Cinnamon Honey Butter

This stuff is smooth, creamy, buttery, deliciousness. I seriously want to eat it on everything! But my favorite is eating it with 7 Up Biscuits. It's also so easy that you can whip it up in 5 minutes. Another fun idea is to put it in mini jelly jars and give as gifts!

CINNAMON HONEY BUTTER
Serves: 2 mini jelly jars
Cook Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter softened
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
1/2 cup honey
1 tsp. ground cinnamon

Directions
1 In medium bowl, combine ingredients. Beat on medium until fluffy.

7 Up Biscuits

Are you one of those people who busts open a can of biscuits and throw them in the oven? Yah, I was too. Those days are long gone thanks to this amazing new recipe. Just a few ingredients and you'll have fluffy, buttery, delicious biscuits fresh from the oven. Try it with the Cinnamon Honey Butter recipe I posted! You'll be in Heaven.
Original Recipe from: Six Sister's Stuff

7 UP BISCUITS
Serves: 9
Cook Time: 12 minutes

Ingredients
2 cups Bisquick
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup 7-Up
1/4 cu butter

Directions
1 Cut sour cream into biscuit mix. Add 7-Up and mix. (It makes a very soft, sticky dough).
2 Sprinkle extra bisquick on board and pat dough out. Don't knead it or roll it, just pat it.
3 Melt butter in a 9x9 pan.
4 cut biscuits into 9 circles. Place cut biscuits in pan and bake at 450 degrees for 12 minutes or until golden brown. Keep an eye on the biscuits to make sure they don't burn.

Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta

Cheddar. Bacon. Ranch. Chicken. Pasta.
All in one dish? Seriously? This is the definition of comfort food. This recipe makes quite a bit- enough to feed me, 3 men, a hungry 5 year old and still have leftovers!

I think this would be even better with mushrooms!
Original recipe found at Cassie Craves

CHEDDAR BACON RANCH CHICKEN PASTA
Cook Time:
Serves: 6

Ingredients
1 lb. mostaccioli or other short pasta
6 strips of bacon, diced
1 Tbsp. butter
2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, cut into bite sized pieces
2 Tbsp. all purpose flour
1 packet ranch dressing mix
2 cups milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 Tbsp. diced green onions
Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions
1 Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and return to pot.
2 Meanwhile, cook bacon in large skillet until crisp. Drain on paper towels and dice. Drain all but one Tbsp. of bacon drippings from the pan.
3 Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Add the butter to the reserved bacon drippings, then add the chicken to the same skillet. Cook until tender, no longer pink and slightly browned.
4 Sprinkle the flour and ranch dressing mix over the chicken, stirring to coat evenly. Stir in the milk and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened and bubbly. Stir in the cheddar cheese and half of the diced bacon. Cook and stir until the cheese is melted.
5 Add cooked pasta to the chicken/cheese sauce. Serve with more crumbled bacon and diced onions on top.

Random Acts of Christmas Kindness

Last year, I asked my 4 year old to tell me what Christmas is. Of course, his reply involved Santa and getting presents. It was the perfect opportunity to teach him that Christmas isn't just about getting presents, but also giving them. So, for every day in December, we did a Random Act of Christmas Kindess for someone. Every day we decided how we could make someone's day a little happier. We picked up trash, we gave treats to our postman, and LC's idea- we left quarters at the local laundromat. The idea went so well, that throughout the year he would often say "Let's do something nice for someone today". December is only a few days away, and I can't wait to get started!

I'll be updating this post and include what we've been doing in hopes that it may inspire some of you to spread a little Christmas cheer!

If you decide to do this with your little ones (or even on your own) please comment below with your Random Acts of Christmas Kindness ideas!

Dec 1: Donate non-perishable food to a local food drive.

Dec 2: Drop some money in the Salvation Army bucket.

Dec 3: Donate clothing to the needy.

Dec 4: Make Daddy his favorite dessert.

Dec 5: Adopt two angels off the trees at LC's school.

Dec 6: Landon's Kindergarten class went on a field trip a local nursing home to sing songs and deliver cards.

Dec 7: Donate money to Ronald McDonald House.

Dec 8: Donate cat and dog food to a local animal rescue.

Dec 9: Pick up trash at a local park.

Dec 10: Adopt-a-soldier and send a care package to him.

Dec 11: Landon helped his friend when she fell down and held the door open for us when we went to dinner.

Dec 12: Deliver cookies to the county library.

Dec 13: Buy Starbucks for someone behind us in line.

Dec 14: Host a North Pole Party for all of his buddies

Dec 15: Deliver cookies to the local fire station

Dec 16:  Cook a special breakfat for Daddy

Dec 17: Bring flowers to a friend

Dec 18: Drop off donuts for the ladies who work hard in the office at his school

Dec 19: Give a present to his teacher and Room Mom for all of their hard work

Dec 20: Bring treats to a friend at work

Dec 21: Donate Toys to the Spark of Love Toy Drive

Dec 22: Sponsored a Foster Child for Christmas and bought her a gift

French Dip Crescents

If you love traditional french dip sandwiches, you'll love these little French Dip Crescents. Not only are they yummy, they are easy! Get the kiddos involved to help you make them! These would also make a perfect appetizer for a Holiday Party!

FRENCH DIP CRESCENTS
Serves: 2-4
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients
Package of refrigerated crescent dough (8 pieces)
1/2 lb. deli roast beef
4 pieces swiss or provolone cheese, sliced
Packet of Au Jus Mix

Directions
1 Unroll and separate crescent dough
2  place a 1/2 slice of cheese and a slice of roast beef on each piece of dough.
3 roll starting at the wide end first.
4 Place on cookie sheet and bake according to directions on crescent dough package. (Approx. 11-13 minutes at 375 degrees)
5 Prepare Au Jus according to directions on packet.

Spicy Dragon Noodles

Prior to making these, I read that they're addicting. Now I know why. I honestly ate 2 servings without a second thought! They are that good! The nice thing about this recipe is that you can adjust the spicy levels from having a little kick to "My insides are on fire"! This recipe is for somewhere in between. Just add or take away a little bit of sriracha to adjust to your liking!

