Annies Home a place where I love to share tips, recipes and wonderful products that I find for our family along the way.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Room It Up Gift Card Giveaway
Laptop Giveaway
Giveaway on New Age Mama Blog
Small Talk Six
Coupons in Sunday Paper
Air Wick Scented Oil (1) twin refill or (2) single refills – $1.00 off (x1/03/10)
Air Wick Warmer Free wyb any Air Wick Scented Oil Refill fragrance – up to $2.19 (x1/03/10)
Archway Brand Cookie variety – $1.00 off any 1 (x1/31/10) DND-5
Betty Crocker Box or Pouch Potatoes, excludes Potato Buds – 35 cents off any 1 (x1/16/10)
Brut Fragrance Product – $1.00 off any 1 (x12/31/09)
Chinet Classic White or Casuals Plates – $1.00 off any 1 (x1/31/10)
Chinet Comfort Cups or Chinet Napkins – $1.00 off any 1 (x1/31/10)
Chinet Cut Crystal Plates or Cups – $1.00 off any 1 (x1/31/10)
Chinet Salad/Side Dishes – $2.00 off any 1 (x1/31/10)
Duck brand packaging tape – $1.00 off any 1 (x1/31/10)
Duracell CopperTop AA or AAA 4pk+, or any size C,D,9v or PowerPix & Ultra Advanced AA or AAA, or Ultra Photo Lithium (123, 223, 245, CR2, CR-V3) – 75 cents off any 1 (x12/31/09)
Farmland Half Spiral Ham – $2.00 off any 1 (x2/28/10)
Farmland Quarter Spiral Sliced Ham – $2.00 off any 1 (x2/28/10)
Fisher product, 4oz+ – $1.00 off any 1 (x5/31/10)
Florida’s Natural Brand Premium Not from concentrate Fruit Juice, 59oz+ – $1.00 off any 1 (x12/31/09)
General Mills Cereals listed (kids type flavors) – $1.00 off any 3 (x1/2/10)
Glade, The Fragrance Collection – $3.00 off any 2 (x1/16/10)
Hill’s Science Diet Simple Essentials Treats, 12.3oz+ – $1.00 off any 1 (x12/31/09) DND-5
Infusium 23 purchase – $2.00 off any 1 (x12/31/09)
Johnsonville Wisconsin Cheddar Cheese Breakfast Sausage OR Four Cheese Italian Sausage – 55 cents off any 1 (x12/31/09) DND-5
Kraft or Cracker Barrel Natural Cheese, shreds or chunks – $1.00 off any 2 (x12/31/09)
Marzetti Veggie Dip, 11oz+ – 75 cents off any 1 (x2/28/10)
MIR FORM – $5.00 back by mail wyb Santa Buddies on Blu-ray or DVD AND any Butterball frozen or fresh whole turkey. Send copy of receipt(s), (dated 11/1-2/28 for turkey and dated 11/24-2/28 for movie), Tail Tag from turkey may be sent in lieu of receipt for turkey, POP Tab from Movie, and form. No PO Boxes, postmark by 3/30/10. 1 per household.
Motrin or Children’s Motrin product – $3.00 off any 2 (x4/30/10) E-T-S
Pillsbury Crescent Dinner Rolls – 25 cents off any 1 (x2/13/10)
Pillsbury Crescent Dinner Rolls – 50 cents off any 2 (x2/13/10)
Pillsbury Frozen Grands! Biscuits, Cinnamon Rolls, or Mini Cinnamon Rolls – 75 cents off any 2 (x2/13/10)
Pillsbury Grands! Sweet Rolls – 55 cents off any 2 (x2/13/10)
Pillsbury Refrigerated Cookie Dough – $1.00 off any 3 (x2/13/10)
Pillsbury Refrigerated Grands! Biscuits – 30 cents off any 2 (x2/13/10)
Pillsbury Refrigerated Sweet Rolls – 40 cents off any 2 (x2/13/10)
Pillsbury Rolled Refrigerated Pie Crusts – 50 cents off any 2 (x2/13/10)
Pillsbury Simply Refrigerated Cookie Dough – 55 cents off any 1 (x2/13/10)
Purina Alpo Chop House, 13.2oz or smaller – B2G1 free up to 89 cent value (x1/05/10)
Purina Alpo, 13.2oz = B2G1 free up to 89 cents (x1/05/10)
Rocky the Robot Truck Interactive Buddy – $3.00 off any 1 (x12/31/09)
Schick Disposable Razor – $1.00 off any 1 (x1/31/10)
Schick Quattro for Women or Intuition Plus Razor or Refill – $2.00 off any 1 (x1/31/10)
Schick Quattro Titanium Razor, Trimmer or Refill – $2.00 off any 1 (x1/31/10)
Scott Extra Soft Tissue – $1.00 off any 8+ rolls (x1/2/10)
Scott Flushable Moist Wipes Tub or Refill – 50 cents off any 1 (x1/2/10)
TrueNorth 100% Natural Nut Snacks, up to 6oz size – $1.00 off any 1 (x12/31/09)
Blog-abration 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Winner Sweet Shapes cookie cutters
First place winner and winner of the autumn set
Tami said...
