The Best Cream Corn Ever!

I love corn, as do my children and my husband. I could eat that sweet, yellow, goodness any way: grilled on the cob, cold in a salad, with salt and pepper straight from the microwave, but as the holiday's draw nearer, I start to crave the smooth sweetness of Cream Corn!  This is a dish, that was introduced to me by my mother-in-law ; and I love love love it!!! The other great thing about this cream corn is, it's so easy and almost better the next day (great leftovers)!! You will definitely find this dish at our Thanksgiving Dinner! Confession: I usually make a double batch when, just so we can eat it for a few days... I have even been known to heat it up and eat it for a snack... Yes it is THAT GOOD!!

Cream Corn

• 24oz. Frozen Kernel Corn
• 4Tbs. Butter
• 3Tbs. Flour
• 1 c. heavy cream
• 2 Tbs. sugar
• salt
• pepper

1. Heat corn according to package directions. (Hint: I usually use the microwave(keeps my burners open for other dishes) and you don't actually have to add any water, I never do)
2. In a saucepan, melt butter.
3. Whisk in the flour to make a rue.
4. Whisk in cream and sugar on medium heat, until thick gravy forms.
5. Stir gravy and corn together.
6. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve.

Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley, or mint.

MY HUSBAND ROCKS!!

Now, just for fun, I saw this little tag on someones blog and thought it fit well w/ My Husband Rocks, so here it goes!

Where did you meet? We met @ Lubbock Christian University (Go Chaps!!) We actually met about 3 times before it actually stuck, obviously we didn't make that big of an impression on each other. 

How long did you date b/f you were married? 9 Months

What does he do that surprises you? His humor constantly surprises me. He is always throwing out the funniest things, they always take me back at first and then I can't stop laughing.

What is your favorite quality of his? His integrity. He is just a very trustworthy, loyal, and honest.

What is your favorite feature of his? ooohh, that a toughie...I love that he is so tall. but his eyes and smile make me melt!

Does he have a nickname for you?  We call each other "babe", Nothing too cutesie... That's just not how we roll. :)

What is his favorite food?  He really likes... hmmm. I don't know if there is an all time favorite. He's very easy to cook for!!! :)

What is his favorite sport? basketballl....although I think he likes them all!

When and where was your first kiss? In front of his apartment, he was walking me to my car... 

What do you like to do together? Everything. We really enjoy being together. A lot of our dates are spent at Barnes and Noble. We do love exploring the books there.

Do you have any children? 3 boys

Does he have a hidden talent? Are you kidding? I can't share any hidden talents.. Then they wouldn't be hidden!

Who said "I love you" first? Ha! I did. Michael and I had been friends for a while before we started dating, and I knew before we started dating that I loved him... I told him on our 2nd date! I just couldn't hold it in! I was so glad when He responded with "I love you, too" :)

What is his favorite type of music? He has pretty broad taste. I don't think I could say his favorite!

What do you admire most about him? He really has so much wisdom. The way he is able to step outside of situations and really think them through is amazing to me! We have been married 8 years and I learn something from him everyday.

Do you think he will read this? There is no doubt!  He knows this blog means a lot to me and he is so supportive in all I do! See the unselfishness, and loyalty... He is amazing!!

Christmas Toy Review - Little Tikes Easy Store Picnic Table

Sweet Cade and Sally Dog.. Cuddling and Enjoying the backyard view.

So with Christmas right around the corner, My hubby and I have started our  search for those things that our kids will actually play with long term! Not just that toy that gets played with and then tossed aside... I know that many of you are in the same place. Money is tight, so we all want to make those purchases count. I thought I would take this opportunity to share with all of you some of the toys that know for a fact kids (my kids) use and love! So over the next several weeks I will be reviewing on of our toys each Thursday. Please feel free to comment on any toys you would like to know more about or if you have an idea for a review. Also, please feel free to click the Amazon link to find more reviews, specifics on dimensions, or for any of your Holiday Purchases!

Christmas Toy Review #1:  Little Tikes Easy Store Large Picnic Table

We have owned the Little Tikes Easy Store Large Picnic Table for about a year and a half, and I have to say it was some of the best money we have ever spent on a toy!! We literally use this toy every single day.

My favorite Things about this Table:

•  Sturdy design:  Holds up well to the wiggling, climbing, banging, and jumping that my three boys and the dog dish out! There is not a dent, scratch, or ding in this table. And please take my word when I say,"we are rough on this table!"
• Cleans easily:  Because it is made solely of hard plastic, I can take this table out in the yard and scrub it down and hose it off. (I do this almost weekly) But I also wipe it often with cleaners, no sign of wear!
• Versatile:  We have many different uses for this table. It is our craft/snack table during school time,  dinner table on Fridays, and general play area the rest of the time. Oh and the dog uses it to climb on and stare out the window, when she needs to go out... Don't worry we clean it often, remember it cleans easily!
• Light Weight:  Like I said before, we use it often and everywhere. So it is important that it moves easily!! It is so simple to move from the playroom to the living room, to the backyard, Without any hassle!! The boys even move it for me sometimes.
• Raised edges: So on the table top, there is a slight raised lip around the outside edge. I can not even begin to express the amount of clean up it has saved me over the last year. It catches almost all drinks spilled, paint dripped, or glue squished. Such a great thing!

