10 Books to read by the end of 2018; Blogtober Day #11

Not my usual post-genre but I do love to read and I’d absolutely love to get back into it so I thought I’d put together a list of the books I’ve either started and not finished, bought but not got round to reading or ones that I want to buy and read.

I would have loved to have said books to read this autumn but let’s face it I need longer than that, some of these books have been collecting dust for a while so it’s going to be a challenge anyway.

  1. Eve of Man – This is first on my to read list, I started it a while back when I first got back into blogging and because I was so focused on rebranding and trying to build my social media I just didn’t finish reading it.

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2. The part-time working mummy – I’ve been dying to get this book for a while, I’ve followed this lady for almost a year now, I saw a post of hers once on facebook that I loved about her daughter Betsy and have followed her ever since. It takes a lot to get me hooked from facebook.

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3.  Happy – Not only is this a little more into the life of Fearne Cotton who I love but its to help with depression and anxiety which is fab.

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4.  Disney Twisted Tales – I am a BIG Disney fan, I came across these in Asda one day and I’ve been desperate to get them since! I actually want to read the Villan ones more.

 

5. The supermum myth – This is one of the ones I had bought for me but still, haven’t got round to reading. I read somewhere that it was a great read for mums suffering from anxiety and depression.

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6. The Notebook – Believe it or not I’ve never read the book or seen the film.

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7. The Birthday – I find books like this so interesting ( although I feel like people are going to think I’m some kind of psychopath admitting it) but let’s face it they are gripping.

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8. Fantastic Beasts – The Crimes of Grindelwald – there’s is no reason for me to explain this choice, J K Rowling is life and I’m a big BIG harry potter/ Fantastic Beasts fan.

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9. Dear Amy – I’m not sure why but this book really intrigues me. whos Amy? whos got kidnapped?

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10. The Couple Next Door – This is the current No.1 Bestseller and all the reviews I have read say how gripping this book it.

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10 Easy Jar Crafts; Blogtober Day #10

Lately, I’ve been collecting Jars for our wedding so I’ve been scouring Pinterest for ideas on what I can do with them. Our wedding is rustic themed so the different shape and sized jars work great. I never realised how many fab things you can do for all occasions with jars and bottles. Here are my favourite ideas, hope you like them as much as I do.

  1. Fairy/pixie/dragon jars – I love this idea for Arias bedroom when we finally get out of this house and she can have her own room. Also, I had to include the second photo anybody who knows me knows I love harry potter, so a cornish pixie in a jar is a must.

2. Hessian rustic jars – These are perfect for our wedding theme and it’s highly likely we will be doing this. I love how simple it is and how many ways you can mix it up.bb948a6335fbcb6e2895076977fbfe32

3. Glittery jars – these are perfect for autumn or for the Christmas period. They look so homely.

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4. Autumn Leaves – Simple yet effective.

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5. Halloween – How amazing do these Halloween themed jars look? There are so many possibilities with these. You can get printable stencils online of almost any design. 57f0d420a3d1a97467bb000b420a1be2

6. Brownie jar – I’ve seen a few different style jars but this is one of my favourites, it’s perfect as a gift. It’s an easy way to save time, you can get the kids involved and there are so many different possibilities. You could try cake, cookies, brownies, hot chocolate, milkshake or many others.

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7. Fairy Lodge – Now in all honesty I don’t think id be able to make this as it looks a bit more tricky but I love the idea behind it, it looks absolutely beautiful and if your a very crafty person it would make a great gift.

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8.  Rubberband -this is such a simple idea and it looks amazing, you could even try making mummy inspired ones for Halloween.

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9- Love Bottles

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10. String lights – How amazing do these look, just by adding string lights. e85aa6b933c940789f731245f07798e4

What am I afraid of? Blogtober Day #9

Most people are scared of rational things like spiders, snakes or mice. Not me, okay I am scared of moths but whats my biggest fear?

