Showing posts with label Homemaking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Homemaking. Show all posts

Bullet Journal Tips for a New Year

Tuesday, November 22, 2016


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This year has been an experiment. I journeyed into the world of bullet journaling back in February and haven't looked back. Actually, I went full throttle! Once I got the hang of a regular bullet journal I set up a homeschool bullet journal to keep my son and I on track with his work (You can read about it here.) Now that I am at almost a full year of keeping my life in order this way I wonder how I ever kept organized beforehand! Before we jump into my ideas, let me explain what a bullet journal is and why it works...

A bullet journal is a hand-written day timer. You can set it up specifically for your needs and how you run your life. If you want to read about the basic set-up then go to this post. A bullet journal is WAY better than a calendar or a day timer. When you are hand writing everything out (even the set up of your schedule) you are more invested in your plans. Also, because a bullet journal is so flexible you can customize pages for the information you need and want. I love that all I need is in one place instead of scattered all over my house. No more looking for the file on my dog so I can see when he needs shots next (because I have a page for that now). No frantic searches for meal ideas (because, yeah, I have a page for that in my journal!). No wondering what book I should pick up next (Yep, there's a page for that). Read on to see how I have set things up for 2017!

So here is a quick look at my set up for 2017 and a few tips for you if you are just starting out...

First of all you need a few supplies...at bare minimum a pen and a journal...then there are the extras if you want to decorate your journal. I use colored pencils and a glitter pen, but others use washi tape, stickers, stencils, or no decoration at all.  Here is what I use:

Moleskine Notebook, Squared- I used a dotted one and decided I didn't like it as much as this squared one. The squares make it easier to create boxes and grids.

Staedtler Pigment Liners- I LOVE these pens for my bullet journal as these don't smudge and create crisp, clean lines.

Prismacolor Pencils- I use these to add a bit of color to my journal. I love that I can blend these and also create an ombre effect.

Wink of Stella Brush (in clear)- This is a glitter brush that I use over the areas where I have put down color. It adds a bit of sparkle to my pages. 

Tips and Ideas

One of the best things I did this past year in my bullet journal was to set up a page where I could record ideas of what I would want to add or take away from in my next journal. Setting up my journal for 2017 was a breeze, because I had a list of what I wanted to do. I decided that for 2017 I would continue to keep a running list of ideas so that I can modify things in 2018.


One thing that I have set up differently is my future log. This past year I just had a running log and events were all jumbled together. I really had to go searching to make sure I didn't miss anything for a particular month. So this year I have already separated the months into columns and have started listing tasks and events in their proper months.


I also set up my birthday/important dates list differently for the coming year... Below you will see my bullet journal on its side. I now have space to put important dates on either side of the month they happen in. This gives me extra space to add in dates that may be important in the future.


Here is my year-at-a-glance page which is extremely useful when you are setting up your monthly and weekly calendars. Yes, it is a lot of writing, but I refer to this page constantly through the year.


Here is a collage of some of my other pages...

  • A book list of what I am reading and have read
  • A page for important health information on the family (allergies, when procedures/shots are due, blood types, etc.)
  • A page of information for our dog, Titan (medical info, foods that work in his diet, etc.)
  • Several pages of meal ideas based on the season
  • A page where I can record what I loan out to others and when the items come back to me.


So what are you waiting for? We have little over a month left in this year...now is the time to set up your bullet journal!


Tips for Staying Sane as a Mom

Wednesday, June 8, 2016


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As Moms we play a lot of roles. We are teachers, chefs, counselors, launderers, maids, etc. The list could go on and on. I have struggled over the years to stay on top of things as I homeschooled my boys, ran an in-home business, and tried to maintain a household. There were times I barely kept up. There were other seasons in life when everything went as planned. It has been a roller coaster ride of ups and downs. So here's a look at how I do it all... or rather here's a look at what I use in my life to try to maintain some sanity...

