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Weekly Menu June 8-14

June 8, 2015 By Chelsia Rief Leave a Comment

Hi there, how was everyone's weekend? I noticed that we've had a few new subscribers come through the gates over the weekend. If you're new here- YAY! I'm so glad you're here and I can't wait to share some yummy recipes with you. If you aren't already, I encourage you to follow our Catz Facebook page, Twitter, Pinterest, and (of course) Instagram. I'm always pinning and sharing photos.

Please tell me that I am not the only one who had the worst allergy attack this weekend? Since I have to stay inside, I guess it is pinning on Pinterest, watching Netflix shows and laying low until I can go outside without the dying. The upside to the allergies so far is that I can still taste and smell, so that is something. [Read more...]

Parmesan Pork Chops with Spinach Salad

June 5, 2015 By Chelsia Rief 2 Comments

So there is this season called spring and it is a lovely time for our beautiful state. Everything blooms, the sun comes out, and the temperatures rise. Sounds pretty ideal right? Well, for some it is - for me, not so much. When everything begins to bloom and the sun comes out and the temperatures rise, that's when I go into hiding because it is the perfect storm for an allergy sufferer like me. [Read more...]

Father's Day BBQ Sauce

June 3, 2015 By Chelsia Rief 2 Comments

Hey guys, I'm over at Evermine's blog today sharing the most perfect homemade Father's Day gift for the guy in your life who grills or barbecues all your yummy summer food: Homemade BBQ Sauce!

And let me tell you, this homemade barbecue sauce is the boss! [Read more...]

Tuesday's Tidings for June 2, 2015

June 2, 2015 By Chelsia Rief Leave a Comment

Hers

1. The other night we tried these Tillamookies Chocolate Hazelnut Gelato Cookies from Tillamook and they were so amazing! I've always felt pretty blessed to have gone to the Tillamook Cheese Factory fairly often as a kid because we've always lived a few hours away from it. This company and their cheeses, especially Squeaky Cheese holds sweet memories for me.

2. Weekend before last, Josh and I stayed up until 1am. We've come to the conclusion that we're to old to be doing that any more. It took us a week to catch up on our sleep. Sleep is so precious to me, especially right now because allergies are keeping me awake. [Read more...]

Weekly Menu June 1-7

June 1, 2015 By Chelsia Rief Leave a Comment

Happy June 1st everyone! We're officially done with school and on summer break! Yipppeee! We have absolutely no plans this summer. No trips planned (unless Josh has business trips that come up) - just a lazy summer...and I've got to tell you, it sounds so nice. The last few years have been on the crazy side so having an open season with nothing on the horizon sounds like perfection. I think backyard s'mores parties sound perfect; game nights and cookouts are what the doctor ordered.

Do you have plans for summer? Are you traveling anywhere? I would love to hear what you're doing and where you're going, if going somewhere. So tell me! [Read more...]

Mini Stuffed Peppers

May 29, 2015 By Chelsia Rief 2 Comments

We are officially done with our homeschooling year until the fall. Of course, Grace still has one more hurdle to jump through bright and early Saturday morning. A little hurdle we like to call State Testing. I don't know about you, but I hated state testing. Actually, just tests in general. I was never very good at them, and I was awful at studying for them. Grace, on the other hand, is super smart, and I know she will do well!

I know she is ready to enjoy her summer and put school behind her. And I am ready to wake up at whatever time I please. Well, not exactly because you know, I'm a mom and well...kids. [Read more...]

Blueberry Pomegranate Smoothies

May 27, 2015 By Chelsia Rief 4 Comments

I don't make a lot of smoothies. I always intend too, even going as far as buying fruit and freezing it for when I do make a smoothie. But then, I never do. The ingredients sit there in my freezer until then I find other uses for them.

When my sweet friend Deborah of one of my favorite blogs, Taste and Tell, asked if I would be interested in previewing a copy of her new cookbook Best 100 Smoothies for Kids, I jumped at it because hello - I have kids! Three kids to be exact, and I knew that they would love for their mommy to make them a smoothie! [Read more...]

Tuesday's Tidings for May 26, 2015

May 26, 2015 By Chelsia Rief Leave a Comment

Hers

1. I finally walked into Sephora over the weekend. I stayed in the store for a grand total of five minutes before leaving over makeup intimidation. Next time, I'm going to go in and purchase a few things that I did see and want.

2. Speaking about beauty products, I've found something amazing that I'm sure the rest of the planet already is aware of...COCONUT OIL! But I don't use it for cooking. For the last two weeks, an hour or two before bed, I slather myself in this magic oil and I've noticed such a difference in my skin. It is so much softer. I do use my usual lotion in the morning, but the coconut oil is a life-changer. I just love it. [Read more...]

Weekly Menu May 25-31

May 26, 2015 By Chelsia Rief Leave a Comment

Happy Memorial Day! I hope you've all enjoyed a 3-day weekend. The weather for this week is shaping up to be beautiful (unlike last week) and I am so ready for some sun and warm breezes. This last week was cold and rainy and just miserable. I guess that is why our state is always so green though, right?

This week is also our last week of homeschooling until October. Hellooo, summer break! Eden finished school last week and Grace has school for three days this week, and then her state test is Saturday morning. I'm sure she can almost taste the freedom and the mornings when we can all sleep in! [Read more...]

Black Bean & Lentil Chili

May 21, 2015 By Chelsia Rief 4 Comments

It's hearty, it's tasty, it's warm, it smells amazing, and it's really, really good for you. You are completely out of excuses for not making this black bean & lentil chili!

Shall we talk about chores for a few moment? I don't know about you, but I don't particularly enjoy them (though I do love being a homemaker). You tell me how many stay-at-home moms enjoy scrubbing bathroom toilets on their knees? I have yet to meet even one!

I do however enjoy the vacuuming, the sweeping (of course, if you know me, you know I'm an obsessive sweeper), the mopping, the dusting, and, of course, the laundry! [Read more...]