Easy Peasy Crock Pot Dinners

Crock pot dinners are wonderful!

For a few reasons;
1) They're easy
2) They're delicious
3) It's great coming home after a long day and having supper waiting for YOU
and 4) I love how they make the whole home smell fabulous!

Last week I made two meals in the crock pot. Both were a success.

My first meal was what I'll title: Italian Bacon Mac-n-Cheese.  

Bacon + Cheese = Duh! Duhh-licious, that is!

The combination of cheese and noodles start off clumpy.  The milk is added to make it creamy and help combine the ingredients.  Don't freak out if your cheese is clumping.  Just add more milk at the end if needed.

 What you need:
(Serves ~4)

2 cups of uncooked Macaroni noodles

1 ½ cups of milk - or as needed to make creamy

2 cups shredded Colby jack cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup shredded Parmesan

A dollop of sour cream

3 slices of cooked bacon

½ cup of diced white onion

Fresh garlic clove - pressed or diced

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

1 Tbsp of Italian Seasoning

What you do:

• Boil your macaroni noodles until ‘slightly undercooked’ – you don’t want the noodles to get mushy in the crock pot.
• Crumble up your bacon pieces.
• Combine all ingredients into the crock pot and cook on low for 3-4 hours. 
• Stir occasionally.  Add more milk if needed for a creamy texture and to avoid clumpy cheese. 

The smell of this meal while cooking is heavenly!

The second meal I made last week was, my new personal favorite, Sweet and Spicy Sloppy Joes.  Let me just add that Luke does not care for sloppy joes...never has. 

However, I thought I'd make my own version of sloppy joes - As he does not care for canned or packaged versions.  I grew up on sloppy joes and find them yummy. 

I decided to give my grown up taste buds a new and improved version of sloppy joes - praying Luke's grown up taste buds would appreciate and enjoy them as much as mine.

The outcome?  Success!

He loved them! He even ate the leftovers!!!

[For those of you who do not know my husband, let me enlighten you on this accomplishment...Luke will eat leftovers if it is something he REALLY likes.  If he does not really care for it (but tolerates it for a meal) the leftovers will inevitably get thrown away.]

Mission accomplished!

I think this recipe is 'family reunion' worthy!

What you need:
(Serves ~8-10)

1lb browned burger
1/2 cup diced white onion
1/4 cup diced mushrooms (optional)
1 Tbsp plabano pepper, diced (or jalapeno)
2 garlic cloves, pressed or diced
4 medium tomatoes
3-4 Tbsp of Chili Powder
2 Tbsp of Worcestershire Sauce
1 Tbsp of brown sugar
2 tsp of dry mustard
1 tsp of Allspice
1 tsp of Oregano
Cornstarch - as needed
Salt - as desired
Pepper - as desired

What you do:

• Brown the burger and drain
• Place tomatoes in a food processor and process until pureed.
• Combine all ingredients into crock  pot  and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
• Before serving, mix up sloppy joe mix, add a little bit of corn starch and mix in, until desired thickness of sloppy joe mix.

Mmm mmm! Not only does it taste delicious, but it makes the house smell great! The leftovers warm up great in a pan or in the microwave.

For those who don't like it 'sloppy' we like to eat ours on open face sandwiches with a fork.  It's less messy but the same amazing flavor!

(I like to use the crock pot liners with these recipes. It makes clean up a breeze!)

I hope you enjoy these recipes! Let me know what you think!
What's your favorite crock pot recipe?

Random Wednesday: Oops, It's Thursday Already!

I let the week slip away from me...oops.  How did that happen? So, forgive me for being a day late (again) and let's pretend it's Wednesday??

This could be a good thing. Yes, I may have just done you a favor.  It works like this: When you read my post today, you'll think - 'Oh yea, Random Wednesday time.'  Then you'll realize it's Thursday already and you'll be super excited that tomorrow is Friday!

Hah - you're welcome.

So, relish in the fact that you already made it to Thursday and the week is more than half way over today!

1.) Speaking of Thursday already, not only have I forgotten what day it is, I've forgotten that I am supposed to be in training for my 5k next month. Oops again. I worked out Monday with intense circuit training and was entirely too sore to work out Tuesday.  I have no idea what happened to Wednesday.

2.) Let's just take Wednesday off the calendar this week, shall we? I clearly did not do my normal 'Wednesday Routine' anyway.

3.) Oh wait - I remember what happened to Wednesday. I spent the entire morning (and early afternoon) on the phone with loan companies, getting my home address changed. Why do I have school loans through, not one, not two, not three, but FOUR different companies???  I could have sworn I had one more...but when I called and gave them my information, I was not found in their system. Hmmm...weird, but not complaining. 

