The new Costco coupon book is sitting next to my keyboard mocking me.
Why yes, I would LOVE to purchase a six-night deluxe Maui vacation complete with car rental, daily buffet breakfast and two day spa access. And don't forget the $150 resort credit which I would blow on Pina Coladas and beach side hamburgers.
Glorious.
How many of you fellow SAHM's need a break? I've been feeling a bit o' cabin fever syndrome this past, oh, eight months or so. While I am not quite ready to leave Lil Chick for more than a few nights, a six-night beach vacation sounds like perfection.
For now I'll just throw on my svelticizing swimsuit and lay in my backyard on a bleached out beach towel listening to my summer sun playlist. I'll sip a home made Pina Colada, nosh on my own guacamole burger and wait for the kiddos to wake up from their naps.
Besides, with all the money I've saved by NOT going on the dream Hawaiian beach vacation, I can finally afford this which will nicely compliment my tan.
Whaddya all do to combat Cabin Fever? I need some cheap, easy, toddler friendly ideas. Let's hear em...
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We were invited Saturday to an impromptu swim/BBQ party to celebrate a dear little baby girl's dedication.
The dedication was simple yet meaningful...full of love and drenched in the Spirit.
The pool party invitation caused a moment of panic which necessitated alerting the Postpartum Fashion Emergency Support Group. All ended well, thanks to cleverly hidden elastic and who knows what other genius fabric to svelt-icize me. And a certain fashion consultant angel...you know who you are.
Bubbalu has proven to be a danger around water. And yes, I already knew to be extremely cautious around water with him, but this was a whole new ball game. We were thinking he would clutch us nervously while barely kicking his legs and MIGHT blow some bubbles or sit on the pool steps for a bit by himself. When he jumped off the diving board by himself into the deep end for the 18th or so time we kinda thought that maybe we should start thinking about some swimming lessons for the boy.
Good thing we had one of those toddler lifevesty things on him with 18 clips, cinched straps and head support on it.
Let's just say we got our money's worth on that purchase.
Unfortunately, I've been told that toddler swimming lessons are only to introduce the child to the water and to lessen fear of water instead of actually teaching them to swim.
"Um, Hi, my name is Amanda and I'm just wondering if you offer a class that will INCREASE his fear of water? Maybe a scary video and a terrifying pool demonstration?
No?
Oh, crap."
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We headed up north to Canada yesterday for a sweet little boy's first birthday celebration.
I opened up my cupboards an hour before we had to leave and sighed. What in sam hill am I going to make? And no, I don't want to NOT bring something. I just don't do that.
I grabbed some canned chunk chicken left over from my Costco 8 pack and headed to the office. Enter trusty online recipe sites. I browsed a bit and came up with this lovely Buffalo Chicken Dip from AllRecipes.com.
I skipped a few steps and tweaked a bit and it turned out pretty grand.
(My version of) Buffalo Chicken Dip:
- 2 Costco cans chunk chicken, drained
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup Ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup pepper/hot sauce (I used green Jalapeno hot sauce)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend Cheese
I threw all the directions out and lumped it all together in a pot over the stove and it turned out great. You know what? I bet it would do just dandy being microwaved. And you know how we all love convenience and happy yummy dip. It may have just earned a spot as a Super Bowl regular.
I used a bit less hot sauce due to the intended consumptors and shunned the celery stick idea for crackers. Once again, what I had in my cupboards and fridge dictated the menu. If you like a zip, kick or thwack to your food, I would suggest adding green chiles and a dash of chili powder. That oughta do it.
It got rave reviews and I am thrilled to report I have some leftovers in the fridge calling my name...
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