This Chicken Salad is easy to make, fast to make, and tastes good with croissants, regular sandwich bread, crackers, pita pockets, chips, pretzels and more! It is my go to. My mom used to make it all the time. I tweaked her recipe a little and made it my own and every time I make it I get a million compliments. Here is the recipe for those of you who have been asking (and those who haven't).
Ingredients:
2 Cans of Chicken
(I use the Kirkland from Costco)
1 Granny Smith Apple Green Onion Best Foods Real Mayonnaise Salad Supreme Seasoning (Red Grapes optional)
1- Chop the apple into as fine pieces as you can. I never use the core, but always use the skin. I have a Pampered Chef chopper (like the one you can see on the right) which makes this very easy. You can lightly whirl this in a food processor as well. I have found the finer you can get the apple (without making it apple sauce) the better.
2- Chop up green onions. It is hard to say how many to use, I like a lot of onion. I usually use 5 or 6 green onions, but sometimes I get organic ones and they are much smaller. It is all about preference. But use at least 2 green onions per can of chicken. You can always chop a few more after it is done.
3- Open the cans of chicken and drain out the water. Put the chicken into a bowl.
4- Add mayonnaise. I never measure this once again, I just add enough that it is moist and chicken salad looking. Usually one scoop of my rubber scraper is enough... I know that is very specific.
5- after folding and stirring mayonnaise and chicken together, add in the apple and green onion and continue to fold and stir.
6- Add Salad Supreme Seasoning (as seen on the left) to taste. I actually use a lot of it.
If you want to add grapes I always cut them in half with a little pairing knife first. My mom always made this with grapes but I don't. You can also add cashews, which once again I do not, but it is in the original recipe.
Tyra Banks. I love this woman. I watched her talk show when I was young and I am heart broken that her new one isn't available online! I have seen every episode of America's Next Top Model at least twice, and I applied to be one of the Beautytainers for her new DS cosmetics company Tyra Beauty the day she released the video announcing it. If you'd like to know more about that please click the link at the top of the page that say "Tyra Beauty".
Recently Tyra came out and shared something about her struggles on the road to getting pregnant. She said a lot of people have asked her if she wants kids or why she doesn't have them yet and that the truth is that she hasn't been able to. She has also undergone IVF to no avail. This story has inspired thousands, including myself. I also can not get pregnant naturally and one of the reasons my husband and I rarely talk about when we will start trying is because we know that it will be an expensive, long and emotional road.
However recently TyTy also came out with a new hashtag. She talks on a facebook status about how the road is long and hard for some women. She says:
"...a lot of social media is about snap judgments and being well...judgy and just assuming things. The questions hurt. Why? Because you never know what someone may be going through. So you know what? Let’s #StopAsking"
I disagree. I think that many women are a part of a terrible and awful club. I agree that the question can hurt, it can bring up painful memories and sad thoughts. I think that a lot of women have undergone failed IVF attempts, and several miscarriages, and even just the simple devastation of finding out that they can not get pregnant. I think that by trying to begin a movement where everyone just stops asking about it we also shut down the dialogue.
I believe in a very sacred and powerful bond called sisterhood. I believe all women are my sisters. The reason I believe so strongly in sisterhood is that I believe that as women we can come together and create such strong forces of comfort and good. I think that by not opening up the dialog we instead create a feeling of loneliness.
The reason Tyra's story has been so inspiring is because people don't talk about this subject. She is one of the few celebrities who have ever come forward to talk about their fertility struggles. There were thousands of women who have felt alone in this. Now they feel like they finally have a celebrity who gets it, a sister who knows, and they have been compelled to share and comfort her and they all came together. That is the bond I am talking about, the force I love. How wonderful would it be if instead of not asking at all and burying our feelings, that THAT was the norm? Tyra is a celebrity, so millions of women have come forward to share to her and build that bond. Wouldn't it be great if the normal thing was to know that you are not alone and to have all of your sisters come together and share?
