Super Bowl Dip Round Up

As the week comes to a close - everyone is getting ready for the Super Bowl.  I thought I'd put together a collection of dips together for you and some linky links to my Pinterest boards for inspiration as you plan out your menu (or wait till Saturday night, we've all been there!).

Beer Cheese Dip - by Tidy Mom

Warm Bean Dip - by Life as a Lofthouse

Hot Corn Dip - by Ezra Pound Cake

Chicken Enchilda Dip - by On My Plate

BBQ Chicken Dip - by Plain Chicken

Mustard Pretzel Dip - by Mrs. Happy Homemaker

Also...  Check out some of my Pinterest boards for more Appetizer Recipes!

Dips Board (sorry, only one - in the process of reorganizing)

Appetizer Board (sorry, only a few - in the process of reorganizing)

Party Recipes Board

Recipes Board

So for those of you who are living healthier in the new year, (IMO) it is okay to indulge yourself every once in a while and enjoy.  All in moderation!  If you decide to cheat with food, be clean with drinks (water).  For dinner, go light with a basic salad and lean protein with a non-creamy dressing; and have your healthy breakfast packed and ready to go (for suggestions see my post on Healthy Breakfast Recipes).  ENJOY!! &&& and happy good eats!

this week on instagram

oh em gee... i'm just a couple days away from ACTUALLY completing a month in #fmsphotoaday.  WOW LAU LAU!  In the early part of 2012 I would always start the challenge and never get through it, but this month is totally different.  I think I have this weekly round up to thank since it has held me accountable to post, even if I'm late.

Without further ado.. here are this past week's pics!

22 | corner

This is my corner cubicle!

23 | electric

power lines on the way to work

me and my

24 | stripes

What I wore to work

25 | landscape

quite gloomy day in Hawaii 'nei

26 | together

me and my love at his sister's wedding in September

27 | sun

a little bokeh effect while the sun was setting

28 | through

Dad went through so much in life in his last couple of years. Love and miss him too much!

Super Bowl Sunday Pupus Round Up

Pupus?? Yep, thats right, pupus (poo*poos).  For those of you who don't know, it is a "slang" type of word that we use in Hawaii for appetizers.

Quickie Spinny Artie Cups

I haven't really used local slang (or pidgeon, as we call it), but get used to learning Hawaii slang, because it will be popping up a lot more in my future blog posts.

Chili Cheese Potato Skins

Over the past year I've posted a few recipes for appetizers (or pupus); so here is a round-up of them to get you started in prepping for the big game day on Sunday.

Dad's Famous Corn Fritters

 So.. the Niners and the Ravens.  The Mr. is a Steeler's die hard and right now he is just dreading this game.  He doesn't want the Ravens to win since that is one of the Steeler's main rivals.  And on the other hand he doesn't want the Niners to win because then they will be even stevens with the Steelers in Super Bowl wins... After much thinking (and irritation); he's decided that Ray Lewis should go out with a bang and hopefully get the Super Bowl win... It'll be interesting how this plays out when the actual game it on.  So long football season.. you'll be missed!

5 Speed Burritos

PS:  I hope to get a few more pupu recipes out before the big game, so keep a look out for those! and follow me if you haven't already!!!

Sunday Social - What, Where, Who & If?

Hi There everyone! Have a fabulous Sunday! Don't forget to link up!

1. What is your ideal way to relax?

Vegging out on the couch to Netflix

2. Where is your favorite place to be?

Wherever my family is!  "Home is wherever I'm with you!"

 

3. Who do you consider your biggest role model?

 Hmm, this is a hard question.

4. What does your life look like in 3 years?

Married with children, owning and working from home.

 

5. If you could go back and change one decision, what would it be?

I've definitely made some financial decisions that weren't the best!  I have and am paying for them.  You live and you learn!

 

6. What is your biggest accomplishment in life so far?

Stepping out of my comfort zone with my etsy shop, and putting myself out there in trying to make blogging friends and networking.  (Oh and maybe a Marketing degree would be a big accomplishment too!).

Instant Mommie Tips & Tricks #1

Us women!!  ...let's just give ourselves a pat on the back right now.  I mean we are some pretty awesome people.  We do a lot of things, take care of a lot of people and hold the fort down!  You've heard the saying, right?

"A woman's job is never done."