i like the Comfort grip™ Pumpkin
The three others are each of these will receive a special turkey cookie cutter
Kristie said...
I like the Comfort grip™ Pumpkin cookie cutter!
Huguette E. said...
daily tweet
http://twitter.com/henglish/status/5857017804
GabbyLowe said...
follow
Friday Fragments
This past week has went so fast I am not even sure exactly what went on to me it just seems like a bunch of fragments. Let me explain:
- Sunday saw us at church and having a great time it seems that my nephews are beginning to understand what church is all about. I think the littlest one thinks church is where you go visit the baby dolls as he seems to care for them the whole time he is there
- Monday was just a bit different with the oldest one having fun running laps at school. While he ran the other one had been in trouble for running her mouth and the teacher was coming for a visit at the house. Great excitement no it was not it was more like having your teeth pulled yet smiling and trying to listen
- Tuesday saw the two boys traveling home with their dad after begging him to come and get them and them begging me not to let them go. I have come to the conclusion that until their dad wants to visit with them this will not happen again. They left the house crying and came home with big hugs the next day.
Well not for sure what else happened must say it has been super busy what was your week like? Visit the blog Half Past Kissin Time and share
Aloha Friday
Aloha Friday as explained by the host blog An Island Life:
In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.
If you’d like to participate, just post your own question on your blog and leave your link below. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!
Thanksgiving Prayer
We thank you for the turkey,
The gravy and the dressing.
Dear Lord, this table overflows
With Thy abundant blessing.
Let us always be aware
That all gifts come from You,
And may we serve Your heavenly will
In everything we do. Amen.
By Joanna Fuchs
Dear Lord,
As we gather together around this table
laden with your plentiful gifts to us,
we thank You for always providing
what we really need
and for sometimes granting wishes
for things we don’t really need.
Today, let us be especially thankful
for each other--for family and friends
who enrich our lives in wonderful ways,
even when they present us with challenges.
Let us join together now
in peaceful, loving fellowship
to celebrate Your love for us
and our love for each other. Amen.
By Joanna Fuchs
ProMom Couture Giveaway
ProMom Couture wants to offer one of Annies Home readers their choice of tee or tank.
- follow Annies Home blog
- subscribe to Annies Home (3 entries)
- grab my button and let me know where you place it. (5 entries) link in comment
- follow ProMom Couture on twitter
- follow ProMom Couture on facebook
- follow my blog on twitter and tweet (1 entry per tweet) link in comment
- blog about the giveaway (5 entries) link in comment
Contest starts today and runs through December 15, 2009. Email must be in comment or on blog Good Luck Open to all
Cranberry Thanksgiving Morning Recipe
For The Cake:
1/2 cup light margarine
1 cup sugar
1 egg
2 egg whites
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
2 cups flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup nonfat plain yogurt
1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce (leftover from thankgiving!)
1/2 cup sliced almonds (optional)
For The Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1. In a mixing bowl, cream margarine. Gradually add sugar beating until light and fluffy. Add egg and egg whites beating after each addition. Add almond extract. Set aside.
2. Combine flour and baking powder in measuring cup. Add to sugar mixture alternately with yogurt beginning and ending with flour mixture.
