annies home: 2010-02-28

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Small Talk 6: What will you always find on shopping list

Small Talk 6 is hosted by MomDot and you Today’s topic is “6 items that are on your grocery/shopping list every single week.” You can answer this with a list of 6 words, 6 phrases, 6 sentences, 6 paragraphs, 6 photos, 6 videos, etc . . .

this is very easy because these are the 6 things that I place at top of every shopping list:

juice

milk

bread

eggs

fruit

granola bars

Saturday 9

1. No matter what's going on in your life, what always makes you smile?

my family and being with them

2. What's the biggest lie you've ever told?

who said I lied? (whoops I just did it again)

3. Do you hold a grudge?

maybe not a grudge but I have a good memory

4. What is the worst job you've ever had?

cant say I ever had one I worked in nursing field many years and loved it

5. What would be your dream job?

I would love to own a large antique shop

6. What is the happiest event you've experienced?

my marriage, the birth of my children, their weddings and graduations I have truly been blessed in life

7. What is the saddest thing you've experienced?

my fathers death

8. Do you tend to exaggerate or underestimate?

well sometimes If I am bummed or excited

9. List the cars that you have owned. Give us just a few words about each one.

van - good one got us a lot of places
thunderbird - lots of fun
station wagon = young family very dependable

American Greetings PhotoWorks

Recently I was able to work with the American Greetings PhotoWorks to create a baby themed photo book. I was not for sure if this was something I could do by myself or not. When it comes to technicals I like to have one of my teens near by where I can holler out for help. To my surprise creating the American Greetings Photoworks photo book was very easy. In fact if you can add pictures to a social website you can create a photo book on their website. The only hard part was deciding what pictures of Princess I was going to use. Once the pictures were selected the process was quick and easy. In fact I found that the time it took to download the pictures was not as long as it takes to download photos to facebook or myspace. I was very impressed with the ease of using the PhotoWorks process. If you are not wanting to create a baby book there are many other wonderful new styles of studio books.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of American Greetings PhotoWorks and received a free photo book to facilitate my review

Friday, March 5, 2010

Rudi's Organic Bakery Bread giveaway

We normally have sandwich night once or twice a week and often for lunches. When the bread we use is Rudi's Organci Bakery bread I can feel good about it. Rudi's has built a reputation on baking high quality products that contain the healthiest ingredients available. When a company is as passionate about their product as Rudi's is how can you go wrong? Since the beginning Rudi's has baked wonderful organic bakery goods. They care their philosophy of integrity of product through out the company from baking to labeling.

So does your family eat the old PB&J or bologna & cheese or do you have another favorite? Let me share with you a few of our favorites

Egg Salad Sandwich

hard boiled egg that has been peeled and chopped

2 T mayonnaise ( add a bit more or less here if you choose)

2 T chopped celery

1 T chopped green onion

salt and pepper (to taste)

leaf lettuce

2 slices Rudi's Organic Bread wheat and oat

Mash up the chopped egg with a fork. Mix mayonnaise, celery and onion into the egg. Season with salt and pepper. place lettuce leaf on piece of bread, spread egg mix over lettuce and put another slice of bread on top.

Tuna Salad Sandwich

6 oz. can tuna (we like oil packed but if packed in water drain it and add a teaspoon of olive oil)

1/3 c cottage cheese

2 T mayonnaise

1/4 of a purple or red onion , finely chopped

1 celery stalk, chopped fine

1 Tablespoon of capers

juice of 1/2 lemon (may use bottled lemon juice)

1 t Dijon mustard

country morning white bread (my son's favorite)

Mix all of the ingredients. Serve on country morning white bread your choice toasted or not

Rudi's Organic Bakery sent me 5 coupons for my readers. I will send one coupon to 5 winners.

To win: visit Rudi's Organic Bakery website and please let me know what product you would love to try.

Extra Entries:

share your favorite sandwich with me
follow my blog
subscribe to my blog
pick up my button and text link and place it on my blog leave me the link in comment (5 entries)
follow my blog on twitter and tweet the giveaway (1 entry per tweet) leave link in comment
blog about the giveaway (5 entries) leave link in comment
comment on any post let me know which one in comment

Giveaway starts now and will run through March 26, 2010. Good Luck Can not win if email is not on comment or on blog

Frugal Friday : Spring Break

Will you be getting away this spring? We all hear of the college students leaving for spring break. But I must say that we as a family will be trying to get away for a little trip. If you are tired of cabin fever and desire a quick trip. Here are some great frugal tips:

Plan the trip out ahead of time. Look for bargains using one of the great booking agents for hotels and car rentals such as hotwire or orbitz. Perhaps a road trip is what is called for rather than an airplane ride. Plan out a destination and find fun stops along the way.

