Election day meanies.



Today is election Day! This has been a hard campaign for everyone. I have seen the nastiest part of people with this election. A bunch of people who would normally get along are suddenly calling each other idiots, and just being nasty.
People, this is an election in AMERICA. We are FREE to make these choices of who we want as our president. Then we have the freedom to vote for the people we want. Ok you don't like one but someone who you say is a friend wants another. Instead of being nasty and ugly instead discuss it like adults.
I don't mean to be rude, but we are on the last day before the election. I am still seeing hatred. I am still seeing that dirty little monsters that come out in us when we want to be right.
Instead I have an idea discuss your thoughts and feelings. Maybe  just maybe try to sway the other person to your side. that will never be done with attitude and a meanness that we normally show to our enemies. Instead tell your side and see what theres is. Rational thinking and discussing. After the conversation is over even if no one was swayed you at least see there side.
I enjoy hearing others opinions. I always say I have tough skin. But in this instance tough skin shouldn't be a issue. We need to understand and respect the others opinion even if we don't agree. Just remember the world wont come to an end. the skies wont turn grey, and the seas and oceans wont turn red.Here is what is going to happen you are gonna have a new president. This president will serve his or her term. The only difference is you will either love or you will have one you hate. At the end it is only a few yrs. Then we do it all over again.
So come on get out there and vote. No matter who it is for. That is our job and our rights as fee people in a free country.
Hopefully if you can't make it you did early voting or absentee. If not hopefully you head to your local voting hall and vote!
Interested to see who comes out ahead.
#2016presidentialvoting #begoodtoeachother

ooey gooey crock pot mac and cheese. oh so good!

Macaroni and cheese

4c dry macaroni (I've used ziti elbow, rotini, bow tie and so on.I've used regular, low carb and gluten free.
8tbsp butter
5-7 cups shredded sharp cheese
1-1/4c sour cream. Regular not lite
2 cans cheddar cheese soup
2 c milk I use whole
1 tap salt
1 tap dry mustard or turmeric
1tsp black paper
3cloves minced garlic

Turn crackpot onto high
Add all at once milk, sour cream, cheese soup, mustard, pepper, garlic, and salt all into cooker.

In separate pan bring water to boil.
Cook macaroni till  just barely aldente. Just want to start the cooking process.
Drain pasta and add to crackpot.
Put pan back on stove melt butter, and cheese together. Its gonna be dense as it melts and mixes together.

Once it is melted add to the crock pot.

 I always add a cup or so cheese or so to the pot while cooking.

 stir stir stir
Cover till done.

Takes 2 hours if that. Occasionally stir it till noodles are done.

Turn  CROCKPOT TO WARM. KEEPS WARM NICELY FOR DINNER

This does not freeze well

#homemademacandcheese #foodlover #cooking  

Watching the Cubs make history HAPPY HUMP DAY

I have not been around much lately and for that I am sorry. We had Halloween AND I have been watching the Cubs during my blogging and reviewing time. Who thought that they would make it this far. My husband that is who haha. Me I was the skeptic. But they have surprised me.
Onto Game #7 tomorrow. But I will post some things tomorrow here. I have a great mac and cheese recipe I am getting ready to post. Oh my gosh it is the best - cheesy  - gooey macaroni and cheese. ugh makes my mouth water.
And I have some awesome reviews to show. Some to get to you so you can run out and get them for Christmas for loved ones.
I just didn't want to wait another day to say something to those that are following me and my blog.
Have a wonderful Hump Day everyone!

PERFECT 4oz Paper Espresso Cups (50ct) Bundled with Andaman® Coaster

It is very rare that I find paper cups that are worth even talking about. If I get anything disposable, normally I get plastic. I wanted a cup that worked for ease in the mornings with Brady as my eyes were fighting to stay open. These are perfect for my extremely strong espresso coffee.
These were exactly what I was looking for. The paper is sturdy. As your HOT coffee sits in the paper cup on some of the others Ive tried the cup gets very weak. This stayed sturdy and didn't transfer the heat to my hands. Hmmmm who knew you could get a paper product that would hold up so well.
This did beautifully. In fact I refilled it 3 or 4 times in 1 cup. Seriously held its own.
I cant beat that. I wish that I knew there were these a long time ago.
When I was done and cleaning Brady's stuff up all I had to do was throw my cup away and kept my sink free of dishes for another minute or 2. This doesn't happen often but when it does I am histatic!
I have to say these were completely worth using in fact I am in the process of buying another pkg and the larger ones too.
These come in a Ziploc style baggie so you can store them without getting dusty, and keeping them dirt, dust and bug free.
I recieved this with a discount in exchange for a honest, and unbiased review. I Reviewed this on my own, and have never received any form of compensation for the review I have left.
These cups are extremely affordable. $7.79 plus free shipping ( for Amazon Prime Members)
These are just the right size, and the right price that is a win win in my book!
 As always the link is right here for you to go get your own. Have a great coffee day!
#Review #40paperespressocups #coffee
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FGBJBAC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1




This is with the first cup of coffee

This is after the 3rd cup.

