Italian sausage and bean soup recipe

I made this the other night and was so happy to find my picky kids enjoying it. 

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided use

1 pound Italian sausages, casings removed 

1 1/2 cups each chopped onion and diced carrots

1 cup chopped celery (optional)

1/4 cup each red and green bell pepper 

1/4 cup green onion

1 tablespoon garlic, minced in oil (I used powdered)

1 tablespoon of Italian-blend seasoning

5-6 cups of chicken broth 

1 can Italian styled diced tomatoes

1 can red kidney beans, drained

1 cup of pasta

Place 1 tablespoon of oil in a 6 quart heavy pot over medium-high heat; add sausage and cook, breaking up into small pieces. Remove to a plate and set aside. 

Add remaining oil to the same pot. Sauté onions, carrots, bell peppers, green onion, celery, garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook 7-9 minutes or until tender; then return sausage to pot. 

Stir in broth, tomatoes and beans. Bring soup to a boil. 

If you are serving the soup soon, go ahead and add the pasta and cook until it's done. 

Enjoy!!!

Brick Fiesta

What an amazing event! We had a blast. Everything from the MOC's on display to the vendors with great things on sale.

I loved it. My kids weren't as thrilled, but only because there wasn't anything for them to play with and build with.

There were custom builders who even created war sets.

This one was a 1942 scene that was amazingly detailed. As was the following; The Hobbit Shire. 

I'm hoping to have a custom Katniss Everdeen in the mockingjay dress made. Modern Brick Warfare had some pieces they customized to more than just 3D. It looked like paint but raised up. Really cool. 

Parking was a bit crazy. The event was held in the conference room of a hotel, but with a restaraunt next door. And parking filled up rather quickly. You weren't allowed to bring outside food and some people were told to leave their strollers parked outside the doors as well. It's understandable considering the space was hard to maneuver in with so many people.  

The bathrooms were located in the hall outside the great room along with a water cooler. 

Everything was run by volunteer AFOL's. They host these events in a circuit that runs yearly. Next year should be hosted in the Houston area. So be sure and follow their page to keep up with where you can see some amazing builds! https://facebook.com/brickfiesta 

We stopped by our favorite vendor who is also a local store owner, San Antonio Plastic Bricks Inc. https://facebook.com/SanAntonioPlasticBricks

More pictures of some of my favorite builds. Air Zombie and the tools were great! 

1950's Drive In

Air Zombie

Castle with an Army

My Little Pony Castle

The huge airport where Air Zombie was. 

Awesome tool shed equipment.

Looks like Grandma, Red Riding Hood and the Woodsman lost the battle against the Wolf! 

This guy taught his son engineering skills using Lego. This device spun a huge top showing kids how speed mixed the red and blue parts to look like purple and pink parts on the side. It was interactive for my kids. 

Happy Independence Day!

First off, let me start by saying... Happy Fourth of July and Independence Day!!! Technically we actually gained our independence on the second on July as signatures were gathered, but on the fourth is when the Declaration of Independence was officially adopted. But I digress. Enjoy today's festivities! And remember what it means to be free. For all those English readers, better luck next time? And no hard feelings. We would be speaking proper English and drinking tea every afternoon had we been the ones to lose.  http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/july-4th

Anyhow... I'm awake and preparing for a full day (and then some) at our wonderful *insert sarcasm here*  retail store, at 12:37 AM. This comes after a glorious 4 or so hours of sleep as I ended up tossing and turning from a blinding light that was still shining at 8 PM. I think the Texas sun needs to go down earlier. And/or I need blackout curtains. I had to take my daughter upstairs as I found her sleeping on the couch and my husband on his recliner. 

Back to school season is in full swing for us retail employees. You aren't seeing the products roll out just yet. But next week, check the seasonal section at the back of your local Target and you should see a wide variety of supplies magically on the shelves over night. You can thank the Target fairies for that.

For my part, I'll be back stocking everything that rolls off the trucks until then. We are getting mountains of office and school as well as pallets full of supplies for your holiday party needs. Yesterday I worked a 12 hour shift, 4 AM to 4 PM exactly. Got a workout like no other. Today will probably be similar with the exception of time and a half pay! 

But the best part is what comes after my work day is over. Fun with friends as we celebrate freedom! I'll be buying key ingredients to make some heavenly brownies to bring. And it will be the kick start to a work-free weekend. 