Miscarriage and failed IVF and adoptions that don't go through... they are all terrible. It effects women in a way that men will never know. People say the stupidest things about these events. Things like "it was probably a blessing in disguise" or "at least you weren't far along", and even "It obviously wasn't your time yet". How hurtful? And the reason these awful and hurtful things come out of peoples mouths (often people that we really love and are close to) is because they do not know what to say to comfort someone going through this. That NEEDS to change and it will not if we #StopAsking. Instead I recommend we #StartSharing.
In the episode of The FAB Life when they discussed it Chrissy Teigen talks about how her and her husband are seeing fertility doctors and have been trying for years. She then says:
"Once you open up about all of those things to other people you start learning that a lot of other people in your life are seeing these people [fertility specialists] and they have this shame about it. SO anytime somebody asks me if I am going to have kids I just say 'one day you are going to ask that to the wrong girl who is really struggling and it is going to be really hurtful to them."
But do you know what is crazy to me? The same reason she wants people to stop asking is the same reason I think they should start sharing and ask away. The truth is anyone can get offended by anything. We have all gone through hard times. I am a hair stylist. As a stylist I have to build a relationship with each guests in my chair. I do that by getting to know more about them and sharing about me. I have had people get offended by me asking them a lot of questions. Some include "do you have pets", "Are you from Utah" (which is where I live and work), and "are you in school right now". I even had someone get upset that I asked them if they had any fun plans for the summer.
People get offended anytime you bring up unpleasant memories, the problem is we all have them. Some people have bad family relationships, they grew up hard, could not afford school, flunked out of college, didn't finish high school, can't afford vacations, went through a divorce, have had pets pass away, maybe had a vacation planned that fell through due to a break up or being let go from work. We will never know what will trigger each others emotions.
But what Teigen said that really struck me was that a lot of the women she knew had a sense of SHAME about their fertility struggles. Why? Because as women we expect our bodies to be able to create life, and when they can not it makes us feel broken. A big thought that has crept across my mind as well as the minds of many of my sisters who have struggled with this is "when we got married we wanted kids, and I can't give that to him." some even going as far as to think "would he have married me had he know how broken I am?" But here is the thing sisters, there are a lot of us.
How do we find those who have been there? How do we get advice from those who know? How do we reach out to those who understand? How do we gain comfort from our sisters and comfort others in return? By sharing. People also need to understand that having kids is the natural order of things. Especially if you have said in your life that you want them, your family may be wondering when you plan on starting. It isn't to pry, or be rude. The questions come from a place of love and genuine care about you and your life. They don't want to be nosy, they just truly care about what happens to you. So instead of getting offended, open up. Start Sharing.
Here is my recipe for Spinach lasagna roll ups. I modified the one O found on Budget Bytes a little, so if you are looking for the original you can find it here!
Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups
INGREDIENTS:
12 lasagna noodles
15 oz. ricotta
1 cup shredded mozzarella
¼ cup grated Parmesan
1 lg. egg
1 cup of fresh pre cleaned Spinach
to taste salt and pepper
as needed non-stick spray
PREP:
preheat the oven to 400 degrees
prepare an 8x8 glass casserole dish by spraying it with non-stick spray
STEP BY STEP:
The recipe recommend using a large pot and filling it with water. I hate hauling out the big pot so I prefer to use a large skillet with high sides. Fill it with water and a pinch of salt. When it comes to a full boil, add the lasagna noodles and cook until al dente (soft but not soggy… about 12-15 minutes).
While the noodles are boiling, prepare the filling. Take your spinach and chop it up! I like to do mine in longer slices. (the original recipe uses frozen spinach but I prefer fresh and already had fresh so that is what I used, however it is super important that the spinach is dry.)
Combine the spinach in a bowl with the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, freshly grated pepper and about ¼ tsp of salt. Mix until well combined.
At this point your noodles will be done or at least soon. Once they are done strain them in a colander and then lay them out on a dry cutting board or parchment paper, just a clean flat surface so they can dry a little bit.
Place a few tablespoons of filling on each noodle and spread to cover from edge to edge. The filling does not need to be thick because once the noodle is rolled up, it will be compounded. Make sure to spread it all the way to the edges of the noodles. The spread is slippery and I found it easiest to use a plastic fork or my fingers to pat down the filling as opposed to spreading it with a spoon or anything else really.
