Friday Funday: Favorites!!

FRIDAY!! Woo Hoo!!!! This weekend our calendar is CLEAR, for the first time in forever...yeah, I've watched the movie WAY too many times!!!

I was going to do an all-beauty faves, but I couldn't get it together so it's just gonna be more random fun stuff...because "random" is my middle name! Here we go....

#1: EBATES ~ Have you heard of EBATES??! Neither had I until a few weeks ago!  If you do any kind of online shopping (I practically did ALL of my Christmas shopping online), you NEED to sign up for this!!! It's FREE MONEY. It's super easy--just go to the EBATES SITE and sign up for an account. Whenever you want to buy something online, just go to the EBATES site FIRST, seach for the store you want (i.e. Nordstrom to buy the coziest fleece wrap ever...keep reading...!), click on the link to the store and start shopping! You just have to be sure you START your shopping at the EBATES site and don't go directly to the store site. Other than that, you just shop like you normally would.

Most stores offer 3-6% cash back. They will always email you special deals--for instance, yesterday Nordstrom was 10% cash back! Pretty much EVERY store is on eBates...from Amazon, Wal-Mart, Target, Crate and Barrel and even small boutique retailers. Check it out. Even if you earn $10-15, that's more than you had before :) And it's NO TROUBLE....Super easy :)

EBATES

#2: The Clarsonic ~ Scott got me this last Mother's Day (after some very not-so-subtle hints) and I've been in love ever since. Not one day has gone by when I have not used this. I take it overnight, camping, everywhere. I cannot imagine washing my face without it.  It gets my face SO CLEAN and does not leave a trace of makeup. You don't have to use any fancy cleanser with it, either. I just use either Cetaphil or a moisturizing soap--whatever you normally wash your face with.  It has almost 600 near-perfect reviews on Nordstorm.com!!

Clarsonic Mia "Pink"

#3: This dress ~  I love a good deal, people. And this might be one of my best finds EVER. I found it trolling through the clearance rack at Target. It was $7.58. I spend more on shampoo! I have been looking for a casual striped dress so I grabbed it. When I came home I was shocked at how many ways I could wear it! It going to be on heavy rotation this fall/winter!!

It's online (in black/white, too!!) for $24.99, and I'd even pay full price for it! But if you can find it for $7.58, it's a MAJOR MAJOR score!

Merona Women's Knit Shift Dress

6 ways I know I'll wear it...I'm sure there are many other ways, too!! When/IF it gets colder, I'll wear navy tights or leggings and tall boots. Right now, I'm loving it with booties.

#4: Wine ~ And speaking of a deal...what's better than a wine deal?? Wine--something I know a little and a lot about. Meaning, I can't talk "wine talk" very well, but I do know a good wine when I taste it!! A few weeks ago, I was at Safeway and one of the employees was stocking the wine shelf saying he couldn't keep this particular wine on the shelves, it kept selling out. Note--he was sitting  on the FLOOR stocking the BOTTOM shelf. Not typically where I look for wine. Just sayin'.

It was on sale for about $8, and he urged me to try it and put it in my cart. When I got home, I noticed it was a screw cap. GOOD LORD!!! But of course, I opened it that night and had to try it--if it didn't work out, I'd throw it in pasta sauce.

Well, let's just say it worked out because I immediately went back to the store the next day and bought 6 more bottles. Best $8 bottle of wine I have had (and let's just say I've had a lot). It's a perfect "everyday" wine--just bold enough to make it non-"cheap wine" and smooth enough to be perfectly drinkable.  I could try to describe it in fancy wine terms, but I think I'd risk sounding like an idiot. The company (Rosenblum Cellers) describes it as "Crazy good wine." Enough said :)

Stark Raving Red Blend

#5: This sweater-wrap thingy ~  This might be one of the coziest items I own!!! It's fleece lined and sooo comfy--the perfect, classy alternative to a sweatshirt. You can wear it around the house or dress it up--it's SO versatile! I have the beige/camel color ("mink") for Fall, but I will definitely be adding a stripe and a bright colored one..maybe colbalt :)

Bobeau Fleece Wrapped Cardigan

And stop the presses!! They now have it in plaid! Ahhhhhh....#plaidlove

Plaid Fleece Cardigan

And THIS ONE is less than $20 (but they don't have my size! argh!!)

