Recipe Club: Baked Chicken Parmesan

As Gretchen and I were leaving school last week, I asked her what she wanted for dinner. I had set out chicken, but I had no idea what type of chicken I would cook when we got home. I am not a huge fan of just a grilled or baked chicken- I want it to taste good! 

Thankfully, my co-worker piped up and suggested that we make a baked chicken Parmesan, and I was intrigued. She shared her recipe with me and it sounded easy enough, so that's what we had for dinner. And y'all, it was the best!

So, I'm sharing with you the recipe and beginning a little Recipe Club: In the Kitchen series. 

In a bowl combine panko bread crumbs, French's Fried onions, paprika, and Parmesan cheese. 

Dip your chicken in an egg mixture and then in the breaded mixture. Coat both sides thoroughly. 

Place in a serving dish that you've sprayed. (I use Pam's Coconut Oil spray), and add a few dabs of butter on top. PS: you can totally skip the butter, but I don't think you should! 

Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. 

I served our chicken with steamed organic green beans, and Annie's Parmesan and butter noodles. 

All of the girls made "happy plates" and DJ and I were wishing we had more chicken!

As Gretchen and I were leaving school last Thursday, I asked her what she wanted for dinner (DJ was out of town and we were having a girls night.) She requested the "chicken that we had last night" and she was sad to hear that we were going out to eat instead!

I dropped Gretchen off at dance and went to pick up Megan. Once I picked up Megan, I asked her where she would want to eat. And do you know what? She requested "left overs!" because she wanted more of that chicken!!!

Thanks Sherry for sharing your chicken recipe with us! It will obviously be in our rotation!

To check out other recipes I've made click here. 

Show & Tell Tuesday: A Day in the Life

I'm linking up today with Andrea for Show & Tell Tuesdays! Today, we're sharing about our "A Day in the Life" and a few weeks ago, I had planned to share all about our typically day, until last week when this happened and now my "mommy blog" is taking a bit of a different direction. So, I thought it would be fun to show y'all a day in my life and which essential oil products I'm using on a daily basis and how I spend my days;) 

Monday through Friday my alarm clock goes off around 6:15 and I typically snooze until DJ is out of the shower. Once I wake up, I do delete my emails head to the shower. 

Last month, I said good-bye to Bath & Body Works products, and began using Young Living's Dragon Time Bath & Shower Gel. Dragon time is formulated with geranium, tangerine, & clary sage. I absolutely love the uplifting scent and I love that it doesn't contain harsh chemicals or synthetic ingredients! 

Once I'm out of the shower, I apply lotion, and then I put on my deodorant. But wait....... I know I'm going to sound nuts, but Young Living's aromabright toothpaste is my deodorant of choice right now! Okay, I get that I've totally lost you here and you think I'm nuts, but I wasn't too keen on using deodorant that contained aluminum. I originally switched to Tom's Lavender, but guys- by the end of the day- I stink! And, then I gave Copaiba oil a try, and I loved it, but on some of the warmer days it wasn't doing the trick. I have heard for months that a lot of people use the Thieves toothpaste as their deodorant, and I was all like "those people are crazy" and "who was the first person to try that?" and then I was like, "well, maybe they know what they're talking about!" I was hooked soon after I tried it, and now I switch between Copaiba and toothpaste as my deodorant. 

So, next up- make up. By this time DJ and Addy are usually out the door and the big girls are awake and getting dressed. 

My favorite brand of foundation is Tarte.

I also use Tarte loose powder.

I use Physician's Formula blush.

And, for one of my favorite beauty tips- I added a drop of lavender and cedarwood to my mascara! It helps your lashes to grow thicker and longer, plus your mascara lasts longer too! I totally love this little trick! 

Once I'm finished with my make up & hair, I head to the kitchen and find these girls eating their breakfast. They chose cinnamon toast.

And I grabbed a blueberry-banana muffin that I made using Young Living's Eikorn flour! I'll be sharing the recipe soon!