Use cash only. While a credit card may be needed in emergencies using cash will keep you aware of what you are spending. Plan out the trip and how much money you will need before the trip.

Booking a hotel ahead of time may save you a bit of money. Many hotels also feature free breakfast as well as snacks for supper. There can be money saved here for sure. Many hotels also have work out rooms, swimming pools, hot tubs and other forms of entertainment. So the kids can stay busy and parents can rest a bit between the excitement of the trip

check for an entertainment books for the city you are visiting they often have coupons and great deals for restaurants, attractions, etc...

for more frugal tips please visit here

Last summer fun

Good Clean summertime fun with best friends now thats the life.

share your friday flashback picture here

Friday Frustration : Eczema

I am looking high and low for treatments and aides for eczema. My nephews and niece are scratching like crazy. If you have any cures please let us know. It is sad to see them so missarable. This becomes very frustrating when you are not sure what you can do

7 quick take friday: hopefull spring is coming

wow this week has went fairly quick here are my 7 quick takes:

We had early morning doctor appointment today and you know what that means breakfast out at McDonald's. Is it not funny how great that hash brown and sausage biscuit that you normally do not eat taste so good on your lips after a night of fasting
I had a good friend share with me that there was incident at her house. Her kids had been sick and the little one got sick and then slipped in the vomit and hit his head. She instantly without thinking said that sh_ _ word that she would not normally say. Her 8 year old son thought that was awful but the worst thing that she had cussed in front of her mother We have all had this type of day but the young man respected his grandmother so much that he thought his mother had committed one of the worst crimes ever
Have you seen them? Those little chicks and rabbits on the shelves? The wonderful peeps that we seem to look forward to each year. The problem is they are so good and not too bad if you at one or two but I happen to love them so much that I normally eat more than that. That is when they become a problem.
Forgiveness is such a great experience. Recently I learned this through friends and a moment of heated debate. Forgiveness is granted and I feel so blessed. The most wonderful forgiveness is that the Lord gave us all.
Little things in the environment are starting to change flowers popping up, grills in back of pickups, music being played by those outside working. These little signs must all be signs that spring is coming. Thank goodness, all though our temps have not caught up all the way I do so look forward to the warm days that hopefully will soon be here
Yesterday I was blessed to find out that there is a blogger that is just a few miles down the road. WOW!!!
Eczema is so bad with the kids right now. I feel so sorry for them. If you all have any ideas on what can work please let me know. thanks

that was my top 7 what are yours?

Tribute to CreamSicles

Do you remember those delicious creamsicles. They have always been one of my favorites. The wonderful woman's day online shared a wonderful creamsicle cupcake. I also love this creamsicle fudge recipe.

CreamSicle Fudge

•6 oz (1.5 sticks) butter
•2 cups granulated sugar
•3/4 cup heavy cream
•1 package (12 oz) white chocolate chips
•1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow cream (or fluff)
•1 tablespoon orange extract
•orange (or a combination of red and yellow) food coloring

Prepare a 13x9 pan by lining it with aluminum foil and spraying the foil with nonstick cooking spray. In a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, cream, and butter over medium heat. Continually stir the mixture until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Brush down the sides with a wet pastry brush. Bring the mixture to a boil, and once it starts boiling, stir continuously for four minutes. After four minutes of boiling, remove the pan from the heat and immediately stir in the marshmallow cream and white chocolate chips. Stir until the white chocolate has melted and the fudge is completely smooth. Working quickly, pour about a third of the white fudge into a bowl and set aside. To the remaining fudge, add the orange extract and orange food coloring, stirring until it is a smooth, even color. It is important to perform these steps quickly, because the fudge will start to set if you take too long, and the end result will not be smooth. Pour the orange fudge into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. Drop the white fudge over the top by the spoonful, then drag a table knife or toothpick through the fudge to create orange-white swirls. You can spray your hands with nonstick cooking spray and gently press them into the top to smooth out the swirls, if desired. Allow the fudge to set at room temperature for 2 hours, or in the refrigerator for 1 hour. To cut, pull the fudge out of the pan using the foil as handles. Use a large sharp knife to cut the fudge into small 1-inch squares. Store Orange Creamsicle Fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, and bring it to room temperature to serve.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Sub_Urban Riot review

