Fried Ravioli's: Dinner Made Easy

We are kind of burnt out on the same old pasta dinners. Spaghetti, lasagna, and Alfredo. To be honest, I tried ravioli's a few times and I just couldn't seem to get over the fact that I chased them around my plate and the texture was just a little too--slippery for me. My husband didn't particularly care for them either.

Actually, while we're being honest, he is completely over spaghetti as well. Chalk it up to poor college students living off of it for too long I guess.

I was given Fried Ravioli's at a friends party one night and to be honest, before I politely took a bite, I was haunted by that weird texture and experience by the last time I'd eaten one. BUT--this was a wonderfully pleasant surprise!

So much, that I decided to make them myself! Even my spaghetti-skeptic husband was thrilled!

How easy are these to make? Well, my four year old can make them (he can prep them-I don't allow him to cook with the hot oil.).

What you need:

1 Bag Store Bought Ravioli's (any kind)
Italian Breadcrumbs
Whole Milk or Heavy Cream

Take the ravioli's and dip them into the milk/cream.

Cover with Italian bread crumbs.

Fried 1-3 minutes on each side in hot oil, until golden brown.

Serve with marinara sauce.

See-I told you it was easy!


Check out my other easy recipes!

Sloppy Cheeseburgers

Easy Spinch & Chicken Pizza

Carmel Apple Cider

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Feeding The People, Children's Ministry Lesson

With the holidays upon us, we are very into the giving spirit! But then again, we do that year round.

We love to give and serve. By doing this we really show each other what love is.

I feel, you're never too young to start.

I thought this lesson was really fun! We used the story of Jesus Feds 5,000 people.
We used Matthew 14:13-21 (NLT)

Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
That evening the disciples came to him and said, "This is a remote place, and it's already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves."
But Jesus said, "That isn't necessary - you feed them."
"But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish!" they answered.
"Bring them here, he said.
Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples who distributed it to the people.
They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelves baskets of leftovers.
About 5,000 men were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children!

I had baked a whole bunch of sugar cookies to bring to class to be decorated and handed out. (A few to be eaten as a snack as well!)

Each of the children decorated about 3-5 cookies each.

After each cookie was decorated, we prayed over the cookies and blessed them.

Then, just as the disciples started to hand out the food that Jesus had given, the children had to pick people to hand the cookies out too, after class.

They couldn't all be handed out to one family member, but each child choose a few different people in the church to pass out their goodies too!

Everyone was blessed by the kind outreach of the children! Like I said, never too early to start!

If you've enjoyed this lesson, like we did, check out some of my other children's lessons!

Lamb of God Craft

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Cute Valentine's (Or Anytime) Treat Holders

I've been kind of quiet on my blog lately. It isn't that I don't love all of you, it's just that I've been really busy getting some items together, or made, for my big upcoming event! (Here's a Hint-it has to do with a big milestone birthday! Want to take part it in and win some really cool things? Go HERE and HERE! Two separate giveaways for you, my readers!)

Anyhoo-I saw this post on Pinterest from The Macs, and I pinned it a long time ago.

I drink Izze as a splurge once in awhile and I started saving these boxes, because I really thought I could use them and hand out some goodies! It's pretty simple to make and it's just so darn cute to have a carrier!!!!

I started to save a few of these little boxes, but any kind would work.  Even a six-pack would work, if you drink root beer, or beer. This just means you have more pockets to fill! 

I took some scrap book paper and just traced around the outsides of each side and used good ole, regular Elmer's School Glue. (I know what you're thinking-fancy, huh!?)

One side filled with donuts!

One side filled with milks! Perfect for kids and adults alike!

Ready to be filled!

I am thinking of filling the other two with coffees and cupcakes! What a fun little treat carrier to deliver to some one on Valentine's Day, their birthday, or any day! Easy to hand off, and fun to decorate and make your own!

I'd love to see your creations! Head on over to my Facebook page and share your creations there!

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"He who is generous, is blessed..."

