Mosquito Remedy

We have moved to the mosquito capital of the world.

We have all been bit even our littlest.

Here is our at home remedy. Baking Soda mixed with water so it can be made into a paste.

Rub it all over the itchy area. Let it dry. It will eventually fall off or you can wash it off.

Don't worry if it gets on your clothes it makes the perfect addition to any load of laundry and doesn't ruin your clothes.

I have also heard if you rub an onion on your bites that helps to. I have never tried this.

Stick with the baking soda you'll have more friends.

Offseason Bargains

Today I went to Sears like I do every end of September and beginning of October. Why do I go?

I am able to get my boys shorts and shirts for $1.99-2.99. I have done this on the East Coast, the West Coast, and now in Texas.

Every year at Easter time I buy my end of Winter stuff for the next year and in October I buy my end of summer stuff for next year.

It is amazing. Even my husband and I get great deals. Lands Ends shirts and shorts for $4 and women's shirts for $2.50. It is not always marked and I have to check the price at the price checking machines.

It is so worth it. Here is a picture of the amount of stuff I got for $62.

And another picture with them on my boys. They were thrilled.

The only thing is I wish I would had bought more.

Albertsons Freschetta pizza

Just thought I would let you know if you ever buy frozen pizza there is a good deal going on right now at Albertsons. They have their Freschetta pizzas for 4.50 (normally 5.50 at Walmart) and there is a $1 off coupon on the pizza making them 3.50 a piece. There are many different kinds. We love to have these on hand for a busy night or when we go out and we have the babysitter make it for dinner. It's cheaper than Little Ceasers.

Fun with formula cans

First I washed out an empty formula can and took off the label. Next I measured the area between the edges. Then I cut out my scrapbook paper to that size. I used modge podge to adhere the paper to the can. Last I tied it with a ribbon and put a flower sticker on it. Kayla was taking cookies to a friend so we put some tissue paper in the can and filled it with cookies. I think it turned out pretty cute!

Easter Peeps Smores in a Jar

I want to do this for Easter for some neighbors and vt's.  I will have to post a picture when and if I get it done.  Until then you can look here.  www.creativeholidaygiftideas.blogspot.com/2008/03/easter-bunny-smores.html

Thanks for all the cute ideas!

So, I know I haven't actually contributed to this blog before but I thought you would be interested to know that I actually use it a lot. I have made over half of the recipes and it has been really nice to have some really good, easy things to make. 

Staci- I made those peanut butter cookies you posted and they were so yummy! I used chocolate chips in the recipe and they turned out really good. I took some of the extras to school and some friends and had to give the recipe to several people. I even took a picture because I thought of you.   :)  I really want to try some of the Thai recipes because they look fabulous but I haven't had the time yet. Maybe when school is over and I have a break before rotations. I will let you know how they go!

Peanut Butter Love

Yummy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Susan- I made lots of things you posted... the ranch chicken, the tortilla soup, the peanut butter love etc. They have all really turned out well. I also got a recipe from a link on your family blog (my kitchen cafe) for broccoli cheese soup that was really good that we ate in bread bowls. Here is a picture of the parfaits of peanut buttery happiness we made. Thanks!

Maybe I will contribute a recipe someday, but it might go something like this:

Erica's Own Tuna Surprise

Open can of tuna

Add mayo

Salt and pepper according to your tastes

Serve with crackers or on your favorite bread.

I am pretty lame, but keep the recipes coming. I heart them.    ;)

Easy Gift

I think this is a cute idea that you can give as a birthday present to someone in the ward or a vt gift. You take a cute notebook that you can find at walmart or target. Then you use your left over ribbon and tie it on the spiral part of the notebook. It turns out really cute and can be given with a cute pen or alone.

Cheap Cute Bags!

So I found these cute bags at Albertsons for $6.99. I have used them in the past for diaper bags. It's great because they are cheap and diaper bags get gross really fast. This year I bought one for me and one for Kayla. She uses hers as a piano bag. I added a flower to hers and I am in the process of putting her initials on it. So far I have got the M on there. Anyway I think it's a great deal and they are cute and can be used for lots of different things like dance, piano, scriptures, church, or diaper bag.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Trifle

Box of brownies

Peanut Butter Filling

1 8 oz package cream cheese softned

2 cups powdered sugar

1 cup peanut butter

2/3 cup milk

16 oz cool whip

4 peanut butter  cups

chocolate syrup

Make brownies as directed.  Let cool completely.  

Trifle:  Mix cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.  Add in peanut butter and milk.  Combine.  Fold in Cool Whip until combined.  Take half of the brownies out and crumble in large glass bowl or in a 13x9 pan.  You can also divide up between tall parfait glasses.  Add a layer of Peanut butter mixture.  Put the last half of the peanut butter mixture on top.  Drizzle chocolate syrup on top.  Add the chopped peanut butter cups on top.  Refrigerate until serving time.  To see a picture of this you can go here.....www.happytobeathome.net/chocolate-peanut-butter-love/

Homemade Oreo Chocolates

1 full package of Oreo cookies (you can also use mint)

1 8oz package of cream cheese softened

milk chocolate bark

*Crush package of Oreos completely.  In a bowl mix the oreos and cream cheese together.  Form into quarter sized balls.  Melt chocolate bark.  Drop a ball into melted chocolate.  Using a spoon, cover ball with chocolate then roll ball onto parchment paper.  You can also melt white chocolate and drizzle over the top.   Refrigerate until ready to eat.  

I have never actually made these but my neighbor brings them to us for Christmas every year and it's our families favorite treat that we get.  We down them:)  It looks really simple.