Diary of a Housewife

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Cut the Cake Already!

I Love Shopping..

As any Woman in their twenties does...

But I Love finding expensive dishes for next to nothing!

As I dragged my Hubby into Tjmaxx on a Tuesday...

Anxious to push Brylee around in the stroller...

I took way too much time scowering for good deals...

I'm OBSESSED with black and white dishware...

With the recent developments in my Cheesecake adventures..

(that will be a story for another day)

I had to have this gorgeous Pie Knife...

Because my knifes at home simply just won't do...

As I reasoned with my husband...

I explained I spend a whole day making cheesecake, to what?

Cut it with a crappy old knife?

No! I need something with presentation! (hehe)

With beautiful black and white beads strung around the handle...

This is what i found below...

Along with the beautiful cake plate/candy dish...

Filled with Dove Chocolates for a Special Mother In Law..

When she comes to visit...

And I Am LOVING these finds!!!

Pie Knife was $7.99

Cake Plate $6.99

Seriously how can you beat that?

I can't wait to cut my next cake...

Pudding Love...

I Heart Pudding...

For a little treat on our home date night :)

I took graham cracker crumbs, melted butter and stirred together.

Made one packet of sugar free fat free chocolate pudding, with skim milk.

Got out the fat free caramel and whipped cream.

Then starting with graham cracker crumbs layer in bowl.

Followed by pudding, then caramel layer, then whipped cream..

And repeat those steps until your bowl is full!

Such an easy fast treat for two!

There's so many options for Fat Free Sugar Free Pudding!

The possibilities are endless!

Eat your heart out!

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Happy.. Happy.. All the Time!!!

Lately, I find myself being Happy Happy ALL the time!

I find Happiness in Everything...

Waking up next to my hubby...

Catching Beautiful Smiles from my Daughter...

Spending quality time with my Sister...

Relaxing evenings with my In-Laws...

Cuddling on the couch all piling on Daddy...

Teavana Tea...

Blueberry Bliss to be exact...

Pushing my Daughter in her Stroller around the Mall...

Finally cooking again after months on end of bedrest...

Being Grateful for the Small Things in Life...

Enjoying Every Funny Face my Daughter flashes me...

For that is what truly makes me Happy...Happy...

ALL the time :)...

As I was heading out to my sisters house this afternoon, I walked outside and felt a surprise. It was the first nice day we've had of Spring reaching a beautiful 71 degrees! This mama has been dying to take little Brylee (my daughter) on her first real "Walk" outside! So we walked, and walked, and walked some more! With Charlie Ray (my sisters pooch) leading the way on the sidewalk, past the squirrels and other dogs he wanted to play with we had a wonderful time! Great conversation and company.

The other first of this spring = making Hanky Panky's.

If you don't know what Hanky Panky's are let me give you the run down. They are one of the best appetizers you will ever put in your mouth. For me they are filled with childhood memories and smells with every bite. But they are absolutely mouthwatering. I brought some over to my sister today since I love making dishes and sharing the joy they bring!

Hanky Panky's Recipe

Ingredients:

1 pound Bob Evans (hot or mild) Sausage

1 pound Ground Chuck

1 pound Velveeta Cheese

1 tablespoon Garlic Powder ( I add fresh Garlic too for more flavor)

1 teaspoon Oregano

1 teaspoon Red Pepper

1 Onion chopped

2 Loaves Party Rye Bread (Pumpernickel is great too)

Directions: Brown Meat and Onions. Drain. Combine remaining ingredients until cheese melts. Spread on Party Rye or Pumpernickel Bread. Bake at 350 degrees for 5-6 minutes until Cheese is melted.

Tip: If your short on time, make ahead and freeze then just bake per directions above. Bake time may be a little longer for frozen Hanky Pankies.

My Secret Ingredient: As I find with any ground beef, Nutmeg is a beautiful flavor ingredient to add a dash of to add depth to your dish. Just a dash will do you! Also add some Chili Powder if you really want to spice things up a bit!

All in all today was a great day....

I'm Blessed with a Beautiful Daughter...

A Beautiful Sister...

And a Beautiful Spring Day...

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Margaritas Baby!!!

If you are a real housewife then you have heard of Skinny Girl Margaritas. I follow the Real Housewives shows on Bravo like a religion. Even if I cannot stand the women in the show, I still have to watch their season! Real housewives of New York character Bethenny Frankel has created the Best Low Calorie Margarita EVER!!!!! Skinny Girl Margaritas! I admit it, I was a skeptic? It's sweetened with Agave, and to be honest could be a little sweeter. But that's why it's called SKINNY! It has a real strong Tequila taste, but it is delicious!!!! I have only tried it over the rocks, and have yet to mix it in the blender! If you are watching your calories! This drink is a must!!!!!

Pineapple Is the Obsession of the Week

What is it about Springtime that makes us want to change?

Change our nail color, wall colors, bedding, diet, and most important home scents!

I have two words for you people "Pineapple Mango"!

If you have never smelled Bath and Body Works "Pineapple Mango" Home products. It makes you feel like you are laying on the beach sipping pina coladas! No wonder Bath and Body works sells out of it every year? It's just that good!

Once I Plugged my Pineapple Mango wallflowers in to enjoy, It made me crave Pineapple in the worst way! I've been experimenting for the last few months trying to create the perfect Nonfat Greek Yogurt Dip recipe, and I've done it!

Breah's Perfect Fruit Dip Recipe

Ingredients:

1 Cup of Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt

1 Tablespoon of Vanilla

5 Packets of Splenda

2 Teaspoons of Cinnamon

Directions:

Stir all ingredients into Greek Nonfat Yogurt.

Prepare your favorite fruit and enjoy!

(Above I prepared Grilled Pineapple. Used nonstick spray on griddle stove, grilled pineapple 5 minutes on each side.)

Tips:

If you think your dip needs more of each ingredient just add more! Mine required a little more splenda per my husbands liking! But REALLY it's delicous and healthy! You won't be disappointed! It's Mother In Law Approved!!!