My Chicken Coop

So I finally felt comfortable putting up pictures of my chicken coop. It has been a work in progess but I think it is pretty much complete!

Over view of the chickens realm.

I don't know if they will use this as a nesting box.
Please comment your thoughts on this. But I
used this as a brooder and they love to go inside.
Paid $5.00 for it. The wood and cinder blocks FREE!

Old Rabbit Cage FREE from the side of the road.
The "ladder" to get inside of the coop FREE
from the trash. The only thing I paid for  is the tarp to
keep the water out and the hay inside.

This picture wasn't taken THAT long ago and yet
I can't believe how much bigger our Mamma
chicken is!

Hassle Free Dinner Ideas

Ziploc is offering a free downloadable Hassle Free Dinner Idea book!! All you have to do is enter 2 Ziploc UPC codes. Sounds easy to me!!! Check it out here.

Chipotle's Cilantro Lime Rice

After some trial and error, I finally have perfected Chipotle's Cilantro Lime Rice. This is a much cheaper alternative to actually going there to eat ecspecially if you grow your own cilantro like I do! Their rice is to me one of the best fast food dishes ever! Enjoy!

Chipotle's Cilantro Lime Rice

1 cup long grain rice (I use Jasmine rice)
2 Tbs olive oil or butter
1 tsp kosher salt
2 cups water
2 Tbs fresh chopped cilantro (or more if you want)
1 Tbs fresh lime juice

In a sauce pan heat olive oil. Add rice and salt. Stir until fragrant. Add water and bring to a boil. Place a tight lid on pan and turn down the heat to low. Cook for 20 minutes. Take off burner and add cilantro. Place lid back on and let sit for 5 minutes. Take off the lid and fluff rice while adding the lime juice. Serve.

This recipe is linked to Foodies Fridays and Frugal Fridays.

Rocky Road Delight

I was laying in bed the other night and I thought about this Pampered Chef recipe that I hadn't had in years!!! My daughter loves Back to Natures Graham Sticks and I thought how good they would be with this Rocky Road Delight.

Rocky Road Delight (Pampered Chef)

1 1/4 cup chocolate chips
1 8oz container of whipped topping
2 candy bars (your favorite candy bars!)
1 cup mini marshmallows
1/3 cup chopped nuts (optional, I don't add this as we don't like nuts much)
Back to Natures Graham Sticks

1. Preheat oven to 375ºF. Place chocolate morsels and whipped topping in a bowl. Microwave, uncovered, on HIGH 1-2 minutes or until melted and smooth, whisking after each 30-second interval. Spoon chocolate mixture into a small oval baker .

2. Coarsely chop candy bars; sprinkle over chocolate mixture. Top with marshmallows. Coarsely chop nuts; sprinkle over marshmallows. Bake 8-10 minutes or until marshmallows are lightly toasted. Serve warm with graham crackers.

Mix the Cool Whip and chocolate chips

Melt together in microwave

Top with marshmallows and candy bars

Bake until marshmallows are toasted

Enjoy!

This is linked to Tempt my Tummy Tuesdays, Foodie Fridays, Sweets for Saturdays

Huggies Coupons

You can save $5.00 off your next Huggies purchase at Publix.

First, use the $3.00 off one package Huggies coupon from the Sunday 7/17/2011 Smartsource ad. Combine that with this printable Huggies Publix coupon.

Stack it baby!!!

Also click here to get a printable Huggies Little Swimmers Coupon.

Giving back by breastfeeding

Breastfeeding

You ask how I can consider my choice to breastfeed as a post for Give Back Thursday. Well, I truly feel that I am giving my baby the best possible start I can by breastfeeding. I know you can read endless blogs and websites about why breast is best but I'm writing this post so my readers can see why I give breast milk to my babies.

