tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32861588819696585652024-03-13T19:25:00.117-04:00Yanli HomeDeliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10046864416116779509noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3286158881969658565.post-69698308632397525742012-07-06T08:15:00.003-04:002012-07-06T08:15:43.212-04:00Summer Fun and RantsBoy this Summer has gone by really fast I cannot believe that my girls will be back in school in only several weeks. They visited my parents for two weeks in Michigan as soon as Summer Break began. As soon as my parents brought them back off to Michigan City, Indiana we went for fun in the sun and lots of beach time on Lake Michigan.<br />
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I tried to catch Aliya making a hand heart against the sunset after several attempts her arms were tired so this had to do.<br />
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This was after the sun had set on the horizon.</div>
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The girls spent so much time on the water, they even got the hang of the kayak's for the 1st time.<br />
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Here is the view from the beach house. This is beautiful Lake Kai, the same lake that the girls got to work on their kayaking skills.<br />
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Can you believe it not even an hour after we returned home. A terrible storm rolled in with 80mph winds and it knocked down my kids fave tree. Thank God that we and the car were all fine but we will definitely miss our tree, it practically grew up with the girls.<br />
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Have a great one and remember to love your home.Deliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10046864416116779509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3286158881969658565.post-85376696677006502472012-07-04T19:54:00.000-04:002012-07-04T19:54:05.609-04:00Fourth of July Food,Drink and MoreHappy Birthday USA. I cannot believe that you are 236 years old today. All over our nation, family and friends get together to celebrate your birth.<br />
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Usually we go to a parade and then to the community fireworks which is always a blast. We skipped the parade today because it was just miserably hot. With the heat index it was already in the low 90's around 9am this morning as I was giving my flowers a drink.<br />
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I also decided to get most of the eats together so that we could all just chill later in the afternoon.<br />
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This delicious yogurt pop was made the night before ready for the kids to indulge on this hot Fourth of July. It was very easy to make and not as time consuming as it may seem. I just purchased a tub of Vanilla Yogurt and layered the popsicle molds. I took several huge spoonfuls of yogurt and added red food coloring until I got the color that I desired and I let the 1st layer sit in the freezer for about 30 minutes, then the next layer is pretty simple just add the vanilla right in and freeze for about 10 minutes, last but not least add blue food coloring to about several spoonfuls of yogurt (in a separate bowl I forgot to mention). Now place the sticks in and freeze until ready. There are tons of ways to make layered frozen treats this was a healthy one that I wanted to try and the kids loved them.<br />
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Even with the air conditioning on in our house, it was still a little on the warm side so we had to make these festive Red, White and Blue ice cream sandwiches fast. You can see what I mean looking at the right side of the sandwich. All you have to do is unwrap them and dip the edges on a plate sprinkled with your fave decorations. We only had a little of the candied sprinkles so that sandwich was eaten before I could grab my camera. This one was made with sugar sprinkles. Easy Peasy.<br />
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Our Red, White and Blue Spritzers were a hit also. All you have to do is pick your fave drinks in America's colors making sure the way you want them layered are based on the sugar content in each drink. Our blue had about 31 grams , the white or clear (Jones Cream Soda) had 25 grams and the Red had no sugar at all. So you see the highest sugar content goes on the bottom and so on. Remember to pour these slowly to get that cool affect. Refreshing.<br />
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This Confetti Corn was really good and easy to make. 1st dice red and green bell pepper and suatee in a skillet (I used my cast iron) with a little bit of your fave oil. I used two cans of 16oz corn not realizing until I made it that one was regular kernel corn and the other sweet cream corn. I mixed them anyway and it was delish. Oh yeah don't forget a little salt and pepper for added taste.</div>
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My family loves Mac and Cheese so I had to make it. I always bake mine the coloring on top you see is a little Chili Powder. You can omit this step if you'd like. <a href="http://yanlihome.blogspot.com/2012/03/homemade-macaroni-and-cheese.html">Here's how I make it.</a><br />
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Other than that we had burgers, dogs, and pulled pork sliders <i>not pictured here. </i>Now a little rest before we run out to see the fireworks. From our family to yours Have a Happy and Safe Fourth of July.</div>
</div>Deliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10046864416116779509noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3286158881969658565.post-61427448694039309502012-05-31T16:33:00.000-04:002012-05-31T16:33:09.222-04:00Summer Vacation OrganizationCan you believe it? Summer vacation is finally here. I'm not sure what's usually the first thing on your list to kick off your summer to do list but to keep my mind at ease. I put the girls to work right away on the first full day of Summer Vacay. <br />
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I have them gather up anything that they brought home from school. That includes supplies, tests, quizzes, etc. and we pretty much have a purge party.<br />
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Here's what things looked like after the process. I know it looks like junk but let me tell you why. Well, I left this here to show you first of all the piles of stuff they brought home. Trust me it was much neater before this because everything had a home.<br />
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We go through absolutely everything and they don't have a problem with it. I grab shopping bags as trash bags seen in the photo and they go through their binders and pull out things that aren't needed any longer. Old quizzes, tests and even important handouts that they can possibly use for the next school year we keep. I take those and put them in sheet protectors and either put them in a binder or an acordian file folder for reference. Any supplies like pens, pencils, pencil pouch, lunch bag, back pack etc. are stored away if they are in good shape. I say why waste money if my child's supplies still look great.<br />
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Next school year both of my girls will be in Middle School. No more babies in elementary :( I really hope this post helps someone. I rather get rid of the unwanted now and not bother them with it mid summer, don't you agree?<br />
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Until next time. Have a great Summer!!!!Deliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10046864416116779509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3286158881969658565.post-74272120758220123592012-05-02T06:29:00.000-04:002012-05-02T06:29:09.269-04:00Brand New Eco Friendly Products<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Have you heard about Jessica Alba's new eco friendly product line for your family and home? The line is called <i>The Honest Company </i>filled with goodies for your baby {diapers and wipes}, Bath and Body {body washes, soaps, shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen and etc.}and Cleaning products {laundry detergent, dish soap and dishwasher gel}. The website isn't completely up and running as of yet but it looks like you can begin shopping now if you like, you can view the website <a href="https://www.honest.com/">here</a>. I'm really interested in the laundry detergent. The products are biodegradable and free of SLS (Sodium Laurel Sulfate), perfumes and dyes plus they are very affordable, gold star for that. You will also be able to set your orders up for autoship each month if you prefer. Some other nice benefits I see on the site features free trials and gift cards as well. If you are concerned about the toxins you are bringing into your home, you may want to check out this site for more info.<br />
