been with me through the birth of both my children, every meal through Italy and Napa and my memories that I will never see again because some a****** swiped my phone while I was watching a hockey game at a big sports arena. Quickly after I had a nervous breakdown, I was able to a hold of myself and begin the process of taking care of business and getting things back on track. 

Now immediately once I figured out I didn't have my phone, I instantly went to these steps and was able to make the best of a really bad experience. 

1. Call/Text Your Phone and Offer a Reward.
Yep, I first called my phone and found out the culprit turned off the phone, so I texted them in hopes they would see the text message offering a reward and a way to get in touch with me. Unfortunately no bait, so I had I had a feeling then I wasn't going to see my phone again, but I held out for hope. 



2. Use "Find my iPhone App"  to find your iPhone. 
I immediately used my hubby's phone to log in to my Apple ID and find my iPhone. It instantly went to work to locate my phone, but since it was off, I couldn't find it at the time. However, I was able to add a message on the screen once it was turned on giving them a number to call me and return the phone. (No such luck and after a few hours, I knew they weren't returning this baby.) 

Another option on the Find my iPhone App was to clear the data on my iPhone and lock it forever. While I thought having a lock screen made it impossible to get on my iPhone, there is a 1 in 10,000 chance it could be hacked and someone can get into your phone. AND being that my phone had been swapped, I was dealing with someone who had no conscience aapparently, so getting rid of my VIS (very important stuff) was absolutely necessary. (Just know once you do this, you can no longer track your phone again.) 

Now remember when I tried to locate the phone it was turned off, so it couldn't find it at the time? There's actually an option to alert you when the phone is turned on and zero in on exactly where the phone was located. (For me, that wasn't a pretty area of town, especially since there's a big "CRIME ALERT" sign sitting in front of the house. Now all I had to do was get me a posse and go get my phone, but that wasn't exactly a safe or good idea.)




3.Suspend Your Phone Service. 
While you may or may not have cleared the data on your phone, AT&T does make it possible to suspend your service (meaning the phone can't be used on the network, but you'll still be charged) until either you locate your phone or get a new one. If you know your phone has been stolen, report it immediately by calling 1-800-331-0500 and have the service deactivated or log on to your AT&T Account. 

4. File a Police Report.
While this didn't do me any good, it is good to document the issue. And depending on your police department you might actually get your phone back when you have located your iPhone with the app. Most of the time you can call the PD to make the report or like in my case, I found the paperwork online and was able to report it while it was fresh. 

Note: To file your report, you'll need your serial number to identify your specific iPhone (if you don't know yours, see below.) 

5. Find Your Serial Number. 
You're responsible for a lot of numbers, so I'm sure your iPhone serial number is not one you have handy. While I do keep all my electronics and their papers, a much easier way to find your serial number on your now-lost phone is to log on to Support My Profile and you can get a list of all the serial numbers associated with your Apple ID. 

6. Realize You Might Not See Your iPhone Again and Get a New One. 
It seemed like a little bit like losing an old friend, I was able to go to the store and get a new iPhone the next day. In 10 minutes I had a new phone up and running. And thankfully, I was able to spend the next few hours reloading apps and getting things back to normal - well almost (except about 1000 photos I hadn't backed up.) I also opted this time to get a warranty plan for $10 a month to replace my phone in the case that I lose it again. 


Of course, here's all the things I should have paid attention to BEFORE I lost the phone. So learn from me and do it right before it happens to you. 

7.  Get your head out of the clouds and set-up iCloud. 
iCloud is a no-nonsense opportunity to have most of the things on your phone backed up to all your devices. (I don't need to tell you why this is important, but you should just do it.) 

8.  Enable Your Auto Lock Screen. 
Another way to secure your goodies on your phone is to add a lock screen. Not only to keep predators off your phone (at least try), but it can help keep your from butt-dialing people or your kids deleting an app. However, this isn't foolproof either, so check out how easy it is to go around your lockscreen.




9.  Set Up Your "Find my iPhone App." 
Like iCloud, you must, must, must do this. It could definitely help you if your phone is stolen or if you left it somewhere and need to find it. (Considering it your tracking device for your tracking device.) 

