Macaroni and Cheese Pie - Easy One Dish Dinner

Ingredients:
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup uncooked macaroni (I used small shells)
1/2 cup all purpose baking mix
2 1/4 cups milk
2 eggs
1/4 cup diced onion
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Directions:
1.  Heat oven 375F.
2.  Spray 9" glass pie plate with non-stick cooking spray.
3.  Place uncooked noodles in pie plate.
4.  Spread 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese over the top.
5.  In a separate bowl, combine remaining ingredients until blended.
6.  Pour mixture into pie plate.
7.  Spray s sheet of foil with non-stick cooking spray and cover. 
8.  Bake for 40 minutes.  Remove cover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
9.  Spread remaining cheese over top and cook for additional 10 minutes.
10.  Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.


Enjoy!

Next time I am going to try some different add-ins, chopped broccoli or diced ham would probably work well!

Check Out Our Spring Break Vacation!

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Spending the Day at Sea World - Orlando

On our recent family vacation to Orlando, we spent a day at Sea World.  It had been about 6 years since the last time we were there.  All in all in was a fun day for every one.  We took our 3 kids with us ages 8, 5, and 21 months. 

We arrived at the park around 9:30, parking was easy ($17) and it was a short walk to the main entrance.  We were using a stroller we had rented for the week from Simple Stroller Rentals!  I got an amazing deal on tickets, only paid $50 per person for a weekday ticket.  The baby was free which was a bonus!

We were right on time for the 10 am Blue Horizons show.  This unique, theatrical spectacular features dolphins, tropical birds and acrobats and all three of my kids were intrigued by the show!  Next my oldest son and husband braved Journey to Atlantis, it was a quick 20 minute wait!  While they were riding, I visited the Manta Aquarium and gift shop inside the Atlantis.  Next we waited for Antarctica:  Empire of the Penguin.  I was truly AMAZED by this ride and exhibit.  It was a 45 minute wait, but worth every minute of it, I wish we could have gone again!  It was a great family ride we could all enjoy together!

Right before lunch, we were able to see Clyde and Seamore Take Pirate Island.  This has always been my favorite show at SeaWorld!  I find it hilarious (my kids did too)!

After lunch we went to the Shark Encounter, rode the flamingo paddle boats, visited Shamu's Happy Harbor, and the Wild Arctic Ride.  We finished our day with the 5 pm show of One Ocean.  This show was definitely different than I had seen in the past.  The trainers no longer go into the water with Shamu and the other whales, but there is a lot of music, dancing, and water (you may get wet in the Splash Zone)! 

 

We left the park a little after 5:30, grabbed some dinner and headed back to our condo for a evening swim.  A perfect ending to a perfect day.  I cannot wait to take the kids back again in the few years!

Purex Crystals Dryer Sheets - A Review and GIveaway

I was so excited when I heard Purex Crystals has new dryer sheets!  I love Purex products and dryer sheets was never an option before!  I got the opportunity to try out Purex Crystals Dryer Sheers Lavender Blossom!

 

 

Purex Crystals Dryer Sheets don't just reduce static cling and leave your Family's laundry soft and smelling fresh, they can also keep your whole house smelling fresh!  They provide 30 days of a long-lasting fresh scent and repel pet hair and lint.  I added them to my Purex lineup for doing laundry!

 

 

My clothes came out of the dryer smelling amazing with no static cling!   Days later, when you pull them out of your closet or drawer, I could still smell the freshness. 

 

Want to try them for yourself?  Three Spend Less 2 Save More readers will receive a free coupon! 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Purex brand provided me with a sample of Purex Crystals Dryer Sheets in exchange for a product review.  However, all the opinions expressed here are my own.

Happy Mother's Day

It's certainly not the easiest "job", but it is definitely the best "job"!  My kids teach me so much each day and I'm still learning how to be the best Mom I can be.  My favorite part of being a Mom, is giving my kids all the opportunities I can and to re-live all the fun memories I had as a child through their eyes!

Happy Mother's Day!

Coobie Seamless Bras - A Review

Recently, I had the opportunity to try Coobie Seamless Bras.  The two bras I was given the opportunity to try out were the Full Size Scoopneck and Full Size Vneck.

