Mom's Pace

Thought Provoking Sayings

2012-05-22T14:55:00.002-04:00

It is the Soldier...
It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press
It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech
It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the right to demonstrate
It is the soldier, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial
It is the soldier, not the pastor, who has given us the right to worship
It is the soldier, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote
It is the soldier, who solutes the flag, serves under the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who gives the protester the right to burn the flag...

by Charles M. Province, U.S. Army, The Patton Society

Smart Stocking Tips

2012-05-15T12:01:00.001-04:00

Trying to stock up your pantry but don't have a ton of money to do it? Here is a list of of items that are typically on sale in May.

Memorial Day staples
Barbecue foods (soda, chips, condiments, buns, grilling spices, salad dressings)
Paper goods (plates, napkins, cups)
Post-Mother's Day: kitchen appliances (toaster, microwaves, food processors, mixers)

(Info provided by Arm-n-Hammer)

Recipe of the Month

2012-05-07T13:17:00.008-04:00

I thought I'd try something new with this. I love to share recipes, try new ones, and hear other's "substitutes" in recipes. I will share a recipe with you and if you make this recipe already, will you share what you do differently with yours?

May, that wonderful month of the year where it's nice and warm outside but not so hot that you melt when you walk outside. So many fun things to do outside during May, who wants to be inside cooking? Here's a nice fun easy recipe to make on the grill and will still keep everyone happy.

Garlic & Mustard Marinated Chicken:

garlic (to your liking)
2 tbsp dijon mustard
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
3/4 cup olive oil

Shake well and pour over boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Allow to marinate for at least 2-3 hours, then grill. ENJOY! ☺

Thank You - New Direction

2012-05-04T12:37:00.001-04:00

Thank you for supporting me through the years and checking out my blog. When I began Mom's Pace I had a completely different idea in mind of what I wanted to blog about than what I currently post. So, I've changed up my blog. While I try to be the best wife I can be, like most women, I often fall short and I am nowhere close to the Proverbs 31 wife. Which led me to my new site with a new name, new directions, and new goals. Please head over to Not So 31 and check it out! It's where I share my love for reading, some money saving tips, inspiration, recipes, and my ~~glamorous~~ Not So 31 life. Thank you again and I look forward to seeing you all at my new blog!!

Need a major purchase?

2012-05-01T11:39:00.001-04:00

Are you going to be buying a major purchase this year? If you are, then here's what to buy this month. These are items that are normally on sale in May.

Picnic Supplies
Outdoor Furniture
Athletic Apparel

(Info. from All You Magazine)

Thought Provoking Sayings

2012-04-22T14:51:00.001-04:00

Circle of Life

At age 4.....success is...not peeing in your pants.

At age 12...success is...having friends.

At age 16...success is...having a driver's license.

At age 25...success is...having sex when married.

At age 35...success is...having money.

At age 50...success is...having money.

At age 60...success is...having sex when married.

At age 70...success is...having a driver's licence.

At age 75...success is...having friends.

At age 80...success is...not peeing in your pants.

Smart Stocking Tips

2012-04-15T12:00:00.000-04:00

Trying to stock up your pantry but don't have a ton of money to do it? Here is a list of of items that are typically on sale in April.

Soy Products (milk, burgers, tofu, and bars)
Hams

(Info provided by Arm-n-Hammer)

Recipe of the Month

2012-04-07T13:10:00.013-04:00

I thought I'd try something new with this. I love to share recipes, try new ones, and hear other's "substitutes" in recipes. I will share a recipe with you and if you make this recipe already, will you share what you do differently with yours?

Time for some fresh, colorful recipes for one of the most beautifully colored months of the year. Why not try mixing those fresh vegetables in with some pasta? This has become one of my most favorite recipes as it combines fresh vegetables, some which come from my garden, and is one of the healthier dishes I know how to make. (Don't be swayed by the lengthy list, many are common pantry ingredients!)

