Our Holly Days

By Holly Sosa

During the summer months, I love using my slow cooker. Aside from keeping the hot oven off and keeping my home cool, I love easy meal solutions during the long summer days that help to simplify our daily schedules. This Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Chicken tastes amazing, uses little effort, and with just a few additions creates an entire meal for the whole family.

I start by adding some chicken breasts to my slow cooker.

Next I add a packet of Italian dressing mix.

And then I top it off with some chicken broth before setting it to cook on high for several hours (my chicken was frozen, so it needed some extra time).

Once the chicken is cooked through, I pull it out of the slow cooker, dice it up, and place it back in on the warm setting.

While the chicken rests, I take some finely diced onion and sauté it in a large skillet with some garlic.

Then I add in some cream cheese, a little chicken broth, a can of cream of chicken soup, and a little salt and pepper.

I combine all the ingredients together until smooth and then add it to the slow cooker with the chicken.

Then I boil some pasta and once it’s cooked through, I drain it and add it to the slow cooker with the chicken and cream sauce.

I give it all a good stir and add some fresh parsley to the mix before serving.

I serve it immediately while it’s nice and hot. It’s such a perfect comfort food that’s easy to whip up in the summer months especially since it utilizes a slow cooker. I usually serve this with broccoli since it works well to sop up any leftover cream sauce on my plate, ha!

For more recipes like this one, be sure to follow the Our Holly Days page on Facebook where I often share my favorites along with handy kitchen gadgets, cooking tips, and more.

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By Holly Sosa

Father’s Day is next week, friends, and I’m all about getting personal when it comes to such a meaningful holiday. My husband works hard at his blue collar job providing for our little big family. More than that, he’s a dedicated father. In our blended family, it gets hard to spend time with everyone, but he does what he can. In fact, next week he will be driving three hours to watch his oldest graduate from 8th grade into high school. He loves his children fiercely, so I wanted to make sure they took some time to think about what they love about their father. The kiddos each created an adorable Things I Love About Dad Gift Bag using a few simple supplies.

I started by giving each child a piece of construction paper and a marker, instructing them to title the paper, “Five Things I Love About Daddy,” or in Collin’s case, Cub Cub (my husband is his stepfather).

I encouraged them to think hard about some of their favorite things about him, how he makes them feel, and what they love most about him. I helped them translate their five favorites onto the paper.

When they were done, I trimmed down each paper to fit over a plain brown gift bag.

Later on, I took the kiddos down to our local dollar store and let them each choose a gift for our bag. I loved seeing how thoughtful each child was as they browsed the aisles and chose their special present.

I wrapped up their gifts with tissue paper and used gift tags to distinguish which gift was from each child before placing them all inside our special bag.

This was such a special craft that made the kids feel involved in their Father’s Day gifts. I love that it encouraged them to think about the little things their daddy does for them and translate them onto paper to express their gratitude and love, something I think is important that they carry into adulthood for their future spouses, children, and adult siblings.

For more crafty ideas and projects be sure to follow Our Holly Days on Facebook where I share my favorites from fellow bloggers.

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By Holly Sosa

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #CreateYourSunshine #WetSkinIsBestSkin #CollectiveBias

Here in the desert, dry skin is practically a given. As someone who already struggles with dry skin, the even dryer climate is a constant battle. I’ve shared about my favorite product to defeat my dry desert dweller skin, Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer, pretty frequently. It’s always in my shower and has become a regular part of my skin care routine. My legs and arms have never felt smoother or more moisturized than when I started using Jergens on my skin immediately after showering. It’s made my skin baby soft and never leaves me feeling greasy, which has always been an issue I’ve had with other moisturizers I’ve tried.

