Simply Pico De Gallo

There is something about the great flavours of Pico De Gallo.  More often than not there is a bowl of Pico De Gallo in the fridge.  Since our FREE trip to Mexico (more on that HERE!) my family has fallen in love with it.  The buffet at our resort had a HUGE bowl of it at every meal.  Yes every meal.  Even breakfast.  Have you had Pico De Gallo on your fried eggs?  Ohhh boy delicious.  Hubs is not a huge tomato fan but even he loves to top his steaks with Picco De Gallo.  Our version is simple but delicious.  You could add garlic, jalapeno, or cumin.  But the flavors are great on their own.  Here is the version we love!

Cast of characters:

4 roma tomatoes seeded
1/2 large red onion
1/4 Cup chopped cilantro
2 limes juiced
Salt to taste

Yes that is all.  Chop the seeded tomatoes and onions so that they are smaller than bite-size.  Add the juice of the limes.  Mix in the chopped cilantro.  Add salt to taste.  Now the hard part.  Let it mix and mingle in the fridge for at least an hour.  I always need to taste test with a tortilla chip.  ;)

The result:

This of course can be adjusted to your tastes.  I like LOTS of cilantro.  Great on chicken, fish, beef, eggs or with tortilla chips!  And if you believe it.... the kids like it on their hot dogs. 

Enjoy!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Hidden Heart ~~

Cutting a watermelon and distracted I almost missed this!  DD was saying, "Heart Mom!  Heart Mom!" she spotted it right away.  My kids are always reminding me to slow down and enjoy the small things in life!  "Adults are obsolete children." Dr Seuss.

BBQ Ballibobs ~ BBQ Meatball Kabobs

Kabobs say summer to me.

When a friend, Jodi, said she was making kabobs for dinner the other night I got the craving. I asked her for her recipe and she said she did not have one... huh? So she described her plan to me. It sounded really good and fantastically (that's a word right?)  easy. We love easy for the summer. Even I could BBQ these.

The kicker was when she sent me this picture. I KNEW I had to make them and share them.

Jodi made her own baked meatballs. We all do that right? Make extra for the freezer? Then you will be able to thaw your meatballs and BBQ a great easy meal. I will share my meatball recipe on another post.

The assembly of these are pretty easy. Make sure you soak your skewers so they don't catch fire! Then skewer the meatballs, onions, chunks of pineapple and red pepper.  Jodi basted hers with her favorite brand :) of Sweet & Sour sauce.  You want to make sure to  reheat the meatballs and gently grill the veggies and fruit.

Jodi paired this with rice and corn on the cob. While chatting about the meal idea Jodi said next time she would include something red. She is right after all we do eat with our eyes first right? Red pepper or cherry tomatoes? I think red pepper would work better in this instance.

Enjoy!!

About Me!

I am a mother to two terrific girls and have been married for 10 years. I work for the best Canadian airline and love to travel. My family loves to do everything from dirt bike racing, swimming, running club, museums, travel, shows, hockey and anything we can do together we will try!


How Shannon's View from Here started:

I blogged about coupon, deals, freebies and contests for about two years. I wanted to branch out and be more creative. I still wanted to share great deals but really wanted to share mommy life too! So the mommy blogger fit perfectly.

I love doing reviews and giveaways. I love being the first to try out fabulous new products and am excited to share them with everyone. 

Lets connect!

Email me direct at Shandon00 (at) gmail (dot) com
twitter @Shandon00
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End of School Year Teacher Gifts

It's that time of year already! We are way into June and the kiddos are starting their last week of school. That means it is time to send a thank you gift to the teacher. I try to do this every year but usually forget. Does June sneak up on everyone or just me?

I found this quick and easy gift idea for DDs teachers. For the male teachers I think I will substitute a Mens Health (or similar) magazine.

Have fun! Happy Summer!!

DIY ~ Canada Day Tshirts

I promise, promise, promise to update with MY pictures as soon as I can find 2 white Tshirts that are under 10$ each.  Who thought that would be a challenge?   :)

This is one of the cutest things I have seen in a while. 

Picture Credit to WorkMan Family Blog

I already have the red paint.  I headed to our local craft store and asked one of the ladies working for help.  The last thing I want is for all this red to end up in my laundry!!!  She assured me the type of paint I had picked would work for this project.  Please find someone to ask at the store.

So we will do two Tshirts.  One for each daughter.  Once the hand print is on the shirt you will need to fill it in a bit.  The oldest daughter wants to put their names in paint on the back.  We will see.  Still undecided about that.

Have fun!  And wish me luck on finding some fair priced white Tshirts to do this project!

All the details can be found at WorkMan Family blog.

Henry's Photo ~ Win Nikon Dream Kit!

Just noticed this great contest on some advertising. 