For me, I don’t know why, whether it be something that I haven’t quite dealt with that maybe I need some sort of counselling but my biggest fear is not being good enough. I know a lot of people feel like this but every time I’m truly happy I find a way to put myself down, yes that’s a lot to do with my anxiety but I’ve never felt like I’m a good enough girlfriend (nothing to do with dan, he’s amazing) due to past relationships. when we argue no matter whose fault it is I blame myself, I obsess over it. Worry that I’m going to push him away or that he will find someone better (no matter how much he tells me he only wants me).

I’m scared of failing as a mother because all I want is to be close to my kids, I craved it so much when I was a child, after losing my mother. That I’m scared I’m going to be an overbearing mum, not the type they want to come to talk to or go shopping with or cry to when they are upset.

I know this post sounds like the biggest pity party ever but it’s not meant to be. I wrote this post because not all fears are black and white and no matter what your fear, it matters. Recently I feel like I’ve been in a better place and that I’m facing my fears, I’m finally realising that I am worthy of love and that no matter what, my kids will love me as long as I’m present and show how much I love them that’s all that matters. I can’t control what they will or won’t share with me because let’s face it everyone has secrets but I can be there when they need me.

Self worth is so vital to your happiness if you don’t feel good about YOU, it’s hard to feel good about anything else

Reward Chart For Toddlers; Blogtober Day #8

So this post is a bit different and it’s not following the theme (Halloween/ autumn) but its what I’ve been up to lately. Aria has got to that age now where she understands things a lot more, she can understand when I explain things to her and follow instructions (when she wants) but since shes started school I’ve found she runs off and doesn’t stop when I tell her to, which can obviously be very dangerous and hard work for me when I’m walking with/ pushing Finley. I don’t want to bribe her with chocolate and sweets otherwise I would end up buying her sweets and chocolate every day. So I decided it was time to do a reward chart. I’ve always wanted to make a reward chart since I saw one once on Supernanny, the children on there always seem so happy to do the things they have been asked to do when they get a sticker or a treat for it.

So we decided (well I decided) to make Aria one, I know Finley wouldn’t be old enough to fully understand yet so maybe we will start one with him after Christmas.

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Please ignore the lines I didn’t have a ruler I actually use the lollipop sticks, hence the dots. I will be getting a ruler for next time. 

I wrote the days across the top and the actions across the side. Her name is up in the corner and I’ve written on the front and back of lollipop sticks, one side has an indoor activity and the other has an outdoor activity. So that no matter what the weather she still gets rewarded for her good behaviour. Each week on a Sunday she picks out a reward stick for the week ahead (so she knows what she’s working for and we know to arrange activities)

To make your own Reward Chart you need:

Paper or Card

Pens/Pencils

Stickers 

Lollipop sticks (or you can just use paper)

I’m a strong believer of getting the children involved in the housework as they grow, I hope that by the time our kids have their own home they will know how to make basic meals or how to use a washing machine. Obviously I’m not going to be cooking with them anytime soon but aria already loves helping me with the washing she puts the clothes in the wash with me and presses the buttons to start (with my supervision) I’m hoping to get her to start helping me put the toys away at night and make her bed in the mornings.

 

I’d love to hear from other parents that give their children chores at a young age. What kind of Chores do you give them? How do they help?

 

Goals For the last 3 months of the year; Blogtober Day #7

How on earth have we only got 3 months left of this year already? it seems like just yesterday we booked the wedding on January 1st and now this year is almost over. So I thought this would be a great time to plan what I want to achieve before this year up.

I’m going to split this post into categories:

  • Family Goals
  • Personal Goals
  • Important Goals
  • Goals as a couple
  • Additional Goals

 

Family Goals

There is so much I want to do as a family especially near Christmas but I’d love to go to more mother and toddler groups with Finley or start doing some crafts in the house now that I get some alone time with him. Also every year we go to a winter wonderland with the kids so would love to continue that tradition, I can’t wait to go trick or treating this year with the kids, fingers crossed Finley stays awake this time. I really want to start going swimming too but with dan in work so much its hard to actually arrange a time to go.