Roll the noodles up and place in the prepared casserole dish. Repeat until all of your filling is gone. This recipe will only fill 10 noodles. I suggested cooking 12 because they will often tear or break and it is nice to have backups. Pour the marinara sauce over the rolled noodles making sure to cover all surfaces. The sauce will keep the noodles hydrated and soft while baking and make them all tasty!
Cover the dish in foil and bake for 30 minutes. Serve hot or divide into individual portions and refrigerate.
Mariana Sauce
I do not have a recipe for this sauce. Frustrating, I know, but the thing is you can taste is the entire way through so I really just add spices to the base until I am happy. However this is what I use.
12 oz can of crushed tomatoes
8 oz of tomato sauce
Now I will be honest, you can not find a 12 oz can of crushed tomatoes. They only come in 24 oz cans, or least that is all I have seen. So you have two options, you can either make a lot more sauce than you need, you can make extra and save it for later, or you can buy your own marinara sauce pre-made (like Prego). If you double this recipe (for a larger family) and put it in a 9x13 pan, just using two 8 oz cans of tomatoes sauce and the full can of 24 oz of crushed tomatoes is perfect. I personally open the can of crushed tomatoes, use half and put the other half in a container and use it later.
Then I usually add these spices:
Garlic Powder
Dried Onion
Salt
Pepper
Italian Seasoning
(I use the 5th season spices which are a dollar brand from Walmart because I am poor and they taste amazing!)
I literally add a generous amount of each and then taste it. I think I use less Salt and Garlic powder than anything else because they have the strongest flavors. However this is the recipe I use for pizza sauce too as well as other red sauces. So It depends on what the meal is that I am going with. So with Pizza I usually put more Dried Onion and Italian Seasoning than pepper.
OPTIONAL: You can also add a pound of ground beef. One is enough in my opinion, even when doubling the recipe,
I had a dream once where I personally got to change the way everyone votes. I honestly think it's a genius idea, I know it will never happen but I though I'd share.
Instead of the two parties each choosing 1 candidate, I had the two parties choose two candidates. Then when you went to the poll booth instead of picking the name of the person you'd like to be president, you were asked questions.
For example Question 1 would be something like "Do you think that gay marriage should be legal in the United States?" and the answer options would reflect each candidates stance. Answers might say something like 1- Yes 2- No 3- I do not support gay marriage but I do think civil unions or another form of commitment that is not called marriage should be put into place. Then each question would have the answer options of "I do not know or I do not have an opinion on this topic" and "I do not support any of these ideas".
That sample question is pretty simple, but other questions would reflect not just social issues but things like "Which of these ideas for the Countries Budget do you like best?" and "which of these foreign affairs policies would you most like to see come into play?"
The reason I am such a fan of this is because then people aren't voting based on skin color, gender, or social issues alone. They are instead putting in which of the policies and ideas they support and then at the end they can be given an option between candidates names. Each time you click on a candidates policy they are given a "point". Whoever has the most points represents the most ideas that Americans as a whole have instead a few hot button ones.
This is just a little bit of research I did about ALS. I looked at few different sites and composed a "simpler version" of what I learned.
ALS stands for Amyotrophic Lateral Scelerosis and is often refereed to as Lou Gehrig's Disease. I had heard of Lou Gehrig's Disease before but through this research I found out why ALS is called Lou Gehrigs Disease. It is because a baseball hall-of-famer for the Yankees was diagnoised with ALS and gave it a lot of media attention in 1868. Throughout the world people call ALS different things, but it is nmost commonly ALS or MND (motor neuron disease)
This disease effects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. When the motor neurons die the ability for the brain to imitate and control muscle movement is lost. As the nerves in the spine and brain die, it leaves physical scarring or hardening in its wake (sclerosis). ALS often leads to death.
Early signs of ALS include weakening of muscles, especially in the arms, legs and those concerning speech, swallowing and breathing. As these muscles stop receiving "orders" they become weaker and begin "atrophy" (getting smaller). This causes limbs to being to look thinner.