-Start and end your day right. I am an early riser, not because I want to be, but because of the anxiety I struggle with. Sleep is elusive for me in the early morning hours. However, I have found this to be a benefit. I can have some quiet time to myself for Bible study and get a jump start on housework. If you "awake time" is more in the evening then use that time after the kids go to bed to get some chores done so that tomorrow doesn't look so scary. Even taking fifteen minutes to do one extra item on your list helps. I have noticed that when I get up late and don't have my quiet time in the morning things don't go as well throughout the day!

{My bullet journal.}

-Plan ahead. I have always been a daytimer kind of girl. I have to write everything down or I forget. Recently, I have switched my method of keeping track of what I need/want to do by using a bullet journal. You can go to this post to read more about it. Your method doesn't have to be a bullet journal, but using some kind of system to keep track of what you need to do helps tremendously!



-Streamline Meal Prep. I have been doing freezer cooking for years now. It is about the only way my family has received nutrition over the years! I love how I can prep meals on the weekend and then just pull them out of the freezer during our busy weeks. I have a ton of posts on my site on freezer cooking. You can find them here if you are interested in doing some of your meals ahead. Another lifesaver has been the Instant Pot I recently bought. OH MY! I could literally sell these things door-to-door! LOL! I have loved how easy it makes my cooking experience! It hard boils eggs you can actually eat. It does pasta to perfection. It cooks frozen foods quickly. I just can't say enough about how it has made my life easier in the meal department!

-Take time for yourself. This is so essential! So many times as moms we get lost in the lives of our families and take little time for ourselves. I have found over the years that if I take some time for myself even if it is a little snippet of time life goes better for me. I do this through my quiet time with God, getting together with a friend from time to time, and being creative (I love coloring! Here is a list of posts of great coloring books.) Find something that you enjoy doing and make time for it during your week. You will be a happier mom in the long run!

-Give yourself grace. We all fail. We all have terrible days when we seem to do nothing right. We yell at our kids. We burn dinner. We forget to do a load of laundry and there is a lack of underwear and socks (This is a true confession on my part!). Whatever the mess-up, give yourself grace. You do yourself no good by constantly beating yourself up. Figure out how you can do that task differently next time and let the disaster go!




My {Un}Organized Life {Ideas and Tips}

Monday, March 7, 2016

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My husband always says I am an organized person, but I have an ugly, little secret... I am really deep down a lazy, laid-back girl who if given the opportunity will let things go by the wayside. Running an in-home business has forced me to stay on top of things; however, I can ALWAYS use help with organization. So here is a look at what I am doing currently to keep life sane...


Freezer Cooking

I have done freezer cooking for years. It started with a friend and I getting together once a month to make meals and then split them. While the friendship is still going strong, our monthly meal-making adventures haven't. We now cook separately. However, I have not lost the habit of having meals in the freezer. It is my lifeline! I homeschool my youngest in the morning and then give Spanish lessons in the afternoon until six almost every day. Without meals that I can quickly pull together we would not eat! I still feel anxiety when I open the freezer and the meals look a little sparse. Once I got into the habit of freezer cooking I haven't turned back and probably never will.

Here are some helpful resources to get started:

Here are all my posts on freezer cooking. One October, I even did a series called 31 Days of Freezer Cooking. So check these out to get ideas and tips.

Life as Mom has been my favorite site for getting tips and ideas for meals in the freezer. She even has a cookbook, Not Your Mother's Make-Ahead and Freeze Cookbook.


Decluttering

This year I embarked on a decluttering adventure with a friend. Honestly, it was her idea. I wouldn't have had the gumption to do it on my own, but I am so glad she nudged me to do it. I am using the decluttering calendars from Home Storage Solutions 101. This has been absolutely awesome! I just recently decluttered my kitchen and now I have so much more space! I feel so accomplished!



