Essential Winter Products!

Everything you need for this winter season!

Oh and this is our first VIDEO!!!!

Gosh I'm weird...

Nuff said....lol

Q-Tip of the Day!!

Guess what ya'll....it's FRIDAY!!!!! And you know what that means...it's time for another Q-Tip (quick tip)! Yay!! Today's quick tip came about actually earlier this week when the sink in our guest bathroom clogged up, bummer. Anyways instead of immediately rushing to buy a harsh chemical to unstop it I tried this instead...

I slowly poured the baking soda down my drain until completely full. Then I poured vinegar over top of the baking soda and it looked like a small volcano was erupting in my bathroom sink. Talk about a major mad scientist moment! The fizz will settle after a few minutes and I waited until the vinegar had completely washed down the sink and I repeated this process several times. It amazingly worked like a charm and my sink is no longer clogged! This is a inexpensive home remedy that works like a charm! Try it for yourself! 

Thanksgiving Outfit Inspiration

Is this question running through your head, "Casual? Dressy? Dressy Casual? " Well have no fear, outfit inspiration is here! Whether you are dressing up or down we think these outfits are super cute for your Thanksgiving look. Gobble gobble...

Thanksgiving Day Prep

Thanksgiving is tomorrow and that means preparation has either already started or it will start today! Here are a few tips that will help you get Thanksgiving Day ready and save you a lot of time and stress tomorrow!

1. Grocery Shop-I hope that you have already done this, but if not today is the day to get all your groceries that you will need for tomorrow. I wouldn't even dare you to go grocery shopping tomorrow. Bad idea.
2. Cook today! Anything that can be cooked tonight and refrigerated for tomorrow would be super! This will save you time tomorrow, especially if you have multiple items to cook.
3. Get your outfit ready tonight! Especially if your kids, go ahead and pick out the outfits that everyone will be wearing tomorrow that way you won't be scrambling to find your favorite cashmere sweater only to find that it's dirty and you now have nothing suitable to wear. I love this tip and do it religiously, not only on Thanksgiving!
4. Get your Christmas cards ready! I love this idea! If you will be attending family gatherings tomorrow go ahead and fill out your Christmas cards and pass them out tomorrow! You'll save on postage and you'll be less likely to miss anyone...(I have that problem a lot)
5. Charge up! Make sure your cell phone and any other electronic devices are fully charged and you have backup batteries if needed!

Let us know how you will prepare for the Holidays by leaving a comment below!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Last Minute Receipe's for Thanksgiving

I have a problem. My name is Leah Franklin and I am a procrastinator. In my defense, I'm not as bad as I used to be. Now that I am married and a mom I have to be somewhat organized and punctual (I have a hard time with that 2nd one). So to be honest I will probably be one of those crazies that ventures out to Kroger on Thanksgiving Eve and then get upset when everything I need is sold out. So for all you "last minuters" out there here are some last minute easy recipes for you!!

1. Crack Potatoes
2. Hashbrown casserole
3. Cheddar&Sage Biscuits
4. Slow Cooker Mac&Cheese
5. Pepper Jack Mashed Potatoes


Let us know what you favorite Thanksgiving recipe is! Share your recipe in a comment below.

GOBBLE GOBBLE

Helloooo Thanksgiving week!!!! 

My mom definitely loves her little turkeys!... And I'm not just talking about her 3 girls ;). The rice crispy turkeys have been a holiday staple in my home growing up so I'm excited to share this little treat with you all. :)) 

Step 1: Ingredients 

Rice crispy cereal

Marshmallows 

Candy corn

Chocolate frosting

Cookies

3 tbs of butter 

Step 2: Melt the marshmallows 

Melt the better in a saucepan and slowly add the marshmallows.

     Stir and stir until you have a 'fluff' like consistency.

 Remove the saucepan from the burner and slowly stir

               in 6 cups of rice crispy cereal. 

Step 3: Snap, crackle, and pop!!!

I then put the mixture into a big bowl to let it cool before

                I make the 'body' of the turkey.

Step 4: You little grease monkey.

You know that last little bit of random butter that you alway hold onto 'just in case'??? Well, whip that grease ball out and lather your hands in it. This will help in making the rice crispy balls from sticking to your hands.

Step 5: Assemble your turkey, soldier!

       

     Take two cookies and make swirls of chocolate frosting...

                 These will make the base and back.

              Next place the body onto the cookie. 

     Put a little frosting on the front of the turkey and the
           back cookie to secure your candy corn!