I never take money or gifts for positive reviews. I review honestly. For the most part the items I've received have been great with a few exceptions but I am always honest with every review. I never review an Item in it's package. It is always taken out and used. If not by me someone who I trust and I am always there. I never give false reviews, Period.

CucinaPro Hot Dog on a Stick Maker - Makes Perfect Corn Dogs, Cheese on a Stick, Cake Pops and More

The CucinaPro Hot Dog on a Stick Maker - Makes Perfect Corn Dogs, Cheese on a Stick, Cake Pops and More - Includes Skewers and Recipes is awesome. I don't drink much, I don't do drugs,or smoke. But I have a horrible addiction. Kitchen and household appliances. When I get them. I use them over and over. This awesome little appliance is no exception. Every time I use it I think of something new. Here is what I've done so far. Pancakes with sausage in the middle, pigs in a blanket, corndogs, cake, muffins,fried cheese and Twinkies. 
These were so easy to do. With all of them there was NO pre greasing. Everything that went in was cooked and done quickly.Something I feel the need to mention nothing was dried out.
With the says and pancake as well as the corndogs. I put a bit of batter into the well, then the skewered meat and a bit more batter on top. Close the lid. After 3-4min when I went to turn them with my handy spatula before putting them faced down I put a bit more batter into the well. I closed the top again cooked for another 3 min and they are done. It takes a bit of trial and error but you realize what needs to get done quick..
Here is a tip for when your doing something like pancake and sausage or corn dogs. Even if your going to serve them without. Put the meat through the stick let it cook. When done I pulled the skewer out. 
 The clean up was easy breazy. Firstly you just used a rag to clean it with a little soap and water. Then rinse the rag and wipe down again. Dry and put away. 
The hot dog on a stick maker comes wit a recipe for corn dogs and 50 bamboo skewers.
I received this on a discount in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01H0L558S/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I never take money or gifts for positive reviews. I review honestly. For the most part the items I've received have been great with a few exceptions but I am always honest with every review. I never review an. Item in it's package. It is always taken out and used. If not by me someone who I trust and I am always there. I never give false reviews

Great "Emergency" Potato Soup

Hello everyone! It is cooler here but sunny. So the soup, chili and stew time is among us once again. Where we live in Iowa we lose power due to weather several times per year. I had to learn to make what my family calls emergency food. Whether it be over the grill, fire pit, or camping stove. I will share several recipes this weekend. I know a lot of people who I know throughout the country go through the same thing.
This recipe is for my Emergency Potato Soup. This is a great recipe when you are out of money or the weather keeps you from the store. Other times I just have a taste for potato soup From beginning to end this takes about 30 minutes to make. You can make for any size family. This soup can be altered in many many ways. It is a family to family meal meaning if your family likes it one way there ya go there isn't a wrong way to eat this. It keeps well and freezes even nicer.

Emergency meal Potato Soup (Chunky and non chunky)

INGREDIENTS:

·         2 potatoes for each person to feed ( I do 8 there are 3 of us that eat it and I add the 2 extra for good measure) peeled and chopped into chunks. For creamy soup I cut them small for chunky I rough cut larger

      ¼ cup finely chopped onion (Ive used yellow and white before)

       12 -14ounce  milk (I have used whole, 2%, 1% and even skim so it doesn’t matter what you use even dried milk reconstituted, or canned works great too. Whatever you have on hand)Alternative milk works to but the taste does get altered a bit.  Don't have any milk on hand? just omit its ok

salt and pepper to taste

1/2 stick butter (if you have it add more as you add potatoes if you don't have add a bit more salt. It tastes great either way)

Few cloves garlic to taste (optional) I have used chopped in the bottle, fresh and of course powder

If you have any other seasoning that you are fond of with potatoes please use it. This is a recipe that can be adapted in so many ways but the basic recipe should always be followed.