Turkey Bow-tie Skillet:

1/2 pound ground turkey breast
1 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil
3/4 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
2 cups uncooked bow tie pasta
1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes
1 tablespoon vinegar
3/4 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt (optional)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown turkey in oil.
Add celery, onion, green pepper and garlic; cook until vegetables are tender. Remove the turkey and vegetables with a slotted spoon and keep warm.
Add broth to the pan; bring to a boil. Add pasta; cook for 10 minutes or until tender.
Reduce heat; stir in the tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, chili powder, garlic salt if desired and turkey mixture. Simmer for 10 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley.

ENJOY! ☺

Need a major purchase?

2012-04-01T11:38:00.001-04:00

Are you going to be buying a major purchase this year? If you are, then here's what to buy this month. These are items that are normally on sale in April.

Digital Cameras
Warm-weather Clothes

(Info. from All You Magazine)

Thought Provoking Sayings

2012-03-22T14:45:00.002-04:00

40 Promises for Marriage
1. Start each day with a kiss. 2. Wear your wedding day at all times. 3. Date once a week. 4. Accept Differences. 5. Be Polite. 6. Give Gifts. 7. Smile often. 8. Touch. 9. Give back rubs. 10. Laugh together. 11. Send a card for no reason. 12. Do what the other person wants before he or she asks. 13. Listen. 14. Encourage. 15. Know his or her needs. 16. Fix the other person's breakfast. 17. Compliment twice a day. 18. Call during the day. 19. Slow down. 20. Hold hands. 21. Cuddle. 22. Ask for other's opinion. 23. Show respect. 24. Look your best. 25. Celebrate birthdays in a big way. 26. Apologize. 27. Forgive. 28. Set up a romantic getaway. 29. Be positive. 30. Be kind. 31. Be vulnerable. 32. Respond quickly to the other person's request. 33. Reminisce about your favorite times together. 34. Treat each other's friends and relatives with courtesy. 35. Send flowers every Valentine's Day and anniversary. 36. Admit when wrong. 37. Be sensitive to each other's sexual desires. 38. Pray for each other daily. 39. Say "I love you" frequently. 40. Seek outside help when needed.

by Steve Stephens

Smart Stocking Tips

2012-03-15T11:57:00.000-04:00

Trying to stock up your pantry but don't have a ton of money to do it? Here is a list of of items that are typically on sale in March.

Peanut butter and other peanut products
Frozen meals, vegetables, and fruits

(Info provided by Arm-n-Hammer)

Recipe of the Month

2012-03-07T13:04:00.016-05:00

I thought I'd try something new with this. I love to share recipes, try new ones, and hear other's "substitutes" in recipes. I will share a recipe with you and if you make this recipe already, will you share what you do differently with yours?

Here in the south, the weather is warming and it's time for those delicious strawberries. I found this recipe a few years ago on SouthernPlate.com and have made it several times since then. It is so easy to make and turns out so, so delicious!

Fresh Strawberry Pie:

Filling:
1 C sugar
1 C Water
3 T strawberry gelatin mix
1 Pint Fresh Strawberries
3 Heaping Tablespoons Cornstarch
1 pie crust, cooked and cooled (I made a recipe and a half for a bit thicker crust)

Combine sugar, cornstarch, and dry gelatin mix by stirring well. Add water and cook until thick and clear over medium high heat, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Set aside and let cool. Wash and hull strawberries, cut in half and arrange over pie crust. When filling is cool, pour over strawberries and chill pie until ready to serve. Serve with whipped cream.

Pie Crust:
1 1/2 C Flour
1 1/2 tsp Sugar
1 tsp Salt
1/2 C Cooking Oil
2 T milk

Mix flour, salt, and sugar in pie pan. Slowly add milk and oil. Mix well with a fork and pat out to fit pan. Bake at 350 until brown, usually about ten minutes.

ENJOY! ☺

Need a major purchase?

2012-03-01T11:38:00.002-05:00

Are you going to be buying a major purchase this year? If you are, then here's what to buy this month. These are items that are normally on sale in March.