Striped Fleece Cardigan (Super Sale!!)

Have a great weekend!!!

XO ~ Casey

Recipe Wednesday: Soccer Party Potatoes

Last weekend, we had Brooke's soccer end of the year potluck at the park after her last game. Since it was an early morning game, the coach organized a breakfast and he cooked up bacon and eggs and had everyone bring something as a side. One mom brought THIS casserole and it was UH-MAZING! There weren't many of us, but the ENTIRE 13x9 inch pan was licked clean. It was so. darn. good.

Of course, I immediately got the recipe and plan to make it for any potluck anyone wants to invite me to!! It would be PERFECT for Easter dinner alongside ham, it was wonderful as a breakfast dish with bacon and eggs..I think it would really go with any type of meat-and-potatoes-type meal. This casserole, steak on the grill and a nice side salad--heaven. This would also be perfect if you are having some sort of Thanksgiving pot luck at work or with friends.

You can make it the night before and bake it right before you are ready to serve.  I promise you will enjoy this and so will all of your guests :)

Soccer Party Potatoes
2 lbs frozen hash browns (Ore-Ida Southern Style, but any diced hash browns are fine)
1 can cream of chicken soup (mushroom works, too)
12 oz. sour cream
1/2 cup of milk
1/2 cup scallions (whites and greens)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
2 cups crushed Corn Flakes cereal (Ritz crackers work too! Yum!)
1/2 stick butter (or less)
Salt and pepper

1. Preheat oven to 325.

2. Spray a 13 x 9 inch baking dish with cooking spray.

3. In a large bowl, mix first 6 ingredients together until combined. Season with salt and pepper and pour into baking dish.

4. Melt butter and pour over crushed Corn Flakes. Spread Corn Flake topping evenly over potato mixture.

5. Bake for 50-60 minutes until bubbly and the top is golden brown and crunchy.

Have a great Wednesday!!

XO ~ Casey

Seven on Sunday: Week 23

Day 1: Sunday--Buddy's soccer season came to an end with a fun team pizza party. The season started off a little rocky for him, but ended up being GREAT! He turned into a goal-scoring machine! So proud of our 'lil Buddy!

Day 2: Monday--Brookey completed her book report after many hours of reading, drawing, crafting and summary writing. She read a book that took place at the White House during Christmas time, so she recreated the scene. She had lots of fun with this one!

Day 3: Tuesday--With my kids wearing a uniform Monday-Friday, it's not really until the weekends or a free dress day when I realize their pants are high waters or their really have nothing presentable to wear. Brookey put on her jeans last week and they were about 3 inches too short and she had nothing else to wear but shorts and tank tops. So with her "guidelines," I did a little shopping for her: "Graphic tees, colored jeans, plaid and a leopard scarf." I think I did pretty well! I only had to return one thing! Score! Here are a few of the items I got her, along with a paid of leopard flats and sparkly moccasins. She's set :)

Day 4: Wednesday--Apparently Sarah has my taste for stripes and leopard :) I swear I didn't tell her to do that face! LOL!

Day 5: Thursday--Fun Stella & Dot party with wine and jewels :) I copied Sarah's stripes and leopard :)

Day 6: Friday--Funniest, most worthless pic ever...but I had to get a shot of everyone at the Knights of Columbus Fish Fry at church! Hilarious! Notice the kids and their Coke :) This is how we spend Friday nights, people. Try not to die from the excitement.