I love the Sub_Urban Riot look. I have a daughter who does not do a lot of dressing up yet needs to look great. I received the tee "you are just perfect" from Sub_urban Riot. I think it is perfect for her. It looks like any great tee sporty look like she loves but a little bit of classy fun as well. The Sub_urban Riot look is one that is fun spirited and youthful.

Sub_urban Riot is made up of individuals that insist you neither believe they are too serious or a band of renegades. They are out for some fun in life and in the world. Sub_urban Riot was founded in mellow Pacific Northwest before migrating to Venice CA. The Sub_urban Riot look has been determined by a combination of ideas they found along the way. The look is simplicity with a spin with a feeling that will keep the clothing line looking great year after year. The goal is that the clothing that you buy will look good in season and out as well as this year and the next.

You can purchase the Sub_Urban Riot clothing line directly off their website located at
http://www.suburbanriot.com/ With any order over $40 there is free shipping available and receive a free hat with any purchase.

as I stated we did receive a free tee but this did not influence my opinion it was simply used for review.

Homemade Biscuit and Gravy recipe

Homemade Biscuit and Gravy

for biscuits

2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 Tbs. baking powder, preferably homemade (see above)
1 tsp. salt
4 Tbs. cold, unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
3/4 cup heavy cream

Preheat oven to 450F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and set aside. Put flour, baking powder and salt in a mixing bowl, and whisk to mix. Using fingers or 2 forks, quickly work butter into flour until it is the texture of oatmeal with some larger lumps remaining. Make a well in center of flour, and pour in cream. Stir just until blended. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface, and knead briefly but strongly, for 6 or 7 strokes. Roll out dough to a thickness of 1/2 inch. Using a floured fork, prick surface of dough all over at 1-inch intervals, taking care that fork goes through dough. Using a 3-inch biscuit cutter, stamp out dough. Place biscuits close together on baking sheet. Bake in center of oven for 8 to 12 minutes, or until biscuits are crusty and are a rich golden brown. Remove from oven, and serve.

*** Store the powder in a tightly sealed container away from sunlight. When cutting out biscuits, don’t twist cutter; cut straight through dough to work surface. This recipe makes 8 biscuits

for gravy

4 tablespoon flour
3/4 cup water
2 cup skim milk or milk
1 substitute
1 1/2 teaspoon fresh sage, crumbled finely

Mix flour and water until smooth and no lumps. Put into medium sauce pan, and heat over medium-high heat until the mixture boils. Reduce heat, stirring constantly, and boil for 4 - 5 minutes. Mixture should be very think and blubbery. Add milk and stir until the mixture is smooth again. Add spices, and return to boil, cooking until it has the consistency of thick gravy.

extra tip:

If you want to make your own baking powder, the formula is very simple: Combine 1/4 cup cream of tartar with 2 tablespoons baking soda, and sift the two together three times.

Free Skittles and Starburst candy

When you follow Skittles and Starburst on facebook. You may be lucky enough to get a free coupon for b1g1. Hurry though because they are limited in number.

Thursday Thunks

1. Someone knocks on your door. You have not seen this person in years. You were once great friends. Who would you like it to be and why?

I would love it to be my best friend April from highschool. We had the best of times together.

2. What do you think would be a great song title that isn't one? Who do you want to record it?

Thank you mom I want Lee Anne Rhymes to sing this

3. You are having a party. If I'm invited, what should I bring?

bring a great potluck dish as I love to try new foods

4. If your spouse or s/o cheated with a one night stand while away, would you really want to know?

I would hope this would never happen

5. How long does it take for a house guest to drive you bonkers?

depends on who the house guest is

6. If you could pick a new color for the sky, what would you pick?

peach

7. What did you think of the Olympics?

they were very cool

8. Could TT have thought of a lamer blogger that me to guest host?

lol

9. What's the stupidest lie that someone really thought you'd believe?

probably my teens trying to pretend they were sick or one of those emails where my email has won me million of dollars

10. What was the best day you had in high school? Tell us about it.

there were several. Iloved highschool being with friends and hanging out

11. Name something that you have in your home that you are sure most people don't.

I have a large collection of rag dolls as well as large collection of cartoon glasses

12. Why haven't you at least tried to play The Dating Profile Meme?

playing too many all ready

13. Do you think homophobia is a choice?

the choice is to act on it or not.