Other Positives: I also like that it can hold so many kids. We use this during gatherings to serve the kids dinner, it can hold 6 kids (1 year to 8 years) easily! It also folds flat to store away, under a bed or in the garage. But lets be real here, you are going to love this table so much you won't ever put it away.  It also comes with a cute umbrella, we never use it because our table really stays inside most of the time, but it is really cute.

Ok, so now you know this is a great table! I love it!! But there are a few things I could do without... so I better share them too.

Negatives: There is an indention in the middle of the table that contains, two cup holders and a hole to support the umbrella.  The cup holders do not hold all of our cups and a few times it has been the leading cause of a spilled drink. Thank goodness for lids!!  Also, even though the raised edge catches most of the spill and keeps it contained on the table top instead of all over the floor; some dripping will occur from the hole meant for the umbrella. Personally I would like to see a raised edge added around the indention. That's it.... nothing to keep me away from this table!!

Hope this gives you some ideas!

Bleach Alternative=Peroxide?

Bleach vs. Peroxide

For years, bleach has been my go-to cleaning supply... but I have been looking for a few budget friendly cleaning supplies for the last few months. I can't seem to get away from bleach... bleach is the epitome of germ free to me. NOTHING can live through that right! I have tried using more vinegar, but honestly I would rather smell bleach. But after I got this email I had to share, I thought this was quite interesting, and honestly had never thought of cleaning with Peroxide before. I haven't tried it for all the things listed below, but so far the ones i have used worked.  I have used Peroxide on my wooden cutting board and it has taken out onion smell; I never cut raw meat on it, so the salmonella thing didn't really apply. I have also used it to clean the bathrooms, and my mirrors did sparkle and so did the porcelain throne (even in the brothers bathroom!!); and there was no lingering smell like with bleach.

What is your go-to cleaning supply? Please share with a comment below.

"VERY interesting and inexpensive. This was written by Becky of Indiana  (a doctor's wife). The benefits of that Plain little ole bottle of 3% peroxide you can get for under $1.00 at any drug store. My husband has been in the medical field for over 36 years, and most doctors don't tell you about peroxide. Have you ever smelled bleach in a doctor's office? NO!!!


Why? Because it smells, and it is not healthy! Ask the nurses who work
in the doctor's offices, and ask them if they use bleach at home. They
are wiser and know better!

Please think about this:
1. Take one capful (the little white cap that comes with the bottle)
and hold in your mouth for 10 minutes daily, then spit it out. (I do it
when I bathe.) No more canker sores, and your teeth will be whiter
without expensive pastes. Use it instead of mouthwash.


2. Let your toothbrushes soak in a cup of peroxide to keep them free of
germs.

3. Clean your counters and table tops with peroxide to kill germs and
leave a fresh smell. Simply put a little on your dishrag when you wipe,
or spray it on the counters. 

4. After rinsing off your wooden cutting board, pour peroxide on it to
kill salmonella and other bacteria.

5. Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water and
keep it in every bathroom to disinfect without harming your septic
system like bleach or most other Disinfectants will.

6. You can also add a cup of peroxide instead of bleach to a load of
whites in your laundry to whiten them. If there is blood on clothing,
pour it directly on the soiled spot. Let it sit for a minute, then rub
it and rinse with cold water. Repeat if necessary.

7. I use peroxide to clean my mirrors. There is no smearing, which is
why I love it so much for this.

8. Another place it's great is in the bathroom, if someone has been
careless & has peed on the floor around the toilet & it's begun to
smell of urine. Just put some peroxide in a spray bottle & spray. In
the blink of any eye all the smell will be gone & the bacteria
eliminated!

I could go on and on. It is a little brown bottle no home should be
without! With prices of most necessities rising, I'm glad there's a way
to save tons of money in such a simple, healthy manner!
This information really woke me up. I hope you gain something from it,
too."

Cherry Lime Cake

So the girls are coming over for coffee? Family is coming for dinner?
Oh and you need a simple quick recipe to wow them... Here it is!
This is a to die for recipe!!!
Seriously, so easy and so worth it!

Cherry Lime Cake

By: Audra Caldwell
Blissfullydomestic.com/living-food

Game Day Face!

We are defiantly a football family! The boys are getting bigger and the realization of football is ever growing. I love to see all 4 of the boys (Michael and the brothers) sitting on the couch, cheering and examining every move the players make. So... here is my favorite Game Day Face! All I can say is whoever he is up against, better watch out!! We are out to win!

Also, a friend of mine is giving away an amazing Game Day Pack on her blog A Southern Fairytale... Check it out! 

Menu Plan Monday

A new Month and a new Menu:  I am really looking forward to this week. Looking at my calendar, it seems to be a little more laid back. (Last week got a little crazy) Which means, more time to try a few new recipe creations this week. I'll link the recipes here, if it all turns out yummy! I also have a new recipe being published at BlissfullyDomestic.com tomorrow... come back and check for the link to Cherry Lime Cake. IT IS OH SO GOOD!!!

Monday:
Breakfast Casserole & Vanilla Monkey bread

Tuesday:
Grilled Pork Chops, Mashed Potatoes, Almond Green Beans

Wednesday: Awanas
Bean & Cheese Tostadas w/ salad

Thursday:
Cheeseburger Pie, salad

Friday: Family Movie Night (Grand Prix check-in)
Frozen Pizza, popcorn, smoothies

Saturday:Grand Prix
B: Yogurt
L: Black bean quessadillas with fruit
D: Southwest Burgers with chipotle mayo and  french fries

Sunday: Small Group
B: Cereal
L: BBQ sausage, veggie dippers, rolls
D: Small Group???