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Saturday, December 4, 2010

Win a Bissell Spotbot Pet

With six teens under foot you can bet that we can always afford a bit of help with cleaning. THe Bissell Spotbot Pet sounds as if it may be a great tool to add to my arsenol of cleaning tools. The blog Two of a Kind working on a Full House is hosting a giveaway where you can win the Bissell Spotbot Pet. The giveaway ends December 13, 2010

Becoming Hand Crafted Jewelry giveaway

I love the beauty of Hand Crafted Jewelry. The care that the artist takes to create such beauty is something else that I admire. Emily at the blog Baby Loving Mama is hosting a giveway sponsored by Becoming Hand Crafted Jewelry where a lucky winner will win a $50 gc to purchase their choice of beutiful jewelry. The giveaway ends December 11, 2010

Holiday Cookie Giveaway

I love delicious cookies and I know that my hubby and teens do so I knew I had to enter the giveaway that Leslie from Leslie Loves Veggies is hosting The giveaway is sponsored  by Heidi's Heavenly Cookies. The prize is a box of 28 delicious cookies
Giveaway ends December 19, 2010

Wiltons Christmas Baker Pack Giveaway

Wilton has the perfect tools for Christmas baking and the blog Mom Spotted is hosting a giveaway where one lucky baker will be able to win all the items shown above. Wow just imagine how much fun you can have in the kitchen. For me this would be fun for me and my teens. This giveaway ends December 12, 2010 

Hershey wants to help you with Baking

I love to bake with my children during the Christmas season. When I used to work outside of the home the girls I worked with would plan a cookie exchange party where each of us would bring a delicious cookie of choice to share with friends. Leslie Loves Veggies is hosting a giveaway sponsored by Hershey that will help you greatly with a cookie exchange party. The prize pack includes
•Branded Hershey’s Canister Set


•Hershey’s Cookies Holiday Apron

•3 bags of assorted Hershey’s Baking Chips

•2 bags of Hershey’s Kisses Brand Milk Chocolates

•1 canister of Hershey’s Cocoa

•Branded Hershey’s Cookie Timer

•Set of Hershey’s Recipe Cards

•2 Hershey’s Baking Boxes

Giveaway ends December 21, 2010

Being a Diabic at Christmas Time

Being a diabetic at this time of year is not always easy. While we have no problem admiring the decorations, enjoying the wonderful music or visiting with loved ones it is the extra munchies that are around that can get us quickly. Here are some tips from the article by Medicine Net that may help out
1.Pick and choose your battles.






2.When confronted with holiday delights, realize that you are human and proceed accordingly.





3.Pick the one item you absolutely must splurge and put a small amount of it on your plate, guilt free. But now, remember that it is on your plate and avoid the other things on that buffet table that you don't really want or need.





4.Fill your plate will healthy things (you'll always find veggies).





5.If you know ahead of time that you will be in a situation of temptation, plan your day accordingly. Eat healthy at home and consider filling up on good nutritious foods before you go out, in order to minimize cravings.





6.When going to a dinner party, there is certainly no reason why you shouldn't let your host/hostess know of any dietary restrictions you may have in advance. Most people appreciate knowing there are any specific needs so that they can make their guests comfortable. It may be something as simple as setting out an artificial sweetener with the coffee.





7.Another important thing to remember is that alcohol does have calories and can interfere with medications. If you have specific questions about how much you can drink on certain medicines, don't hesitate to ask your physician or pharmacist.





8.In addition, if you are on insulin, you may want to speak with your physician about how to plan ahead for situations in which your carbohydrate intake may increase. Together, you can decide if an increase in short-acting insulin should be used in certain situations.





9.Remember if you become ill with a cough or cold over the holidays, some OTC medicines have a lot of sugar or may react with medications you are currently taking. Ask your doctor or pharmacist what the best choices are to make sure you won't suffer serious drug reactions.

