Tempt My Tummy Tuesday - Slow Cooker Stew (Pork)

Lazy Sunday and I had a huge craving for some comfy food, so why not stew in the crock pot. What I did say lazy right? You think I was going to slave over a meal ... LOL what blog do you think you have come to? Yup throw it all in set the dial and away we go! What I had to work, yup that is my story and I'm sticking to it!


This may make you laugh this is my FIRST stew I've ever made and heck it was easy! So here we go, hold on it's a fast ride!

All you need

See I told you easy

My youngest helper stopped by today
Cut up the meat into bite size
I used Pork didn't have any Beef.

In a bowl add the flour

Add Salt

Add pepper

Add the flour mixture and coat the meat

Add the Paprika

Add the Worcestershire Sauce

Add Garlic

Add Bay Leaf

Add the onions

Add the Carrots

Add the Beef Stock

Add the Potatoes

Mix it all up

The End Product

Found on Allrecipes.com

INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)
2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1 inch cubes

(all I had was a pork roast, hey it works)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 onion, chopped
1 1/2 cups beef broth
3 potatoes, diced
4 carrots, sliced
1 stalk celery, chopped

DIRECTIONS
Place meat in slow cooker. In a small bowl mix together the flour, salt, and pepper; pour over meat, and stir to coat meat with flour mixture. Stir in the garlic, bay leaf, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, onion, beef broth, potatoes, carrots, and celery.

Cover, and cook on Low setting for 10 to 12 hours, or on High setting for 4 to 6 hours.

Make Something Monday ... French Toast .. Yummy

Last Monday I showed you a yummy white bread I made. So for the left over this past weekend I made some french toast for the boys. It of course was super yummy and how do I know this because I got a 1/4 a piece before I had to do the dishes and pick up the rest of the house. Yup it was super yummy ... LOL. So sit back and enjoy a piece of virtual French Toast, sorry no holding the butter or syrup here ;).

All the yummy stuff to start.

Yes you counted right 8 eggs
Add milk (no need to measure)

Add Nutmeg

Add Cinnamon & Sugar (yup it comes all ready mixed)

Add Vanilla

Nice think slices of bread
Helper dunking the bread in the egg mix
Put on the hot griddle
Here it is. Yes that is the kids plate ... LOL

Shelf Reliance GIVEAWAY!!!! (CLOSED)

GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED!

I'm so excited about this giveaway, ok yes I was more excited I got to try out the Shelf Reliance Cansolidator ... but you get the chance to WIN one too! Since I've been doing more cooking at home I have become a can queen. It seems that more and more recipes call for a cans of corn, green beans or cream of mushroom. So when ever I see it I buy it, drives Rick NUTS because our cupboards have become a death trap. I've gotten it down to a science. I open with one hand and brace for the falling of cans. Most days I escape with maybe only a bruise or two, on bad days it maybe a hurt toe where I'm hoping around like a mad woman :).

So when I saw the Shelf Reliance Cansolidator on another blogger site I knew I just had to have one! I was so excited when I got an email saying that they would like to let me try one and oh yeah one for my readers too! See I'm always thinking about you first ... yeah I was giggling on that one too! You should have seen me the day it arrived, I had it shipped to work and I actually had to take it out and show it off. It wasn't put together so I just had to explain it. The funny thing is a lady at work had just been to the canary and saw my dream one, THE PANTRY! Yes I was drooling and would be in kitchen heaven if I ever got that one!

They even have one for pet lovers. When I we had cats before I told the kids I'm not taking care of anymore animals (that was before the fish were snuck in). We had cats and I use to have the same problem with the can food being everywhere. Yes when I shop I shop, I can't help myself if it's on sale I buy a bunch. Who cares about how you will store it ... LOL. Check out the Cansolidator Pet it would make my life so much easier back in the day.