Each morning, I start a load of laundry and the timer on my washing machine! On this particular day, we had a late night with after school activities, so I set my washer to start in 10 hours! In December, I switched over to Young Living's laundry soap! Again, I wanted something free of additives and synthetic dyes. I talked about switching out our laundry in detail in this post. 

After finishing up a few touches with my hair or jewelry, the girls and I are out the door. 

I always like to  add a few drops of Stress Away on this wooden flower that makes the perfect car diffuser, and then I dab a drop on my pulse points for my perfume. 

After dropping the girls off, I'm at school and ready to begin my day! 

Last week we had state testing and I had several IEP meetings, so I added En-R-Gee and Peppermint to keep me focused and motivated! 

After state testing, I saw a few speech groups. We worked on making sentences using our ice cream cones, which each had a subject/noun and verb on them. After the student made a grammatically correct sentence, they rolled a dice, and received ice cream scoops! The student with the most scoops received an extra Speech Dollar for their wallet! They get to redeem their dollars for prizes! 

During the day, I try to drink a lot of water! I refill my yeti several times, and I often add a drop of essential oil to flavor my water! It makes drinking lots of water just a little more bearable! 

When I need a little pick me up, I drink a few ounces of Young Living's Ningxia juice! It has only 15 calories per pouch and is full of antioxidants!!! And sometimes, I'll add a few drops of oil to help flavor it too!

Around 4 in the afternoon, I start making the rounds to pick the girls up from school. 

The girls head outside to play, and I start dinner, and I usually add something to my dewdrop diffuser! 

On this day, I was on a tangerine kick! It's perfect for Spring!!!

DJ makes it home and it's time for dinner! 

I made chicken seasoned with Italian seasonings and a few drops of lemon oil, boiled some noodles, and steamed broccoli with a few drops of lemon. Once everything was cooked, I stirred it all together in a big bowl and topped with Parmesan cheese! The girls ate this up!

And sometimes at dinner time I diffuse Peace & Calming because the girls can be a little nuts at the dinner table!

The rest of our evening is spent doing homework, playing, or watching t.v. I also clean up the kitchen and fix lunches for the next day. 

On bath nights, the girls use Young Living's Kidscent's bath gel! I'm super pumped that they have this product that is safe for them and their skin! Read more about our routine here. 

After baths, they get their sleepy cream. 

And they brush their teeth. They love Young Living's "monster" toothpaste! 

The rest of the evening is spent catching up on blogging, t.v., laundry, or picking up around the house. And then I get ready for bed. 

Each night I brush my teeth with the aromabright toothpaste and a drop of orange essential oil for extra whitening. 

And then I wash my face using my DIY face wash! It's super easy to make- just whipped coconut oil, baking soda, and a few of my favorite essential oils! One batch lasts 2-3 months, and it cost around $6.00 to make! You can read more about my skin care routine here.

And then right before bed, I apply my Immune Booster, Cedarwood, and Lavender lip gloss! 

Sweet dreams!!!!

To read my other Show & Tell link ups click here. 

And if you'd like more information about essential oils or would like to try some samples, email me here 

or leave me a message below! 

And for the other Show & Tell Topics...... 

April Resolutions Update

So, at the beginning of the year I set forth with several goals for the year, and each month I'm updating here on the blog how those resolutions are going! 

You can read my updates here and here, 

1. Study Scripture: Here's the deal, this is the one area of my life that I need to work on. I struggle with this one all the time. I'm reading my daily Bible verse and we always listen to Christian radio in the car. I definitely pray every day, but as far as really digging in to the word, I need to set aside some major time. 

2. Kick Toxins To the Curb: We're still making good progress using Young Living. Girls bathroom products: check, Cleaning products: check, Laundry room: check. We are in the process of working on our bathroom/personal care products, and transitioning more in to organic food. I'm hoping to be organic, grass-fed by the end of the year. 

