1/17/14

Parmesan Mushroom Chicken #Recipe

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Ingredients:
2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 large can Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 cup milk
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup Parmesan Bread Crumbs
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Pour 1 large can of Cream of Mushroom Soup into 9"x9" baking dish. Add 1 cup milk and stir until blended. Add 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces and stir until chicken is well coated with soup/milk blend. Scatter 1 cup sliced mushrooms over the top of the chicken/mushroom blend, then sprinkle 1/2 cup Parmesan Bread Crumbs on top. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in 350 degrees F oven for 45 minutes. Serves 2.

Notes: Very easy to make and deliciously creamy. To feed 4, increase size of dish to 9"x12" and add 1 cut-up chicken breast per person.
Print this recipe HERE.
See more of my recipes HERE.

1/16/14

Pattern LA Jacquard Tote Bag - Review

Disclosure: I received product at no charge in exchange for my honest review.
Pattern LA tote bags are bursting with color and design. Created by LA-based designer Tiffany Lerman, each tote bag is made of a 100% cotton jacquard exterior and 100% cotton interior. The leather straps are the perfect length for either a shoulder-carry or hand-carry. It's very lightweight and I love the softness of the material.
The bag design is unstructured which makes it very versatile, plus it's really roomy inside. There is also an invisible magnetic closure at the top center. There are smaller pockets inside, including a zipper pocket so I can keep my most needed items at my fingertips. I can easily carry all my personal items and my wallet, plus there is still room for my camera, my lunch, my water bottle, and my tablet.
This Elsa Jacqaurd Bag is named the Ethnique and is a casual mix of blues, black, and white, making it perfect for wearing with just about anything in my closet. It's extremely well-made and it's fast becoming my favorite bag. There are nine fabulous colors to choose from and they are made in the USA! I love this tote and highly recommend Pattern LA.
Check out www.patternla.com for tote bags, crossbody bags, travel bags, personalized bags, and cosmetic bags that are as stylish and hardworking as you! Be sure to check them out on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest so you can be first to hear about special promotions and new products.

1/15/14

Become a Dining Daredevil in 2014

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Restaurant.com releases their Hot Food Trends for the New Year

Break free from the same-old dining routine in 2014 and try something new with the help of Restaurant.com. To help you start your own dining adventures, Restaurant.com has compiled the 3 hottest trends to conquer at local restaurants near you. Resident trend-guru, Restaurant.com President and Chief Marketing Officer Christopher Krohn provided his predictions that will grace our plate in 2014. With these trends, you're sure to have a spicy year, but only if you dare!
1. Egg-cellent Adventures

While it's hard to determine when this trend ignited, it's definitely picked up pace and could reach its peak of popularity in 2014. The "breakfast for dinner" craze and increasing popularity of regional specialties, like Korean Bibimbap and Mexican Huevos Rancheros, will only grow the trend of egg-y fusions. Plus, there's an emerging sense from the scientific crowd that eggs are healthier than perhaps you previously thought, which will feed consumer interest in this farm-fresh favorite. All in all, 2014 will be the year of the egg, so you might as well get cracking!

We dare you: Next time you order a burger or stir fry, ask them to top it off with a fried egg or two. The added protein will help boost your metabolism and satisfy your hunger!

2. Farm to Fork

Diners' growing eco-awareness and their desire for the wholesome simplicity of home-style cooking and minimally- processed foods is on the rise. Riding this wave, restaurants are returning to their predecessors' roots, sourcing fresh produce and natural ingredients and cooking them up in a style that more closely resembles the authentic recipes that graced Grandma's kitchen table rather than modern, industrial food products.

We dare you: When people hear "farm to fork," they immediately think of steamed vegetables, but this trend encompasses more than just radishes and such. Tender meat alternatives and locally produced cheeses are two items to look for on the menu. Don't be afraid to order something with a beet or two for an added super food bonus!

3. Tea Time, All the Time

Once confined primarily to Asian restaurants, tea is an increasingly popular beverage. In 2014, you'll find tea used for novel and surprising purposes. For example, ground teas like matcha and chai can be used as dry rubs and marinades for beef, chicken or veggies. Tea-smoked salmon and pork will both make headway in the new year, and English-style tea-time gatherings at local cafes will also be big.

