Couscous Veggie Salad

When I was pregnant with my daughter Nia, fresh veggies were my number one craving.  For some reason I didn't like sweets.  This was pregnancy number two and taste buds were much different this time around.  I guess it was a good craving because all I wanted was healthy food.  This couscous salad was something my husband made for me one night.  I was hooked!

Osem Israeli Couscous cooked

I use the Osem Israeli Couscous because it is much thicker and larger then the cousous you normally see from other companies.  I bought mine from Target.  If you are enjoying this for yourself then you can just make a cup of it.

Fresh Cucumber, Yellow Pepper, Red Pepper

While the couscous is cooking you can go ahead and chop up your veggies.  I chose a yellow pepper, red pepper, and a cucumber.  You can add any fresh veggie that you want.  I happen to like the crunchiness of peppers and cucumbers.  

Mix it up

I used a food storage container to mix everything up.  After you let your couscous cool off, throw it in the container with all your veggies.  I added some olive oil, salt, and pepper to mine.  Give it a good shake.  Put the finished product in your bowl and enjoy.  It's simple, fast, and healthy.  Well healthier then grabbing the cookies.

Trash It or Paint It

Noah's Graffiti Art

I've been staring at this cabinet in my bathroom for a few months.  Thinking it has to go to the dumpster.  I really don't like getting rid of things.  I wanted to see what happens when I give it a little TLC.  Yes, this was just another excuse for me to do my weekly Michael's craft store shopping.  I have the Michael's store app on my smartphone so I got to use my 40% off one item coupon.

2 Bottles of Paint

I picked up two bottles of Martha Stewart's Green Gold Metallic paint.  I only wound up using one bottle.  One may say I have a slight fixation on Martha Stewart.  Sometimes I can't help myself. 

Here is what it looked like after 3 coats of paint.  I didn't really see any hints of green in it.  It mostly looked like light gold.  When I put the bamboo cabinet in the bathroom it didn't look overpowering at all.  I was pleased with the outcome.  Now that my son is 4 years old he knows not to color on furniture or walls.  Ha!  Who am I kidding...it will happen again, I am sure of it.  Has your child ever colored or painted the walls?   

Samples Arrive in the Mail

Sample I posted about

Some people don't believe you get the samples for free or some say they never arrive.  I have always gotten every sample that I have requested.  This cat food sample was from Walmart.com.  I've gotten many beauty bag samples from Target.com.  I'm not sure how my mailman feels about all these little boxes and envelopes he has to shove through the mail slot but hey, I know I like getting stuff for free.  So to all the freebie lovers out there, cheers!

It's OK Thursday

I found this lovely blog called Brunch with Amber.  I'm happy to do this post.  I've got my coffee in hand and here I go.  
It's OK...
-That we do not have a house -That my son gets speech therapy -That we live in a one bedroom apartment -That my kids are not the biggest sleepers -That my parents recently separated -That life isn't always what you expect it to be
I could probably go on and on but I will stop myself there for today.  It feels good to let things go, even if it's hard.  Keeping a positive outlook on life is important.

Mini Indoor Chalkboard

Martha Stewart Chalkboard Paint

I decided to make an indoor chalkboard for my son Noah.  We used a chalkboard spray paint for our little outside deck a few weeks ago.  I went to Michael's craft store and picked up this chalkboard paint because it came in different colors and I had a coupon.  I try to always have a coupon when I go there.  Craft supply shopping can be addicting.  

Using an old canvas board from a very long time ago, I painted three coats on.  Letting it dry completely before using.  I almost threw this board away last week but always like to reuse items if possible.

End result, a light blue chalkboard.  The picture I took doesn't really show the actual color.  I think I was a little more excited by this project then my son.  My obsession with chalkboard paint is quelled for now.

Wafu Ginger Carrot Dressing Review

Sample from Swaggable

I recently received a sample of Wafu Ginger Carrot Japanese Vinaigrette free from Swaggable.  I love trying new things, especially if it has to do with food.  

Key factors that made me happy to try this product were:

• No Cholesterol
• Gluten Free
• Vegan
• Kosher
• No Artificial Flavors

So I decided to put it on some romaine lettuce for a quick snack.  The taste is nice and refreshing.  I could taste the ginger but not the carrot.  Which I was fine with because I love ginger.  I would recommend this dressing and I would also buy this again in the future.  If you would like to learn more about Wafu go to their Facebook page here.  

Ginger Carrot Japanese Vinaigrette on Salad

Cottonelle Product Review

Thanks to Crowdtap, I received a sample for Cottonelle Clean Care Toilet Paper and flushable wipes.  First off, I highly recommend joining Crowdtap.  I have received other samples and even qualified for Old Navy Council Sample and Share.  My friend and I got to pick out a free sweater.  Crowdtap is very easy to participate in and doesn't take up much time at all.

This Sample and Share was for Cottonelle.  I have never tried this brand of toilet paper before and  when I tried to give people a free 4 pack, nobody wanted it.  They said it would clog their toilet.  A few days in to trying out this brand we encountered a toilet clog.  Living in an older apartment complex, I am pretty sure the septic system is old as well.  While Cottonelle is soft and thick, it seems to be a hassle.  Flushable wipes do not seem so...flushable.  

My conclusion is to stick with Scott Brand toilet paper or even store brand 1 ply toilet paper.  

Crowdtap Sample and Share

Purina ONE Cat Food Sample

Head on over to Walmart's Free Sample section on their website.  Today they are giving away Purina One cat food samples.  My Chloe cat will be happy to try something new.  I have gotten many samples from Walmart.com.

P & G Sampler

Sign up for the P & G Sampler.  If you like P & G products and would like samples mailed to you, this is a great program to sign up for.  They have samples available quarterly per household. I have three samples on the way this quarter and they also have coupons available to link to certain store cards.  Samples are good to have around, especially if you have guests coming to visit.  My mother had come to visit for a week and used some samples of shampoo that I had.

Chance to Win Gourmet Popcorn

479 Degrees makes gourmet organic popcorn.  There is a contest going on right now for a chance to win their caramel canister collection.  Sounds yummy! Check out their website here.

Like Step2 on Facebook

Like Step2 on Facebook today.  Step2 is doing a fan Friday giveaway today.  They are giving away a Glo Buddy Turtle Nightlight.  Head on over and fill out the easy entry form for a chance to win.

Use What You Have

I love getting flowers and taking photographs of them as well.  These flowers were for Valentine's day and I couldn't find a vase.  We used an old Poland Spring water bottle and cut the top off.  Turned the top upside down and there you have it, a makeshift vase.  I find that most things can be reused or upcycled to other helpful items.  Always look around your home to see what can be of good use. Old jars can turn into button holders or sewing kits.  Corkscrews can hold string or ribbon.  Get creative and recycle at the same time.