Quick Weeknight Dinner: Chicken Stuffed with Spinach and Mushrooms

I usually watch the Food Network channel on daily basis. I love all the shows and whenever I see a recipe that I like, I try to make it at home. I've a tendency to lean towards easy and quick recipes, I don't like recipes that take hours to be done. I'm busy mom, so time is precious. I saw this recipe at 30 Minutes Meals and it seemed pretty easy, I've adapted a few things from the original one. Take a look:

(Adapted from Rachael Ray)

Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 white onion, diced
1 cup white mushrooms, thinly sliced
2 cup spinach
1 tablespoon whipped cream cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper
large plastic food storage bag or waxed paper

Directions:
1.Place chicken breasts in the center of a plastic food storage bag or 2 large sheets of waxed paper. Pound out the chicken from the center of the bag outward using a mallet. Be firm but controlled with your strokes.
2. In a food processor, add the diced onions and mushrooms. Pulse to grind.
3. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over moderate heat, add the onion and mushroom mixture and let it cook for about 1 minute. Add the spinach, cook until the spinach is completely wilted. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let it cool. Add the whipped cream cheese to everything and mix really well.
4. Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Season the chicken breast with  salt and pepper. Place a mound of stuffing on each chicken breast and roll. Place the chicken breasts, seams facing down on a baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes or until chicken is completely cooked. Remove from oven and let chicken rest. Serve the chicken breast whole or slice on an angle and fan out on dinner plates. Enjoy.

Sister & Brother Love

When I discovered that I was pregnant with Ian, Sophia was about 8 months. I was afraid that she would get jealous, very early I tried to explain to her that a new baby was to arrive in some time. She started to understand slowly as my belly grew, she patted and kissed my belly throughout my pregnancy, and if I asked her where the baby was, she always pointed to my belly(very cute).

Ian finally arrived in January and I was waiting for Sophia's reaction. She arrived at the hospital room with my parents, she was quiet, she looked at Ian and just pointed at him. And that was her reaction. We went home the following day, surprisingly Sophia was very happy and sweet to Ian, even gave him kisses, it was very sweet.

I'm very fortunate that Sophia didn't become jealous of Ian, instead she's very protective and sweet to him. She's always giving him kisses and trying to squeeze his cheeks exactly the same way I do to hers. Now, she asks to hold him and she gets happy when she does. I love seeing them together and getting along from such a young age, hopefully they'll continue to be like this when they become older.

 Can you see the love? They are so cute together!

My two cutie pies!

DIY Project: Decorative Tree

I love diy projects that use recycled materials (like magazines) and takes little effort too. This project is fairly easy to make, all you need is a magazine and little patience to make everything work. Follow the directions below:

First, remove the cover from front and back. Break the spine.

 Fold the first page as shown above.

 Now, fold the same page again as shown above.

Fold up the hanging part of the page creating a

straight edge at the bottom.

Turn the page and start folding a new one.

Fold all the pages of the magazine just like this

until done.

That's it! I've set my tree at my desktop along with some books and magazines.
Happy Crafting!

Playing Dress Up: Summer Style

My vacation time is almost here, finally. I'm constantly thinking about what to pack and about outfits. My casual summer style pretty much sums up in comfortable shorts, a flowy top and sandals. Nothing over the top, I like simple things but simple doesn't have to be boring. Put some color into your look, just like with this bright yellow top and a pop of subtle color with your bangles. Remember: be casual but chic, be simple but not boring!

Summer Casual by sweetcarolinee1

Yellow top, $28
Hot shorts, $40
Steve madden sandals, $60
Straw Studios straw handbag, $68
Gorjana chain necklace, $62
Aldo jewelry, $12
J Crew bohemian style jewelry, $30

Change of Plan...

                                                                           Source: pinklungsandbruisedhips.tumblr.com via Lisa on Pinterest

I was planning to do many things on Sunday.

Doing some laundry, grocery shopping, spending

some time with the family and going to church.

What sometimes we forget that our plans can change so

quickly.

While arranging our backyard furniture outside, Sophia tripped and fell.

She got a bump in her forehead, scratched her little face and cried so much.

Let's just say that she almost gave my husband and I a heart attack, it was quite a scare.

After talking to her doctor and explaining exactly what had happened, she assured us that a trip to

the emergency room wasn't necessary. By then, I had already developed my guilty syndrome and thinking how could I've let this happen to my child?

I know that she'll get better soon and accidents do happen at some point. I just thank God that nothing worse happened, I can't imagine if she had broken any bones.

By night, she was already playing, laughing and feeling a little better.

How was your Sunday?

Instafriday

I'm linking up and sharing my weekly, simple,

 everyday moments pics from my cell with Jeanett.

Come and join too!
or follow me through instagram (@sweetcarolinie)



That's how Sophia spends her mornings. Watching cartoons while being cuddled by her blanket.



We took a little car trip to mall at the Pocono's, on the way back she was so tired and fell asleep.



Ian & Mommy time.



Sophia & Mommy time.



Mother's Day breakfast that my husband made for me! <3



Happy with the swing set that daddy built for her.