Proverbs 22:9

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1 Timothy 5:8 and Doing This in Secret

December is officially here. The 25 days to Christmas is in full swing. Movies, music and more, remind us of this awesome time! I honestly don't think I can come up with another season throughout the year that makes me feel the way I do, during this time.

I love walking through our mall watching all the shoppers. Looking at all the decorations and lights. Even the kids seem to be entranced by the lights on our tree. They seem to calm down a little easier at night when we have the lights all aglow, and music playing.

What a wonderful thing is it to have family. The family you give birth too, and the family that you make. I'm not sure there is anything more wonderful than this.

Over the weekend, I was reminded of this scripture:
"But if someone doesn't provide for their own family, and especially for a member of their household, they have denied faith. They are worse than those who have no faith."
                                  1 Timothy 5:8

Last year, a friend of ours was out of work. He had been out of work for quite a few months actually. We'd invite him over for dinners as often as we could, and try to send him home with left overs when ever possible.

As the holidays approached, I felt that we needed to do something more for him. He would never ask, or really say how bad things were getting for him. But, we also knew, that if came down to making his mortgage payment or eating, he'd choose the first.

I went to the grocery store and bought groceries for him (and his pet). Easy things like a lasagna, and Hungry Man Meals. I also bought items for him to make his own easy dinners. I'm not saying that he couldn't cook, but I didn't want to get him stuff to whip up quiches either. Meals like spaghetti, chicken and rice, hamburger helper. Things like that.

I wrapped it all up in the biggest box I could find, and early one morning, before Christmas, I headed over to his house.

I didn't want him to know it had come from us, and so I did a quick drive by, to make sure that either he wasn't home, or if he was home, he wasn't really around.

He was home, but thankfully, he wasn't around. I drove just down past his house, quickly got out with my box of groceries, and dropped on his door step and ran! I mean, I RAN like I STOLE something!!!

I think we tend to feel a little bit proud, about accepting help, at times. Truth is, I didn't want him to know it was from us, because I felt that if he knew, he would be reluctant to accept it. 

Also, it is just so fun to give! There is no better feeling in the world than giving. (I really feel this way.)

A few days later, our friend was by our house and he asked me if I had given him his "gift." I denied it. He asked me again a few other times and each time I'd just smile and say no. 

He did say it was one of the nicest things he'd ever received, and that was just awesome for me to hear!

When we get the chance to really be a blessing to someone else in life, you really get a high, that you'll never be able to compare with anything else in life. It's amazing! It's thrilling! It's something that you can easily get addicted to doing!

This holiday season, look out for all your family. Maybe there is someone, who is closer than you think to you, that could really use a little blessing.

Best wishes-and may you enjoy all the awesomeness that comes along with it!

"But when you give to charity, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, So that your deeds of charity may be in secret; and your Father Who sees in secret will reward you openly."
Matthew 6:3-4


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Check out my other stories about giving!

Blessing Bags, Coffee Surprise!,

More Than Generous, Mother's Milk, Flying With Thanks, Coffee Dates, Library Fine, and Encouragement in a Balloon.

I'd love to hear your comments and thoughts! It's always refreshing to know someone out there is reading, and possibly enjoying! Pin It

Blessing Bags

This past week, we were busy doing things. I really LOVE giving to people, and giving back in our community.

Our pastor, this past two weeks, has kind of given us a challenge. It really shouldn't be a challenge, it should just be a natural way of life. But, we were challenged to be a blessing to someone else. A six week challege, to be someone else's blessing.

I LOVE this idea. Any time we can help anyone, other than ourselves, is a blessing. Plus, its amazing to have that feeling-that one where your heart just can't stop smiling, because you know what you're doing is right and good.

This week, I made up some blessing bags. These are bags to have handy in your car to hand out to the homeless.

I went to the dollar store (LOVE that place!), and picked up a few items (ok, several) to stick in a gallon size plastic ziplock bag.

