20 Things to Accomplish Before I Turn 30 Check In!

Hi Friends! Wow, it’s been awhile since I took a look at this list. As many of you know, I love making bucket lists. I usually have goals for the year and even summer bucket lists. I remember writing this list out in July of 2020. My life has certainly changed a little since then. Let’s take a look at the list and see what I’ve accomplished so far…

MY GOALS…

1. HAVE AT LEAST TWO KIDS (THROUGH BIRTH, ADOPTION OR WHATEVER THE LORD HAS PLANNED)

This goal is half completed or completed depending on how you look at it. I have a total of 3 kids, but only one of them living earth-side while the other two are in Heaven. My husband and I would like to have another baby at some point, either through pregnancy or adoption. But we are open to whatever the Lord has planned.

2. WRITE 5 CHILDREN’S BOOKS (I THINK PUBLISHING AT LEAST ONE A YEAR SOUNDS GOOD)

I’ve written 2 children’s book but only published one. So, I should get going on this goal.

3. PUBLISH MY MEMOIR (I BETTER HAVE THIS DONE BY THEN)

This has not happened yet. But every year I’m working on it and putting myself one step closer to publishing.

4. MOVE UP IN MY FIELD WORKING WITH CHILDREN (WHETHER THAT BE JUST MORE RESPONSIBILITY OR A PROMOTION… I’M UP FOR ANYTHING)

I technically completed this goal because in March of 2021, I was promoted to opener at my childcare center. However, At this time in my life I’m not really sure if and when I will return to the workforce. I am really enjoying the stay-at-home mom life. If I do return back to my field of child development/ early childhood, I hope to move up and test the waters in curriculum design or even administration. For now I’m going to continue to dabble in children’s literacy.

5. MOVE INTO A HOUSE (I WOULD PREFER HERE IN MICHIGAN, BUT WE’LL SEE WHAT HAPPENS)

I mean we have started the pre approval process and looking around. We are very close to completing this goal and hope to have a house by the end of the year.

6. GET A DOG (SOMEDAY SOON!)

Eventually, I would like to have a dog. But I would like to focus first on homesteading and getting some chickens.

7. MAKE MONEY BLOGGING (SOMEHOW AND SOME WAY I WOULD HOPE TO MAKE A SMALL INCOME OFF OF MY HOBBY)

I still would like to do this, but I’m not sure how. I also feel like my niche is changing and I’m not sure what I truly want to focus on.

8. MAKE MY DOG A BRAND AMBASSADOR (FOR REAL, I WANT TO TRY THIS)

This would be fun. It’s not a super important goal to me anymore, but if we do get a dog, I’d like to try it.

9. GO ON A WEEK LONG VACATION TO SOME PLACE WARM (FORT LAUDERDALE, OR MYRTLE BEACH SOUND NICE)

Yes, yes, and yes. This hasn’t happened since the year we got married. We are due for a vacation. We should start planning!

10. HAVE 5,000 FOLLOWERS ON MY BLOG (TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT MY BLOG YA’LL!)

I have over 300 followers now. Slow and steady wins the race right?

11. GET A CAT (THE DOG WILL NEED A FRIEND)

I did get a cat! His name is Rocky! We adopted him in 2020, shortly after I wrote this original post! He’s the best little fur ball!

12. PAY OFF HALF MY STUDENT LOANS (GET THEM THINGS PAID OFF)

This hasn’t happened yet because of the pandemic.

13. ATTEND AN NCFR OR NAEYC CONFERENCE (NOW, THIS WOULD BE FUN)

I still think this would be fun! I should look into when the next conference is!

14. WRITE A SELF CARE JOURNAL FOR WOMEN (WE ALL NEED A LITTLE DAILY SELF CARE)

I have the beginnings of a rough draft tucked away in a filing cabinet. I should probably dig that out…

15. VISIT NEW YORK CITY (I WANT TO SEE TIME SQUARE, GROUND ZERO, ONE WORLD TRADE CENTER, THE STATUE OF LIBERTY AND ALL THE OTHER THINGS)

I still really want to do this. Even if it’s not before I’m 30, hopefully before I die.