10. Listen to intuition: back up that iPhone and change up those passwords regularly.
Yes, it sucks to remember to plug it up, but you should make the back up process as much as a routine as charging it by syncing it up on your computer. Even though I had my iCloud set up to back up things like contacts and emails, I wasn't able to back up everything on my phone. And while it's a pain in the rear, changing your passwords often is a great way to keep your stuff secure! 

Now, off to get this baby a new cover and try to keep me (and the kids) from destroying this one! 

Got any suggestions? 


Senin, 18 Maret 2013

My Battle Plan for BlissDom '13

Me Mondays: 

There's nothing like trying to get through a long list of to-do items and errands than to make the mistake of jumping on your blog and start changing up the look...then realizing you don't have one place to change the look, but several platforms like: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and more. #scatterbrained #badtiming

So I have to ask: what do yout think of the new look? I've many ideas, but this was one I could put together without the help of a real designer (if you know one, I'm all for reasonable suggestions!) 

Anyhow, today like many Sundays, I'm putting together our family plan for the week. What to eat, laundry, appointments, and for me since I'm going to be at BlissDom, developing my agenda! 



This is the first time BlissDom will be in Dallas and only about 15 minutes from home. While I won't be staying at the Gaylord (one of my favorite DFW hotels), I'm planning to attend as much as possible while keeping up my mom duties at home and a few appointments and blog events in between! #goodluckwiththat 

For all my "Bliss Buddies" (and to keep myself in line), I'm sharing my battle plan of action for #BlissDom 2013 as well as a little 'bout me! 

My BlissDom Plan:

THURSDAY, MARCH 21
Blissdom’13 Kick off Reception: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm  
Partner Meet & Treat Social: 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm  

FRIDAY, MARCH 22


Breakfast sponsored by Seattle’s Best Coffee  7:00 – 9:00 am  – Grapevine A/B/C/D

Registration 7:00 am – 6:00 pm – Grapevine

Handmade Marketplace sponsored by Blissfully Domestic  8:00 am – 4:00 pm – Ft. Worth 5-6

Welcome & Opening Keynote with Scott Stratten  9:00 am – 10:30 am – Grapevine A/B/C/D

Session Breakout #1: 12:00-1:00 pm:

Lunch Break sponsored by Blissful Media Group – Longhorn Ballroom B – Level 1
Business: John Morgan: The Ultimate Guide To Personal Branding – Grapevine C

Hair Break: 2 pm - Getting my hair did with Vo5 and a head shots

Session Breakout #3: 4:15 – 5:15 pm - 

“Sweet Relief” Afternoon Break sponsored by Dr. Smith’s 3:30-4:15 pm – Grapevine Exhibit and Dr. Smith’s Booth  


GIRLS NIGHT OUT with AMBER RILEY & CHRIS MANN: 7:00 – 9:00 pm - Sponsored by ConAgra Foods in support of Child Hunger Ends Here

SATURDAY, MARCH 23
Breakfast with coffee provided by Gevalia (& Johan:) 7:00 – 9:00 am – Grapevine A/B/C/D

Morning Keynote with Susan Cain 9:00-10:00 am – Grapevine A/B/C/D

Session Breakout #4:  11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Business: Danielle Smith: Spread The Word: Using The Media To Give Voice To Your Message – Grapevine C

Lunch: 12:30 PM Lunch with my Dallas Blissdom Girls sponsored by One2One Network

Session Breakout #5: 2:00 – 3:00 pm

Sponsored By Care.now

Closing Keynote with Jon Acuff, Closing Remarks & More! 4:30-6:00 pm – Grapevine A/B/C/D

Girls Night In sponsored by Maytag in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.  8:00 pm to midnight.  – Grapevine C/D   

In between all the fun, I'm looking forward to: 
Now, a litle about me in a nutshell: 



I'm a proud Texas gal that likes to keep busy - otherwise, why would I blog!?!

I play mama to two kids (jackson/4 years old & Taylor/18 month girl) and wife to Chad, whom I met in college at the University of North Texas. In between, I work in marketing/public relations, contribute to 3 blogs as well as my own, mamachallenge.com. I love to travel when I can, trying new restaurants, cooking and attempting to enjoy everything Dallas/Fort-Worth has to offer!

Here's a little more from me in action and why I decided started blogging.

Now that you know me, I'd love to learn a little more about you! Are you going to BlissDom? If so, make sure to connect with me and let's try to meet up! 

@challengememama, #BlissDom