3. Pour batter into a muffin pan coated with non-stick cooking spray and dusted with flour. (Or use muffin cups.) Spoon cranberry sauce evenly over batter; sprinkle with almonds.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until muffins are done (check by inserting a toothpick until it come out clean). Make glaze: combine all glaze ingredients in a small bowl and stir until smooth. Drizzle muffins with glaze.
found on the website MR. Breakfast
The End of Oprah?
Will this be the end of Oprah Winfrey? I would dare say no. Some have said that Oprah will move her show to her own network known as Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). Whatever Oprah does I am sure she will do it with the same ambition she has shown on her show. Whether you like Oprah or not you must admit that she has been part of many adventures such as the recent elections supporting President Obama, the attempt to bring the Olympics to the U.S. and the wonderful work she has done in Chicago Illinois.
what do you think
New Moon
Salute to those involved with Foster Care
- the average age of the child waiting for adoption is 8 years old
- there are plenty of children under age of 5 that are part of sibling groups that are waiting for adoption
- The percentage across the board of boys and girls, and blacks and whites are all approximately equal.
- one out of every five children will not be adopted and will exit the system at 18 or 21 without being adopted
- The children that live in these foster homes are our children they are children that need love they do not belong to someone else and they are not throw away kids. We all have a responsibility to help these kids in all that we can do.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Cover Your Hair
- follow my blog
- subscribe to my blog (3 entries)
- grab my button place it on your blog or place my blog on your blog roll (5 entries)
- fan cover your hair on facebook
- follow cover your hair on twitter
- follow my blog on twitter and tweet about the giveaway (1 entry per tweet) leave link in comment
- blog about the giveaway (5 entries)
Microwave Thanksgiving Turkey Candy
•12 chocolate candy stars
•12 caramel candies, unwrapped
•12 scalloped chocolate-frosted shortbread cookies
•12 pieces of candy corn
Tips for getting ready for Thanksgiving
- Create a plan of a countdown chart
- most desserts or parts of desserts such as sauce, crust, pie filling or toppings can be made at least a day ahead
- Bread for stuffing can be cut up the day ahead and allowed to dry a bit in a paper bag
- the night before baking season the turkey and place in pan so it will be ready to go
- cranberry sauces are a great make ahead dish
- prepare veggies to be prepared
- several different kinds of appetizers can be prepared ahead of time
If you have any great cook ahead tips of your own I would love to hear them
Wilted Lettuce
Take a large bunch of leafy lettuce. Shred loosely in large bowl. Sprinkle salt over. In frying pan, fry quartered strips of bacon - just crisp. Then add 1/4 cup vinegar, 2 tablespoons sugar and 3/4 cup water. Bring to a roaring boil and quickly pour over lettuce, stir quickly and cover until wilted. Garnish with sliced green onions and radishes.
find more great vintage recipes on the blog Joy of Desserts
Win a case of Dr. Pepper
- Follow Dr. Pepper on twitter
- tweet this message:
Case-A-Day @DrPepper Giveaway! RT daily for chance to win Dr Pepper + iPod Nano every Friday! http://bit.ly/5j1gf
enter once a day to win a case of Dr. Pepper and on Fridays they are giving away an iPod Nano with 23 songs, along with a 24-pack of Dr Pepper.
Thanks to Grammy Janet for sharing about this wonderful giveaway
Thankful Thursday
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.
For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.
In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also.
The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land.
O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker
Psalm 95:1-6
Buddies
1000 word cookies
1000 word cookies
2 sticks butter
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels
1 cup toffee bits
1 1/3 cup coconut
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In large bowl combine flour, salt, and baking soda, mixing lightly. In a separate bowl mix butter, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add one egg at a time to butter mixture beating well after each egg. Slowly add flour mixture to butter mixture, making sure both are well incorporated. Add chocolate morsels, toffee bits, and coconut. On an ungreased cookie sheet, roll cookie dough into 1 inch diameter balls. Bake for about 10-13 minutes or until a toothpick slides out clean. Let stand five minutes.
Leggo My Eggo
From the Eggo website you will find this message:
You may have noticed that some of your favorite Eggo® Products are out of stock. We are working hard to get all of our products back into grocers’ freezers as quickly as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your continued support.