Although there are several neurons in the brain and spine, the ones effected by ALS are the ones responsible for voluntary movements and muscle power. Although our heart and digestive systems are all muscles, because they are involuntary (or happen automatically) ALS does not usually effect those. Although while breathing seems involuntary it is usually effected by ALS. Event hose with advanced ALS can still feel, see, smell, and hear even if they aren't very responsive.
The cause of ALS has not been found. It doesn't seem genetic or to come from any sort of chemical or any kind of exposure, although studies are still being done to find the cause. There is no cure for ALS currently. There is however medication that those with ALS can take to slow the symptoms and progression of the disease.
I love the ice bucket challenge. It is raising awareness, and several people who do it still donate money. The ALS Association has raised a lot of money these last few months beaucae of the ice bucket challenge, and I think that is great! I also love that my friend and family are doing something silly and putting it on facebook that Lady Gaga, Gwen Stephanie and George W Bush are all doing too! I think it is kind of uniting us in a way. Whether or not you do the Ice Bucket challenge I recommend you learn about ALS and donate if you can.
This is a local issue I have heard a lot about, and I just wanted to address it for those of you who live near in a place I could link others too. Utopia is a premium internet provider that is currently trying to move into Springville. A lot of people are having concerns with this, and I'd like to address the most common concerns I have heard.
1- We are helping Australia's economy not our own
Even though Utopia is based in Austraila, the company owns several buildings in the US, and they have to pay several types of taxes in order to operate here. If we take the stance that we shouldn't support any company not based in America then throw out all of your Toyota's, Legos and most of your chockies. Allowing other countries to build and import services and products in the U.S. is helpful for our econmy here, and the world's.
2- Our city taxes will rise an estimated $240 a year whether you want Utopia or not
Your taxes will not rise, your city utilities will. Springville's utilities are all city owned. They would make Utopia's internet a part of your utilities and everyone would have Utopia for $20 a month, instead o fhaving to pay for someone else.
3- Utopia's enforcers will shut off your water if you don't pay for their service
This misconception I believe comes form a very slanderous mailer that was sent to everyone in the city. As I said before, Utopia will become a part of your utilities. If you do not pay your utility bill your water gets shut off whether or not this passes.
Here is a few reasons why you should support Utopia coming to Springville
1- Competition
Right now it costs a ton less to get Comcast in Provo vs. Springville. Why? Because living in Provo automatically includes free Google Fiber (which isn't as good as Utopia). Comcast had to lower their prices in order to keep their customers and to attract new ones. That would be the case here. Instead of paying $75 a month for Comcast internet you should be able spend about $40. If you add the $20 a month you will be paying for your utilities it goes up to $60 a month, which is still less than the $75 you are paying now.
2- Utopia is Amazing
Have you guys ever used utopia? Currently my husband and I are planning on moving to Orem and %75 of the reason is that they have Utopia there. It is the best internet provider in America currently, hands down.
3- Makes Springville a more Valuable Place to Live
Having a premium internet service included in your utilities every month for only $20 is AMAZING! It may or may not attract people to Springville, but it could most definitely be a deal breaker to a couple who is buying their first home. If they live in Spanish Fork instead they'd have to spend $75+ a month to get internet, while in Springville it's only $20 and it's high quality!
In the end I am in favor of this choice. Please support by emailing our Springville City Officials. You don't have to give a long explanation, just say "I am in support of Springville getting Utopia" Follow this link to go to Springville City's contact page for all of our city officials.
I have never been one to seek validation through other's approval. With the exception of my mother, I have never cared who liked me or was proud of me. But lately (in the last year) I have heard several people tell me they are "proud" of me, and it is a little frustrating to be honest. I know none of these people intend it to be rude, and it's not really, it's just so... misguided.
I am proud of myself. I am proud of myself because at a very young age I was curious about religion. I worked hard to study other religions and find sources written by active and faithful members of those religions to learn from.