Vintage Christmas Ornaments

I sometimes believe I was born in the wrong time period because while items in todays world are nice I would rather have the old fashioned decorations any day. Here are a few great ornaments that I found some of which I have and others that I wish I did

The old glass ornaments that came in a variety of shapes and sizes. I do have a few of these as I found them at a local junk shop

These are old bubble candles. Many consider them to old fashioned and a bit dangerous. I love them when the lights are off all except for the tree lights and these candle lights get hot enough to boil cute little bubbles. My mother still has a set of these and they are something that I wish I did


Elves or sprites have been a part of my famly Christmas trees far back as I can remember I still have some on my tree, my mother had some on hers and my grandmother also had elves on her tree



Do you have any old fashioned or vintage ornaments on your tree? This post shared on the blog Funky Junks  shared also on http://iamonly1woman.blogspot.com/ also linked to http://bargainhuntingwithlaurie.blogspot.com/

Low Cal Cookie Recipe Candy Cane Sticks

1 tube (16.9 ounces) refrigerated sugar cookie dough


1/2 cup finely crushed peppermint candy canes

1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

3/4 cup confectioners' sugar

Heat oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with nonstick foil. Set aside. In a large bowl, knead together cookie dough, 1/4 cup of the crushed candy canes, the peppermint extract and flour to incorporate all of the ingredients. Break off a level teaspoon of dough and roll into a 4-1/2 to 5-inch-long rope. Transfer to prepared baking sheet, spacing each rope at least 1 inch from the others. Repeat until sheet is full; refrigerate dough in between batches. Bake at 350°F for 7 minutes, until puffed and just beginning to color. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Stir together confectioners' sugar and 4 teaspoons water until smooth to form a glaze. Brush glaze over wands and let dry. With a small paintbrush, use remaining glaze to paint stripes diagonally across wands, spacing about 1/2 inch apart. Sprinkle wet stripes with some of the remaining crushed candy to resemble a candy cane. Let dry completely. Store in airtight container up to 2 weeks.





Note: I noticed that peppermint sugar can be bought at our local Wal-mart in the bakery aisle  If you cannot find peppermint sugar, you can crush candy canes and use those instead: You will need 1/4 cup crushed canes for the dough and 1/4 cup to make the stripes (8 canes total).



recipe source : parents online

Christmas Shoes

One of our Christmas Traditions is to go to a Christmas Concert I guess you can it helps to set the mood. This year we will once again go see New Song with friends in concert. One of my favorite songs is Christmas Shoes. I love this song because it gives me a good feel. I loved this song before I ever knew it was Sung by New Song. Listen closely to the words as the song tells a story about a young man and his tribute to his mommy who will pass soon to join Jesus in Heaven to celebrate his birthday in Heaven.




Amazon has Cashmere for 60% off

Are you looking for the perfect gift for someone or something nice to wear yourself then you need to hurry over to Amazon and save up to 60% off Cashmere clothing

While there check out the Classical TV box sets that are up to 50% off. There are some great shows at amazing prices don't let this slip through your fingers

Yet another great savings Crayola items up to 50% off . Wow talk about saving money buying Christmas this sale is amazing

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Friday, December 3, 2010

Origany Giveaway ends December 17, 2010


Origany is a company that prides itself as one that is focused on environmentally conscious clothing and accessories made from organic cotton and other eco friendly materials. Origany referst to their line as "Clothing made organic by Nature". The founder of Origany is a parent himself and holds a belief that today's parents view their environment as well as fashion in a "green" context. In the fashion industry Green has become the new black! Being green does not mean that parents need to give up on the colors, designs or super soft feel of the clothes they are used to putting on their kids. Origany baby clothes are available in sizes 0-24 months. and are ideal for babies to play in and are super soft and made with 100% certified organic cotton. Origany baby garments are super soft and made in Peru from 100% pima organic cotton grown in Peru. Natural no color garments contain no dyes but the colorful items include eco friendly dyes that minimize the environmental impact. The Orgiany toddler line of clothing in sizes 2 to 4T are made from certified organic cotton or baby alpaca combined with certified organic cotton and like the baby garments are made with low impact dyes.

