Caramel Chocolate Chip bars

So last night I was doing what I like todo best ...baking, when I ran across a box of Caramel Cake mix in my cabinet.  Not sure how long it had been there because I cant remember buying it but I decided to check out the date and see. It was still good:)  I thought "I wonder if there are any good recipes I could make with this " when I looked on the side f the box and bingo there it was...Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars...yummy:)  So I decided to give it a try and lets just say they are delicious with such a different taste so I thought I would share even if its not MY recipe. We all like new things so here it is give it a whirl:)

1 Package Duncan Hines Caramel Cake Mix
2 Large Eggs
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup softened butter
1 cup of chocolate chips


Mix cake mix, eggs, water, brown sugar, and butter until thoroughly blended then stir in chocolate chips.  Pour into a 13x9 greased pan(batter is thick).  bake on 375 for 24-27 minutes.  Cool Completely cut and serve.  You can put icing on these as well but I just left them as a brownie bar and they were perfect:)

Dinner preparations for busy moms

Is dinnertime crazy around your house? Do you like to relax by the pool or spend time out with your family but you always feel rushed when you get back home?? If your like me I always have so much more energy in the morning so I say get what you can done then.  I have a little advice on how to make your life a little more simple and stil have fun throughout your day with your kids. 

Fisrt of all, if I plan on spending the day by the pool I like to go ahead and get my dinner ready in the am before I head out so I am not tired and rushed when I come in.  We all know pool days absolutely drain us so heres what I do.  I personally love to do crock pot meals on pools days but that doesnt always happen.  So for instance, yesterday I was making Chicken Pot Pie for our main dish for dinner so I prepared everything and placed it in my baking dish and placed in fridge.  Now keep in mind certain dishes you might need to leave off something until ready to actually cook for insatnce I waited on my crust til I was putting it in the oven, or if I prep lasagna, I hold off on my cheeses til then as well. 

Heres another little tip if your home and feel have little ones that like to be at your feet all day.  Now I realize when our kids nap its so nice to relax and kick back ourselves but I will tell  you what I like to do.  When I get Zane down for his nap I take this time to prepare my dinner for the evening as well holding off on baking it until time for dinner.  I also use this time to clean the kitchen up as well as even get a load of clothes folded.  I always feel so productive and not so stressed when dinner time rolls around because all you rlaly have to do then is set the table(which I let me 11 year old do) and serve food:)

Just a couple helpful hints I thought I would share and I hope you can maybe use:)