Personal Goals

I’m just going to list these:

  • GET OUT MORE!!
  • clean more (i know boring)
  • make time for me
  • Eat healthier (cliche)
  • blog more and keep up with my social media
  • Carry on making wax melts

 

Important Goals

  • Pay photographer off
  • Pay wedding venue off
  • Book limo
  • Get wedding dress altered
  • Get organised with Christmas shopping
  • Try to find somewhere else to live (optional but very important)
  • Have hair and makeup trial.
  • Pay bridesmaids dresses off

 

Couple Goals

I think the only goal we really have is to have date nights id love to have a date once a week/two weeks but that’s highly unlikely to happen so I’m hoping we can do one a month, whether that be a takeaway and a movie without the kids, a few hours out for a walk, or a night out/ meal out.

Additional Goals

I felt like I needed this category because these are far from essential but I would like to get these things done if I can.

  • Try potty training Finley.
  • Re- wallpaper the kid’s bedroom
  • Get a new wash box
  • Get a single bed and bedding for both kids.
  • Get rid of the bookshelf and get a storage unit for the kid’s toys
  • Get a shoe rack
  • Try teach Finley some new words with flashcards.
  • walk Finley to pick aria up daily. (currently on day 3)

 

So there we have it that’s my goals for the last three months of 2018, it’s highly likely that I’ve forgotten something and will add to my list but for now that’s it. Have you set yourself any goals for the end of the year?

10 Simple Halloween meal ideas; Blogtober Day #6

Following the theme from my last post I thought I’d post some ideas from some Halloween themed main meals. Great for if you’re having a Halloween party.

  1. Skeleton Pie – Simple yet effective, it reminds me of jack from the nightmare before Christmas.                                                                                          01f319791b782659f336ae6509269d47
  2. Toxic waste mac n cheese

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3. R.I.P Tacos and dips – How amazing does this look?

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4. Hot dog mummies – This is a must in my house this year the kids are going to love it!

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5. Pepper brain monsters

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6. Pizza Hands – You could also try using spooky cookie cutters for this!

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7. Spooky shepherds pie

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8. Pumpkin Cheeseburgers

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9. Veggie Skeleton and dips

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10. Pasta Faces

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12 Simple Halloween Sweet Treats; Blogtober Day #5

What better way to keep busy in the house than some Halloween baking? Why not get the kids to help decorate. This is a great way to let the kid’s imagination flow and to make them feel good. My kids always want to be in the kitchen when I’m cooking, so absolutely love it when I say they actually can!

  1. R.I.P Cupcakes

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2. Creepy Halloween Bark

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3. Witches Hats – These would also be great as Christmas hats!

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4. Ghost Brownies – Also why not try pumpkins, bats, witches or Frankenstein brownies. Dont be afraid to get creative.

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5.Frankenstein rice crispy treats

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6. Mummy brownies

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7. Bat Bites

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8. Popcorn Hands

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9. Strawberry Ghosts

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10. Chocolate dipped marshmallows

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11. Doughnut eyes

 

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12. Spiderweb Cheesecake

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10 Easy Halloween Craft Ideas; Blogtober Day 4

A little follow on from yesterdays post, how about some Halloween Crafts? Something to get the kids in the spirit.

  1. Popsicle stick Frankenstein – Simple yet effective.

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2. Handprint Bats – Great for decorating the house and for encouraging the kid’s imagination and creativity.

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3. Paper plates can be great there are so many different ways you can get creative, including making spiders and pumpkins.

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4. Rock Painting – It’s becoming such a big craze at the moment to paint and hide rocks. So why not try painting some wicked witches or pumpkins.

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5.Toilet Roll Bats – This is such a cheap, cheerful craft project.