16. BE ON THE TODAY SHOW (I KNOW THIS SOUNDS CRAZY, BUT I THINK IT WOULD BE COOL… WHO KNOWS IF IT WILL EVER HAPPEN)

I still think this would be cool. I have no idea how it would happen though.

17. GIVE A TED TALK (IT WOULD BE TERRIFYING, BUT I’D LOVE TO DO IT.

Same thing as the Today show. Don’t know how it would happen, but it would be cool.

18. WRITE 1,000 BLOG POSTS (THIS SHOULD BE DO-ABLE)

I’m on my way! Written about 415, so at least 585 or so to go!

19. LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST

This goal is always In process.

20. BE A GREAT WOMAN, MOM, WIFE, DAUGHTER, SISTER, FRIEND, TEACHER, AUTHOR AND HUMAN

One day at a time. Always striving to be the best I can be.


4 out of 20, that’s a good start!

Reblog: Oh The Things I’ve Caught On Fire

My name is Kaylee. If you’re new around here… you may not know much about me. Allow me to introduce myself. I am 24 years old and started this blog about a year and a half ago. I love writing and helping others through my stories of loss and hardship. However, I thought I would mix it up a bit. 

Today, I am going to be sharing a few humorous stories about how I somehow seem to catch things on fire. The ironic thing is, my Daddy is a retired firefighter but for some reason… fire just seems to follow me. So, sit back, relax and enjoy these humorous stories. 

FIRE STORY 1: THE FIRE IN THE OVEN 

When Charles and I first got married, we lived in a small one bedroom apartment. One evening after work I decided to bake some chicken wings, and chopped carrots, onions and potatoes. Everything was going great, until I smelled smoke. 

I was relaxing in the living room and went to the oven to check it out. The oven did not have a window, so I had to open the door. When I opened the door there was about a four inch flame in corner of the oven. I panicked and yelled for Charles. We didn’t know what to do, and looked ridiculous running around the kitchen. 

He told me to calm down and find the fire extinguisher I handed it to him and he used it on the fire. Whelp, that was the end of our dinner. I then called the fire department to have them come check it out. I also called my mom, who panicked and came to help us. 

When the fire department arrived, the first one into our apartment was a rookie firefighter and he was so excited for his first fire. He looked very disappointed however, when he realized the fire was small and already out. 

The firefighters helped us air out all the smoke, and my mom gave us some money so we could eat at McDonalds for dinner. We figured out later that some grease from the chicken fell on the bottom of the oven and caused the flame. We also discovered that the smoke detector did not work, so in a way it was a blessing that things happened the way they did. 

FIRE STORY 2: THE FIRE IN THE MICROWAVE 

So, some time last spring I was really into homemade popcorn. I loved air popping the kernels myself, and melting my own butter. One afternoon when I was melting the butter, I heard a really strange sound coming from the microwave. I’m not exaggerating when I say it almost sounded like a radioactive popping sound. I only melted the butter for 10 seconds. I looked around the microwave and didn’t see anything. 

About three days later, I made more popcorn. I melted butter and heard the sound again. I looked around the microwave and saw a gray spot on the side near a vent. I thought it was weird but just figured it was something that splattered earlier. 

The next day I made popcorn for me and Charles. I decided to make microwave popcorn this time. As it was cooking and had about a minute to go, I heard Bang! Bang! Bang! coming from the microwave. I looked through the window and noticed sparks coming from the inside. I immediately pushed stop, opened the door and unplugged it. 

I tried to remove the popcorn bag, and a third of it was black, burnt and smoking. I put it in the sink and ran the water. I looked inside the microwave and one of the vents was black with a hole in it. 

Charles then came into the kitchen and said “Girl, what did you do?” I told him what happened and tried to calm myself down but also started laughing. We were without a microwave for about three days until we were finally able to get a new one. We discovered that somehow a build up of grease and butter likely splattered into the vent and caught it on fire. 

