- quick recipe of the week -

So, I not only survived the weekend away from my baby, but I really enjoyed the break and had a great time! It was nice to get away with just the hubby and enjoy some toddler free time...although, I'm not going to sugar coat it, I missed her like CRAZY! However, I am now definitely recharged and ready to take on this upcoming crazy week! We had some great food, watched a few awesome live bands, and slept in on both Saturday and Sunday morning! It was definitely a great weekend!

So, now, back to the week ahead of us. The most exciting thing about this week is that it is FINALLY time for me to feature one of the most amazing momma bloggers I know. Meet Melanie from Happy Jax . Melanie might be one of the sweetest, kindest people I have ever met through my blog. This girl is absolutely filled with positivity and always has a smile on her face! Her blog just radiates happiness all the time! Not to mention how gorgeous she is, both inside and out. I don't even remember how we stumbled upon each other's blogs, but we've been great blogger friends ever since! I would love so much to meet this sweetie in person and have a glass of wine with her!

(Image credit Melanie)

And please look how cute her son, Jax, is. He has a million dollar smile that just lights up the room!

(Image credit Melanie)

 Melanie is a stay at home momma that loves taking care of her three year old boy. She recently fell in love w/ photography, & even though she doesn't have a fancy camera (yet) she doesn't let that stop her from pretending she's a pro! (her pictures are really great! Super creative composition!) Her family is her everything and she loves capturing their crazy, normal, everyday life with her lil camera! Melanie is truly one of the friendliest people ever and her blog makes me smile every time I go visit it. I guarantee you won't regret getting to know this momma! She's one of those people that make you feel more complete once you get to know her! I truly mean that....I adore this girl!

Homemade Mozzarella Cheesy Sticks
1 package (8 ounces) string cheese
2 & 1/4 cups original Bisquick
2/3 cups milk

1 can of marinara sauce for dipping (heated) OR if your feeling extra saucy ranch is yummy!

1 tablespoon butter (melted)

1/3 teaspoon garlic powder

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Mix together baking mix & milk until a soft dough forms. Place dough on hard flat surface sprinkled w/ baking mix powder. Gently roll in the baking mix, coating the dough w/ a bit of the powder. Roll formed dough into a large ball shape (Knead for about 10 seconds). Roll out w/ rolling pin (you want it to be about 1/4 inch thick). Cut into 8 rectangle shapes (about 6x2 rectangles). Roll each piece of dough around each piece of string cheese pinching the ends together. Place seam side down on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 8-12 minutes @ 450 or until golden brown. Brush w/ melted butter & garlic powder before removing from baking sheet.

(An excellent add on idea is to also wrap some turkey or ham lunch meat around the string cheese, before rolling in the dough!)

(Image credit Melanie)

Printable Recipe

Yummy yum yum! Those sound delicious! A great side dish to some warm homemade soup, or chili. Thanks for sharing this recipe with us Melanie! And all of  you lovely readers, please take a minute to visit Melanie's blog, Happy Jax and get to know her and her charming family!