What a great chance to win a fantastic prize.  I need lessons on how to use the camera I have.  BUT I would love to learn how to use this fancy new set.  All the details are on Henry's facebook page. 

Too bad I don't normally like, participate, vote in or even share contests that have a "most likes win" outcome BUT this is such a great prize. 

That being said..... good luck and don't ask me to vote for you. 

Cheese Burger Cake for DDs Second Birthday

My dear daughter, T, had her 2nd birthday a few years ago now.  Today I am going to share her cake that I made for her.  The cake has a little of a back story to it.

When T was just over 1 we went on a spur of the moment trip to Disney Land.  It was a chance to meet up with dear friends before they were posted overseas.  Daughter T was just starting to talk.  While sitting getting ready to order dinner with Auntie Tasha, Uncle Brian, Hubs, myself and 6 kiddos daughter T is patiently waiting amongst the mayhem.  When the waiter was taking orders daughter T "orders" herself in a loud and proud voice "Cheeeesebuuuurger!".  Apparently daughter T and Auntie Tasha had been practicing this word together.  :)  It definitely got all of our attention.  So that is why for daughter Ts second birthday I made her a "Cheeeesebuuuurger Cake".

Here is the breakdown of this lovely cake!

 I have a little helper AKA Photo Bomber Queen :) That is daughter G in the back ground.


There is no "recipe" for this cake.  Mostly just directions.

The Bun:

Both the top and bottom buns are white cake mix cooked in two round cake pans. I used my from scratch recipe. You can use pre mix white cake from a box also... I will not judge.

The Burger Patty

The burger patty is my super easy chocolate brownie mix.  I will share the recipe another day.  Again you can use brownie mix in a box.  No one will know.

The Condiments

For the pickle I used kiwi.  The tomatoes are strawberries.  The mustard is whip cream with yellow food coloring gel.  You could do the same with ketchup too.  I put real sesame seeds on the top "bun" but now I think that pumpkin seeds would be more to scale.  :)

This was really fun to make.  Fairly easy as well.  You could use the same idea and make mini-burgers or slidders as a cupcake form too. 

There she is blowing out the candles on her cake.  Man time flies.  :)

Garlic Lime Chicken & Roasted Potatoes

Do you have a recipe you can do with your eyes closed?  A recipe you know everyone in the family loves thus ensuring a quiet whine-free dinner?  Yeah this is ours.  Garlic Lime Chicken Thighs with Roasted Potatoes.  I can't really remember where I got the original recipe from. I have adapted it to my family's tastes. 

The best part of this recipe?  It is so easy and quick!  Marinade 20 minutes and roast 35 minutes!  Perfect weeknight supper.

Garlic Lime Chicken Thighs with Roasted Potatoes

Preheat oven to 425'

6 cloves of Garlic
1 TBSP Grated Lime Rind
3 TBSP Lime Juice
1 TBSP Canola Oil
2 tsp Chili Powder ( I like Chipolte Chili Powder... a lot)
1/2 tsp Salt and Pepper
1 1/2 LBS Chicken Thighs

12 New Potatoes cut in half or quarters.

2 TBSP Fresh Parsley ( I always forget this but it still tastes great!)

In large shallow glass dish whisk together garlic, lime rind, lime juice, 1/2 the oil, chili powder and 1/2 the salt and pepper.  Add the chicken and turn to coat.  Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, cut potatoes in half or quarters depending on size of potatoes.  Toss with remaining salt and pepper.  I add a dash of chili powder to the potatoes too. 

Remove chicken from marinade and place in the center of a large piece of a parchment papered baking sheet.  Place potatoes around the edge of chicken and roast at 425' for 35 minutes.

When done sprinkle with fresh parsley or fresh cilantro (yummier).

The picture above shows boneless skinless chicken thighs.  The recipe is way way better with bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs.  And the parchment paper is a must as it roasts the potatoes perfectly!

I hope that you and your family enjoy this recipe as much as my family does!

St Lawrence Parks Commissions BOGO Deal

 

My daughter is learning all about the Medieval times at school. When I noticed that there was a "Medieval Times Festival" at Upper Canada Village we went to check it out! Real live jousting... crazy!

Anyways, on to the BOGO. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that our entrance fee gave us FREE entrance to another of St. Lawrence Parks Commissions venues.

Here is the link to all the details on their site.

Hmmmm day use beach or Fort Henry? Will put it to a family vote!

Frosty S'More CupCake ~ The Lazy Pie Version

This is the pretty picture from Easy Baked that caught my eye!  Yummmm.  I don't own a Chicago Metallic Mini Cheesecake Pan to make individual cups.  I am not ready to commit the space to a new kitchen gadget either... not just yet anyway.  So I used a pre-made (GASP!  I know!!) graham cracker pie crust to make a pie version of this deliciousness.  And it was a hit with the whole family.  But really, how could it not be?

Here is the recipe as shared on Easy Baked with my alterations in color.