Skis
Winter Coats
Boots

(Info. from All You Magazine)

Thought Provoking Sayings

2012-02-22T14:40:00.002-05:00

Coach John Wooden's Favorite Maxims

Happiness begins where selfishness ends.
Discipline yourself and others won't need to.
If I am through learning, I am through.
Tell the truth. That way you won't have to remember a story.
Don't let making a living prevent you from making a life.
The best thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.
Do not permit what you cannot do to interfere with what you can do.
Be slow to criticize and quick to commend.
The time to make friends is before you need them.
Treat all people with dignity and respect.
Acquire peace of mind by making the effort to become the best of which you are capable.
Make each day your masterpiece...and always remember...

Success is peace of mind obtained only through self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to do the best of which you're capable!

by John Wooden

When the Smoke Clears

2012-02-18T22:16:00.000-05:00

When the Smoke Clears by Lynette Eason

After a brush with death due to equipment failure, smokejumper Alexia Allen is ordered to take time off while the incident is under investigation. She makes a last-minute decision to recuperate at her mother's home and attend her high school reunion. Yet trouble seems to be following her, and within hours of arriving home she is confronted with murder, arson--and a handsome detective.

All I can say is WOW!! It has been a long time since I read a book that had me completely captivated by page 40! I was sitting in the car with my son, he on my tablet playing a game and me reading my book. We were waiting outside for my daughter to be done with her cheerleading practice. It was peaceful...quiet...the book was intense...and then my son *coughs*!!! aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh! I about jumped out of my skin! I was so wrapped up in the story and what was happening with Alexia I forgot where I was! Good grief, it's been a long time since that has happened!

This is my first book by Lynette that I have read. When I read the author info I quickly discovered that she lives about 45 minutes away from me! And the book happens about 20 minutes from where I live! For me, that made it that much more interesting! I can assure you, this will not be the last book I read by this author! I've got to support my hometown girl and of course I ~~enjoy~~ LOVE a good suspense/mystery!!

I was graciously provided a free copy of this book from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, to review it. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

View all my reviews

Smart Stocking Tips

2012-02-15T11:56:00.000-05:00

Trying to stock up your pantry but don't have a ton of money to do it? Here is a list of of items that are typically on sale in February.

Canned foods (soups, fruits, and vegetables)
Medicines
Cold Remedies
Vitamins

(Info provided by Arm-n-Hammer)

Recipe of the Month

2012-02-07T13:00:00.001-05:00

I thought I'd try something new with this. I love to share recipes, try new ones, and hear other's "substitutes" in recipes. I will share a recipe with you and if you make this recipe already, will you share what you do differently with yours?

February still has a bit of a nip in the air here in the south, so another super easy soup recipe is sure to be loved. This has also become one of my favorite soups:

Sausage Corn Chowder:

12 oz smoked turkey sausage
can of cream of potato soup
1 1/3 cup milk
can of cream corn (larger size)
4 American cheese slices

Slice sausage length wise, then cut into ½ inch slices. In a 2 quart sauce pot combine soup, milk, and corn. Stir in sausage and cheese. Cook and stir over medium heat until heated through. ENJOY! ☺

Need a major purchase?

2012-02-01T11:37:00.002-05:00

Are you going to be buying a major purchase this year? If you are, then here's what to buy this month. These are items that are normally on sale in February.

Electronics
Fragrances
Humidifiers

(Info. from All You Magazine)

Publix Giveaway

2012-01-28T09:42:00.006-05:00

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You do not have to sign in with Facebook, just click on use your name and email.

Thank you to General Mills and My Blog Spark for the prize!!

Best Meals Happen at Home

2012-01-28T09:23:00.001-05:00

A busy weeknight doesn’t have to mean fast food for dinner! Publix knows that the best meals happen at home, so they are excited to help you enjoy family mealtime without having to stress about what to prepare or spending hours in the kitchen. Stop by Publix during their “Best Meals Happen at Home” event to find great savings on some of your favorite products. Be sure to visit BestMealsatHome.com to find fantastic recipes, which can be cooked in 30 minutes or less, and your family is sure to love.