4.) This is what I DID DO on Wednesday - in addition to being on the phone all morning.

Pretty little toes... :)

5.) I took a 10 minute break from the phone and pedicure and decided to hang up a few items in our bedroom.  I like it.

It looks like a fairytale to me - what do you think?

6.) Earlier in the week, I wrote a new post for the blog.  However, you'll notice that I have not posted it.  I'm working on recalling recipes for you. Really good ones! Is it bad that I don't write this stuff down when I'm cooking?? It would make sharing the recipes with you so much easier!  Look for them...soon...ish?

7.) Saw this on the TODAY Show...  I can't peel my eyes away from it, nor help hitting the repeat button. I just keep laughing, then smiling, then laughing some more.

8.) Mounds of paper work...that's what awaits me today.  Let me just share with you how this worked.  During my crazy last semester...I went on a paper work filing sabbatical.  When we moved, I placed it all in a box.  I have, now, been slowly separating out and organizing paper work. I must. finish. this. today. I cannot walk in the front room.

Gahhh...

I really thought the filing fairy would come last night and take care of it all for me.

Nope. Still there.

9.) Oh yea, I made these this week for dinner.

Yum.

The problem?  It is now 2 weeks after Memorial Day Weekend and I'm still eating like it's Memorial Day Weekend.  Sweet Corn on the cob, red skin potato salad, the whole works!

What am I? On vacation or something?!?

(PS - That's romaine lettuce from our little garden pot!)

10.) Super excited for this weekend!  My baby cousins (who are not so 'baby' anymore - 11 and 12) are coming to stay a whole week with us!

Oh wait - how do you keep an 11 year old boy occupied and a 12 year old girl occupied for an entire 8 nights?! .........................Pray for my sanity this week.

Maybe you should pray for it now. 

Also praying for nice weather so we can just be at the pool all week.   
I think this was Luke's idea.

However, if the pool gets boring or the weather chooses not to cooperate, I found this:

Thank you Pinterest!

Really though, we're excited to have them visit us!

Any ideas of fun things to do with pre-teens that's cost efficient in the Toledo area? What did you do this week?

Random Wednesday - It came quick this week!

Here's to another Wednesday - and one that came quicker than last week, thanks to Memorial Day Monday!

**Sorry this is a day late. I was having issues uploading the pictures.

1.) As I previously mentioned, I'm growing Romaine Lettuce this summer.  I got to harvest the first batch of it this week - it was so bright green! Ahh, the gratification you get from harvesting your own produce!

2.) I made BLT sandwiches for dinner this week - I used the garden lettuce.  It was delicious! I think I'll make tacos tomorrow for dinner...I'm kind of loving this whole 'domesticated' thing.

3.) Speaking of bacon, I have cooked bacon twice in our new apartment - both times I have set the smoke detectors off. Oops.  I guess the fan needs to be on during all bacon preparations from now on.  Thank goodness the sprinkler system did not turn on!

4.)  I made a "Lint Bin!"  It might look silly to you - but it comes in handy for our laundry room!  I took an old milk carton and cut the top off, but left the handle on.  I've set it on top of my dryer so that I have a lint/trash bin in the laundry room.  I'm slowly increasing my DIY crafting capabilities.

I know it doesn't look like much, but it really is handy!

5.) Memorial Day weekend was spent with my parents this weekend.  We grilled out, played in the hose, shot rifles, got tans, and ate far too much food!

6.) Oh yea, and my little cousin rode her new horse...she's a doll.

My sister was gone all weekend camping with her horse...Taz was jealous he didn't get to go on the horsey camping trip.  He's such a handsome guy!

7.) We finished the weekend off watching the Nascar race hill billy style.  Haha - love it!

8.) The Hubby and I went to Bass Pro Shop for the first time this week (since how we now live 5 minutes away).  I found a chair that was far too big for me...and some fudge!

9.) ...and lots-O-hot sauce!  Like, I had no idea they made this many types of hot sauces!  We're looking forward to taking my little cousins during family camp week!

This one is for my brother-n-law who loves him some hot sauce!

10.)  Since we have moved down here, I am surprised at how busy I have been staying!  Between trying to organize and unpack boxes (STILL!), working on Pampered Chef stuff, and errands, I need food on the go.  I've decided that these are my "food of choice" lately.  I don't have time to sit for lunch - Soup on the Go. Perfect! 

The truth is...when have I ever just sat down for lunch, unless it was planned into my day? Gahh, I may need to work on this...

How did your Memorial Day weekend go? Did you watch Nascar on the porch too?

It's 'Salsa' Time!