3. Exercise, Eat Healthy & Say Good-bye to Coke & Sugar.  So, I have my FitBit and 5 days a week, I can successfully get to 10,000 steps. However, I'm still struggling to find the motivation to really work out and go on a run. At the beginning of the year, I had committed to walking/running a total of 1,000 extra miles this year. Well, I stopped counting back in February, and in March, I only worked out a few times, so I'm fairly positive that this goal will not be met. 

As far as giving up coke, I'm hit and miss. I gave up coke for Lent and did pretty well. If I'm honest, I had 4-5 in the 40 days of Lent! Now that Lent is over, I have a coke, but it's very occasionally. If we eat out fast food, I'm more likely to get a coke, but more often than not, I'm turning to water, especially if I can flavor it with essential oils. 

As far as sugar is concerned, I have good days and bad days. It's definitely going to be a work in progress. 

4. Rock My YL Biz: So, in February, I hit the rank of Silver with Young Living. I received a pay increase and the Aroma Complete- a collection of oils worth over $2,000.00. Since then, my team is continuing to grow. I'm working on a post for later this week that will talk about the next step to take after you've made the oily plunge! I'm also working on a beauty class using oils and other Young Living products that will be hosted on Facebook soon! 

5. Serve Others: Each month, I'm wanting to do at least one "service" project. This can be something as simple as giving to someone in need, volunteering time, baking cookies for someone, or making a donation.  Last month, DJ and I took the girls to Lowe's Build and Grow. The lady that was checking us in complimented my Rustic Cuff bracelet. I love the Rustic Cuff brand and part of the brand is "buy one, give one" and you're encourage to buy yourself a bracelet and then buy a second to give one away. The owner, Jill, is known around town for giving free bracelets away, giving store credit away, and just for making the ultimate sacrifice of gifting to others. I've heard stories of people meeting her around town and she gifts the bracelets that she is wearing. Anyway, as you're part of the Rustic Cuff family, you hear about every day women gifting their own bracelets. Either to co-workers, friends, family, or complete strangers. Your "knower" goes off, and you know it's the right time to give. Anyway, the lady complimented my bracelet and said how she has seen them all of the time but she doesn't have one, and that she always thinks they're so pretty. Once DJ and the girls had gone off to their activity, I stayed behind and gifted my cuff to her. It was a simple cuff, but she was so grateful, and I'm happy that I was able to bless her in a small way. 

6. Take Time for Family & Say No: Last month we went on a family trip over Spring Break. We had a blast vacationing together, riding rides, touring caves, and having dinners out. Since getting back we've been a little busy with spring football practice, and birthday parties! So, we haven't had as much family time as I'd like, but I think it's always difficult in the Spring because there are so many activities going on.  

7. Be Debt Free: March was a little set back in this. I'm not worried though. Maybe because I'm rarely concerned about budgeting, and I probably should be a little more than I am, but with summer coming, the girls and I are home more and I don't have to pay daycare, so this is just a little set back, but in the long run, it will work out. 

8. Finish House Projects: We've been super busy getting house projects finished! We pulled weeds in the front flower bed, re-mulched and planted flowers. DJ took off the Monday after spring practice finished up and did yard work in the back yard and got our patio ready. He sold his smoker and we're in the process of buying a new grill. We also bought a swingset for the girls (thanks Mom!) and they have loved playing outside! On my list inside, we need curtains for our bedroom, and I've decided that I need new dishes after having the same ones for 10 years, but I'm thinking that will be a birthday present! 

So, that about wraps up how I'm doing on my goals for the year!

In May, I'll be doing another update for y'all! 

Friday Favorites

We made it to Friday!!! Can I get an Amen!

I'm linking up today with Andrea, Erika, and Narci for Friday Favorites! If you're new here, I'm so happy you stopped by to my little corner of the interwebs. 

Monday morning the girls and I were ready for school. We knew that it would be a busy week ahead, but we were ready to tackle anything and everything that came our way. 