FIRE STORY 3: THE FIRE FROM THE GLUE GUN 

Sometime last winter, I decided to pull out my glue gun to work on some projects. To be honest, I can’t even remember what I was working on. Anyway, I pulled out the glue gun, and realized the cord would not reach the table if I plugged it into the wall. So, I plugged it into the surge protector on the floor… big mistake. 

As I was in my own little craft world, hot gluing away, I was focused close to my project with my face near the glue gun. I sat up to stretch my neck and as I was sitting up I heard Pow! I jolted back into the couch and watched the huge spark from the glue gun turn into smoke. Half my living room went dark and I realized I blew a fuse. 

I tried to compose myself enough to call my dad… since he is a retired firefighter. He told me to unplug everything and call maintenance. Everything ended up being fine, and I later learned that you’re not supposed to plug heating elements into surge protectors… lesson learned. 

FIRE STORY 4: THE FIRE AT THE CABIN. 

Not going to lie, this is probably my favorite fire story because of all the shenanigans that occurred. I certainly saved the best for last.

On Halloween of 2014, my best friend Andrea and I went to her family’s cabin. It was honestly a fun trip, despite everything that happened. The next day on November 1st, Andrea and I drove to the town store that was famous for its’ jerky and was at least a half hour away. Before leaving, I asked Andrea if we should unplug the space heater. She said we shouldn’t have to because it was relatively safe and could be left on for hours if need be. 

Before leaving, I prayed everything would be ok, and then we took off to the store. While at the store I bought a bunch of jerky for my family and Charles since we had just started dating. We spent probably 20 minutes at the store, and then headed back to the cabin. 

After unloading and arriving in the cabin, we both smelled smoke. Andrea checked the kitchen and all was good. We both headed into the bedroom and noticed the space heater was not on even though we left it on. We immediately went to the outlet, and noticed that the plug melted into the outlet. Andrea quickly unplugged it and said “Thank God” 

After putting away the meat and getting in comfy clothes, I called my parents to tell them what had happened. My dad answered and after hearing my story, told me he was glad everything was okay. I hung up from him and helped Andrea open windows to get smoke out of the cabin. 

A few minutes later my mom called in a panic and said “Kaylee you really should call the fire department and have them check out the wall. That is how our house fire started. There was fire in the wall.” After thinking about it, she was right. I went into the bedroom and touched the wall just above the outlet. It was still hot. I then hung up from my mom, told Andrea what my mom said and called 911. 

When the dispatcher asked for the cabin address, Andrea read it to me off her gps on her phone. After hanging up from the dispatcher, Andrea and I scrambled to put our bras and other belongings away since they were laid out all over. As you can guess, we were not expecting company. 

After putting our things away, Andrea and I stood on the front porch waiting for the fire department. A few minutes later, the dispatcher called me back and said “Hi, I’m sorry but the firefighters are having a hard time finding your cabin. Where are you located?” I repeated the address to her and she told me the firefighters are at that location and it seems to be the wrong house. She then suggested I run down to the end of the driveway to see if I could see them. Once I headed down the driveway and reached the road, I looked both ways. There were no signs of the fire engine. 

I continued talking to the dispatcher trying to explain where we were at. She asked “Are you sure that is the address” I then remembered seeing the address numbers on the porch and read them off to her. Come to find out we were a number off and they really did go to the wrong house. Oops. Andrea stayed on the front porch and I headed back down the driveway trying to spot the fire engine. Once I spotted the fire engine slowly coming down the road, I told the dispatcher and hung up. 

Once the fire fighters pulled into the driveway, Andrea and I decided we needed to just play dumb and innocent because we were already super embarrassed. When the first firefighter got out of the rig he said “You guys need to learn how to read an address.” He was so mad, but he had a point. At the time I felt so bad but now I can laugh about it. 

They checked out the cabin to make sure it was safe. They checked out the wood stoves as well as the outlet where the fire happened. They took a thermal imaging camera to check the temperature of the wall and it was around 100° and going down. It was likely just a faulty plug. By then I knew we were going to be okay. 