I've seen these on pinterest, and like most things on pinterest, I tend to pin it and forget about. 

But, this was easy to do. Easy to make. Easy to distribute.

I bought socks, razors, toothbrushes, soap, tissues, bandaids and lots of various snack food items. I put granola bars, nutrigrain bars, pop tarts, raisins, animal crackers, instant oatmeal and hot cocoa, and a juice box or two.

Items ready to go!

I think, because it is starting to get winter here, that gloves and socks, would be a nice addition to the bags. 

I put all the contents into separate bags and placed them in my car. You can always throw a buck or two inside the bags as well. Everything you put in there, depends on you and what you're willing to give.

All packaged up!

I placed five of the bags in my car. Since, I'm always in my car when I see people in need, that's where I need them.

I got my first chance to hand one out a couple days ago. It was so cool! There was a gentleman who was standing outside our grocery store area on a grassy hill. He was holding a sign, asking for anything. I pulled up and handed him my blessing bag. He was smiling from ear to ear and just kept saying, "Thank you! Thank you!"

It wasn't anything big, but it was something. Honestly, if I hadn't just had a load of groceries and the kids in my car, I probably would have just driven around and tried to hand them all out! I'll save that for another day.

But, honestly though, how cool is it, to bring that big of a smile to someone's face? To feel good, about not just turning away from them and pretending we don't see them, like I would usually do. (Yes, I've done that. I always feel bad and akward when I do it too. Because I know I SHOULD be doing something for them.) But, now I don't have to. Now, I'm ready to hand out blessing bags and be a helper for once.

Have you guys done this? Do you have opportunities like this? Do you have any tips for other great items to place in the bags??

I'd love to hear from you guys! 

Do you follow me on Facebook?

Do you follow me on Pinterest?

You should!

"Those who are gracious to the poor lend to the LORD, and the Lord will fully repay them." 

Proverbs 19:17

Check out my other posts on giving and donating!

More Than Generous, Mother's Milk, Flying With Thanks, Coffee Dates, Library Fine, and Encouragement in a Balloon.

*Some Affiliate links for ideas for snacks for your bags!

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Target Shopping=Money to Spend

I'm one of those people who enjoys shopping. I actually used to be one of those people, who would scour the clearance aisles at Target and buy all the crap, just to have it.

I learned, about 4 years ago, while I was cleaning out our spare bedroom to convert it into a nursery, that my hoarding the Target clearance, needed to end! I remember saying, as I would  buy stuff, "This would make a great gift!" or, "I can so use that for a craft or something!" 

Of course, I'd find it a year later in a bag in a closet, pretty much just wasted money.

I am reformed now. But, Target is my main shopping store. I love it! And, it really is cheaper than Wal Mart.

Now, on to the good stuff. I'm not sure if you ever pay attention, but Target has A LOT to offer. I was able to buy the new iPad 2 (last year) for FREE, thanks to Target (and ShopKick!).

ShopKick is a free app! Check it out. Free money! (Photo from ShopKick)

First things first. This didn't happen over night. I saved for a year. If you can utilize Target and Shopkick the same way, you can use that money for Christmas Gifts, Hanukkah Gifts, Birthday Gifts, Grocery Shopping for a month, etc. That way, come the end of the year, if you find yourself strapped for cash, you don't have to worry about the gifts.

How it happened...

Every month, a few times a month, I go to Target and buy the stuff we need. Things like toilet paper, diapers, baby wipes, laundry detergent, stuff like that. We don't have a Super Target here (we should), so we have a few grocery items, but not enough to replace the trip to the grocery store.

I would use this trip to do my ShopKick'ing as well. It's a free app you download, and each time you walk into certain stores, you get points. While in these stores, you can scan the listed items and get more points. You can use these points instantly to get free gift cards sent to your phone and to use at check out. Target happens to be one of the big users of this app. They also have coupons to Target on there, as well as for Children's Place, American Eagle, Old Navy, etc. It's not just for Target, but this place I used my points last year. It's kind of like a scavenger hunt, while out shopping. If you're going there anyway, might as well get paid to go, right?