SPICY DRAGON NOODLES
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 2-4

Ingredients
2 chicken thighs cut into bite sized chunks
oz. chow mein noodles
2 eggs, scrambled
2 Tbsp. butter
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 Tbsp. soy sauce
3/4 Tbsp. Sriracha (rooster sauce)
1 handful fresh cilantro
2 green onions, chopped

Directions
1 Spray skillet with non-stick cooking spray and add chicken. Cook until no longer pink and set aside.
2 While chicken is cooking, cook noodles according to package directions. Drain.
3 Melt butter in small pan, add crushed red pepper and eggs. Cook until done.
4 For the sauce, mix together brown sugar, soy sauce and sriracha.
5 Mix chicken, noodles, eggs, sauce and green onions together. Toss until evenly coated with sauce.
6 Serve with fresh cilantro sprinkled on top.

Crockpot Honey Chicken

I'm a fan of crockpot meals. They are among the easiest and most delicous in my book. This is called Honey Chicken. It's similar to teriyaki chicken, so if you like that, you'll love this. It's delicious served over rice or with chow mein.

HONEY CHICKEN
Cook Time: 3 hours
Serves: 4

Ingredients
4-6 boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into large chunks
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/8 cup chopped onion or 1/16 cup onion flakes
1/8 cup ketchup
1 Tbsp. oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes

Directions
1 Put chunks of chicken in crockpot
2 Mix the remaining ingredients and pour over chicken
3 Cook on high for 3 hours

Chicken Cordon Bleu

I love Chicken Cordon Bleu. Chicken, ham and melted swiss cheese all rolled into one bite.. yum! If you've never had it, now is the time to try it. It's really not that hard to make, and you'll have dinner on the table in 20 minutes!

CHICKEN CORDON BLEU
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients
4-6 pieces thinly sliced chicken breasts (you can purchase them already sliced or do it yourself)
4-6 pieces deli ham
4-6 pieces sliced swiss cheese
Italian bread crumbs (I sometimes use Panko, too)

Directions
1 Lay a piece of chicken on a cutting board. Place a piece of ham on top and then a piece of cheese. If the ham and cheese overlap the chicken, trim accordingly.
2 Roll the chicken, jelly-roll style and secure with a toothpick
3 Roll it in the breadcrumbs.
4 Place on a cookie sheet lined with foil and sprayed with non-stick cooking spray
5 Spray all of the rolls lightly with cooking spray and Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until no longer pink in the middle

Be Prepared: Part 5

Here we are during the final week of preparing your Emergency Kit. Here are a few other essential items to include in your kit:

- manual can opener and other cooking supplies (utensils, camp stove, propane, etc.)
- plates, utensils and other feeding supplies
- warm clothes and rain gear for each family member
- a copy of important phone numbers and documents
- heavy work gloves
- disposable camera
- unscented household liquid bleach and an eye dropper for water purification
- personal hygiene products including toilet paper, feminine products, hand sanitizer and soap
- plastic sheeting, duct tape and a utility knife for covering broken windows
- tools such as a crowbar, hammer & nails, staple gun, adjustable wrench and bungee cords
- blankets or sleeping bags
- large heavy duty plastic bags and a plastic bucket for waste and sanitation
- Any special needs items for children, seniors or people with disabilities
- matches

Now your emergency kit is ready to go! As noted before, this is a basic kit that will get you through 72 hours. If you've been watching shows like Doomsday Preppers, they are planning for months of survival. If that is what you are also looking into planning for, I encourage you to look into purchasing MREs or freeze dried food made specifically for emergency storage. I have seen buckets available for purchase through Costco and various sites online.

Most of the information I've included can be found on www.72hours.org. FEMA has also supplied a similar list of items that can be found on www.ready.gov

I hope you have found this series of posts informative and if you haven't started preparing your kit, please do so. You can never be too prepared!

Be Prepared: Part 4

Yes, I completely spaced on doing this week's blog. Oops! We're going to cover "Go-Bags" and that will include a lot of different items, so I'll give the rest of this week and next to complete this part of your emergency kit :)

What is a Go-Bag? It's a backpack or other easy to carry container filled with essential items in the case that you'll need to evacuate quickly. Prepare a Go-Bag for each family member and ID tag. You may not be at home when emergency strikes, so it's also a good idea to keep additional supplies at work or in your car. Consider what you might need for your immediate safety. Here is a list of items to put in each person's bag:

- Flashlight
- Radio (battery operated)
- Batteries
- Whistle
- Dust Mask
- Pocket Knife
- Emergency cash in small denominations and quarters to make phone calls
- Sturdy shoes, a change of clothes and a warm hat (make sure to change out sizes if you have little ones)
- Local map
- Some water and food
- Permanent marker, paper and tape
- Photos of family members and pets for re-identification purposes
- List of emergency point-of-contact phone numbers
- Copy of health insurance and ID cards
- Extra prescription glasses, hearing aid or other vital personal items
- Prescription medication and first aid supplies (we have a mini kit in each of ours)
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Extra keys to your house and vehicle
- Any special-needs items for children, seniors or people with disabilities (for our son, we have hard candy and a coloring book. Just to add a little comfort.)

Make sure to keep your Go-Bag in a place that's easily accessible. (Not stuffed up in the rafters or shoved behind junk in the closet.) Ours are stacked inside our master closet, ready to go.

Be Prepared: Part 3

Week 3 and your emergency kit is taking form. If you've clicked on this link and haven't read the previous posts, please do. It's a weekly guide to putting together your 72 hour Emergency Kit and being prepared.

In Week 1, we covered water supply and a container. Week 2 was all about food and a plan. This week, we'll go over a first aid kit and providing for your pets.