As the firefighters left, we apologized multiple times for the confusion and thanked them for their help. Later that night Andrea called her dad and told him what happened. To this day we still laugh about this story. 


Happy New Year! This Year’s Goals of the Year and More!

It’s 2023! Happy New Year friends! I can’t believe my baby is almost a year old! Where did the time go??? Any who… this year I’ve got plans, like I always do. I always like to reach big for the goals I set for myself each year. However, I also want to bring into the new year something I learned from 2022, and that is flexibility. Last year, I was challenged to be flexible with my time, money, plans, parenting and expectations. This year I’m going to try and continue to keep that flexibility at times, as hard as it is for me not to be a control freak.

This year I am setting 10 goals for myself. These are 10 goals that I hope to be intentional as well as manageable. Without further or do, here are my goals for 2023!


My Goals for 2023

1. Buy a House

This is the big one. This is the one I want to come true the most! We have been saving up and looking for the perfect starter home for our little family. My hope is to find our home and move in before summer, if not by the end of the year.

2. Go on a Family Trip

I would like to go on at least one family trip this year, even if it’s just a day trip. A few ideas I have include the zoo, northern Michigan, Great a Wolf Lodge, the apple orchard, the dairy farm or Mackinac.

3. Publish one of my Books

I said this in my last post. This goal will be on this list until I complete it!

4. Decorate my New Home

This one goes along with my first goal. But it’s honestly what I am most excited about with getting a new home. We get to decorate and make it our own!

5. Get my Eyes Checked

Now, at first glance you guys might think this is a dumb goal. But give me a moment to explain. The last time I had my eyes checked was in 2018. It’s been 5 years. I need my eyes checked and I really need new glasses. I’m just terrified of going to the eye doctor, for reasons I will share in a future post. So this is a big deal for me, but I gotta do it.

6. Start Our Homesteading Lifestyle

I’ve mentioned in previous posts how I am very interested in homesteading and would eventually like to have my own garden/green house, chicken coup with laying egg hens, and a goat or two for goat milk. I realize I can’t begin this lifestyle until we are moved into our new home. However, I would like to at least begin the process of homestead living by continuing to research and maybe even start buying supplies.

7. Host a Party or Family Gathering

As we wrap up the holidays, I have thought about how much I would one day love to host a family gathering and or party at my own home in the coming year. I have a few ideas including a house warming party, Easter Dinner, Mother’s Day, Christmas or New Year’s Eve. Depending on when we move and get settled in will depend on when all this happens, but I simply can’t wait!

8. Write 515 Blog Posts

I know I didn’t reach my goal of 500 blog posts in 2022, but I hope to reach this one in 2023. With my little one being a little more mobile and independent, I’m hopeful this will allow me to dive back into my hobby of writing.

9. Implement Fun and Structured Activities with my Son

As Matthew quickly emerges from baby to toddler, I would like to start doing more intentional, structural activities throughout the year. I have a few ideas like sensory bins/bags, art projects and outside activities.

10. Start Developing Our Homeschool Curriculum

As many of you know, I have degrees in Early Childhood Education and Child and Family Development. This is my field. I have always wanted to develop my own toddler/preschool curriculum.


My Word of the Year…

This year I have decided to include a word of the year. Something I want to ponder, remember and reflect on as each month passes this year. I asked my husband to think of a word for me. I said to think of the first word that comes to his head, and he said Resilience. I instantly thought it was perfect! No matter what this year brings, I’m going to have faith, trust in Jesus and come out with resilience.

Bring on 2023, cause I’m ready! 💕

My 2022 Recap

It’s that time of year again! On New Year’s Eve, day 365 of a 365 page book I take a moment to reflect on the past year and all it has taught me.

The biggest thing I think I can take away from this year is that motherhood is HARD, but oh so rewarding. I mean from the moment it turned 2022, I was in the hospital being induced, exhausted and discouraged. A year later I lay in my own bed, still exhausted as my kid doesn’t believe in sleep, but oh so incredibly blessed.