Take a look at some of the beautiful items that are available from the Origany collection:
Kimono bodysuits are super cute and are available in a variety of colors with playful prints. They are super soft with long sleeves in sizes to 18 months.


Cute baby romper with hood are adorable one piece sets Fun applique with snaps at legs to make changing easy. Imagine how warm and comfortable your little one would be in such a cute little outfit

Cute little dresses are available in infant and toddler sizes. This dress is a toddler size I adore the super cute ruffles

Origany would love to give one of Annies Home readers their choice of a $30 gift card to use on a purchase at Origany or a product that they will choose.

To enter this giveaway you must visit the Origany website and let me know an item that you see that you would love for the sweet little one in your life

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Giveaway starts now and will end December 17, 2010.  Good Luck Email must be in comment or on blog profile or entries will be tossed out

We did not receive any compensation or product for this post
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Snowball Cookies


1 c. butter


1/2 c. confectioners' sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

2 tsp. vanilla

2 c. sifted flour

1 c. chopped pecans or walnuts

Additional confectioners' sugar (for rolling)



Preheat oven to 375°F. Beat butter and sugar until light and creamy. Add remaining ingredients, mixing to combine. Use a teaspoonful of dough and roll into small ball. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Cool slightly and roll in confectioners' sugar.


Shared at MomTrends and TidyMom

Snowmen Cookies

These cookies from All You December 2008 are adorable



2/3 cup of all-purpose flour


16 1/2-oz. roll of refrigerated sugar-cookie dough

Snowflake sprinkles

M&M's Minis buttons

Hershey's Kisses


Preheat oven to 350°F. Knead 2/3 cup of all-purpose flour into a 16 1/2-oz. roll of refrigerated sugar-cookie dough. Tear off a piece of dough and roll it in your palms to form a 3/4 -inch ball. Roll a slightly larger piece into a 1-inch ball, and a still slightly larger piece into a 1 1/4-inch ball. Repeat with remaining dough. Place 1 of each size ball close together on parchment lined baking sheets; flatten balls slightly. Bake cookies for 12 minutes. Cool on rack. Pipe frosting for scarves and to attach M&M's Minis buttons, mini-chocolate chip eyes, snowflake sprinkles and Hershey's Kisses for hats. Makes 8.

shared this find with chic on a shoestring
  1. I have been finding lots of amazing sales at Amazon.com and the great thing is I am using amazon dollars that I earned through out the year for participating in different blog events. This is wonderful to me since it is less stressful season and one that I can truly just enjoy the reason for the season
  2. Talking about the reason for the season the sermon this past Sunday was amazing as well. A point of view was brought out that made me think. Have we as Christians made a commercial status for the words "Jesus is the reason for the season" . If you look around there are coffee cups, tees, etc... just as commercial as any. We all know that he is the reason for the season but it must go much deeper than just a slogan
  3. My daughter is starting to make plans to move out. She has started once again looking at the colleges to attend. This time she will have no worry as I believe that she can get grants to pay for college and will have her nurse aide certificate to work and make money she needs to live on.
  4. We have our reservations in to attend the extension meeting held once a year for the entire state. This year the event will take place about a week after Christmas and will find us all having a great time The youth seem to love it and the adults enjoy getting together with other adults who love to praise the Lord as well
  5. Basketball has started this past week with our team getting their first game. yeah!!!! Go Bulldogs!!! We are looking bright a bit short in the leg but a lot of speed. Football and Baseball are the sports that our school is really grand in but we can do well in Basketball as well.
  6. College is starting to wind down for the semester and the pressure to get it all done is here. The finals are just around the corner and my kids are studying away preparing for the future
  7. Our tree is not up yet but we have planned where it will go and will have it up by this weekend. We are all looking forward to having the tree up as it makes it more like Christmas
This is what my household has been up to what have you been doing? Share or read others at the blog Conversion Diary
This Christmas season has really suprised me. I have did nearly all of my shopping online at sites like Amazon. One great sale that I did find was Aerpostle shirts for $5 each at the local mall. These were bought during the back to school sale and have been in my closet every since. Amazon has offered me great deals as well on every thing from electronics to clothing items. I am sure that my family will be very suprised by what great finds I have found. If you are looking for other great ideas on how to save money and be a bit frugal be sure to check out the great ideas at Life as Mom