Take advantage of great savings on some of your favorite participating brands during the “Best Meals Happen at Home” event at Publix from January 26th through February 1st

As of Jan 26th look for in-store for coupons that will be valid through February 15th
Visit BestMealsatHome.com to sign up and receive emails with weekly recipes and coupon offers that will help you save up to $200 this year

To kick-off the great savings and enjoy valuable time around the dinner table with your family, Publix invites you to try one of the delicious recipes that you can find at BestMealsatHome.com, which uses Cheerios® to make Crunchy Chicken Nuggets:

Prep time: 15 Min
Cook time: 25 Min
Makes: 4 servings

Ingredients:

2 cups Cheerios® cereal
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon mustard
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

Directions:
Heat oven to 400°F. Spray with cooking spray or lightly grease 13x9-inch pan.
Finely crush cereal. Stir together cereal, salt and pepper; set aside. In medium bowl, stir together milk, honey and mustard until blended. Dip chicken into milk mixture; coat with cereal mixture. Place chicken in pan; drizzle with melted butter.
Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until crust is golden and chicken is no longer pink in center.

Information for this post was provided by General Mills in conjunction with My Blog Spark.

The "What's for Dinner?" Solution

2012-01-25T13:24:00.000-05:00

The "What's for Dinner?" Solution: Quick, Easy, and Affordable Meals Your Family Will Love by Kathi Lipp

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

You know you have a good kitchen reference book when the author says, "Not a professional chef...Still, I'm required to feed our large family almost daily." Love it! This book is not your typical recipe book, it actually only contains a few recipes (if it had more recipes, it would have scored 5 stars). However, it is one book you will definitely want to have.

Kathi covers everything about a kitchen from organizing your recipes (which I can't wait to do!), she shares her weekly meal plan, tips on organizing your kitchen and your pantry, and even what to have in your kitchen and pantry for it to be the most useful. She also talks about the need for planning and then follows that up with how to plan. What makes it even better is she plans several different types of meals weekly and as the lucky readers, we get to learn more about them! Have you heard of freezer cooking, slow cookers, pantry meals, fast food meals, what about LOOP meals? Well, you'll just have to read the book to find out about that one!

What I thought was really neat about this book was after every chapter of planning, organizing, and each of the types of meals, Kathi had ideas to "try this at home" and how to do the suggestions as a group. What a great way to get organized in your kitchen than to share all the fun ideas with friends!

If you're looking for a book on how to get organized in the kitchen and how to cook other than with your debit/charge card, you've got to check this book out. And if that doesn't entice you how about her recipes for "Pizza fondue" and "Pantry Smore's Brownies?" Mmmmmm....yummmm!

I was graciously provided a free digital copy of this book from Harvest House Publishers in partnership with NetGalley to review it. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

View all my reviews

The Amazing Fitness Adventure for Your Kids

2012-01-25T12:53:00.001-05:00

The Amazing Fitness Adventure for Your Kids by Phil Parham

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

One fitness adventure you won't want to miss out on! From Phil and Amy Parham, former contestants on The Biggest Loser, comes this challenge to get your kids active! Filled with suggestions on healthier snacks, how to be more active, and how to set a good example, this is one fitness book that you will want to add to your repertoire.

My two favorite parts of this book, that I've not seen in other fitness books, is the portion size guide and the daily questions. The portion size guide breaks down the ages of children and gives correct portion sizes for the five food groups. I've always wondered what a correct kids' portion was! In the second part of the book, the actual fitness adventure, is spread out over a 90-day challenge. Each day there is a "tip of the day," a "think about it," and a "talk about it." During the 90-day challenge you are encouraged to talk about these daily with your family.

I would have loved to see more put into the actual 90 day adventure by adding some exercise ideas kids would like, but overall this is a very useful guide in helping get your family healthier, together!