So until this little fiasco is over waffle eaters like us will have to get them while we can and when we cant wait til they come back
Healthy Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Onion topping:
1/2 teaspoon canola oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
Sauce & green beans:
2 cups skim milk
6 black peppercorns
1 bay leaf
Pinch grated nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon canola oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 pound mushrooms, trimmed and sliced (3 cups)
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 9-ounce package frozen green beans (2 cups)
To make onion topping: Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over low heat. Add sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until very tender and golden, about 30 minutes. Set aside.
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spread breadcrumbs on a baking sheet and toast, stirring once, until lightly browned, 5 to 10 minutes. Set aside.
To make sauce: Combine milk, peppercorns, bay leaf and nutmeg in a medium saucepan and heat over low until steaming. Remove from heat, let stand for 5 minutes and strain into a measuring cup. (Discard peppercorns and bay leaf.)
Meanwhile, heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook, stirring often, until golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Add mushrooms and garlic and cook, stirring, until tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly. Bring to a boil, stirring. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring, until thickened, about 1 minute. Remove from heat. Whisk in sour cream, salt and pepper.
To assemble and bake casserole: Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Spread green beans evenly over the bottom of a shallow 2-quart baking dish and pour the sauce over the top. Toss together the reserved onions and breadcrumbs in a small bowl and spread over the beans. Bake until bubbling, 15 to 25 minutes
Pilgrim Hat Cookies made from store bought cookie
24 chocolate-striped shortbread cookies
12-ounce package of chocolate chips
24 marshmallows
tube of yellow decorators' frosting
Set the chocolate-striped cookies stripes down on a wax-paper-covered tray, spacing them well apart. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler. One at a time, stick a wooden toothpick into a marshmallow, dip the marshmallow into the melted chocolate, and promptly center it atop a cookie. Using a second toothpick to lightly hold down the marshmallow, carefully pull out the first toothpick. Chill the hats until the chocolate sets, then pipe a yellow decorators' frosting buckle on the front of each hat
These are so cute and I believe they will be super easy to make so I believe I will serve these beside the place cards
What Scent Defines You
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Christmas Giveaway @ 5 Minutes For Mom
LeBron James and Cleveland Browns
What do you think?
Stress Free Kids review and contest
Affirmation Weaver is a story which helps your child turn to believe in yourself. Many children love dolphins and the book helps your child use this love of dolphin to help to learn to love himself. Your child's self esteem will grow as positive statements are used to build self image, manage stress and anxiety and accomplish goals. Your child will feel better about their self and the world around them after reading this book.
Lori Lite also offers CDs as part of her Stress Free Kid product line. There are cds for children, teens and adults. We were able to review the wonderful cd Indigo Teen Dreams.
Indigo Teen Dreams helps teens to manage stress, anger and anxiety while it helps them to increase self esteem and self awareness. Being a teen is hard and a tool that can help them to manage the stress, anger and anxiety and helps them to feel better about theirselves and find out who they are is wonderful in my opinion. The cd helps teens new relaxation and stress management techniques, guides them through instructions on techniques of breathing, visualizations, muscular relaxation, and affirmations. Teens learn how to deal easier with the problems that they face while providing a safe place for them to turn to where no worries or peer pressure is found.
These and other wonderful books and cd's can be ordered off their online website
http://stressfreekids.com/
Stress Free Kids also is hosting a video contest where the winner wil receive a class room visit from Lori Lite. 2nd place winner will recieve full set of signed books and 3rd place winner will win full set of signed cd's. To find out even more information follow this link
http://stressfreekids.net/wordpress/
Parents Magazine helps with Preschool Tantrums
- give them their space a bit but ask them if they would play or do what you want when they have had a few minutes of their own time
- independence is a issue at the preschool level allow them to help their selves while you help them do that
- try to keep activities times at short time span to hold with little ones attention spans
- offer choices of how to get the job done this allows them to feel in control yet the job is getting done
- allow a warning that time is almost up and the time to start something else is coming
Hopefully these little tips will help you to keep you and your child happy and content with all the holiday business
We Take The Cake discount
Order your thanksgiving cakes by November 23,2009 and from now til November 30 use the code holiday15 for a 15% discount off your cake.
