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Sweet Potato & Peanut Stew

March 26, 2015 By Chelsia Rief 6 Comments

We've had an amazing streak of beautiful weather for most of the past month and a half. This is so unlike Oregon! Of course, now that spring is finally here, the weather over the past five days has chosen to rear its ugly head and rain, hail, and blow wind in any and every direction it can.

It's this time of year when I never know how to dress. Too many layers makes me hot and stuffy (because, helllooo layers), and not enough clothing makes me goosebumpy and cold. Unless I'm working out, because then I'm just hot, hot, hot - until my body realizes I'm no longer working up a sweat and then I get cold again. [Read more...]

Bacon Upside Down Pancake

March 25, 2015 By Chelsia Rief 3 Comments

This easy recipe for one, big bacon upside down pancake to share is easy, tasty, and quick - you're going to have to try it!

When Josh went out of town in February, the girls insisted on staying up and sleeping with me...in my queen size bed. That's right - one adult, one preteen, and one little girl in my queen size bed. Plus three stuffed animals. Yes, three. One for each of us. Piggy belonged to Grace, Munsey belonged to Eden, and I sleep with my Becca. A bear I've slept with every night since I got the chicken pox in fifth grade. Needless to say, there wasn't any room in my bed.

Grace was on one side and Eden was in the middle. Somehow, Grace was the one who ended up with all the room while Eden was practically on top of me, tossing and turning, and I was on the very edge, sweating from all of these extra bodies and stuffed animals. [Read more...]

Tuesday's Tidings for March 24, 2015

March 24, 2015 By Chelsia Rief Leave a Comment

Hers

1. While in California last week, Josh and I spent the day at the California Adventure Park and had a blast! When it came time to think about food, we got soup, salad, and a little appetizer at the Wine Country Trattoria restaurant. The atmosphere was perfect, set off from the crowd, but right on the parade route. So not only did we get to watch the parade without crowds everywhere, but the food was delicious! Seriously, the minestrone soup had some pesto in it which really set it apart from other minestrones I've had and the caprese salad was refreshing and light. A perfect meal to satisfy hunger while walking around in the warm sun.

2. After wandering around the California park, we realized that Eden & Christian had never seen the movie Cars! They loved it! I think we all forgot how good it is. [Read more...]

Weekly Menu for Mar 23 - Mar 29

March 23, 2015 By Chelsia Rief Leave a Comment

If you "Like" me on the Catz Facebook page, then you know that Josh and I flew to California last week for a little getaway. I barely opened my computer. I didn't do any blog work of any kind. I took lots of pictures for us and the kids to hang onto and cherished our time - completely uninterrupted together. It was glorious! Sometimes you need to take a break from it all and not worry about page views, blog posts, and recipe testing. Sometimes you need a break so you can come back completely recharged and ready to go full speed ahead.

I'm ready. I had my break and I'm so excited to share some new recipes this week. I feel like it has been a few weeks since I've been able to do that because life gets hectic and I try to always be family first, blog second! So, without further ado, here is this week's menu inspiration! [Read more...]

Tuesday's Tidings for March 17, 2015

March 17, 2015 By Chelsia Rief 2 Comments

Hers

1. We watched the new Hobbit movie on Friday and then we took the girls to go see Cinderella on Saturday. Both movies were excellent. It was so much fun to see Cinderella brought to life and ALL of the acting was superb! Take your daughters to go see it!

2. I bought strawberries last week and I definitely need to invest in one of these strawberry hullers.

3. I finally finished the stack of books on my nightstand table. I have to recommend that if you are at all uncomfortable with the idea of entertaining and how to go about it, read the Reluctant Entertainer. It is so good and really easy to read. [Read more...]

St. Patrick's Day Recipe Round-Up

March 16, 2015 By Joshua Rief 2 Comments

St. Patrick's Day is upon us! Tomorrow is March 17th, when even those of us who are not Irish pretend to be for 24 hours (and maybe wish we were?). For some of you, this just means wearing a touch of green to avoid unnecessary pain and workplace harassment lawsuits, for some of you it means a certain dark alcoholic beverage from St. James Gate in Dublin (whether you actually drink it or just cook with it!), and for a few of you, it's actually a time to publicly proclaim and celebrate your Emerald Isle heritage. I actually discovered this past year that my mom's side of the family has a lot more Irish heritage than we thought, so maybe I'll take it just a bit more seriously this time around...but that would defeat the purpose a bit, wouldn't it... (any other Kincannon descendants out there?) At any rate, you've got to eat, and you ought to eat something festive, so it's our pleasure to present you with our most "Irish" recipes from the Catz archives. No, they're not authentic, but they're fun and they're tasty, and that's what counts!

[Read more...]

Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings

March 12, 2015 By Chelsia Rief 2 Comments

Hi guys! Today I'm over at Pint-Sized Treasures sharing this delicious Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe for you and your family to enjoy.

I happen to love chicken and dumplings, but sometimes it can be a lot of work, which is why having the crockpot do all the cooking for me is a great alternative. [Read more...]

Oven Baked Bacon

March 11, 2015 By Chelsia Rief 13 Comments

My favorite way to cook bacon is to bake it in the oven - actually, it's the only way I'll cook bacon! I refuse to stand over a skillet and have grease splatter and stain my clothes. I mean, don't get me wrong, bacon is worth ruined clothing, but if there is an easier way to get the job done without ruining my clothes and with the same yummy outcome, I'm all in! And with that, I bow down and thank the Pioneer Woman for pointing this little trick out to Josh and I. [Read more...]

Tuesday's Tidings for March 10, 2015

March 10, 2015 By Chelsia Rief Leave a Comment

Hers

1. Have you guys watched this new show on the Food Network Channel called Kid's Baking Championship? Grace and Eden are loving it and I would be lying if I said these kids weren't impressing the socks off of me. They are so creative and have so much knowledge in the kitchen for being so young. It is so neat to see so many young people involved in the kitchen. [Read more...]

Weekly Menu Mar 9-15

March 9, 2015 By Chelsia Rief Leave a Comment

So, I was pretty much a no-show last week, huh? You got a weekly menu post from me on Monday and then Josh emerged with the salsa post on Friday. That was it. Well, I promise that I did not forget about you. It's just that I woke up in the wee hours of Tuesday super sick with the flu. It was bad enough that Josh had to stay home from work to take care of me and the kids, while working from home, and playing teacher. I laid in bed all day (trust me, it sounds more fun than it was) and just prayed to feel normal one day soon.

Guess what? Now Eden is sick. :( Nothing breaks my heart more than seeing my children sobbing because they don't feel good. I really hope this doesn't travel through the rest of the family. :( If you get a moment, say a prayer for little Eden. She has really been such a good sport. So brave for someone so tiny. [Read more...]