I’d like to start something new as I end this year and begin a new one. I want to have a word of the year. Something I can ponder and reflect as I navigate the ups and downs of the year. I’m not going to give away my word for 2023 until tomorrow. But for 2022, I think my word would have to be flexibility. So many things did not go as planned in 2022. And I can be high strong and a major worrier/control freak. Therefore, this has challenged me to be more flexible with parenting, my time, sickness, money, expectations and so many other things. You know what, that’s okay. I think it’s a lesson I needed. Things don’t always go as planned and that’s okay.

Here’s a look back at my 2022!

January

  • Gave birth to our rainbow baby Matthew.
  • Started my breastfeeding journey.

February

  • Quit my job and became a stay-at-home mom.
  • Charles turned 26.

March

  • Transitioned our son from bassinet to crib.
  • Rocky turned 2!
  • Developed Postpartum Anxiety

April

  • Matthew started rolling over.
  • Matthew started PT.
  • Charles started a new job.

May

  • We moved out of our apartment and in with family.
  • Matthew started solid foods.
  • Developed Postpartum Thyroiditis
  • Celebrated my 3rd Mother’s Day

June

  • Matthew started sitting unassisted
  • Matthew said his first word “mama”.

July

  • Matthew got a swimming pool.

August

  • I turned 27.
  • Charles and I went out on a seafood date.
  • Matthew started crawling and pulling himself up on the same day!
  • Matthew graduated from PT.

September

  • Took a family trip to the farm/apple orchard.
  • Had dinner with some friends/extended family.

October

  • Matthew started walking.
  • Matthew was Tigger for his first Halloween.
  • Matthew got his first pair of shoes.

November

  • Matthew went sledding for the first time.
  • Matthew touched snow for the first time.
  • Matthew learned to wave.
  • We celebrated Thanksgiving.
  • We watched the U of M and Ohio State Game with family.

December

  • Matthew started clapping.
  • Blizzard of 2022.
  • We celebrated Matthew’s 1st Christmas.

Now, I’d like to take a minute to reflect on the goals I met this year!

2022 Goals

1. GIVE BIRTH TO OUR BEAUTIFUL RAINBOW BABY!

This goal was met immediately in January, when we welcomed our precious son into the world!

2. START A SMALL BUSINESS ON THE SIDE

I did not meet this goal, but am continuing to plan and brainstorm on what I would like my small business to be when the time comes!

3. FINISH READING THE ENTIRE BIBLE

I did not meet this goal either. I stopped reading somewhere in Isaiah. However, that doesn’t mean I have stopped reading completely, I read at least a verse to a chapter everyday and meditate on it in hopes to find wisdom in how to apply it to my daily life.

4. MOVE TO A BIGGER PLACE TO FIT OUR FAMILY OF 4!

This goal is still in process. As many of you know, we made the decision to move in with family earlier this year. And after much time, hard work and saving up; we have now started the pre approval process and house hunting season. It’s a little nerve racking but very exciting.

5. PUBLISH 1 OF MY BOOKS

I think this goal will be on the list until it happens. Guys, I want to publish a book, I really do. I guess at times, I just doubt myself and let life get in the way. I don’t know why. Maybe I just need a swift kick in the pants to get things moving along!

6. PAY OFF HALF OF MY CAR

Did I pay off half my car? No. But I paid off a huge chunk! Maybe 25%. I’m pretty dang proud of that!

7. KNIT CHARLES A SWEATER

I didn’t reach this goal, cause when we moved, I packed away his sweater and my crochet stuff. Silly me. Next year hopefully.

8. CREATE A WILL

I didn’t reach this goal, but I feel I did get this goal started as I’ve had the hard conversations this past year about what and how I want things done when the Lord calls me home,

9. MAKE MONEY BLOGGING AND TURN MY BLOG INTO A JOB FROM HOME

Ya, still not sure about this goal. But I have been looking at different virtual jobs like tutoring or call centers.

10. WRITE 500 BLOG POSTS

So, I’ve written 408 posts. I was 92 posts short. But that’s okay, I’m still proud of what I’ve accomplished on top of becoming a new mom,



Wow, this year has been a whirlwind. Another 365 page book of my life has come to a close. I’m tired but I’m blessed. Can’t wait for the blessings and even the challenges that may lay ahead in the coming year.