The monthly decluttering calendars are not only just about getting rid of stuff; they are also a way to organize your life. For example, a few weeks ago one of the tasks was to update your address book. I bought this Lollipop Tree Address Book address book and updated all my information. My address book hadn't been updated in about TWENTY years!! Ugh! I had people in the old book whose names had changed, who I never contact anymore, or have passed away. I so needed to do this!

The beauty of these calendars is that you start whenever. Don't worry if you are in the middle of the year.

Bullet Journaling

About a month ago, I came across the blog, Hope. Dream. Journal. Allycia mentions bullet journals in several of her posts. I was intrigued! I had never heard of them and started reading more. Then I created a Pinterest board to collect ideas.


Follow Debbie in AK's board Bullet Journals on Pinterest.

So what is a Bullet Journal? It is a hand-written way to keep your days organized, to collect lists, and to record memories. I have used a regular planner for years but decided to take the leap and try this type of journal to see how it would work for me.

I came across this post from The Lazy Genius Collective...it is the mother of all posts on how to set up a bullet journal! I actually printed this post off (it is long...) and read it several times, because I have a serious problem reading instructions (Ask several of my friends...I am hopeless!). After I set it up the genius of it made sense to me! There are ways to keep track of tasks, events, and memories all in one book. All you need is a journal and some pens. Some people decorate theirs with washi tape and the like, but it can be as simple as paper and pen.  Here are some ideas on journals and pens:


Moleskine Classic Colored Notebook {This is the one I am using.}

Leuchtturm 1917 Notebook  {Many people use this one. I may try it next time.}

Pentel Gel Pens {These are my favorites, but any pen will do.}


{The Year-at-a-Glance Page in my Bullet Journal}

Tips for the Organizational Journey

Don't Go It Alone. One of the biggest helps to getting organized is to do it with a friend. That's how I started freezer cooking. My adventures in decluttering started this year because a friend texted me asking if I wanted to join her on her journey. At first I thought, "Are you kidding me?! I can't do this!" I am the woman who heats up a burrito in the microwave only to find it the NEXT day still sitting there where I left it. {True story.} If I can't keep the inside of my microwave decluttered how was I going to clean out my whole house? I am so glad she asked me along for the ride. It is easier when you have someone else joining you and encouraging you on! Find a friend to walk with you on your organizational journey.

Knowledge is Power. There is no need to reinvent the wheel. Whatever endeavor you want to do to get more organized read up on it. There are blog posts on how to freezer cook, clean, bullet journal, etc. People have actually spent time writing down how to go about these tasks. Make it easier on yourself by reading tips and tricks to get the job done instead of through trial and error.

Give Yourself Grace. There are just those days. Like the weekend, I was down with a virus and hacking out a lung. Nothing got done that day except for me to renew my friendship with the couch! It's ok to have days where you can't get it all done. Do what you can when you can. I have no idea if I am going to be able to follow through ALL year on decluttering, but you know what? At least at this point I have a decluttered kitchen, garage, and a brand new address book. Allow yourself to not be perfect as you push toward your goals.

Happy Organizing!!


Great Biscotti Recipes

Friday, November 21, 2014


Last year I made biscotti for our Christmas goodies instead of doing a bunch of different cookies. I fell in love with the idea that I plan on doing it again this year. The beauty of biscotti is that you can do it ahead of time, freeze it, and then {if desired} dip it in chocolate before enjoying.  Here are a couple of recipes and tips that I have used...

Chocolate Biscotti
I have found the dough to be hard to deal with when it comes to chocolate and biscotti.  I liked this recipe from Mama's Gotta Bake the best.  I actually made chocolate peppermint biscotti with her recipe by omitting the nuts and adding a 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract.  I plan to dip these in white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes.

Almond Biscotti
I love anything with almond flavoring especially during the holidays. Here are two great recipes I have used in the past.
Almond Orange Biscotti
Almond Vanilla Biscotti

Other Flavors
Here are some other flavors that I am interested in trying this year. I just need to narrow it down to a more manageable list!
Nutella
Mocha
Key Lime
Coconut
Lemon
Snickerdoodle


Tips for Making Biscotti

-Select recipes with at least a little bit of fat (normally butter) as they are easier to slice

-Refrigerate or put the dough in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes if it is too gooey to shape.