Step 1: First Aid- You can pick up a ready made kit at Walmart/Target/Costco, or you can put one together yourself. If you are putting it together yourself, here are some items that should go in it:

- 2 pairs of disposable gloves

- sterile dressings to stop bleeding

- cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes to disenfect

- antibiotic ointment to prevent infection

- burn ointment

- adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes

- eye wash solution to wash eyes out or as general decontaminant

- scissors

- over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, antacids, laxative, anti-diarrhea medicine

- prescription medicines you take every day, such as insulin, heart medicine or asthma inhaler

- prescribed medical supplies such as glucose monitoring equipment or blood pressure cuffs

I also reccommend adding in the following

- sanitary napkins ( they act as a gauze/pad for wounds)

- super glue (to seal cuts that aren't deep)

- ace bandage

- medical tape

- q-tips

- tongue depressors (can be used as finger splints)

Step 2: Pets- Don't forget about your furry family members when it comes to emergencies. Make sure to always keep a collar with ID tag on it at all times. If they get loose or you aren't able to take them with you, there will be a way to possibly get them back home to you. Also, consider getting your pets microchipped.

Each pet should have a "go-bag" and a plan in case of evacuation. This should include:

- a sturdy leashes and pet carriers. A pillowcase is a good option for transporting cats and other small animals who cannot be leashed.

- Food, water and any medications for at least one week

-non-spill bowls, can opener and plastic lids if they will be eating canned food

- plastic bags, litter box and litter

- recent photo of each pet

- names and phone numbers of emergency veterinarian hospitals and local animal shelters

If you must leave your pet behind:

- On your front door or in a highly visable window, use chalk, paint or marker to write the number and types of pets in your residence. Include their location in your home and the date you evacuated.

- Leave plenty of water in a large, open container that cannot be tipped over.

- Leave plenty of food. If possible, leave it in timed feeders so they don't overeat.

- Do not tie up your pet in your home.

Be Prepared: Part 2

If you started to read this post and wonder what it's all about, you can read the first post in this series HERE .
 

So, last week you picked up the container to hold your emergency kit and your water supply. This week we will start filling that emergency kit!
 

Step 1: Food- Remember that you are stocking up on supplies that will last a MINIMUM of 72 hours. This is the recommended time from Red Cross, etc. I suggest stocking up for longer "just in case".

- Store food items that are familiar to your family rather than special emergency foods. Don't forget to take into account special dietary restrictions. Your body is already going through a stressful time and you dont' want to further upset it with foods that you haven't tried.

- Ideal foods are shelf-stable, low in salt and do not require cooking (ex: peanut butter, canned fruit & vegetables, canned soup or meat, jam, low salt crackers, dry cereal, etc.)

- If containers do not have an expiration date, make sure to mark them for rotation. Canned food usually has a shelf life of 18 months to 2 years. Dry products like cereal, crackers, cookies will last 6 months.

- Another great option is purchasing cases of MRE's. The same kind that are used by our troops. They have a shelf life of years. We have them and have tried one. It's not that bad.

Step 2: Make A Plan

- Designate an out of area contact person. Long Distance service is often restored before local service. Provide this person with the names and numbers of people you want to keep informed of your situation. Instruct family members to phone this person and tell them where they are if you become separated.

- Documents binder. Make copies of important documents that you might not have time to grab. These can include birth certificates, social security cards, driver's licenses, wills, deeds, insurance information (health, car and home), prescriptions, etc. Make sure to include photos of all family members and pets, as well.

- Make sure every family member knows where the emergency kit is and where each go-bag is (We'll discuss go-bags next week).

- Designate a meeting place outside of the home in case it becomes unsafe. Designate two areas. One just outside of the house, and one outside of the neighborhood in case of an evacuation.

- Teach each family member how to use a fire extinguisher. If you don't have one in your home, purchase one.

- Locate the gas main and other utilities and make sure each family member knows how and when to turn it off.

Be Prepared: Part 1

There's been a lot of talk recently on "Being Prepared"... for the big one, for the downfall of society, for 12-21-12 or for any other catastrophe.

Wes and I are prepared. Not crazy "Doomsday Prepper" style, but I'd like to think that if all power and communications were cut for a few weeks, we'd be comfortable.

Now, we've talked to a lot of family and friends who would like to be prepared, but are a little bit overwhelmed with where to start. So, I've decided to come up with a plan for all of you. (And in the process, I'll be able to double check my supplies.) Each week, I'll post a few steps in getting your kit together. That way, there will be time to get it done and time to ask questions or post your own ideas. So, here we go.

After a major disaster, the services we take for granted may not be available. (Running water, electricity, phone, etc.) These are basics to get your emergency kit started for 72 hours of survival. Please feel free to add to it.

Step 1: Get a container for your emergency kit. It should be kept in an easily accessible location and would ideally be watertight. A great example is a large plastic trashcan with lid and wheels.

Step 2: Water- a minimum of 3 gallons per person, per day ( If you have 2 people in your household, you will need 18 gallons). This is enough to allow for drinking, hygiene and cooking.

Tap water can be stored in clean 2-liter bottles. Label and store in a cool, dark place. Tap water should be replaced every 6 months. Commercially bottled water should be replaced by date on bottle or every 12 months.

There you have it. The first 2 steps. Don't procrastinate on this one. Get started on your supplies and be prepared.

Hummus Chicken Salad

So, Hubby and I are trying an all chicken diet. By all chicken, I mean no other kind of meat. We've also cut out fast food and most carbs at dinner time.It's only the first week, so wish me luck! It's our attempt at eating healthier. But, this also forces me to be more creative at meal time. I threw this together for a quick summer dinner and it was amazing! And it's so versatile. You can use whatever veggies you want to, whatever flavor hummus you want to and you can eat it a hundred different ways: On a sandwich, in a pita, with crackers, as lettuce wraps or on a bed of greens. Did I mention it's also Gluten Free?

Why hummus?
Only 60 calories and 3.5 grams of fat vs. the 180 calories and 20 grams of fat in Mayo.

Total calories of my version below: 275 for the entire thing!

HUMMUS CHICKEN SALAD
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1-2

Ingredients
1 (5oz.) can of chicken breast (or diced chicken, leftover rotisserie, etc.)
1/2 roma tomato, chopped
1 green onion, chopped
1/4 avocado, chopped
2 Tbsp. hummus (I used Athenos Original)

Directions
1 Mix ingredients together.
2 Eat.

Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup

Even though it was 100 degrees today, I'm craving Fall. So I made this delicious Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup. The recipe called for sun dried tomatoes, but I knew my boys wouldn't like it, so I omitted those. They do, however, love pasta, so I doubled the amount of tortellini. Next time I think we'll add some sliced mushrooms. Yum!

Oh, and did I mention that it literally takes 10 minutes to throw together?

CREAMY TOMATO TORTELLINI SOUP
Serves: 6-8
Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 cans condensed tomato soup
1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped OR 2 Tbsp. sun dried tomato paste (we left this out)
1 1/2 cups milk
2 cups half-and-half
2 cups chicken stock
1 tsp. onion powder
2 Tbsp. italian seasoning
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 package cheese filled tortellini (9 oz.) (we used a 19 oz. bag of frozen tortellini)
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Directions
1 Saute garlic in olive oil over medium heat in a large stock pot until golden brown.
2 When garlic is done, add tomato soup, tomatoes, milk, half-and-half, chicken stock and seasonings. Bring to a simmer.
3 Once simmering, drop noodles into the soup and cook according to package directions.
4 Ladle into bowls. Top with parmesan cheese and serve with french bread

No Bake Energy Bites

When I first saw this recipe (on Smashed Peas and Carrots), I was a little skeptical. Usually when I make a "healthy" recipe, it doesn't equal a "tasty" recipe. These are a different story. So easy to make, fairly healthy for you (no butter or added sugar), completely customizable and YUMMY! And when I say yummy, I mean like dessert.

NO BAKE ENERGY BITES
Serves: approx. 24 balls
Cook Time: 30 minutes (chill time)

Ingredients
1 cup oats
1 cup coconut (unsweetened, sweetened, toasted- your pick!)
1/2 cup peanut butter (or other nut butter)
1/2 cup ground flaxseed
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1/3 cup honey
1 tsp vanilla

Directions
1 Mix everything above in a bowl until thoroughly incorporated. Chill for 30 minutes.
2 Once chilled, roll into 1 inch balls and enjoy. Store in airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to a week.

*If you can only find whole flaxseed, you can throw it into a coffee bean grinder. Or feel free to use it whole for a little crunch!
* You can substitute any of the above ingredients. Take out the chocolate chips and throw in dried fruit. Experiment with your favorites! You can sub flaxseed for wheat germ or just more oats. You can use almond butter in place of peanut butter. You can even throw in some cocoa

Slow Cooker Ham & Beans

This is a comfort food. I remember eating this when I was a kid. Simmered on the stovetop and probably made from leftover Easter or Christmas ham. I cheated and made mine in the Slow Cooker and with a ham steak. Still delicious, much easier and yep... comforting! This would be a great dinner on a fall or winter night!

SLOW COOKER HAM & BEANS
Serves: 6-8
Cook Time: 8 hours

Ingredients
1 lb. package dried northern beans
Ham bone, hocks, shanks, or diced ham (approx. 1 lb.)
2 tsp. onion powder
6 cups water
salt & pepper to taste

Directions
1 Rinse and sort the beans for any pebbles.
2 Add all ingredients to slow cooker and cook on low for approx. 8 hours or until beans are tender.
3 Remove ham bone, shanks or hocks and pull off meat. Add meat back to crock pot and mix.

Back to School

Summer is officially over and my baby is now a Kindergartener! Yes, we made it through the day with minimal tears (and they were all from me).

We got ready about 5 minutes early so I could take a few pictures. If you don't have a chalkboard, a piece of paper works great, too! Don't forget some other "must-have" shots:
- Picture with Mom
- Picture with Dad
-Picture with new backpack and/or lunchbox
-Picture of them with their new teacher (can also wait for Back To School Night)
-Picture at their desk

 

 

LC's teacher gave each parent this very sweet poem with a tissue attached. And we all read "The Kissing Hand" by Audrey Penn together. What a great book for the first day of school! The kids then gave all of their parents kissing hands (I know, I know. This is where the water works started.)

 

 

Fieldtrip 101: Discovery Science Center

We're attempting to finish our Summer up with a bang and fitting in as much fun as we can! There are so many museums, theme parks, etc that I've been wanting to take Landon to, and this was on the list!

What a great place to take the kids! While it's geared towards kids who are 5+, it's still great to let the younger ones explore and get some hands on fun with science.

The facility is 2 levels with multiple exhibits. It looked smaller than I thought it would be, but it was packed with over 4 hours of fun. LC's favorite exhibit was the Dino Quest. You receive a "magic wand" and a mission to find items in their Dino Exhibit. When you find one of the items on your list, you scan it with your wand. At the end of your journey, you return the wand and receive a special Dino token as a reward. He also really enjoyed the NASA Rocket Lab where he could launch rockets high into the air.

They have restrooms located throughout the museum and a few hand sanitizer stations, too. Although, I recommend bringing your own. 

For lunchtime, they have a Taco Bell/Pizza Hut on site that isn't marked up to ridiculous prices! Just plan your dining time out or have someone grab a table for you because seating is limited and fills up very quickly during lunch hour.

Discovery Science Center
2500 North Main Street, Santa Ana

Admission: $15.95 (15+), $12.95 (3-14)
Parking: $4.00 Cash Only
Hours: 10am-5pm
Good for Ages: 3+
Notes: Bring Hand Sanitizer, Cash Only for Parking

Fieldtrip 101: San Diego Zoo Safari Park

For those that are wondering, yes it is the same place as the "Wild Animal Park", just under a new name. And it's still owned by the San Diego Zoo, but is not the same location as the San Diego Zoo. They're about 30 minutes apart.

LC and I had the chance to visit with family this summer. This is a great place for the family to visit and see the traditional animals that everyone loves about the zoo, plus a place to see animals interact together on the African Plains. Your ticket includes a safari tram ride that you must take. You get to circle the African Plains with an up close look at some of the animals.

Our favorite exhibit is the Lion Camp where the lions often lay right up against the glass. I'm also fond of the Gorilla Forest- especially since there is a baby gorilla who provides plenty of entertainment and laughs.