Happy New Year Friends! 🎉🎉🎉

Christmas Traditions

Growing up, my mom made sure my childhood was filled with various Christmas traditions. For as long as I can remember, every year we would spend an entire Saturday cleaning the living room and pulling out several totes of Christmas items and decorating our Christmas tree.

When I was about 10, we decided to start the tradition of ordering Chinese food on Christmas Eve. We got this idea from the movie A Christmas Story.

This year, I have been so excited to start some new Christmas traditions with my son. Some I have already started while others I plan to start when he is older.

1. Family Christmas Cards.

I have been doing Christmas cards since Charles and I got married 6 years ago. We started doing family photo Christmas cards the second year we were married. Last year, I was lame and did a virtual Christmas card because I was so close to my due date and my to-do list was piling up. This year I’m thankful I was able to incorporate our fall photos into an adorable Christmas Card.

2. Chinese for Christmas Eve

Not sure if any of ya’ll are aware, but Michigan and a few other states were hit with a blizzard Thursday. So, my family decided to order Chinese food on the 21st instead of Christmas Eve since we are pretty much snowed in until New Years.

3. Start Listening to Christmas Music in November

I can’t tell you exactly what day in November I will start the Christmas music, but you better believe every year I plan to play it!

4. Family Photos in Matching PJs

This year I was very excited to buy some matching pj bottoms and receive matching shirts to create some cute Family Christmas photos.

Here’s a few other Christmas Tradition ideas I hope to start either this year or next year.

  • Bake Christmas Cookies
  • Open 1 Gift on Christmas Eve
  • Put up a Christmas Tree
  • Watch Christmas Movies
  • Read the Christmas Story (Jesus’s Birth) on Christmas Eve
  • Do a Christmas Craft
  • Do a Christmas Box the day after Thanksgiving with pjs, a movie, and a stuffy.
  • Put up a Nativity Scene.
  • Fill Stockings.

What are your favorite Christmas traditions?

Future Plans and Next Steps

I hope you all have enjoyed my variety of recipes I have been sharing the past few weeks. With the holidays quickly approaching, I thought what better time than now to share some homemade favorites!

The past few months have felt a little stagnant, but also a little transitional. We have been venturing out to church more and more which has been so refreshing for the heart and the spirit. Matthew seems to enjoy church. He gets a little shy with strange danger when we first arrive, but once he hears the congregation singing, he starts singing along too. He’s very into making the ooo sound during the song All in All.

Speaking of Matthew, this kid is keeping us busy, busy, busy! He started walking right after turning 9 months. He is into everything and thinks he can push and or fit his way through any small opening. He is determined! This stage right now is such at an exhausting stage, but also a very fun one 🙂

My husband and I have started the buying a house process. We have applied for pre-approval and have started touring houses. I’m so excited! I love living with family, but I’m excited to have space again. I’m excited to decorate and run my own household and be a stay-at-home mom in my own home!

Charles and I have a few ideas of what we want in a home including:

  • Land (preferably at least an acre)
  • Live in a township that allows chickens and maybe even a goat! I want to get my own eggs and my own goat milk.
  • 2-to-3-bedroom home. We need at least a 2 bedroom home for Matthew, but if we can swing it, I wouldn’t mind a 3 bedroom.
  • 1-2 bathroom. I’d love to have at least a bath and a half but only if we can swing it.
  • Ideal location. We want to live somewhere that’s a good way for Charles to commute to work but not too far from family.
  • Distant neighbors. We’d prefer to not be too close to neighbors and would like more of a country feel.
  • Farm house, Traditonal or Ranch is the style home we are looking for.
  • Ground floor laundry room would be nice.
  • Garage, doesn’t have to be attached but nice to store our car through the rain and the snow.
  • Basement would be nice in case of bad weather and for storage.
  • Dining room thats either seperate from the kitchen, or a large enough kitchen that can have a dining room table.