                   Anddddddd you're done!

                    GOBBLE GOBBLE!

Lindsey

Q-TIP of the day!

I don't know about you and yours but my husband and I use hairspray like it's going out of style! And I'm not talking about the medium hold finishing spray...I'm talkin' hurricane proof, tease holdin', spike holdin' HAIR SPRAY!! Anyone that knows me knows that I LOVE to tease my hair (insert stereotypical southern joke) and my husband is the modern, artsy, spikey hair type guy. So between the two of us we use A LOT of hair spray. Ok enough about that.

We use Aussie Freeze Hold hairspray and it really does do what it says, it's freezes your hair. But the one thing I hate is the residue it leaves on my sink counter tops and floor. I have used every type of cleaner out there and it will NOT come off. But I have found the magical trick to getting hairspray residue off your sink and even your floors.....VO5 Shampoo!!! And yes, I have tried other shampoo's and none of them worked as well as VO5. 

Apply the shampoo directly to the affected area. Massage in with fingers or scrub sponge. Let sit for a few minutes and wipe off clean with water! PRESTO! Shiny, clean counter tops with NO sticky residue. Try it and let us know how it worked for you! Have a great Friday bloggers!! 

Leah <3

'Snowman Jam'

Time to dig out Christmas decor!!! But if you're like my family and I, we haven't built-up a plethora of nativity scenes, santa figures, and glittery balls. Young families have to improvise or else you'll hit up Hobby Lobby and sell your soul for their 'pee in your pants' worthy decor. Ladies and gentleman, I am cheap (as in frugal). 

It pains me to spend money... I still wear sweatshirts from 6th grade. 

This has led me to find random stuff in my house to round up some Christmas cheer... Wouldn't ya know it?!... Out waltzed some jam jars from my fridge!

     And I also had a baby food jar :)

     Then I proceeded to paint them white :) 

Yes, I did!!!! I definitely made my family into a recycled snowman family. :) I have zero shame. 

How fun would it be to have your kids paint the snowman that represents them??? You better believe that once Carter is old enough we will be having a good old fashioned/cheap people/snowman decorating party!

 

Lindsey

 

2 Steps to a Whiter Smile

Yes I am going to say that this process is only two extra steps because I'm going to assume that all of you already brush your teeth on a regular basis...one can only hope. Anyways this is a simple way to whiten your teeth with things you more than likely already have in you house.

Step 1: after you have brushed your teeth with tooth paste, dip your wet tooth brush in a bowl of baking soda and brush your teeth again with the baking soda. Rinse. I usually do this at night before I go to bed about three times a week. 

Step 2: rinse with about 3 table spoons of peroxide, or as us Southern's say just take ya a big swig! I only do this twice a week because it can make your teeth sensitive if you do it to much. Spit. Rinse with water. 

My husband and I have an event to go to in December and since I'm so tight with money I squeak when I walk (lol) we have been doing this routine for about a month now and we can both see a noticeable difference in our teeth! I have used the fancy name brand teeth whiteners before and they made my teeth very sensitive to the point where I could not bare them any longer, plus they were way to expensive! This is a easy and simple way to get the same results but only spend a few dollars. Enjoy! 

Leah <3

20 Things My Husband Doesnt Know I Do

We, by no means, encourage lying or not communicating with your husband but there are a few things that probably aren't necessary to broadcast or share with him. Here is a list of 20 things our husbands don't know about us. SHHHHH!

