Make it a Movie Night - DVD Review by Alexis Part II

Last week seemed to be a hit so why not do it again, I'm still behind between Cole's program and the kids and oh yeah get this Rick's car is acting up. They want $110 just to look at it, and where I can get that money who knows! UGH so on to a positive, movies :). Here's a few to check out or maybe not. And no Blockbuster has not given me anything for this it's my own thoughts and I pay for the service. Just don't contact their customer service you won't like it!

The Blind Side

Based on the true story of Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy who take in a homeless teenage African-American, Michael "Big Mike" Oher. Michael has no idea who is father is and his mother is a crack head. Michael has had little formal education and few skills to help him learn. Leigh Anne soon takes charge however, as is her nature, ensuring that the young man has every opportunity to succeed. When he expresses an interest in football, she goes all out to help him, including giving the coach a few ideas on how best to use Michael's skills. They not only provide him with a loving home, but hire a tutor to help him improve his grades to the point where he would qualify for an NCAA Division I athletic scholarship. Michael Oher was the first-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in the 2009 NFL draft. Written by garykmcd

ALEXIS REVIEW: We LOVED this movie Target had it on sale for $14.99 so I picked it up. We've already watched it a few times. Sandra rocked that role and ok I'm not a country fan so I so didn't know that was Tim McGraw. As you know I'm a sucker for a true story and Rick use to play football for San Diego State so he's all about football. Cole of course loved it too, he's like daddy and loves football. I say not only buy this movie buy it! Yes that if 4 stars ++ it's that good!

The Box (2009)

Norma and Arthur Lewis, a suburban couple with a young child, receive a simple wooden box as a gift, which bears fatal and irrevocable consequences. A mysterious stranger, delivers the message that the box promises to bestow upon its owner $1 million with the press of a button. But, pressing this button will simultaneously cause the death of another human being somewhere in the world; someone they don't know. With just 24 hours to have the box in their possession, Norma and Arthur find themselves in the cross-hairs of a startling moral dilemma and must face the true nature of their humanity. Written byWarner Bros. Pictures

ALEXIS REVIEW: Sorry guys I love Cameron Diaz but she has to stick to a funny role she rocks it. This movie was just plain crazy, but I guess it shows you what greed will do! In the end it will always come back in bite you! 2 Stars and that is being nice :).

The Time Traveler's Wife (2009)

What Blockbuster says:

A Chicago librarian suffers from a rare genetic disorder that sends him hurtling through time whenever he is under extreme duress; despite the fact that he vanishes at inordinately frequent and lengthy intervals, he attempts to build a stable future with the beautiful young heiress he loves. Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams star in this dramatic fantasy, which is directed by Robert Schwentke and based on the best-selling book by author Audrey Niffenegger. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

ALEXIS REVIEW: I so wanted to love this movie I've heard such amazing things about the book that I just had to have a good review for the movie right? Sorry I found it boring and a little silly, I could not even sit threw it I ended up walking around and doing house stuff. 2 1/2 stars just because it had a good bases just someone didn't get it right on the screen.

Whip It! (2009)

What Blockbuster says:

Drew Barrymore makes her directorial debut with Whip It!, the story of an ex-beauty pageant contestant named Bliss (played by Juno's Ellen Page) who leaves her crowns behind after joining a roller-derby team. While her mother would prefer that Bliss unlace her skates and step back before the judges, the rebellious teen instead seeks the wisdom of rowdy mentor Malice in Wonderland (Kristen Wiig) in learning the tricks of the circuit track. The Mandate Pictures production was written by roller derby star-turned-screenwriter Shauna Cross. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, All Movie Guide

ALEXIS REVIEW: So loved this movie as you know I love Drew Barrymore and I think she did a kick butt job at directing! Ellen page did a great job in this role, I loved how it was such a positive role that she can be anything she wants and her daddy made me cry too! Juliette Lewis made the role of an old age skater to the right point! Jimmy Fallon was great in his role too, it's a fun movie you wold love it! It's a one time watch for me, but it was worth it!!

