Blog Hopping

Sellers Beware Rummage Sale Buyers are Coming Your Way

One of my fun hobbies is to go to rummage sales. So much fun and when you find something you have been looking for then that just puts a smile on my face.

There are a few rules that buyers should keep in mind when out rummaging this yard sale season 

It is true that early birds get the best worm. The only thing is don't get the seller upset by being there too early simply get there at the very beginning.

Geting there at the end has its benifits as well. Since sellers normally like to get rid of what they had left behind than to pack it all up there are normally good chance for great buys.

If you find something you are really interested put your tabs on it pick it up, carry it with you or have someone watch it if it is to big to carry around. It is a whole lot easier to change your mind and put it back than to grab it if someone else decides they like it as well.

Play your cards right by letting them know that you are really interested in a piece but if you are going to negotiate you want to keep a poker face allowing them to see that you are interested but at a certian price Dont be insulting by offering to little but keep your reasonable price in mind and be ready to walk away if you don't get near the price you think is reasonable

Great advice is to try it before you buy it. This way you dont get home and be disappointed because an item you purchase does not work.

If you plan on purchasing a lot become a piler and make a pile and ask if they can do any better on all of that.

shared at Frugal Friday

Meatless Loaf

MEATLESS LOAF
Makes 1 loaf to serve 4 to 6 people; Prep Time 15 minutes; Cook time 50 minutes
1 cup dry brown lentils
2 medium carrots, grated
1 cup diced Medjool dates
1 medium onion, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon cumin
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons A-1 sauce
1/2 cup ground or very finely minced pecans
1 1/2 cups cooked rice
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
3 large eggs
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cook lentils in boiling salted water for 20 minutes, or until very soft. Drain well. Place in food processor and pulse until very small bits.
Saute the carrots, dates, onion, celery in the butter in a large skillet over medium high heat for 6 to 8 minutes, until very soft, stirring frequently to remove moisture. Add in garlic, cumin, A-1 sauce and soy sauce and cook another minute. Add this skillet mixture to food processor and pulse until very well blended.
Remove from food processor and stir in pecans, rice, bread crumbs and eggs.
Place a tin foil sling into a loaf pan and spoon mixture into pan. Bake for 30 minutes at center of oven.
OPTIONAL GLAZE:Â While mixture is baking, simmer for about 2 minutes in a small saucepan 1 cup ketchup, 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1 tablespoon vinegar, until thickened slightly.
Remove loaf from oven and spread sauce on top. Return to oven and bake another 20 minutes. Slice and serve as you would meatloaf.

recipe source An Apron String

Shared at
Ultimate Recipe Swap 

Aloha Friday

Welcome to Friday, a rest and relaxation days for those in Hawaii. It is the day to prepare for the weekend it is also the day for an awesome meme hosted by an Island Life. It is where busy bloggers like myself ask fellow busy bloggers easy to answer questions. My question today is

Have you planned a summer time getaway? What are your plans? How long have you been planning

Spicy Eggs

6 large eggs

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

kosher salt and black pepper

12 slices pickled jalapeños

1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle chili pepper

1. Place the eggs in a large saucepan and add enough cold water to cover them by 1 inch. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 12 minutes. Drain the eggs and run under cold water to cool.
2. Peel the eggs and cut in half lengthwise. Transfer the yolks to a small bowl and mash with the mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, cumin, and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper.
3. Spoon the yolk mixture into the egg whites, top with the jalapeño, and sprinkle with the ground chipotle.

Fudgy Mallow Bars

Looking for a yummy dessert to celebrate the end of the school year or a special hot weather treat? Then check out these ooeey gooeey bars

1 stick (1/4 lb.) unsalted butter

1 cup chocolate graham cracker or chocolate wafer crumbs (12 cookies)

2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon plus a pinch of salt

2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped

3/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large eggs 

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 cups mini marshmallows

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter an 8-inch, square pan and line with parchment paper.
2. Melt half of butter and then mix with crumbs, brown sugar and a pinch of salt. Press firmly into bottom of pan. Bake in bottom third of oven until set, 10 to 12 minutes.
3. Combine remaining butter and unsweetened chocolate in a heatproof bowl; microwave at 20-second intervals until melted, stirring after each interval. Cool slightly. In a separate bowl, whisk sugar, vanilla and eggs. Stir in chocolate mixture. Add flour and mix until just combined. Pour over cooled crust and bake until just set, 22 minutes.
4. Remove from oven. Set broiler on high and place oven rack 3 inches from heat. Sprinkle marshmallows and chocolate chips over cookie and broil until marshmallows start to brown, 1 minute. Remove from oven and let cool before cutting into squares.

All You
SEPTEMBER 2007

Weekend Wander

Two of Nanas Favorite Guys

Quick and Easy Salsa

1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained

1 tablespoon seeded chopped jalapeno pepper

1 tablespoon chopped red onion

1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro

1 garlic clove, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

Dash salt

Dash pepper

Tortilla chips

• In a small bowl, combine the tomatoes, jalapeno, onion, cilantro, garlic, oil, salt and pepper. Refrigerate until serving. Serve with tortilla chips. Yield: 1-1/2 cups.

