Pepperoni Pizza Puffs

I discovered Pinterest about 8-9 months ago and stayed up till 3 or so in the morning pinning anything and everything that I might want to do someday. And that is how it was for the first couple months of my experience with Pinterest just pinning pinning pinning. Around January/February last year it dawned on me that it was a major time consumption and simply stupid of me to just pin these things and never get around to doing them. So then I started trying the projects, in the future, I will go over and include the tutorials of my various projects but today I'm going to share just the recipe that we tried last night.. ohh it was so good! And super easy. Here it is:

Pepperoni Pizza Puffs

What you'll need:

• 3/4 cup flour
• 3/4 tsp baking powder
• 1Tbsp Italian seasoning
• pinch of salt
• pinch of red pepper flakes (I didn't add this because my mouth burns at just the pepperoni!)
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup chopped pepperoni (cut pepperonis into quarters)
• 1/2 pizza sauce 

What to do:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease a muffin pan (mini or regular size).  In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, Italian seasoning, salt, & red pepper flakes; whisk in the milk and egg. Stir in the mozzarella, parmesan and pepperoni; let stand for 10 minutes.

2. Stir the batter and divide among the muffin cups. Bake until puffed and golden - approx 20-25 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, microwave the pizza sauce until warmed through. Serve the puffs with pizza sauce for dipping.


This just might be a regular in our house. Much better than frozen pizza! Oh yum.. I think I'll go warm up some of the leftovers!

How to keep the house clean a little everyday:

Yet another list to add to my collection. Hey, its my thing :) This is a tip I learned from my best friend Melissa Anne -- A Week of Daily Cleaning Checklist. It makes life so much easier that I can do a little each day and if it doesn't get checked off I can check it off next week or the next day if I have extra time to do the item.

First thing - there are words that I hate --  'annoying' and 'moist' are a couple examples but 'chore' is definitely on the list. If I call these things 'chores' then I simply won't do them.  The word makes me feel like a child and that I won't get my allowance if I don't get my chores finished. Shoot, I am an adult. I don't have to do these things, I am choosing to check these things off the list in order to keep my home nice. (that's the end of my ranting :) ) So I call this my "To Do" list :)

Here's what we did: The words in the parenthesis aren't there, I just added them to this list so you'll know what I consider each subject to include. I like to have it typed up in a fun font so that its not so dreary and laminated (our version of DIY lamination is covering it with clear packing tape!). I make it into a "Table" with 2 columns and 3 rows so that each day has its own box except Saturday and Sunday are together.

MONDAY
__Laundry (wash,dry)
__Kitchen (dishes,counters,mail pile)
__Pets (food,walk,litter box,etc)
__Our Bedroom (make bed,pick up clothes)
__General Clean Up (living/dining area de-cluttered)
__Running/Exercise 
__Dinner Prep:__(what's for dinner?)__
__Our Bathroom (counter,mirror,sinks,toilet,shower)
__Ironing (optional ;) an almost forbidden word)

TUESDAY
__Laundry: Fold/Put Away
__Kitchen
__Pets
__Our Bedroom
__General Clean Up
__Running/Exercise
__Dinner Prep:_______________
__Vacuum/Swiffer: Downstairs
__Downstairs Bathroom

WEDNESDAY

__Laundry: 

__Kitchen

__Pets

__Our Bedroom

__General Clean Up

__Running/Exercise

__Dinner Prep:_______________

__Vacuum: Upstairs (bedrooms,hallway,office)

__Dust: Blinds, Ent Center, etc.

THURSDAY

__Laundry: Fold/Put Away

__Kitchen

__Pets

__Our Bedroom

__General Clean Up

__Running/Exercise

__Dinner Prep:_______________

__Our Bathroom

__Guest Room: Sheets/Dust

FRIDAY

__Kitchen

__Pets

__Our Bedroom

__General Clean Up

__Running/Exercise

__Dinner Prep:_______________

__Clean Garage

__Organize Closets

SATURDAY

__Pets

__Running/Exercise

__Change Bedroom Sheets

__Craftiness / Pinterest Projects

SUNDAY

__Kitchen

__Pets

__Garbage/Recycling, Coupons

Post Vacation Thoughts

So my previous post included an easy to follow running regime, totally thought I had it in the bag. Only now, it is more than 2 weeks later, and I have yet to go on another run... I realized that I had not planned the timing of starting a new work out routine very well. We left for a camping trip the morning that my 2nd run was supposed to take place, smart huh? The morning of a trip (at least, for me) consists of me running around like a chicken with its head cut off trying to cross everything off my lists and playing tetris to fit everything in our little car, all by the time that we need to leave. And then when I got there - the last thing I wanted to do when I wouldn't see a shower for 4 days was to go for a run. And by the time I came home from the trip, I had forgotten all about it! Whoops! Oh well, I'm going to try it again this week, starting tomorrow morning. YES!