Hope you all have a wonderful Thursday! Love to know if you like any of yours or if you plan on seeing any of them!

WWW ~ Sleepy ones, Thank Yous, Long Lost Friends & Easter Nest Cookies

Yet another fun weekend here, well it was actually a little slower. I was so exhausted that I just hang out around the house. I've picked up the extra shift so I'm working Sundays also. Sunday's are a little tricky for sleep ... lol. Saturday I work at 6am - 9ish (this weekend a little after 10am), then Saturday night 11:30p to 2:00am and now insert Sunday 6am to 8:30ish. I even got in a quick work out before Church, sorry pastor that I was nodding off didn't mean too! After that it was grocery shopping and even a visit with a friend from High School that I haven't seen since I was PG with Caden! I really meant to take a nap or go to bed early ... LOL

On a prayer request Rick's had 1 interview that called him back for a 2nd interview, sad point it's part time :(, no benefits which currently covers me and the boys ... ugh! Right now I'm down $600 a month so I guess I'll take it and hope it turns to more? And look into health care out of my pocket .. ugh again!

Hugs everyone thanks for all your kind words and prayers!

While Rick worked on the doors again we put the boys in bed together!

Caden even gave Cole a hug in his sleep!

Caden's Week, he's missing daycare!

Try on brothers shoes and run around half naked.

Line up cars and trains for the "Car Show"

And Cole lined up the fridge magnetics for a "house"

Yes they are OCD like me :)

Cole made a super sweet picture and letter for my bosses

Thanking them for his Birthday Party

I sent some gifts with the picture.

My boss sent me these cute pics:

The loot pic .. lol

And yummy fruit Salad with the bunny marshmallows I sent.

Look even the Monkey Bank I sent is making an appearance.

I had the chance to meet up with my good friend Laurie

We met on the last night of Business Week my Junior Yr in H.S.

We've been friends since, we don't get to see each other that often.

Note to self taking a picture of yourself wasn't the cutest pose.

And of course a recipe!

I made these for the neighbors, don't they look cute!

A great idea for Easter.

Easter Nest Cookies

Easter Nest Cookies

1	pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® sugarcookie mix
1	tablespoon Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
1/3	cup butter or margarine, softened
1	egg
1	container (12 oz) Betty Crocker® Whipped fluffy white frosting
1	cup flaked coconut
	Food color
	Jelly beans

1.	Heat oven to 375° F. In medium bowl, stir cookie mix, flour, butter and egg until dough forms.
2.	Shape dough into 24 (2-inch) balls. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
3.	Bake 7 to 9 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. Cool 1 minute; remove to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 15 minutes.
4.	Frost cookies. Add coconut to a 1-quart resealable food-storage plastic bag. Add 2 to 3 drops food color, shaking bag to blend color. It may be necessary to add 1 to 2 teaspoons water to help disperse the color evenly or additional food color until desired color is reached.
5.	Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon coconut onto each cookie. Top with jelly beans

TMTT & Crockpot Wednesday ~ Pork Three Ways

Pork was on sale so that what was on the menu at our house... lol. I'm still on the mission to have a different meal each night. So hold on (sorry you non-pork eaters) you'll love these recipes they were easy as you know my moto, Quick, Easy and Yummy!!! Enjoy I hope you all love them!

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Panko Pork Tenderloin with Roasted New Potatoes

Panko Pork Tenderloin with Roasted New Potatoes

Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 45 minutes

1 1/2	pounds pork tenderloin
2	pounds small new potatoes
1/4	cup butter, melted
2	teaspoons garlic, minced
	coarse salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1/2	cup panko bread crumbs
2	tablespoons olive oil
1	teaspoon dried basil
1	teaspoon dried thyme
2	tablespoons Italian parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

[1] Using a potato peeler, peel a 1 inch strip around center of each potato. In a large bowl, combine potatoes with melted butter, garlic and salt and pepper, tossing gently to coat. Place potatoes on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes.