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<i>Note: *I am in no way affiliated with The Honest Company nor am I being compensated for this post.</i>Deliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10046864416116779509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3286158881969658565.post-50727391403039560542012-04-26T00:00:00.000-04:002012-04-26T06:50:31.031-04:00Throw It All Together Spring SaladHi All! Yesterday I had a taste for salad at lunch. So I went shopping in my kitchen to see what I could throw together. Well we already had salad of course. Even though it says pre-washed. I post-wash mine every time; I'm just sayin'... ;-) We had a left over rotissiere chicken from Sunday dinner so I grabbed that along with an apple for the the springiness (I know! That isn't a word). Even though the salad already had carrots in it, I threw in some extras because Aliya and I are the only ones who eat them so I didn't want them to go bad and Voila! Already for a little dressing. I'm not a big fan of store bought dressing but I haven't tried making my own yet either. So I used Kraft Light Italian House dressing. Oh darn I forgot to add my almonds. Oh well still yummy to my tummy! If you'd like to share some of your homemade dressings for me to try. Please share.<br />
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I didn't really think that I needed to add an ingredient list since I posted it above but for those who love to keep recipes on hand. I decided to share it in a print friendly version for you. Enjoy!</div>
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Love your home and your body. Healthy eating!<br />
<br />Deliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10046864416116779509noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3286158881969658565.post-24688423040838743642012-04-25T06:47:00.003-04:002012-04-26T07:17:35.236-04:00Not A Bad Deal From TargetYesterday I had to run one of those errands to grab much needed things so I went to Target. Lately I've been trying my best to be as frugal as possible. Changing jobs last year and coming home actually put me on a budget but what is really funny is I'm really noticing how far a buck can go and how much money I used to waste on things.
I love, love, love Targay and I always have, but I'd always spend way too much than I'd anticipated once the register rang up my total. You see the emotions face in the lower left hand corner? Yep that would be my face every time I'd check out at Target because I wouldn't have a plan of attack before I entered.<br />
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So here is what I got plus feminine items that I didn't think I needed to share because well if you're female or not I'm sure you know what it is so there really there isn't any need. Let's keep some things to ourselves. Anyway, all of this for $30 baby!!!! I really think that this was good for me because usually I'm spending between $80 to close to under $100 :-| </div>
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Most of these items that I'd usually buy would be the popular name brands like Crest or Softsoap but if they typically work the same way, why not pay $0.89 for something that I'd normally pay $2 and some change for. I don't know about you but I feel really good about my accomplishment. I walked out of there with three bags for $30 and with the happy face on the upper left hand corner. Happy Day. Anyway friends I wish you a happy day as well. </div>
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Love your home and your pocket book.</div>Deliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10046864416116779509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3286158881969658565.post-23538964243117545192012-04-21T05:47:00.000-04:002012-04-26T07:17:54.172-04:00The Day In The Life Of A Work At Home Mom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A lot has been going on around here lately so I haven't been able to be as social but as promised I am here to share with you The Day In The Life Of A Work At Home Mom. If you've read my previous post you already know how hard it was for me to balance working from home and doing work for the home and its still a work in progress each day. In other words (the housework). I would totally get side tracked on a continuous basis, since I am a weirdo and I actually love to clean and organize I would prefer to that than what I am supposed to be doing getting the bills paid. Hmmm. Factor all of that out and you get complete lack of self discipline. I always had it in corporate America why not here. Maybe because I went from someone else managing me to me managing myself. Yeah that's it!!<br />
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Well I got my booty in gear and became an adult about it and things are working fine for me now. I print out a month's calendar, pencil in my work schedule along with anything that needs done for the kids and my month is planned.<br />
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<a href="http://s936.photobucket.com/albums/ad207/deliciajenkins1/?action=view&current=day-in-the-life2.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad207/deliciajenkins1/day-in-the-life2.gif" /></a><br />
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This Day In The Life listed above isn't always perfect but what is nor is it always exact. It gives you an idea of what goes on around here though. Next school year I will have both of my girls in Middle School together so we will have to create a totally different schedule. Until next time.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/40/0939AB4168D02A3E5070516E2DDAD0DB.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Deliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10046864416116779509noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3286158881969658565.post-45571884915763747752012-03-22T21:27:00.000-04:002012-04-26T07:18:13.398-04:00My Life As A WAHMWow its been a minute since we've last connected. I tell ya balancing work and home is no joke. Seriously. I started working from home without worrying about interacting with brick and mortar for about four months now and as I was sitting on our bottom stairs and then our <a href="http://yanlihome.blogspot.com/2012/02/honey-do.html">mudroom bench</a> in progress staring at our blooming male pear tree (meaning it bears no fruit).<br />
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I was thinking of my reason why I became a WAHM. It was for my girls. My last career as a healthcare professional lasted almost a decade. I really did love what I my profession but being here for my daughters is.... well.... priceless. I wanted to be totally available to them no matter what seeing that my husband travels at times for work. Being available to them wasn't an option before. I would wake up at 5am leave the house at 6:30am and our office would open at 7am on the dot and the patients would pour in literally waiting for us to open the door as if we had a sale a blood draws and EKG's that day.<br />
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Now a days I wake up and I'm able to get the girls up and ready for school and greet them when they return home. I love it but there is a catch. The catch is that I had to learn the hard way how much discipline is needed with being a "WAHM". In the beginning I jumped in without a plan. No plan results in distractions from every household chore that stares you in the face. Dishes, laundry, dusting, vacuuming, mopping etc. etc. Don't get me wrong by no means am I saying that these things are no longer important but what I am saying is that a balance is definitely needed between work, home and family. That definitely takes serious discipline, without it the day comes to an end and you realize that you haven't done any work at all and when its time to pay bills... well um.... I'm sure that you can figure out the rest of this story. I will be sharing with you <span style="color: blue;"><i>A Day In The Life Of Me</i></span> in an upcoming post and what I have done to resolve this issue. To hopefully help out other Moms whether a WAHM or a SAHM that maybe new to this or just needs help in this department as well.<br />
