Archives for May 2014

Triple Berry Cobbler on TWW

May 27, 2014 · by · Leave a Comment

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Hi Ladies! Summer is almost here and those delicious ripe berries are on sale! What better dessert to make for your family and friends than this amazing Triple Berry Cobbler. Serve it with a cool dolop of vanilla bean ice cream and there will be ahhhs and smiles all around. Thank you to my dear friend Darlene at Time Warp Wife for sharing this recipe. 

If you haven’t already been over to Time Warp Wife, I highly recommend browsing around. Darlene offers amazing wisdom for the journey in marriage. She’s also a New York Time’s Best Selling Author ….not to mention one of the most giving people I know. 

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Filed Under: Dessert ·

Easy & Refreshing Cucumber Salad at WLW

May 21, 2014 · by · Leave a Comment

Hi Ladies! Come join me over at  Women Living Well where I’m sharing this easy and refreshing Cucumber Salad recipe.

I don’t know about you, but making salads is my least favorite thing to do in the kitchen. This salad is not only an easy fix- but it can be made ahead of time leaving more opportunity to get your main entree finished. My entire family loves cucumbers, so it’s a winning recipe in my home! Enjoy! 

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Filed Under: Comfy In My Jeans, Food Allergy Friendly, Kiddos, Salads, Sides ·

Pan Fried Pound Cake

May 21, 2014 · by · Leave a Comment

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Mmmm…..frying pound cake in butter gives it a crispy outer crust that is just heavenly. Add fresh strawberries and a scoop of cool vanilla bean ice cream and you have yourself a most delicious Spring dessert. Invite friends over to share!

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Let your favorite pound cake recipe (or you can use Sarah Lee’s in your grocers’ freezer) cool. Slice evenly.

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Butter and toast on both sides. You may also add a sprinkle of sugar to caramelize the texture.

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Enjoy!

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Filed Under: Breads, Dessert, Seasonal, Uncategorized ·

Extra Thick Strawberry Milkshakes

May 14, 2014 · by · 1 Comment


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It was a beautiful sunny afternoon when I picked up my munchkin from preschool today. As soon as we walked through the door, our air conditioned home greeted us with grace.

My daughter looked at me and said, “Mama, I’m going to make us some milkshakes!”

Being that I’ve always taught my children “meal ministry”, when they say they’re going to make me something….I let them! So, I stepped aside and watched this precious little 5- year- old get out the exact ingredients she needed.

She always amazes me with her kitchen skills……
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Precious little angel of love, munchkin, buttacup, I just want to kiss your little sweet face, ooooo… I can’t even stand it, I just love ya! 

(Yes, I talk like this to her in real life.)


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Great job!!! (I taste test too, it’s ok)

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Looks delicious….cool, refreshing, sweet and creamy! Mmmmm…..

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A precious moment… A warm day, my baby, and a milkshake. What more could a mom ask for?

Extra Thick Strawberry Milkshakes
Author: Janelle Nehrenz
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • 3 scoops of vanilla ice cream
  • 1 cup of frozen strawberries
  • 1 cup milk
Instructions
  1. Blend ingredients together and enjoy! Mmmmmm….
3.2.2499

 

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Filed Under: Dessert, Food Allergy Friendly, Kiddos, Learning the Basics, Seasonal, Uncategorized ·

I Love Stitch Fix!

May 13, 2014 · by · 8 Comments

 

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 Ladies do I have exciting news! But first, let me tell you a little secret…..I dislike to shop. If you’ve never heard me say that before, there ya have it! haha. I don’t know if it’s decision making, not knowing what I look good in, or just plain spending money on myself- for some reason, I have never enjoyed shopping for clothes for myself. Well, my dream of having my own personal shopper has finally come true when I found out about Stitch Fix! My sweet friend Ruth over at The Better Mom always looks so fashionable, I asked her where she buys her clothes and this is when I got hooked….
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 What is Stitch Fix?