Sources for Thanksgiving Printables
- Family Shopping Bag which features printables for both adults and kids with recipe cards and coloring and activity sheets
- DLTK Kids which I have used for sunday school lessons, homeschool worksheets, coloring pages etc...
- Disney Family Fun which features both printables for kids and adults with activity sheets, planners, leftover labels and coloring pages to name just a few
- American Greetings which has printable invitations
- Printactivities.com which has puzzles and etc... for the older kids
- teas2dine4 which has long list of assorted printables
- parents.com offers place cards, stickers and travel bingo cards among other things
- activity village offers fun printables to use as homeschool or practice worksheets
- making friends.com allows you to create a festive thanksgiving hat, scarecrows, paper thankful chains etc...
- A to Z teacher teacher printables where you can find coloring sheets and worksheets for kids of every age
Mickey Mouse Birthday
(2) Thanksgiving Stuffig recipes (1) Slow Cook Stuffing Recipe
1 bag (15 oz) herb-seasoned stuffing
1/3 cup chopped parsley
12 oz bulk pork sausage
3 Tbsp butter
2 cups chopped onion
1 cup chopped celery
1 can (14 oz) reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 1/4 cups water
Heat oven to 350ºF. Grease a shallow 3-qt baking dish.Put stuffing mix and parsley in a large bowl. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook over medium-high heat, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon, 6 minutes or until browned and cooked through. Add to bowl with stuffing. Melt butter in same skillet. Add onion and celery, and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes or until tender. Add broth and water, stirring to remove any browned bits. Add to bowl. Gently toss to mix. Spoon into baking dish and cover with foil. Bake 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 minutes more or until lightly browned.
Since everyones tradition can be a bit different here are some variations for you
MUSHROOM, SAUSAGE & FENNEL VARIATION: Use Italian pork sausage (no casing) instead of bulk pork sausage. Use chopped fennel instead of celery; sauté 8 oz sliced mushrooms along with the onions and fennel.
APPLE, BACON & SAGE VARIATION: Add 1/3 cup chopped fresh sage with the parsley. Use 1-in. pieces sliced bacon instead of bulk pork sausage. Drain fat from skillet. Sauté 2 cups diced, peeled apple along with the onions and celery. Use apple cider instead of water.
SMOKED HAM–CORNBREAD VARIATION: Use cilantro instead of parsley. Use diced smoked ham instead of bulk pork sausage. Reduce onion to 1 cup, and add 1 cup chopped red bell pepper and a chopped poblano chile pepper. Sauté ham along with vegetables. Stir in 1 tsp ground cumin with broth.
Slow Cooker Mushroom and Herb Bread Stuffing
2 medium onions, chopped
2 cups chopped celery
12 oz mushrooms, sliced
2/3 cup chopped parsley
2 tsp dried sage
1 tsp each poultry seasoning and dried thyme
1/2 tsp dried marjoram
11/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
11/4 cups chicken broth
2 large eggs
1 loaf (1 lb) whole-wheat bread, torn in pieces, left out overnight to dry
Have ready a 5-qt or larger slow-cooker. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and celery; sauté 8 to 10 minutes until translucent. Add mushrooms; cook 5 minutes. Stir in parsley, sage, poultry seasoning, thyme, marjoram, salt and pepper. Transfer to cooker. Whisk broth and eggs in a bowl to combine. Stir, with the bread, into cooker mixture until blended. Cook on high 45 minutes then reduce heat to low and cook 4 to 6 hours.
These recipes can be found on the Womans Day site
Racheal Ray's Sweet Potato recipe
3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced on a bias
3 tablespoons butter
Zest and juice of 1 orange, divided
1 cup chicken stock
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
Salt and pepper
2 bananas, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons sugar
Preheat broiler.
Boil potatoes until tender, drain and reserve. (I may sub can yams?)
Return the pot to the stovetop over medium heat and add butter and orange juice. Cook 1 minute then add stock and brown sugar. Add reserved potatoes back to the pot and mash until combined. Season with nutmeg, salt, pepper and orange zest, to taste.