As a huge fan of the Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer, you can imagine how thrilled this pasty legged gal was when I found out about the new JERGENS® Natural Glow® Wet Skin® Moisturizer that gives me gradual, natural looking color without the harsh desert sun. This new moisturizer helps me to gradually add color and makes me feel like the desert goddess I am, ha! Despite living in an area with plenty of sunshine, I try to stay out of the rays and protect my skin from the damage the sun can cause, which results in some seriously pasty gams. When it’s time for shorts weather, I’m always a little self-conscious and have even used leg makeup in the past.

Jergens® Natural Glow® products allow me to create my own little rays of sunshine right in my shower since it’s specially developed for use on my wet skin. It glides on instantly, locking in moisture, and gradually building natural-looking color each day. It’s available in two shades: fair to medium (which is what this pasty gal uses) or medium to tan that build color over the course of an average of three to five days.

Since the DHA (ingredient that creates color) formula interacts with the proteins in my skin, I don’t have to worry about stains on my towel or shower (since both clearly don’t have proteins, ha!). To use it, I simply apply it to my wet skin immediately after I turn the water off in my shower. I concentrate on the larger areas of my skin and use smaller amounts on my elbow, knee, and ankle areas to give a streak-free and more natural looking color. Then I towel dry off as normal and finish my usual routine.

This summer, I’m looking forward to confidently showing off my natural glow in my dresses and shorts rather than covering up. I’ve even been able to prep my skin with a healthy summer glow (sans tanning bed or sun bathing) before our family vacation!

Try new JERGENS® Natural Glow® Wet Skin® Moisturizer by stopping in at your local Walmart or ordering online. You can also learn more about getting a natural looking summer glow by visiting Jergens on Facebook.

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By Holly Sosa

This post may contain affiliate links.

I use tabs in all of my Bibles. I have a collection of several for more in depth studies and various translations and every time I add a new one to my collection, the first thing I do is add tabs to each book of the Bible. It makes things a bit easier for me to navigate as I’m still learning where each book is located inside the Bible. And as a Type A personality, it simply makes me happy to have the tabs, ha!

I’ve shared a version of these before (in 2015!) and since then, I’ve been informed that the printable I offered didn’t match the one in my Bible. It seems I uploaded an older version and forgot to update the font before loading them into that post, so I decided to offer the correct version and a new script version as well.

At the beginning of this year, I committed to read through the entire Bible in a year and bough a Beautiful Word Bible for exactly just this purpose. I wanted to steer clear of commentary or study Bibles and just be in God’s Word. I’ve marked down the dates I’ve read each passage along the way and it’s my intention to leave this Bible as a keepsake for my daughter, Evelyn. I’ve been meaning to add tabs to this special keepsake, but haven’t gotten around to it until now. For this particular set of tabs, I used a script font, so I thought I’d share this version with you as well.

I simply printed the file onto scrapbook paper.

Trimmed the tabs out, folded each one in half, and glued them individually to my Bible pages. This was a labor of love and took up quite a chunk of time, which I didn’t mind. But if you’re more pressed for time, I’ve used a Xyron machine in the past and it makes the process go much faster by creating a sticker out of each tab. You can check out my full tutorial from the last post I did on these here.

Download the script font version here (click the image for the higher quality file).

Download the print font version here (click the image for the higher quality file).

I love to Bible journal and enjoy glorifying God through my creative mediums of watercolors, stickers, and doodling. For me, it satisfies my soul to open my Bible and be able to physically see where I was in God’s word, what I learned, and how I executed it into a creation that glorifies our Savior. Naturally, I love for my Bible tabs to reflect that fun part of my personality so I printed my tabs on scrapbook paper that I trimmed down to fit inside my printer. If you prefer them to be on plain white paper, you can simply print them right off these files, but if you love color and patterns, have fun playing with paper and print as many of these off as you so desire!

For more faith based content, be sure to follow me over on the Our Holly Days Facebook page.