Stitch Fix is a service where you are assigned your own personal stylist who chooses clothing and jewelry for you.  When you sign up, you fill out a style profile so that your stylist has an idea of what you like to wear. After you select the first date you would like your fix, you will receive 5 items in the mail (in a cute box :)). You are not obligated to purchase any of them, but you are charged a $20 styling fee. This $20 is refunded if you purchase any one item. I LOVE that with each piece of clothing they include a card that gives you ideas on how to style that particular piece. Once you try your items on, select what you would like to keep and then return the rest in a pre-paid envelope. Note: There is a waiting list, but once you are signed up for Stitch Fix they will send you “fixes” as often as you would like.

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Overall, I loved all the clothes Stitch Fix sent me. I especially loved the “recipe cards” showing me how to pair and match items.

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 If you don’t like something or anything- no worries! There’s a pre-paid and addressed bag enclosed. Put all the items you don’t want in the bag and throw it in the mailbox. Check out online to purchase the items you want to keep. The $20 styling fee is applied to your purchase!

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What a great experience….and I didn’t even have to go into a brightly lit dressing room! Wohoo!

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This beautiful chevron 3/4 sleeve shirt was my favorite! I also loved the cheerful necklace that accompanied it. Great job Stitch Fix! I can’t wait for my next shipment…..

If you would like to sign up and try Stitch Fix you can Click Here

IMG_9568 A HUGE thank you to my dear friend and mentor Julie (pictured center) for taking my photos. If you live in the NE Ohio area, I’d like to refer you to In His Image Photography. Julie is such an amazing photographer and so good with little ones! (Julie, I know I’m embarrassing you-I’m sorry, you know I think the world of you and I can’t help to boast about you!) This is a photo she took of my daughter…one of my favorite pictures ever.

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Filed Under: Comfy In My Jeans, Comfy Talk, Uncategorized ·

My Favorite Aldi’s Products

May 9, 2014 · by · 9 Comments


Hi Ladies!

Not too long ago I mentioned that I recently made the switch to Aldi’s. It has literally cut my grocery bill in half! Some of you have e-mailed me asking what my favorite products were at this store, so I thought I would share this information with everyone! Here we go…

The Pizza
By far, this is my favorite product….

091212_5565_CheeseDeliPizza_DI completely trust and recommend the “Mama Cozzi” brand.  This pizza is absolutely delicious. For just $4.49 you get a 16″ pie, which feeds my family of five dinner and lunch the next day. I’ve also taken this to families for a quick and inexpensive meal ministry…

 

The Produce

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You can’t beat Adli’s prices on produce! They also offer organic and locally grown- it’s so worth making an extra trip for the savings in this department.


The Coffee
031914_43786_SpecialtyRoastCoffeeCups_DHere we have 12 cups of Beaumont coffee for $4.99, which is about half of what I used to spend. This coffee is just as good (I promise-I love my coffee and am very picky.)

Other Products I Buy

Baker’s Corner brand for baking needs.
Stonemill Pure Vanilla Extract is absolutely delicious.
Eggs
Milk
Bagels
Bread
Happy Farms Cream Cheese (just like New Philly)
German chocolate! (so much less expensive and way better- a variety of brands are offered)
Ice cream (Butter Pecan)
Jarred peaches (for peach tea)
Nuts
Ranch dressing
Peanut Delight Peanut Butter (just like Jif)
Tortilla shells
Cheeses
Frozen seafood
Bacon

On average, I spend about $125 a week on groceries (you know how much I cook) at Aldi’s, which is about half of what I used to spend at other grocery stores. However, I do typically purchase most my meats at a butcher. I am extremely pleased and recommend Aldi’s! I hope this helps some of you with your fear to cross over. It’s been worth the $500 a month is savings for my family!

 

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Filed Under: Comfy Talk, Grocery Shopping, Uncategorized ·

First Fitness and a Special Recipe (Taco Ring) !

May 5, 2014 · by · Leave a Comment

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Hi Ladies! I have a special guest with me today. Allow me to introduce to you Sheran Newell from First Fitness. Sheran is a Christian, a wife of 15 years and a mother to 2 beautiful girls. She loves spending time with her family, reading, and staying fit!