The have a petting zoo, playground and even a water play area for the kids to enjoy. If you're the more adventurous type, they have a variety of tours and activities available for purchase including a zipline over animal exhibits and a caravan safari where you are able to hand feed some of their animals.

If you go, be prepared for LOTS of walking. The exhibits are spaced out to allow the animals room to roam, so you'll get plenty of exercise during your visit.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido

Admission: $42 (12+), $32 (3-11)

Parking: $10

Hours: 9a-5p Open later during summer and holiday breaks

Notes: Bring water and snacks. Get there early- Animals are more active during the cooler hours. During the month of October, they usually promote "Kids Free" month. Take advantage of that!



Fifty Shades of Fun Party

If you are a woman over the age of 18, there is a great chance that you have heard of or read the books that are keeping ladies up all night.... Fifty Shades of Grey. If you are the small percentage who have not, I strongly suggest you jump in your car and drive to your nearest Barnes & Noble immediately.

This Girl's Only party was inspired by the Grey Revolution. With decorations in all 50 shades, yummy desserts, wine (of course) and for a little fun... we invited a Pure Romance consultant. The night was filled with lots of laughs! I'll do my best to post the dessert recipes over the next few days. The photos are only of the dessert table... the rest of the party was censored haha.

The Dessert Table

Handcuffs and Grey Tie on the Door

Tiramisu Cups and PB Graham Chocolate Balls

Mini Oreo Cheesecakes and Charlie Tango

Not-So-"Vanilla" Cupcakes

Forbidden Fruit
Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Red Room of Pain Red Vines (bound with zip ties)

Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce

I saw this recipe on Pinterest from Clean & Delicious and knew I had to try it. Not only did they look delicious, but they're healthy (only 132 calories per taco)! (and Gluten-Free for my family and friends who need that).  Beware, these are a little on the spicy side. I'm the girl who can only handle Del Taco's mild sauce, though haha. You can adjust the spice factor to your taste by omitting the cayenne pepper, but it does add that extra yummy kick!

SPICY SHRIMP TACOS WITH CILANTRO LIME SAUCE
Serves: 4
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients
1 lb of frozen shrimp, defrosted, peeled and deveined
6 oz. fat free greek yogurt
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
2 Tbsp. fresth lime juice
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
5 cups shredded cabbage
8 corn tortillas
4 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
Salt & Pepper to taste (I used Garlic Salt and no pepper)

Directions
1 Mix yogurt, cilantro, lime juice, cayenne and salt in a bowl and set aside
2 Heat 2 tsp. olive oil in a medium skillet and add cabbage. Cook for a few minutes until the cabbage is barely wilted and set aside.
3 Cut shrimp into thirds, so you have little bite size pieces. Saute in 2 tsp. olive oil and season with salt, pepper and a dash of cayenne over medium heat until just done. This only takes a few minutes, so be sure to keep your eye on it!
4 Heat tortillas over medium heat in a dry skillet until warm and starting to form small brown spots. Build your taco with the cabbage, shrimp and cilantro lime sauce... enjoy!

Sassy Chicken Won Ton Tacos

When I first read the recipe, I was a little skeptical. BBQ sauce, sesame ginger dressing, cilantro... the flavors just weren't something I'd think to put together. But, once you take the first bite and get all of the flavors combined- YUM! In fact, I inhaled 4 of them. The only thing I'd change for next time is to leave th cole slaw crispy instead of softening it in the microwave. Otherwise, these are a winner! They'd be a perfect appetizer at your next dinner party, too! I found the original recipe at Hungry-Girl.

SASSY CHICKEN WON TON TACOS
Serves: 8 mini tacos
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients
8 small square wonton wrappers
1 cup dry coleslaw mix
2 Tbsp. fresh chopped cilantro
2 Tbsp. Lite Sesame Ginger Dressing ( I use Newman's Own)
4 oz. cooked skinless chicken breast (shredded or finely chopped)
2 Tbsp. barbecue sauce

Directions
1 Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2 Spray the inside and outside walls of a 9x13 baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Evenly drape the won ton wrappers diagonally over the walls, making triangle shaped "shells". Bake until just crispy enough to hold their shape. (Approx. 3 minutes)
3 Remove pan from oven, but leave oven on. Carefully remove wontons and gently open to form "taco shells". Set aside.
4 In a microwave safe bowl, combine colesaw mix, cilantro and dressing. Mix well. Cover and microwave until slightly softened (Approx. 1 minute). Set aside.
5 In another bowl, mix chicken and bbq sauce together.
6 Spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Evenly distribute the chicken among the shells, followed by the coleslaw mix. Lay the filled shells on their side on the baking sheet.
7 Spray the shells lightly with non-stick spray and bake for 5 minutes or until crunchy.

The Cove Waterpark

In our search for fun local activities, we came across a Groupon deal for The Cove Waterpark in Riverside. We have a few other water parks nearby, but decided to give this one a a try. Afterall, we couldn't beat the price that Groupon offered (50% off)! 

We went on a Monday and got there about 20 minutes after the park opened. The first thing I noticed was the parking lot is fairly small (especially since they are also doing swim lessons in the lap pool next door). But, it's free and we found a spot immediately.

The next thing I noticed is lack of seating areas. Every lounge chair surrounding the little kid's play area was already taken. There is additional seating in the cabanas, but if someone reserves that cabana, then you're out of luck.  There is more seating on the other side of the park near the tower of slides, but if you have a little one, you won't be in that area.

The kid's play area is very nice. It's structured similar to playground equipment and includes 3 slides, water cannons, a small cargo net and a big dump bucket.  LC loved it and even though I wasn't able to find a nearby seat, I was able to sit on the edge of the water and relax while keeping an eye on him. There are plenty of lifeguards in this area to ensure safety and enforce rules. That's one thing that really stood out. The lifeguards here made sure kids weren't running, cutting in line or doing anything that could hurt them. Same goes for the lifeguards stationed on the lazy river.

The only other area LC could use was the lazy river and he loved it. They had plenty of rafts and enforced that children under a certain height wear a life jacket.