AD INS there is a small list of things we have done for our soup but get creative if you have it on hand. Or make emergency plans and buy canned veggies, or meat that would allow you to experiment when the time comes.

TIME TO COOK IT UP!:

Peel and cut potatoes

(NON CHUNKY) cut into small pieces. They cook quickly

(CHUNKY) Just rough chop into larger pieces. These don't cook as quick BUT this works great in the end. When you get to the mashing no matter it the potato gets hit by the masher it will still be good size chinks.

rinse potatoes after cutting them just to make sure the dirt is off. (I am not sure if you could use canned potatoes I would think it would work if that is all you have. I always have fresh potatoes but for extreme emergencies I can see having canned for this.)

Peel and finely chop onion.

Put in pan large enough to barely cover with water.

Cook until the potatoes are done.

DO NOT DRAIN! I can not stress this enough DO NOT DRAIN!

(NON CHUNKY)Mash the potatoes till they are creamy this is the thickener no matter how you want your soup.

(CHUNKY) Just mash a few times. I make a rule I put my masher in 4 times no more.

Add milk and butter.If you are doing add ins nows the time. 

 Season with salt and pepper to taste. We like lots of pepper, salt and garlic. If you are adding any other seasoning please add now so it can incorporate.

Here is a list of add ins that I have used in this recipes (I only use add ins if I have them on hand from another meal or extra from something. This is so good on its own or with what you have) I am sure that there are some I have left out or just haven't used yet. But here is a nice list of ideas.

·         Ham

·         Bacon ( pre cooked and crispy. Then crumbled)

·         Cheese ( shredded and Parmesan)

·         Corn

·         Broccoli

·         Cauliflower

·         Mixed veg

·         Rice (when I do rice I totally make this smooth. I leave no chunks.)

• Top with crispy fried onions
• Cheddar cheese mixed in and topped
• green onions

·         There are so many things you can do with it. Again just take a look in the fridge and freezer. Bulking it up is super easy.

 

1.      .

2.      This recipe can be made and ready to eat within 30 minutes. I let it sit after adding it all in for a few minutes just to let it all incorporate.

3.      Grilled cheese sandwiches go great with it.

4.      I a lot of times will make Plain muffins (freezer muffins I will post the recipe later today for that) with these and sometimes cornbread or crackers

 

 

This is a great little tablet. It does a bit of everything. I gave this to my son so he had a tablet. I don regret one min of it. The memory on this is awesome. It takes very clear pictures. The internet runs very quick. The video camera works flawlessly. We have a few games and they do not lag. The video period is awesome, and the color to the picture is crystal clear. The other one I tried for him is the time wouldn't stay right. Plus the internet wouldn't stay connected. In a tablet those are critical things.  This one keeps the time and date perfectly. Also the internet never "uninstalls" itself! This has worked out just perfect. The case is a purple case and plastic. There is a space for more memory storage.which we now have inserted. Just a basic mini storage disc. oh and the volume is great and can get loud. But my son loves it! And so do I.
This is a great tablet for kids, mine is autistic and this is just ideal.  Its basic and does everything it needs to. 
I received this for a discount in exchange for a honest and unbiased review
#tablet #kids @perfectkidsgift

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01CY632W0?vs=1
Photos coming soon

second look at reviews #2

This ball holder is verybasic yet has alot of use. It is small enough that you could fit it anywhere. On a shelf, display case, and soon.this fits a basketball, soccer ball or anything of that size. You can also put on a softball.it is acrylic circle it is very light and is clear acrylic.

Update:
I still display game balls in this display. Between my kids game balls and memorabilia I get for my husbands business. It really us awesome. It doesn't take from the ball it stays colorless and out of the way so you can concentrate on the main thing. Love it!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00PEBZBHW?vs=1
I received this free in exchange for a honest and unbiased review





I never take money or gifts for positive reviews. I review honestly. For the most part the items I've received have been great with a few exceptions but I am always honest with every review. I never review an. Item in it's package. It is always taken out and used. If not by me someone who I trust and I am always there. I never give false reviews