Beautiful Flowers from our garden blooming.



Gift that my sister gave me for Mother's day. Sweet!



Ian's tiny, teeny hand. I love the birthmark he has on his index finger. So cute!

That's how Ian starts his day, playing.

A little piece of my tiny kitchen, I love to cook.

My beautiful Sophia! <3

DIY Project: Can Vase

Today's diy I'll be sharing how to turn a simple leftover can(such as a bean can) into a vase for your flowers. I came up with this idea yesterday afternoon after putting the kids to sleep. I was cleaning  our utility closet and stumbled upon some paint, then the idea came. Take a look:

Supplies:
- one can (any size)
- paint (any color that you prefer)
- paintbrush

Directions:
Wash really well your can before painting. Paint the can thoroughly using the paintbrush. Create any design that you like(for mine, I did little red dots at the top and bottom). Let it dry completely.

You can turn your cans into anything if you use your imagination. You can create a planter, a little herb garden using a whole bunch of cans, lanterns and pencil/pen holders. Happy crafting!

Currently...

So, by now you know that I'm a pinterest addict (I love the site!).

I stumbled upon this idea and thought it would be perfect

to do a blog post about it.

So, here it is:

LISTENING - To my inner voice

EATING - Cinnamon cookie bar

DRINKING - Lots of almond milk lately. Super healthy, so good!

WEARING - Jeans, floral top and flats.

FEELING - Happy, vacation time is almost here.

WEATHER - Beautiful sunny day. Sunshine mode fully on! Love it!

WANTING - a very long nap...

NEEDING - some craft supplies, slowing building the crafter in me. Who knew?

THINKING - about lots of things but mostly dreams

ENJOYING - Life 'cause it's definitely short!

Hello Monday!

I'm linking up with Lisa Leonard for another Hello Monday.

 Hello, Ian!

Hello, smiles. He loves to smile all the time, cutest thing ever!

Hello, new sounds. He recently found out the sound of his own scream.



 Hello, Sophia!

Hello, backyard. She loves being outside. Can you see the happiness on her face?

 Hello, beautiful flowers blooming.

Hello, bright colors. oh, how I love spring!

 Hello, delicious breakfast.

Our church did an amazing Mother's Day breakfast filled with some many goodies and treats.

Hello, naptime.

I was trying to make Ian fall asleep, he was so tired but wouldn't fall asleep.

Hello, brand new swing!

I love the fact that my husband is quite the handy man, he built Sophia's swing.

She loved it!

Hello to a blessed brand new week!

What you are saying hello to?

Instafriday

I'm linking up and sharing my weekly, simple,

 everyday moments pics from my cell with Jeanett.

Come and join too!
or follow me through instagram (@sweetcarolinie)

Sophia relaxing on Saturday morning.

Beautiful day filled with sunshine.

My healthy breakfast to start my day - whole wheat toast with peanut butter, banana and a glass of almond milk. Yummy!

At the doctor's office with the kids. Ian had some shots, not fun seeing any of my kids crying.

My bundle of joy!

My cutie pie trying to brush her doll's teeth. So cute!

Sunshine shining through this morning.

Home Decor: Sophia's Room

When I found that I was having a girl for my first pregnancy, I knew exactly what the room should look like. It didn't take too long to get everything put together.

We bought all the furniture first, then I decided to go with a butterfly theme for Sophia's room.

I'd a great luck in finding the crib bedding set with the butterflies, I loved the fact that it wasn't pink but instead a combination of light yellow, red, blue and some brown too.

My husband is quite the handy man, he made the little shelves for her toys and books, and together we created her name tag that hangs above her crib. We added little colorful butterflies wall decals to tie in with the whole look of the room.

I was pretty pleased with everything, what do you think?

I hope my little girl's room can serve you with some inspiration. =]

Quick Weeknight Dinner: Dirty Rice

Being a busy mom means that sometimes I've to think fast for what to make for dinner, something that is quick, easy and only takes a few ingredients. This recipe it's exactly like that! and if you have leftover rice, it's even better. Everything takes about 10-15 minutes, from the stove to the table.

And don't forget: if you need more quick recipes stop by my cooking blog, it's filled with easy and manageable recipes.

Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup celery, diced
1/2 white onion, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
3-4 cups cooked white rice
salt and pepper

Directions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-heat high. Add the garlic and saute until golden. Stir in the ground beef and cook until is crumbly, browned and no longer pink.
2. Add the bell pepper, celery and onion. Cook until tender. Drain and discard any excess grease.
3. Season with salt and pepper. Add the cooked white rice and mix everything together.
4. Serve warm. Enjoy!

Instafriday

I'm linking up and sharing my weekly, simple,

 everyday moments pics from my cell with Jeanett.

Come and join too!
or follow me through instagram (@sweetcarolinie)

Getting my exercise done.

My everyday breakfast - oatmeal with banana and strawberries.

Looking at pictures. They bring so many memories.

Our trip to the pet store, Sophia went crazy for the fish.

How cute! Parakeets!

My sweet little girl.

My sweet little boy.



Love