• Bonding and attachment. Breastfeeding gives you the most special bond with your newborn. By breastfeeding you and your newborn form firm attachment to his/her mommy.
• Decrease risk of SIDS and severity and length of illness and infection.
• Decrease risk of obesity in childhood and possibly even adulthood.
• Nutritious. No matter what the can says, they can not match what is in breast milk. When scientist have spun down breast milk to analyze it they have never been able to fully replicate it. They have also found that the components of your breast milk change day by day, made specifically for your baby that day.
• Comforting. Nothing comforts a baby like being at mommas breast. Babies desire to suck is very strong and it sooths and comforts them. Don't let anyone tell you that you are spoiling your baby by putting them to the breast to often. That is where they belong and what comforts them the most.

Whatever you do, don't give up on your baby. I see so many new mothers who struggle with first time breastfeeding and want to just give up. I struggled with my firstborn who was 5 weeks early and had difficulty latching. I would get so frustrated that she wouldn't latch correctly. I consulted with a lactation consultant and never gave up. With the help of supportive friends and family she finally became a pro and didn't wean until she was 16 months. If you ever have any questions concerning breastfeeding, please feel free to ask me and I will try my best to help you or direct you to the resource that can help you.

In this world where everyone wants "the next best thing" I try to be thankful for what I already have. We don't always have the money to buy the next best thing or to do lots of the expensive fun things some people do in the summer. When my husband gets down about our money situation I try to remind him all we have to be thankful for. We have 2 wonderful children, a nice (small) house that suits our needs and we have each other. After 11 years of marriage having "each other" doesn't always sound so nice, but the reality is after a hard day at work or with the kids we have each other and you can't put a price tag on that. I hope this post leaves you thinking about all you have to be thankful for in your life that you can't put a price tag on.

This post is linked to Thankful Thursdays!

Horizon Organic Milk Coupon

Horizon Organic Milk Coupon $1.00 Off

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Baseball Baby

We took the kids to there 3rd baseball game this season. Savannah and Atlanta always have a great time at the game. The Tampa Bay Rays make it very fun and afordable for familes to go to the games. Many people ask me how I can get two kids as young as my kids to be good during a baseball game. Here are some tips and ideas.

• Get them involved by having them clap, cheer and root on their favorite team.
• Remember, if they are loud, who cares it is a baseball game!!!
• At Ray's games people love to ring cow bells. What kid wouldn't have fun with that? Even my little man had fun shaking his bell!
• Bring a little activity book that fits in your purse....just in case the game gets a little long.
• Don't be afraid to get up and walk around. I usually take Savannah with me to get a refreshment just so she can stretch her legs.

This photo was taken at the end of the game.
Clearly, it was past their bedtime.

We have had a great time this summer going to baseball games and hope to catch one more before the season is through. Savannah, our two year old already says "Go RAYS!" every time she sees baseball on television. Nothing like starting them young!

This post is linked to ABC Wednesday , Wordless Wednesdays, Works for Me Wednesday and The Mommy Club.

Bedtime

I am writing this post while struggling with our bedtime issues. Every night it is a struggle for my two-year-old Savannah to go to sleep. She cries, she bargains, she tries to be cute but she WON'T STAY IN BED. I tell her quiet sternly that if she doesn't stay in bed I will close the door. She tests me, and I of course close the door. Then ensues the screaming and crying at the door begging for it to be opened just for her to test me again by getting up. This continues for a good hour before she FINALLY falls asleep. So in my "Tiny Talk Tuesday" I will share some of the stuff she says when trying to get out of going to sleep. (Some are pretty funny, but I have to keep a straight face:0)

"Mommy, kitty poopy on floor, I am scared"
"Savannah, the kitty is with mommy, go to bed"

"Mommy, I need my baby stroller where is my baby doll"
"Savannah go to bed!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"Mommy, hold you, hold you hold you"
"Savannah, it is time for bed"

"Mommy daddy throw up? Daddy throw up?"
"No, Daddy is fine go to bed"

"Daddy, I need more kisses"
(This one is pretty sweet...but after the 4th time of more kisses you start catching on)

"Baby Brother crying mommy, baby brother crying"
"Yes, I know...thank you now GO TO BED"

Perhaps I will end this here with a sweet picture of my sweet girl because right this second...she isn't being so sweet :0)

Savannah helping in the kitchen, being a good girl.