-I tried two different chocolate biscotti and found that both the doughs were hard to deal with when shaping.  The one recipe I have posted above was the better one.  Once you get the logs shaped the biscotti turns out beautifully.

-Be patient during the cooling of the "log" before slicing. Makes slicing easier. 

-Biscotti keeps well. Freeze it early in December and then you can take it out closer to gift giving time and dip in chocolate if you desire. 

Waffles in Bulk

Wednesday, November 19, 2014



There are times that you are so sick of being behind that you force yourself to get ahead. In October, I came down with a nasty virus for a couple of weeks that turned into seven weeks. Followed by the flu. It's been rough to say the least.  My family barely had food on the table as I was trying to piecemeal life all together. I decided (on one of my good sick days) to make a ton of waffles to put in the freezer so I wouldn't  have to face another morning of no food for my hungry teen sons.

This recipe {which I doubled} made over 60 waffles in my Cuisinart 6-Slice Waffle Iron! We were set for life! Don't I wish!

These freeze well. In the morning we just pop them into the toaster to heat them up.

Waffles for the Freezer

6 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
5 cups milk
1 cup  oil
6 large eggs

Place all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Let the batter rest for five minutes. Cook the waffles (NOTE: Mine took 5 minutes each, but each machine is different.)  Let cool completely and bag in gallon-size Ziploc bags. Freeze.  On the morning of serving all you need is to toast them until heated through.

NOTE: Double the recipe! While this will take longer to get through all the batter it is so worth it to have all those beautiful, golden waffles in the freezer!

Getting Thanksgiving on the Table

Thursday, November 13, 2014


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Thanksgiving in the freezer? Sounds a bit strange, but last year I pre-made a few of our Thanksgiving dinner items and stuck them in the freezer for that infamous Thursday.  It was a lifesaver!

I made the dressing and froze it in a 9 by 13 pan.  I even made a second pan of it for a friend because she loves it so much.  Here is the recipe:

To-Die-For Dressing
{Recipe from my dad}

7 oz.  herb seasoned dressing
7 oz. cornbread stuffing
15 slices dry bread cubes
2 large celery sticks, chopped fine
1/2 large onion, chopped
1 1/2 cups butter
3 tsp. poultry seasoning
1 1/2 tsp sage
chicken broth

Melt the butter in a large skillet. Add celery, onion, sage, and poultry seasoning.  Cook until onion and celery are soft. Put the cubed bread and the two types of stuffing (seasoned and cornbread) into the sauce and mix well.  Pour chicken broth over the bread to make the mixture sticky.  No dry or crunchy stuff!  Spray a pan with oil and put the dressing in the pan.  At this point you can freeze it or bake it for 30 minutes at 325 degrees.  You will need to thaw before baking if that is the route you take.


Mashed potatoes are another item that can be made ahead and put in a pan to be placed in the freezer.  Honestly, I never really use a recipe for mashed potatoes.  I basically peel and quarter the potatoes and cook them in boiling water until tender.  I then blend them in my Kitchen Aid with butter, chicken broth, and either milk, sour cream or cream cheese.

The dessert side of Thanksgiving can also be frozen whether it is a traditional pumpkin pie or another type of dessert.  My family loves pumpkin pie...that is the whole family except me.  While I like it I would prefer to have a different type of pie.  Here are some other options...not very traditional, but hey, why be boring?!  It is ok to mix it up a bit!


Peanut Butter Pie

1 graham cracker pie crust (or a chocolate pie crust)
1 (8oz) package cream cheese
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 cup powdered sugar
1 T. vanilla
1 (8oz) carton of Cool Whip

Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature.  Mix all ingredients together and pour into pie crust.  If desired, chop Reese's peanut butter cups and put on top or drizzle melted chocolate chips on top.  Refrigerate for at least four hours before serving.

