Pasta Alla Formiana (Made with Veggies and Spaghetti Squash)

Pasta Alla Formiana 

with veggies and spaghetti squash

Before the oven. 

• One Jar of your favorite pasta sauce.
• Diced chicken breast
• Five cups cooked spaghetti squash.
• One Green, One Yellow, and One Red Bell Pepper. Sliced. 
• One Large Onion Sliced. 
• One Tbsp Olive Oil
• Ten Medium Tomatoes
• Pepper
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder

-Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

-Steam the peppers and onions for four minutes in a microwave steam bag.

-Grease a baking pan with cooking spray or olive oil. 

-Slice the tomatoes 1/2 an inch thick.

-Line the baking sheet with a tomato layer.

-Sprinkle a pinch of: pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder over the tomatoes.

-In a mixing bowl, combine: spaghetti squash, chicken, peppers, onions, and pasta sauce. 

-Top the layer of tomatoes with the squash and pepper mixture.  

-Top the dish with another layer of tomatoes.

-Add one tbsp of olive oil to the top of the tomato layer

-Sprinkle a pinch of: pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder over the top. 

-Put dish into the oven for one hour. 

Mother Daughter Time

Although life with five kids can be hectic at times, I try to make time for each child, one-on-one, as often as I can. Today, while the boys were otherwise occupied, I gave myself and Maddison pedicures. She's so excited to have pretty pink toes!

While we sit there, I'll ask her questions about her dollies and her teddy bear, she'll tell me stories that usually involve tattling on Wyatt in some way. 

I love my sweet, strong-willed, hard-headed, cuddly, beautiful little girl. 

Save The Date!

Photo Credit to Lisa Kunkel Photography 

http://lisakunkel.zenfolio.com/

Clean Eating

Easy Ways to Break Into Clean Eating

Starting a new way of eating can be difficult. The leap to clean eating is especially tricky as so much food is processed these days. Here are some tips that hopefully help in your journey to a healthier you!

1. Always be prepared. Lack of preparation can tempt you into grabbing a quick bite or eating whatever is on hand. BAD decision! Make sure you meal prep, snack, prep, everything PREP. 

2. Don't go all or nothing. If you give yourself an ultimatum, you will be that much more tempted to break it. Cravings can get the best of you and you find yourself elbow deep in a bag of Doritos before you snap out of your craving induced blackout. If you are craving something, have a little. Moderation is key. 

3. Eliminate refined sugars, white flour, white rice, and white bread. 

4. Drink a lot of water. Always have it readily available. 

5. Limit alcohol, no juice, no soda.

6. Eat 5 - 6 small meals a day, every 3 hours. And NEVER skip breakfast. 

7. Read every label. 

Here's a great read on decoding the nutrition label!

8. Avoid saturated and trans fat. But eat an adequate amount of healthy fats. 

Here are some ideas for clean foods:

skinless chicken breast

avocado

turkey

shrimp

tuna

salmon

almonds

walnuts

all natural peanut butter 

almond butter

veggies

fruits

berries

eggs

cottage cheese

greek yogurt

low-fat milk

mustard

oatmeal

whole wheats

brown rice

pepper

garlic

herbs

Pizza Puffs

This recipe is a big hit with my kids. It's easy and fun for them to eat!

 Pizza Puffs

You will need:

Pillsbury biscuits (makes 8)

pepperoni

2 cheddar cheese slices (cut each slice into 4 squares)

shredded mozzarella

italian seasoning

Flatten your biscuits and arrange the cheddar cheese square, pepperoni, and sprinkle with mozzarella. 

Wrap up your biscuit so it's completely enclosed. 

Place in a lightly greased cooking dish, with the folded part facing down. 

Then sprinkle with italian seasoning. 

Bake at 425 for 19 - 21 minutes. 

Wedding Inspiration

As the wedding day creeps closer, my ideas are narrowing down and taking form. He's a sneak peek at some of the inspiration for our wedding. 

50 days!

Wedding Decor Inspo

Wedding Attire Inspo

What's in This Mommy's Diaper Bag?

What are your diaper bag must haves?
News Flash: You don't have to be hauling around the entire nursery in your diaper bag.
It took me a couple kids to figure this out. I would take too many diapers, several outfits, breast milk, toys, breast pump, formula, etc etc and a separate purse for me.
To save you some time, and to save your shoulder from permanent damage, here is my list of diaper bag essentials!
1. Timi & Leslie "Charlie" Diaper Bag
2. Back up Onesie (in case of explosions or leakages)
3. Wipes
4. Soothies
5. Bottles to fill with breast milk or formula before heading out
6. Diaper Cream
7. Diapers for that cute little bum
8. Diaper Changing Pad - my Charlie bag came with this
9. Diaper Clutch for Mom's essentials - my Charlie bag came with this, it has enough space for cards, phone, chapstick, everything I specifically need.
10. Light blanket or receiving blanket