Last week, on my Random Wednesday post, I briefly mentioned my small addiction to my homemade salsa.  I seriously cannot get enough of it - neither can The Hubby! I have decided to share this addiction with you.
Addictive Summer Salsa
What you need:
3 Roma tomatoes
1 garlic clove
fresh cilantro - varied amount*
white or purple onion
1T lemon juice
1 jalapeno pepper

What you do:
Chop the tomatoes, onions and jalapeno peppers into large chunks.
Place all ingredients in food processor. 
*Add cilantro for desired taste.  Some people do not like a lot of cilantro.  The Hubby and I love it - so I add a lot.
Add sea salt to taste.

Voila!

It's so easy to make - even easier to eat!

**Try these additions:

In addition to salsa making, we've been cooking a lot of sweet corn! So one night, The Hubby and I decided to spice up the already delicious salsa and add sweet corn and black beans to the mix.  One word: Scrumptious! Although he doesn't think it's a good enough word to describe the awesomeness of this salsa.

Second word: Colorful! Just in case you needed a second word. :)

All together now...colorfully scrumptious!

What do you think?

Random Wednesday - So much random-ness!

It's Wednesday again! I have really come to enjoy Random Wednesday - which I think I mentioned last week.  I have so much random-ness to share with you this week!  We've officially moved to our new place in Ohio and I have been getting us settled in...and taking pictures of all the new things I've discovered in the last week.

Before I begin my 10 items of random-ness (I'm totally inventing a new word), I'm excited to share that All Things Occupied has reached 250 all time views today!  It has increased its views by 100 in the last week! Slowly, but surely, making its climb exponentially. 

So a special shout out to all of my readers! Thank you for taking time to read All Things Occupied.  I hope you are enjoying the journey.  I would love to get an idea of my audience, so please, follow the blog and don't hesitate to comment.  I'm always eager to hear your feedback! Thanks again!  You have helped make this blogging journey exciting and meaningful for me.

...Now onto it.

1.) My grandparents gave The Hubby an electric grill. He's been grilling all week.  I'm happy - because he's been taking care of the main course - and he's happy because he's in grilling bliss!

2.) Eating nightly dinners together makes for a happy family.  I'm so thankful for the time we are able to spend together.  Hard to believe we made it through an excruciating 10 months!

Mmm...grilled chicken and other yummy foods!  I think I could get used to this grilling stuff!

3.) I've been making homemade salsa like its going outta style!

2 Reasons:

a) because it's deliciously addictive

b) because The Hubby loves it - and we now live together again.

Both reasons are very good reasons to make salsa.

4.) In relation to salsa...The Hubby and I started our first mini garden.  We're growing jalapenos, cherry tomatoes, chives, romaine lettuce, and cilantro.  The hope is that we won't have to grocery shop every time we want to make salsa.  Super excited - just praying the herbs and veggies take well!  Anybody have any tips on keeping herbs and veggies alive?

5.) One of the first things we did when we moved to Ohio? Found the Target. Yup - it's my happy place, and it is within 10 minutes. Only thing missing, the attached Starbucks. (This could be a good thing though!)

Target dollar bins - yes!

6.) I'm excited for the summer Olympics.  Every time I see the commercial for VISA I get hyped up. Anybody else excited for the 2012 Olympics?

7.) Shopping at Meijer the other day...they had a half an isle dedicated to Duck Tape.  Yup - Duck Tape. Who would have thought?

I had no idea Duck Tape was so colorful??

8.) So there's this place, it's called YogurtVi - try some. It's the new Coldstone! (but healthier!) So good!

Yogurt Vi and a wishing well...

9.) I have come to the conclusion that I am on a memoir kick.  Currently reading "Heaven is Here" by Stephanie Nielson, author of the nieniedialogues.com. This book is phenomenal! Stephanie's story is inspiring. Her hope is contagious. Her blog is amazing. Read it!

10.) The next memoir: "White Girl Problems," by Babe Walker.  I literally laughed out loud when I read an excerpt. Can't wait to read this one next!

What books are you currently reading?  Have you read either of the above?

What did you do this week?

Packing Saga: Part 2

Here it is, the final chapter of the Packing Saga! 
If you are coming in late, please refer to Packing Saga: Part 1

Oh the packing.... yes, it was a lot. However, I managed to survive and prove to my volunteers that I can, indeed, be all packed up, in boxes, and ready to go, on the morning of 'Moving Day.' 

Yes, me, who is possibly the world's best procrastinator was packed and ready to go on time this time around. 

My mother in law was very impressed!

Here are the necessary steps to completing all of your packing desires:

1.) Organize a group of men to help move the heavy stuff...without the men, I would have left a lot of heavy things behind. 

2.) Make friends with the maintenance men at your apartment complex... free boxes!

Thank you much Mr. Maintenance Man!