Key Lime Pie

1 graham cracker crust
4 t. grated lime zest
4 egg yolks
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup fresh lime juice

Preheat oven to 325. Whisk the lime zest and egg yolks together in a medium bowl for 2 minutes (I used my Kitchen Aide). Whisk in the sweetened condensed milk, then the lime juice. Let set a few minutes for the filling to thicken. Pour filling into the crust. Bake until the center is set, yet wiggly when jiggled, about 15 minutes. Cool at room temperature and then refrigerate at least three hours.


Caramel Apple Pie -- A little bit more work, but worth it! Better than normal apple pie!

So be creative! What can you stick in the freezer ahead of time to save you work on the big day?

If you are looking for other ideas on how to take a meal from freezer to table and save time and money check out Not Your Mother's Make-Ahead and Freeze Cookbook. Jessica offers loads of great ideas and recipes to make meals easier.

Seven Awesome Pumpkin Recipes

Friday, November 7, 2014

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If you have been around my blog at all you know that I love pumpkins!  Here is a collection of some of our favorite recipes that take pumpkin...


Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

1/2 cup oil
4 eggs
3 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1/2 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. salt
2 t. baking soda
1 small can pumpkin
12oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350. Beat eggs and sugar. Mix in rest of ingredients. Bake for 20 min. I normally make mini muffins out of this.


Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

4 cups flour
2 cups oats
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups butter
2 cups brown sugar
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 - 16oz can pumpkin
2 cups chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl cream butter, gradually add sugars, beating until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; mix well. Alternate additions of dry ingredients and pumpkin, mixing well after each addition. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop by 1/4 cup dough amounts onto greased cookie sheet. Bake 20 minutes. (You can make them half the size - regular cookie drop amount- but check the around 12-15 minutes as they may need to come out sooner than the large size.) Enjoy!


Black Bean 'n' Pumpkin Chili

1 med. sweet yellow pepper, chopped
1 med. onion chopped
3 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
2 T. olive oil
3 cups chicken broth
2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained
2 1/2 cups chopped chicken (or turkey)
1 can (15 oz) solid-pack pumpkin
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
2 t. dried parsley
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons oregano
1 1/2 t. ground cumin
salt

Saute onion, pepper and garlic in oil. Transfer to a big pot or slow cooker for simmering. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Simmer.


Nikki's Pumpkin Fudge

1 1/2 c. sugar
2/3 c. evaporated milk
1/2 c. pumpkin
2 TBS. butter
1 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/4 tsp. salt
2 c. mini marshmallows
1 pkg. (12oz) vanilla baking chips
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Line 8 inch square pan with foil. Grease the foil. Butter the sides of a heave sauce pan.Combine sugar, evaporated milk, pumpkin, butter, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Stir constantly while bringing it to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, continue boiling 12 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in marshmallows,vanilla chips and vanilla extract. Stir until all ingredients are melted. Pour into square pan. Chill until firm. Cut in squares and store in the fridge.



Pumpkin Pie Smoothies
32 oz plain or vanilla yogurt
(Note: any type of pumpkin pie filling would work.  Make sure it isn't just pureed pumpkin!)

Blend in the blender with a bit of water.  This amount makes about 9- 8oz. containers of smoothies.




Mocha Pumpkin Bread

3 1/2 cups flour
2 t. baking soda
1 t. salt
1 T. cinnamon
3 t. nutmeg
2 cups sugar (the original recipe would have been three cups)
1 cup oil
2/3 cup water
2 cups canned pumpkin (Not pumpkin pie filling)
4 eggs
2 t. vanilla

Preheat the oven to 350. Mix together the sugar and the wet ingredients (minus the mocha spread).  In another bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Slowly stir in the flour mixture to the wet mixture.  Mix until ingredients are combined.  Pour batter into loaf pans or muffin pans (make sure you spray the pans with oil or use muffin liners). Drop some of the mocha spread on the batter and swirl.  Bake small loaves for about 40 min., muffins for about 20 min., and larger loaves for about 60 min. Yum!

