Light Loaded Baked Potato Soup

My fall front porch. Not super into creepy Halloween decorations. 

The natural fall front porch is warm and inviting! 

Wreath made from materials from Hobby Lobby! Super easy. Corn stalks, pumpkins, and gourds from Horrocks. Flowers from our favorite local market, Speyers. Welcome mat (from last year) Target clearance! 

Light Loaded Baked Potato Soup

You'll need...

8 slices crispy bacon chopped

1 white onion chopped

1 tsp garlic powder

1.5 tsp fresh parsley, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)

2 tbsp flour

salt and pepper

4 cups chicken broth (low sodium), divided

1 bag of frozen potatoes or 3 cups of redskin potatoes chopped into 1'' pieces
1 cup of carrots sliced
1 cup of chopped broccoli 

3 cups reduced fat cheddar cheese, shredded and divided

1 can of fat free cream of chicken

2/3 cup low fat sour cream

2/3 package of light cream cheese

4 tbsp chives, minced
Crock Pot - Cook time (including prep) about 6 hours

Cook that bacon...crispy, baby. 

While cooking the bacon, I started my chopped veggies in the crockpot with the cream of chicken soup and 3 cups of chicken broth. Set crock pot to high. 

Leave some of the bacon grease in the pan (about 2 tbs) and put the chopped onion in there with the garlic powder. About 5 minutes...

In a small bowl mix flour and milk together. It will be clumpy at first but then add mixture into the skillet with the onions. Raise the heat of the pan to a boil, or until the flour mixture has dissolved. Continue to stir lightly until blended. I added in the other cup of chicken broth to this as well. Once it's to the desired texture  and all creamy looking, add it into the crock pot mixture (shown below).

Set aside your shredded cheddar, chopped chives, crumbled bacon, cream cheese, and sour cream. I refrigerated everything until I needed it again in a few hours.

I cooked this for about 3 hours on high at first and then 1.5 on low as I noticed the veggies were cooked, and it just needed to simmer for a bit. I added the cheese, sour cream, and cream cheese in then (so about 4 hours of cooking had occurred and all veggies were soft). You could cook it on low for 6-8 hours and add the cheese/sour cream in after. I had to whisk it a bit to mix the cheese and blend the soup.

Needless to say, this soup was delicious! It hits the spot on a cold night. :)

Add your bacon, extra cheddar, and scallions on top and it's a perfect meal or even starter soup before a meal! It really tasted like a loaded potato too. Hope you enjoy it!

Jute Lamp Shades, Painted Pumpkins, Homemade Applesauce, and a Beagle pup!

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens" Ecclesiastes 3:1

Fall is in full swing. It's always been one of my favorite seasons. For one, it was always the beginning of soccer season in college. I looked forward to chilly games believe it or not! I disliked the wet games though. As goal-keeper, that was nightmare! However, now in this stage of life, the seasons remind me of God's creativity and the beauty of "change". Nothing stays the same. Growing older, I've realized this is something I value greatly. My husband and I are so drastically different in that. He is a man sure of his love for certain things, order, and sequence. Variety for him isn't a pleasant thing. It really throws off his routine ;) Me, on the other hand, I love trying new things and the saying "variety is the spice to life" was probably coined for people like me. I'm not ashamed. I embrace it. Hopefully my husband is getting used to it by now!

With "change" being a theme to the season, we've FINALLY decided to add a little variety to our life with a new furry member of the family...Duke will be making his debut to our home November 8th! This was quite the process to first decide on a dog breed. Mercy. We thought about an English Bulldog for many months. Austin's love for all things "Rob and Big" truly inspired. I came around eventually to the idea. Unfortunately, we researched dogs, emailed breeders, and came up short on that idea. We were not so sure if that's what we really wanted...So, eventually, we landed on the Beagle breed...and the name Duke. Found a breeder in Rockford who kept us in the loop as new litters were born. And eventually, we knew we had found our "Duke". We've visited twice prior to bringing him home..we just love him that much! If I could imagine the adoption process (translation from humans to baby dogs) this feels quite similar. Can't wait to snuggle with this little bugger.

Just look at those eyes! Makes your heart melt doesn't it!

Okay, onto crafts...my life line and self-proclaimed healing therapy.

 Painted Pumpkins

Just keep that Chevron obsession coming! Anyone who has been in my office at work can attest there is a lot of chevron happening. So why not add it do my fall decor? These were a bit more difficult to do than anticipated...

I wish I would have painted with actual white paint instead of the spray paint as it seemed to dry funny and crept between the tape design. Note to self!

{Pictured above is white spray paint and glitter paint I had left over from other projects}

First do some taping!

