Dusting Off the Sandwich Maker...

So today I was chatting with a friend about the phases ours kids go through and remembered that I have a sandwich maker from Phoebe's "muffin phase". This kid wanted muffins ALL the time!! It was insane! So I bought a sandwich maker so that we could make muffins in 5 mins. Well, that was just the beginning...

We originally started making the Jiffy Mix muffins, then when she had a hot dog phase, I made some corn dogs using the corn muffin mix and cut up a hot dog and dropped it in. It was a super easy, no dip, no stick, corn dog!!

You can also have the kids help make triangle fried eggs... even omelets! Seriously, does it get any better for a little kid than to be able to make themselves muffins and an omelet for breakfast? Or you can make grilled cheese, with the crusts sealed like the encrustables.

I'm sure there are tons more options out there, if you really put your mind to it! I don't know about you, but I think I might be pulling the old sandwich maker out for breakfast tomorrow. I'm sure that Phoebe is going to asking for this every morning, after she starts making herself goodies :o)

Actually, I might try making some brownies or "sandwich-cakes" in it tonight, to see if it works. They should all come out with the crusts that everyone loves, in little triangles, that all kids eat, and probably super moist... I'll let you know :o)

What I've been up to...

For those of you who actually read this, I'm sorry that I haven't updated it in forever! I've been a little busy, and a little sore. I have been trying to get into shape (as usual) but I helped Chef Hubby in the yard last weekend and injured myself - ugh! I was shaking out clumps of dirt from the grass piles one minute and the next minute I couldn't stand up!! Not a cool thing, let me tell you!

Anyway, I'm doing better now, but still not able to move the way I should. It's all good. Like I tell my athletes, as long as we are continually improving, I think we're in the clear.

Aside from that, I've taken up a new "career". I became an Independent Consultant for the Pampered Chef! My husband and I had a show way back in 2002 and instantly fell in love with the products. We even went to a recruiting show way back in the day, but decided that it wasn't a good option for us at that point. Well, every now and again we would get a call to see how things were going and to check to see if we would like to chat about the possibility of becoming a consultant. It never seemed to be the right time.

Well, we got a call back in January and I decided to set up a meeting. I've been trying to decide "what to do when I grow up", if you know what I mean. Right now, I'm a full time mommy and part time Certified Athletic Trainer. Next year the kids should be heading off to school and I don't know what I'm going to do. How can I be a "full time" mom when the kids aren't even going to be around? That's the kind of pressure I put on myself...

So, my options... 1. Try to go full time at work? 2. Continue staying at home, become the best housewife, ever! Go to the gym, etc... and then make myself feel bad because I'm not "bringing much to the table" financially OR 3. Join the Pampered Chef, make my own schedule, earn some money, free products, and some time away from the kids... guilt free!! YAY!

So, I decided to sign up. In my first two weeks, I fulfilled all my "responsibilities" for the company (they give you 90 days to do 4 shows or sell $1250 in products). I did it in 15 days!! hehe. Anyway, I made back all of my money, earned more than $800 in free products, and can't wait for my next show!! AND all the recipes I have to try to make, I can use for dinner for my family and they are tax deductible because they are actually a training tool! Can it get any better?!?!

A lot of people have been trying to drill me lately though, because of the economy. The funny thing is, with these products and recipes, the economy is actually helping me! People can't afford to eat out as much, so they are buying quality tools and cookbooks to make it easier to get in and out of the kitchen fast!! These products are great for that!!

I'm sorry if this sounds like a commercial, I just can't believe I waited this long to actually take advantage of it!! Anyway, if you want to see what the products are, or are interested in the company, feel free to check out my website... www.pamperedchef.biz/teescooking. If you really like it, you can even place an order - super easy!

Anyway, that's what I've been up to! Hope that everyone else is having