Chicken Caprese and Pasta

So on my trip to Costco,

I picked up three packs of fresh mozzarella!

I could pass it up, but you can only eat so much on it's own,

it was time to get creative :)

So most of us have tried a Caprese salad,

but I thought it might be interesting to try it on chicken!

Ingredients:

2 large chicken breast (or amount needed for servings)

2-3 slices of fresh mozzarella per chicken breast (1 ball gave 8 slices)

1 large tomato (sliced for 2-3 slices per chicken breast)

dried or fresh basil

salt and pepper

balsamic vinegar

Season the chicken with salt and pepper, grill indoor or outdoor.

When the chicken is fully cooked, remove and place in a baking dish. 

Top with 2-3 slices or tomato and mozzarella. 

Add a little salt and pepper and basil.

Broil in oven until the cheese begins to melt.

Plate the chicken and drizzle with balsamic vinegar.

Serve with side salad or pasta.

We decided to try a quick and easy side too!

Have you heard of Suddenly Salads?

Grab a coupon here!

It was super easy to make and made a great light side dish :)

I am looking forward to trying some of the other flavors

So I was pleasantly surprised with our impromptu creation

It got the hubby's approval too ;)

I am thinking next time I might try to put some 

pesto on the chicken

under the tomato and mozzarella! YUM!

Delish,

Erica

Water for Christmas

Could you imagine even going a day without WATER?

We need water for more than just drinking,

it is a necessity for living.

They are a grass roots movement 

devoted solely to solving the world’s water crisis 

by getting the best ideas, the best partners

 and the most passionate donors in the same “room.” 

They are motivated to work together 

to help bring clean water to the world’s thirstiest.

TOGETHER---

we can help impoverished communities around the world tap into safe, 

clean water. 

In doing so, they believe we can help end the devastating power 

of water-borne diseases.

1 Billion Thirsty connects passionate donors, activists and innovators, 

enabling the best solutions to impact those most in need of clean water.
Not only are they a clearing house for best innovations and ideas, 

they also provide donors with tools to help develop their own campaigns, 

raise awareness and fund a particular or targeted “water-oriented” passion.

They strive to help donors raise funds 

and awareness in a manner that fits them and their community, 

while encouraging their passion and commitment to the cause. 

They believe this is a key element to successful, long-term fundraising.

At the same time, they help ensure that any funds raised, 

will produce real change in the lives of those affected. 

So what can you do to help!!

Calling All Crafters!!

 Christmas is right around the corner!

Over the past two years, the Water for Christmas etsy shop has raised more than $10,000 for clean water projects around the world.

This was made possible thanks to more than 50 donors generously offering their goods and services to help stock our shop.

~~~

CRAFTERS!!!  We need your help to supply our 2011 Water for Christmas etsy shop.

~~~

Water for Christmas™ is a holiday fundraising campaign of 1BillionThirsty™

As always, all proceeds go to support clean water solutions to the world’s thirstiest.

Hope for Help,

Erica

My "OWN" Bag

So I have just been loving 

the design aspect of having my Esty shop!

So I thought since I have so much fun with it,

I would pass the creative torch to my customers

and let you have some creative edge as well :)

BigSis LilSis Boutique 

is now offering

Make My "OWN" Bag

You choose the fabrics

and I make it!

Completely customized

just for you!!

So I am, of course, offering all the fabrics 

already listed in my shop,

but I have added some new ones as well,

to help mix and match ;)

So stop by and make your "OWN" bag!!

And because I love my loyal readers so much

I am offering 30% OFF to the first 5 custom orders!!

Use code OWN30 at checkout :)

"OWN" it,

Erica

Happy Chaos

I was a BIG fan of 

Punky Brewster

(Soleil Moon Frye) 

as a kid!

Now she is all grown up

with kids like us :)

She just wrote this book  

 Happy Chaos 

I can't wait to read it

and see what insight she has 

to embracing the chaos of having small kids

and living through it happily!

I picked up my copy,

be sure to get yours and tell me what you think!

Happy Chaos,

Erica

Autumn/Fall 2011 Preview & Final Cut SALE

Here are just a few of the styles I have been working on 

for my new Autumn/Fall 2011 collection in my shop!

Hope you like them as much as I do :)

ROYAL

 Royal Purple and Plaid

PRETTY

 Pretty in Pink

RUGGED

 Show your rugged side!

POLKA

 Polka Dots!

DECO

 Art Deco

And be sure to check out our "FINAL CUT" items!

All final cut items are 25% OFF!!

Ready for Fall,

Erica

xo

A SWEET 1st Birthday!!

My SWEET Aria turned 1 last month and I meant to post this!

