Anyone Else Hate to Cook?

I'm so not a chef/cook by any stretch of the imagination. Really, I hate cooking. I keep thinking that maybe my disdain is due to having a small kitchen, no "proper" training or a fridge that doesn't have the freezer on the bottom (I'm sure I'd enjoy cooking more if I had a freezer on the bottom).

So, I'm all about making it asap with minimal effort and if I can avoid touching raw meat, BONUS!!! Here's a complete, simple meal that's ready in an hour, but only because the chicken bakes for that long. Prep time is only five to ten minutes. Serve with canned fruit like peaches and some fresh from the store bakery French bread.

Entree: Mushroom Chicken
Ingredients

1. Boneless, skinless, frozen chicken breasts (4 or however many you can fit in a 9x13 baking dish) The chicken doesn't affect the taste or the overall dish, so you can make as much or little as you need.
2. 1 can cream of mushroom soup (I use the fat free one)
3. 1 cup of milk
4. 1 packet of onion soup mix

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place froze chicken breasts into baking dish then mix together cream soup, milk and onion soup, until blended, and pour over the chicken. Bake for 1 hour. Serve over rice.

Salad: Cranberry Almond
Ingredients

1. Dried cranberries (I use Craisins)
2. Slivered almonds (you can find these in the produce department next to the croutons)
3. Shredded mozzarella
   
4. 1 package of ready to use salad lettuce mix
5. Dressing of choice (I like ranch with the cranberries)

You can buy everything ready for use (so simple), so all you need to do is throw it all together in a bowl and use however much or little of each ingredient as you want. The cranberries have a nice tangy flavor and the almonds provide a little crunch. Yummy and simple.

Enjoy!

Originally posted 7/2/09 here

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It's True

Really, it is. Today is the big 36 for me. 36 years, hard to believe. If I were a kid again (and believe me I've tried!) I would have a ball with EtsyKids (well, in fact, I still do!) But here is what I'd order, for me! :)

a fantastic tutu skirt from lexiloudesignulove

and wonderful booties from funkyshapes!

...ahh to be young again!

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Personal Independence

I WANT TO WISH EVERYONE A WONDERFULLY CELEBRATORY INDEPENDENCE DAY! GET OUT AND HAVE FUN! XO

In our professional and personal lives, we often lose track of our own needs--and rarely address them. Make this Independence Day different!

1. Step 1
   Pick a day that belongs to you and you alone--no meeting family needs or job requirements and proclaim to all that this is "MY INDEPENDENCE DAY".
   
2. Step 2
   Go to any place that brings you serenity and allows you to focus and identify how you got SO lost-and how you can find yourself, by identifying those activities and behaviors that makes you feel content, fulfilled and at peace.
   
3. Step 3
   It may have been a long time since you have focused on yourself, so bring a pen and tablet, to list your own needs. Until your own needs are met, it's pretty hard to satisfy others, without harboring resentment.
   
4. Step 4
   Announce to family and co-workers that you are making changes in the way you participate in life--AND follow thru.
   
5. Step 5
   Your new found activities may include joining a gym, or a garden club, taking a class, learning to play an instrument or even learning about the artist in yourself, through a craft.
   
6. Step 6
   Keep the new you in the front of your mind, because it is much easier to slip back into the old routine of being everything for everybody.
   

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Friday Finds: EtsyKids Central region

Today's Friday Finds are based on one of our regions' team tag "EtsyKids Team CEN," which is the Central region (Iowa, Missouri, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana).

1. 12m girls sweatshirt jacket by Perennialpiecer.
2. Blue Daisies Toddler Skirt Fully Lined by OnTheSweeterSide.
3. Punk baby goth Girls Skull and Crossbones Michael Miller baby or toddler blanket by RockerByeBaby.
4. Ladybug top for 18 inch dolls by Jillsfabricdesigns.
5. Chihuahua Dinner Party - Burp Cloth Set by Apap3rgirl.
6. Educational Summer Flipboard Game Set by TootsieBear.
7. Owl Tote Bag - Orange and Corduroy - Adult or Child by Everydaycelebrations.

Hope you have a wonderful July 4th weekend! :-)

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Featured Shop - mama made

While searching for an interested shop to feature this week I came across what I think to be one of the best inventions that I have seen for a long time. I must not be the only one either as there is currently two weeks wait for your order to be shipped! I think well worth the wait....

Mamamade reusable sandwich and treat bags are a welcome change in a disposable world.

These too cute sandwich/treat bags are the perfect size for a sandwich and also great for snacks like cookies, carrots and more. The outside of the bag is a 100% cotton print. The bag is lined with a waterproof PUL (polyurethane laminated knit - used commonly in cloth diaper making), and a polyester thread is used for increased strength and durability. When you're done using a bag, just shake out the crumbs, or if it gets messy just toss it in the washer and line dry.

The 100% cotton prints are to die for and if you are a little fabric obsessed, like I am, you will find it hard to pick just one.

Mamamade does ship internationally simply contact her for a quote if you are outside USA or Canada.

Apart from the reusable snack bag invention there are lovely toys, quilts, even shirts and burp cloths in mama made's shop so it is well worth stopping by.

Enjoy!

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School will be starting here around the corner

I personally homeschool my son, but I know I have to encourage him to want to do his work, so I created some back to school crayon roll sets to get him motivated. He is only in Kindergarten so not too much work there. LOL. So I though this week we would do a search on back to school items. Apparently I got started a little early because there wasn't too many, but I did manage to find a few.

Such as these really cute bottle-cap images, they would make some cute little pony tail holders or bows. You could even make them into magnets to hand out for all the kids in the class as a back to school gift.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27024988

This is by bbsbowtique.

And I thought these are perfect for back to school, send your daughter to school with an apple in her hair.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21531084
By lilibugboutique

And then here is my back to school item.

Hope y'all won't be insulted by my including myself in the blog this week.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27185952

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A camping we will go...

Seriously, I had to boot my husband off of the computer so I could get to work. What I love about working is the part of getting to look through all of the wonderful EtsyKids' finds! Well, as the husband closed his search on pull-behind campers, I myself stumbled upon a camping find of my own!

I really really want to be a kid again!

Kids Play Tent by Babypop!

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