Insane Peanut Butter Cup Cake (new recipe #6 of 2018)

Happy Tuesday everyone! Hope everyone is staying nice and warm. My kiddos are back in school today (they should have had school yesterday as the roads were fine after 9AM but who am I to say....) Yesterday in my post, I mentioned that I had tried a new recipe for an "Insane Peanut Butter Cup Cake" and a couple of you said you couldn't wait for the recipe. So today I thought I would share it with you. 

So the story of the cake is this::: Saturday night we headed over to our good friends' house for dinner. I offered to bring dessert. My friend Sarah and I have a sort of inside joke going, where we find the most delicious sounding recipes on Facebook and share/ tag each other on them. We seem to be taking turns making these recipes for each other and our families as well. Last week our families got together at our house and she brought over a cookie dough pie.

Well, this week we headed over to her house so I went through the Facebook archives and found a recipe for an "Insane Peanut Butter Cup Cake" from Cookies and Cups, that I decided to try out. (We both love peanut butter and chocolate).

Let me tell you that recipe did not disappoint. OH MY WORD! It was so yummy! The peanut butter filling in the middle is too die for.. I seriously could eat it by the spoonful! 

I made it according to the recipe, omitting the chocolate chips on the outside and using chocolate syrup instead of melted chocolate on top. When I make it again, I will make a couple more changes. I will probably only make half of the peanut butter filling and half of the chocolate frosting as there was way too much left over.  

Everyone LOVED it! And by everyone I mean kids and adults alike! I will definitely be making it again! 

Anyone else trying new recipes? Care to share?

Other new recipes in 2018 that I have tried: 

Crockpot Minestrone

Applesauce Banana Muffins

Zucchini and Sweet Potato Hash

Pork Fried Rice
Light and Fluffy Pancakes

Happy Homemaker Monday (2/5/2018)

Happy Monday-- How to describe this Monday? The first Monday of February. The Monday after the Super Bowl. Another Snow Day for the kids from school. Another Monday of cold weather. All of the above? LOL 

Today is a snow day for my kiddos from school. The roads and school parking lots are too icy this morning apparently for them to have school. That is fine by me as I feel like I lost a day yesterday. Saturday I was out of the house most of the day between basketball games for the kids and then we went to a friends house for dinner. Yesterday, Rebecca and I went to PSR and church and then home where in the afternoon I proceeded to take a 2.5 hour nap getting up to watch the Super Bowl with Bill. I need today to get back on track. LOL 


Now we are back to Monday. Hopefully a productive day for me, although I have a slight headache and feel like my nose is a little stuffy. I really hope that I am not getting sick. Rebecca said her nose was stuffy too. Anyhow let's get on with the Happy Homemaker Monday theme hosted by the lovely Sandra over at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom: 

The Weather::: The sun is out, but it is cold! The snow and ice that we got last night isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Right now it is 7 degrees outside. We are supposed to have snow off and on all week with 3-6 inches Tuesday night/Wednesday apparently. Winter can go away sooner rather than later!  

Right now I am::: sitting at the kitchen table typing this up. I just finished breakfast and am trying to organize my thoughts as to what I want/need to get done today. 

Thinking::: I am thinking about what I need to get done today. I am so behind on laundry and just general cleaning especially upstairs.    
On my reading pile:::

On my TV::: I am still looking for another series to watch. I may try "This Is Us" again.  

My simple pleasure::: Being a mom.

On the menu for this week:::

Monday - I actually don't know yet. Was going to make hamburger helper but forgot to get it at the store. Might make spaghetti with meat sauce.
Tuesday - hot ham and cheese sandwiches, green bean, corn 
Wednesday - Taco pie, corn, veggies
Thursday - Cajun chicken, peas, rice
Friday - Pizza and fruit
Saturday - Macaroni and cheese for kids? Date night for Bill and I? (Dependent on Bill's work schedule)
Sunday - Ham, cheesy potatoes, veggies

On my to do list:::

For today: Laundry, clean our bedroom, sweep upstairs, Ben to speech, all 3 kids have basketball practice, Kids write out Valentine's for school

Tuesday: Kids to school, babysit A,  Rebecca has AHG

Wednesday: Kids to school, babysit A, tutor I, trash and recycling out

Thursday: Kids to school, babysit A, Battle of the books meeting with team, tutor S and N

Friday: grocery store, tutor N, Send plates/napkins to school for all 3 kids' Valentines parties

Saturday: basketball games for all 3, dinner with friends
Sunday: Teach PSR, church, Rebecca to Kenyon for Girls In Sports Day program

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::
I have been trying new recipes. I made an insane peanut butter cup chocolate cake this week. I will share the recipe later. 