Introducing Snowball and Rosie

When I first bought my chickens, I bought 3 chickens that were suppose to be "all girls". We all know how that works out. One turned out to be a boy. I called "her" Crazy Chicken because "she" was mean and wouldn't let us hold "her". Well, "she" was really a he!! I am not allowed to keep roosters inside the city. So I found a very sweet lady who owns a place called Martin's Farm not far from here who was willing to take my rooster. I bought from her one brown cochin named Rosie who is about 6 months old.

Savannah and Rosie

My other 2 chickens were less than thrilled that took there "Daddy" away and brought home a new chicken. They were so mean to her and Rosie sat in a corner, with her face against the fence looking so sad. I felt so bad I went back and bought her sister Snowball who was also feeling sad because she had been raised with Rosie.

Snowball

They were very happy to be reunited, but the other girls were less than thrilled. I really hope they will become one flock eventually. They have been fighting less. I am keeping them separated during the day and put them together at night. The two new chickens sleep inside the coop and the two original chickens sleep on a fence (why? I don't know LOL).

If anyone had any good thoughts or ideas on bring new chickens into a flock, or any information about Cochins, please let me know!!!

Making your own Frozen Waffles

As a kid, my mom ALWAYS had "home made" frozen waffles in the freezer. Now, I wanted to be like everyone else and eat Eggo's for breakfast, but my mom said they were tooooo expensive!! I vowed never to be like her and make my own frozen waffles, but guess what?? I did and they are awesome!! Much better than Eggo's and much cheaper!!! Here is how you do it!

• Make my waffle recipe or yours. I find if I have all my ingredients out and pre-measured it goes much faster.

• Set out some cooling rack for the waffles.
• Heat up the old waffle iron and start making waffles!! Don't make the waffles as big as the waffle iron, it will make them easier to place into the toaster to reheat! I place each waffle on the cooling rack as soon as I take it off the waffle maker.

• Once all the waffle batter is used up (and you eat a couple) wait until all the waffles are completely cooled!! This will keep the waffles from getting soggy from condensation. Layer each waffle between wax paper and gently place inside a gallon Ziploc bag. Don't let any waffle touch the Ziploc bag, be sure wax paper makes a barrier, this will prevent freezer burn.

• Clear off a shelf in the freezer and place each bag in the freezer. I think I was able to get 3-4 waffles in each Ziploc bag. Place each bag in the freezer, do not stack until waffles are completely frozen!!!
• To re-heat, simply take a whole waffle out of the bag, break in half and place each half into the toaster. Sometimes it takes two trips through the toaster before they will be ready to eat. Add butter and syrup and you will be in waffle heaven!!!

Flourless Chocolate Cake w/ Dairy Free option

Flourless Chocolate Cake

7 oz really good chocolate (I use Ghirardelli 75% Intense Dark Chocolate)
3/4 cup butter (use butter flavored Crisco for dairy free option turns out great)
1 cup sugar, divided
4 eggs, separated

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Melt chocolate and butter (Crisco) in the micorwave or double boiler. Meanwhile stir together 1/2 cup sugar and 4 egg yolks. Once chocolate and butter are melted, stir in sugar and egg mixture. Be sure the chocolate has cooled slightly or tempur the eggs to be sure you don't cook the egg yolks.

2. Using an electric mixer beat the egg whites. Slowly add remaining 1/2 cup of sugar. Beat until stiff peaks form. Fold into chocolate mixture. Pour into a greased 9-inch cake pan.

3. Bake 40 minutes or until a toothe pick comes out with just a few crumbs. Cool for 30 minutes before removing from the pan.

This recipe is linked to Ultimate Recipe Swap Thursday & Sweet Tooth Friday

Chicken Orzo and Okra Soup

My Aunt Debbie is an amazing example of giving back. She has 4 boys, 3 which still live at home and also has her mom (our Grandma) who is 90 years old and her father-in-law who is 94 years old living with them. She gives so selflessly to her family that I often try to make dinner and take it over so she doesn't have to cook. I feel it is the least I can do. So today I decided to make a big pot of chicken soup to take over. I used homemade chicken stock from a chicken I boiled down for another dinner I was making this week. My friend  who has an over abundance of okra gave me some fresh okra to put into the soup. I was also able to add some fresh herbs from my own small garden. It looked delicious! Aunt Debbie was very grateful for the soup and I know the older folks will enjoy it as it is easy to eat and healthy! Scroll down to see the recipe.