I’m looking into ways I can earn an income from home through my writing. I’m bouncing around a few ideas such as audio books, Kindle eBooks and even submitting my work to magazines and newspapers. Things are still in the air at the moment, but I will keep you posted on what may lay ahead.

Kaylee ❤

Recipe Reshare: Tortilla Pizza Recipe

Okay, so this recipe was a simple idea from my momma that I couldn’t help but share. 

If you were a 90’s kid, you probably grew up with these things called lunchables. One of my favorite lunchables was the kind with the mini pizzas. This recipe is very similar to that as you only need 4 ingredients.

WHAT YOU NEED…

  • Tortilla Shell
  • Marinara Sauce 
  • Cheese (mozzarella, cheddar or parmesan)
  • Pepperonis

First, lay out a tortilla on a plate.

Next spread a few spoonfuls of sauce across the tortilla.

Then, sprinkle cheese over the sauce. 

Finally, place pepperonis on tortilla. 

Once your pizza is complete you can either cut it up like a pizza, or roll it up like a wrap. 

TIP: This is a fun and easy recipe to make with kids! 

Enjoy!

Recipe Reshare: Chickpea Pasta Recipe

Chickpea pasta is something I just thought of and wasn’t sure if it was a real thing. So, I went to Google to see if anyone else has combined chickpeas and pasta, and sure enough it’s a real thing! I scanned through a variety of different recipes then decided to make my own! 

Check out my Chickpea Pasta recipe below! ⬇️⬇️⬇️

INGREDIENTS

  • Penne pasta 
  • Chickpeas (1 can) 
  • Olive Oil 
  • Tomatoes (1)
  • Black olives (small can) 
  • Pepperonis (10-20) 
  • Italian Seasoning 
  • Minced Garlic 
  • Parmesan Cheese 

First, boil a pot of water. Depending on how many noodles you want to make will depend on how much water you choose to boil. 

Next, pour penne pasta into boiling water. Stir occasionally until noodles are soft and tender. 

Chop tomatoes, black olives, and pepperonis. 

Next, drain noodles and place in a bowl. 

Drain canned chickpeas, and combine in bowl of noodles. 

Then add olive oil, chopped pepperonis, olives, and tomatoes.

Season to taste with minced garlic, Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese. 

Enjoy!

Recipe Reshare: Breakfast Bruschetta Recipe

Bruschetta is one of my favorite meals to make. I often make Bruschetta as an hors d’oeuvre for a holiday meal. However, sometimes I also make bruschetta as a breakfast meal. Check out my newest creation: Breakfast Bruschetta. 

WHAT YOU NEED (FEEDS 4) 

4 slices of White Bread 

4 Eggs 

8 Sausage Patties 

Cooking Spray 

Tomato (2 Medium or Large)

Onion (1/2 a red onion)

Olive Oil (1/4 cup)

Garlic (minced, 2 tablespoons)

Cilantro (1 teaspoon)

Basil (1 teaspoon)

Red Pepper Flakes (2 teaspoons)

WHAT YOU DO 

First, make the bruschetta. Finely chop tomatoes, onion and garlic. Mix these three ingredients together and add the seasonings cilantro, basil, red pepper flakes, and olive oil. Set bruschetta aside. 

Next, spray cooking spray on a large skillet. Place on burner at a medium heat. Place sausage patties on skillet. Flip patties every three minutes. Cook until dark brown/black. 

While sausage is cooking, toast 4 pieces of bread in a toaster at medium heat. Place toast on a plate and set aside. 

Finally, place a medium size skillet on a burner. Spray with cooking spray and turn burner on to medium heat. Cook four eggs over medium. 

Once all food is cooked, place one piece of toast on each plate. Place 2 sausage patties on each plate. Place one over medium egg on each slice of toast. Scoop bruschetta evenly over each plate and enjoy!

Recipe Reshare: Fried Chicken Drummies Recipe

This past fall, my husband and I were given an air fryer for our anniversary. I had no idea what I was missing out on. If you don’t have an air fryer, you should really get one. If you like crispy french fries, yummy chicken wings, or fried pickles… get you an air fryer. 