Pour the potatoes out into a 9x9” baking dish and layer the banana slices over the top, overlapping them like shingles. Sprinkle the top with sugar and broil until caramelized.
Dancing with the Stars
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Southern Bella's Ways To Save: Crafts for Christmas: Soy Ice CandleSouthern Bella's Ways To Save
Remember last winter
What stereotype are you
You Are a Girl or Guy Next Door |
You are as all American as apple pie, and you're so normal that you belong in a TV sitcom. And really, that's a pretty great thing. You're a solid person, and you pride yourself on being quite down to earth. You value your friends and family, and you don't need much in life to be content. You feel grateful for what you have. You are honest and you have a great work ethic. You believe in giving back as much as you can. |
Coombs Family Farms organic maple syrup
My own heritage is the family farms. In fact the entire area where I am from is family farms. My mothers parents owned their own land and my fathers parents simply farmed the land they leased. Either way they had pride in what they did took care of the earth because they lived off the land. Even now I love to use organics that have not used chemicals my parents and grandparents cared enough to give me the best and I in return want to give my own children and grandchildren this same benefit. Coombs Family Farms syrup is delicious and organic what else could you ask for.
Pure maple has been a way of life at Coombs Family Farms for seven generations. Just like my great grandparents, grandparents, uncle and his son this family takes pride in producing a wonderful product. Coombs Family Farms has produced 100% pure maple since 1840. In 1988 the Coombs Family Farms has produced certified organic maple syrup. The Coombs Family Farms also sources 100% pure organic certified maple from other small, independent farmers who share the Coombs commitment to quality, environmental stewardship, and sustainable forestry management.
As I said we received a bottle of syrup to help form a review of the product. You can try any of the wonderful products created by the Coombs Family Farms. The products available at Amazon.com are pancake mixes, maple syrup, pure maple sugar, and old fashioned maple candies.
Five Most Annoying Parents
http://www.babble.com/facebook-common-parenting-pitfalls/index.aspx
1. The Bragger Parent
As the most popular type of parent, this category has trapped even the most well-meaning moms and dads. While your progeny may have walked early, used an adverb correctly or even commented on the recent health care debate, does everyone really need to hear about it? Sure, occasional bragging is part of the parental bill of rights, but abuse of this privilege can be met with swift exclusion from friend lists. And though your pals would not mention anything to your face, you can tell by your ever-waning wall activity that it's time to put a lid on it.
2. The Whiner Parent
Baby been keeping you up all night? Spitting up his food? Won't go poopy on the potty? Say hello to the Whiner Parent. Always complaining about their sleep and happiness deprivation, you'd think these parents and their colicky offspring had a monopoly on the crying game. While it's okay to occasionally post an FB rant to gain much-needed sympathy and even advice from other veteran parent pals, if you're always complaining prepare to lose some Facebook friends and fast.
3. The Cool Parent
Oh, the good old halcyon days of all-night clubbing and indie rock concerts. Those were good times. The problem is they're over and have been replaced with broken sleep cycles and Laurie Berkner concerts. While many parents have changed their wild ways with the arrival of their precious, others refuse to alter their lifestyle or sacrifice their hipness, using Facebook to affirm their undying alternative ways. Expect to see lots of postings for concert attendance, plaintive invites to loft parties and recounts of nights on the town. And while these parents may in fact be having fun, they're really not fooling anyone
4. The Obsessed Parent
Obsessed parents and Facebook go together like peas and pods. After all, where else can these hyper-consumed parents find such a captive audience for their myriad of photos, videos and announcements? This type of parent has completely given up their Facebook identity to their offspring, sticking their baby's photos smack dab where their own used to be. Of course, if you're going to be obsessed with your baby, Facebook is as good a place as any — beats whipping out your iPhone baby pics at parties
5. The Zen Parent
"Oh, this little thing? It's just my thirty-pound toddler that I lug around on my back. Is he heavy? No, quite light actually. It's really much easier than it looks." The Zen parent is a relatively new phenomenon brought about by sustainable living and attachment parenting philosophies and they are multiplying by the droves. Common posts include pithy aphorisms about the joys of parenting and the general beauty of the world. Based on their posts, you'd think their babies have never shed a tear in their life. Yeah, we get it. Life is great. Babies are wonderful. Being a mom is the best thing you've ever done. Bleary-eyed parents with spit up on your shirts take note: Their babies are probably pooping their pants even as you read.