Pumpkin Scones with Cinnamon Icing

1 cup whole wheat pastry flour

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
6 tablespoons butter, sliced and chilled
1/3 cup pumpkin puree
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
6 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Cinnamon Icing Ingredients:
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1-2 tablespoons milk

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the first 8 ingredients (dry). Cut in butter until coarse crumbs form.
2. In a smaller mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, cream, sugar, and vanilla.
3. Add to dry mixture and stir just until mixture forms a thick dough. Use your (clean) hands to knead the dough once or twice, pressing it together. (For more tender scones, don't over-knead.)
4. On a lightly floured surface, form dough into a circle, about 3/4 inch thick. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut circle into 8 wedges/triangles. Place wedges on an ungreased baking sheet, not touching.
5. Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes, until scones are lightly browned on the bottom.
6. Make icing by whisking together the icing ingredients, adding just enough milk to make a drizzling consistency. Icing can be drizzled over warm or hot scones, or brushed on.

Grace Note Gifts

Tuesday, July 1, 2014


I love using wax melts whenever I can to scent my home. I still use candles, but wax melts tend to be safer on the off chance that I forget that a candle is lit. Last month I ordered from Grace Note Gifts. I am loving these great scents! They are not overpowering which I appreciate, and yet, they scent the room.  I ordered Key Lime Pie, White Tea, Indian Summer, Cool Citrus Basil, Raspberry Sangria, and Peppermint Bark.  I have tried all of them except the Peppermint Bark {saving that for later} and loved all of them.  I was amazed at how the Key Lime Pie smelled exactly like the real deal!  Dangerous...as it was making me want to make a pie!

Grace Note Gifts sells on Etsy so use the link above and go check out all the yummy and beautiful scents! My next order will be some fall scents like Apple Jack and Peel, Brandied Pear, and Hansel and Gretel's House. And then there will be Christmas... {I am getting ahead of myself though!}

Theme Nights for Meal Planning

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Here is a LONG list of meals based on themes! I am using this list to help me meal plan this coming school year since I lack the creativity each month to come up with meal ideas. Many of these meals ideas have links to them. If they don't and you would like the recipe just leave me a comment.

There are a few recipes that come from Not Your Mother's Make-Ahead and Freeze Cookbook . Those recipes are marked with the letters MAF {Make-Ahead and Freeze}.

Slow Cooker
Mac and cheese
Crockpot chicken recipes {Scroll to see all the options}
Spicy Beans with Sausage {I add Kielbasa} 

Soup

Sandwiches
Turkey/ham
Hamburgers
Grilled cheese
BLT’s
Sloppy Joes
Hot Ham and Cheese

Oriental
Sweet and Sour Chicken {A bit time-consuming, but SO WORTH IT!}
Pasta
Spaghetti Pie
White Cheddar Shells and Peas
Pasta Primavera
Lasagna {The BEST ever!}
Spaghetti and Meatballs

Mexican
Taco Lasagna
Barb’s Taco Casserole 
Burritos
Nachos
Frito Salad
Lawnmower Tacos    MAF
Taco Lasagna    MAF
Pepper Jack and Chili Burritos    MAF

Chicken
Chicken Divan with a Cheddar Crust   MAF



Beef/Sausage
Sweet and Sour Sausage {One of my top pins on Pinterest}
Pierogi Sausage Skillet
Meatloaf
Super Supper
Casserole
Breakfast for Dinner
Omelets
Pancakes and Bacon
Waffles
Breakfast casserole




Pizza {And the Like}
Pizza (Hawaiian, Pepperoni, Supreme)
Pizza Roll ups

Need some help on ideas for packaging your food?  See this!