Rainbow Cookies recipe

I located this recipe on a website that I use to find great kid crafts, sunday school lessons, recipes for kids etc... You can visit DLTK here

Rainbow Cookies

1 cup sugar
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups flour
1 tsp. vanilla
1 egg
Food coloring-at least 6 colors (make sure one of them is Red!)
remember - with red, blue and yellow you can make all the other colors.
Mix sugar, butter, egg and vanilla. Add flour and mix well.

Divide dough into six balls. Add a different food coloring to each ball. Roll each ball in a snake shape onto a floured surface. This is fun for the kids -- just like playdough! Arch snake shape and press onto cookie sheet. Add other snake shapes until the rainbow is formed. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-15 minutes. When cooled let each child taste a piece of the rainbow.

Shipwreck Casserole

This is a great recipe for familes as it is easy to make, the kids can be tricked to eat veggies and the adults loe it

ShipWreck Casserole

1 cup chopped onion
2 medium potatoes, sliced
1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup chopped celery
salt and pepper
paprika
1 can tomato soup
1 cup boiling water

Butter a 2-quart casserole. Layer with onions, potatoes, ground beef, rice, carrots, and celery, sprinkling each layer with salt, pepper, and paprika. Combine soup with boiling water; pour over all. Bake at 300° for 3 hours.

Ready for some pancakes

Are you in the mood for pancakes? You could win the above set on the blog Frugal Mommy of two girls. The contest ends March 17, 2010 so hurry over and enter

coupon for Green Giant Just for One single serve $1/1

A few weeks ago I was able to partake in a campaign introduced by PSSST!!!! I was able to try the Green Giant Just for One single-serve vegetables and sauce. I must say these are the perfect one serving size container and pack a great taste. Now backed by Weight Watchers as well as the perfect size for my little princess. If you would like to try some for your self go here for a coupon for $1 off one and see for yourself how great they taste.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

G is for Ghost Hunting

THE LETTER OF THE DAY FOR ABC WEDNESDAY IS G:

I was not aware of it til I started looking around the web that Southern Illinois actually has a Ghost Hunting Team. WOW!!! You can find them here

Overcoming

When: Last Summer at church camp

Where: Florida

Who: my oldest son

Why: over coming fears (he was up in the air held up only by beams)

way back when twinfatuation

Putumayo's Rhythm & Blue CD review and giveaway

Putumayo World Music is one of the most recognized record labels in the world. Rhythm & Blues is composed of wonderful legends and rising stars working in the retro R&B I love R&B and the cover is pretty special in my opinion as well.

Those featured on the Rhythm & Blue CD are Lavelle White • James Hunter • Cracked Ice • The Quantic Soul Orchestra featuring Kabir • The Emotions • Sam Moore, Keb’ Mo’ and Angie Stone • Catherine Russell • Ruthie Foster • Snooks Eaglin • Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings • Rockie Charles • Irma Thomas with Henry Butler

Have you ever noticed that each generation has its own special music and the generation after desires the sounds of old? The 60s and 70s saw R&B artist such as The Four Tops, Otis Redding, and The Supremes. Today many of the songs created and shared in those days have become memories for fans. There are those special songs that even our young one in this generation hear and like.

As a teen i listened to music that my mother did not respect or like. Her generation had the same type of music as well. R&B music from the 1950s branched off of the rugged roots of blues and gospel music. New Orleans the birthplace of R&B saw famous stars such as Snooks Eaglin, Irma Thomas and Rockie Charles.

Putumayo's Rhythm & Blue CD shares the history of R&B through music. American Blues, New ORleans, Women of Jazz, and Mississippi Blues are all cherished and shared on this great CD

I have one of these great CDs to give away to one luck winner. The only way to enter this giveaway is to follow this blog and share with me a song of your own that holds great memory for you.

Contest starts now and ends March 10, 2010. Good Luck

we recieved a CD to review but my opinion was not influenced in any way

Major Question at Our House: Who To Take To Prom

Senior Prom is right around the corner. Here is my son and his date from last year. Now we just have to wait and see who it is our son will ask this year. I am sure it will be a surprise to al but him. I also love how pretty this picture turned out with all the green.