1. You may not realize it, but that wonderful homemade chowder is actually out of a can...a few cans actually. Thank you Campbell's soup and Mr. Crockpot.
2. I use your razor.
3. I wear spanx for family pictures or if I am trying to hide 10 pounds from his mother. My husband doesn't know what spanx are.
4. I fake a nap right before the dryer timer goes off. Folding avoided.
5. I eat junk food in the pantry. You think I only had one cookie after dinner. Truth is, I have zero self control and had three more while shamefully standing in our pitch black pantry.
6. I febreeze his clothes if he only wore them for a short time. 
7. If I've been home all day and he asks what I have been doing..."oh you know, just hanging out." I then proceed to run around the house like a child on 'toddlers and tiaras' who just had a mountain dew and clean 5 minutes before he walks in. He comes into a clean house and says, "Awe, the house looks nice." Wellllllll, "thanks babe, I've been working on it".
8. "Oh honey, these aren't leftovers"...as I pull last night's pork chops out of the oven covered with aluminum foil.
9. He thinks it's beef. No. It's lean turkey. (I'm still looking pleasantly pregnant with the child I gave birth to months ago.) We have to diet sometime!
10. I wear his basketball socks under my work pants in the winter. Those things are like long johns!!!
11. I wear his t-shirts around the house to be cute like those girls in the movie. Fail, fail, and more fail. I don't look cute. I look homeless.
12. I spray his cologne in the house when he's away with work. Yes, it's a waste of sprays when the cologne is $70. It's a comfort/coping mechanism.
13. Oh and when he's away with work I eat an Arby's cheddar melt and large fry...By myself...Like a grown lumberjack.
14. I definitely have not gained 5 pounds. It is water weight. END OF STORY.
15. Of course I have worked out today, dear!! (I cleaned the house...most of it)
16. I spritz on body spray before bed because I want him to think my natural pheromone smells of 'Japanese cherry blossom'.
17.  I roll my eyes whenever his sentence starts with "Well, my mom makes the best..."
18. I drink coffee as soon as my eyes are halfway open to avoid him smelling morning breath...I could brush my teeth. There's a thought, but no one wants to mix colgate and starbucks.
19. I secretly use his deodorant because it's stronger than womans.
20. I only had a salad for dinner because I had 5 miniature reese cups in the bathroom while I was "washing my hands" for dinner.  

                                         
        -Us :)

Buffalo.Ranch.Chicken.Potatoes

Here is another dish from my two favorite gals! The ingredients alone are sure to get your mouth watering but adding them together in one dish is downright sinful!

        (Potatoes not pictured...oops)

Ingredients 

• 3-4 chicken breasts
• 5-10 potatoes (I did 10 small red potatoes)
• 1/4 stick of butter
• half cup of ranch dressing
• half cup of buffalo sauce
• shredded cheese
• bacon bits

Lets cook!

Cut potatoes and place in 9x13 pan (Add the butter at this point too)
                                                     

• preheat oven to 400 degrees (for potatoes)
• cook the chicken in boiling water
• bake the potatoes for 20-25 minutes (or until they're tender)
• shred chicken
• mix the half cup of ranch and half cup of buffalo sauce

        
                   MIX IT ALL TOGETHER


         

To finish this dish, sprinkle cheese and bacon bits on top. Pop it back in the oven for a few minutes to let it melt together. DONE!

 

Lindsey

 

'Thank You, Thank You Very Much'

thank·ful  (thngkfl)
adj.

1. Aware and appreciative of a benefit; grateful.

It's that time of year again!! When I have thanksgiving with my parents, my mom always gives a handful of M&Ms to each guest and as we are eating dinner you put your M&M in a bowl in the middle of the table until you have no more. BUT as you put it in the bowl you have to say what you are thankful for. It's a little awkward at first but fun once you get going. Instead of only vocalizing or acknowledging what we are thankful for just at dinner my husband and I are doing something a little different.....

Every day, Stephen and I write something on our chalkboard backsplash that we are thankful for. It can be deep or it can be simple. I may or may not have written sushi on another wall....It may sound so elementary, but seeing what you are thankful for multiple times a day is so uplifting and gives you an attitude of gratitude! I can reflect, pray, and just thank God for all that he is has given us whether I am filling a bottle or running to chug my cup of coffee.(as listed above)

 

Try something different this year! It doesn't even have to only be in November.

Write it down :)

 

 

           Lindsey

 

 

 

 

Quick Tip

Here's a quick and easy tip to start your weekend off! 

The solution to a stinky trash can in your bathroom: 

Place a couple of your favorite scented dryer sheets in the bottom of your trash can before putting your bags in. And yes I do use plastic grocery bags as my trash  bags. You've gotta do something with them! 

VIOLA! 

 Leah <3

Kiddy Car Kit

Have you ever found yourself driving down the road and your child is screaming their head off so you pull over to the side of the road only to find that you've left their paci at home and they are crying because they have blown a hole through their diaper and you've forgotten to pack an extra pair of clothes in the diaper bag?! Sheer panic!! Well you're not alone, believe me, been there and done that. That is why the Kiddy Car Kit is a MUST have for mommies!

You'll Need:

• a plastic container/show box (got mine at dollar store for $2.00)
• small pack of wipes
• a few small toys
• a couple of extra paci's
• a couple of snacks that won't ruin (granola bars, crackers, ect.)
• extra change of clothes (extra onsie/shirt, pants)
• 3 or 4 plastic grocery sacks for stinky messes (I fold my like a football for storage purposes!)
• a couple of extra diapers (you NEVER know)

This will stay in your car at ALL times! I slide mine under my car seat and it's never in my way but I know that it is always there if I need it! If you don't think you will need all these items or you want to add items, this is your car kit! Make it how YOU want to!

