Steph's Pick | Our Top 3 Frozen Pizzas

Alright peeps....despite what you might think... I'm certainly not beyond cooking a frozen pizza at night every once in awhile. And by every once in awhile we're talking every other week... so a decent amount (at least in my opinion). There's just not enough time (or energy) in my days to consistently make my most favorite pizza/calzones.

So I've made it my mission to find some of the best frozen pizza's available. I figure we might as well go "all" out... and by that I mean spending an extra $3-$4 so I don't have to buy the college-classic Totino's pizza.

Here are our Top 3 Frozen Pizzas:

1. Trader Joe's: Trader Giotto's Pizza Parlanno. Honestly... my favorite... hands down!

2. Fresh & Easy: Supreme. This is what you'll find most frequently in our freezer b/c I do most of my shopping at Fresh & Easy... so yummy!

3. California Pizza Kitchen: CPK's BBQ Chicken. If you're not able to get to a Trader Joe's or Fresh & Easy this CPK option is a great pick and can be found in most grocery stores.

Now it's your turn... comment below with your favorites!!!

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some extra reading... for those interested

In case ya'll were thinking I'm a "blogging slacker" I thought I'd send a few links for your reading pleasure :)

We celebrated our One-Year "Blogging" Anniversary with a HUGE party. Here's the recap post: One Year Anniversary Party RECAP.

We're also busy planning our next event - Arizona Moms Night Out. Check out the details on this post (and if you're from the area - register TODAY - we "sold" 50% of our tickets in 1 day!): Arizona Moms Night Out - April 4th.

After a number of requests (think 10+) from my blogging partner, Joy, I finally sat down and wrote a post about my strategy with snail mail. Nothing life changing. But it seemed to be of interest to lots of peeps. The "Art" of Snail Mail.

And in case I haven't given you enough to read - we've also been guest blogging over at GalTime {Phoenix}. Here's a list of some of the most recent posts we've written for them. Our GalTime {Phoenix} Weekly Posts.

Needless to say, we're keeping VERY busy over at Scottsdale Moms Blog. We're so thrilled with all God is doing in using our little space on the web to connect 100's of women on a weekly basis!

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Steph's Pick | DIY Monthly Development Onesies (Girl edition)

Some of you may remember my DIY Monthly Development Onesie post back in November. I've had such great feedback from so many of you that I thought I'd create some new girl colored onesie files (yeah - I have girl on the brain - what can I say?!).

But first, a few notes for those who are actually making these...

* First, use the Avery brand labels. Supposedly the other brands are not nearly as good.

* The sizing of the onesies might be the hardest thing to determine. Especially since Gerber brand white onesies are so tiny. I've heard from experience that generally it's best to make the last month, the larger size. So, for example when you might think to make Month 3 a size 0-3 month size onesie, it's probably best to actually make it the 3-6 month size. Make sense?

Click HERE for file (1-6 months)

Click HERE for file (7-12 months).

Alright - I think that's about it!

Good Luck! And please report back if you do end making these... I'd love to hear from you.

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Mommy SOS | Preparing for Baby #2

Like many other mama's expecting their second child, I've been thinking a lot about how much will change come the end of May when we move from a family of 3 (aka: Nora is the center of the universe) to a family of 4 (aka: Nora is not the center of the universe). Tear :)

Now I'm joking a bit in saying that Nora is the center of the universe - but to some extent it does illustrate the changes that will surely happen to our family when baby girl #2 enters the world.

A couple months back I posed the question - "How did you prepare for baby #2?" on Facebook and had some great feedback. Now it's time to hear from our Flies Blend readers too!

Here are some questions I have in preparing for the arrival of baby #2:

- How did you prepare child #1 for the arrival of baby #2 (remember: Nora will be 22 months old)?

- Are there any resources you read/consulted for this transition time?

- Is there any advice you were given that you'd like to share?

- Any other suggestions are welcome.

I fully realize that every family is different so as we work to prepare for the arrival of baby #2 there is no "checklist" per-say to making it a smooth transition. I'm just eager to hear all of YOUR experiences.

Comment below please :)

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Steph's Pick | Apple Dumplings

I have a confession. It hasn't even been 24 hours since I first laid my eyes (and tummy) on these things. I had every intention of keeping this recipe in my "Steph's Pick" idea's mental list but it was just TOO good to not share with you immediately!