I am proud of myself for finding God. I developed a relationship with God through the Nature Based Wiccan sect at 16! That relationship grew ever stronger at 18 when I moved out of my parents house. He is still the same man I know and love today.
I am proud of myself for working hard throughout high school. Sure, I didn't get the best grades, but I worked (and played) hard. I put myself out there and fought for what I believed in. I stood up for myself and others.
I am proud of myself for having a job at a young age. When I was 12 I was consistently babysitting, and at 14 I got a snow cone shack gig. When I was 15 I got a job at Taco Time, and while it wasn't the best job in the world I continued at fast food and higher end restaurants until I got married. My senior year of high school I didn't participate in any plays because I was working. I missed choir tours and concerts, drama events and more because I was working hard outside of school to save for college.
I am proud of myself for finishing high school early. Granted, I still walked and everything, but my senior year of high school I only had one class every other day and that was it! The rest of my time was spent going to cosmetology school.
I am proud of myself for moving out of my parent's house when I was 18. I lived a few blocks from school and work. I got myself everywhere by walking or taking the bus. I paid my own rent, food, clothing, utilities, and more. I budgeted my money and my time wisely and worked hard to be responsible while working full time and going to school part time.
I am proud of myself for furthering my education. I went to cosmetology school, which was a lot harder than I thought it would be. I almost quit three times! But I stuck it out and I am so glad I did!
I am proud of myself for paying for my own education. I don't think that there is anything wrong with parent's helping their children pay for college, but mine were not able to. I saved up my own hard earned money for years to pay for tuition ($17,500) at a nice school, all by myself.
These are all things I am proud of myself for. I feel I have grown a lot and worked really hard in my life. There are so many reasons for me to be proud of myself! So why does it bother me so much that all these people are all of the sudden proud of me? It's the why that bothers me.
In the last year and half I have converted to being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (aka Mormon). My family is all LDS and we live in Utah. Most of the adults that knew me as a child thought (and still think) that I was incredibly rebellious, which was true in a sense. But I usually didn't do things just because other people told me not to do them. I did things because I was exploring culture, nature, religion, thought, politics, myself. I was exploring the world. I wanted to know why things happened or what the effect would be, not listen to people who had never done those things tell me not to do them because... I lived for me.
Most people think that my whole life I have always known that the LDS church is true, and I just liked to say I was Wiccan because it was weird, different, freaked people out, ect. Others think that I just lived my life in a Godless manner that made it impossible to hear Him tell me it is true. They now believe that I have grown up and realized that my rebel phase was silly and put it aside so I could live in the truth I have always known, and they are proud of me for coming to that point and growing up. They are wrong.
I am further from God today than I have been in 4 years. 2 years ago, as a Wiccan, I prayed obsessively. I felt Him and communicated with Him every day. I studied and learned and lived. Now I go to work and home and I hardly ever go outside. I pray once a week, I go to a church twice a month (and rarely do I attend sacrament meeting). I read my scriptures hardly ever. I used to be on my own in a sense. Most people didn't understand me, my parents didn't accept me, and I was alone. I needed God. I didn't have anyone else who would listen to my problems and make me feel better. Now my family is closer to me and more open to my thoughts, and my wonderful husband is there to comfort me and listen to my problems, and my loving and patient Heavenly Father has fallen through the cracks. But still people are "proud" of my dwindling relationship with God because I am "Mormon". And I think it's sad.
I think it's sad that people don't realize that the LDS church is just another venue to get to know God. True, I think it is the most whole and correct religion on Earth, but I know that God put me here because it's what I need to complete my journey. He put me in the Wiccan sect too. He also showed me the Springville Presbyterian church. He has introduced me to incredible places, religions, groups and people to help me come closer to Him. The religion that He connects with me through is not something that people should be proud of me for. Be proud that I have a connection and relationship with Him, but not because it's through the same avenue you do. People think that I have finally accepted the truth. But I have always accepted the truth and I actively seek it. My truth is not your truth. My journey is not your journey. It's okay.
Final Words♥ learn to respect other people's journeys
6- Add Salad Supreme Seasoning (as seen on the left) to taste. I actually use a lot of it. 