We dare you: To find these tea-fusion meals, take a trip to an Asian fusion restaurant near you and keep an eye out for tea-smoked pork, ribs, or stir fry. For an added bonus, try one of our other favorite food trends of 2014, a hot sauce like sriracha.

Feeling brave? Why not tackle the rest of our top food trend list on the Restaurant.com blog: http://thedish.restaurant.com/take-a-bite-out-of-2014-hot-food-trends-for-the-new-year/. Your tummy will thank you!
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Restaurant_com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/restaurantcom
Blog post: http://thedish.restaurant.com
Google+: +restaurantcom

Wednesday Wealth Giveaway Link Up (Jan 15-21)

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1/14/14

Creamy Broccoli Chicken #Recipe - Tasty Tuesday Link Up

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Welcome to Tasty Tuesday Recipe Link Up!
Sponsored By:

Join us each week as we add new recipes to our Tasty Tuesday Link Up.
Recipes shared need NOT be 5 star rated restaurant quality to impress.

Lisa and Bonnie would love it if you would: Please link back to our blogs or posts. You will find the button above if you wish to add it to your site. The recipe needs to be a recipe YOU made. Please do not link to a site other than your own.

Creamy Broccoli Chicken
by Lisa Weidknecht

Ingredients:
2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup water
Garlic salt
1 can Cream of Broccoli Soup
1 cup milk
1/2 cup broccoli
1 cup egg noodles

Directions:
In a large skillet, cook chicken breast pieces in 1/2 cup water. Top chicken with garlic salt while cooking. In a large saucepan, combine 1 can Cream of Broccoli Soup with 1 cup milk, stir, add 1/2 cup broccoli, cook on low. In a smaller saucepan, prepare 1 cup egg noodles as usual. When the noodles are cooked, drain and add to large saucepan and stir. When chicken is cooked, use tongs to move chicken from skillet to large saucepan, then stir to coat chicken. Serves 4.

See more of my recipes HERE.
Print this recipe HERE.

Your turn to share a recipe!

Things In Ditches by Jimmy Olsen - Book Review

Disclosure: I received this book at no charge in exchange for my honest review.
My take:
If you like murder mysteries, Things In Ditches by Jimmy Olsen is a great read. Filled with a cast of very unique characters, this book keeps you guessing all the way through. The beautiful victim and the desperate killer are revealed early on in the story, but there are many twists and turns as the story unfolds. It's set in a small town in Minnesota where everyone knows each other, or at least they think they do. The killer actually comes across as a halfway decent person, not the kind of person you'd expect to be a murderer. Things In Ditches is an engaging read and I enjoyed it.

About the book:
A murder mystery novel. The story of Phillip "Dutch" Cleland, a man with a hidden past and a future about to explode in his face. A seemingly average man whose love for two women drives him to such extremes that deception, even murder and suicide are not longer unthinkable.
When a lovely corpse is discovered near Dutch's home town, the nearby ditches begin to yield a harvest of secrets, none of them comforting for Dutch. Soon he is forced to flee for his life, before his past and the police slip a noose around his neck.
Things In Ditches is peopled with small town characters that are so humorous and eccentric, their oddball antics enliven every paragraph and page. A reader can't help but be reeled in by the strange citizens of Willow River, until soon discovering they're really not so different from all of us and Dutch's story is the oldest story on earth; good and evil, betrayal and laughter. And finally, the power of love and friendship, forging one man's determination to overcome all odds, even death.
Source: Amazon

Excerpt:
Vicky Johnson's killer rolled onto his right side, drew his knees up under the warm covers and cautiously peeked through the darkness at the crisp digits of the clock-radio counting his last moments on earth, death waiting patiently for him to shower and dress. The secret he thought, is not to open your eyes and let the world in.
So begins the story of Dutch Cleland, a man with a hidden past and a future about to explode in his face. A seemingly average man whose love for two women drives him to such extremes that deception, even murder and suicide are no longer unthinkable.

About the Author:
Jimmy Olsen is a native of Hoffman, Minnesota, and has degrees from St. Cloud State University and the University of Alabama. He's worked as a newspaper reporter, editor, and photographer. For nearly forty years, he has been an active scuba diver and instructor, living five years in the Dominican Republic.