Things Remembered giveaway

I love to gifts that will help individuals with a special time, a person or a significant person or place. Things Rembered has the ability to do just this. With their wide assortment of gifts that they have available as well as the engraving that they graciously did you can get that perfect gift for that loved one. The blog Baby Loving Mama is hosting a giveaway sponsored by Things Remembered where the lucky winner would get their choice of one of these gifts:
Giveaway ends December 11, 2010

Win a Veggie Tale Train


Do you have someone on your christmas list that is a veggie tale fan? I know several little ones that love the veggies tales and this train would be the highlight of their play time. I entered to win this veggie tale train at the blog Go Graham Go. The giveaway is sponsored by Big Idea .com and ends December 17, 2010

Win a Visa gc

We could all probably use a bit of extra money this year. With the Christmas season here a bit of extra money would just be perfect for that little bit of extra that you want to purchase. Get your chance to win a $50 Visa gift card by entering the giveaway hosted by Because Mommy Said So.
Giveaway ends December 21, 2010

Aloha Friday


Its Friday Once again and that means that it is time for the Aloha Friday meme. This meme is the perfect place to have a bit of fun as bloggers have the chance to ask simple questions that require only a simple answer. This meme is hosted by the blog An Island Life.

My question today is:

Do you have your Christmas Tree up yet?

My answer is:

Mine is not up yet we have been rearranging furniture and will put it up first of next week Many of our friends have theirs up though and my children keep asking when ours is going up.

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Thursday, December 2, 2010

Out Of The Box Games

Out of The Box games wants to help make others holidays the best they can be. You can help out by liking them on facebook. For every 10 new facebook fans Out of the Box Games will give a new game to the Toy of Tots organization. So tell your friends to get hooked up as well

Vintage New Orleans Christmas Cookies

New Orleans Christmas Cookies


1/2 cup butter
 1-1/2 cups brown sugar
 1 egg
 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
 1 teaspoon vanilla
 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans and extra whole ones for topping.

 Beat together butter, sugar, egg until creamy, then add remaining ingredients in order given. Chill. Between palms, shape dough into balls 1 inch diameter, place 3 inches apart on buttered sheet, flatten to 1/8 inch thick with tumbler. Decorate tops with whole pecans. Bake at 375°F for about 12 minutes.


Recipe Source: Joy of Desserts

Free Printable Advent Ornaments

You can find free Printable Advent Ornaments at the blog Confessions of a Homeschooler

Cathedral Windows Christmas Cookie

The Ultimate Recipe Swap Hosted by the blog Life As Mom has asked bloggers to share a favorie christmas cookie recipe. Here is one that my teens love


Makes about 60




1/4 pound butter or magarine

12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup chopped walnuts

12 ounces colored mini marshmallows

7 ounces sweetened grated coconut



Heat butter and chocolate chips in the top of a double boiler over low heat, stirring occasionally, until melted and smooth. Cool slightly. Toss marshmallows and nuts in a large bowl; stir in chocolate. Tear five 9-inch sheets of waxed paper and sprinkle each generously with coconut. Divide dough into fifths and place each fifth on a sheet of waxed paper. Roll tightly into 2-inch diameter logs and refrigerate overnight or until firm. Before serving, unwrap from waxed paper and cut into 1/2" slices.