I found out that Target will take one target coupon and one manufacturer coupon for items. Basically, making some items cheap! (Yes, I do coupon, but NOT for anything we don't use, and NO I don't have a stock pile.) You can even apply these coupons to clearance items. I've been able to pick up some items for practically nothing.

Now to the good part. Target always has a "Buy this get a $XX gift card free," deal going on. Some change every week, and some are up for close to a month at a time.

Photo from Target.com

Most of the items are things we use, like toilet paper, paper towels, diapers, baby wipes, tampons, etc. Just about ALL of these items, are items I have coupons for as well.

Photo from Target.com

I always found myself buying toilet paper. Honestly, when I would buy the toilet paper I would say to myself, it's already on sale, and I have coupons, might as well buy 2 and get the gift card and bulk up.

The problem got to be, that I would get these gift cards and ALWAYS forget to use them the next time I was at the store. My  mom would always laugh at me, because I would forget to use my "Target Money." 

I added my little gift card stack up and I had almost $75. That's quite the chunk of change, when you think about it. I checked out my ShopKick app points too, and found out I had acquired enough for a $25 gift card to Target. I had $100, in free money. That's pretty much enough to cover Christmas Shopping in this household. 

I was kind of in awe by that. This is money that didn't come out of our budget, that could be used on pretty much whatever we wanted. (And trust me, I WANTED an iPad from the moment I laid eyes on Steve Jobs holding the first generation in his hand!)

This was only the around end of April early May,and so I decided to make a little game out of it. Only buying the things we needed and taking advantage of the deals that Target had to offer, plus ShopKicking. It was such a thrill!

Around Thanksgiving to Christmas, Target came out with a ton of spend $50 get a $10 gift card and other type deals like this. Pretty much made the iPad totally acquireable for me.

When the big day came, for my get my iPad, it was a surreal scene. I brought my Target Bags (you get $0.05 credit for every bag you bring in and use, awesome!), my gift cards, my phone with the ShopKick app pulled up and ready with the gift cards, and down to the iPad section I went!

As I was ringing up, the guy behind me was floored. Five dollars or so at a time, the price dropped, and continued dropping, down, down, down. He was so amazed at what he was witnessing, he didn't mind the long wait to go through all those gift cards, and then he asked, after it was all over, if I'd be his personal shopper, because I was his hero! 

To add to it, Target was having a deal, where if you bought the iPad, they gave you a $50 gift card. I kind of, got paid to buy it. I used it to purchase a case/cover for the iPad. It was a separate purchase. Can you say, "Thrifty!"

My giftcard stack before I started!

My receipt to show you I really did it!

This year, I again, started with the saving of the gift cards. I've gotten quite a lot and unlike last year, where I decided I wanted to save for an iPad, I don't really have anything in mind to purchase this year. I've thought about a really nice camera, like a Canon Rebel, but I'm not really a great picture taker. As you can kind of tell from the photos on my blog. I kind of thought about converting that into cash. I was thinking that my goal might be to try and buy EVERYTHING from Target during November and December and save that money that I would have budgeted with and use it for something else special. I haven't quite come up with anything, but it's definitely fun to think about the possibilities!

Anyway, I know this might be a little late in the holiday season, or maybe it isn't. I just wanted to share some tips with you, for this year, or for next year. It really has been a lot of fun, and like I said, you can pretty much do whatever you want to with the gift cards you save!

What would you use your gift card stash on??? What is the one thing you REALLY want this year? Any other really great ideas or stores to shop at for stuff like this?!

I'd love to hear from you!

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Plans fail with no counsel, but with  many counselors they succeed.
Proverbs 15:23







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Thanksgiving After Party: Fry it UP!

Happy Thanksgiving! I really enjoy this holiday. It's all about giving and thanks. I love both! Plus, the food and my family are always great company! I have the best husband and children a lady could ask for.