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Until Next Time.<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/40/0939AB4168D02A3E5070516E2DDAD0DB.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Deliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10046864416116779509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3286158881969658565.post-40013986827612830262012-03-08T06:13:00.000-05:002012-07-04T19:54:51.518-04:00Homemade Macaroni and Cheese<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X4ZpGDp1uwg/T1iRtWkWZKI/AAAAAAAAAL4/2-hDKEqiZNA/s1600/CIMG0558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X4ZpGDp1uwg/T1iRtWkWZKI/AAAAAAAAAL4/2-hDKEqiZNA/s640/CIMG0558.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I apologize for being M.I.A. as some of you know. I work from home and my blog isn't my main source of income. I've been self educating myself for what I do so that I know what I'm talking about as I assist my customers. Anywho.</div>
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I've had a few of you ask for this recipe after I broke it down on how to prevent cooking too much <a href="http://yanlihome.blogspot.com/2012/02/how-to-make-right-amount-of-homemade.html">Mac</a> well without further ado ;-)</div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">Ingredients</span></b></div>
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1 cup shredded cheese (I prefer a mixture of sharp cheddar and swiss)</div>
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2 tablespoons of flour </div>
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2 tablespoons of margarine</div>
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3/4 cup of milk</div>
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1/2 teaspoon of salt or seasoning salt or both :)</div>
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1/2 teaspoon of pepper</div>
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<b><span style="color: blue;">Directions</span></b></div>
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Prepare a pot of boiling water to boil 3/4 cup of macaroni. Boil for approximately 8 minutes or until aldente. Once the pasta is to your liking simply drain in a collander and sit aside until ready to prepare for baking. Next melt margarine in a boiler and add the flour whisking continuously until you've made a roux. Next add milk and continue to whisk. This may take about 5 minutes until you've created a creamy sauce at this time add cheese and adore the beautiful cheese sauce you've just created.</div>
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Now its time to combine the pasta and cream sauce in a glass dish for baking. Preferably I sprinkle a little salt and pepper on the pasta as well making sure each bite is tasty and not bland. At this time sprinkle some shredded cheese on top with a dash of chili powder for decoration and bake at 375 for about 15 minutes.</div>
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Note: This is only one way to make home made baked mac and cheese. How do you make yours? I'd love for you to share. I'm up for trying new recipes. </div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/40/0939AB4168D02A3E5070516E2DDAD0DB.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Deliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10046864416116779509noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3286158881969658565.post-71110140577142051522012-03-03T03:59:00.000-05:002012-03-03T03:59:08.020-05:00I'm So ProudWho really just cannot say they are proud of at least one accomplishment that their child has made. This acheivement that Aliya accomplished happened in early February but yet and still I'd like to share it.<br />
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I'm sure those of you who have or have had a child in the fifth grade maybe familiar with the D.A.R.E. program. A police officer comes to their school to teach your children the negatives of drug and alcohol abuse. After several weeks of learning, the kids write an essay on what they've learned and how it will affect them for the rest of their lives. A few of the essays are hand picked to be presented at the D.A.R.E. graduation in front of the entire fifth grade class, fifth grade teachers, parents and principal. Certificates are also presented by the officers and teachers.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Aliya's essay was one of the ones that was chosen, her Dad and I were so proud. It holds a special place in my heart because she's always felt that her big sister has been awarded with so much and she wanted her time to shine well baby here's your time. Congratulations and may the words you shared with all of us hold true for the rest of your life and that you can become a great role model for kids who are following in your footsteps.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">One more thing. I just had to share a pic I found of Ayanna in 2010 with her D.A.R.E. officer at her graduation. Its only fair right?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ju7jSsd5P-0/T1Hc9P3ILtI/AAAAAAAAALc/kwwuotfip2c/s1600/ayanna+dare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="588" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ju7jSsd5P-0/T1Hc9P3ILtI/AAAAAAAAALc/kwwuotfip2c/s640/ayanna+dare.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/40/0939AB4168D02A3E5070516E2DDAD0DB.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Deliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10046864416116779509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3286158881969658565.post-90966068664903005272012-02-27T20:00:00.001-05:002012-02-28T05:57:46.996-05:00Honey Do! (Mudroom)How many of you have a honey do list? You know. Honey I would love it if you could do this or Honey I would love it if you could do that? Technically in this particular case my plan was to do it all myself but I didn't have the craftsmanship to do what hubby has done so far plus I think he may have gotten tired of hearing me say what I had plans to do but I didn't have time or money to do what I wanted.<br />
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If anyone follows me <a href="http://pinterest.com/delicia20/">here</a>. You may already know that I've had future plans of someday creating a mudroom in our home because I've always wanted one but we just didn't have the space for it. One day I thought why not create one right where our entryway closet is. All sorts of visions danced in my head. <br />
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What once was a junky coat closet. Is now turning into a beautiful vision. Sorry Joe wasn't messing around before I could take an actual before photo he'd already removed most of our stuff. Mostly everything was removed at this point. There was so much more in here including a shelf with tons of hats, gloves, scarves etc.<br />
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</div>So far we've taken down the doors and emptied the closet completely. Hubs removed the doors and put up paneling that will be painted eventually by yours truly. He installed this really nice light for cloudy days or night time when we are coming or going.<br />
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</div> The best part is the bench that will also be painted and decored with nice pillows cost us nothing at all it was once a storage trunk that Joe had in the Army. He did a little trimming with his saw and Voila! It was in his parents basement just waiting to become a part of our family can you believe that they were about to throw it out?<br />
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Here is stage 2 of the process. Here you can gradually see the art taking place.<br />
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He even added decorative trim that gives the new storage space definition. This space will store the girls backpacks and any of our outdoor things like shoes, etc.<br />
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Well this is what we have completed so far but before I go. Here is a pic of the space when the new light is lit.<br />