As far as dining options, you are not allowed to bring in outside food or drink. They have you sign a waiver up front stating that you understand that rule, but they didn't check bags. I saw several people eating their own food. We opted for their on-site cafe, but was disappointed that they had ran out of chicken nuggets and straws. The line was long and the cafe ordering was indoors (with a slippery tile floor). When it came to sitting down to eat, again you just hoped a cabana was open with a table to sit at.

We spent 4 hours there and definately got our money worth. It's cheaper than the other local water parks, so if you have kids under 5 and are looking for something to do for a few hours, I do recommend it. But, get there early if you want a lounge chair (Or rent a cabana with a group of friends).

The Cove Waterpark

4310 Camino Real, Riverside

Admission: $18 adults, $14 Junior (37-48"), $9 Tots (30-36")

Parking: FREE

Hours: 11am-7pm

Good For Ages: 2 and up

Cowboy Casserole

This is not one of those fancy dishes you bust out for entertaining guests. This is one of those yummy, homemade, pure comfort food casseroles. The kind that kids eat second helpings of. Yes, it does kind of resemble dog food (as noted in "The Cutting Edge of Ordinary"), but we never have leftovers.

COWBOY CASSEROLE
Serves: 6-8
Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs. ground beef or turkey (sometimes I substitute 1/2lb. of meat for ground sausage)
1/2 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 can (13.5oz) whole kernel corn, drained
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup milk
4 Tbsp. sour cream (I use light sour cream)
1 bag (approx. 30oz.) frozen tater tots

Directions
1 Brown meat, onion and garlic in skillet. Drain and set aside.
2 In a small bowl, combine soup, milk and sour cream. Add to hamburger mixture and stir until combined.
3 Stir in corn and 1 cup cheddar cheese.
4 Spray 9x13 pan with non-stick cooking spray. Layer 1/2 of the the tater tots on the bottom, pour hamburger mixture on top, then the rest of the tater tots. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
5 Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until top is golden brown and crisp.

Family Fun: Pala Casino Review

Sorry for the long break between posts. LC has been enjoying his summer vacation and staying at different relatives houses for some lovely family bonding time. One thing we did do before sending him on his way was stay a couple of nights at Pala Casino in Southern California (San Diego County).

It's located about 90 minutes from home base and our extended family often enjoys casino excursions there. We spent most of our time pool side soaking up the sun (and LC learning to swim).

The Pros of the resort:
- If you have a single bed room, they'll bring up a roll-away for no additional cost
- The pool is only 4 feet deep- perfect for little ones
- If you forgot your swim rings or pool toys, they have some available for purchase
- The cabanas give ample room to lounge, enjoy poolside lunch & cocktails and spend time with the family. Definitely worth the rental! They even have a TV, fridge, separate changing area and ceiling fan for those who don't want to enter the water. non-alcoholic beverages and a fruit platter are also included.
- There is a big grass lawn that is used for concerts, but when one isn't taking place, it's a perfect place for the little ones to run around and play on. I saw one family playing football and we entertained the idea of throwing a frisbee around.
- The baths here are amazing! Huge and deep- perfect for bubble baths (and for relaxation for the adults)

The Cons of the resort:
- Nothing for the kids to do except the pool. No arcade.
- No kids channels on the TV (You have to pay for a Kid's Package that includes Disney, etc.)
- Movies are pricey at $16 a piece
- No kids menus at any of the restaurants. Which isn't a huge deal unless you want to head to an upscale restaurant or the buffet. $28 for a picky 5 year old isn't exactly what I had in mind. For adults, however, the buffet is AMAZING!!
- Nothing else to do in the area. It's surrounded by hills and farms. It's at least a 15 minute drive if you want to see anything else.
- You have to pay $10 for wi-fi

I recommend this resort if you're traveling with kids in the summer. At least they'll have the pool- which is where we spent most of our time and our trip was awesome! If it's winter time, I don't recommend a lengthy stay as they'll probably get bored pretty fast. If you're looking for an adults only trip- they have a wonderful spa, fitness facility, jacuzzi and of course, cocktails and gambling. Makes for a good night away!

Fieldtrip 101: Riley's Farm

Strawberries are probably the most loved fruit in our household, so it's no surprise that we love picking our own from a local farm.

Riley's Farm is about 15 minutes from Yucaipa/Beaumont and nestled in the small town of Oak Glen. Famous for it's U-Pick apples in the fall, there are plenty of activities to enjoy year round! From Revolutionary War reenactments to themed dinner events, and there's plenty of u-pick opportunities, as well- Strawberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, Pears, Apples and even Zinnias!

We spent the morning there picking fresh strawberries. I recommend calling ahead to check their crop availability, as it was a little sparse when we showed up. We still were able to grab a couple pints full of delicious red berries.

After your day of harvesting, you can browse through their general store or enjoy a slice of fresh baked apple pie from their bakery! (Crumb Crust is our fave!)

Riley's Farm

12261 Oak Glen Rd, Oak Glen 92399

Parking: FREE

Cost: Varies per activity. Strawberries were 1/2 pint $3.00; 1 pint $5.00

Good for ages: 3 and up

Hours: Mon-Sat 10a-4p; Closed Sundays

Notes: Everything is outdoors. Please arrive early and bring sunscreen and water. Wear close toe shoes- remember this is a working farm. The ground may be uneven in places. They accept cash and credit cards for payment. Cell phone service is sparse. 

Chicken Rollatini

I love it when I can sneak vegetables in to my boy's food. They are usually fans of corn and green beans. That's it. But, I found that if I incorporate it in to the main dish to combine flavors, then I can get away with more. Like this recipe with Spinach. I mean, it did help that I called it Popeye food and claimed that it would give them big muscles. (This speech worked on LC, not so much on the hubby, but he still ate it and loved it). Even better news? It's low calorie and healthy for you. Yes!