Anyway, the whole point of this post wasn’t to talk about how much I love my air fryer. I actually wanted to talk about how I make fried chicken… in the air fryer. So my air fryer is relatively small as it only feeds 1-2 people. But there are a variety of different air fryers if you choose to buy one. 

Here is how I made my Fried Chicken Drummies…

WHAT YOU NEED…

  • 4 Drumsticks, raw and thawed 
  • Air fryer
  • Chilli Powder 
  • Red Pepper Flakes 
  • Garlic Salt 
  • Basil 
  • Oregano 
  • Black Pepper 
  • Ranch 

WHAT YOU DO

First read the directions to your air fryer and set it up the way that it says. For my air fryer, it instructs me to plug it in and make sure there are no objects around it. Next it recommends I preheat the air fryer to 350° for 5 minutes. 

Next I place 2 – 4 chicken drmsticks in the air fryer and cook them for 10 minutes. 

After 10 minutes, I pull the drummies out and rotate them using a set of tongs. I then place them in the air fryer for another 10 minutes. 

I repeat this process again a third time. 

After the chicken has cooked for a total of 30 minutes, I rotate the chicken for the last time. I then sprinkle chilli powder, red pepper flakes, garlic salt, basil, oregano, black pepper and season to taste.

I then cook the chicken drummies for an additional 8 minutes, 

Once the chicken drummies are done, I pour myself a side of ranch dressing and enjoy my homemade spicy dry rub fried chicken.

Recipe Reshare: Quiche Recipe

Quiche is one of my favorite dishes to make in the winter season. Quiche is just one of those meals you can have for breakfast, lunch or dinner and can change to fit your taste buds. 

WHAT YOU NEED…

1 Pie Plate 

1 Frozen, Pre-made Pie Crust (I use the Pillsbury Brand) 

4 Eggs 

1/4 Cup of Shredded Cheese (I like Cheddar) 

Spinach (If desired) 

Mushrooms (If desired) 

Bacon Bits (If desired) 

Onion (If desired) 

Black Pepper or Red Pepper Flakes 


1. First un-thaw pie crust. You can do this by leaving in the fridge for a day or two, or following the un-thawing directions on the package. 

2. Spray pie pan with non-stick spray.

3. Next, once pie crust is unthawed, rollout pie crust into pie plate. Make sure pie crust covers the entire bottom of the plate. 

4. Crack eggs into bowl and beat together. Pour eggs onto crust. Make sure eggs are spread evenly over dough. 

5. Chop meat and vegetables you desire, and disperse evenly into quiche. 

6. Add cheese, black peeper and red pepper flakes on top.

7. Preheat oven to 400* and cook quiche for approximately 30 minutes. Quiche is ready when the egg in the middle is cooked. 

8. Let cool for 5 minutes, serve and enjoy. 🙂

Recipe Reshare: Bruschetta Recipe

Hey Everybody! Since it’s the holiday season, I decided I would share my Bruschetta recipe! I recently have fallen in love with Bruschetta! It is perfect for any holiday event and SO easy to make!

INGREDIENTS 

Baget (Large)

Mozzerella Cheese (4 Oz. of block cheese) Optional*

Tomato (2 Medium or Large)

Onion (1/2 a red onion)

Olive Oil (1/4 cup)

Garlic (minced, 2 tablespoons)

Cilantro (1 teaspoon)

Basil (1 teaspoon)

Red Pepper Flakes (2 teaspoons)

1. Cut baget into slices, should make about 20 pieces. 

2. Toast baget in oven at 350* for 10 – 15 minutes, a nonstick cookie sheet works great! 

3. Dice tomatoes and onions. 

4. Slice Mozzarella cheese (optional)

5. Mix together tomatoes, onions, olive oil, garlic, cilantro, basil and red pepper flakes. 

6. Remove bagets from oven, let cool, and spread toppings on each baget. 

7. Place bagets on a plate or board. If desired, place cheese slices in a bowl for your friends and family to enjoy with their Bruschetta. Enjoy!