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By Holly Sosa

Summer is in full swing here in the High Desert, even if it’s not officially for a couple more weeks according to the calendar. We’re already blasting the air conditioner and cooling off in our swimming pools thanks to the desert heat. And dessert? Well, it’s never a question now that temperatures are now consistently above 90F. It’s ice cream and popsicles because what better way to cool down than with a creamy treat? My simple recipe for Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars is a kid favorite that even adults enjoy from time to time (by time to time I mean just as much as the kiddos). The strawberry goodness is a throwback to an ice cream truck favorite only when you make it at home, you’ll never have to worry about whether or not any are left for you (because when you make it yourself, you get first dibs!).

To start, I simply add some Golden OREO Cookies to my food processor and get them finely ground up into a sand-like texture.

I add in some melted butter and give it a few more pulses to thoroughly combine it all together. I press the cookie crumbs into the bottom of my baking dish to create a crust layer.

Then I toss it into the freezer to set for about an hour.

While the cookie crust is setting, I start making the crumb topping by adding more Golden OREO cookies, melted butter to my food processor only this time I keep the crumbs larger.

I set aside a few tablespoons of the cookie crumbs before adding strawberry gelatin powder to my food processor. I give it a couple gentle pulses to just combine the rest of the cookies with the strawberry mix. The crumb toppings also both get placed in the freezer to set.

Once my crust and toppings are set, it’s time to assemble. I start by grabbing some softened vanilla ice cream and scoop it over the top of the cookie crust, spreading it evenly throughout the pan.

I pop it back into the freezer for about twenty minutes to harden.

And then I grab some softened strawberry sorbet and repeat, placing it back in the freezer to harden.

Then I pull it out and add one more layer of vanilla.

And I sprinkle both the cookie and strawberry crumbles over the whole pan to coat.

I place it back into the freezer for about four hours (overnight is best) before lifting the whole thing out and cutting the cake into squares.

My family enjoys these right away, but they’re also easily stored by wrapping each square in parchment and storing in a plastic bag kept in the freezer.

These tasty treats are the perfect summer dessert. They taste even better than what we all remember the ice cream man having; and the best part is that we don’t have to wait for him to make his neighborhood rounds before enjoying one!

For additional recipes like this be sure to follow Our Holly Days on Pinterest where I keep all my favorites on hand.

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By Holly Sosa

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and Conagra Brands. All opinions are mine alone. #31DaysWithRotel #CollectiveBias

Around these parts, my kiddos all-time favorite meal is never a question: chicken tacos. My recipe for Stupid Easy Chicken Tacos is always a crowd pleaser with our friends, but my kiddos especially love the juicy flavorful chicken. They load up their shells with plenty of chicken, cheese, and black olives. They all too often devour their servings before I can finish making mine. Taco nights are a frequent request and we enjoy them almost weekly (Taco Tuesday anyone?) because they’re that delicious, but also because they’re insanely easy to make. Fellow moms, save this recipe because it’s life changing.

Toss three chicken breasts into a slow cooker and sprinkle a packet of taco seasoning over the top.

Add a can of RO*TEL for effortless bold flavor.

And a cup of chicken broth.

Cover and cook on high for 2-4 hours if using thawed chicken. If using frozen, cook on high for 5-7 hours.

After the chicken has cooked in it’s flavor bath, pull it out and shred it up. You can use two forks to do this. The easier way is to put the chicken into a stand mixer for 20-30 seconds. It shreds up easily and so much faster than using two forks. Both methods taste the same, so however you shred it up really makes no difference other than time.

After the chicken is shredded, pop it all back into the juices left in the slow cooker and give it a good stir. It can be served immediately right from the pot.

The chicken is versatile and can be used on nachos, tostadas, in empanadas, and my favorite way is to use leftovers in a pot of chili. Combined with a can of RO*TEL, the possibilities are endless! But by far, my family’s favorite way is in these classic taco shells with all the fixin’s. As a busy mom, I love this recipe for how simple and quick it is for me to pull together. I can pick up everything during my usual trip to Walmart and toss it all in the slow cooker for dinner perfection in just a few hours; I don’t even have to thaw the chicken first!