Disney's FROZEN Plus 3 More Children's Books

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1/13/14

Travel Destination: Las Vegas

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Las Vegas, Nevada is known as one of the most exciting cities in the entire world. Nicknamed “Sin City”, Las Vegas draws millions of enthusiastic tourists each year. Very few visitors leave the city without having one of the most memorable experiences of their life. While many people are intrigued by the city’s bustling casinos and beautiful lights, Las Vegas has so much more to offer than just gambling. Here are some of the fun activities that are available in Las Vegas.

Exotic Car Racing
For car enthusiasts that are seeking the ultimate driving experience, Las Vegas is second to none. Many people dream of one day getting behind the wheel of an exotic supercar. Las Vegas enables those dreams to transform into a reality. There are actually racetracks in Las Vegas that allow car enthusiasts the opportunity to take a few laps in their favorite exotic sports cars. Not only will they be able to burn some rubber on the track, the exotic car fans will also receive one-on-one instruction from an experienced instructor.

Indoor Gun Range
When holding a powerful gun, many people get an instant rush of adrenaline. Las Vegas offers one of the most high-tech indoor gun ranges in the country. The best part is that even first-timers can get in on the fun. Unlike some of the adult-only gun ranges, this facility also offers youth classes. Not only is the facility extremely safe, there are also professional trainers on staff that will help guide the participants through the entire experience.

Indoor Skydiving
Indoor skydiving provides an opportunity for thrill seekers to have an incredible amount of fun. Indoor skydiving in Las Vegas is especially great for people that are not quite ready to jump out of an airplane. Visitors of the skydiving facility will get to experience the heart-pumping sensation of a 30-second freefall. With winds up to 120 mph, the simulated skydive will feel just like the real thing. Indoor skydiving is extremely safe, so the participants have a minimum chance of getting injured.

Tour of the Grand Canyon’s West Rim
Upon seeing the Grand Canyon’s West Rim for the first time, many visitors are taken aback by the natural wonder’s sheer beauty. One of the highlights of the tour is definitely the Hoover Dam. With the Colorado River rushes beneath the canyons, it creates a mystical vibe that every nature lover will appreciate. The Skywalk, which is a glass walkway, hovers 4000 feet above the canyon’s floor. An informative resource such as Bluegreen resorts facebook will be able to help locate available lodging.

Helicopter Tour of Las Vegas
Although visitors can choose to take a helicopter tour during the daytime, taking a nighttime tour will allow visitors to experience the legendary Las Vegas lights. While lingering over the city, tourists will be able to clearly see all of the exciting features of Las Vegas. Whether the visitors are on a honeymoon or just looking to have some excitement, the helicopter tour will certainly deliver an element of adventure.

Spread Hope for Haiti

I am so proud of my niece Hailey! She has a heart of gold and I asked her to share her story about her mission work for the children in Haiti, so I could share it with you. 

My name is Hailey Bednar and Spread Hope for Haiti is something that I created to raise money for the House of Hope. The House of Hope is an orphanage in Haiti that gives immense care and love to girls that have no parents or support, and it is a part of the Amer-Haitian Bon Zami organization. The Lord has placed on my heart the desire to serve and to give all that I can to help these wonderful girls and their caretakers, as well as the neighborhood around them.

Two years ago I was given the opportunity to travel to the House of Hope and spend a weekend at the orphanage. It was life changing. First of all, they have very little due to the 7.0 earthquake that occurred on January 12, 2012. The earthquake devastated the country and left many without homes or families. But, despite this, the girls as well as every Haitian I met have unimaginable joy and love in their hearts. They believe not that God punished them, but that God has provided and saved. It was during this trip that I decided that I would do everything in my power to give help to Haiti.

I have visited the country twice now. I am constantly reminded of the love that I have for the House of Hope as well as for Haiti through pictures and memories. In the past I have done book bag drives, peanut butter drives, toy drives, as well as sold bracelets to provide what I can. Just recently, though, I created Spread Hope for Haiti. It is a Facebook page that has given me an outlet to sell products and give 100% of the profit to the House of Hope. I hand-make and decorate bracelets, canvases, wooden letters, and coffee mugs to sell. Please consider liking my Facebook page and purchasing items or making a donation to support! Thank you for your generosity!

Love,
Hailey Bednar, Spread Hope for Haiti