I am also going to start taking some classes at Fit Plus Training center. I found a great deal a few weeks ago for 20 of their fitness classes for only $29 on Living Social. Living Social has tons of great local deals that you can choose from every day. I use their app on my iPhone and I assume they have an app for other smart phones as well. If you're looking to join a gym or get a massage or something, keep an eye on this website for a great discount!

This week's goals:

Run 3 times

Go to at least 2 fitness classes

Finish the first 1/3 of Baby G's blanket

Here we go!

Run? hmm sure..

A while back, I tried to become a runner. It did not work. Running is not my idea of a fun thing to do.. now, Zumba or Step Aerobics, those are fun, more like dancing than just pounding the pavement - BUT they cost some extra moolah. So running it is.

Melissa Anne found this great iPhone app for me. It's called Get Running - Couch to 5k. So this is how it works: run 3x a week rest at least 1 day between runs and eventually you can run a 5k without stopping. Hmmm. I'm not so sure, but I think I'll give it a try.

Week 1
warm up: 5 min walk
1. run 1 min
walk 1.5 min
2. run 1 min
walk 1.5 min
3. run 1 min
walk 1.5 min
4. run 1 min
walk 1.5 min
5. run 1 min
walk 1.5 min
6. run 1 min
walk 1.5 min
7. run 1 min
walk 1.5 min
8. run 1 min
cool down: 5 min walk then stretch

Week 2
warm up: 5 min walk
1. run 1.5 min
walk 2 min
2. run 1.5 min
walk 2 min
3. run 1.5 min
walk 2 min
4. run 1.5 min
walk 2 min
5. run 1.5 min
walk 2 min
6. run 1.5 min
cool down: 5 min walk then stretch

Week 3
warm up: 5 min walk
1. run 1.5 min
walk 1.5 min
2. run 3 min
walk 3 min
3. run 1.5 min
walk 1.5 min
4. run 3 min
cool down: 5 min walk then stretch

Week 4
warm up: 5 min walk
1. run 3 min
walk 1.5 min
2. run 5 min
walk 2.5 min
3. run 3 min
walk 1.5 min
4. run 5 min
cool down: 5 min walk then stretch

That's all I'm going to list so far. There are 9 weeks total and you are supposed to be able to run for 30 min by the time you start week 9. I want to see how far I can get, I think it is do-able but I just have to do it. We shall see how well this turns out :) went on my first run since May today and just about died, I'm thinking I need to do it earlier in the day so it's not so darn hot! Well, here we go! Good luck to you if you give it a try yourself, leave some feedback on how it's going :)

Camping Prep

The time has come for our Labor Day weekend camping trip! We are heading east to good old Leavenworth to camp along Icicle Creek :) Usually we camp with friends but this will be our first time out on our own.. could be interesting. I planned a menu, but we never seem to want to eat what we have planned for a specific day so I just made a list of breakfasts, lunches & dinners that we could pick and choose what we want each day. I also made a list of everything I would need to pack. Now, my 'thing' when going on any sort of trip is to write lists so that I cannot forget anything. This helps keep my stress levels/headaches at a minimum. Here are my lists, feel free to copy and use :)

MENU

BREAKFAST: FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY & MONDAY

Cereal, Milk

OJ, Hot Cocoa (Creamer), Tea

Pancakes w/butter and syrup

Hash Browns

Eggs & Bacon/Sausage

LUNCH: FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY ... THURSDAY/MONDAY: eat on the way

Cold Cut Sandwiches (Meat & Cheese.. lettuce/tomato/mayo)

Frito Bag Chili

Chilidogs

Orange Slices

Carrot/Celery Sticks

Soda/Water

DINNER THURSDAY: Scott and Amy Anniversary- marinated steak skewers?