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I just wanted to take you along this journey with us. So fun. I've helped out a little bit using Joe's staple and nail gun here and there but the real work for me hasn't come yet. Stay tuned for updates.</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/40/0939AB4168D02A3E5070516E2DDAD0DB.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Deliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10046864416116779509noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3286158881969658565.post-70733833338595051992012-02-22T06:09:00.000-05:002012-02-22T06:09:57.841-05:00My Chicken Tortilla SoupI'd like to share my Chicken Tortilla soup with all of you today. I have to get used to having my camera with me at times like these. The photo was taken with my phone so the quality isn't the best. This soup is really delicious and I usually don't end up with much for leftovers.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="color: blue;">What You Will Need</span></u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">3-4 Chicken Breasts</div><div style="text-align: center;">64oz. Chicken Broth </div><div style="text-align: center;">Chunky Salsa</div><div style="text-align: center;">15.25oz. Canned Corn</div><div style="text-align: center;">Canned Black Beans</div><div style="text-align: center;">4oz. Green Chiles</div><div style="text-align: center;">Corn Tortillas</div><div style="text-align: center;">Salt </div><div style="text-align: center;">Pepper</div><div style="text-align: center;">Seasoning Salt</div><div style="text-align: center;">*Canola Oil<br />
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</u></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Clean chicken breasts and season as you desire with salt, pepper and seasoning salt. Cook breasts several minutes on each side in a pan or. Don't overcook to the point where chicken looks too golden or brown. Remember it will still be cooking in the soup. On the same note don't undercook no one wants to eat raw chicken.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This part is so easy. Pour everything except for the chicken into a stock pot on medium high. Yes you read correctly. Everything. The Chicken Broth, Salsa, Corn, Black Beans and Green Chiles. You be the judge on how much of the Black Beans, Corn and Green Chiles you'd like. After you're done the chicken should be cooled enough to shred or dice. Now you can put the chicken in as well. Once it starts to boil you can turn the soup down to simmer. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><u style="color: blue;">Tortilla Strips</u></div><div style="text-align: left;">*Warm up a small pan with about 2 tablespoons of desired oil. I use canola. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I love corn tortillas. This is how I make my strips. I take about four corn tortillas stacked upon one another and I slice them in quarters. Then I slice the quarters into desired sized strips. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Place strips in the pan and let them cook until crisp. You really have to keep your on these. They cook fast.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Place them on a plate lined with paper towel to absorb excess oil and season with a dash of salt if you desire.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Once everything is done. You know what to do. Bon Appetit.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/40/0939AB4168D02A3E5070516E2DDAD0DB.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Deliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10046864416116779509noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3286158881969658565.post-59527802715996543192012-02-20T06:00:00.000-05:002012-02-20T06:00:10.032-05:00Nellies Laundry Soap ReviewRight around the holidays I purchased a brand new laundry soap since I've been trying to stay away from as many perfumes and dyes as possible. The reason for my search for the best laundry system for our family is due to Aliya having mild eczema that only shows up every once and awhile. I've tried a few things and I really do like this laundry soap.<br />
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The oxygen brightener is really good as well. The whole idea of it is supposed to remind you of OxiClean to brighten your loads.<br />
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</div>You only need one tiny scoop of the laundry soap to wash one whole load the suds aren't from sulfates like most soaps meaning it eventually dissolves but it still has enough cleaning power to do the job. I love it that everything is natural. There's no perfumes so you smell nothing but clean.<br />
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You don't need fabric softener because the little lavender sticks you see in the small glass jar is all you need, one fits right inside one of their laundry balls and lasts up to two years. Wow is that savings or what? I'm not getting compensated for writing this review but I thought I'd share how I really love the product and I'm pretty much out now and would love it if I could get my hands on more quickly.<br />
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Have you gone green in your laundry room? If so what do you use or what have you tried?<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/40/0939AB4168D02A3E5070516E2DDAD0DB.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Deliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10046864416116779509noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3286158881969658565.post-50835282073784667392012-02-16T12:42:00.000-05:002012-02-16T12:42:16.117-05:00My Special DayI know that I've already stated how important love is <a href="http://yanlihome.blogspot.com/2012/02/top-10-frugal-valentines-day-ideas.html">here</a> and how it shouldn't really be a focal point on one reserved day. Yes it should be shown daily to whomever the special ones are in your life.<br />
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I never really make huge deals out of birthdays, Christmas or Valentine's when it comes to the commercial aspect. Of course for my birthday I thank God for giving me another birthday. I definitely celebrate Christmas and Easter for the real reason but gifts for me I don't ask for it. I give but I don't ask. Just appreciation is enough for me.<br />
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With that being said I still thought that I'd share what I did get for Valentine's Day and in my eyes a little definitely means a whole lot.<br />
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Ayanna really wanted to give me something but she wasn't able. I told her that I didn't expect anything. I mean that. Joe gave each one of his favorite girls a single stem rose, pink for them and red for me. The box you see beside them was heart shaped with assorted candies and a balloon which he gave each of us our own. So sweet. I'm a sucker for candy.<br />
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Aliya made me a 25 reasons Why I Love You book. She decorated an old journal with glitter and attached her brand new pencil that she received at her last dentist appointment to it. It just so happened to have red hearts on it. Awww.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are a few exerpts of what she wrote:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">#3 You can make a bag of candy disappear like magic<span style="color: blue;"> (<i>she knows me</i>)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">#7 You're very good with kids <span style="color: blue;"><i>(I do my best)</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">#9 You make me laugh<span style="color: blue;"><i> (I think you're the only one who gets the most tickled at me)</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">#12 You came home to be with us <span style="color: blue;"><i>(heartfelt)</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">#20 You're the best Mommy in the galaxy <span style="color: blue;"><i>(all smiles)</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Words from the heart mean so much when they are sincere. These are the things that make me happy. Of course we all like some material things but I can cherish something like love for always.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Deliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10046864416116779509noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3286158881969658565.post-38317866395512166122012-02-14T06:54:00.001-05:002012-02-14T07:03:40.432-05:00Letter To My ValentineIt's funny how things work out. After high school I had ideas to move to Illinois to go to DeVry Institute of Technology to pursue a career in electronics. My recruiter talked me into Ohio because well he sends all of his recruits to Ohio. I said ok. During that time in my life you were in Germany preparing yourself in the Army just in case they needed you in the Gulf War. I never knew you or anything about you.<br />