We tend to do things a little different in our part of the woods. My husband and I lived in a very touristy part of the world for a long time. Most of the people get holidays off to go home and spend with their families, shop, etc. Where we lived, this was the exact opposite. Everyone worked. It was ski season. No one left, and no one was really encouraged to come out, because it was usually bad weather, and it was also Black Out days for ski passes. Joy! Plus, a lot of our friends, were in the same boat as us. Family lived a LONG way away. So, my first year out here, I was introduced to the, and pardon the name, "Ski Bum Thanksgiving." A large group of us, who were all alone, got together and had our own "Family Thanksgiving." In the early years, there was a substantial amount of alcohol involved. It was fun. No one likes to be alone during the holidays, and we pretty much took it upon ourselves to make it what we all needed it to be.

Over the years, it evolved to actually include food. The people tended to change with the years, but these past few years, we've actually gotten a pretty stable group. 

We also discovered Frying Turkeys! This is definitely something you do outside of the house, but they taste pretty good. I was skeptical, but I've become a fan over the years.

One of the problems, I guess you could say, is that you spend a lot of money on the oil to fry the turkey in. Then after you're done frying the turkey (about an hour), you're done with it.

About 5 years ago, after our usual Turkey Frying feast, we started talking about the oil and the left overs. We had A LOT, of both. I used to work in a restaurant, when I was in high school. As I starred at the half eaten veggie platter, I remembered that we used to fry up pickles, and french fries. I'd also recently discovered a love of tempura asparagus. (SUSHI IS MY FAVORITE! and pretty much anything they serve at the restaurant, as long as it's not shellfish...that makes me itchy.)

Almost done frying! See all the goodies!

All our veggies ready to go! Onion rings, cream cheese stuffed mushrooms, broccoli, cauliflower, and asaragus!

Fresh from the turkey frier! They don't last long!

I put two and two together and threw the idea out there of having a fry fest! Who doesn't like things fried?? Well, almost everyone. A few people were skeptical at first, but we went home and mixed up some batter and dipped everything in there and fried it all up! It lasted about 5 minutes, and all the left overs were gone. It was pretty simple. I had also, remembered that we used to make Fried Ice Cream Balls! Since everyone seemed confused by the idea of what Fried Ice Cream was, I made some. HUGE HIT!

How do you make Fried Ice Cream?

It's pretty simple. Take Ice Cream. (Any flavor you like.) Get it soft enough that you can roll them into a ball, and roll them in a cornflake, cinnamon and sugar mixture to coat the balls. Freeze.

Make balls.

Roll Balls in Mixture.

Re-freeze Balls.

Remove once frozen and dip in beaten eggs, and then re-roll in the cornflake mixture to coat. Freeze again until use. 

Dip in egg, re-roll in mixture, freeze.

Pull these out, right before you fry them. Dip them in the hot oil (350 degrees) for about 30-45 seconds. If it starts to melt, it's too long! Pull out, put on a plate, top with ice cream toppings and ENJOY!!

Mine covered in hot fudge and sprinkles.

One covered in strawberry syrup and nuts.

One covered in strawberry syrup and sprinkles! Yum!

This has been our tradition ever since. We fry the turkey, and then saving the grease, we have a big "Left Over Fry Party!" the next few days! 

Confused as to what to do for stuffing? Let me help you! Roll it into little balls and fry them! Fried Stuffing Balls are awesome! 

This really is just a continuation on the whole day of Thanksgiving. We keep getting together and celebrate and have a great time eating. Plus, we never have to throw anything away, and  the party gets better and better each year, as we initiate our children into it!

Hope you have some really great ideas for some more Thanksgiving Traditions to start or pass along with your family and friends. Every year, everyone looks forward to this. Hope you guys do too!

Looking for some more recipes? Check out Caramel Apple Cider, Easy White Chicken Pizza, and Sloppy Cheeseburgers!

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Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name, Make known His deeds among the peoples.
1 Chronicles 16:8


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