DINNER: FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY

Homemade Chili w/cheese topping, pre-made cornbread

Chowder and nice bread

Baked Potatoes w/cheese, butter and left over bacon cut into bits

Soda/Water

SNACKS:

Trail Mix

Fruit - grapes, apples, oranges

Veggies - carrots, celery

String cheese

DESSERTS:

S’mores: Chocolate, Grahams, Mallows

Banana Boats: Bananas, mini mallows, chocolate chips

Homemade Chocolate Chip cookies

CAMPING PACKING LIST

SHELTER/SLEEP

__Tent
__Tarp
__Extra stakes
__Rubber Mallet
__Mat for tent entrance
__Dust pan/brush/broom

__Sleeping bags/Pillows
__Sheets/blankets
__Air mattress/Air pump
__Repair kit (tent/mattress)
__Tent light/fan

PERSONAL

__Shoes/boots/sandals
__Jeans/shorts/belt
__T-shirts/tanks
__Socks/extra socks/undies
__Hat
__Sweatshirt/jacket
__Sleep clothes
__Rain gear
__Swim suit/towel
__Laundry bag
__Towels/washcloth
__Soap/shampoo/conditioner

__Face wash
__Tooth brush/paste
__Deodorant
__Comb/brush
__Razor
__Feminine products
__Toilet paper
__Personal wipes

__Personal medications – take extra

__Sunscreen/chapstick

__Sunglasses

__Watch

__Aloe Vera

COOKING

__Large water jug/bucket
__Coolers/ice
__Stove with fuel/propane
__Long stem lighter
__Firewood
__Dutch oven
__Campfire grill/BBQ grill
__Fire starters/newspaper
__Tablecloth/thumb tacks/clips
__Plates/bowls/paper plates/bowls
__Silverware/plastic silverware
__Measuring cups/spoons
__Aluminum foil/plastic wrap
__Paper towels
__Trash bags
__Cooking oil/Pam spray
__Food Containers/ziplocks
__Potholders
__Pots and frying pans with lids
__Spatula, tongs

__Cooking Knives & Spoons
__Skewers/grill forks
__Can opener/bottle opener
__Pie irons/Hot Dog/Mallow sticks
__Mugs/paper cups
__Mixing bowl
__Cutting board

__Dish pan/soap/sponge

__Dish rags/towels

__Clothes pins/line

__Seasonings/sugar/condiments
__Potato peeler

__Drinking Water 

MISCELLANEOUS

__Lantern w/Fuel/Mantles

__Extra Batteries/Bulbs

__Bug Repellant/Candles

__Books/magazines/iPad/Bible

__Maps/directions
__Misc. tools: hatchet
__Backpack
__Camp chairs
__First aid kit
__Tissues
__Park map/guidebooks/trail maps
__Collapsible drying rack
__S’mores
__Flashlight/batteries/headlamps
__Pocket knife
__Plastic grocery bags
__Water bottles
__Bungi cords/straps
__Cards/games

__Frisbee
__Duct tape/electrical tape
__Notepad/pen
__Cell phone/car chargers
__Small shovel
__Safety pins
__Money/ID/credit card/quarters
__Hand wipes
__Drinks/snacks
__Small sewing kit
__Hot chocolate/tea bags
__Scissors

Latest Project - Baby G's blanket

Work has been a bit slow lately and earlier this summer my best friend, Melissa Anne, told me that she and her hubby had started to officially try to make a baby. In mid/late July or so, I decided that I needed to start doing something productive with my time at home (besides cleaning & laundry), I decided to crochet a blanket for this future little one. Last time I tried to make a baby blanket was for my sister's baby, Lincoln, and it took me more than 11 months... Here's a picture of Lincoln and his blanket, isn't he just the cutest baby boy in the whole world? :) I just love him so much!

  So this time I decided to start early. I texted Melissa Anne.. she was slightly confused.

so I came up with this pattern for her: 

approx 12x12 inch squares in this checkered print to become about 3x4 feet.

Turns out that I must have had a 6th sense because she was indeed pregnant when I sent her that text! Melissa's last name starts with a 'G' so we call him/her "Baby G" :) We even made a pinterest account for Baby G (yes, we are pinterest addicts..) Anyway, she loved the pattern and this is where I am so far:

It's coming along much faster than Lincoln's blanket.. I think because I had to start over about 3 times.. it looked ridiculous those first 3 times but I think it turned out pretty great :) 

(It was my first crochet project ever, have to learn somehow, right??) 

Now, just the other day I received news that my good friend Stacy had a baby girl and what am I to do? Make a blanket for dear Baby Sophie! I am so excited to actually make a blanket that is not gender neutral. Though she will be receiving it pretty late, I decided to get a big head start on Baby G's blanket before I tackle this new pink one. My big sister (her name is Melissa as well, but I call her Melissa Kate) suggested trying a Chevron pattern for that one... I'm not sure I have the skills for such a different kind of stitch but I will give it a try. Here's the pattern I drew up and the yarn colors that Stacy picked. 

I think I am going to follow a YouTube video series for this one.. It's called Crochet Along: Grannie Ripple Part 1 - I think there's around 7 parts to her tutorial, it will be interesting trying something new but here goes!