Hormel Compleats Instant Win Text Sweepstakes

Another thing I like to do in what little free time I have is enter sweepstakes. Yes, it's an addiction just like couponing lol. But hey, you can't win if you don't enter and I sure do like winning!

For this sweepstakes it's a text sweepstakes that's an instant win game. Text CHEESE to 87963 to try and instantly win a $10, $25, $50 or $100 Amazon gift card from Hormel. Good luck! :)

Let me know if you win!

Free sampler kit from U by Kotex!

Go here to request a free sampler kit from u by kotex!

Each sampler kit includes 2 tampons, 2 liners and a coupon.

Hurry to request yours! :)










Thanks FS2FYMB for finding this freebie.

2 Free Hungry Girl Quest Protein Bars!

Go here to get 2 free hungry girl Quest Protein bar samples! The flavors are Apple Pie and Chocolate Chip cookie Dough :)

Update: Now expired, sorry :(





Thanks to thedealyo for finding this freebie

It's been awhile... :)

Hi Everyone! I'm back :) After realizing that I hadn't made a blog entry since November of 2011, I figured it's about time. A lot has changed since then :) First of all, I married my best friend in April of 2012. In June of 2012, I became pregnant with our first child. After a horrible 1st trimester of puking everyday, I was SO happy and relieved to get past the extreme fatigue, dry heaving and lack of energy for a few weeks. On Halloween, after our ultrasound we found out we were having a boy :) I couldn't have been more excited to finally welcome a BOY into the Loppnow family (as there are only girls). About 4 weeks after our ultrasound, I started having horrible chest pains where it felt as though someone was sitting on my chest and stabbing me straight through to the back. I went through 3 awful days of this before I went to the ER to see what was wrong. I was diagnosed with severe heartburn and sent on my way. 3 more days passed and although I was still in excruciating pain, I figured it was just "heartburn" like I was told. Well luckily I was due for my 28 week glucose test at the OB so when she found out I was having chest pains, she did some additional tests just to be sure there wasn't something else seriously wrong and sent me on my way. Justin and I left our appointment and visited Costco and bought a ton of Disney movies for upcoming baby boy :) We were visiting with my mom at her house when I got a call from my DR saying to pack up days worth of clothes because I was being admitted to the hospital. Wait...what?! My results from the bloodwork showed signs of preeclampsia and they needed to monitor me in case I needed to deliver our baby. Never have I been more scared in my life! I was admitted to St Josephs hospital in West Bend, where they prepped me with IV's and a steroid shot (to make baby's lungs develop faster in case I needed to deliver) and sent me by ambulance to Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee. I arrived at Froedtert with no pain (from the magnesium drip) and a blank head trying to figure out what was going on. The next day I had multiple tests and an ultrasound to make sure baby was good and he was completely fine, kicking away like he always did! Justin and I were talked to about delivering early and what would happen and we listened but never actually thought there was going to be problems. I survived Thursday pain free and there was even talk about me being released on Friday. Couldn't have been more excited to go home and sleep in my own bed! All day Friday, I felt fine until that night while Justin was at work where I laid in my hospital bed starting to feel chest pains again. Oh no, I thought :( I explained to the nurse multiple times that I wasn't feeling well and finally after about 4 hours of complaining and starting to throw up blood did she finally listen and realize something was very wrong. Again, never had I felt more scared in my life and Justin wasn't there to be with me as he was working. I was scared...and alone. When Justin finally did arrive that night, I was pumped full of every medicine possible to try and get the pain to go away and nothing helped. Saturday morning finally came when a surgeon came to talk to Justin and I about delivering the baby. At this point, I really had no idea what was happening. I was prepped for a c section where I would be put under anesthesia and that was that. The whole time I just kept thinking, "what is happening?" I couldn't really get a grasp that they were actually going to deliver my baby. At 12:14 p.m. on December 8, 2012...our little baby boy was born. I was told he instantly started crying which is unusual for a 27 weeker as he must have already had a good set of lungs :) When I awoke from anesthesia almost 4 hours later, all I could ask and say to the nurse in the room was "was it a boy?" She laughed and replied, "yes" and then I drifted back to sleep. You must be wondering, "why didn't she ask if her baby was ok?". Honestly...I knew in my heart my baby was ok. Through all of this, I always knew he was going to be ok. I got back to my hospital room and Justin showed me pictures and just beamed from ear to ear about his baby boy. Then the hardest part hit when they told me I wouldn't be able to see my baby until the next day. Are you kidding me?! I can't see my baby for an entire day?! It was so hard on me as others were able to see him before his own mother could even see him. The next day couldn't come fast enough. When I was finally able to see him, all I could do was just hold his hand and stare at this precious little 2 lb, 2 oz baby boy that we brought into this world. My husband and I looked at each other and knew instantly that his name was going to be Charlie Michael.

