Champagne, Pearls, Sippy Cups and Rubber Ducks

 Sundays have religiously been "pizza night" at our home since my husband and I moved in together. This was something we could easily afford while we were still living it up without a baby, but once our little bundle of joy came along it didn't seem practical to be spending a $100 a month on take-out pizzas. That being said, we were not willing to give up our Sunday night pies so I decided to try making our weekly pizza in-house. I quickly learned that I could save us money and calories by making our pizza at home. It is very easy, quick and just as tasty as ordering out! I know, I know...I used to frown at the thought of a homemade pizza too. Trust me, my homemade pizzas are like no Tombstone, Red Barons or DiGiorno that I have ever tasted. My pizzas are better!   Making a pizza at home is also a great way to include your kids in the kitchen. It's never too early to start showing your children how to cook. Use recipes like this one to teach your...

I have always enjoyed Italian meals. For that matter, Italian culture in it's entirety has always been interesting to me. I love that Italians all seem like they have these huge, close-knit families that eat home-cooked meals together every night. I also love that they seem to have the whole, "Mess with my family and I will hurt you" mentality. Too often in life we forget about family and how important it is to keep strong family bonds.  As a school teacher I ask my students each year the following question: How many times a week do you sit at the dinner table and eat a meal with all the members of your immediate family? In my three years of teaching very few students have said that they eat at home with their family every night of the week. Or, even 5 nights a week for that matter. 4 nights? Again, barely anyone takes claim there either. Most of my students claim that they eat at home with their family 3 or less times a week. A c...

Have I mentioned before just how much I love a slow cooker meal? I am continuously trying my hand at creating a new slow cooker recipe because I truly enjoy coming home to a delicious smelling home where a home cooked meal is waiting for me. This recipe is one of my recent creations. It received the stamp of approval from my husband, so I am happy to share an original "Kayla creation"with you! Hope you enjoy this soup just as much as we do!  I add the chicken breasts, tomatoes, and green chiles to the crock pot. The quicker I can throw a dish together the happier I am, so I empty the entire contents of both cans directly in the pot.    I then add one heaping tablespoon of cumin...  ...and one heaping tablespoon of chili powder. **A fabulous secret revealed - Many people don't know that the two main ingredients in any packaged taco seasoning mix are cumin and chili powder. Save yourself the dollar something that y...

 Open faced sandwiches are a southern staple. Thank goodness for that because who doesn't love a gigantic plate of bread, meat, potatoes, and gravy? Think these sound amazing already? Well hang on to your chairs, folks. It gets even better. These sandwiches are made in a slow cooker and what busy mother (or father or what the heck anyone at all for that matter) doesn't love a slow cooker recipe? I enjoy a slow cooker recipe because most are simple, simple, simple. This recipe is a little more work than some slow cooker meals, but it certainly isn't one that will disappoint.  Whenever I am making a slow cooker meal I always prep everything the night before. It makes it very easy the next morning because all you have to do is plug in the crock pot and turn it on.  I combine the beef cut, a large pinch of red pepper flakes, thyme, beef stock and Worcestershire sauce in a large crock pot and then let it sit in the fridge overnight. Th...