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Somehow you decided after two years it was time to return home and I'd graduated with an Associates Degree in Applied Sciences and decided to stay here. Somehow we both ended up working a temporary job that became permanent for the both of us at a huge cellular phone company. Remember back when cell phones were as big as bricks? Ha!<br />
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You were a friend but that's it nothing more. I never thought that one day my work friend would be my husband, the father of my two children. How did this happen? I remember I asked you out on a <i>friendly</i> date because I'd won two tickets to a comedy show not knowing how you really felt about me, how did I not see the signs? Somehow after that night we were attached to the hip and after 16 years and after all of the trials and tribulations. I'm so happy to have you in my life. Did all of this happen due to coincidence? I think not. Fate is a better word. I believe our lives are already written for us but we have the control of adjusting the script. Thank you for being a great father to our children and a great husband to your wife and not to mention a great friend from the start. Happy Valentine's Day My Love.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Can't wait to share many more with you. My Valentine forever and always.</div>Deliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10046864416116779509noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3286158881969658565.post-2686840950502359652012-02-11T19:22:00.001-05:002012-02-11T19:23:04.624-05:00Fish Tacos<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'd like to apologize ahead of time for not being prepared to share step by step photos of this easy peasy meal. Can you believe that I didn't think to share this until I took my first bite? For your sake I didn't take a pic of that one. It was sooo good. Things were really busy around the house which they normally are. Once three o' clock rolls around and its time for the girls to come home from school one after another my attention goes to dinner prep, chats about school, homework, then I start cleaning, blahhh, blah, blahhh, blah, blah.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Here's where things get a little funny. #1 the only photo I did take was from my Droid phone and #2 Yes my delish meal was taken on a foam plate. On our busier days and nights we eat on foam plates. We haven't had a dishwasher for years {long story} so the less I have to wash the better.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/delicia2012/6849333455/" title="Fish tacos by Delicia2012, on Flickr"><img alt="Fish tacos" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7199/6849333455_8bda135837.jpg" width="333" /></a></div><br />
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</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Yanli Home Easy Fish Taco Recipe:</span></b><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">{What You'll Need}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Salmon Fillets</div><div style="text-align: center;">Corn Tortillas</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lettuce </div><div style="text-align: center;">Tomato</div><div style="text-align: center;">Salt </div><div style="text-align: center;">Pepper</div><div style="text-align: center;">Seasoning Salt</div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">You can actually use any type of boneless fish that you choose. I used Salmon Fillets found at Walmart. They come frozen in individually wrapped packages. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">After thawed and cleaned. I seasoned them with a little salt, pepper and seasoning salt. That's it nothing fancy. You can let it marinate if you wish but it you have a hungry family to feed lets just keep going.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Warm up a skillet with about 1-2 tablespoons of oil. Nonstick spray is fine as well. I prefer the oil just to rest assure that the fish won't stick to the pan. I cook the fish for several minutes on each side. The fillets should be beautifully golden. Once done put the fish on a plate to cool.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Now use another pan to make your corn tortilla shells or if you prefer you can use pre made shells.<br />
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>*This step is for cooking your own shells</b></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">When pan is warmed place the tortilla in and warm both sides then fold into taco shell shape, cook each side to desired texture. Ayanna usually likes soft ones due to her braces, Aliya likes them crunchy and Joe and I like them medium so this is perfect. We all get what we want and its no hassle.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">You can now take a fork and pull the fish fillets apart. It should be very very easy to do. Now do as you would normally when making tacos and top with lettuce, tomato, cheese and Voila! Dinner is done.<br />
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</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/40/0939AB4168D02A3E5070516E2DDAD0DB.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Deliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10046864416116779509noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3286158881969658565.post-78439508437573310962012-02-09T20:06:00.000-05:002012-02-09T20:06:09.921-05:00Winter Coats at JC PenneyAs you all may know by now that February has brought big changes to JC Penney. I haven't actually gone there since the changes have arrived but I did get my new JC Penney ad in the mail a couple of weeks ago. It somewhat resembled a beautifully put together catalog. The pages displayed amazing photos not to mention the deals to go with.<br />
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I wanted to share with all of you something that my Mom actually shared with me. All of JC Penney's coats are only $20 each and when I asked about every coat in the store my mom said that is was verified by the store manager that all of the stores will be selling all of their coats for $20 until they're gone.<br />
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Right before Thanksgiving my parents bought my oldest daughter Ayanna a beautiful Xersion coat for about 30 plus dollars exactly like the one shown in the photo now the same coat is $10 less. This coat comes in various colors.<br />
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What's great about this coat is that its thin but it keeps you super warm and if you or your teen is like mine and you don't like the bulk of big coats then this is a must buy before they are all gone. If the weather is already warm where you live go shopping for your $20 coat now and save it for the next time Jack Frost comes to visit. You can't beat that with a bat huh? Until next time.<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/40/0939AB4168D02A3E5070516E2DDAD0DB.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Deliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10046864416116779509noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3286158881969658565.post-42341328904435166972012-02-05T20:16:00.025-05:002012-02-05T20:32:22.382-05:00Top 10 Frugal Valentine's Day IdeasBoy! Where has the time gone? It's already a few days past February. The next thing you'll know. It will be time for Spring Break and all that goes with it. Pretty blooms, fresh air and birds singing.<br />