Free Schick Hydro Razor!

Right now if you text Schick to 24444, you can get a free razor. Hurry! Go! :)

Soup and Sammie Night!

I've been eyeing up this recipe for Hot Pizza Sub in a Taste of Home magazine for months. Last night, Justin and I decided to have soup and sammie night. I made Hot Pizza Sub and also a Cheesy Potato Soup since the recipes were on the same page. We really enjoyed the Hot Pizza Sub! The Cheesy Potato Soup was just alright, I have another recipe that Justin prefers better, lol.

Hot Pizza Sub-

1 unsliced loaf Italian bread
1/4 cup pizza sauce
1 1/2 tsp italian seasoning
1 medium green pepper, thinly sliced
4 slices fully cooked ham
10 slices salami
30 slices pepperoni
4 slices each cheddar, mozzarella and american cheese

Slice bread in half horizontally. Spread bottom half with pizza sauce; sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Top with green pepper, ham, salami, pepperoni and cheese; replace bread top. Place on a baking sheet. Bake at 425F for 12-15 minutes or until cheese is melted.



Cheesy Potato Soup

1 medium onion, chopped
2 tbsp butter or margarine
6 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
5 cups water
2 cups milk
1 can (10-3/4 oz) cream of chicken soup, undiluted
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/8 tsp pepper
12 oz Velveeta, cubed
Minced fresh parsley

In a large saucepan or soup kettle, saute onion in butter. Add potatoes and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Stir in the milk, soup, garlic salt and pepper; heat through. Add cheese; stir until cheese is melted. Garnish with parsley. Makes 10 servings

Stockpile Recipes!

Since Justin and I started building our stockpile in March, we've accumulated lots of spaghetti sauce, pasta, rice and salsa. Here are 2 recipes to use when you find yourself needing to use your stockpile pile-ups!

Sausage & Spinach Fettuccine

1 pd fettuccine
1 pkg (6 oz) baby spinach leaves
1 lb italian sausage
1 jar (24 oz) spaghetti sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Cook pasta in large saucepan as directed on package, adding spinach to the boiling water for the last minute of cooking time.
Meanwhile, brown sausage in large nonstick skillet on medium heat. Drain; return to skillet. Stir in spaghetti sauce; cook 10 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Drain pasta mixture; top with sauce and cheeses.



Cheddar Beef Enchiladas

1 pd ground beef
1 envelope taco seasoning
1 cup water
2 cups cooked rice
1 can (16 oz) refried beans
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
10-12 flour tortillas (8 inches)
1 jar (16 oz) salsa
1 can (10-3/4 oz) cream of chicken soup, undiluted

In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Stir in rice. Cook and stir until liquid is evaporated. Spread about 2 tablespoons of refried beans, 1/4 cup beef mixture and 1 tablespoon cheese down the center of each tortilla; roll up. Place seam side down in greased 13x9x2 inch baking dish.
Combine salsa and soup; pour down the center of enchiladas. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake casserole, uncovered, at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted.

Both recipes are awesome and easy to make, Enjoy!