Then some painting! Allow a good several hours dry time before taking the tape off. 

 "L" Pumpkin! Super easy to do yourself. You can stencil for a more accurate paint job. 

My little pumpkins needed some paint too!

You gotta roast the pumpkin seeds! Tasty treat. 

Recipe found at: http://jadelouisedesigns.com/roasted-pumpkin-seeds-recipe/

Jute Wrapped Lamp Shades

So I'm on a jute high these days. I may have gone a little overboard. Ahhh well. Boring lamp shades come to a more natural and fun looking state of being. 

(Before Pictured Above) - That's my Pumpkin Apple Yankee Candle burning there. Smells like heaven!

You will need a lampshade, rope/jute fiber (You can find this at your local Home Depot or Lowes), a hot glue gun, scissors, and lots of glue re-fillers (I went through a ton of glue!)

This project requires some patience. Settle in with your favorite 2 hour movie and get to gluin'. 

After! The only complaint I have is that the light doesn't shine bright through the jute. I wish I would have used more of a pure rope like fiber. However, they're still pretty for a decorative look. 

 Fix it and Forget it Crock Pot Apple Sauce

We were gone for most of the day Saturday running errands. I spent about 20 minutes peeling all the apples, threw them in the crock pot with a couple other ingredients, and 6 hours later....boom! Applesauce! Seriously, that's what happened and it was just like that. 

Recipe taken from the following blogger: 

 http://thefrugalgirls.com/2010/10/homemade-crockpot-applesauce.html

Only adaptions I made: I used mostly macantosh, honeycrisp, and empire apples...which are very sweet naturally, therefore I probably would have left out a 1/4 cup of brown sugar blend and only used 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract instead of 1 tsp. 

For a bigger turn out you'll need more than 6 apples as this recipe above calls for...

I used 12 apples total

1 cup of water

1-2 tsp of Cinnamon

3/4 cup of brown sugar blend (splenda/brown blend)

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

(and a Crockpot of course)

All ingredients mixed together on high for 6 hours.

Once the 6 hours are up, you'll want to mash the apples up a bit and let it simmer. It will be a little wet, but some of those juices will absorb into the sauce. The apples should be really mushy and the smell...well let's just say it's going to smell awesome in your house for the next couple of hours! 

Yields about 3-4 cups worth. You could easily do another 6-12 apples in a large crock pot for more apple sauce!

Hope you enjoy some new ideas. Get crafty. Get cookin'. Enjoy the fall! Be blessed everyone. 

Fall Craftiness

Life just keeps going and going...I'm just trying to keep up some days! I'm grateful for fall. It's one of my favorite seasons. Life at the Lettinga household continues to be one filled with 40-50 hour work weeks and some fun times on the weekends with family and friends. We're looking forward to adding a special member of our family come November, nope not a child, but a beagle puppy! We're very excited and anxious for him to be ready to come home with us. 

With the cooler temperatures and earlier darkness enclosing, I've had more time for indoor fun. Stops at Hobby Lobby, being that it's so close to work, is a blessing and a curse! Here's a few projects that won't break the bank to do!!

I call this..."turn a pillow you don't like anymore into one you do". This is a permanent project...meaning I used hot glue so this pillow will be like this for a while - it's not a pillow cover. However, it's festive for the holidays! So I bought this burlap material using my 40% off coupon at Hobby Lobby. It came to 3-4 dollars. Not bad for a new pillow!?

Cut material to fit pillow. It should be a lot like wrapping a gift. The lines must line up etc. I had to cut a few times to adjust well. The glue goes along the folds and does need some pressing to hold down and dry. 

Done - I added a felt broach. I did not make that. It's perfect! :) I loves it. Not the most comfy thing to lay on but it is really adds something to the decor for fall. 

Next...Jute Wrapped Wine Bottles

This is a project easy to do in front of your favorite hour long TV show. It takes some discipline and focus, but it's easy enough. Materials you'll need are: hot glue gun, plenty of Jute (1 medium spools worth), Wine or glass container, and burlap flower decals if desired. 

And then you get to wrappin'... settle in for the project with your wine and favorite movie.

These were 5.99 at Hobby Lobby. They added an extra something to this project.

Done! So fun and perfect for spring and/or fall. 

Happy Fall! Get crafty :)

Shout out to two of my bestest friends in this world. Where would we be without good friends?!

Easy Crock-pot Mexican Chicken

Hey guys...(shame faced)....it's been over 3 months since I blogged. Ridiculous! Unacceptable! I miss it. I miss making new meals. I miss sharing it with you all. As I write this, I am watching Kim Kardashian stuff her face with cookies on "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" and feeling pretty validated about my current diet choices. Thank you, Kim and your preggo hormonal eating habits. Love the show though. 

