O{pin)ions

Today I've got two of my own o{pin}ions for you.  One is food and one is not.

Let's start with food.

Honey Chicken

Via ~ Recipe Select

NOTE:  the person I pinned this from had most of the recipe in the description box of the pin.  When I clicked on the link, it takes you to a recipe website, but I couldn't find this exact recipe on their site.  So, I went with the part of the recipe I could read and did what I thought for the rest.

My o{pin}ion.... This is a pretty good recipe.  Most of the family liked it, hubby was impressed with how tender the meat was, and with a few changes (less pepper, salt and paprika as noted in original pin) I will absolutely make it again!
Here's my version of the original recipe (with changes) You take 8 chicken strips, then "bread" them with a mixture of 1/2 cup flour, 1 Tablespoons of  each black pepper, salt, and paprika. Place into a 9x9 baking dish and bake for 10 minutes at 400.  While baking, make the sauce.  To do this you mix together:  1/3 cup lemon juice, 1/2 stick of melted butter,  3 Tbsp. Bbq Sauce, and  1/2 cup honey  After chicken has cooked for 10 mins, pour sauce over chicken and continue baking until chicken is cooked through ~ maybe 10 more minutes.  Serve and enjoy!

** Now on to a Pinned "tip".  I came across this pin the other day and knew instantly I would be trying it. **

Make Nail Polish on Nails Last Longer

Via ~ Raining Hot Coupons

I was instantly intrigued with this pin, not for myself, but for my girls.  Sassy and Smiley always want me to paint their nails, but it always seems to chip off by day's end.  My fingers were crossed that this would at least help.  My verdict.  Smileys nails were chipping hours later ~ typical for this little 4 year old and Sassy's.... 24 hours later it was already wearing off in spots.  So my o{pin}ion is that this tip doesn't work, but I tested it on kids so maybe it would work better for an adult.  I however, don't like my nails painted, so I won't be trying it on myself.  

Pinned anything good lately ~ or have you tried anything that you've pinned? 

I'd love to hear from you!

(You can find my boards here)

Simple Relationship Tips

I guess today I feel like using my degree ~ not the deodorant,

I'm more of a secret girl  if you really want to know ☺.

But this morning, I was thinking about marriage..... my marriage.

My hubby and I have been married for 10 years, we have 3 precious kiddos, 1 crazy dog and a roof over our heads.  Perfect right?

I'm not going to go into details, but like most marriages and relationships, ours has had its share of ups and downs. 

But one thing that makes a HUGE impact on our relationship is random acts of kindness.

Huh?  Aren't those the nice things you do for strangers?

Well, think about it.  Do you remember when you first started dating that special someone and a phone call could make your heart jump and your stomach turn?  Or when that special someone would reach out and grab your hand while you were walking ~ just because they wanted to touch you and have you close.  How about the simple act of getting ready for and going on a date.

Now, when was the last time you phoned your significant other just to tell them  you loved them without talking "business" ?  Or when you gave them a compliment rather than a critique?  When was the last time you had loving physical contact ~ you know holding hands, a hug, or a quick shoulder rub instead of a belly poke or a smack on the rear? 

Try it.

Leave a note ~ be it  a wish for a good day, a good luck or a love note.  Leave it in their car, on their pillow somewhere they will find it. 

Greet them at the door when they come home ~ you would greet a stranger if they came to your door.

Give a hug, hold hands on a walk, rub their shoulders ~ let them know you want them near.

Go on a date.

Enjoy each other!

And you may end up like this ADORABLE couple:

Pancake batter tip

Just thought I would pass on a quick tip that makes my mornings (and camping trips) a bit easier:

The next time you make pancakes, make extra batter:

Pour the extra batter into a empty, clean and dry ketchup bottle (squeeze salad dressing bottles also work well).

Store in the fridge and Voila ~ pancake batter ready to be shaken, squeezed out and made into fresh, hot pancakes in the morning ~ or whenever you like to eat them. At our house, that could mean supper ~ unless your me of course, because I don't really like pancakes all that well.

Anyway, it's easy squeezy!

(Obviously its been a long day in the sun for me and I need to go to bed!)