Thawing Turkey
Refrigerator Thawing (this is the manner I use)
When thawing a turkey in the refrigerator:
Plan ahead: allow approximately 24 hours for each 4 to 5 pounds in a refrigerator set at 40 °F or below.
Place the turkey in a container to prevent the juices from dripping on other foods.
Refrigerator Thawing Times
Whole turkey:
4 to 12 pounds …… 1 to 3 days
12 to 16 pounds …… 3 to 4 days
16 to 20 pounds …… 4 to 5 days
20 to 24 pounds …… 5 to 6 days
A thawed turkey can remain in the refrigerator for 1 or 2 days before cooking. Foods thawed in the refrigerator can be refrozen without cooking but there may be some loss of quality.
Cold Water Thawing
Allow about 30 minutes per pound.
First be sure the turkey is in a leak-proof plastic bag to prevent cross-contamination and to prevent the turkey from absorbing water, resulting in a watery product.
Submerge the wrapped turkey in cold tap water. Change the water every 30 minutes until the turkey is thawed. Cook the turkey immediately after it is thawed.
Cold Water Thawing Times
4 to 12 pounds …… 2 to 6 hours
12 to 16 pounds …… 6 to 8 hours
16 to 20 pounds …… 8 to 10 hours
20 to 24 pounds …… 10 to 12 hours
A turkey thawed by the cold water method should be cooked immediately. After cooking, meat from the turkey can be refrozen.
Microwave Thawing
Follow the microwave oven manufacturer's instruction when defrosting a turkey. Plan to cook it immediately after thawing because some areas of the food may become warm and begin to cook during microwaving. Holding partially cooked food is not recommended because any bacteria present wouldn't have been destroyed.
A turkey thawed in the microwave must be cooked immediately.
Thanksgiving Appetizer: Veggie Bars
2 pkgs of crescent rolls - 8 ozs
2 pkgs of cream cheese - 8 ozs
1 pkg original ranch dressing mix
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup each carrots, cauliflower, onion, broccoli, and celery - chopped fine
spread the rolls flat on a 15x10 cookie sheet, pressing together bake at 375 for 10 - 12 minutes While the rolls are cooling blend cream cheese, mayonnaise, and dressing mix Mix about 3/4 cup each of the chopped vegetables into the cream cheese mixture. Spread on the baked crust Sprinkle the rest of the chopped vegetables on top and press in lightly cut into bars and serve
Thanksgiving Ideas for Kids to Help With
Kids could make mini pies along side of you. Simply allow them to use pie dough and cut out 5 circles using a small bowl (butter bowl the small size would work great) the scraps can be reserved for strips to go on top. Press these 5 circles into muffin cup tins. Press up sides. Fill with the same pie filling as you are using or allow your child to use their favorite pie filling. Top the filling with the strips. Bake at 425 degrees for 18 minutes.
So the next time you r little chef wants to help in the kitchen during the holidays you will have a few ideas for them planned and ready to go.
Childrens book giveaway
March of Dimes bloggers unite
March of Dimes has been a charity of sorts that my family has alwasys supported. My mother lost her first child at 6 weeks old. Many years ago there was not alot known about why things happened or a lot of support for the mothers who lost these tiny babies. My mother has for ever spoke up for the March of Dimes and the wonderful work they do. Three of my own children were preemies, one being born without the sucking reflex, and all 3 of them requiring needed attention and oxygen at birth. While my three survived there are millions of babies every year that do not. The March of Dimes is figting to find out why and what can be done. Bloggers like me and you can unite and post about the babies that we knew or know and love.
Sarah Palin
What do you think?
Space Shuttle Atlantis
What do you think?