Tomorrow I look forward to taking my family to Brick Fiesta here in San Antonio. (http://www.brickfiesta.com/) If you're a local Lego fan, you do not want to miss it! Between all the MOC's (My Own Creation's) that AFOL's (Adult Fans Of Lego's and some younger) put together for display, the vendors selling Lego products, and just an all around good time - it's worth seeing. My favorite Lego vendor will be there as well. San Antonio Plastic Bricks will be one of the first ones you should see. (http://www.sanantonioplasticbricks.com/)And probably where I'm likely to hang out if I get tired of wandering around (as if!). Check out a sneak peek at something you will see there and remember to have a wonderful weekend! Like SAPB on Facebook and see all the amazing things you could build with just a little help.https://m.facebook.com/SanAntonioPlasticBricks

Stay safe and have fun!!! 

Saunders product review via Shoplet.com

Shoplet.com is hosting another review. This time it's for office supplies from Saunders.

 The small clipboard is perfect for my husbands inventory pages.

It's portable, durable, and has a strong clip. It's also a good size for shopping lists.

I've used it to hold coupons and my list while at the store. It's made from 100% recycled/recovered materials so you are getting into the earth-friendly products zone from the USA.
The Storage Clipboard is going to be mine.

Partially because it's pink (let's show our support against breast cancer!) and my husband said absolutely not when he saw it. But this little office pal is going to help me stay organized. I can keep spare paper and pens inside while I carry it around. It's a light feeling but firm plastic. So it won't collapse as I write on it but it won't weigh me down. It snaps closed to protect the things stored inside.
Saunders is an American company that makes their products here. They employ blind folks to make some products which is a great way to include physically handicapped people in the productive fields.
The UHU glue style pen is fun.

I loved the vibrant fairy designs and colors. It also comes with a mini photo frame. I'm gluing in style! It's solvent free, so there aren't any strong odors. It sticks fast and doesn't wrinkle the paper. It comes in an ergonomic form to allow for easy carrying in a pencil case or if you're a mom - your purse. Another great thing, especially for parents, it washes out with cold water. We made a special card for my husbands dad with the kids.

They had a blast. And the mess was minimal.

Its so easy for them to handle.

There is a regular UHU glue stic as well that my kids loved using.

And my husband is thrilled with the UHU tac. These are little adhesive strips that hold things in place. He plans to put some under his desk mat and other office supplies so they can't slide when he uses them or so they don't get up and walk away anymore....

So check them out and tell me what you think is the best product! Shoplet.com offers many other products as well. They now have Medical Supplies, Office Stationary and Promotional Products to help you build your business!

Its officially SUMMER!!!

I don't about where you live, but it has been feeling summer for a little while now. Texas heat has settled heavy and dry with a strong drought. We carry water everywhere. We bring along the sunscreen because we know that sun is burning straight through us just by walking outside.
On the positive side, water parks are in full swing! Time to get out and splash with the family. I can't tell you how excited my family is to be going out some time. My kids are water babies through and through. Add some slides and wave pools... Ahh summer heaven!

I'm happy to offer you all a way to share in the fun this summer. For those of you in and around the San Antonio area, or if you are coming down for a summer vacation, you can save $5 off at Splashtown in San Antonio with this coupon!!! This is good for $5 off a child or adult admission before 4PM. Its valid for up to 6 people at a time. And it expires 9/14/14. So come on down and have fun with us! Share this deal with your friends and family. Lets keep cool.

Here is some information to plan your trip with:

Splashtown San Antonio is 20 landscaped acres of cool, clean water excitement!

Location - Just 3 minutes north of downtown San Antonio

Information - Our Family Waterpark has something fun for everyone!!!

* Over 50 Rides & Attractions
* FREE Life Jackets
* Covered Public Picnic Area
* Restaurant & Concessions
* Dive-In Movies
* Lockers for Rent
* Professionally Trained Lifeguards
* FREE Parking
* Restrooms with Shower Facilities
* Souvenir Shop
* Special Events

Sorry, NO outside food or beverage allowed in the park. No pets allowed. Swim Diapers required in park.

Splashtown Accepts Discover, Master Card, Visa, American Express and Cash.

Getting back into my routines...