Just to drool a little check out the THE PANTRY that I am dying to get (just see the picture below of my pantry and you'll so understand!). I am excited to say Rick liked this product so much I didn't even have to ask if I could get another one. After putting it together and rearranging my cabinets he said to me I need one more! Mind you it was 11:30pm at night and I had to ask him I heard him right, and he looked at me like the kids do. I really need to see if that third eye is there! Now some of you are going 11:30pm? Yes Rick worked late came home and saw my new Cansolidator, being the OCD king he is and hates clutter he immediately took it out of the box put it together and redid our cupboards! He made me stay up with him, ya fine for him who doesn't work until 11am, not so cool for me when I get up at 6am. But after I was done I was so excited I didn't care about the time! So check it out girls, you know you want it! Even if you don't win they are so reasonable and awesome you'll have to buy one ... heck I'm even getting one more!!!

BUY IT: Cansolidator @ Shelf Reliance Currently the Cansolidator Pantry is on sale for $37.99 it holds 40 CANS!!! And here is a coupon also!!! Use the code: Save15 for an extra 15% off!

WIN IT: Head over to Shelf Reliance and tell me another product you like of theirs (one not mentioned above). It's so easy and you might even find something you can't live with out!

Want so EXTRA Entries (Make sure to Leave SEPARATE comments for EACH):

For THREE (3) Extra Entries go to http://shelfreliance.com/pages/fanatic and sign up for their emails. Now don't worry you'll only get 1 a month, they are very nice and DON'T want to overload people with emails. Trust me I'm on it and have only gotten the one a month! And who doesn't want an email with deals and coupons!

For TWO (2) Extra Entries go to http://shelfreliance.com/pages/fanatic and grab one of their blog buttons! (Just let me know where to find it)

For ONE (1) Extra Entry be a follower. (Current followers of course count)

For TWO (2) Extra Entries have my button up.

For ONE (1) Extra Entry tell me a funny story about your cupboard or pantry!

Giveaway goes thru Sunday, May 17th 2009 @ 11:59PST.

And for fun check out my pictures of Rick rearranging my cupboard. What I said he made me stay up I didn't have to help :).

Rick setting up my new Cansolidator

He did it so quick I didn't get a pre built pic.

Up close of how to put a can in.
Can in! The 3 sides (Left) fit regular size cans.
1 side (right) fits soup cans ie Mushroom Soup
yup I told you it was a death trap!
Yes a few items fell on me!
Rick found my cupboard that I was using isn't a regular side.
So some quick rearranging and above the microwave cabinet we went.
What is left over!
I know I buy way too much stuff.
Yes that means I get one more Cansolidator!!
My rearrange cupboard above the microwave.

Now to tackle THE PANTRY

Please fairy Godmother bring me a THE PANTRY

* UPDATE!!! - 3 EXTRA ENTRIES FOR SUBSCRIBING VIA FEED BURNER. Make sure to leave 3 separate comments!!

Skoy Cloth Giveaway - Winners!!!

Hi Everyone,

I'm so sorry I'm behind on this! With Cole's party and then this week I've been going 100 miles a minute! So I must appologize for the late post of the winners! So without further ado here it is! Winners have been emailed and have 48 hours to email me back, if I don't here from them I'll have to redraw and we all know how quick I am with that so let's hope they email me ... LOL.

2 winners are: (insert drum roll here!!!)

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
18
24
Timestamp: 2009-05-01 22:22:19 UTC

1st winner of a 4-pack Mixed colors with flower print is:

Simply AnonyMom said...
I have your button (1)
April 11, 2009 2:37 18

Amy said...
I like the four pack that are mixed colors with insiprational text. They are so cute. (smiles, spirit, &fun)
April 11, 2009 2:49 PM 24
Not sure I want to give it to here ... LOL she won that swing set! Yes that amazing HUGE swing set she won it. Isn't that enough winning ... LOL just playing I love my girl!