Lost little Lambs

These are the little lambs that were part of the recent play at church they were adorable and while this picture appears as if they are wore out believe me they were very active

shared on 5 minutes for mom

The View : have you kept up week 3

This week has been a bit crazy for me and the View ladies I have missed for a few days. Sorry to say. I did catch a few glimpse but if you missed this week here is what you missed:

Tuesday, Mar 2: Robert Pattinson makes his first-ever appearance on the show with his “Remember Me” co-star, Emilie de Ravin. Mitt Romney, the 70th Governor of Massachusetts also makes his first-ever appearance.
Wednesday, Mar 3: This show will feature the best of “View Tube,” including backstage antics and celebrity exit interviews. Lisa Kudrow of “Who Do You Think You Are” will be joining the hosts as well

I did catch a glimpse of Robert Pattinson. Cant wait to see his next movie as he was great in the last one. I also caught Mitt Romney did not agree with everything that he said but then that is why I love the show so much.

Be sure to catch the rest of the week.

Thursday, Mar 4: Celebrity guest co-host Valerie Bertinelli, former Oscar nominee Abigail Breslin from Broadway’s “The Miracle Worker,” Mia Wasikowska from Disney’s “Alice in Wonderland,” and a musical performance from Broadway’s “Fela” will be featured on this jam-packed episode.
• Friday, Mar 5: The View’s “Road to the Oscars” episode welcomes former Oscar nominee Don Cheadle and Wesley Snipes and “Fashion Friday” celebrates “The History of Oscar Fashions” with a two-part look back at some of the most memorable – and perhaps forgettable – Oscar hits and misses, with host and celebrity stylist Robert Verdi. Hosts of “At the Movies” Michael Phillips and Tony Scott will also be on set to unveil their 2010 Oscar predictions.

I love Valerie Bertinelli and want to see the Alice In Wonderland new movie. Wesley Snipes is a great actor as well and cant wait to hear the girls view of the Oscars.

I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for ABC Daytime and will receive a tote bag or other The View branded items to facilitate my review.”

Healthy Way Slow Cooking

Often we use the slow cooker for convenience in speed, ease and because our day is long enough as it is. Have you ever thought of the heath value to slow cooking? A newsletter that I receive had a great article in slow cooking and you can read it here.

Slow Cooking helps break down the temptation of eating out because when you all ready have a prepared dinner at home that you can eat why run out for dinner? When I used to work we did this a lot I just felt too tired to head home and prepare a meal so on the way home we would pop in and pickup dinner to go. The slow cooker allows you to put a meal on to cook for several hours then go home and enjoy.

Often the liquid called for in slow cooker meals is broth or water. Neither broth or water add fat or calories to the food. Meat cooked in slow cookers come out tender and juicy which is an added bonus to me. No more tough meat from over cooking in the oven. To make quick and simple meal simply cook vegie, meat all in one pot. These simple meals also eliminate the pre packaged meals that were found in our freezer. The crockpot meal boosted nutrients and we were able to decide for ourselves how much salt and sugar was in the meal we cooked.

Do you slow cook? Maybe you should try it as well.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Tutu Bow Holder Giveaway

I have never seen a cuter bow holder than the ones that Shelly creates. Perfect for the princess in your life. You can enter to win one on the blog Jamie's Precious Peas. The giveaway ends March 15, 2010

Dreams coming true

She had her goals set and her dreams set higher. Today we got the wonderful news what she dreamed of has come true. She will be attending the college that she strived for. I just found out about a wonderful place to share our joys. Just for the Joy of it is located on the blog Good True and Beautiful.

JAKKS PACIFIC toy giveawa

Momstart has a great giveaway going on sponsored by Jakks Pacific. Perfect for any little girl like princess as it is for a fairy doll. Giveaway ends March 17, 2010

Fish Friday Giveaway

Are you partaking in the ritual of fish friday? Well even if you are not you may love fishsticks every now and again. The Mom Buzz is hosting a giveaway where 5 lucky winners will recieve a prize pack from Gortons. This contest will end 3/14/10 so hurry over and enter this great giveaway.