Editor's Note: Wear disposable gloves when cutting hot peppers; the oils can burn skin. Avoid touching your face.

shared at
I'm Loving it Friday

Presto Chicken Tacos

This is a perfect recipe for Cinco De Maya or any time in that you can cook the chicken and seasoning together in the slow cooker during your busy day then prepare the rest in a presto and enjoy with a drink of your choice. The leftovers make tasty salad (recipe source Taste of Home)

3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

2 tablespoons canola oil

1 garlic clove, minced

2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

12 corn tortillas (6 inches), warmed

Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, fresh cilantro leaves, sour cream and cubed avocado

• In a Dutch oven, brown chicken in oil in batches. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add the tomatoes, cumin and chili powder. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink, stirring occasionally.
• Fill each tortilla with about 1/2 cup chicken mixture. Serve with toppings of your choice. Yield: 12 servings.

$25 Gift Card Giveaway Chili's

Event goes live on May 12 at 12:01 AM EST and May 27 at 11:59 PM EST Keep your eyes open for more information. The giveaway is hosted by In The Kitchen With KP and Stuck at Home Mom and they are looking forward to lots of fun. They are looking for other blogs to help promote and get a free link on the entry form. You can sign up to help promote on the form located here

Vintage Dessert Recipe

Martha Stewart Meatloaf

MarthaStewart's Mother's Meatloaf
2 onions
2 sticks of celery
2 carrots
parsley
2 cloves garlic
bread crumbs
1/2 cup ketchup
1 egg
2 teaspoons dry mustard
1 tablespoon salt
2 teaspoons black pepper
2 1/2 lbs ground beef

Mix all ingredients and bake in a 9 x 6 loaf pan at 350 for an hour and a half.

Halfway through the cooking, pour glaze over it.

Glaze

2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

this recipe was featured years ago on the Martha Stewarts show where her mother actually prepared this recipe

California Tossed Salad

1/2 cup large walnut pieces
1/3 cup salad oil
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon marjoram, crumbled
1/4 teaspoon dill weed
1 1/2 quarts torn mixed salad greens
6 ounces cooked shrimp (or one 5 ounce can drained)
1 large tomato cut in wedges
1/4 cup radish slices
2 tablespoons chipped chives or green onion
1 tin manadarin slices drained
1/4 cup cheese cubes

Toast walnuts lightly in a small skillet over low heat with 1 teaspoon oil, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat; sprinkle with 1/4 tsp seasoned salt. Cool. Beat together remaining oil, salt, lemon juice, sugar, marjoram, and dill weed. In a large bowl, combine greens, shrimp, tomato, radishes, olives, and chives. Stir dressing; pour over salad. Toss until evenly coated. Add walnuts and mandarins; toss again. Sprinkle with cheese. Serve at once. 
recipe source EVEN MORE RECIPES FROM THE BACKS OF BOXES, BOTTLES, CANS, AND JARS by Ceil Dyer

Turtle Bars

These are an all time favourite - terrificallly easy and very, very naughty. You can whip them up in minutes.
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups pecan halves
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
2/3 cup butter
1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips

:
Combine flour, 3/4 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup butter; blend until crumbly. Pat mixture firmly onto bottom of ungreased 9x13-inch baking pan. Sprinkle pecan halves over the unbaked crust. Set aside.

In small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup brown sugar and 2/3 cup butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture begins to boil. Boil for one minute, stirring constantly. Drizzle hot the caramel mixture over pecans and crust. Bake at 350° for 18 to 20 minutes or until caramel layer is bubbly and crust is light brown. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with chocolate chips. Use a small spatula or butter knife to spread chips evenly as they melt. Cool completely before cutting into squares

shared at
Get Your Brag On

Cinco De Maya Cupcakes

Check out this delicious cupcake recipe inspired by Cinco De Maya here

shared at
What I Whipped Up Wednesday

Banana Pudding

every southern mama has their own recipe for delicious banana pudding and here is another one to add to the rest YUMMY!!!!

Pudding

1 (12-oz.) package vanilla wafers

5 ripe bananas, sliced

2 cups milk 

1/2 cup sugar

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

3 egg yolks

 1

Click to see savings

/8 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Meringue

3 egg whites

1/4 cup sugar 

Prepare Pudding: Preheat oven to 325°. Arrange one-third of vanilla wafers in a medium-size ovenproof bowl (about 2 qt.); cover with one-third of banana slices. Repeat layers twice with remaining vanilla wafers and bananas. Whisk together milk and next 4 ingredients in a heavy saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, 15 minutes or until pudding-like thickness. Remove from heat, and stir in vanilla. Pour over vanilla wafers and bananas in bowl. 3. Prepare Meringue: Beat egg whites at medium speed with an electric mixer until foamy. Gradually add sugar, beating until sugar dissolves and stiff peaks form. Spread meringue over pudding, sealing to edge of bowl. Bake at 325° for 15 minutes or until golden. Serve immediately, or let cool completely (about 30 minutes), and cover and chill 1 hour before serving. 