Thanks everyone for playing along! Now tomorrow I have a AWESOME giveaway going on I'm saying you all MUST come by and leave me comments. Really this one is awesome and it's perfect for a mom's day present to yourself!!!! Come back tomorrow AM!!!

Ecostore USA Review

I am so lucky and had the chance to review amazing products on Ecostore USA that are plant-based household cleaning products, and body and baby care that are so gentle on your skin and are simply beautiful to use. No truer words have been written or spoken. When I saw these products on several other sites I just had to get my hands on them. And hello wouldn't you too, just check out their banner on their website doesn't it just make you want to be a part of it? My same thoughts! The people at the Ecostore USA are the friendliest people you will ever met. And get this they have FREE shipping on all order $25 or more, I know what a deal!


Just check out the Ecostore USA and their amazing products! We are all trying to do better and be more earth friendly, but most of those products smell funny or don't really clean everything. You know this skeptic girl I went to town on my hands and knees (Yes Rick had to pull me back up off the floor) washing the lovely little treats the boys leave me. It's a wonder we don't have rats (*knock on wood) that's another story in itself!

The Citrus Spray Cleaner blew me away how clean it got the floor and how nice it smelled! At $9.00 for 17 fl oz and $7.00 for a refill you just can't beat it! We all want to be more earth friendly, well here is your chance to do it and still be happy with cleaning! I know I'm so not a cleaner but as I said the rats wouldn't be a pleasant experience either!

The second product I got to try was the Laundry Powder that smelled amazing and actually cleaned the clothes awesome! Now I must confess I haven't used powder laundry soap in years because of a nasty residue that was left by others. I was so happy to find when I pulled the clothes out of the washer they didn't have that silk film on them. Their Laundry Powder consists of simple mineral salts and plant-based ingredients. Its natural lemon fragrance will not harm or irritate the skin.

They were so sweet and even sent me two products to try on the boys, I'm telling you they are an amazing company you must check them out!!! The products we tried for the boys was the Baby Nappy Balm , that ever time I see the name makes me giggle ... I know I'm such a dork, but that's great because I will never forget the name to tell people about it. Sorry no pics of me using the nappy balm since the Caden's butt on here may get me in trouble. You'll have to take my world that the poor little guy had a bad rash for sometime and it cleared it right up. My daycare lady was so impressed and asked to use it on the little one their. Yup I convert everyone!

My next favorite product that I tried on the boys was the Baby Sleepytime Bath smelled so good I wanted to take a nap with the boys, but then I remembered the laundry! The Baby Sleepytime Bath is an aromatherapy blend of Lavender and Geranium will help your little one fall into a relaxed, calm sleep. It's so easy it tells you to use just use one capful in the bathwater, it's amazing that little amount but really that is all you need. The thing I like the best is NO NASTY CHEMICALS are used in the SleepyTime bath and this helps keep the planet’s water pure and safe. I'm going to convert you all, because these is just too good to pass up!

Head over to Ecostore USA and check out all their amazing products and heck all the cute pictures that go along with it. I'm telling you if their banner doesn't make you giggle then you need to take a Baby Sleepytime Bath and come back :).

Check it out I even took pictures of me and of course my helper that loves to clean with momma. See happy boy with a happy bum ;)

On the floor I go to clean

On to the laundry

Just one small scoop cleans a whole load!

Poor that scoop in!
Yup bye bye (move over) liquid soap you have been replaced!

Check out the suds, see I told you it was good!

Nappy Balm!

Still giggling :)

My helper while I'm cleaning the floor

Floor Clean and helper is done too!

My thanks to Ecostore USA for allowing me try these wonderful products! I had so much fun reviewing and trying them all!

Protect a Bed Mattress Protector Review

I had the opportunity to try out a new mattress protector from Protect a Bed! It was so nice to get something for me, well let's be honest the whole family will use it since the kids kids keep invading my bed sometime during the night. And with the seasons changing and all us of sniffling with all this pollen flying thru the air. I was so excited to try a product that one products the bed and helps prevent the spread of bacteria and dust mites from breeding in your pillow and mattress (now doesn't that just give you the ebby jebbies?).