CHICKEN ROLLATINI
Serves: 4
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients
4 thin sliced chicken breasts
1/2 cup italian seasoned bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
6 Tbsp. egg whites or egg beaters
5 oz. frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry of any liquid
6 Tbsp. part skim ricotta cheese
4 slices part skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
olive oil non-stick spray
1 cup marinara sauce

Directions
1 Preheat oven to 450. Spray baking dish with non-stick spray
2 Combine breadcrumbs and 2 Tbsp. Parmesan Cheese in one bowl. Put 1/4 cup egg beaters in a seperate bowl
3 Combine shredded mozzarella cheeese, remaining parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, spinach and 2 Tbsp. egg beaters
4 Spread spinach-cheese mixture onto pieces of chicken. Loosely roll each piece, keeping seam side down
5 Dip Chicken in egg, then coat in breadcrumb mixture and place seam side down in baking dish. Lightly spray with olive oil
6 Bake 20-25 minutes. Topp with sauce, then cheese. Bake for an additional 3 minutes or until cheese is just melted.

Healthy Cheesy Chicken Rice Bake

Casseroles are always comfort food- and this one is healthy for you! Chicken, Brown Rice, Black Beans, Corn... and NO sour cream, condensed soup or mayo! Put this one on your must try list. Both hubby and LC loved it. The original recipe can be found on Tasty Kitchen.

HEALTHY CHEESY CHICKEN RICE BAKE
Serves: 4-6
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
4 cups cooked brown rice
1 can (15 oz.) corn
1 can (15oz.) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup plain Greek Yogurt
1 can (4oz.) diced green chiles
1/2 cup salsa
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)


Directions
1  In a large bowl, combine all ingredients until mixed thoroughly. Make sure the cheese and yogurt is mixed throughout.
2 Transfer to casserole dish and sprinkle with extra cheese.
3 Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until warmed throughout.

I used instant rice and chicken thighs and it turned out yummy! If you like your food spicy, you can use hot salsa and chiles. Enjoy!

Lemon Garlic Shrimp

 I originally saw this recipe made with a packet of dry Italian Seasoning. When I went to make it, I found out that we didn't have any. So I substituted the oregano, basil and garlic salt. Definately going to try the Italian Seasoning next time!

LEMON GARLIC SHRIMP

Ingredients
raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
2 lemons
1 stick butter
1 Tbsp. Oregano
1 Tbsp. Basil
Garlic Salt

Directions
1 Preheat Oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter in 9x13 pan in oven
2 Slice lemon into thin slices and place in bottom of pan
3 Place shrimp on top of lemon and butter. Sprinkle with oregano, basil and garlic salt to taste
4 Bake for 15 minutes or until pink

Knott's Berry Farm

I was going to stay away from the major theme parks because if you live in So. Cal, they're pretty much a given. But, then I thought there might be some people looking at this from out of state and planning a trip. Or possibly a first timer! So, here is the first major theme park- Knott's Berry Farm.

I think this is probably the most affordable theme park that offers rides of every thrill level for the whole family. There are rides for little ones in Camp Snoopy, water rides, roller coasters for the thrill seekers and there are actually a lot of educational opportunities at this park. Especially if you're looking for something with a Wild West/ Native American theme.

The first time I took LC, he was 4. The rides in Camp Snoopy are fairly small(cars that go a round in a loop, airplanes that fly in a circle, etc.). You can find some of the same rides when the fair comes to town. But this is exactly the kind of thing 4 year olds love. And because they're simple and in full view, you can let them go on it by themselves while you watch from the sidelines and cheer them on, take pictures, etc.  His absolute favorite was Woodstock's Airmail- which is a mini version of Supreme Scream. They even have a child sized roller coaster for the smallest thrill seeking guests that are 36" or taller.

For the older kids and adults in the family, there are several roller coasters and thrill rides.

Don't forget to check out the educational opportunities through out the park. LC's favorite was the Calico Railroad where he got to ride on a full size train, and deal with the bandits on board trying to steal every one's valuables! They also have great shows that incorporate Native American traditions or show how things were handled in the Wild West.

As a bonus, the park is hardly ever crowded. (I've been told that Knott's meets it's budget off of their Halloween Haunt promotion and the rest of the year is icing on the cake).

Knott's Berry Farm
8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park

Admission: Adults $36.99, Kids $24.99 (current online prices)
Parking: $15
Good For Ages: 3-Adult
Notes: Shop for souvenirs in their marketplace! In addition to their yummy funnel cake and the famous Mrs. Knott's Chicken, they also have standard theme park food and well known restaurants such as Panda Express and Johnny Rockets

Summer Fun: Zoomars Petting Zoo

Yep, another OC post. You could make a great day trip out of this one. Zoomars is a petting zoo (and much more), but it's located next to a great park (Los Rios park) and walking distance from Mission San Juan Capistrano and historic downtown with little shops and yummy restaurants. The train depot is also located right there if you decided to take a trip by train!

I saw Zoomars Petting Zoo awhile back while surfing online for birthday party venues. It's an animal petting zoo in San Juan Capistrano. But, not JUST a petting zoo. They also offer a variety of other fun activities. I admit, we paid more than I would have liked (every activity is an additional cost), but LC had a blast!

You can purchase a bin of veggies to feed the animals. There are goats, sheep, llamas, turkeys, chickens, a cow and more! My personal favorite were the Zedonks- a cross between a zebra and a donkey. Such cool looking animals! My son's favorite was the guinea pig corral. Yep, dozens of guinea pigs and rabbits running around and looking for treats. A herd of guinea pigs is not something you see every day! He also liked the petting corral with the sheep and goats. They were a little anxious to eat. So, beware if you have a very timid little one. They walk right up to you and follow you around ready for their treats. They also have brushes in this area for you to groom the animals (which they love).

For an additional fee, you can also go on a pony ride, mini train ride or pan for gems or gold.  The pony ride is hand led down a little trail. (Parents are allowed to walk along if they want to). They have ponies of all sizes for kids of all sizes. For being a facility with animals, it is very clean. They have hand santizer and sinks to clean hands. The staff at Zoomars is very kid friendly and nice.

There is a little playground area and a corn box. What's a corn box? It's just like a sand box, but filled with dried corn kernels! LC had a blast in here. They provide buckets and shovels to dig and play.