I was graciously provided a free digital copy of this book from Harvest House Publishers in partnership with NetGalley to review it. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

View all my reviews

Smack Dab in the Middle of God's Love

2012-01-25T11:56:00.000-05:00

Smack Dab in the Middle of God's Love by Brennan Manning

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

All the neighborhood children love to visit Willie Juan and Ana. Willie Juan loves to talk with the children and answer their questions. Ana loves to make her sopapillas for them. After all the children are full, they sit around and talk about God's love.

A precious story of a Mexican husband and wife team who share God's love, not only by words, but by action. While I don't think this story will be well loved by kids, the message is undeniably awesome! I'm not sure kids will like it so much and want to read it on their own, just because it really doesn't have a lot of anything going on. There is no quirky character to love, no action or mystery to catch their attention, nor is there any real "plot." However, I do think this book would be great to use in a Sunday School classroom, where the teacher can expand more on the story and the message within it. God's love surely is big enough for all of us. Imagine the delight He would feel if we all understood that, especially His precious children!

I was graciously provided a free digital copy of this book from Tommy Nelson in partnership with NetGalley to review it. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

View all my reviews

Catch the Wind, Harness the Sun

2012-01-24T21:39:00.002-05:00

Catch the Wind, Harness the Sun: 22 Super-Charged Projects for Kids by Michael J. Caduto

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"What kind of citizen do you want to be for planet Earth?" Does your child have a passion for finding ways to reduce their carbon footprint? If so, then this is definitely the book for them! I am so not the science person...at all! The book recommends kids ages 8-12 could use this and complete the projects, but I personally think it would be 10-12 (and maybe some adults like myself may still have trouble).

Going by only the title of the book can be a little misleading. I initially thought the book was full of plain ole science projects. In actuality it is a book full of environmentally friendly projects designed to show your child how they can reduce their carbon footprint. This is not a bad thing, just different than what I first thought.

I consider this book full of great recommendations for a budding environmentalist. There are a ton of eco-friendly projects to do such as pie plate windmills, ways to find wasted energy, how to study the greenhouse effect, and using solar power to make sun tea. The book is divided into different sections each focusing on a different aspect of the environment. And what's really neat is each project is broken down into "Think about it," "Think harder," and "Now really think." Great ways to help your kid really gain a full understanding of the project.

I was graciously provided a free digital copy of this book from Storey Publishing in partnership with NetGalley to review it. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

View all my reviews

Kids' Bible Handbook

2012-01-24T13:43:00.001-05:00

Kids' Bible Handbook: Who, What, When, Where, Why-and What It All Means to You by Tracy M. Sumner

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my goodness!! Wow! Have you ever wondered how to help your children transition from the little kids/toddlers version of the Bible to the bigger/teenagers Bible? Well, this book is the answer!

I am so impressed with all the information contained in this book. Not only is it broken into small sections for easy navigation, but it is also written in a way that kids will have no problem reading! I would recommend this book for kids at least 8 years and older. If you're a Sunday School teacher, you may be able to read it to 1st and 2nd graders to help give more insight into one of your lessons, but they probably won't be able to read it and understand all of it on their own.

The who, what, when, where are explained for each book of the Bible. So, very interesting! I even learned something new! There are many colorful illustrations throughout the book that kids will enjoy looking at. What I found most interesting though was the way the author introduced the last book of the Bible, Revelation. She explained why some consider it scary, why some think it already happened, and why some think it is still to come. Loved that!

But, that's not all! At the end of the book, the author also explains the "how to" part. She explains how to apply it to your life, how to study it, and the importance of memorizing your favorite verses. And then she also has a reading plan and some time-lines. Very impressive! I am so excited about this book, I've added it to my wishlist for the kids for Christmas. What a great way to help my children grow in understanding God's never ending love for us!

I was graciously provided a free digital copy of this book from Barbour Publishing in partnership with NetGalley to review it. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

View all my reviews