Getting back in the groove...

My laziness in home life responsibilities has been showing lately. Home schooling while also working a full time job had become overwhelming to the point I wanted to just call it all quits and put them in school. My husband, who wasn't being supportive, was all for it. After all, he didn't want to take time out from what he does to help with what he deemed my responsibility. It made for quite a frustrating month. 

It came to a breaking point this past week. The conversation of divorce even entered the arena. Stress levels and migraines went through the roof as I tried to make sense of it all. I desperately grasped for moments of calm in the sea of chaos. Where did I go wrong? How do I get my feet back on solid ground? It didn't help to have someone accusing me of being all the things I strive to NOT be. Insult upon injury. 

I can't say my husband and I are getting better. But I do know I'm determined to fix my mothering issues. I've buckled down on being on a daily schedule. It's helped me catch up on what I've fallen behind in. They are enjoying the school work a little more so it's not a chore.

I'm cleaning as needed instead of all the time as a way to avoid other projects. Don't get me wrong, I'm still OCD about cleanliness. I just won't clean the same mess every couple minutes (kids toys) just so I don't have to do something else that is more important. 

I've noticed that the stress and lack of enthusiasm (depression if you will) has caused the pounds to once again pile on. Normally I'd consider it a blessing. I've gone down two pants sizes in the past three months. But considering my only workouts are those at work or cleaning at home, the excess is gathering in the middle. At work it's all weight lifting and walking. Carrying those 50 pound bags of dog food or hauling 20 pound boxes up ten foot ladders. The upper body strength is great. It's one of the things I said I'd work on this year anyhow. But it's not trimming the stomach which is building a gut. I've also gotten to where I eat simply because I'm depressed and not because I'm hungry. The things I eat aren't part of the healthy spectrum. So I'm getting back to disciplining my health. I need to set a better example for those looking up to me.

Cutting back on sweets. Limiting my portions. And working out those abs more. I've got Just Dance games for the Xbox 360 as well as the Wii. Playing them will also give me a chance to have fun with my kids. I used to be so much more energetic and fun. It's time to bring that back. 

I can't guarantee roses and sun shine every day. The daily grind and constant battles that I feel I must fight alone, often threaten to drag me down. I get my happiest moments from my children.

It's a conscious choice I have to make to get up and push back. To tell myself I can take it and more without falling. I'm not going to accept  failure and give up. It takes a lot, and I'm not alone in this scenario. I know I can't fool myself all the time. Some days I'm going to feel broken and I might even cry. I'll try to grab my journal and write the thoughts furiously flowing from head to hand in a river of emotions. Then I'll move on as if nothing is wrong. It's not always easy, but it's how I cope. And this is how I get through the difficult times. I'm getting back in the groove of accomplishments. I am going to make a better life somehow. One day at a time. For me and my kids. 

Remember this saying: "This too shall pass." No matter what it is, good or bad, it has it's limits and won't stick around forever. 

"The loneliest moment in someone’s life is when they are watching their whole world fall apart, and all they can do is stare blankly."

F. Scott Fitzgerald

Label Daddy review via US Family Guide

Time for another review! This one is in league with US Family Guide and provided by Label Daddy.

I've written about the importance of having things labeled before. You always need to have your belongings marked in a way that others know it's yours. Especially if you have children. Whether for camps, overnight trips or just to differentiate between your kids belongings and keep them from fighting... Labels are crucial! While I didn't choose actual labels this time, I still love the various sizes and packages they offer.
For my review, I chose zipper tags instead that can clip to just about anything.

Since my husband loves the Spurs and they were in the championship games, (Go Spurs, Go!) I chose to have little 'Go Spurs' ones made.

You can clip them to zippers easily. Show a little team spirit while having your name on the other side. They do not interfere with the daily use of the items they are attached to. You get a pack of 10 customizable zipper tags for $24.95. Creating my tags took just a couple minutes with the easy-to-use form.

My husband loves his. He attached one to his pool stick bag and another to his key ring.

They are sturdy little tags too. Perfect for my not-so-gentle man to take on the go. He plans to spread the Spurs fever to his friends especially since they won the Championship.

Label Daddy offers packs designed to fit your needs like the Camp Pack.

Definitely check them out! And leave me a comment about what you think about them. What is the best reason for you to consider them?