 
Looking around the house:::
We need to do some straightening up today. There are dishes that need cleaned up. Since the kids are home, there are toys out in the floor-- Ben is currently sorting all of his toys into piles of different colors. I don't even want to look upstairs as that has been neglected the last couple weeks. 


From the camera:::
More basketball pictures from the kids' games on Saturday. Rebecca made her first free throw ever and got another basket when she got a rebound and then put the ball back up! 

On my prayer list:::

My hubby as he searches for a new job. My brother as he is narrowing down his college choices and is hoping to make the right decision. My neighbor who is battling cancer. For all those affected by the flu viruses going around now.  

Bible verse, Devotional:::
I wrote down this quote that the pastor, at the church where the kids play basketball, spoke during his devotional during the halftime of one of the kids' game. It really spoke to me. 

"Have patience through the process. Don't give up."

Here's to a great Monday and good start to everyone's week! 

Nature Scenes for February 4, 2018

Sunday is meant to be a day of rest and relaxation and one of the ways that I rest is to spend time in nature. I try to spend a least a little bit of time in nature each week. I have decided that I will use Sundays to share the photos of my nature adventures each week just as a way to relax and share the beauty that is God's creation with all. I hope you enjoy!

Photos from January 28, 2018 at Ariel-Foundation Park

The sun was out and the temperatures were in the 40s. Felt so good outside. 

Ice still covers much of the lakes. 

This was my favorite picture I took that day.

Blue skies!

Seed pods are showing up on trees

Geese off in the distance

An air pocket under the thin layer of ice

For more nature scenes you can check out my other nature posts: 

January 7, 2018

January 14, 2018

January 21, 2018

January 28, 2018

I hope everyone is having a good Sunday and if you get a chance check out the nature scenes around you! 

Hearts Entwined: A Historical Romance Novella Collection

Hearts Entwined

FROM THE BACK COVER:::

The ways of love can be complex. Sometimes a relationship full of unexpected twists and unlikely turns leads to a bond that's strong and secure. Join Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings, and Melissa Jagears for novellas that follow the winding path of romance in stories that celebrate a love that lasts forever.

The Love KnotWhen Claire Nevin's troubled younger sibling sends her an unexpected package by rail, the gift and the man who delivers it--an unexpected face from the past--threaten to upend Claire's life forever. Fighting to hold on to all she has built, will she lose what matters most?

The Tangled Ties That BindConnor Kincaid returns home determined to win the hand of the woman he was too young for when he left. But Maggie is training to be a doctor in a distant town, while Connor's about to settle on a ranch. Will either be willing to give up their dream? Or will they both have to give up the love of a lifetime?

Bound and DeterminedAs punishment for his recklessness, Private Bradley Willis is sent on an errand to help a retired cavalry officer move a herd across Indian Territory. No one told him the herd would be camels instead of cattle, nor that the officer's headstrong daughter, Ambrosia Herald, would seem to be trying to undermine the whole enterprise. He's definitely been saddled with more than he's bargained for.

Tied and TrueWealthy Marianne Lister is in love with business assistant Calvin Hochstetler, but he can't see past the difference in their social status. When Marianne takes a job to prove that she is prepared for a life of hard work alongside the man of her dreams, will it be enough to convince Calvin to risk it all for love?

MY THOUGHTS:::

Hearts Entwined contains 4 romances that will delight the readers. I was familiar with 2 of the authors (Karen Witemeyer and Regina Jennings) before I read this book, and now I will have to find more writings of the the other 2 as well. I truly enjoyed 3 of these short and sweet stories; the 4th just left a little something to be desired.

"The Love Knot" by Karen Witemeyer was probably my favorite out of the four novellas. I loved reading about Claire and Pieter's relationship and how they are able to overcome past judgements, a sickness and will endure and thrive. 

"The Tangled Ties that Bind" by Mary Connealy had me laughing out loud at her descriptions of the ranch lifestyle. She was very descriptive in her writing and made me feel like I was right there with Connor and Maggie as they were being chased by the buffalo and when they were in the doctor's office treating the patients from the coach wreck. This was a wonderful story. 

"Bound and Determined" by Regina Jennings was another delightful lead. I am not sure what I would have done if I was faced with having to travel in the old west on camels. It was a funny read and loved the way that 2 headstrong people, in Ambrosia and Bradley, face off and ultimately fall headfirst in love with each other.

"Tied and True" by Melissa Jagears finishes off this collection of stories. This one was the only one that didn't bat 1000 for me. This is a typical story of rich and poor falling in love (although I will give Jagears credit this time it is a rich woman falling in love with a poor man). There was just something about the character of Marianne that was annoying to me. I am not sure why and can't really pinpoint it, but it really made the whole story feel off for me. 

Overall, I loved the format of this book. I was able to read through each story in a sitting over the course of 4 days. I did this to savor each one and to think about them. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for short, sweet historical romances with some wittiness thrown in! 