I scheduled about 5 IEP meetings this week, because I'm just trying to get them all done in order to have some time to enjoy the last few weeks of school, so I knew that I needed lots of En-R-Gee, and some peppermint oil in my diffuser at work! 

I've been diffusing this little combo all week, and it's totally kicked my rear in gear. 

Monday night I came home and made dinner. I cooked chicken in a bit of olive oil with salt, pepper, garlic, and italian seasoning, and added a splash of lemon vitality essential oil. I boiled noodles, and steamed broccoli (with the lemon vitality) and then tossed it all together. It was a perfect light meal for a spring day. 

Tuesday night we had dance and then I asked DJ to take over duties with the girls so I could clean house. I haven't had some time to really clean in weeks and I don't want to spend most of my weekend cleaning....... so, he took over bath and bedtime and I cleaned our dining room, kitchen, and living room. I put away our Easter decorations, dusted, rearranged some things in the house and I feel so much better. When my house is organized, my life is organized, and I'm happy. 

And this week Gretchen Rose has decided that she needs glasses. She's been wearing these big pink frames to class, and of course this girl loves to read. 

So, on a not so happy note, I have to share a little tidbit. 

A few weeks ago, I had an anonymous comment on my blog  that was rather inappropriate in nature. I realize that as I put my life out there, that this will happen, and I deleted the comment and moved on. Fast forward to this week, and it happened again. Both times the comments were left anonymously and both times they were very inappropriate. I sat DJ down and we had a talk about this comment and we notified authorities. Thankfully, we have knowledge of the higher-up authorities in our area because of DJ's position. I have since turned off the feature on the comments section for anonymous readers to leave comments. Going forward all comments will have to be left with a user name, and as always I will continue to moderate all comments. 

I have been praying about the direction that I will be taking as my blog is currently public. I have also learned that as my children grow older, much of their life should not be put on public display. Not only for their protection, but for their sanity as they grow older. Sadly, this blog has been how I have documented life, and it's not like I have a huge reader-following. As of right now, I will continue to post, but again, my children's lives won't be on display day after day. 

And, a word to other mom bloggers. I urge you to reach out if you have ever received inappropriate comments regarding your children. I also caution you about what you're putting out there for the world to see. I have learned a major lesson this week, and it's one that I don't take lightly. 

And, if you, the anonymous commenter are reading today, I will ask you one time to stop commenting, I do not find your comments funny nor do I appreciate them. You are a sick individual who needs help. 

I hope to see the rest of you back here Monday, where I'll be updating on my goals for the year rather than a weekend wrap-up. 

Stranded.....

Hey, Hey Wednesday!!!  It's so nice to see you!

Today, I'm linking up with Shay and Erika for STRANDED! A monthly link up where we share THREE things we'd take with us if we're on a deserted island.

Thankfully, I've never been on a deserted island! I'd totally go all Tom Hanks in Castaway!

Is that not the saddest movie you have ever seen? It totally breaks my heart!

Anyway, today's topic is items from our medicine cabinet.... 

I mean, if I can plan ahead and know that I'll be stranded, then these are the things from my medicine cabinet that I'll be grabbing!

First up, Citronella. Because I bet there would be mosquitoes on that desert island, and mosquitoes love me. 

I'd bring Lavender, because it's basically just as good as a swiss-army knife! You can use Lavender for EVERYTHING! If I did get bug bites, I could rub some lavender on the area to relieve the itchiness. 

And since I'm pretty sure I'd be getting some sun, I'd need my lavender for any red hot skin I might get while being out on that deserted island! It will also help my chapped lips. 

I'd also need lavender for my skin care, because I'm still going to be washing my face and working on fading any sun spots that I might get from being out in the sun too long! 

And did you know that lavender can be used for any skin cuts or scrapes, which I'm certain i'll get while trampling through the trees and brush.

And as a bonus, I'll be using lavender to help me get to sleep! I'll probably be too afraid of the wild animals wondering around at night to fall asleep, so my lavender will help me ease in to dream land! 