Penne and Chicken

1 teaspoon ground fennel seed


1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 pound chicken breast tenders, cut into (1-inch) pieces

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 garlic cloves, minced

4 cups canned diced tomatoes, undrained

1 cup white wine

8 ounces uncooked penne

1/4 cup (1 ounce) freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Combine first 5 ingredients in a small bowl; rub over chicken. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 4 minutes, turning once. Remove from heat; set aside. Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic; sauté 30 seconds or until garlic is soft. Add tomatoes and wine, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes. Add chicken, and simmer 5 minutes.
Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain. Toss pasta with sauce in a large bowl. Sprinkle with cheese and basil.

Red Velvet Cookies

1 cup shortening


1 cup sugar

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

3 eggs, separated

2 teaspoons red food coloring

4 cups all-purpose flour

3 tablespoons baking cocoa

3 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup buttermilk

2 cups (12 ounces) Nestlé® Tollhouse® Semi-Sweet Morsels



FROSTING:

1-1/2 cups butter, softened

3-3/4 cups confectioners' sugar

1/8 teaspoon salt

3 to 4 tablespoons 2% milk

In a large bowl, cream the shortening and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolks and food coloring. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt. Add to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition. In another bowl with clean beaters, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form; fold into batter. Fold in chocolate chips. Drop by tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto greased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 12-14 minutes or until set. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. In a large bowl, beat the butter, confectioners' sugar and salt until blended. Add enough milk to achieve desired consistency. Crumble eight cookies and set aside. Frost remaining cookies; sprinkle with cookie crumbs. Store in an airtight container or freeze for up to 1 month. Yield: 7-1/2 dozen.

recipe source: Taste Of Home

The Winner of the Lemon Progresso & Coobook

The Winner for the Lemon Progresso & Cookbook is:

ruthhill74 said...


kidorable giveaway entrant

3

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Wednesday, December 1, 2010

December 1: First day of Christmas

The first day of December a challenge I have found to find out what Christmas means to me. What does Christmas mean I know and shared with a young man just tonight that Christmas to me is the story of a baby born many years ago in a tiny manger within a stable. My grandparents and parents shared this story with me and I shared this story with my children and the children that I have the opportunity to teach.

Christmas means family coming together to decorate the Christmas tree and chattering about past Christmas in the old days. Oh my I have seen some wonderful times with food all around to eat, smiling faces, and the warmth inside that you know all is o.k.

Christmas is also about remembering all those that have went home to heaven to spend time with our Lord at Christmas time. Memories of my father and grandparents and so many and what life was like when they were here and the Christmas celebrations we shared. The memories are both sad and happy because while we miss them we remember what a wonderful time we had together.

so what does Christmas mean to you? I would love to hear from you in a comment or two

Wonderful Advent Idea or Countdown to Christmas


This cute idea comes from the etsy shop A million ideas Shop This is a printable PDF for $5 Just think about how fun this would be for the family. You can fill the little boxes with suprises of your choice

Christmas Cookies 4 way

2 sticks (1/2 lb.) unsalted butter


1 2/3 cups sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

3 2/3 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups Royal Icing

White sanding sugar, optional

VARIATIONS:

3 teaspoons ground ginger

1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

3/4 teaspoon allspice

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

3 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest


For Sugar Cookies: Cream butter and 1 2/3 cups sugar in bowl of an electric mixer and beat until fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add vanilla, baking powder and salt and beat at medium speed until mixed. Add eggs; beat until blended. Add flour and mix at low speed until combined, scraping down bowl once or twice. For Spice Cookies: Beat 2 Tbsp. sugar, ginger, cinnamon and allspice into full batch of Sugar Cookie dough. For Lemon Cookies: Beat lemon zest into full batch of Sugar Cookie dough. For Chocolate Cookies: Follow Step 1, but add cocoa powder after beating in eggs and then add only 2 2/3 cups flour. Divide dough in half. Using hands, shape dough into discs, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill until firm, at least 1 hour and up to 2 days. Arrange racks in upper and lower thirds of oven and preheat oven to 350°F. Line 2 large cookie sheets with parchment.