It's totally okay for us girls to talk about that and to say it, but a MAN telling us that??? Oh come on.. excuse me, I think I'm taking the night off (*steal remote control, get comfy on the couch and watch tv for the duration of the night, even if you aren't interested on any of the programs shown*).

So - this series I'm starting {tips & tricks} is all about little ways to make our lives easier, whether it is having one less dish in the sink; one less load of laundry; one less item you have to pick up.  You get my drift!

So today I wanted to share with you my "go-to" "holy grail" slow cooker.  

Before me and the Mr. moved in together I shopped around online for different slow-cookers finding features that did and did not appease me.  

One thing I knew about me and slow cooking was that I absolutely DETEST having to sear or pre-cook something on the stove then transfer it into the stoneware slow cooker.  I mean, seriously, whats the point of set it and forget it????

 

 I love love love love love love love..... this slow cooker!  You just don't understand how convenient it is to sear a roast in the same pot you are going to slow cook it in, or to brown some ground meat, etc.  I just can't get enough of it!  The dial has four options: Off, Warm, Low, High.  Once the dial is switched from the Off position you can adjust the timer to your preference, once the timer has finished it will default to warm.

You can get this bomb.com slow cooker here, here and here!

Pinterest Thursday - When the Going Gets Tough

When the going gets tough... the tough turn to PINTEREST!

I'm was/am getting over that first slump in my determination to be healthy and to lose the excess weight.  Last week, I don't think I even attempted to try, this week is better.  I really need to get back to logging down what I eat on the LoseIt app. 

Anyway -  so this is for the ladies that are or may be in that slumber with me: a pinterest refresher of healthy recipes and ideas to boost you back to the healthy track!  Enjoy :-)

via

via

via

via

via

via

 

 

via

here's to healthy eating!

-kel

You got the "WRITE" Stuff Baby - FREE Valentine Printable

There are so many printables out there in blogland and pinland.  While I love all of them and the genius behind that ... I mean, why didn't I think of.. "you're o'fish'ally _____" or "OWL always ______"

I felt like we needed some fresh content.  One day I caught myself singing that old Pepsi tune, 

"You got the right one baby, uh huh, uh huh!"

And I thought, oh that would make a great printable!  So I changed it up!  In the pic I have a pen, but please out do me, go and get some cute Valentine pencils from Target's dollar bins and give these to your co-workers, friends, and your children's schoolmates.

Save the file below to your computer, then insert it into a Word document or Publisher document (whatever you fancy); and print them out!  I was able to fit two onto a sheet of paper.  Punch holes where you deem necessary and stick your gift through!

click on the image, and then save to your computer by rick clicking and clicking save image.

Enjoy! :-) -Kele

Paradise Sweet's Liquid Gold Lilikoi Butter

Hey Everyone -

Yes!!! Today is Hump Day.  Its all downhill from now right?!  Two more days until another weekend (not that we actually rest right!?  At least I can squeeze in an extra half an hour of sleep, a full hour if I'm lucky.)

Anyhow - today's post will be a little different from any other post that I've done here on Instant Mommie.  I'll be sharing with you an etsy seller that has some amazing goodies.  Aubrey runs the etsy store, Paradise Sweets where she sells sugar cookies as well as LILIKOI BUTTER (in season).

I have yet to taste her delectable baked goods, but I just have to brag to you about her LILIKOI BUTTER.  Aubrey and I met at Ala Moana Center to exchange our goodies (SALT FOR BUTTER!).  If you don't know, Hawaii is infamous for insane rush hour traffic (an hour for 18 miles).  I just could not look at that darn bottle the entire drive home without sticking my fingers into it!  So I licked the whatever was on the cap.. and yep.. it was OH SO GOOD.. BOMB.COM... YUMMINESS IN MY TUMMY.  Like seriously, who comes up with this stuff??

Anyway - so when I'm not licking it off a spoon (I whacked this whole thing by myself and let my lovelies taste it ... ONCE). I enjoyed it over greek yogurt, mixed into oatmeal with bananas and nuts and on good ol' toast.

I mean, toast is toast - right?  Good 'ol faithful toast, but with this bad boy right here??? This ain't toast no more!  This is straight up - Don't spread it, let me dip it (oh the light bulb just went off, but I need to order more cause I'm out - Aubrey can we do bulk orders!?), bomb.com toast!