DISCLAIMER::: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from Baker Publishing Group and Bethany House Publishers. All opinions are my own. 

Light and Fluffy Pancakes (new recipe #5 of 2018)

Happy Friday!

Sometimes you crave comfort food and sometimes you want something that is restaurant quality without going out. Well, that was me on Sunday. I wanted fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon, but I didn't want to go out. 

The problem I had was that the last few times I had made homemade pancakes they came out tough, thin and/or tasteless. So when I saw a recipe for light and fluffy pancakes on Facebook and read it's reviews, I knew I needed to try it. Patty over at MmGood shares her recipe for Light and Fluffy Homemade Pancakes and she calls them the best ever. 

I served the pancakes with bacon and a pear/blueberry fruit salad.

What can I say? These were the most tastiest, fluffiest pancakes that I have had in a long time. They were super yummy! Everyone loved them in my house. This will now be my go to recipe for pancakes. I can't wait to make them again. 

Anyone else trying new recipes? Care to share?

Other new recipes in 2018 that I have tried: 

Crockpot Minestrone

Applesauce Banana Muffins

Zucchini and Sweet Potato Hash

Pork Fried Rice

January updates on my 2018 goals

Happy Thursday! Happy February! I cannot believe that one month of 2018 has already passed. Seems like just yesterday I was making a list of goals that I wanted to complete in 2018. One of the things that I have figured out about goals, is that if I make the list and then don't look at it, then I forget all of them. So I thought I would come back here at the end of each month/beginning of the next month and see how I am progressing toward achieving my goals. 

So without further ado, let's see how I did in January: 

No fast food for the year. The only exception for this will be if we are traveling on a vacation or if the kids request this as their birthday dinner. 

• So far so good. I haven't had fast food at all. I have only wanted it like on one or two occasions so good to go here.

Give up pop. I have gotten into a very bad habit of drinking pop and I have had at least one kidney stone this year. I am pretty sure that I have been dealing with one the last week as well. I feel bloated most of the time and think that this is due to the amount of pop that I have been drinking.

• This month I had pop three times. Once, when Bill and I had a lunch date at Bob Evans and on Tuesday I had a glass of Coke when I had a headache all day and Tylenol wasn't helping. The caffeine helped. Then last night, I was exhausted but still had work to do so I had another glass of Coke to wake me up to get my work done. Other than those 3 times, I have been drinking water, sometimes with flavorings added.

Lose 40 pounds. I MUST do this. My health needs to be my priority this year. I am not getting any younger and I need to make sure that as I approach 40 that I am in better shape.

• If you follow along with my Weigh In Wednesday posts you will see that I lost 6.8 pounds in January, so only 33.2 pounds to go! 

Walk at least 3 days a week. This was hard in 2017 as I would get into a rhythm, then with the weather change and I started babysitting and I did not have time at all to walk. I feel so much better when I get outside so I am going to try for 3 days at the minimum.

• Well, with the snow/ice/cold temperatures in January, I haven't been able to get out as much as I would like. However, I did end up with 6 walks in January so it wasn't a complete loss. 

Read 24 books. I really love to read and I find that I would read more however the lure of electronics is strong and I have been laying in bed playing "Blast" solitaire on my tablet instead of reading before sleeping. I will stop doing this and will start reading instead. I hope to bring back my what I read this month blog posts.

• This month I read 5 books: Under a Cloudless Sky, The Sound of Rain, The Two of Us, The Last of the Firedrakes, The Rise of the Dawnstar

Declutter 500 items from our home. We have way too much stuff.  There is just no getting past that we need to get rid of stuff. 500 items is on average about 42 items a month. I can do that.

• I have several trash bags full of donations ready to take to Goodwill but haven't done it yet.

Go on a family vacation with Bill and the kids.

• Currently in the thinking about it stage :-)

Have at least one date time with Bill each week-- be that a walk together, lunch out, date night in, watching a movie, etc.

• We took a walk together on January 9. 
  
• We played Scrabble against one another one night at home. Bill won. 
• We had date night at home and ordered in food from Buffalo Wild Wings using a gift card that Bill got for Christmas on the 20th. 
  
• We took a walk together when the temperatures hit 60 degrees on the 22nd.
• We had a lunch date out at Bob Evans on the 23rd as we both had the morning/afternoon free from work obligations. 
  

Try 24 new recipes.

• This month I tried 4 new recipes: Vegetarian Crockpot Minestrone, Applesauce Banana Muffins, Zucchini and Sweet Potato Hash, and Pork Fried Rice

Deep clean and declutter each room in our house.

• This month I deep cleaned Rebecca's bedroom and the game closet 

  

  
  

  
  
  
  

So that is the January update. Not too bad at keeping up with my goals. In fact, I am very pleased with the results. If you are working on goals, how are you doing since the first month of the year is now done?