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Since it is still the month of love, let's talk about it shall we? For years I used to hear people say that St. Valentine's Day was a made up holiday for card companies just to sell more cards. Well doing my research that's far from the truth. Yes the day was really observed for Saint Valentine (which you can research yourself). For your sake I won't teach history class today ;-) and actually they say that the 1st Valentine was made in the 1400's and the 1st one to be printed and sold was created in the 1850's waaaaay before Hallmark. So now that we have that out of the way. Lets talk love and how to express it without breaking the bank since a lot of us are still recovering from Christmas. These are Yanli Home's:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ww51xZ2a1hA/Ty7qLQdNu5I/AAAAAAAAAJE/Fc8BEl4uXJM/s1600/valentine3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ww51xZ2a1hA/Ty7qLQdNu5I/AAAAAAAAAJE/Fc8BEl4uXJM/s1600/valentine3.png" /></a></div><span style="color: red;"><b>TOP 10 FRUGAL VALENTINE'S DAY IDEAS</b></span></div><br />
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<ul><li>One of my favorite things to do is leave little love notes around the house where your love will find them. Tell your love how much they are appreciated.</li>
</ul><ul><li>If you always make dinner. Make it special this Valentine's Day. If you normally eat with your entire family. Try feeding them a little earlier and setup a dinner for two with candle light and soft music.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Your love may like things that have nothing to do with romance but it may make them smile just because you gave it from your heart. I remember one year when hubby and I were dating all I wanted was a new vacuum for my apartment and I got it. I had a Happy Valentine's Day that year. hehe.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Draw your love a bath and when they are all relaxed continue with a nice massage to knead all of their troubles from the day away.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Ice Cream Sundae's for two with all the fixins. It will be even better if you make them yourself.</li>
</ul><ul><li>One year when the girls were smaller after we put them to bed again here comes the candlelight and soft music. I surprised hubby with chocolate strawberries and Champagne. So romantic.</li>
</ul><ul><li>I'm not sure what part of the world you live in but if the weather's nice right now, take advantage of it and go for a nice walk. Totally free and loads of quality time together.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Turn on the tunes and dance, dance, dance. Your in total control of the genre.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Dedicate a song to your love on the radio.</li>
</ul><ul><li>This time of year you can also put a small valentine shout out in your local newspaper.</li>
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No one ever said that you have to break the bank to show your love. Besides love should be celebrated each day that you awaken. Valentine's Day just helps us to remember why you fell in love in the first place. If you have kids don't forget about them share your love by making Valentine's together and exchanging them. I've gathered lots of ideas over the years at the <a href="http://familyfun.go.com/valentines-day/">Family Fun</a> website with my kids and they've always loved them.<br />
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What Valentine's Day plans do you have for you and the one(s) you love?<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/40/0939AB4168D02A3E5070516E2DDAD0DB.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Deliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10046864416116779509noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3286158881969658565.post-40305045534149622642012-02-01T06:26:00.000-05:002012-07-04T19:55:31.054-04:00How to Make The Right Amount of Homemade Mac and CheeseHave you ever been stumped when its time to make lets say mashed potatoes or some sort of pasta? No one really tells you how much to put in the pot in order to make just the right amount of servings for you and your family. What usually happens to some of us is the end results in food for an army instead of a family of lets just say 4.<br />
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Looks can be deceiving so I thought I'd give you some scientific pointers. This tutorial is primarily for how to make the right amount of homemade mac and cheese but you'll get the idea with other dishes that you may make. My plan was to make homemade mac and cheese for the family.<br />
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Is it enough or isn't it? In my younger years I would've used more than this but let me show you something. This is actually all of the contents of my elbow macaroni box poured into the dish first to give you a visual. I will be using the contents later for baking after its boiled. It appears to be at least to the 1/4 level of the dish.<br />
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Since pasta absorbs water of course its going to expand the pasta to at least double its dried size. After boiling the pasta until al dente. Here's the results. A perfect amount for a family of four. Hope this helps anyone that may need help in this area. I have to finish my side dish now. Let's talk soon.<br />
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*<i>If you'd like to see a post on how I make my baked mac and cheese please leave me a comment.</i><br />
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How do you make your mac and cheese? Love to hear.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/40/0939AB4168D02A3E5070516E2DDAD0DB.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Deliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10046864416116779509noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3286158881969658565.post-31962881797726784652012-01-30T05:51:00.001-05:002012-01-30T05:54:59.583-05:00Get Organizing Tips from The AmandasIf you don't know by now I have this obsession with organizing. Since I live in a house with others I try not to be so strict about things going back into there places as much as I would like to. My relationship with my family is the most important. Most times I pick things up and put things away without even giving it a second thought but since I'm raising kids I do have a job to teach them to be responsible and I do a pretty good job I must say.<br />
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I don't get to watch much tv during the day and in the evenings I may watch a couple of recorded shows from the Tivo with hubby. It's our alone time.<br />
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If you like reality tv like I do <u>and</u> you are an organizing junkie. There is a new show airing tonight (1/30/12) at 8pm eastern on the Style Network. This show seems to speak my language and Amanda LeBlanc feels the way I feel but isn't afraid to let her <i>Amandas</i> know it.<br />
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After Katrina hit New Orleans, Amanda had to start a new life elsewhere. Now she resides in Birmingham, AL and her organizing business is booming. She does work for anyone who needs it including the celebs and her team TThe Amandas help her to get everything in tip top shape. The show is called what else? The Amandas.<br />
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Will you watch? I'm sure she'll share some tips as I have<a href="http://yanlihome.blogspot.com/2012/01/how-to-easily-organize-any-space-in.html"> here</a> plus much more I'd love to learn.<br />
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</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/40/0939AB4168D02A3E5070516E2DDAD0DB.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Deliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10046864416116779509noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3286158881969658565.post-9416880504292979762012-01-24T22:26:00.004-05:002012-01-28T11:20:28.296-05:00How to Easily Organize Any Space In Your HomeEach day that I walk home from Aliya's bus stop I chat with one of my neighbors who also has a child that rides the bus with her. We basically share our thoughts on general things like life, kids and whatever we can think of for our five minute catch up as we walk home.<br />
