Easy Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake

I love a good recipe that has lots of flavor and is quick to cook. My hubby and I both work full time so there are many days that we have to rush for dinner. 

So here is the perfect recipe to use if you are in a bind too!

You will need:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 cup of uncooked rice

1 1/2 cup of water

1/4 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp black pepper

Shredded cheese

Combine the soups, uncooked rice, paprika and black pepper in a medium mixing bowl. Pour mixture into a 13x9 inch baking dish. Place the chicken on top of the mixture. Sprinkle the top of the chicken with additional paprika and black pepper. Bake covered at 375 degrees for 45 minutes or until chicken is done. When the chicken is done remove from oven and sprinkle the top of the chicken with cheese. Let it set for a few minutes to cool before serving.

Upcycled Grocery Bag Carrier

So this was one of the very first things I saw on pinterest and thought that I had pinned it to a board but apparently in my novice Pinterest abilities I didn't. So I FINALLY got around to trying it out for myself! I like this idea because you can use it to store grocery bags at home or for the car. I will use them for both since I don't have a place to store them at home in my cabinets.

It is super easy and all you need is an empty disinfecting wipes container and some contact paper.

Measure the wipes container and cut out according to the measurements. The contact paper has a grid on the non decorative side that you can use to measure.

I also recommend you find the straight edge of the original paper on the container so that way you have a straight edge as your guide so your paper goes on straight.

And voila! Super easy and super cheap!

Momma Needs a New Wardrobe...and a Giveaway!

Ok ladies I need your help! This year I am turning the big 3-0...and I am actually excited! I have never been more confident in my life and feel like I am truly comfortable in my own skin. The only thing I wish a little different for me is my wardrobe.

I don't know if I am stuck in a niche of going to the same stores or maybe just afraid to step out and try something new. I mean for like years on end when we would go out to eat I would order the same thing! So I'm thinking it maybe the scared part. I also feel that maybe I could shop a little less in the juniors department (after a wakeup call of the selection they had at Kohls) but I am struggling to find a place that is inbetween juniors and old lady section (*gasp)! I feel like all I wear is jeans and a matching top but I am not good with accessories or making myself not look so plain!

So this is where I need your help. Where do you shop? I am looking for new places to go. I don't mind online shopping if it has good sales. I am also not looking to spend 50 bucks on a shirt either.

So let the ideas flow ladies...please!!!

Oh and the giveaway...as long as you comment below with some clothing advice you will be entered to win a $25 gift card to the store of your choice (randomly drawn) so that way you can go buy a cute top for yourself!

52 Weeks of Saving

I just wanted to make a short post as I have seen this all over Facebook and I finally decided to take the challenge!
It looks fairly easy and by the end of the year you will have over 1500 bucks saved...so who's with me!!!

Goodbye 2012...Hello 2013!

Happy New Year from my family to yours! I am back from my holiday hiatus and I am so excited to see what 2013 has in store for my family.

Here is a quick trip back in time through 2012 for my family.

1. The hubby came home from deployment the end of January....he subsequently left again the first week in May and came back in September. (He should be home all of 2013!!)

2. We took a mini vacation to Memphis...the first one as a familly of four and we survived! We actually had an awesome time!

3. My beautiful sweet mom lost her almost 3 year battle to breast cancer this summer. She fought so hard and was such a warrior through it all. Even though she is in a better place I miss her so very much!!

4. Taylor started 3rd grade! Gosh I officially feel old! Sometimes I look at her and think "Where has the time gone?!?!"

5. The hubby came home from deployment! Best thing ever!

6. We bought a house! We still have our house in Utah but with renters in the house we can afford to buy another one! (Yes we may be crazy!) I love it because it is brand new and we got to pick out everything. It is so cool to watch it go from dirt to a beautiful home.

7. Olivia turned 1! This first year has been a whirlwind and I wouldn't have it any other way. As much as I wish that sometimes life would slow down I think I would get a little bored if it did! She has grown into a sweet and sassy little miss independent girl. So very different from Taylor but also so much like her sister!

8. Vacation to Florida. The Memphis trip went to well that we took a trip to Florida since we haven't been down there to see family since 2009! It was a long car ride but I don't even want to know how much it would have cost to fly! We had lots of fun seeing everyone and meeting our new niece.

9. Christmas with both families! The hubby's family came in town for Christmas and stayed with us. My family also came into town but stayed at my grandparent's home. Either way it was lots of people in town! We also got 9 inches of snow in Arkansas on Christmas...needless to say it broke weather records and Olivia saw her first white Christmas! 

10. We survived 2012! We had a very mellow New Year's Eve by watching movies at home. Little Miss tried to stay up but only made it to 11!

(watching the neighbor's fireworks)

2012 was eventful and I would only expect the same for 2013! I am not big on making resolutions because 9 times out of 10 most people forget about them! However the one "thing" I will say for 2013 is that there will be lots of family trips so I know making memories is on our list!

Love to all and good luck to you with the New Year!