Remove 1 disc of dough from refrigerator. Roll out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut cookies into stars, snowflakes or any other shapes. Transfer cookies, with a metal spatula, to baking sheets and chill for 10 minutes. Bake cookies 12 to 15 minutes, depending upon thickness and size, rotating pans halfway through, until golden and firm to touch. Cool for 5 minutes, transfer with a metal spatula to racks and let cool. Repeat with remaining dough.

To decorate cookies with solid icing, put some Royal Icing in a pastry bag with a small plain, round tip. (Or put icing in a sturdy plastic bag and snip a tiny hole in one corner.) Pipe around edge of each cookie and let dry. Stir 1 Tbsp. water into another portion of Royal Icing to soften; put thinned icing in a clean pastry bag or new plastic bag. Pipe icing onto each cookie, flooding inside of border. Let dry. Re-pipe border. Sprinkle cookie with sanding sugar, shake off excess and let dry.

To decorate cookies with stripes and dots, use thicker icing and pipe designs as shown in photos. (Cookies may be stored, tightly covered, in a tin for up to 2 weeks.)


recipe source: All You December 2006

win cookware

I could surely use some new cookware. i have been lucky in the past to win some great products on blog giveaways. I am hoping that my luck once again comes through. The blog Leslie Loves Vegies is hosting a giveaway sponsored by 360 cookware where the lucky winner will win a 1 quart saucepan with cover valued at $129. Giveaway ends December 12, 2010

Latkes

2 tablespoons canola oil


2 pounds (5 medium) peeled medium-starch potatoes, such as Yukon gold

1 medium red onion, finely chopped (3/4 cup)

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 eggs, lightly beaten

applesauce and sour cream, for serving

Heat oven to 450° F. Brush 2 baking sheets with 1 tablespoon of the oil and set aside. Using a box grater or a food processor fitted with a shredding blade, coarsely grate the potatoes. Place the grated potatoes in a large bowl with the onion, flour, salt, pepper, eggs, and the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss to mix well.
Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto baking sheets and press lightly to make patties. Bake 10 minutes or until golden brown on the bottom. Turn the latkes with a metal spatula and rotate the baking sheets. Bake another 5 minutes or until golden. Transfer to a platter and serve with the applesauce and sour cream.

This recipe makes 2 dozen latkes.

New pamper Points Code

Thanks to Bargian Briana I have a new Pampers Point Code to share This code is worth 100 points and it is
LoveComesEarlyT
use the code DEC2010FACEBOOK for 10 points additonal

Tiny Tim Sandwich Cookies



1 cup sugar, divided


2 to 3 drops red food coloring

2 to 3 drops green food coloring

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup shortening

1/4 cup confectioners' sugar

1 teaspoon almond extract

2-1/3 cups all-purpose flour



FROSTING:

2 cups confectioners' sugar

3 tablespoons butter, softened

4-1/2 teaspoons heavy whipping cream

3/4 teaspoon almond extract

Red and green food coloring, optional

Directions

In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup sugar and red food coloring; set aside. In another small bowl, combine remaining sugar with green food coloring; set aside.

In a large bowl, cream the butter, shortening and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in extract. Gradually add flour and mix well. Shape into 1/2-in. balls.

Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Coat bottom of two glasses with cooking spray, then dip one in red sugar and the other in green sugar. Flatten cookies alternately with prepared glasses, redipping in sugar as needed.

Bake at 375° for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.