INGREDIENTS:

• 18 graham cracker squares (9 sheets)
• 1/3 c. butter
• 1/2 c. milk chocolate chips
• 1/4 c. whipping cream
• 2 c. mini marshmallows (1 1/2 Cups)
• 1 1/2 c. cold milk
• 1 box (4 servings, 3.9 oz)instant chocolate pudding
• 1 (8 oz) container of Cool Whip (thawed in fridge)
• 1/4 c. mini chocolate chips (as topping)

DIRECTIONS

• Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs.
• Melt butter and add to graham crackers, mixing until well combined to make crust.
• Prepare pan by placing disks into the bottom of each cup.
• Evenly divide crust mixture into all 12 cups, saving about 1/4 cup to use as topping later. (I used a Mini Tart Shaper to press crumbs firmly into the bottom of each cup).
• Remove top from premade graham cracker pie crust
• Place milk chocolate chips and whipping cream into a small bowl and microwave in 30 second increments, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
• Spoon chocolate into a zip top bag, cut a tip off and evenly pipe chocolate into the center of each cup, on top of the crust.
• Place chocolate into premade pie crust
• Divide Marshmallows among cups.
• Place Marshmallows (1 1/2 Cup was enough) on top of chocolate in premade pie crust
• Mix cold milk with pudding on medium speed for 2 minutes. Fold in 1/2 of the Cool Whip container (the rest will be used as topping).
• Spoon filling into a large zip top bag (and ZIP it or you might have a mess!) Clip a corner off and pipe pudding into each cup evenly. Try to pipe it in between the marshmallows so that the whole cup is filled. I did have a little left over (which was really tasty straight out of the bag!)
• Spoon filling into premade pie crust on top of Marshmallows.
• Use a knife to smooth the tops level with the top of the pan.
• Freeze for at least a couple of hours.
• Allow the pan to warm just a bit before popping each dessert cup out. Poke a finger up through the hole in the bottom of the pan and grab that s’mores cup by its crust. Remove the disk from the bottom and you are ready to add topping.
• For topping, I just piped a little bit of the left over Cool Whip on each dessert(Spread on top of the pie) using a decorating tip. Then I sprinkled the remaining crust and mini chocolate chips on top.
• Serve cold right away– or put them in a sealed container and freeze until you are ready to serve. (we kept the pie in the freezer and cut a piece as we went.  Did not last long)

I remembered to take a  picture before it was devoured.  Maybe for company I would try making these in cupcake form but the pie version worked well for a mid week family treat!

Enjoy!

Wordless Wednesday: Sisters

Envelope of Coupons Giveaway!

Is your coupon binder a little lighter than you like? Are you missing out on some great savings? Great news everyone! I can help. I have a whole lot of coupons to give away. I am hosting a quick little flash giveaway! The winner will be mailed an envelope FULL of great coupons.
Remember that sharing is caring and it keeps your contest karma clear.
Good luck everyone!! You can comment and tweet daily for more entries!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spa and BBQ Party! Perfect Party Idea!

What a great party idea!  We had a blast.  A spa party is the perfect way to celebrate a birthday or welcome in the start of summer.

A friend of mine threw a birthday BBQ and Spa girls night party.  What the perfect combination.  Food, friends, Sangrias and a little prep work for summer. 

Here is how it worked:

Ahead of time the hostess Kim asked what services we would like to have during the party.  I opted for a mini-facial, eye brow waxing and a spa-pedicure.  All this cost me WAY less than $100. 

The esthetician had her bed set up in the master bedroom.  The facial was done in a private relaxing area.  Added bonus!! The facial was done all with Arbonne products. I LOVED it all!

There were two other estheticians set up in the breakfast nook to do pedicures//manicures.  The nook was emptied out except for chairs and a table for our drinks... err... esthetic supplies.  This was a perfect spot to catch up with my bestie Wendy while having our feet pampered and prettied for summer foot wear.  My pretty toes are shimmery blue now.  :)

Kim had all sorts of burgers available.  Kim also had salads and a chocolate fountain set up for us.  She is a rocking hostess. 

The food was great.  The esthetician services were fabulous.  The relaxed catch up with friends was the best.

Happy Birthday miss Kim!!!

If you are in the Ottawa area I can recommend a fabulous girl to help you with your Spa Party.  Oh and she also does kids parties...  maybe for my daughters 10th?  How cute would that be?

Have fun!

American Family’s Makin’ the Bacon Contest

Have a great bacon recipe? Want to win a Visa Gift Card?

Then American Family’s Makin’ the Bacon Contest is perfect for you!

Submit your favorite recipe in any of the 5 categories: appetizers, sides, main entrees, desserts, and sandwiches.

Grand prize is a $500 Visa Gift Card, and 4 runner-ups will win a $250 Visa Gift Card.

Click here to learn more or submit an entry!