Usually in my life timing is everything and in my world it happens after I need it. Yup timing! I'm so excited to say this time timing was on my side. I got my new Protect a Bed mattress protector yesterday, as soon as I get home I took off the sheets and put it on. Thank the lord I did because Caden has been having bad nights with allergies and teeth coming in and keeps coming into our bed at night time. Well last night one soaked diaper that leaked on to my brand new Protect a Bed, yes I had a little freak out. I even woke Rick up and told him to get up, yes I'm that mean! I stripped the bed and threw it in the wash, so I could tumble dry it before leaving for work. To my surprise the Protect a Bed mattress protector held up and turned out just like new! And get this my memory form that was below it was saved and didn't get a drop of the overflow diaper!!

You MUST check out Protect a Bed website and check out all their amazing products! They have a crib mattress I have to by for Caden's crib, let's hope soon he may actually sleep in it all night long.

Check out some great pictures of my bed, yes I actually threw the clothes out of the pictures!

Protect a Bed in the package!

Taking it out of the package!

Yes I was SUPER excited!!

Unfold it and see this is the inside that protects your bed.
Look my other cover leaves these crazy little balls everywhere!
Every time I wash it, I'm picking these up EVERWHERE!!!

Check out my bed!
Yes I actually jumped on it!
What the kids didn't see!

I leave you with some more fun facts I know you're thinking! I know you all so well, so check it out:

• Protect-A-Bed® Premium Mattress Protectors Are:
• Guaranteed to moderate temperature and enhance sleeping comfort
• Waterproof yet air vapor porous - acting the same way as human skin
• Effective in preventing bacteria and dust mites from breeding in your pillow and mattress (a major cause of asthma, eczema and rhinitis)
• Protects mattresses from stains (accidental spills, perspiration, bodily fluids)
• Machine washable on hot, tumble dry medium
• Especially helpful in cases of incontinence
• Ultra thin with four-way stretch does not detract from the comfort of the mattress
• Can be used on all visco elastic, inner spring and latex mattresses
• Fitted-sheet style
• Expandable skirt ensures mattress protector fits any depth of mattress (8" to 20")
• Wash durability rating: > 200 washes
• Soft and super absorbent
• Can be sterilized at 121° C/250° F
• Tested for harmful substances according to Oeko-Tex Standard 100

And you know me I'm always giving you the extra treats!!! Check this out, you can enter but you know I'm going to win ... Just playing, I know I'm cracking myself up too! I wanted to let you know about two cool promotions Protect-A-Bed currently has going on. (I wanted to let you know I didn't have to let you know these ... LOL just playing ... Love you all)

• $300 BlogHer Scholarship Giveaway – Protect-a-Bed partnered with Kim from What’s That Smell & Allyson at 3Ps in a Pod to give away a $300 scholarship towards BlogHer. Entering is easy and you can use the money however you want towards your trip this July. This ends May 6th.
• Mother’s Day is next Sunday and to celebrate, all next week Protect a Bed will be running a Breakfast AND Bed promotion on Twitter. Protect a Bed partnered with Mattress Giant and we’ll be giving one lucky Tweeter just over $1,000 worth of bedding products including (Yes I said $1,000 worth of bedding! A dream giveaway ... literally):

* Set of Dreamfit sheets

* Two Natura pillows

* AllerZip Mattress Encasement

* Two AllerZip Pillow Protectors

* $40 Dining Gift card

To enter, just Tweet (or retweet) the following between Monday,
May 4 – Friday, May 8th at Noon (EST) “RT & follow to win
breakfast AND $1000 in bedding from @Protect_A_Bed & @Mattress_Giant for
Mother’s Day! Through May 8th #PAB” The big winner will be announced by 5pm
(EST) later that day so you can share the good news with Mom (or yourself!) on
Mother’s Day.