For frosting, in a small bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar, butter, cream and extract. If desired, tint half of the frosting red and the other half green. Frost the bottoms of half of the cookies; top with remaining cookies. Yield: 5 dozen.

source: Taste of Home

Isn't She A Cute Minnie


This is my little niece the diva is she not adorable This was her in her little tutu costume her mom got her for Halloween. I just had to share this picture as it is adorable

Win some Johnsonville Sausage

Do you like a good sausage every once and again? We do and the choice of ours is Johnsonville sausage. Johnsonville sells so many delicous sausage products from links to patties. Have you ever tried Johnsonville? Well you have the great chance to try them for free if you enter the giveaway over at Leslie Loves Veggies where two winners will win each recieve two coupons for free Johnsonville sausage Giveaway ends December 17, 2010

Win a Aprica Presto Stroller

I have a grand daughter and a grand son on the way. Their mommy and daddy love to do many activities that they take their children along on. The strollers that they use take a lot of wear and tear and they stand up pretty well. With a new baby on the way though I am sure that they could also use a new stroller to either move the older one up to a new stroller to use for the littlest one. The choice would be up to them all I want to do is to win this great new Aprica presto Stroller in a giveaway hosted by the Busy Mommy Media. Giveaway ends December 17, 2010

Lunch Bag Scrap Book

This is such a fun way to capture memories. Perfect gift to make for parents, grandparents, teachers or anyone who has influenced you or your childs life. The scrap book is crafted from folded brown paper bags. You make the pages by using holiday cards, photos or whatever you choose.

What you'll need: Three brown lunch bags, scissors, hole punch, pencil, thin ribbon, glue, assorted embellishments (we used patterned papers, gift wrap scraps, buttons, stickers, rickrack, and photos)



Make it: Cut off the bottom of the lunch bags, stack them, and fold in half. (If necessary, trim edges to make pages even.) Remove the outermost bag and punch three to four holes along the folded edge. Using this bag as a guide, punch corresponding holes in the other two folded bags, one at a time. Restack folded bags and thread ribbon through the holes to bind the book. Embellish the cover as desired using gift-wrap scraps, buttons, photos, and more
 
idea: Parents Online

GumDrop Wreath

This is such a cute project and every member of the family can work together on it. The only thing is that one may eat more than they place on the wreath. To construct this wreat is easy you simply use toothpicks broken in half and gumdrops and a foam wreath.

idea from Parents online

Peanut Butter with Butterscotch Bits Cookies


1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour


1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 1/2 cups chunky peanut butter (not

1 cup sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 11-oz. package butterscotch morsels

In a large bowl, mix flour, baking soda and salt. Beat butter and peanut butter until smooth. Gradually add sugar, beating to blend. Beat in egg and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture and butterscotch morsels. Form into a large disk and wrap in plastic. Chill for 2 hours or overnight. Preheat oven to 375°F; line 2 baking sheets with parchment. Use hands to form dough into 1 1/2-inch balls. Place balls about 2 inches apart on cookie sheets. Using a fork, press balls flat, then press again to form a crisscross pattern. Bake cookies until lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Cool on sheets for 10 minutes, then transfer to racks to cool completely. Repeat with remaining dough.


Recipe Source All You 2009

Winner of the Kidorable Umbrell + way to save for all as well as another way to win

Winner of the Kidorable Umbrella was Donna who said:

My granddaughter would love the Lucky Cat Rain Coat

If you were not a winner in this giveaway thanks for entering. Kidorable also has a treat for everyone. Kidorable is offering free freight via UPS Ground on all orders dated November 28 through Sunday December 5. Simply place your order and use the coupon code GRATEFUL2 at checkout to get free shipping on any order big or small. 

In addition to the free shipping Kidorable will be celebrating the first 12 days of December by giving lucky winners Free products. All you need to do is to fan them on facebook or follow on twitter and share the excitement with your friends. To enter just post a comment on our Facebook page or retweet each Giveaway. Winners will be randomly drawn every weekday at 2 pm. CST. The first contest has all ready started so be sure to head over there now and join in on the fun.