[2] While potatoes bake, in a shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs, olive oil, basil, thyme and parsley. Moisten tenderloin with water and roll in breadcrumb mixture, pressing to help adhere.

[3] When potatoes have baked for 20 minutes, place tenderloin on baking sheet with them and continue baking until potatoes are tender and a meat thermometer inserted into thickest portion of tenderloins registers 160 degrees, about 25 more minutes. Sprinkle potatoes with parsley and serve with sliced tenderloins.

I used what pork I bought on sale, I'm not picky and I used red potatoes instead of new potatoes. I say use what you have!

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Next I had a can of cranberry I wanted to use up so I searched and tada found this recipe.

Country Style Ribs with Cranberry Relish

Country Style Ribs with Cranberry Relish

Ingredients:

• 1 to 1 1/2 pounds boneless pork ribs, country-style
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 cup apple juice
• 1/2 cup cranberry relish
• 1 tablespoon balsamic or cider vinegar
• salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation:

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

In a food storage bag, toss the ribs with flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

Cook ribs in hot oil for 5 minutes; turn, add onions to the pan, and cook for 5 minutes longer. Combine apple juice, cranberry relish, and vinegar; pour over pork. Cover the pan, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 25 minutes, depending on thickness of the pork, until pork is cooked through. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Serve pork with sauce. Serves 4 to 6.

ALEXIS NOTE: I didn't have relish so I used my can of cranberry sauce, turned out just fine! I served mine with asparagus.

Thanks to http://southernfood.about.com/od/countrystyleribs/r/bl61031c.htm

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And with my left over cranberry I whipped this up and put it in the refrigerator for the next night!

Cranberry Apricot Pork Roast- Crock Pot

Cranberry Apricot Pork Roast- Crock Pot

Ingredients:
Time: 10 minutes prep, 6-8 cook Difficulty: Easy Serving Size: 8	1 can (16 oz) whole-berry cranberry sauce 1 medium onion, chopped 1 can (5.5 oz) apricot nectar (roughly 1/2 cup) *Make sure you purchase "nectar" 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup coarsely chopped dried apricots 2 tsp cider or distilled white vinegar 1 tsp dry mustard 1 tsp salt 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper One 2 1/2 lb boneless pork loin roast, well trimmed.

Instructions:

Mix all ingredients except pork in a 3 qt. or larger slow cooker. Add pork. Spoon some cranberry mixture over the top (Can be done the night before and refrigerated in removable crock) Cover and cook on Low 6-8 hours, or until pork is tender. Remove pork to cutting board and slice. Spoon fat off sauce; serve sauce with pork.

I found this one on: http://www.connectedmoms.com/showthread.php?t=27709

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MSM ~ Chicken Dish 3 Ways (Relish Recipes)

Wow it's Monday? Time sure flies when you're having fun, I guess that is what we call it ... lol! I'm sorry I've been a bad bloggy friend these days, hoping it slows down soon. I have been doing a lot of cooking so today I thought I'd bring you chicken three ways. Hope you like one or all of them! Enjoy!

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Fettuccini

Prep time: 30 minutes

12	ounces fettuccini
4	boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4	cup butter
1	teaspoon garlic, minced
1/2	teaspoon black pepper
1	bunch broccoli, cut into florets and chopped
1	cup sour cream
2	cups heavy whipping cream
1	cup half-and-half
3/4	cup shredded mozzarella cheese
3/4	cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2	teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

[1] Cook Fettuccini until cooked through but still firm to the bite, drain, and set aside. Wash, drain and chop fresh broccoli. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Heat butter, garlic and ground black pepper in a large skillet over medium heat. When the skillet is hot, add the chicken and broccoli to the skillet. Cook and stir until the meat is no longer pink in the center, about 8-10 minutes.

[2] Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken and broccoli and toss to mix. Remove the skillet from heat and allow to cool. When cooled, sprinkle the grated cheeses over the chicken and broccoli and toss to mix well.
Combine the sour cream, whipping cream, and half and half together in a separate bowl.