Leave it to Ree, the Pioneer Woman, these little pieces of apple-heaven are delightful. The combination of the crispy crescent rolls, apples and the key ingredient - Mt. Dew - make these treats irresistible. So yummy....

Easy Apple Dumplings

taken from Tasty Kitchen

Ingredients

2 whole Granny Smith Apples, Cored and Peeled

2 cans refrigerator crescent rolls

2 sticks butter

1 1/2 cup white sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 can Mt. Dew

Ground Cinnamon

Directions

Cut apples into 8 slices each. Roll each apple slice in a crescent roll. Place in a 9/13 buttered pan. Melt butter, then add sugar and barely stir. Add vanilla, stir, and pour over apples. Pour Mt. Dew around the edges of the pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon and bake at 350 for 40 minutes. Serve with ice cream, and spoon of the sweet sauces from the pan over the top.

******

More photos and videos to come of our time in CA. If you didn't get a chance to see the video of Nora I posted earlier this week it' s a MUST view. Click here to see Spinning in California.

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spinning in california

We're just finishing up our time here in California. Don't worry...there are many more pictures and videos to share of our time here. But for now, here's a little sneak peak into all of the fun we've had :)

Before viewing this video you must know a few things....

First, yes, I do feel a little bad about laughing so hard about something like this. And by laughing hard I mean that I almost peed my pants... for reals.

Second, the little one crying in the background is Adelyn - not Nora. She didn't seem to be sad or upset at all about what happened to her. Adelyn on the other hand was a little sad (obviously) :(

Third, anyone know where I can find one of these things in AZ? :)

Without further ado...

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Steph's Pick | Netflix Documentaries

For Christmas, along with our Keurig (yes - I'll never let you forget how much I love my Keurig) we were given a subscription to Netflix. Now maybe this gift isn't a life changer or anything BUT it has been a very welcomed addition to this home :)

Now a majority of what we're watching are not movies but documentaries. I know???!! I must be getting older, right?! Here's why I love documentaries:

1) They're normally shorter than the average movie in length (usually around 1 hr)

2) After I'm done viewing them I generally feel as if it wasn't a waste of my time

3) They're for the most part very informative

Before I give you my Top 5 list I must give a shout-out to those of you who suggested a number of the below items on FB or in person. Thank you!!!

So without further ado, here are 5 of my most recently viewed Netflix Instant View documentaries...

1) The Cove

2) China's Lost Girls

3) Inside North Korea

4) The Business of Being Born

5) Food Inc

All of which are VERY interesting and worth the time to watch them.

(Items in our Queue: Tapped, Babies, The Vice Guide to Travel, The Lottery, Bonhoeffer and World's Most Dangerous Drug)

Now I want to hear from YOU!!!

Comment below with your Netflix Documentary OR Movie suggestions :)

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Nora Recommends | Boogie Wipes

Ready or not it's cold and flu season!

Introducing...Boogie Wipes. Our solution to the nasty cold season that seems to come and go on a weekly basis in this home :)

I know what some of you are thinking.... aren't Boogie Wipes just a glorified kleenex?!! Well - yes... kindof. BUT.... they are worth it.

Why? Well - these little tissues are soaked in saline which helps to dissolve the caked on boogies. Cool, huh?!

Certainly worth a try. We don't use them for every nose wipe but for the really nasty one's we pull out a Boogie Wipe.

As far as I've seen Boogie Wipes are sold at Target, Buy, Buy Baby and BRU.

You're welcome! :)

(Oh - and just for fun - here's a pic of Nora and her Baby Chloe watching a little Veggie Tales this morning)

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The Belly Project (Part 2) | 27 weeks

Here are just a couple random thoughts about our little baby girl (2)..

- I'm certainly bigger than I was since my last Belly Project (Part 2) update. Crazy what 10 weeks can do!

- I still haven't consulted a pregnancy book during this pregnancy. (Is that bad?!)

- We're getting closer and closer to deciding on a name. There is a little in-home feud over a couple names. We'll see who "wins." ;)

- The flu has been going around our home... boo! Don't come over! It's not worth the chance of catching it. (note: I never get the flu... EXCEPT when I'm pregnant....that darn ole pregnancy immune system)

- Believe it or not I actually wore the bridesmaids dress I wore at my friend Jess's wedding last night for the Phoenix Children's Museum Gala. Joy & I were invited to attend and we just couldn't pass up the opportunity to get out (and dress up!)