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I work from home and I didn't have the previous day scheduled to work so me being my Martha Stewart self (I like to think so) kept myself busy. I told her how I organized Ayanna's entire closet before she came home from school. My neighbor asked me how in the world do I #1 organize and how do I do it before her return from school. It lit up my good idea light bulb above my head to share how easy it can be to organize any room in your home well and rediscover the real definition of time management.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">My step by step tips on organizing any space in your home.</span></strong><br />
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1. Go in with a plan. Study the area. Before you begin be certain what your goal is going to be.<br />
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2. Things you may need: sticky notes, box(es), pen or pencil and a garbage bag(s). I'll tell you why later.<br />
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3. Now that you're prepared. Remember stay focused. I do not turn on distractions like TV's but I do perform better with my tunes so music is never far away.<br />
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4. This is the fun part. Completely and I mean completely empty your space and leave nothing. During this step you may as well clean your space so when you return items they're stored in a clean and beautiful space.<br />
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5. Now everything that you've taken out needs to be sorted by the following catagories. <em>This may or may not apply to your space so make your own judgement</em>. "Keep" "*<em>Store</em>" "Donate" "Trash" This is where the sticky notes and other items come in. I used to stick my notes on the wall in the hallway or where ever I have space. I'd prefer to keep the notes and the trash bag as close as possible so that I can stay in my work space until I'm done. The trash label may not be of good use to you, technically what I do is use my trash bag for this step and throw the trash away as soon as I see it. I don't hesitate.<br />
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6. Once you really get good at this organizing thing you won't really need to label things for sorting unless you wish to but if you have a partner helping you with the job then its a good idea to keep this step to avoid confusion later.<br />
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7. Fill your box(es) with the items that you can donate to your local donation drop off center and donate that day or as soon as possible to prevent sentimental set backs.<br />
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8. Now the items you're keeping can go back into the space only if you're not choosing to purchase *<i>bins</i> or *<em>containers. </em>Now you can neatly fill your containers and label them so that the person or people using them knows where to find things and return them when not in use. At this point everything you're keeping should be returned to your clean and organized space. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You'll be proud of yourself that you've gone from something like this.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To something like this. I know what you're thinking. These are not the same closets but you are certainly catching my drift right?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><em>*</em>If you are choosing to purchase bins or containers for your space make sure that you measure the space(s) that you're putting a particular set of items as well as measure those items going into back into that space. That way your items will fit perfectly. If you already have something at home to contain your items. (I love doing this). You can save some big mulah!<br />
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Tip: Dollar stores have varieties of containers for a fraction of the cost if your budget cannot stretch enough to purchase some from top organizing retailers. Either way you can still make your space organized and beautiful.<br />
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*If you chose to use the "store" catagory. You can use a box or bin to store things away that you plan to keep but just maybe out of season for example. My fave for this step are bins, they especially keep clothes dry and smelling fresh also they keep them free from critters that are known to be attracted to cardboard boxes.<br />
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Now that you've learned how I can organize any room in my home. I hope that this has been helpful to some of you. Please share with me what you think? Do you already have a organizing regimen? Please share your tips.<br />
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Always remember.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/40/0939AB4168D02A3E5070516E2DDAD0DB.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Deliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10046864416116779509noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3286158881969658565.post-39050786340680072182012-01-17T15:54:00.000-05:002012-01-17T15:54:35.415-05:00Yanli Home Quick Tip: Fashion<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">My girls absolutely love boots. Thank goodness we live in a state that allows us to do that often. Even though each of us (the girls) have at least one pair pair of skinny jeans we are not huge fans. Not that they aren't cute its just that our figures aren't made for them. We feel more comfortable in a relaxed fit jean which most times ends up being a pair of boot cut. Of course boot cut isn't the perfect pair of jeans for an Ugg or the like type of boot. My fix on this has always been to grab the bulk of the boot cut leg and neatly wrap it around my leg and slip my foot right into the boot.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_hz7xPfU4Rc/TxXWUFa_7tI/AAAAAAAAAFs/JuplVyBG32A/s1600/DSCN1314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" kba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_hz7xPfU4Rc/TxXWUFa_7tI/AAAAAAAAAFs/JuplVyBG32A/s640/DSCN1314.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">My mini me's have also learned to do this but my youngest fashionista grumbles if everything isn't right from head to toe before school. Recently, Aliya complained about how her jeans ride up her leg and out of the boot before too long. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I came up with a quick fix and she tested it for two days with success. Yay! Gold star for Mommy. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PS52q3x855M/TxXW7yUpyMI/AAAAAAAAAF0/8kWVv3YLGW4/s1600/DSCN1295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" kba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PS52q3x855M/TxXW7yUpyMI/AAAAAAAAAF0/8kWVv3YLGW4/s640/DSCN1295.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
I followed the same technique as mentioned above since it really does work but for her I took two strips of transparent tape. The width on day one was much slimmer than in this photo. I just grabbed what was available and Voila! it worked like a charm. I usually cuff it a little first before I tape in order for it to adhere better. Result a happy little camper on the way to school. Not to mention it was a cold and cloudy winter day. What fashion secrets do you have?<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/40/0939AB4168D02A3E5070516E2DDAD0DB.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Deliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10046864416116779509noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3286158881969658565.post-57764798160730302602012-01-14T22:12:00.005-05:002012-01-25T10:45:30.123-05:00Storage Quick TipHi I'm Delicia and I'm an organized-aholic. All kidding aside I've loved organizing for as long as I can remember. As the season's change I tend to change also. I go crazy switching things around to better organize our home. My focus has been both of my daughters bedrooms this week. <br />
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One thing I'd like to share with you is to never take things you have laying around the house for granted, you just <em>may</em> need them someday. When you're consistently finding ways to organize things you tend to collect all types of containers either being utilized or laying around awaiting a new reason to store things for you. Well my creative juices were flowing today and I totally overlooked the containers that I had on hand and created a wonderful idea for the girls old pencil boxes that were stored away.<br />