Frugal Crockpot Chili

Crockpot Chili is great in the fact that it takes 4 main ingredients but you can add others if you wish. I sometimes add onions, celery, etc....

Crockpot Chili

•1 lb ground beef, browned (1.50)
•2 cans chili-seasoned tomatoes (1.20)
•1 can dark red kidney beans (.69)
•1 cup ketchup (.99)

In a crock pot combine the ground beef, tomatoes and beans. Mix together; cover; and leave until about an hour before you're ready to eat. Then, add the ketchup; mix well; and cook another hour to combine the flavors

What's Behind The Best Contest

If you are a busy mom take a break with a great cup of coffee with 100% Colombian coffee. They understand the life of a mom and their busy schedule the constant coming and going doing this and caring after that. A mom's job is never done because there is no one like a mom for the job. In fact at this time 100% Colombian Coffee is holding a contest where moms like us will have the chance to win $10,000. Coffee drinkers and those that don't drink coffee are eligible to enter. To enter this great contest follow this link http://www.whatsbehindthebest.com/

Snow Picture

While the snow is no longer here I do love this picture and its serenity

My random thoughts

have you ever been in an argument that you are not for sure that you are mad at the person but over the topic? The problem was i was protecting my children and I felt as if he was being taken advantage of. In the end we both just felt bad and sorry the issue ever occurred.

the weather here can not make up its mind nice and warm one day a whole lot cooler the next I wish spring would hurry up and get here. I am tired of the cold and desire to be warm again. I so want to see the sun again

My adult son is home from college after dropping out for a semester and return in the summer/fall at another college. I am just worried a bit about him as he has decided while being gone he is his own boss. There is not much that me and his dad can tell him and he listens to. It seems that when financial matters are discussed is the only thing that gains his attention.

My daughter on the other hand is ready for college looking forward to leaving, reminding us daily and striving to get ready. Does this mean her room is clean? No for sure I wonder how she will be in college going to classes, studying, and having fun and still keeping her dorm room looking good. Good Luck is all I have to say. She may fool me though it is always possible I guess.

what are your random thoughts this morning? The Un Mom is taking the day off so the Bitchin' Wives Club is hosting today

Easily Remove Egg Shells

With spring and summer coming up quickly we will be preparing more deviled egg recipes. Here is a great tip to help remove the egg shells from the egg easily.

Egg shells can b easily removed from hard boiled eggs if they are quickly rinsed in cold water after they are boiled. Also, add a drop of food coloring to help tell the cooked eggs apart from the raw ones in your fridge.

what kitchen tip could you share?

My To Do List

I have all ready started and I am off to great start

*** done **** kitchen cleaned after breakfast
*** done **** 2 load launry wash/dry
still to do 2 load laundry
fold about 6 as I am behind
clean my bedroom/bath

that is abou it for today as well as all general clean what do you have to do?

this week:
church wednesday and sunday
no real plans for this week but next weekend will be out of town visiting Princess

Kid Basix Safe Sippy 2

Since Princess was little we looked for the best in all things. Her bottles and sippy cups were no exception. I trust the kid basix safe sippy 2 because it is so versatile and pleases Princess as well.

The Kid Basix safe sippy 2 look very attractive and comes in assorted colors. With the growing concern over what our children are taking in to their little bodies the awareness of products grew. Kid Basix created the Safe Sippy cup to be Bisphenol A and other harmful chemicals free. So if you are looking for the safe versatile sippy cup then you should pick up the Kid Basix Safe Sippy 2.

My thoughts:

The Safe Sippy 2 from Kid Basix is very attractive, safe for my princess, very easy for her to hold and use.

I received a safe sippy 2 cup from Kid Basix but I truly did share my thoughts and feelings for this product without being influenced.

just where we want her

This was last year when my daughter graduated from highschool but as she heads out to go away to college (several hours away) I know that moments such as this will be far between.

Green Ideas for St. Patricks Day

St. Patricks Day is just around the corner and one thing that we always liked to do was to create snacks and meals around holidays. Because the main color to St. Patricks day of course is green that will be the theme of my edible ideas:

Some easy to prepare green foods include, green apple slices, green jello, kiwi, green grapes, and lime koolaid. But you may also incorporate green pickles, green beans, green cabbage and green celery.