So the past three months have consisted of work, work, work, and some summer fun inter-laden occasionally. I have been hired as a clinician at Wedgwood for one of the boys residential homes. It's been a busy journey and a blast. I was able to take a true "camping" trip with the guys and some staff out in the wilderness of Cadillac, MI. We hard core tent camped, fished, tubed down a river, and used the forest as a restroom. This girl is not a natural camper to begin with and I survived 2 nights and 3 days of it. Pretty awesome. Came back with enough mosquito bites to be legit concerned about having West Nile, but so far so good.The kids had a great time. It was amazing to form some deeper relationships and bond with them during the trip. Can't say I am ready for another camping trip anytime soon though. 

Austin and I were also able to take a trip and visit our couple friends, Andy and Kelsey, in July for a Tiger's game and a mini tour of Ann Arbor/U of M area. Austin struggled being in Wolverine territory being that he is a die-hard Spartan fan, however he survived and enjoyed seeing the campus and the college area of Ann Arbor.We had a lot of fun and always love time spent with them. 

August was a month of celebrating anniversaries. Austin and I celebrated year 2, while my parents celebrated year 30! Amy and I decided back in June to throw them a surprise party with some of their closest family and friends. The party was such a success! My parents were stunned and really touched by those who came out for the night. It was an amazing night! I believe my mom said she was so shocked that she "felt like she had to throw up for the first half hour of the party". Ha!

So this crock pot Mexican chicken is SO easy and perfect for a day where you work ALL day and come home starving. Husband approved as well. 

This type of recipe has been pinned on Pinterest about a million times, but it is really good. A+ guys.

This is the recipe I copy-catted: http://www.andrealikes.com/1/post/2012/03/mexican-crock-pot-chicken.html

I realize this picture looks gross. This is the BEFORE as all the ingredients have been cooked on low for 8 hours. 

Ingredients:

Chicken breasts or tenderloins (they can be thawed or frozen) 1-2 lbs

 (depends on how many servings you like)

Cream cheese (1/2 cup - 3/4 cup)

Taco Seasoning Packet

Pepper

Lime Juice

Red onion diced (about 3/4 cup)

Black Beans (drained) 1 can

Cut up fresh corn or a can of corn

Salsa

Can of diced tomatoes

Throw all that stuff above in the slow cooker for low 8 hours or high for 4. It will be tender enough to pull apart the chicken and it's ready to go. 

Finished! You could make enchiladas with the chicken. We just made chicken tacos with cheese and sour cream. Delish! Bam!

*you could add in peppers as well

* could be served over rice too

Finished chicken tacos or burrito. It has beans in it. Does that make it a burrito? No idea.

And I will say it again, fall you are welcome to appear now. Summer, I am over you. I want pumpkin lattes and hot cocoa, chili, high socks, boots, and cool fall nights. Bring it on!

Homemade Chicken Fried Rice

 I've never been one who enjoys the news or looks forward to it, but I have to say that, as a professional counselor-to be, I have seen more genuine good and "real-ness" in people through what happened in Boston on Monday than I have ever truly noticed before. It breaks my heart what the families and friends are going through who encountered such tragedy  but it is so amazing to me the unity that evil of this magnitude brings to our nation. We can fight over gay rights, gun laws, and whether or not you should be a democrat versus a republican, but in the end we are ALL human, ALL God's children, and we hurt TOGETHER when things like this occur. It is very cool testimony in my eyes of what America stands for.

Off of that note, it's mid-April, Wednesday the 17th, and it's literally less than a month a way from graduation for me (and my beautiful sister, Amy!). I can't believe I'll be starting my "adult" job soon enough. I've worked incredibly hard for this, and walking across that stage will feel incredibly  more validating and important than when I graduated with my Bachelors degree at Cornerstone. I'm excited to see what God has in store. I'm trying to be patient and not go crazy in the process. My board exam is days away, so once that is out of the way, I will feel much more relaxed and ready to enjoy my last few weeks with the title "intern". Austin and I are looking forward to a much needed couples vacation after graduation. We are headed to sunny Florida where I'm praying there is only sunshine and blue skies to enjoy! Adios Michigan and your continually depressing weather....