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6. Or how about making some creepy, crawly spiders?

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7. Paper plate witches – How wicked do these look?

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8. Frankenstein footprints – Don’t be afraid to get creative, why not try making a mummy with a black piece of card and white paint, maybe add some googly eyes? or try orange and green for pumpkins.

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9. What about some colourful outlines? Find some printable bats, witches, pumpkins or whatever takes your fancy and use a cotton bud to dab paint around the stencils. 605bbea352e815532d408363a96fd910

10. Pumpkin Apple Slice – Simply cut an apple in half paint the one side and stamp on a piece of paper it’s that easy.

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10 Simple Crafts to keep the kids busy this Autumn; Blogtober Day 3

If you’ve got kids you will know how frustrating it is when the weather starts to get colder and you don’t really feel like going to the park. We’re always looking for something to keep the kids entertained and what better way than with a cuppa and some crafts. Happy parents, happy children and no one needs to leave the house! Win-win!

So here are my favourite simple craft ideas to try out this Autumn.

  1. Leaf Wreaths – Why not bring the nature home and make some leaf wreaths, all you need is a paper plate, some glue and some leaves, it really is that simple.  You can even make handprints for a brilliant keepsake.

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2. Pine Cone Hedgehogs- How cute are these? This is definitely one ill be trying with my two kids.

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3. Painting with Nature – Pine cones, conkers and leaves can also be a fab way to paint, to explore new patterns and painting techniques.Have-Fun-Painting-With-Nature30a9a934c08aad57d0c60805243a8089

4. Cotton Bud Painting 

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5. Rock Painting- Rock painting seems to be very popular these days, so why not try painting some ready to hide on the days you do venture out.

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6. Leaf Hedgehog – Why not add some leaves to a drawing? 5526e5f39130ddc024b51181f31d2efa

7. Paper plate Hedgehog – or if you just really don’t feel like collecting leaves today, why not try a paper plate?

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8. Mess-free Squishy Tree – This is perfect for the younger children.18a14b32256e6491fbcaa4be766f6365

9. Tissue paper tree- This is a simple but effective craft idea.

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10 Handprint owls – Because we all love a good handprint craft project, right?

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I’d love to see some more craft ideas so please do share some with me if there’s anything you’ve tried that i’ve missed.

10 Autumn Slow Cooker Recipes; Blogtober Day 2

As the nights start to draw in and the air starts to get colder there is nothing I love more than a slow cooker recipe. With kids it can often be hard to find a meal that you all like, that’s quick and takes little fuss.

I love being able to put everything in the slow cooker early in the morning and know I don’t have to do anything to it until we’re ready to eat it as a family after school/work. So this year intend on making full use out of my slow cooker, these are my top 10 recipes to make this Autumn.

Ingredients

  • 1 large onion, roughly chopped
  • 3 tbsp mild curry paste
  • 400g can chopped tomatoes
  • 2 tsp vegetable bouillon powder
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped ginger
  • 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and chopped
  • 2 skinless chicken legs, fat removed
  • 30g pack fresh coriander leaves chopped
  • cooked brown rice, to serve

 

Method

  1. Put 1 roughly chopped large onion, 3 tbsp mild curry paste, a 400g can chopped tomatoes, 2 tsp vegetable bouillon powder, 1 tbsp finely chopped ginger and 1 chopped yellow pepper into the slow cooker pot with a third of a can of water and stir well.
  2. Add 2 skinless chicken legs, fat removed, and push them under all the other ingredients so that they are completely submerged. Cover with the lid and chill in the fridge overnight.
  3. The next day, cook on Low for 6 hrs until the chicken and vegetables are really tender.
  4. Stir in the chopped leaves of 30g coriander just before serving over brown rice.