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</div><div align="center"></div><div align="left">I lucked out and found two of them so I didn't hesitate to get to work. I had to scrub crayon marks out of them but once that was done they were good as new.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3O4g54pD_6E/TxI_qKRtsRI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/Z1d_yiDWukM/s1600/pencilbox+storage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" kba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3O4g54pD_6E/TxI_qKRtsRI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/Z1d_yiDWukM/s640/pencilbox+storage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Both of the girls have the same chest of drawers and nightstands in their rooms. I'm always talking to Aliya about clutter in the drawers after I help her clean them out. Its not her fault you see cleaning a space without an actual home for items in that space totally sets a person up for disaster later don't you agree? Especially for a little kiddo. Keeping the pencil box opened instead of closing it creates extra storage for things like gadgets or anything small that gets used often. Here we put items like her book light, camera, sd card, cell phone for emergency purposes and her little music players in the compartments.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bn2ivWxYzxk/TxJBoEUyaDI/AAAAAAAAAFY/43drjUcjQ-k/s1600/DSCN1300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" kba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bn2ivWxYzxk/TxJBoEUyaDI/AAAAAAAAAFY/43drjUcjQ-k/s640/DSCN1300.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">It fits very well in her top drawer of her nightstand. The top drawers on the girls furniture are lined with some sort of felt-like material for more delicate things which is the dark appearance you see underneath but we decided to put the things that she uses often in this space for convenience. So what do you think? What things have you found around the house that come in handy for your organizing projects?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/40/0939AB4168D02A3E5070516E2DDAD0DB.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a><br />
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<center><a href="http://organizeyourstuffnow.com/ " mce_href="http://organizeyourstuffnow.com/ " target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Organize and Decorate Everything" width="150" height="150"/src="http://organizeyourstuffnow.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/SS852700.jpg" mce_src="http://organizeyourstuffnow.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/SS852700.jpg"/></a></center>Deliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10046864416116779509noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3286158881969658565.post-62932341488588649172012-01-12T20:06:00.002-05:002012-01-14T04:45:48.887-05:00Quick and Easy Semi Homemade Chicken Pot PieI haven't made chicken pot pie for dinner in such a long time but it has always been a fave with the family. Anything that gets kid approval always gets an A in book. Yes I know that chicken pot pie isn't the healthiest meal but the temperature is expected to drop drastically tonight due to our 1st snow of the winter so I thought why not make something just perfect for cold weather. I call this semi homemade chicken pot pie because well....it is. Makes me feel so Sandra Lee-ish. <br />
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All you need is Chicken Broth, a family size can of Cream of Chicken Soup, Mixed Veggies, Bisquick. Oh and let's not forget (in my french speaking voice) the piece of resistance..the chicken.<br />
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I really like my chicken shredded in pot pie. I've tried it different ways with shredded chicken being the leader of the pack. I prepare my chicken breast by poking holes in the breast to allow seasonings to marinate throughout the chicken then I season it with salt, pepper and a little onion powder. Now I marinate it in the refrigerator for about 1hour. Of course, I washed the chicken before the prep. Then I pour about 1/2 of the chicken broth in a stock pot and boil the chicken. I diluted the broth with a little water but you do not have to add this step. <br />
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After the broth comes to a boil go ahead and drain the chicken and allow it to cool to the point of handling. Once cooled enough for you go ahead and pull the chicken apart with a fork. I always use two forks for this process. One to hold and one to pull.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2KZFRzEsDcU/Tw9_t4WQPKI/AAAAAAAAAEw/6q2UlfKvths/s1600/DSCN1288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" kba="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2KZFRzEsDcU/Tw9_t4WQPKI/AAAAAAAAAEw/6q2UlfKvths/s640/DSCN1288.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><br />
Now you can put the cream of chicken, veggies and chicken in a glass dish about 9x9 in size. Sit the mixture aside and make up a batch of bisquick. I guesstimate the amount here so you'll have to play around with how much to use for your liking. Now just pour the bisquick mixture on top of the pot pie mixture. <br />
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Place your meal in the oven until bisquick is golden this can take approximately 25-30 minutes depending on your oven. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fH4t8An9b5A/Tw-Dc7uWAoI/AAAAAAAAAFA/zAtFWpEHRY8/s1600/chicken+pot+pie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" kba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fH4t8An9b5A/Tw-Dc7uWAoI/AAAAAAAAAFA/zAtFWpEHRY8/s640/chicken+pot+pie.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><br />
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Last step! Call the family down to dinner. Let me know what you think? What's your favorite cold weather meal?<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/40/0939AB4168D02A3E5070516E2DDAD0DB.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Deliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10046864416116779509noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3286158881969658565.post-53148159684865755162012-01-10T14:04:00.000-05:002012-01-10T14:04:32.667-05:00Make Grocery Shopping a Breeze Plus Organizing TipsI know that everyone's starting with a clean slate seeing that its the beginning of a brand New Year and as I was in the midst my weekly menu planning plus grocery list this past weekend I thought about all of you. For some time now we have had a system that works great for us. If I'm not mistaken my hubby came up with the idea and its been a weekly ritual of ours ever since. <br />
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In the beginning we would take a scrap sheet of paper or an opened and empty envelope to draw a line straight down the middle, one side would contain our menu and the other our shopping list. We always jot down the menu 1st then we start the list with the the things that we buy on a weekly basis like milk, fruit, lunch items for the kids etc. then from there we'll add anything that we need from the menu side plus miscellaneous if applicable and we're done.<br />
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Since the days back when, I've made up a printable to work with instead. It can be printed as often as you would like or to save paper it can be laminated and you can use a washable pen to jot things down. The menu side has the days of the week to easily organize the days you'd like to have breakfast, lunch and dinner (<em>which are initialed under each day</em>). There is a snack section below that can be used separately as you may like to change those items around a bit as we do. I'd like to share this printable with you. Let me know what you think.<br />
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<embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="400" src="http://www.box.com/embed/t9v96kxbh71sl1e.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="466" wmode="opaque"><br />
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(<em><span style="color: cyan;"><a href="http://www.box.com/s/0sdp07o66bzlxr3bcxrh">download free printable here</a></span></em>).Deliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10046864416116779509noreply@blogger.com2