Sheran is a lot like me- she’s a girl of moderation. She may splurge here and there, but she also makes sure to balance her life with healthy choices and exercise.

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Sharen says:

“Although I try really hard, I don’t always eat the way I know I should. Before I joined with First Fitness, I purchased them from my family from my Sister-in-Law. I quickly realized the difference in the way we felt and the energy we had….I was sold and knew I had be a part of this amazing company. 

There are so many products First Fitness supplies that help with general nutrition and physical comfort. Not to mention weight loss, herbal cleansing, sports nutrition, skin care and body care!

If you know someone who has a baby with colic then Biomega is the answer. It’s a delicious whole leaf Aloe Vera drink that contains over 120 vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, phytonutrients, and antioxidants that supports good digestive health and whole body wellness. I give my children Biomega for all the vitamins in it and it actually taste awesome… I have to keep my kids out of it!

I personally love the Women’s First Essential Vitamins, they are an advanced multi-vitamin and mineral complex for women with specially targeted nutrition supporting the female reproductive system. They get me through the day without being tired and make me feel great!

My husband just started back to the gym and is on the Men’s First Essentials. This is an advanced multi-vitamin and mineral complex for men, with specially targeted nutrition supporting prostate and testosterone levels.  He has been able to get through his day without being so exhausted. *Did you know that many young men suffer with low-testosterone and don’t know it? 

Are you also on a journey to living a healthier and happier life?  If so, please contact me. Additionally, if you’re interested in making more money for your family this has been a huge blessing for me personally and I know it can be for you too.

Now, Janelle asked me to share a recipe and as I said- I mentioned that I don’t always eat the healthiest choices. But, that’s ok in moderation, right Girls? This comes from Pampered Chef and has been a hit for years in my home. When I take it to church for small meetings everyone loves it and asks for the recipe! They can’t believe how simple it is. It’s the ever famous….”Taco Ring“! Enjoy!”

I’m sharing the original recipe, but over at The Taste Place, you can get a lighter version and photos on how to make it!”

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Thank you so much Sharen…I love the information you gave to all of us. My little guy suffers from a stomach emptying delay, I may have to try Biomega for his reflux. Thank you again, so much!!! This recipe looks like a WINNER!!! Mmmmmm…. I WILL be making this soon!!!

Author: Janelle Nehrenz
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 (1 1/4 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (4 ounces)
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 (8 ounce) packages refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
  • 1 medium bell pepper
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 3 cups Lettuce, shredded
  • 1 medium tomato
  • 1/4 cup onion, chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup pitted ripe black olives (optional)
  • sour cream (optional)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F
  2. Cook ground beef in large skillet over medium heat 7-9 minutes or until beef is no longer pink; drain.
  3. Remove pan from heat.
  4. Stir in taco seasoning mix, cheese and water.
  5. Unroll crescent dough; separate into triangles.
  6. Arrange triangles in a circle on Classic Round Pizza Stone with wide ends overlapping in center and points toward outside. (There should be a 5 inch diameter opening in center.)
  7. I use my Pampered Chef pizza stone, but any flat round pan should work–perhaps even a pizza sheet, but I’d spray it with Pam before adding the crescent rolls.
  8. Scoop meat mixture evenly onto widest end of each triangles up over filling and tuck under wide ends of dough at center of ring. (Filling will not be completely covered).
  9. Bake at 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
  10. Shred lettuce and chop tomato, onion, olives, and bell pepper (if desired).
  11. Add your toppings to top of ring and finish with more shredded cheese and sour cream.
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Filed Under: Appetizers, Breads, Comfy In My Jeans, Sides, Uncategorized ·

Pancakes with Homemade Blackberry Syrup (Cracker Barrel Copy Kat)

May 4, 2014 · by · 1 Comment

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 I was eating breakfast with my dear friend Melanie when started talking about what we craved while we were pregnant. Mel mentioned how she craved Cracker Barrel’s to pancakes topped with hot blackberries . Ooooo….that sounded so good!!! So,  I just had to take a “crack” at making them myself. So, in honor of pregnancy cravings and friendship- here’s the recipe. Mmmmmm……

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 Smoosh 2 small cartons of blackberries like so… (thank you, girls- great job!)