The beginning if posting a second look at reviews #1

I really want to share some old reviews with you of some great products that I still use. Do some of these are older but, are. Really worth a second review thrown out.  So here is the first.
This one is for a basket I received a few months ago. It is a great basket that I still use today. It is in my bathroom holding lotions and so on. It has held up to the moisture of the bathroom and still looks great! But here is the original with pics
My late mil used to collect baskets of all kinds. Some that were so well put together and some not so well made. This really is a nice basket. In fact I'd say this is one of the nicer ones and sturdy. There are no painted pictures on it OE any decorations on it. Just a simple basket that can and I am sure will be used for many things over many yrs. to come. I can see what you could do for this at easter, and off season. So I am either going to make this a basket that holds small size toiletries for the spare bathroom, a lotion holder for my spare bedroom or something like that and at easter I can see decorating it for my living room. This basket is so well made. It is perfectly woven tight, and the handle is on there nice and firm. This is not painted with decorations on it but that doesn't mean you couldn't do it. I could even see how you could use this at Christmas. Oh I can think if hundreds of things you could do with it. I live this stuff I'm just giddy. Seriously not a big basket but big enough to be out through with lots of uses. 
I received this on a discount in exchange for a HONEST and unbiased review. 
#baskets #review #amazon
You can get this product at 

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00U6GOCSO?vs=1

I never take money or gifts for positive reviews. I review honestly. For the most part the items I've received have been great with a few exceptions but I am always honest with every review. I never review an. Item in it's package. It is always taken out and used. If not by me someone who I trust and I am always there. I never give false reviews.

Welcome to Truly Happy Living and Reviews

My name is Sarah Hunter. I started this blog out of my love for saving money, living simple and to share things about my family.
First, I will be sharing things about my family and our way of life. I am the wife to a great husband who at the end of the day has my back and I have his as well. I have 2 children both boys. My oldest is 17. He is smart I mean like truly smart. He has been reading at a college level since he was in the 4th grade. He knows something about everything. He will bring up something about heart transplants, diseases, history whatever it is and when we have fact checked just to see if he is right. Yup hes right 99% of the time. Ive never met anyone who can do that and be so right at that young of an age, and I am not just saying that because he is my son, but because he is truly a walking encyclopedia. He is a senior. We are still deciding what he wants to do when he leaves HS and what he will go to college to be.  He loves gaming. He built his own gaming computer this past year and I am not a gamer but I will say it is SOOO cool.
My youngest he is 14 years old. He has disabilities that limit some of the things he can do. He is Autistic, MR, Spontaneous Movement Disorder, PICA, Echolalia, and so on there are lots of little disorders that seem to plague him. He is so smart in his own right to he can operate a computer, ipod or anything electronic so easily. I am amazed because I don't run them fairly well and he runs circles around me. He loves to review products. Since I started reviewing products it brought me closer to him as he has gotten older. I would say that is the same thing with my oldest son as well. Bradys mentality is that of between a 5 and 8 yr old depending on the day, but then there are other days you would swear that he is mentally 14. Hes a great kid and I wouldn't change that for the world.
I am so proud of the young men both my boys have become. They both respect people and believe in helping those that need it. They help people and never complain. I just cant say enough.
We have several pets and these are my other children. Our oldest animal is Tiger he is a tiger cat. He is the Alpha of the animals. He has no problem throwing his authority around. He is about 12 yrs old. He loves his cuddle time at night when he gets his armpit rubs. At the same time he is told how awesome he is. He just loves stroking that ego.
We have a American Staffordshire Terrior. His name is Doc. I got him from a animal rescue in Strawberry Point Iowa. He is Tigers follower. He has little brother envy. He loves everyone and everything. He is about 10 yrs old. He is a great dog, and companion to all of us.
We have 4 African Clawed Frogs 3 girls (Princess, Queen and Bertha) and one boy (Prince) These frogs have a mind of there own and they are so social and friendly. They are Really a joy to have.
And last but not least I have a Newt. He is a Chinese Fire Belly Newt His name is Newton. He is also a great  pet and he is also very friendly. He will come over and watch you from time to time. I always think that he is watching us as we watch fish in a fish bowl.
Now that is my family who I am so proud of wether they are pets or people I couldn't be more proud of the people and animals they are all becoming.
I guess I should put a bit about me I am 39 yrs old and I started this blog for a few reasons. I love to review products and as Amazon changed there TOS I am sure that this is a great alternative if they decide to drop me. So far I am safe I think. I will be putting all product reviews here no matter where else I put them. I am hoping that my reviews help.
I enjoy doing crafts, art, and gardening. I will post pictures of my creations as I get to do them.
I will post discounts sweeps, and so on. I love to create recipes. I work hard to do that. I will be posting recipes I create, I try to do the best I can at making the recipes very frugal. I will also be posting frugal living. Ways to save some money and help stretch money for families.
I hope you all enjoy!!!