Monday, November 16, 2009
Homemaker Monday
The weather in my neck of the woods:
well was a nice day in the morning but now rain has moved in so will be in 40s tonight not to bad for mid november
One of my simple pleasures:
sitting with my hubby at kitchen table chatting and enjoying good cup of coffee
On my bedside table:
cold medicine and oreos that were left from snack
On my TV:
Entertainment Tonight
On the menu for tonight:
doing this after supper tonight but we had grilled ham slices and scrambled eggs
On my To Do List:
laundry as usual all other done for night hubby early doctor appt in morning
New Recipe I tried last week:
peanut butter cup brownies
In the craft basket:
place cards for thanksgiving (shared in earlier post)
Looking forward to:
Thanksgiving
Homemaking Tip for this week:
working together as a team will make the work seem less
Lesson learned the past few days:
Sometimes life throws you curve balls but if you pray about it and work together those curve balls become home runs
On my Prayer List:
my family
deacon at the church who has health problems
a friends father
Devotionals, Scripture Reading, Key Verses:
he will never let the righteous fall.
Psalm 55:22 NIV
Book Review: America Welcome To The Poor House
The book America, Welcome To The PoorHouse by Jane WHite looks at situations that we face as Americans. As I grew up the older people looked forward to the days of retirement and freedom a time that they could do what they wanted to do. Now many of those who would retire and live as they please find their selves still having to work, not because they want to but because they have to. The baby boomers (3.4 million to be exact) will see retirment in 2011. The fate of these individuals unless planned for will be one of pension poor or pension less.
Jane White, a noted financial writer and president and founder of Retiremet Solutions, writes the warning loud and clear in the book America, Welcome to The PoorHouse : What You Must Do to Protect Your Financial Future and the Reform We Need published in October 2009. This is not the first time that Jane White has sounded the alarm bells. In 1991 she foretold the housing bubble and the risk cased by adjustable rate mortgages. In 2007 she testified before the Department of Labor warning the impending 401 K disaster.
Mrs White makes a few suggestions in her book America, Wecome To The PoorHouse. These suggestions include:
- have both spouses work and save one income
- choose a Roth 401 (k)
- contribute the maximum allowed by law
- develop a buy and hold strategy
- avoid borrowing from your 401 (k)
- rollover your 401 (K) to an IRA instead of any new employers plan
In a recent CNN poll 39% felt that they would be able to continue their current quality of life, 50% were confident they would meet their mortgage payment, 24% thought they would be able to send their child to college, and only 22% had saved enough for retirement. I think that many times we just put off retirement while we are looking at all the other things we face in life. Perhaps that is why it is very important that we check out Jane White's book America, Welcome to the PoorHouse
Taylor Swift Entertainer of the Year
myEarth360 discount code
Plymoth Rocks
Vegan Pumpkin Pie
•3/4 pound silken (soft) tofu
•1 16 ounce can pumpkin puree
•1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
•3/4 tsp ginger
•1/2 tsp nutmeg
•1/2 tsp salt
•1/3 cup oil
•1 tsp vanilla
•1 cup brown sugar
•1 1/2 tbsp molasses
•1 pre-made pie crust
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine all ingredients, except for pie crust, in a food process or blender and process until smooth. Pour into pie crust.
Bake for one hour.
Chill before serving and top with whipped cream or non-dairy whipped cream if desired
recipe shared on the blog 11th heaven's Homemking Haven and
Thanksgiving Pecan Pie Bar Cookies
18 1/4 ounces (1 box) chocolate cake mix
(set aside 1 cup of cake mix from package)
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 egg, slightly beaten
3 eggs
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup dark corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/4 cups coarsely chopped pecans
Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan; set aside. Set aside second measure of the cake mix for the filling. For the crust, in a large mixing bowl combine remaining cake mix, butter, and slightly beaten egg. Stir with a fork until crumbly. Turn into prepared pan. With lightly floured hands, press evenly onto the bottom to form a crust. Bake for 12 minutes. Meanwhile, for filling, in a medium bowl combine the second measure of eggs, brown sugar, corn syrup and vanilla. Add the reserved cake mix; stir with a fork just until blended. Some tiny cake clumps will remain. Spread filling evenly over baked crust; sprinkle with pecans. Bake for 25 - 30 minutes or until filling appears set when pan is gently shaken. Cool completely on wire rack. Cut into bars. Cover and chill to store.