Ghirardelli Chocolate Coupon

Save $1.00 off my favorite dark chocolate!!! Some people have coffee, some have nicotene, all I need is my Ghirardelli Dark chocolate! Check it out!

Click here to see my favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe

using Ghirardelli Double Chocolate chips.

Backyard Chicken Waterer

There is nothing more annoying than your chickens constantly dumping their water over, or using it as their personal toliet. It seemed no matter how hard I tried I couldn't keep their waterer full or clean. Then I found out about chicken nipples. Now I am sure some of you who have huge flocks have known about these for along time. I don't need the whole PVC pipe set up studded with the chicken nipples. I only have 4 chickens!!! So my neighbor came up with this brilliant way to make a simple backyard chicken waterer with stuff you probably have laying around your house. It is cheap and simple. Click here to see why I love my chickens so much.

What you need:

• 1 chicken nipple
• 1 empty 2 liter soda bottle
• 23/64 drill bit and drill
• 1/1/4 drill bit (or a thumb tack)

What you do:

• Drill a hole into the center of the lid of the soda bottle
• Screw in threaded portion of the chicken nipple
• Poke a small hole or use thin drill bit through the center of the bottom of the soda bottle (this releases pressure allowing water to flow through the chicken nipple.)
• Fill with water (put a finger over the hole on bottom of bottle).
• Replace cap that now has chicken nipple attached
• Hang up for chickens to drink. Must be hung high enough that the chickens have to lift their heads to peck at the bottle.

Chicken nipple. I added some plumbers tape.

Drilling hole for chicken nipple.

Finished Product!! I secured mine with small bungie cords.
If you think of a better way comment and let me know!

Fresh Peach Slices--Frozen

I love peaches, I love peaches even more when they are frozen!!! As a kid, my mom would always buy bulk peaches when in season and freeze them in big batches. I liked eating them when they were still frozen but found it difficult when frozen in large batches. So I came up with this idea...its cheap, easy, healthy and tastes great!!!!

Free stone peaches
Sugar (keeps them from turning brown)

Directions:
Slice your peaces into thin slices, no need to peel them...just make sure they are washed. Place slices on a wax paper (or parchment paper) lined cookie tray. Sprinkle with sugar. Place tray into freezer (make sure you have an empty shelf ready to go!) Once peaches are frozen, remove from tray and place into ziploc bag. Get all the air out of the bag and place in freezer again. This makes a wonderful...healthy snack during the summer. You can enjoy them one at a time or ten at a time! ENJOY!

Note: You can do the same thing with fresh mangos. Did it today and what a healthy cold treat!!!

 

Hope

A good friend of mine (who gave me permission to write this) has been struggling with her position in life. Like all of us do at some point, she has been praying for the opportunity to make more money, get a bigger house and provide better for her family. So often when the things we pray for don't get fulfilled in "our" time we start to get discouraged. We start wondering if God is really listening. During a busy day while watching 6 kids she walked into her backyard to tend to her garden. Her mind was on all the things that needed her attention and her strong desire to provide for her family. When suddenly she noticed something in the grass. She looked down to exam it closer and saw a cross. It was a cross she had never seen before, she didn't know where it came from. When she picked it up in her hands she was flooded with the feeling that God had not forgotten her, and that her prayers would be answered in God's time and in God's way.

Photo by Liz Stammel

Come join us on Thursday for Give Back Thursday - a place where you can share how you gave to someone!

Give Back Thursdays #2

This week for Give Back Thursday I want to write about my sunflowers! As you saw on my Grow Your Own Chicken Treat post, I was able to harvest the seeds from one of my sunflowers! I wanted to share the joy and send my friend Gene some seeds so she too could grow her own chicken treats!!

Card I made with a Ziploc bag of
sunflower seeds.