Do yourself a favor, go check out her shop, buy at least 2 bottles of her LILIKOI BUTTER (& snag some cookies).  Heaven in a bottle!

-kele


Disclosure:  I received this product as a swap (we both exchanged products for personal purposes).  I am posting this review/promotion on my own accord, and Aubrey at Paradise Sweets is not aware that I am posting it, but will find out once it is up. SURPRISE!  Opinions are my own, and I am not being compensated for this review/promotion.

this week on instagram

15 || an ordinary moment

This is the view from my work. I get to look at this five times a week :-) 

16 || two things

Uncle Bob's Seasoning Salt and a hard boiled eggs are two things that just match perfectly!

17 || ready

I am so ready for my Hayley's World mug rug to pop in my mailbox! 
My starbies is super loner status right now!

18 || shadow

 Quick shadows of me and CJ before the sun goes down!

19 || delicious

Pretty & delicious, these scrumptious cupcakes are perfect for Valentine's Day or anytime.  They were so fun to make, I think I'm going to do them again soon!  Click here for the recipe && how to:

20 || something you saw

Found Hayley Boo sleeping as if she were a human! Lol - does anyone else's cat do this?

21 || what you do

I work in the Healthcare Foodservice Industry and am currently doing a certification class online through the University of North Dakota to become a Certified Dietary Manager!

PS: Let me know if you post your instagram photos too, and follow me at @kelegirl6

Sunday Social - All About 3's

Hope everyone is having a good Sunday Night!  This is my first Sunday Social - I think this is a fun way for everyone to get to know a little bit more about everyone!  So join and link up over at AshleyLately

1. Top 3 favorite kinds of food

Hawaiian Food, Avocados (yes it is a kind, so much you can do with them!) & Chocolate

2. First 3 things you do in the morning

Hit the snooze button, play on my phone for a little bit (check instagram, email, etc.) && then morning business in the bathroom.

3. Last 3 things you do at night

 Prep breakfast for the following morning, night business in the bathroom and cuddle with my honey!

4. 3 TV shows you NEVER miss

Hawaii 5-0, Grey's Anatomy && Duck Dynasty

5. 3 places you want to visit

England, Thailand & Italy

6. 3 people you can always count on

My Mom, My Grandpa and My Love

Chaka Chopped Steak

Happy Saturday yall!  I got a quick dinner idea for you today.  With a little preparation (thinking ahead and putting some steak in a baggy with a marinade), you can whip this up from start to finish in less than 30 minutes.

My honey was very patient with me last week when it came to dinner since I was too busy blowing my nose and stopping a nose drip to get in the kitchen..  We mostly ended up eating leftovers and different versions of ramen.

This week I decided to make him a special dinner featuring some of his favorites.  At our first barbecue, together, he introduced  me to Chaka Sauce

via Chaka's MMM Sauce!

I can't believe I'm telling you guys this, but ... my boyfriend loves this sauce SO MUCH.. that he can just DRINK IT, and he usually drinks it more than we actually cook with it.  sad story.

So anyway - since he was such a trooper last week with dinners, I figured I'd make some Chaka Chopped Steak with Rice and Uncle Bob's Oven Roasted Corn (that recipe coming soon - will be linked when it is posted), using the Original Salt in my salt shop.

**before we get to how I made this dinner, from now on - instead of posting "recipes" I will more so be posting "methods," as my cooking style reflects using a method or technique and then adding my own twists than following recipes, and I encourage you to do the same!

Chaka Chopped Steak:

Ingredients:
Steak (whichever cut you prefer, this will be cut up)
Chaka Sauce
Yellow Onion, sliced
Balsamic Vinegar (change it up to your own flavor, and some spice with chili peppers or depth with Worchestershire).

Marinate your steak in Chaka Sauce for at least 2 hours.  I did mine overnight.  To marinate, put your steaks in a ziplock bag and pour chaka sauce until all the steak is covered in the sauce.  When you are ready to cook, (start your rice first) - heat a pan to medium high heat.  Once the pan is heated, spray cooking spray on it.  Place the steaks into the pan to get a nice sear (save the left over marinade).  While the steaks are searing, slice your onion.  Add the left over marinade to the pan and add the onions.  Flip your steaks onto the other side, letting the onions fall to the bottom of the pan and placing the steaks on top.  Once the steaks are done take them out of the pan, let rest for a couple of minutes, cut into 1-2" pieces and return to the pan.  Add about 2 tbsp of balsamic vinegar to the pan and stir.  Let simmer for a couple of minutes and serve over rice.  Pairs nicely with corn on the cob.