Day 7: Saturday--Brooke's last regular-season soccer game (HARD fought game--they tied). It was a GREAT season for her. She really gave it her all and her coach had very nice things to say about her. It was a gorgeous 75 degree fall morning for the end of the season pot luck, too! As much as I complain about how much time soccer season requires, Saturday mornings with the family on the field will definitely be missed. Like a friend said, "There are a lot worse ways you could be spending your weekends." Very true. Although, my heart and blood pressure will be happy to get a break--some of the games were intense!!

Next stop will be the Coach's Invitational next Thursday!!!! We could not be prouder of this girl!

Obligatory family pic...Scott, Sarah and I all sported our Manchester United "Rooney" jerseys :)

Happy Sunday! See ya'll back here next week!!!

XO ~ Casey

Recipe Wednesday: Easiest Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Let me be perfectly clear about one thing: I LOATHE baking. I just simply DO NOT like it, Sam I Am! I've tried it in a car, on a plane, in a boat, I've tried it here, I've tried it there....whoops, can you tell I have little ones and I'm a teacher?! :) There is just something about the exact-ness, the measuring, the flour-everywhere thing that makes me shy away from baking. This precise art is better left to my better half, Scott :)

That being said, I CAN throw together a pretty mean semi-homemade Bundt Cake and I'm a hero whenever I decide I'm brave enough to make my Oatmeal Cookies from scratch. This recipe for  Banana Bread was originally given to me by my friend's mom, I just modified it a little. I knew I would survive baking this because although it's not from a premade mix, you can just throw everything in a bowl and stir!! No mixers, no rolling gooey dough into balls, none of that! Just dump, mix and bake :)

The result is piece of awesomeness that never lasts longer than 24 hours in my house. My kids eat it for breakfast, for dessert and request a slice for lunch. You can also pour the mix into a cupcake tin and make muffins as well (just cut down on the baking time, obviously). It's great with nuts, too, if you're a nut kind of person :)

Easiest Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
3-4 very ripe bananas, the riper the better!
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1/2 cup of white sugar
2 eggs
1/4 to 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups of flour
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons of milk
1 cup of chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 325; spray a standard loaf pan with cooking spray.

2. Mash bananas in the bottom of a large bowl.

3. Add the next 7 ingredients and stir together with a wooden spoon until well combined.

4. Fold in chocolate chips.

5. Pour batter into the loaf pan and cover with foil. Bake for 30 minutes with foil on, then remove foil and continue cooking another 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Let cool, slice and serve!!

**Just a note, this recipe is VERY forgiving. So if you accidentally put in FOUR tablespoons of milk or a little more brown sugar, it will all turn out fine :) My kind of baking :)

XO ~ Casey

Seven on Sunday: Week 22

It's Sunday!! It's the day when I recap our week in 7 (or more!) pics :) It was a busy week with Halloween, soccer and Red Ribbon Week at school. Fun, fun!!

Day 1: Sunday --She asked to smell my wine, so I let her. She commented, "Hmm, smell good." She knows her stuff. Future sommelier right here!

Day 2: Monday--An old friend texted me this picture out of the blue on Monday morning. It almost brought tears to my eyes! Brookey went to daycare with Sophia, on the right, and they have since lost touch. Those two were SO stinkin' cute together!

Day 3: Tuesday--It was sunglasses day at school! Woo Hoo!! I worked today, and Buddy was hilarious running around at recess with his shades on! Don't ask me why Brookey is holding up the raffle flyer! #kidsareweird

Day 4: Wednesday--Twins Day at school!!!! This was the brother/sister Dynamic Duo! Rooney/Rattigan Irish Twins :)

Day 5: Thursday -- Sarah always wants to do WHATever Brookey and Buddy are doing...even homework. Here she is doing her "homework." The snapped her pic from across the table while I was helping Buddy :)

Day 6: Friday--Halloween. What can I say??! It's a blast every year seeing these kids dress up. We joined the neighborhood chaos and around 7:30, the kid's buckets were full and Brookey's feet hurt (Dorothy heels) so we went home, ate candy bars and watched Harry Potter. Scott and Buddy passed out on the couch. Happy Halloween!!!