Anyway, here are a few shots from her 

SWEET SHOPPE

1st Birthday party!

Preperations

Sweet Shop Banner 

(Totful Memories)

Mini Truffles that look like cupcakes :)

SWEETS!!!

Goodie Bags

(with a toothbrush and floss of course ;)

Thanks, for making Aria's birthday SWEET!

Remembered to get a family shot with the

Birthday Girl!

Happy Birthday Aria!

I was so impressed with this Cupcake Cake

(Safeway of all places too!)

Sharing with friends

It was a beautiful day and I think she really enjoyed it!

WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH 

SWEETIE!!

xo,

Mommy

Crowdtap

Have you had a chance to join Crowdtap yet? Crowdtap allows you to tap in to engage with brands, test products, and earn cash while helping charities at the same time! Through June 22nd, Crowdtap Level 3 members (i.e. members that have earned at least 2500 points) can even apply to host an Old Navy Decorated Tank Party! If you’re chosen to be a host, you’ll receive a kit that will include the following items…

* 1 FREE tank coupon for you
* 3 FREE tank coupons for your best friends

If you are a Level 3 Crowdtap member, login to your Crowdtap account and click on the “New Actions” tab. You may then find an application for the newest Sample and Share from The Old Navy Style Council. If you’re not yet a Level 3 member, do not fret. Keep in mind that by simply signing up, logging in every day, inviting your friends, and participating in actions, you’ll earn points towards the next level.

(Thanks, Wheel N Deal Mama!)

New to Crowdtap?

If you’re looking for a way to help out charities and get rewarded in return, you may want to check out Crowdtap. Crowdtap is an online community that connects consumers with brands so they can directly influence new product and marketing ideas, while earning cash and free products in return! With Crowdtap, you’ll get to tap in to engage with brands, test products, and earn cash while helping charities at the same time! Here are a few well-known charities promoted on their site:

*Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation – funds efforts for breast cancer research, education, advocacy, health, ect.
*Autism Speaks – goal is to find the causes, treatments, and cure for autism and help those with autism and their families
*Pencils of Promise – help build schools for children who may not receive any education in developing nations around the world.
*ASPCA – mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of animal cruelty to animals
*American National Red Cross – provide emergency assistance, disaster relief, and education in the US and other countries.

…and more!

How Does it Work?

By signing up with Crowdtap, you’ll be presented with a variety of opportunities to complete and you’ll be helping brands make major marketing decisions as well as help spread the buzz about products you like! You’ll also be able to answer “Info questions” that will help them better match you with more opportunities. How do you earn cash rewards? You can earn cash by earning top awards as a result of providing meaningful responses in discussions and participating in discussions daily. Also, once you reach level 5 you will receive a 5% cash bonus for every $10 you earn.

1.) Just head on over here and sign up for a Crowdtap account with your Facebook account
2.) Answer a few polls (click on Quick Hits) to help brands target you by your interests
3.) View Opportunities and participate with the brands and offers that interest you
4.) Earn status, rewards, and charity – the more you do, the more you get, the more you give!

How do the Rewards Work?

After your account reaches at least $10, you’ll be able to redeem your earnings in the following ways…

*Cash Rewards – Certain activity launched by brands will earn you cash rewards.
*Gift Cards – Your Crowdtap cash can be redeemed for Amazon.com gift cards
*Help Charities – You can choose to help your selected charity
*Free Products – Some activities will also offer free products and other goodies

Keep in mind that you’ll need to earn at least $9.99 before you can “redeem” your earnings (you’ll just click on the “redeem link at top”) AND 5% will automatically go to the charity you select on signup which Crowdtap will match. Then just choose to donate the rest to a charity or get an Amazon gift card e-mailed to you!

Also, the points you earn determine your “level” and each level you obtain gives you privileges on the site and showcases your accomplishment. However, keep in mind that points and dollars are completely separate in Crowdtap. Points will help you level up, unlock badges, and compete with your friends while moving up the leaderboard. Dollars translate to real money and can be redeemed for Amazon gift cards or donated to your selected charity. Individual actions can earn you points, dollars, or both but points and dollars are not directly related to one another.

Planting Project

The past couple of weeks 

we have been saving our used yogurt cups {YoBaby}

for a FUN planting project!

The weather finally cooperated 

and it was nice enough out for us to spend some time outside :)

Cadee was really excited and wanted to do it all herself!

We started with our empty cups all lined up

 Filled them up with dirt

 made little holes for the seeds

She did a GREAT job!

 Close up ;)

 Gave them a little water

And now we wait for them to sprout!

Try it with your little ones :)

Happy planting,

Erica