 

Irish Beef Stew

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Serves: 8 

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons plain flour
  • 900g beef stewing steak, cut into 3.75cm cubes
  • 450g carrots, peeled and cut into 2.5cm chunks
  • 6 large potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
  • 1 onion, cut into large chunks
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 500ml beef stock
  • 170g tomato puree
  • 340ml Irish stout beer, such as Guinness
  • 1 tablespoon cold water
  • 1 tablespoon cornflour

Method

1. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Toss beef cubes with flour to coat, then fry in the hot oil until browned. Place the carrots, potatoes, onion and garlic in a large slow cooker. Place the meat on top of the vegetables. Mix together the beef stock and tomato puree and pour into the slow cooker along with the beer.

2. Cover and cook on High for 6 hours or Low for 8 hours. During the last hour before serving, dissolve the cornflour in cold water and then stir into the stock. Simmer on the High setting for a few minutes to thicken.

Bolognaise Sauce

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INGREDIENTS

1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
large onion, chopped
large carrots, chopped
celery stalks, chopped
cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp. tomato paste
2 lb. ground beef
can crushed tomatoes
1 tbsp. dried oregano
1 tbsp. dried thyme
bay leaf
1 tsp. kosher salt
1 c. dry red wine
1 c. whole milk
Freshly ground black pepper

METHOD

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic and cook until tender, 6 minutes. Add tomato paste and stir until combined, then add ground beef and brown. Transfer mixture with a slotted spoon to slow-cooker.
  2. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, thyme, bay leaf, salt, red wine, and milk. Stir until combined, then season with pepper. Cover and cook on low, 6 hours. Discard bay leaf.
  3. Serve over cooked pasta.

 

Pizza

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INGREDIENTS

Cooking spray, for slow cooker
1 lb. pizza dough
1 c. pizza sauce
2 c. shredded mozzarella
1/2 c. freshly grated Parmesan
1/2 c. sliced pepperoni
1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
1 tsp. Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish

Method

  1. Spray bottom and sides of a large slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Press pizza dough into the bottom of slow cooker until it reaches all edges and bottom is completely covered. Spoon over pizza sauce and spread, leaving about 1″ of dough around edges. Top with cheeses, pepperoni, and spices.
  3. Cover slow cooker and cook on low until crust turns golden and cheese is melty, 3 to 4 hours.
  4. Remove lid and let cool 5 minutes.
  5. Using a spatula, remove pizza from the crockpot. Garnish with parsley, then slice and serve.

Lasagne

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INGREDIENTS

box lasagne noodles, unboiled

1 tbsp.olive oil

1/2 onion, chopped

garlic cloves, minced

1 lb.ground beef

1 tsp.Italian seasoning

3 1/2 c.marinara sauce, divided

kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

16 oz.whole milk ricotta

1/4 c.freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for garnish

1/4 c.chopped parsley, plus more for garnish

4 1/2 c.shredded mozzarella

 

METHOD

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onions and cook until translucent, 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Add beef and season with salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. Cook until no pink remains and add 3 cups of the marinara, stirring to combine and cooking 2-3 minutes more.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ricotta with parmesan and parsley. Season with salt and pepper and stir until fully incorporated.
  3. Grease the bowl of your slow cooker with a nonstick cooking spray. Using the remaining marinara, spread a thin layer on the bottom of the crockpot. Next add a layer of noodles (you’ll have to break some to make them fit) a layer of meat mixture, a layer of mozzarella, and a layer of ricotta. Repeat until all ingredients are used up, ending with mozzarella. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours.
  4. Garnish with more parmesan and parsley and serve.

Chicken Fajitas

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INGREDIENTS

boneless, skinless chicken breasts

bell peppers, thinly sliced

onion, thinly sliced

(14-oz.) can diced tomatoes

2 tsp.cumin

1/2 tsp.red pepper flakes

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

FOR SERVING

Tortillas

Guacamole

Salsa

Sour cream

Shredded cheddar

DIRECTIONS

  1. Place chicken, bell peppers, and onions in slow-cooker then pour over diced tomatoes. Season with cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook on low for 6 hours, or until chicken is cooked through.
  2. Remove chicken from slow-cooker and slice into strips. Serve fajitas in tortillas with desired toppings.