Now the surprising part about the dress is not because it is an ugly dress or anything. It's actually BEAUTIFUL. It's just that honestly when I had it altered when I was pregnant with Nora the thought did cross my mind "Now what is the chance I'll ever wear a bridesmaids dress that's been altered maternity style again??!" Never say never I guess! Hehe.

(Sorry about the crummy pic - it was taken on my phone)

- Cravings? Well - if sour sugary candy counts, that would be my main craving lately! So much so that for those of you who follow my FB status updates you might have seen my mentions about a certain Valentine's Day candy craving (SweeTarts Heart Gummies to be exact).

This is the story - upon returning from Cancun I went out the day before Valentine's Day to find these delightful little treats and couldn't find them ANYWHERE. I'm talking no where peeps. I went to Target, Frys, CVS, Walmart and Walgreens. Poor little Nora was probably wondering how many stores we could visit in one day. :)

- According to the latest BabyCenter.com update - this little girl is the size of a head of cauliflower.

All for now... till next time!

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Steph's Pick | DIY Instant Oatmeal

One of my most favorite (and thoughtful) gifts someone sent us after having Nora were little packets of home-made instant oatmeal my friend Michelle S sent.

As many of you know, one of the best ways to bless a new mom is to bring food. That's easy when you live in the same city. Well, Michelle lives in Iowa. So that always makes it a little difficult, right?! Rather than throw in the towel she mixed up her own instant oatmeal recipe, divided it in single serving (snack size Ziploc baggies) portions and shipped it to AZ. How fun, right?! AND delicious!

Ever since this little snail mail delight I have been making my own instant oatmeal and trying new ways to perfect my creations.

Fast forward to present day. I was over at another friends home (Jennifer R - this is where I'd give you a blog shout out :)) and she had made me some oatmeal. It was PERFECT! Ladies (and gents) - I've found THE WAY to make DIY Instant Oatmeal!!!! So yummy.... I just had to share it with ya'll.

Here are the two "secret" ingredients....

Drum roll please....

Why are these so special? Let me tell you.

The Almond milk is a perfect way to add just a little bit of sweetness AND there are some people that say that almond milk is actually better for you than cow's milk. I'll take it!

And lastly - Sun Maid Fruit Bits. This little package of goodness is a perfect find for this mama. With two different kinds of raisins, dried apple bits, dried cranberries and dried apricot bits it's perfect for oatmeal.

Now you didn't think I'd leave you without the recipe. Here you are...

Steph/Jennifer's DIY Instant Oatmeal

1 serving

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Instant Oats

1 cup Almond Milk

Handful of Fruit Bits

Nuts (optional)

Brown Sugar (to your liking)

Cinnamon (again - to your liking)

Directions:

Combine oats, almond milk, fruit bits and nuts. Microwave (covered) for 1 minute. Add brown sugar and cinnamon. Enjoy!

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{cancun}

Aww... Vacation... How I miss you already!

This past week we were blessed to meet up with my parents and brother and sister-in-law for a week long trip to Cancun (minus Nora). I know??!! I still can't believe it - we were child-less for 7 days!!!!

Thanks to some WONDERFUL friends (Laura, Joy, Christine & Sharla - we owe you BIG) we were able to leave little Ms. Nora in great hands and get away for an adult vacay. To see a little update of what Nora was up to while we were away check out this post on Joy's blog.

Anyway... on to the recap...

Upon arriving in Cancun this is the view we were greeted with at the Westin Lagunamar

Nice, huh?!

Now...on to what we did for 7 whole days without Nora...

A LOT of this (4 books to be specific)...

A little of this....We spent a day snorkeling with beautiful fish and sea turtles in Akumal...

And LOTS of this.... eating super yummy food!

Here we are at our favorite place... Thai. I know, I know. Seems a little weird that our favorite place in Cancun is a Thai restaurant. But this isn't your ordinary place. Pictures just don't do this place justice. Our table was in a little hut (as you can see) on the water. The beautiful setting and incredible food was perfect! All of us gave it 5 stars for sure!

And of course we spent a majority of our time with the family enjoying time together.

And lastly - a pic of the two of us - belly and all!