Finally, I'd be grabbing my peppermint! Did you know that peppermint can soothe digestive pains? It boosts energy (which I'll need), improves focus, relieves head tension, and has antimicrobial properties. 

And as a bonus, it freshens your breath! You know, for when you actually do get saved from that desert island. You'll want to have fresh breath! 

So, that's it. That's what I would bring with me if I knew I was going to be stranded on a deserted island. 

PS: I know that these aren't straight up meds from a medicine cabinet, but that's because we've cut out medication since going oily! You can read more about our essential oil journey here, or follow along on Instgram by searching #hpagoesoily. If you have questions about essential oils or would like to try some samples, send me an email!

Life Lately....

Hey friends!!! So, it's been a while! I just have to be honest and say that blogging has taken a back burner to other things. It's the time of year where school is crazy busy, we've been behind on some house work, and I'm also working full-speed ahead with my Young Living business, so there just wasn't time for everything, and I'm realizing that it's okay! I head someone say the other day that when you say "yes" to something, you're saying "no" to something else. So, my "no" last week was to blogging. And that my friends is a lesson that I need to learn and remember.

So, I'm recapping a little bit of life lately for you. 

Thursday morning I had a great idea to wake up and document a "day in our life" and then it all went out the window. So I have a few pictures from our morning and nothing else. Addy Pearl came downstairs (after sleeping all night in her bed) and watched Mickey Mouse while DJ and I got dressed and ready for work. 

And then she went outside as we let the dog out. 

And DJ and Addy were out the door by 7:15. 

The big girls made themselves cinnamon toast. 

And by 8:20, we were out the door and running late. 

And I chased Meggie in to preschool. 

And that's where all picture taking ceased for the day. We had dance that night and then DJ and I had laundry to do Thursday evening and we had to pack for our weekend out of town. 

Before leaving Friday, this arrived in the mail!!!! 

And a few hours later we made it to Arkansas! 

Sunday morning the girls helped make breakfast with my mom. 

And then we headed to the park for my niece's birthday party. 

We checked out the river views. 

My big girls with their sister-cousin! 

Gretchen after the treasure-hunt..... her jean pocket was full of candy! 

Argh matey! 

Addy had a loot of candy! 

And we played on the swings. 

I'm going to be honest- DJ was pushing Addy rather high and I was so nervous! 

A few weeks ago, I blogged about this lady right here. 

Addy was all over her Gee. She wanted nothing to do with DJ or myself, which was totally fine,a nd Gee took over! 

My little pirate!

Gee and Addy watching Amelia open her presents. I think by this point she had convinced her Gee that gum was a great idea! 

And we took a few family photos before we left. My mom always complains that she doesn't have pictures of her with the girls, unless she's wearing her pajamas, so I made sure to get a good picture of Gee and her girls. 

And then my mom remembered that she had taken a photo of DJ and I (a few months after we had gotten married) at this same spot. Here we are 10 years later. 

After the birthday party we packed in the car and drove 2+ hours to DJ's sister's house! It was her 30th birthday and we thought we'd surprise her! 

When we arrived, we noticed her neighbor in a dinosaur costume, and of course, we had to head outside and check it out ourselves. 

However, Megan was not so sure. 

Zander and Gretchen eased a little closer. 

Apparently, her neighbor does kid's birthday party entertainment and they were outside taking photos. We totally crashed, but they were kind enough to let Gretchen have her picture taken with the dinosaur. She said, "mom, you have to print this out! My friends will never believe me!" The dinosaur even roared and blinked! 

And later Saturday night, Nana babysat her grandkids while we headed out for drinks and appetizers to celebrate DJ's sister!!!

Sunday afternoon we made the 6 hour drive back home. It was a long car ride and we were so happy to walk in to the house! So, we're back to school, and back to the daily grind! 

I hope you've been doing well my friends!! 

See you back here tomorrow for a new linky party........ STRANDED!