Minnie Mouse, Dorothy and GI Joe :)

Sister Love :)

She's very into the photo op!

Day 7: Saturday--Brookey had a soccer game (they won again!) and then we headed up to Sonoma for our quarterly wine pick up at Bryter Estates. We had lunch in Sonoma and a yummy pizza place....let me just say, NO plates had any trace of food when we left! 

Ok, why does B look like a GIANT?! And yes, I know...Buddy needs a haircut!

Tried to get a sisters pic, but I have a photo bomber always willing to bomb!!

 

Have a great week!!!!

XO ~ Casey

Friday Funday: Fall Favorites

Halloween on a Friday! Finally! :) Now, Halloween is probably one of my LEAST favorite holidays, however I love fall and I'm really liking the change from Indian Summer here in California to slightly cooler temps.

Here's a hot mess of some of my favorite Fall things:

* This pic-- A friend texted this pic to me randomly this week and it almost brought tears to my eyes. Brooke went to daycare with this little girl, Sophia, forever, but they have since lost touch. This pic touched my heart...this was when my baby was still a baby :)

* Plaid--Yep, I'm on the bandwagon...I'm mad for plaid this fall., especially with scarves. I'm loving this Charlotte Russe one right now because it's lightweight for our lovely Indian Summer :) Truth be told, I bought this for a friend and loved it so much I got it for myself, too :)

Plaid and Floral Infinity Scarf

* Ankle Boots -- I bought these boots last year but wasn't really ready to jump on the ankle boot bandwagon just yet. I'm on board this year--100%. I think I wear these boots 5 times a week! The little dip and small heel make ankle boots work for short gals like myself! It's REALLY HARD to find these booties with the little dip, but these exact ones are on eBay now! Just search for the boot name for sellers with additional sizes.

Carlos Santana "Brooky" Boot

* This recipe: Crockpot Meat Sauce. So comforting, so delicious, so easy! Fall perfection in a crockpot.

...and OF COURSE...THIS!!! I am definitely a fair weather Giants fan (and there's been LOTS of fair weather these days!), but it's great to see a major underdog, wild card team bring it home (Royals were in the same boat,  but I had to cheer for the home team!). They are the team that never quits. My favorite part of the entire game was the exchange between Posey and Bumgarner during the last 10 seconds of the game--Posey's facial expression was priceless. I'm a chick, I notice stuff like this :)

 That's my random list of "fall" faves! I'm working on a "beauty products" Friday Favorites, so stay tuned. Have a great weekend and cheers to lots of treats and not so many tricks :)


XO ~ Casey

Recipe Wednesday: Bacon & Corn Pasta

This is my current favorite pasta dish! It's the perfect summer/fall transition meal..you have the sweet corn to remind you of summer, and then the creaminess and the bacon that is ALL FALL! It's just a big plate of deliciousness!!

Oh, and I forgot to post Seven on Sunday on Facebook this week, so if you missed it, here it is: Seven on Sunday: Week 21.

Bacon & Corn Pasta
1 lb of pasta (I like to use linguine)
6-8 slices of bacon, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 cup frozen corn kernels OR 1 can of corn
1 can cream style corn
1/2 Parmesean cheese, grated
1/2 cup chicken stock OR 1/2 cup of pasta water (water you cooked the pasta in)
1/4 cup half and half (optional)

1. In a large pot, cook pasta according to package directions (reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, if using)
2. In a large skillet, fry bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
3. Add onion to the pan and saute for  few minutes, until soft.
4. Add garlic and frozen corn and cook for a few more minutes.
5. Add in creamed corn and reserved bacon and heat through.
6. Stir in chicken stock or pasta water, along with the Parmesan cheese and cook a minute or so until the sauce starts to thicken a bit.
7. Stir in half and half, if using. Season with salt and lots of pepper. Toss pasta in the sauce and serve!

SO, SO YUMMY!!!! Enjoy :)

XO ~ Casey