Yes - I know. I've gotten a little slack about wearing a bikini while pregnant. Well - here's the deal...I just can't get myself to buy a maternity bathing suit. I figure regardless of what swimming suit I'm wearing people are still going to know I'm pregnant so why try and hide it :)

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happy ♥ day

Upon returning from Cancun (more about our trip later this week) we were blessed to have pool weather return to Arizona! I know, I know... our lives are just soooo rough. :)

We went from poolside in Cancun to poolside in our backyard. And Nora couldn't have been happier.

Oh how I wish I would have thought ahead a bit more this year like I did last Valentine's Day - click here to see the super cute Valentine's we sent out last year. I guess this will have to do. Same subject... just a bit more grown up!

Here's wishing you a Happy Valentine's Day...

with love,

alan, steph, nora and baby girl #2

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{heading out}

Pardon the lack of posting this week and next. We're off to Cancun...I know... don't feel too sorry for us!

More from us when we return!

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Steph's Pick | Pregnancy Tips {Part II}

I'll be honest... I haven't been the best pregnant person this time around. And by that I mean that I essentially haven't opened one pregnancy book, I often forget that I'm even pregnant AND I never spend more than 10 minutes at my doctor's office. Now I realize this is pretty normal the second (and third and fourth..) time around but it still feels as if this little girlie is getting a little less lovin'.

In an effort to bring a little more attention to this growing bean I wanted to highlight a few Pregnancy Tips (for those who care).

1. Bar of Soap in Bed for Leg Cramping

Some of you remember when I blogged about this during my pregnancy with Nora. You can read that post here. Well the leg cramps are officially back (as of this morning) SO you can bet this mama is pulling out the ivory soap bar and putting it under our sheets... regardless of the weird looks ya'll may be giving me right now :)

2. Ruby Love Baby Books

I just realized that although I did highlight these on our blog (see Nora's book here), I've never really even given an update on just how much I LOVE these books.

Well - let's just say I'm slightly obsessed with Ruby Love Baby Books and was reminded of my love of these when I received Baby Girl #2's book in the mail just yesterday! You can imagine my excitement...I love me some snail mail (even if I'm the one that ordered it).

3. Baby Name Website - Social Security Administration Popular Baby Names.

I'll admit - there is nothing fancy about the website I'm going to tell you about BUT it has been a very useful tool when talking about this little girlie's name. Thanks Nealy for sending us to it.

The Social Security Administration has what I would consider the most accurate data for all names and they even go back to the 1880's! Alan spent an hour or so searching by decade for the Top 100 names of each decade (again - starting in the 1880's) to be sure we covered all of the basis!

No - we have yet to decide on a name. But we're getting closer. However, we'll wait to disclose the name until after this little girl makes her big entrance.

4. A little indulgence - Wetzel Pretzel

Ladies - I'm no saint. Not that any of you thought I was - but I certainly love to indulge every once in awhile during pregnancy. Well the little pretzel bits at Wetzel Pretzel have come to the rescue a couple times during Pregnancy II.

Read about my first Wetzel Pretzel Craving on Scottsdale Moms Blog - I still chuckle when I read that post!

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{busy bee}

When I titled this post I didn't think twice about it. However - I apologize in advance to those of you who may be expecting a Nora update - this is more a Steph update.

I know, I know... I'm not nearly as exciting {nor as cute} AND - let's be honest - Nora is our sweet little busy bee. But you'll just have to come back another time for a Nora update ;)

Regardless... let's move on.

November, December and January have been busy months so I thought I'd give you a little extra blog-reading (and looking) to keep you up to date on all of our happenings.

November and December were the months of babies. Babies, babies and more babies were born.

My sweet nephew (first boy might I add), Mason was born Nov 22nd. See his birth

announcement here.

He was followed by our dear friend's baby, Easton on Dec 3rd. See his birth announcement here.

And last but not least - our sweet friend's had their second girl, Clara on Dec 28th. See her announcement here.

{Note: I do have two more birth announcements I've been working on BUT they has yet to be put in the mail so I'd hate to spoil the surprise. So... we must wait for the H's & L's announcement at another time).

And of course you can't forget a few Christmas cards I worked on during the holiday season.

Now on to January...

Yes, yes - that is what you think it is - Tempo Medical's Co-Ease Self-Adherent Wrap. A friend actually had enough faith in my {amateur} photography skills that he asked me to take some photos for a couple projects his employer is working on. The photo above is just one of the many

shots I got of the product. Kinda cool, huh?!