3.) Don't hesitate to call mom.  My mother was a life saver! She sacrificed a Friday to spend assisting me in the packing of my kitchen (dun... dun... dun....)!

4.) In addition to having a pot of coffee to guzzle down and share with your mom, don't forget to take a lunch break.  The Hubby and I took my mom to The University Roadhouse (my last visit there before Moving Day).  It was the perfect option.  Not only was the food fantastic (per usual) but I also got to introduce my mom to some of my favorite WMU OT faculty members that we bumped into!

5.) Stack boxes in a fashion that allows for continued movement throughout home. 

Otherwise you will box yourself in...literally.

6.) On the night before Moving Day, DO allow your two little cousins to spend one last night with you in the apartment... they end of being a ton of help in the morning before the trucks arrive!

7.) Set time goals.  I am proud to say that we met all of our goals on time.  I was pleasantly surprised - even with the trucks arriving a little late, 1 lunch break, and 1 potty break during a 3 hour drive!

8.) Keep your cool.

Seriously...see #9.

9.) If it broke, attempt fixing. If it cannot be fixed, junk it.  If it won't fit, send it back.

The world will not end.

I know this for a fact... my 6-shelved bookcase became a 3 shelved bookcase and we ran out of room for our table in our new apartment. 

So far, we're managing just fine without 3 shelves, a table, and 4 chairs.

10.) Locate glassware.

11.) Locate pre-packaged icey beverage.

12.) Sit on patio and drink icey beverage.

Hey, it was almost 90degrees that day, and I was exhausted. I met all of my goals...I think it was well deserved.

13.) Let The Hubby find his grill, hotdogs and grill.

Items 10-13 are also known as the: Take a break and reward yourself phase.


The rest will fall into place shortly.... I am slowly unpacking boxes, arranging and rearranging furniture and dishes. 

We have completed move #2 successfully. Mission accomplished!

PS - I do not want to do this again in 6 months.

Don't forget to follow my blog!

Random Wednesdays

It's time for that part of the week! I am growing to love Random Wednesdays.  My thoughts are sometimes very random - I love that I have created a day for me to blog about 10 random events or things. Best idea ever!

So this is what's happened in the last week...

1.) Okay, I apologize in advance for the product placement - not purposeful, just a big part of my week.  I have begun selling Pampered Chef! I love to cook and bake, so this only makes sense for me.  Why not? I can earn free products! Um...yes, please!

I also think these mini catalogs are super cute. I kind of have this weird obsession with miniaturized things. Anybody else?

2.) Watching Ellen makes me laugh hysterically.  It also makes me think about how fun her life must be! She gets to give away stuff and makes people smile and laugh.  Why didn't I think of a career like that?!

3.) I am finally beginning to feel confident about where I am at with the packing.  Boxes are every where! I promised myself I would be more organized and 'on top of it' when it came to packing this time - so far: Goal Achieved!

4.) My husband SO owes me! He has gotten out of packing...he's doing school or something. Psshh...

(Yes, that was me being funny - I respect and love my husband for all of his dedication and hard work!)


5.) My cupboards are becoming very bare...I refuse to pack a bunch of foods.  So I have been eating weird things for meals lately.  Like pretzels, string cheese, carrots, and yogurt. Yup - as a meal.

Notice the 2 boxes of fudge brownies and 1 box of cake mix?? Yup, I planning that for a meal here shortly....

Seriously...that's all there is in our cupboard. I refuse to go grocery shopping.


6.) Fudge brownies brings me to my next thought... I've been doing this new Jillian Michaels workout. (Funny how the thought of eating brownies brings my mind back around to Jillian Michaels).  It's a great workout! I love the combination of kickboxing, yoga and cardio.  What type of workout do you enjoy doing?

7.) I like birds.  I hope that we have birds by our new apartment.  I have just started feeding the birds here and I love the variety of birds that we get to our patio: Cardinals, Blue Jays, Finches, Sparrows, Robins...and probably more.  Those are the ones I recognize and know the names of. They have eaten an entire suet block in one week! I bought it last week and it's gone already - as of yesterday! Crazy, hungry birds!

8.) It is bizarre to me that this time next week I will be living in a different state.  I cannot believe that this time has come already.  I have my first visit to the first clinic I will be working at next Tuesday as well.  I am really looking forward to this!


9.) Have you all heard of the new reality show, Duets??  Can I just say...if I see one more music reality show, I might puke.  It is getting a bit ridiculous. Are you all on the same page or do you disagree?


10.) I just ate Qdoba for dinner. I just found out that we won't be living next to a Qdoba anymore. I enjoyed every bit of that dinner! Now I am stuffed.


Have a great night! This time next week, I'll be blogging from the Buckeye State!