 

Coobie Seamless Bras come in two sizes from One Size (fits almost every body 32A to 36B) and a Full Size (fits sizes 38A to 42DD).  The bras come in 50 different colors and multiple different styles (including strapless).

I like the fact that they have adjustable straps and the bras were very easy to put on and take off.  They are a 88% Nylon/12% Spandex mix so they are comfortable to wear all day long.  They are stylish and can be worn under other tops and dresses as an attractive layer.  They are not a full support bra, but they gave me the support I needed when wearing them around the house and in the evenings.

If you are interested in learning more about Coobie Seamless Bras they can be found online here!



I received two complimentary bras in exchange for my review, all opinions are my own.

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Communion Brunch

My oldest son made his First Communion this past Saturday (where does the time go???).  The Mass began at 11 am so I decided to do a brunch at our house afterwards, below is what I served to my 20 guests.  I've always wanted to do a brunch, and I thought this was a perfect time to do it!

Appetizers:
Fresh Fruit and Dip
Veggies and Dip
Shrimp with Cocktail Sauce
Spinach Dip
Brie and Crackers

Main Dishes:
Sausage Egg Casserole
Perfect French Toast Casserole
Crockpot Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Bacon/Egg Muffin Cups

Side Dishes:
Cheesy Hashbrowns with Ham
Sausage Links
Cinnamon Apples

Breads:
Blueberry Muffins
Buttermilk Biscuits with Butter and Grape Jelly
Zucchini Bread
Banana Bread

Dessert:
Cake
Cookies
Cross Candy Suckers

Drinks:
Coffee
Tea
Orange Juice
Sherbet Punch
Pop

This post is linked up at Keep Calm and Blog On and Fearlessly Creative Mammas.

2014 Goals - April Recap

WOW - Its May 1st already, so that means it is time to check in on our goals for 2014. I am quite proud of my progress so far.

I am making a real, conscious effort to set goals in 2014 and stick to them. The best way I can think of is to hold myself accountable on a monthly basis. Be sure to check back in the first of every month to see my progress as well as link up your progress.

1. Relationship with God - Do one activity a month to strength my relationship with God (going to mass on Sunday does not count).

Attended a First Communion education session with my son and learned about the parts of the mass for his upcoming communion!

2. Relationship with my Husband - Go on one date night a month with my husband. Plan an overnight trip of at least 2 nights away to take in 2014

We did dinner out and our Saturday night bowling league which is the last one for the season!

3. Family Time - Do one activity as a family once a month. Take one family vacation and one long weekend getaway in 2014.

We went to Orlando over Spring Break.  We had a wonderful time and went to Magic Kingdom and Sea World and spent the week as a family, perfect!

Long weekend is booked for June!!

4. Relationships with my Kids - Do a one-on-one activity with each child each month (3 a month).

I took both my boys to their karate belt tests this month.  I know have a blue belt and a yellow stripe belt in my house!

I took my middle son and daughter on a play date to the playground with some preschool friends.

5. Declutter - sell at least 5 items per month.

I sold a lot of 12-18 month clothes and a pair of kids pjs for a total of $27 this month!

6. Debt - Pay off Debt #1 and reduce Debt #2 by 50%

Debt #1 is paid and reduced Debt #2 by 15%.  We did not make progress on Debt #2 this month.  We started a much needed home remodel project so the extra cash went to the completion of our new home office.

 

7. Me Time - Say "no" to one extra commitment a month. Do an only me or "girls night" activity once a month.

I said "no" top helping out on a Friday in my son's classroom. I was able to sneak a pedicure in before our vacation.

8. Budget Buster - Keep library fines to under $5 for the entire year (this is so hard for me).

YEAH! I am so excited, 4 months and no library fines! My process of checking my account online first thing Monday morning is really working for me!

9. Work/Life Balance - Friday at 5 pm - until Monday at 8 am - do not check work e-mails (I am off the clock).

I did much better on turning "off" work in the evening and weekends this month.  I also did not take my laptop on vacation and did not answer any e-mails while on vacation, a major first for me.

10. Have an online business (this idea has been in my head for over a year) fully functioning by the end of 2014. I need to take one giant step every month to achieve this goal!

I did not make any additional progress in April.

How are you doing on your goals thus far? Feel free to leave a comment or link up!

An InLinkz Link-up