Next I had a friend, Nealy, ask me to help her design her business logo. If you're from the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, please do check out Photography by Nealy. Her work is so incredible!

January also brought some fun changes to our home. I just recently changed positions within Family Matters and am now managing the social media ("Like" us on Facebook and "Follow" us on Twitter pretty please). This has changed my work schedule considerably and is allowing me to be home with Nora more often...which I'm soooo happy about. Don't worry - I still have quite the full schedule - just rather than being in the office I'm in my new "office" - the park, library, kid's classes, Chick-fil-a play land - you name it, we've been there :)

I've also been working on an INCREDIBLE Valentine's Dinner with Fleming's Steakhouse, Mom it Forward, Scottsdale Moms Blog and Streetlight Phoenix. Read more about this local opportunity to GIVE BACK this Valentine's. So cool...Alan and I can't wait to be able to dine on a perfectly cooked steak (no - we're not vegetarians in case you wondered) AND be able to give to the ministry of Streetlight Phoenix.

And lastly - this past week I've been working with a couple of other sweet friends and planning a Scottsdale Cooking Club (yipee)! We've already had to close the club b/c we're at the max number of people (20) and we cannot wait to get started! I'll post at another date about how YOU can start your own cooking club and the logistics involved :) (oh - and just b/c I'm weird I created the above logo - every cooking club needs a logo, right?)

Now off to bed...and as Nora would say...night, night!

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Mommy SOS | Flower Girl

Just this past week Nora was asked by one of our dear friends to be her flower girl in her upcoming July wedding. We were so honored by her request and are thankful to be asked to be a part of their big day. It's sure to be a wonderful wedding.

But...then I started thinking...how in the world am I going to get our rambunctious going to be two-year old to do her flower girl responsibilities? Namely walking down the aisle.

Obviously if we had a child that sat still for more than 2-seconds and obeyed everything we said it would be a different story. We don't.

So... I need your mommy advice. What can we do to help prepare Nora for being a flower girl in July? I fully realize that we have plenty of time but I was just thinking about it and thought better now than never :)

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Steph's Pick | Green Salad with Apple, Feta, Pecans and Balsamic Dressing

I'm always on the look-out for new salad recipes to try. I know, I know... I can easily just make something up on my own....greens, cheese, nuts, dressing and fruit...but for some reason I always feel more confident in a recipe rather than my own ability to create something.

So thanks to PW's Tasty Kitchen (and Twinks - recipe sharer) I tried this INCREDIBLE salad this week and LOVED it.

Here it is all for all of you salad lovers out there...

Green Salad with Apple, Feta, Pecans and Balsamic Dressing

Ingredients:

FOR THE SUGARED PECANS:

1/2 cups pecan pieces

2 Tbsp sugar

___

FOR THE SALAD:

Baby Spinach

1 head romaine lettuce, torn

1 whole granny smith apple, cored and very thinly sliced

4 ounces crumbled feta

____

FOR THE DRESSING:

1/2 cups red onion, finely chopped

3 Tbsp red wine vinegar

3 Tbsp Balsamic vinegar

1/2 cup olive oil

2 Tbsp sugar

1/4 tsp salt

1/8 tsp pepper

Directions:

Place nuts in a medium skillet with 2 tbsp sugar. Cook over medium-high heat until nuts are coated and brown, stirring constantly (about 5 min); set aside.

Toss salad greens, apples and cheese.

Combine dressing ingredients in a blender and blend well. Pour over salad just before serving.

Sprinkle with candied nuts.

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Steph's Pick | Paper {Product} Snobs

I'll admit it - we're total paper {products} snobs. There... I said it. I'm not really even ashamed of it.

Now I had every intention of doing a vlog (video-blog for my non-blogging friends out there) for this post. In it I was going to show you my Rudolph nose as I articulated our reasons for paying the extra buck for good paper products. Well....that's not going to happen (sorry). This mama is just a little too sick and tired for vlogging. One of these days...

Well on to our paper product "must-haves." And please.. don't stop reading here. The information below might just change your life (hehe)...

1) Viva Paper Towels

Some of you may remember my post back in May about these beauties. Well we love them so much I just had to highlight them again. I know.... paper towels for Steph's Pick 2x - crazy!

They are well worth the money and you will never go back to the other brands once buying a roll or rolls of Viva!