[3] Spray a casserole dish(s) with cooking spray. Layer the pasta on the bottom of the pan, top with the chicken mixture and top with the cream mixture.

[4] Sprinkle with crushed red pepper. Cover tightly with foil, affix the cooking label and place in the freezer.

This was a freezer one, but I just made it the same night.

Chicken Quesadilla Pie

Prep time: 25 minutes

4	boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1	10-ounce can red enchilada sauce
1/4	cup heavy whipping cream
4	8-inch flour tortillas
2	cups Monterey Jack cheese, plus 1/4 cup for the top
1/2	red onion , finely chopped
1	15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed

[1] Heat oven to 350 degrees. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through. Let cool and finely chop.

[2] In a small bowl, combine the enchilada sauce and cream. Spoon 1/4 cup of the sauce mixture into the bottom of a shallow 2-quart casserole. Top with 1 tortilla and a third each of the cheese, chicken, onion, and black beans. Repeat twice to form a total of 3 layers. Top with the remaining tortilla, sauce mixture, and cheese. Cover tightly with foil, affix the cooking label and place flat in the freezer.

Another one that was a freezer, but I made it the same night. Again used my whole wheat tortillas, they are great.

And last but not least my favorite!

Chicken Tortellini Soup

Prep and cook time: 20 minutes

3/4	boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2	teaspoons olive oil
3	garlic clove(s), minced
3 1/2	cups chicken broth
16	ounces sliced button mushrooms
1 3/4	cups water
2	carrots , peeled and cut into matchstick strips
2	cups fresh spinach
1	teaspoon dried tarragon
1	9-ounce package fresh cheese tortellini

[1] Rinse chicken and pat dry. Cut the chicken into 3/4-inch cubes. In a large stockpot heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook and stir chicken and garlic for 5 to 6 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Stir in chicken broth, mushrooms, water, carrots, spinach, and tarragon.

[2] Bring mixture to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 2 minutes. Let soup cool and transfer to large, plastic container. Using packing tape affix the cooking label and lay flat in the freezer.

[3] Attach extra label to tortellini and place in freezer.

Yes another freezer one I made that night. I have a very small freezer, so not much room for meals.

Happy Monday everyone, let's hope this one brings lot's of smiles and Rick a job :). Hugs!

This One Is Mine Book Giveaway (3 Winners)

Ready to laugh out loud? I have found the perfect book that had me giggling on the elliptical at the gym. See and you think the crazies are around me when it's really me ... lol. Now I must say the beginning was a little slow but once you get into you will love it. Maria Semple has a great writing style that is a cross between comic and real life choices that we make that drive us nuts later on.

You ever feel trapped in your day to day life? I know at times I have felt like this now I don't have the life of luxury Violet Parry does in . But we all know that feeling and that look at your life. During this book Violet is in a bathroom stall eating chocolate (mind you it's $300 piece of chocolate) but I've been there not feeling good about yourself and hiding somewhere eating things that are so bad for me.

Violet is married to David a Rock and Roll manager who is cool and distant and treat Violet as his live in maid and servant and most times not even listen to her. Her small glimmer of hope is her daughter Dot. Violet has just lost herself along the way. That is until she meets Teddy Reyes, a small time bass player. What starts out as a ride and offering to fix his car, turns into Violet finding herself. In the process she may be risking a lot more than she ever imagined. Then you add into the mix Davids sister Sally who will let nothing stand in her way to find a successful husband.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

This One Is Mine

by Maria Semple

Thank you to Hachette Book Group for another great book!

BUY IT:

This One Is Mine

for $14.99 or on sale on Amazon for $10.79 or on Kindle for $9.17

WIN IT: Hachette Book Group has offered 3 of my readers a copy of This One Is Mine

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I was not paid for this review these are my opinions and experiences, I received products to try and to tell how I liked them. No monetary or any other form of compensation was given to me. I review products free of charge to give my experience and opinion.