Kidorable wishes to remain an active part of what you do. The next time we have something of interest for your audience, I will definitely contact you. The next time you write on a subject where there’s even a remote possibility Kidorable can contribute or in any way make your life easier, I’ll be eagerly waiting for your call.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Sonic giveaway

I feel so lucky to live in a town with a Sonic's Drive In. The old fashioned charm of the car hops and being able to sit in the car and eat or at the tables on the patio give it a romantic feel. The food they serve there is not the same old same old as you can find hamburgers, hotdogs, onion rings, frenchfries, ice cream and the list goes on and on. It would be a treat if I won the $50 gc to Sonic's that is being given away by Dee from Two of a Kind Working on a Full House. This giveaway ends December 6, 2010.

Johnsons Gift Pack Giveaway

We have a little bundle of joy on the way and have all ready started to stack up on supplies. I love Johnsons baby products for both the little ones and for myself as well. I recently entered a giveaway at the blog Thoughts of a Mommy where two lucky winners will each win a giant basket of Johnsons baby products. Items in the basket include:

JOHNSON’S Honey Apple Bath Wash


JOHNSON’S Honey Apple Baby Lotion

JOHNSON’S Bubble Bath Melon

JOHNSONS’ Bedtime Bubble Bath

JOHNSONS’ Bubble Bath

JOHNSON’S Bedtime Wash

JOHNSON’S Bedtime Lotion

giveaway ends December 2, 2010

Win This Book and Think Positive

I have adored the Chicken Soup for the Soul books for many years. There are so many great ones. The Sage and Savvy blog is hosting giveaway where three lucky winners will get the Chicken Soup for the Soul Book Positive Thinking. This giveaway ends December 15, 2010

Sausage Cheese Balls

3 cups Original Bisquick® mix


1 pound bulk pork sausage

4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (16 ounces)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves, crushed

1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley or 1/2 teaspoon parsley flakes

Barbecue sauce or chili sauce, if desired

Heat oven to 350ºF. Lightly grease bottom and sides of jelly roll pan, 15 1/2x10 1/2x2x1 inch.Stir together all ingredients, using hands or spoon. Shape mixture into 1-inch balls. Place in pan.Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until brown. Immediately remove from pan. Serve warm with sauce for dipping.

source : Tablespoon

Microwave Recipe Easy Quesadillas


3/4 cup refried beans with sausage


4 (8-inch) flour tortillas

1 1/4 cups (5 ounces) shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided

1/2 cup taco sauce, divided

Sour cream

Spread beans evenly over 2 tortillas. Sprinkle evenly with 3/4 cup cheese, and drizzle with 1/4 cup taco sauce. Top with remaining tortillas.Microwave 1 quesadilla, covered with a paper towel, on a microwave-safe plate at HIGH 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Repeat procedure with remaining quesadilla. Cut each into 8 wedges; serve with remaining 1/4 cup taco sauce, sour cream, and remaining 1/2 cup cheese.


recipe source : southern living 1998

Broccoli with Lemon Crumbs

2 slices whole-wheat bread


2 tablespoons butter

1 lemon

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

2 12-ounce bags broccoli florets, or

1 large bunch broccoli, cut into florets

Preparation

Whirl the bread in a food processor or blender to make bread crumbs. Melt the butter in a small skillet. Add the bread crumbs and sauté over medium heat until toasted. Grate the zest from the lemon. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice from one half into the pan. Add the salt and several grinds of black pepper and cook, stirring constantly, until dry. (The Lemon Crumbs can be made to this point up to 2 days ahead. Spoon into a plastic bag and set aside at room temperature.)

Microwave the broccoli according to the package directions. (If using fresh broccoli, pile the florets on a microwave-safe plate and sprinkle with a few tablespoons of water. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave 3 to 5 minutes or until crisp-tender.) Remove and sprinkle with the Lemon Crumbs.

Time-saver: Cook the broccoli florets right in their microwavable bag. No waiting for water to boil. And, again, no extra pot to clean.


Recipe from: Real Simple

Don't forget to enter the giveaway from Progresso where the winner wins lemon planko bread crumbs and a great cookbook as well