For more fiesta inspiration and bold RO*TEL flavor, be sure to visit the social hub where bloggers like me are participating in the 31 Days to Fiesta with our favorite recipes.

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By Holly Sosa

This post is sponsored by Sizemore Designs.

As a self-proclaimed stationery addict and lover of paper, I’ve accumulated quite a collection of various stationery necessities. Yes, necessities. At least in my head it’s all necessary for life. Pens, pencils, all the markers, notebooks upon notebooks, and much more. I love using paper to organize my life, create, and even play. As a connoisseur of paper, I’ve developed my own list of items I believe every person should own. My top three most used items are notebooks, clipboards, and pads of paper. Today I’m sharing a little more about each of these stationery necessities and how I use them in hopes I can inspire others to utilize this, “old fashioned,” method to increase their productivity.

A notebook

A notebook is pretty self-explanatory, right? To a paper addict, a blank notebook is full of endless possibilities. If ever I’m without my trusty planner, I love to utilize notebooks as bullet journals.

A clipboard

Clipboards are so useful! I used to have a giant wall of clipboards above my office desk to utilize for important papers, inspiration, art, and anything my little heart desired.

A pad of paper

This is my most essential item. I use pads of paper daily. As a perpetual list maker, I’m constantly looking around for a pad of paper to write on. Grocery lists, recipes, party planning, to do lists, and everything else. Paper pads are a great place to brain dump and get thoughts organized.

Each of these stationery essentials in my collection are available for purchase at Sizemore Designs vis Etsy.

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By Holly Sosa

This post is sponsored by Netflix.

I’m a Netflix junkie and love discovering new-to-me shows while browsing the current titles. Favorite way to watch: in a hot bath with a bath bomb, a glass of wine, and my laptop set up (far away and not plugged in) to play my faves. These are my three recommendations for must watch shows on Netflix this month.

The Tudors

I’ve been sucked into the vortex of this show over the past month, binge watching whenever I get some free time. I’m completely captivated by period dramas and this one is especially well done. I’m currently in season three where King Henry is considering marriage to Anne of Cleves. It’s been such a ride thus far!

The People v. OJ Simpson

I was just a child when the infamous trail began, but I remember bits and pieces. This series drew me in immediately and I was up way past my bedtime for several nights wanting more, ha! Once I finished the series, I drowned myself in a pool of interviews that happened during the trial on YouTube.

The Crown

I’m an admitted addict of period dramas and this one was no exception. This is a Netflix Original and was done masterfully. I loved watching the Queen’s early years and feeling like I had an insiders look at life as royalty.

I love that Netflix has something for everyone (including me and my dorky period dramas) and even lets me have my own unique profile so that my husband or kiddos shows don’t intermingle with mine. It’s one place that’s just mine and all mine, ha! Unlike my food, or my personal space, ha!

What are you currently binge watching on Netflix? What’s your favorite type of show to stream? Comment below so we can chat all things Netflix!

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By Holly Sosa

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #UncleBens #FlavorInfusions #CollectiveBias

When I cook, I love to incorporate fresh flavors and tastes from what’s in season. Here in California, lemons are ripe for the picking and full of the zesty flavor they’re known for. One of my favorite spring and summer dinners to make is my Lemon Pepper Chicken. This spring, I’ve added new Uncle Ben’s® Garlic & Butter Rice to the mix. The flavors from the chicken and the rice blend together beautifully for a quick and easy dinner (all you need to do is add a veggie and you’re done!) that embraces all the flavors!

I begin with thinly sliced chicken breasts (you can buy them already sliced thin from your local butcher or do it yourself at home).

I coat the chicken with some olive oil and kosher salt.

Then I add plenty of lemon pepper seasoning before tossing it all together to coat the chicken.

Next, I lay the chicken in a baking pan and cover with some lemons that I sliced up earlier.