LOVE && a Valentine Scripture Printable

Valentine's Day is less than a month away.  Not only is this a special day to remember to show your husband or wife; boyfriend or girlfriend that you love them - but everyone that you hold dear to your heart.

One of my resolutions for 2013 is to LOVE more.  For me, this means to not be so quick to speak and think about how my words affect people; to LOVE someone even when I feel that they are not being LOVING to me; to LOVE the way 1 Corinthians 13 talks about LOVE.

Valentine's Day is the perfect time to translate the love passage in 1 Corinthians 13 into a printable.

Please enjoy my newest Valentine printable:

PS:  I opened a new etsy shop for special printables.  I have this printable there as well as a Aqua and Black version and a Mint and Coral version for $1.50 each.

Happy Valentine's Day!

PPS:  Please don't hesitate to email me if you have problems with the free printable or questions.

Pinterest Thursday

There are too many cute Valentine crafts out there.. it is so hard to choose the few that you want to do!  Last year, for CJ's class I did the ever popular 3D Valentine Lollipop photo cards.  They were such a hit and so popular, I am tempted to do it again, but I want to do a few other new crafts for 2013!!

Here are some fun finds I found on Pinterest while looking for Valentine's crafts!  Enjoy :-)

via Organize & Decorate Everything

via Itsy Bitsy Paper Blog

via Landee See, Landee Do

via Cookies and Cups

A Crafted Holiday - etsy shop

One of my goals for this upcoming year is to get in touch with my creative side a whole lot more.  I have always admired crafts, and it is time I start creating my own.  I love to design on the computer.  One of my dreams is to take a digital design class so that I can create digital art.

Since October, with the excuse of delivering little treats to lil-instant's class, I've started to get back into my digital crafty side.  I enjoy it so much that I thought I would open a shop on etsy to offer extra designs for sale to those of you that don't have the means... OR THE TIME... but still want to give a special, handcrafted touch to holiday-centric things.

Without further-ado I bring to you...  A CRAFTED HOLIDAY.

Vintage Valentine Heart Square Tag

Currently I have two listings in the shop, for $1.50 each.  These items will be emailed to you for you to print off and use.  More items to come for Valentine's Day which will be here before you know it - cause if you didn't get the memo, Christmas came and went, we are half way through January and before you know it, we'll be on to crafting St. Patrick's Day items!

The love struck printable comes in five different colors: black // sepia // pink // red // aqua&red combo

Get yours today!

-kel

New Etsy Shop Listings

Hopefully you all have been able to take a look around my etsy shop, Uncle Bob's Salts.  I share it every chance I get, and tweet about it quite often!  Today, I just wanted to share some of my new listings with you and hope to tantalize your taste buds!!

Say hello to LEMON SALT!  My inspiration for this salt was inspired by a pasta dish I did earlier last year, Lemon & Herb Pasta.  Cut down one step by putting two together, right!?

Two ounces of zesty lemon salt sure to brighten and perk up your favorite foods and drinks (think salt rimmer or even in your Bloody Mary).

Perfect for veggies, chicken, fish and pasta this will surely brighten your healthy resolutions and perk up your food!  I have been loving this salt with my roasted veggies lately!  Broccoli, Kale, Asparagus, Zucchini, the list goes on and on!

Now, please help me give a warm welcome too  LEMON GARLIC SEASONING
One day I was talking to my mom about the farmer's market and my salt shop.  Something to the effect that I need to make Lemon salt as well as Garlic salt.  And then... lightbulb - THOSE TWO GO AMAZING TOGETHER, and here we are with a lemon garlic seasoning, rounding it out with a bit of black pepper!

 Two ounces of perfectly blended lemon and garlic. This zesty seasoning features dried out lemon rind and bits of roasted garlic with Hawaiian sea salt and black pepper.

NOTE: This seasoning is a chunky blend with bits of dried, roasted garlic and lemon rind. I prefer not to grind it down, but please feel free to do so upon purchase.

Perfect for veggies, chicken, fish and pasta this will surely brighten your healthy resolutions and perk up your food!

I hope you enjoyed a little introduction to these two lovelies, and pick some up for yourselves to at Uncle Bob's Salts!