2) Puffs Ultra

There is nothing worse than being sick and needing to blow your nose every 5 minutes. Trust me...I'm in the middle of one nasty sinus infection right now and my nose hates me! Well, it doesn't hate me as much as it could because we're a little snobby when it comes to our tissues as well. Puffs Ultra has time and time again been Consumer Reports #1 Tissue choice (and you know how much we love CR). Not only are these tissues super soft - they are very strong as well.

3) Charmin Ultra Soft

Next up - the paper product used most often in this household (and yours too) - toilet paper! I might get some slack for posting about such a sensitive topic but I'm willing to take the backlash if it means saving you from problems down there.

To prevent said issues from happening we are willing to pay the extra dollars to keep things fresh and clean. 'Nough said.

4) Kirkland Baby Wipes

Last but not least - A Nora Recommends - the best baby wipes - Kirkland (Costco) Baby Wipes. Honestly I had no idea I could actually have an opinion about baby wipes. Well, needless to say, I do. These are hands down the best baby wipes. Both the thickest and softest. Love me some Costco.

That's it - what can I say - we live luxuriously in some ways ;)

Happy Friday!

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christmas 2010 recap

Happy New Year!!!! As we look back on 2010 and consider all that God has done in our lives we are thankful for so much!

Here's just one thing we're thankful for.... time in Iowa with family over the holidays.

First - if you missed the videos I posted earlier this week of Nora sledding you MUST check

them out. They are just too funny.

To go along with those - here's a pic of the gang out sledding one day.

One morning we were able to meet one of my most favorite people in the whole wide world - Allie & her daughter Reese - at a play land for a morning of fun. For both girls and moms.

And a family gathering just wouldn't be complete without a family pic. I'm pretty impressed we were able to get all children awake and somewhat looking at the camera (minus Ella).

Nora got to meet her GG Theda thanks to "Shuttle Ray." Thanks Ray for picking up grandma and bringing her to Des Moines to spend some quality time with her great-grandkids.

Nora is blessed to have so many of her great-grandparents who are always eager to give her lots of hugs and kisses when they see her. Her GG Mary and GG Harvey came to Mt. Vernon to say hi.

I was really hoping we'd have a White Christmas. Don't get me wrong - I love the warmer weather in AZ but around the holidays I really miss cold weather and snow. So needless to say - I got my wish! And of course I was not about to miss the opportunity to get an updated family picture in the SNOW!!!

And lastly - we spent Christmas Eve with the Triggs side in Mt. Vernon.... and of course, we had to snap a family pic with everyone.

Happy New Year from all of us! May God continue to do great things in your lives over the next year.

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Steph's Pick | Keurig

I'm in love.

For those of you who have been following my endless Facebook status updates about my new found love of my Keurig Platinum- I apologize. I really do. It is probably a little annoying - BUT - I just can't get enough of this thing.

I have to be honest - I'm a little sad that I didn't hop on the Keurig bandwagon a bit earlier. Well - this year the Keurig finally made it on my Christmas list - AND even better - on my doorstep thanks to the kind UPS man delivering for my father-in-law and his wife. I couldn't have been more excited to get it up and running (and making the perfect cup of coffee).

Why do I like it so much? I'm sure a number of you are thinking... what really makes a Keurig that much better than a standard coffee maker?! Well here are some of my Keurig thoughts...

- Keurig's generally make a stronger cup of coffee than your average Cup of Joe machine - and I LOVE strong coffee.

- Keurig's brew coffee at a hotter temperature. All of you "I like it black" people are going to hate me - but I have to have a little creamer in my coffee and I'm not super fond of getting a new cup of coffee, adding my creamer and then having a luke warm cup of coffee at the end as a result. Yuck. So the hotter temp is PERFECT!

- I'm the only coffee drinker in this house so making a full pot of coffee just isn't the best idea. So... the single cup Keurig is AWESOME for our home. (Note: I will say for households that consume more than 3 cups/day the Keurig may not be the best economical decision)

- Very little clean up. Love this. There really is no clean up to the Keurig. For this mama - that is a huge plus.

- For you non-coffee people - the Keurig also makes hot chocolate, tea and iced drinks!!!

- And last but not least - I finally pulled the trigger (in terms of putting it on my list) when I found out that you're able to brew your own grinds using the My K Cup filter. I just didn't want to have to buy the K-cups all of the time so I'm super excited about the My K Cup.

So that's it! Thanks again Ray & Ellen!!!

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