Or maybe like me, you have a sweet tooth…

Reeses Cake

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INGREDIENTS

1 box Devil’s Food Cake mix

package instant chocolate pudding
1 c. whole milk
eggs
1/4 c. sour cream
1/4 c. peanut butter
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
2 c. peanut butter chips
Cooking spray, for Crock-Pot
1/3 c. melted peanut butter, for garnish
10 mini Reese’s cups, halved

1/4 c. chopped Reese’s pieces

METHOD

  1. In a large bowl, combine cake mix and pudding mix. Whisk to combine. Add milk, eggs, sour cream, peanut butter, vanilla and salt and mix until smooth. Fold in peanut butter chips.
  2. Grease the bowl of Crock-Pot with nonstick cooking spray. Add batter to Crock-Pot and smooth top with a spatula. Cook on low for 3 1/2 to 4 hours checking at 3 hours to make sure the edges aren’t burning. Cake can be kept on warm for up to 4 hours before serving. The finished cake should be set on the sides and still gooey in the centre.
  3. Drizzle with peanut butter and garnish with Reese’s cups and Reese’s Pieces Serve.

Chocolate Brownie

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INGREDIENTS

1 c. (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
1 1/4 c. granulated sugar
1/4 c. light brown sugar
2/3 c. cocoa powder
1/3 c. all-purpose flour
large eggs
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1 c. semisweet chocolate chips
Vanilla ice cream, preferably Breyer’s Delights, for serving
1/2 c. chopped strawberries

METHOD

  1. Using two long 5” to 6” strips parchment paper, line the bowl of your slow cooker in an “x” formation and spray generously with cooking spray.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, sugars, cocoa powder, flour, eggs, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Fold in chocolate chips and pour batter into the prepared slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, or until set around the edges and slightly gooey in the centre.
  3. Lift brownie out of slow cooker and serve with ice cream and strawberries.

French Toast

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INGREDIENTS

Cooking spray, for Crock-Pot
large brioche (or challah), preferably day-old
large eggs
2 c. half-and-half
1/3 c. granulated sugar
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
small pinch nutmeg
Maple syrup, for serving
Powdered sugar, for serving

METHOD

  1. Lightly grease the inside of Crock-Pot with cooking spray. Slice brioche into thick slices then quarter each slice. Place bread in Crock-Pot.
  2. In a large bowl, combine eggs, half-and-half, sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, vanilla, salt and nutmeg and beat until well combined. Pour egg mixture over bread, folding bread gently to make sure each piece is coated.
  3. Cook on low for 2 ½ to 3 hours, until the French toast is warm and cooked through.
  4. Serve warm with maple syrup and powdered sugar.

What better way to end this list than with Heaven in a bowl… Cookie and Brownie together. Round here we call it a Crownie.

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INGREDIENTS

box brownie mix
1/2 c. melted butter, divided
large eggs, divided
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract, divided
kosher salt
1 c. chocolate chips
bag chocolate chip cookie mix
Vanilla ice cream, for serving

METHOD

  1. Spray slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. In a large bowl, combine brownie mix with 1/4 cup melted butter, 2 eggs, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and a pinch of salt. Fold in chocolate chips and set aside.
  3. In a separate large bowl, combine chocolate chip cookie mix with remaining 1/4 cup butter, 2 eggs, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and a pinch of salt.
  4. Into the slow cooker, drop alternating spoonfuls of brownie and cookie batter until all batter has been used. Cook until the mixture is set in the middle, either on high for 2 hours or on low for 5 hours. (Cooking longer at a lower temperature will result in a less gooey dessert.)
  5. Let cool slightly and serve with ice cream.

Most of these recipe ideas I got from Delish go check them out for more recipes like these!