They also feature birthday party packages with outdoor party locations that include access to refrigerators and bbqs!

Zoomars Petting Zoo



31791 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano

Admission: Adults $8, Children $7 (animal food $3, pony rides $5, train rides $3)
Parking: FREE
Hours: 9a-5p daily
Good For Ages: ALL
Notes: Gets crowded early on weekends due to birthday parties. Arrive before 11am if planning to attend on the weekend. Restrooms on site are port-a-potties, but there is a park next door with restrooms if your little one has a fear of these. They accept Visa, Mastercard and Cash. If you plan on taking advantage of all of their activities, check out their "Golden Ticket" special.

Honey Garlic Pork Chops

I'm not a fan of pork chops- at all. In fact, I've been known to cook them for the hubby and then cook a separate meal for myself. And then I tried these. 4 ingredients. So simple.... and SO YUMMY! Not only did I like them, but I've added the recipe to my faves!
Don't let the photo deter you. It was late and taken with my phone. I only had wafer thin boneless chops on hand, but I recommend a little thicker.

HONEY GARLIC PORK CHOPS
serves: 4-6
cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients
1/4+1/8 cup honey (so, 3/8 cup total)
3 Tbsp soy sauce
6 cloves garlic, minced
6 boneless pork loin chops

Directions
1 In a shallow dish, whisk together honey, soy sauce and garlic
2 coat both sides of the pork chops
3 place in baking dish and top with left over sauce
4 Bake at 375 for 30 minutes (longer if using thicker pork chops)

The sauce is so versatile that it can also be used for chicken. Whatever meat you choose can also be marinated in the sauce and then grilled (using left over sauce for basting).

Summer Fun: Jump 'n Jammin

What has climbing structurs, foam ball cannons, rocking climbing walls and dozens of happy kids? Jump 'n Jammin! I usually try to post about places close to the Inland Empire, but I figure it's the summer. Summer.... vacation... beach cities. You get the point. So, if you're headed to the OC (Mission Viejo to be exact), don't forget to check out Jump 'n Jammin.

There are two large multi level climbing structures- filled with slides, cargo nets, obstacle courses and more. One of them is designed around foam ball wars. It has cannons and sling shots to try to shoot your friends. (LC's favorite). There's also a rock climbing wall, inflatable bouncer and a special play area designated just for toddlers.

Every child and adult must be wearing clean socks. At the door, they take your shoes and place them in a numbered bin. Then, everyone in your group is given a wrist band that matches each other (as a security feature) and it also has your shoe bin number on it. As an additional security feature, you must be buzzed in and out at the front gate and each band is checked to make sure children are leaving with their guardians.

There is no outside food or drink allowed, but they do have a few vending machines with reasonably priced snacks. There are also restaurants located literally right outside of the facility. The facility is very clean and maintained well. The restrooms are also very clean (which is a good thing since you have to wear your socks in there!)

Jump 'n Jammin

27741 Crown Valley Pkwy, Mission Viejo (inside Kaleidoscope Mall)

Price: $12 per child (1 free adult per child), Additional Adults $3, Toddlers (under 2) $5 or FREE with paid sibling
Parking: FREE
Hours: Su-Th 10a-6pm; Fr-Sa 10a-8p
Good for Ages: 2-10
Notes: Socks must be worn by everyone entering. Including adults. No exit and re-entry.  No outside food and drink. Visa/Mastercard and cash accepted.

Summer Fun: Family Summer Camp at Bass Pro Shops

Do you love the outdoors? Then you probably don't need an excuse to visist Bass Pro Shops, but just in case you do, here's a good one for you...

They have a "Family Summer Camp" event taking place every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, June 9th- July 15th, 1p-5p


FREE carousel rides, FREE shooting range for the kids (great way for them to try out a bow or bb gun before purchasing one), FREE shooting arcade, FREE casting targets, FREE crafts, FREE Workshops and of course... FREE Smores (Saturdays 6-7p).

Catch and Release Fishing Pond Saturday June 9th & 10th and Father's Day Weekend they will also have a catch and release fishing pond for the kids to enjoy with Dad (or Mom) from 1-5pm.

Crafts Tuesdays & Thursdays 2-4p and Saturdays & Sundays 1-4p. Each week will feature a different craft. Your kids will have a chance to decorate a seedling pot, paint a wiggle snake, creat their own catch-a-fish game, paint a bear track, stamp a leather wristband or paint a birdhouse. All for FREE!

Workshops Each workshop will be approximately 20 minutes in length and give kids the chance to learn about a variety of outdoor related topics including camping, wildlife exploration, fishing, archery and more! They'll also receive a FREE lanyard and FREE pin for every workshop they complete (while supplies last).

Bring the kids for an educational, fun and memory making time... Turn your husband lose like a kid in a candy shop... and then enjoy a delicous dinner at Islamorada Fish Company (I highly recommend the Alligator appetizer).

Bass Pro Shops
Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Dates: June 9-July 15, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays
Hours: Most events are 1p-5p
Cost: FREE
Notes: Please visit their website for more details and workshop schedule

Blueberry Banana Bread

I picked a pint of beautiful, delicious blueberries from Temecula Berry Co. last week (read about our experience at their farm HERE) and was looking for a way to use them. Well, this may be one of my favorite new recipes! So moist- a perfect combination of banana bread and blueberry muffins. Not to mention, my house smells divine!

BLUEBERRY BANANA BREAD
Cook Time: 65 minutes
Servings: 2 loaves

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
2 eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk*
1 tsp. vanilla
3 large bananas, overripe and mashed
3 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups fresh blueberries
4 Tbsp. brown sugar

*Buttermilk Substitute: Bring 1/2 cup milk to room temperature. Add 1/2 Tbsp. vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes

Directions
1 In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars together. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add in vanilla, buttermilk and bananas
2 Mix dry ingredients together and mix into wet ingredients until just blended.
3 Stir in blueberries.
4 Divide the mixture into two greased and floured loaf pans. Sprinkle brown sugar down the center of each loaf
5 Bake at 325 degrees for 65-70 minutes.