I grab one more lemon, cut it in half, and squeeze the juice over the chicken.

I bake it in a 375F oven for about thirty to forty five minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F.

While the chicken is baking, I grab a large pot (I have a big ol’ family) to start the rice. I combine the Uncle Ben’s® Garlic & Butter rice (we use a whole bag, but you can easily portion it out according to your family size) with water and some butter in the pan and bring it all to a boil.

Once the rice is boiling, I give it a quick stir, cover the pan, and reduce the heat to low. I let it simmer for about ten minutes before removing it from the heat and letting the rest of the water absorb (usually about an additional five minutes).

Timed just right, my chicken and rice are done right around the same time which makes me feel like I really have my life together, ha! It’s the small things.

To plate, I add a scoop of rice and top it with a fresh piece of chicken topped with a lemon slice and a side of veggies (broccoli or green beans both would go well with this dish). Isn’t it beautiful?

My entire family of seven scarfs down this meal with no complaints (mom win!). They’re rice lovers and when it’s Flavor Infusions™, the only 10 minute rice with natural flavors steamed into each grain, I never seem to be able to make enough. Each grain has been infused with herbs and spices so there’s no need to add a flavor packet, which makes prepping dinner after a long day all the more simple. Uncle Ben’s® Flavor Infusions™ contain no preservatives or artificial flavors and comes in a convenient re-sealable pouch to keep it fresh. There are five new flavors, exclusive to Walmart, including Parmesan & Butter, Chicken & Herb, and Spanish Style, but my Lemon Pepper Chicken practically begs to be paired with the Garlic & Butter flavor. Lemon + garlic = gloriousness!

For additional recipes inspired by new Uncle Ben’s® Flavor Infusions™, visit the Uncle Ben’s social hub or follow the Uncle Ben’s Facebook page for inspiration from bloggers like me.

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By Holly Sosa

This post was sponsored by Halestorm as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

Becoming a mom turned me into a sap. A glass case of emotion, if you will (let’s be friends if you caught that movie reference). My little mama heart just can’t handle all the feels of certain movies, books, or even commercials. And music is a whole ‘nother beast, friends. I can barely make it through this latest song, Dear Daughter, by GRAMMY® Award-winning hard rock band Halestorm.

My daughter, Evelyn is a fierce personality. But even with her spunky attitude, I know that the road ahead in life will be filled with obstacles and triumphs. Dear Daughter is an anthem for all girls, a reminder that anything is possible and that mama’s arms aren’t ever too far. This song is a powerful reminder of the love between mother and daughter that the world can’t touch.

Dear Daughter, never lose yourself. Remember that you’re like nobody else.

Evelyn is a spunky little girl. At just four, she’s been a transforming force in our family. I’ve always called her our rainbow connection since she’s a little piece of everyone in our blended family and connects us all to one another. She knows what she wants in life and isn’t afraid to demand it, ha! Parenting a spirited child with her personality is challenging, but I know it will serve her well later in life when things get difficult. She’s one of a kind and I’m proud to be her mother.

These are words that every girl should have a chance to hear: there will be love, there will be pain, there will be hope, there will be fear. And through it all year after year, stand or fall I will be right here for you.

As Evelyn’s mother, I’ve promised to be there through all the highs and lows of her life. I can’t promise her a pain free life, but I can let her know that no matter what happens, I’ll be right next to her to pick her back up.

For me, sometimes it takes a song to say all the things I’m thinking and feeling, but can’t translate into words myself. This Dear Daughter song by Halestorm does exactly that since Lizzy Hale was inspired by the support she received from her parents when she and younger brother Arejay decided to start a rock band as kids and their parents’ encouragement to pursue their dreams.

Share this song with your own daughter and enter to win a prize package from Halestorm using the form below. Entries close May 16th. I-C will randomly select winners from all program entries and will facilitate fulfillment of the winning prizes (10).
Halestorm Giveaway

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