*As we were smooshing, we talked about how people used to dye their clothing with berries just like these!   

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After about 3-5 minutes of smooshing…this is what you’ll get. 

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Pour into a medium saucepan placed on medium heat. Add sugar (this is how I measure when I don’t blog- the truth comes out!) 

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Take some of your syrup out and add cornstarch to make a paste. Add it back into the pan and stir until liquid thickens slightly. 

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Mmm….pipping hot and steamy sweet blackberries- ready to eat! 


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Ladle on top of your pancakes with butter and enjoy!

*You may wish to add maple syrup as well….
*I have a delicious recipe for applesauce pancakes in “Comfy Cooking with Kids“, and my all-time favorite boxed pancakes are Krusteaz (as shown). 

Pancakes with Homemade Blackberry Syrup (Cracker Barrel Copy Kat)
Author: Janelle Nehrenz
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 2 small cartons (8 oz each) Blackberries
  • 1-2 Tbsp sugar (to liking)
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
Instructions
  1. Place blackberries in a bowl and smash with a fork until you get a chunky liquid
  2. Pour in a medium saucepan on medium heat
  3. Add sugar
  4. Take a small amount of the liquid out and add cornstarch to make a paste
  5. Add paste back into liquid and stir until slightly thickened
  6. Pour over pancakes and serve with butter and maple syrup (if desired)

 

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Filed Under: Breakfast, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Kiddos, Uncategorized ·

My Little Chef Using my Favorite Skillet!

May 2, 2014 · by · Leave a Comment

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Yesterday I posted on FaceBook this sweet little part of my day….

While I was putting laundry away upstairs, I smelled something cooking. Being that I knew it was just my 5-year old and me at home- I immediately booked down the stairs!

Ohhhh, to my surprise- would you just look at this?! She made Eggs in a Nest– ALL BY HERSELF!!!! She got the skillet from above the refrigerator (scary), plugged it in (even more frightening), then made the entire recipe perfectly from start to finish.

My first reaction?! I picked her up and squealed with excitement!!! I was so proud at what she could do all on her own!

She said, “Mama, I’m so proud of myself- I’m like Matilda….you teacheded me!” How could I rain on her parade? I made the decision to march in it and rejoice with her accomplishment.

It did make me nervous to know she was around heat by herself, so we had “the talk” about inviting Mommy to the next cooking session, but I have to say…this was impressive.

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Under all the comments, I had some ladies ask what skillet I use- so, I thought to post it here. I love it because it doesn’t flake, is easy to wipe clean, and frees up space on the stovetop. Here’s the description:

This Oster Griddle with Warming Tray is designed with a unique and innovative Dura Ceramic non-stick coating that last 4X longer than standard non-stick coatings and won’t flake or peel. The Dura Ceramic surface provides exceptional non-stick performance and lasting durability. The safe and natural ceramic coating is PFOA and PTFE free as well, so you can griddle pancakes, eggs and more without worry. The Dura Ceramic finish cooks up to 20% faster to get you eating quicker and it easily wipes clean! This Oster griddle features a large 10″ x 18″ cooking surface so you can conveniently prepare meals for the entire family and a warming tray to help keep foods at ideal temperature until you are ready to serve. Removable, adjustable temperature control accurately sets cooking temperature to achieve desired results when cooking a variety of foods.

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If you want to learn how to teach YOUR little ones how to cook- I recommend reading my latest ebook, “Comfy Cooking with Kids”. It’s a great beginner book for children of all ages. GREAT NEWS- It’s currently being offered at a reduced price of $2.99 at checkout! 

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Filed Under: Breakfast, Comfy Talk, Kiddos ·