Enjoy!!

<3 Leah <3

Only 3 Ingredients?

      

                   

 

Yes, my sweet ladies, you only need 3 ingredients for deliciously satisfying chicken!!! A few weeks ago two of my favorite gals gave me this recipe. I am not sure if they gave it to me because it's ridiculously simple or because it's great.... Either way, I'll take it!

 

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts

1 can of cream of mushroom

1 ranch packet

...and a crockpot...

 

let's cook!

 Cut 2 chicken breasts into strips and put in crockpot (I use a mini one)

Add cream of mushroom

Add ranch packet

Cook on high for two hours and don't peak!

THEN IT'S DONE!

 

 

**I made this for two people and we had about half a breast left over so add more chicken according to how many you are feeding. You don't need anymore cream of mushroom or ranch...there is plenty of flavor to go around!**

Keep Calm And Be A 'New Mom'

 

Being calm seems to be the furthest thing on a new mom's mind. Don't worry, IT'S NORMAL. You won't know whether you are coming or going...or remember the last time you took a shower. Hopefully you'll remember if you showered, but if you don't, stay calm and carry on.

 Here are a few tips to help you to keep calm and be a new mom:
 

1. Don't be intimidated! YOU are the mother! YOU carried this baby for nine months and YOU just gave birth! You know your child better than anyone so take suggestions and comments with a grain of salt.  

 2.  Accept all free food with open arms! Seriously, you can barely get off the couch just kick your feet up and let other people cook for you for a change.
 

3. Don’t be upset that your body didn’t bounce back like the robot woman you secretly stalk on instagram did. She's eating air. Focus on your baby. Which leads to point number four….

4. Get off social media during your maternity leave. Be ‘in the moment’ with your new little one and your hubby. These are days that will go by wayyyy too fast. Seriously, I value my maternity leave as one of my favorite times in my life.

5. GET OUT OF THE HOUSE! I know the first few weeks you feel absolutely wonderfully...horrible! But as soon as you are able, get out of the house! Even for 1 hour a day you need that time to get some fresh air and to collect your thoughts. This is also a great time for daddy to have some special bonding time with the new baby.

6. Shower. I know what you're thinking...shower? Who doesn't shower? Trust me...showering becomes a chore after you have a baby. Make sure you shower daily. This will help with your soreness and will help you to relax. I'm sure you're husband will thank you later. 

7. Bedtime can make you anxious. Sounds crazy. But it's not. Anxiety can build because you don't know how many times your little one will wake up. Maybe the baby will be inconsolable? Or maybe you feel like your baby's food source (utters) will hurt to the point of tears during feeding. In the moment though, YOU JUST DO IT. You will get the baby to sleep, your utters will eventually not hurt, and sleep deprived nights are part of the game.

8. If you need help, ask for it! Don't be ashamed to ask your husband, friend, relative, or random street walker (just kidding, lock street walkers out unless you feel compelled to witness to them) for help. There is no way I would have kept my sanity had I not had help with dishes, laundry, cleaning, etc. Even asking someone to just talk with you. Baby blues are real so if you feel yourself getting upset have a good chat with someone. There were times I felt depressed or about to cry and I'd pull my husband aside and ask him to pray for me or to talk to me. These emotions come OUT OF LEFT FIELD.

9. STAY ORGANIZED.  Sounds like a crazy thing to ask of a new mom but it's so helpful. Have the baby's room super organized for when you come home. This way if someone needs to grab something for the baby and you are too sore to move you can tell them exactly where it is. Plus, who wants to search the whole house for mini fingernail clippers and socks that your big toe cant even fit into.

10. Nap! Oh what a glorious word...nap. Doesn't it just roll off the tongue! To help with the sleep deprivation take a nap when your baby naps. Whether it's while they're sleeping on your chest or if they're in the swing and you're on the couch. Their nap time is now your nap time. Enjoy!

11. Eat! You can NOT starve yourself (especially if you are breastfeeding). I was so overwhelmed with a new baby that I would literally forget to eat. Be sure and eat small snacks throughout the day and drink water like a camel. Like I said this is crucial if you are breastfeeding!  

                              YOU CAN DO THIS, MOMMY!