Just another thanks be to God as He has been good to Austin and I throughout this season of life. We are blessed with good friends, generous family, and each other to support us and love. I have created, renewed, and consolidated some really special friendships within the last year. As a professional in the field I am in, I've grown to see and learn the importance of genuine friendships. Friends should be those who feed your soul, not suck it dry. For a long time, I felt drained in that I was always the one giving my time, efforts, listening ear. It has been God's grace and love shown to me through these people that has gotten me through circumstances over and above my ability to cope. Shout out to those of you who know who you are! I owe you a huge party for sticking through this journey with me and loving my crazy self through it. :)

Speaking of goodness, this season has certainly not been one of "plenty" as I have been working part time, but I wanted to post this recipe because it is so economically friendly AND so good. My domesticated ways are waning and I'm not sure if that will change or not once I am officially done with grad school...but I do enjoy cooking still (for those of you who wondered where the heck this blogger cook went).



So here is my "healthy-ish" version of chicken fried rice. We love Chinese food in our home...well my husband could live off of it, literally - that is not an exaggerated statement. So the day I can replicate Orange Chicken from the Rivertown mall, we will be set for life. Complete Seriousness Folks.

Ingredients: missing from pic were the eggs, raw chicken, and sugar (Splenda/healthy sugar packets). Substitute soy sauce/Teriyaki sauce...either tastes fine!

Adapted from the following recipe:
http://chinesefood.about.com/od/ricefried/r/friedricechix.htm

Ingredients Needed:

3 cups of cold cooked rice
8oz cooked chicken or cooked turkey chopped
3 eggs (or more if desired)
A small frozen package of mixed veggies (carrots and peas)
1 medium white or yellow onion
1 white or green onion diced
Seasons will include light soy sauce, salt/pepper, Wok Oil for stir-frying - (you can find this in the Asain cultural food section of you major grocery stores)

Cook seasoned (Salt/Pepper) chicken breasts in the Wok Oil and Soy Sauce

Shred cooked chicken on a cutting board

I have my veggies set aside (if it looks like there is corn in there...it is...

I chose the wrong "mixed veggie" bag )...plus my chopped onions. 

 Used about 3 cups of rice for this batch....instant rice rocks.

Cook that rice up.

Cook the eggs in a separate skillet...(I used about 3 scrambled)...then put oil in same skillet on medium heat add onions veggies and cook for about 10-15 minutes...add in shredded chicken....then cooked eggs. I add salt and pepper and soy sauce as needed for flavor to this mix.

Once that has simmered and seems blended...about 25 mins...add into the rice mixture in your big pot. More soy sauce for flavor, stir, and let it simmer together on low until you serve it up!

Oh yeah! And the left overs are a tasty thing to look forward to!

Pot Roast, Taters, Carrots & Beer Gravy

So "it's been a while" is an understatement for this blog post. I miss the days of coming home after work and making dinner for my husband, lounging around the house with little to no intention of being productive. Life is ALL about being productive these days. I'm in the home stretch currently for finishing school and not a moment too late because I am going out of my mind with stress at times. Thank God for good friends, family, my husband and colleagues who have been scapegoats in listening to me and encourage me throughout it all! Also, I'd like to give a shout out to the practice of yoga and the divine power of a good run in the sunshine. I have been actively utilizing my membership at the YMCA with my buddy and nearly neighbor, Jess, taking cardio and sculpt classes mostly on the weekends. Austin and I have been using a lot of our weekends for relaxing together, eating take-out, and watching movies...so romantic and budget friendly. :)

As, I look forward to spring and all that it will bring, I also look forward to cooking more meals too. I have a rare chance depending on my work & school schedule to prepare a "real" meal. Lately it's been crock pot experiments. I'm not the biggest pot roast fan and neither is my hubs but this was pretty darn good I must say.

I combined two recipes I found online for this delectable dinner delight. My husband buys weird crazy beer these days. This one happened to be super dark and super hoppy...all good things for cooking roast.

Ingredients

1 beer (darker and more flavorful the better) mine was about 2 cups worth

salt and pepper to taste

Lawry's

Garlic powder to taste

Brown Gravy dry packet

Ranch Dips dry packet

Italian seasoning dry packet

2-4 lb beef roast

redskin or regular potatoes

carrots

onions

Add all dry ingredient packets together in a small bowl. Pour the beer into crock pot. Set on low for about 8-10 hours (mine cooked in 8 hours just fine and was super juicy). 

Add the roast  into the beer after covering with salt, pepper, Lawry's, and garlic powder on all sides. Add potatoes, onion, and carrots on the sides

Add the dry seasonings in layers over potato  carrot, onion, and beef. And let the crock-pot do its thing! It was well worth the wait. I left for work at 9 am and got back at 5 and it was good to go!

I don't have a finished product pic...but, trust me,  it looked like normal pot roast :)  The juice was really good and flavorful from all the beer too. Will make for some tasty left-overs for the rest of the week!!