Clover shaped biscuts can be known as shamrock biscuits. They can be easily prepared by using canned biscuts and letting the kids tear each biscut shape into 3 pieces and then rolling these 3 pieces into little balls and placing into the shape of a shamrock on a cooking sheet. Sprinkle with green sugar and bake as directed on the can. You can also do this with cookie dough and make shamrock cookies.

Leprechaun Punch is easy to make by adding lime sherbert to a glass of sprite or 7up. Just simply add a spoonful of green sherbert into the drink and mix. By the way I saw that the local McDonalds has Shamrock shakes back again. You can make these at home as well by blending one cup of milk and one cup of lime sherbert.

Green food color goes a long way as well. You can add a few drops to milk, mashed potatoes and vanilla ice cream or make a cake with green icing created by mixing vanilla icing with green food coloring

whatever you do to make your St. Patricks day snack or meal remember to have fun.

I shared this on the blog Mom Tried It

Monday, March 1, 2010

No Oven Required Desserts

I found an awesome set of recipes in the paper tonight. The author of this article is Sara Noel from www.frugalvillage.com

Granola Bars

2 1/2 c rice cereal or honey nut cheerios

2 c uncooked oats

1/2 c raisins

1/2 c firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 c light corn syrup

1/2 c peanut butter

1 t vanilla extract

1/2 c milk chocolate chips

Mix first 3 in bowl and set aside. Bring brown sugar and syrup to a boil in small saucepan stirring constantly remove from heat Stir in peanut butter and vanilla til blended Pour peanut butter mix over cereal stir to coat stand 10 minutes Stir in chocolate chips Press in 13x9 pan cool cut in bars

Pink Fluff

2 (3oz) boxes strawberry jello

3 c water

2 c graham cracker crumbs

8 oz whip topping

1 pint strawberries

Make jello by mixing first 2 Set in fridge to set. Layer 1 1/2 c graham cracker crumbs into a 9x13 inch pan. Mix jello with electric mixer to when itlooks like chunky applesauce Add the whip topping and mix Fold in berries Dump on top of cracker crumbs Chill

London Bridge for Children 8x10 art picture giveaway

LONDON BRIDGE FOR CHILDREN

A short while back I shared a very special piece of art that I received from the London Bridge From Children group. You can read that post here. London Bridge for Children creates works of art that can be special to moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles, babysitters, nearly everyone who has loves a child.

This picture may remind my mother of me and my sisters we were so close in age and always loved to play dress up.

London Bridge for Children creates works of art that are gender preference, perfect for siblings or just general art for children. What would you prefer?

Buy: you can purchase this lovely art from London Bridge from Children directly from their website located here

Win: one of Annie's Home readers has the chance to win a lovely 8X10 art print of their choice from London Bridge for Children.

To enter the giveaway: you must let me know which print you would choose if you won.

follow my blog
subscribe to my blog
follow me on twitter
tweet about the giveaway (1 entry per tweet) link in comment
blog about the giveaway (5 entries) link in comment
leave comment on any post (1 entry per comment) let me know which one in comment

Giveaway starts now and will run through March 22, 2010. Good Luck If email not on comment or blog you can not win

Pimp My Laundry Room Contest hosted by Wisk

Do you hate the chore of laundry as much as I do? Would you love it if the room you had to do the laundry looked more like a place you want to be rather than the dungeon it may feel like? Well enter the Pimp The Laundry Room Contest being sponsored by Wisk. One lucky winner will win a total laundry room makeover, complete with new Whirlpool High Efficiency washer and dryer set, a year's supply of Wisk HE laundry detergent and a guest spot on a special episode of TVs Designing Spaces scheduled to air this summer!

To Enter:

Log on to LaundryHE.com from March 1 – 29, 2010
read the contest rules
share a short video (no longer than 3 minutes or larger than 100MB) stating why you deserve a laundry room makeover. In the short video define what laundry personality you are
• Type A All The Way
• Constantly Connected
• Livin’ Large Lounge

I would say I was the constantly connected room because I spend so much time in the laundry room.

Top Finalists featured on LaundryHe.com between April 12-19 with Grand Prize winner to be chosen by popular ballot. Everyone that votes will be entered to win a year's supply of Wisk HE laundry detergent

So hurry up all ready and enter for your chance to win an all new laundry room

Posted as part of a partnership with BSM Media for a Wisk contest I will recieve the opportunity to win a years supply of wisk as well as bottle of wisk for posting.