Southern Living
OCTOBER 2010

Win a beautiful necklace

 Check out the Mothers Day giveaway at 5 minutes for mom. Awesome gifts to be given away including a necklace from Bloomingdales. You should really check it out and see what you could win your mom. This giveaway ends tommorow

Bloomingdales supports the Joyful Heart Foundation. This special foundation was fonded by celebrity mom Mariska Hargitay. The mission of Joyful Heart is to  heal, educate and empower survivors of sexual assult, domestic violence and child abuse. The group tries to shed light around the darkness that sorrounds the issues involved.

Check out the giveaway to find out two great fashionable ways you can help out this great cause by shopping at bloomingdales.com

Couple of Guys and A Big Falcon

shared on
Special Exposure Wednesday

What Moms Really Want

 a Rally for Real Moms coupon to help your family stock your freezer with Freschetta in time for Mother's Day.

Lula's Chocolates and coupon code

Mother's day is less than 2 weeks away. Have you found the perfect gift for your mom? Let me share with you a sweet gift that many mothers would love to get.

Yummy delicious caramels with fillings as sweet as the chocolate on the outside. The old saying "Life is Like a box of chocolates" is true and so much more tastier when they are filled with caramels. I recently was sent a mothers day gift from Lula' s Chocolates and must say that they are truly delicious. While I ate one or two myself I also shared one with a child of mine and they totally agreed having their mothers sense of taste.

Rocky Road candy is one of my moms favorites. I can remember as a child this was probably the only thing I ever saw her be a bit stingy with. While my mother would purchase us candy to enjoy her sweet treat of choice was Rocky Road chocolate treat. Lula's Chocolates has created a aloha rocky road treat that contain both artisan marshmallow and roasted macadamia nuts. I am sure that my mother would be delighted with this sweet treat. This treat was included in the package we received in the goodies from Lula's Chocolates and I must say the delicious taste of it was something that was compared to none I had before. The nuts, chocolate and marshmallows wrapped their selves around each other and pleases my taste buds.

With Mother's Day just a short time from now why not purchase your mom, wife or special lady in your life some sweet chocolate from Lula's Chocolates. Visit Lula's Chocolates website at http://www.lulas.com/ As a bonus use the code LoveYourMother for an extra 20% off.

Green Wine

Presented By Wine.com, Purveyors of fine green Wine

Every Day we learn something new and learning about green wines was no different. Who knew that a simple glass of wine could have such great demand on our planet. The next time you have a glass of wine consider choosing an organic wine and help the planet stay green

Time for Fun Outside

Hooray, Hooray, Its the First Day of May, the season to get outside and have a bit of fun



Be sure you have a great time this summer season as well. Some easy tips to keep in mind so you are not surprised by the weather or other distractions are:

Have a backup plan. Bad weather can pop up without notice and in order for the party to not be rained out it is a great idea to have another idea of what you would like to do This will allow you to have more fun and less stress

When setting up for a party keep in mind how the guest will travel. This will help you to seat guest, plan on where the bar should be Also keep in mind what type of food you will be serving. Think about what foods will need ice to stay cool and what foods you will serve that will be ok at room temp.
Stock up by shopping those summer sales that way you will have all the goodies you need on hand with a discount to boot. Also remember that the food at parties does not have to be home made check out those deals at the deli, veggi department and other items in the store that will help make your life easier Keep in mind your friends with food allergies and serve some food that is free of foods that are known to be nut, dairy, or other

South West Beef Stew

Soup and sandwich night will never be the same when you share this delicious stew with those that you love. It cooks great in the crock pot as well so if your day is a bit busy simply through it all in the slow cooker and enjoy a delicious supper at night. I understand how busy we can all get in the summer time with all the things we do on any ordinary day like work and school then combine a bit of extras like yard work, time outside in the sun or simply sitting and enjoying a sunset. This beef stew is a delicious recipe perfect for any time of the year Recipe source Taste of Home

1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)

1 large onion, chopped

2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 package (16 ounces) frozen corn

1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (14-1/2 ounces) chicken broth

1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1-1/2 teaspoons salt-free Southwest chipotle seasoning blend

1-1/2 cups cooked rice

1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

• In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain.
• Transfer to a 5-qt. slow cooker. Stir in the tomatoes, corn, black beans, broth, tomatoes, garlic powder and seasoning blend. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until heated through.
• Stir in rice; heat through. Sprinkle each serving with cheese. Yield: 11 servings (2-3/4 quarts).

shared at
Whats Cooking Wednesday

Crane Humidifiers Review

It is cold and flu season here again and time for every remedy in the book to come out. Let me share with you one that my mother taught me many years ago. Every time I had a cold, the flu or other illness my mother sat a humidifier near my bed. It always made me sleep better at night and that was something that I learned to do when I was sick. The more I slept the better I would feel. A lesson that my children learned innocently enough by their selves. Now that my children are having their own children I recommend to them to have a Crane humidifier for their own children to help soothe illness.

A Bit About Crane humidifiers
Crane humidifiers help to keep the air moist for easier breathing and adds to a good nights sleep. The coolness helps to relieve cough, cold and flu like symptoms. Symptoms like nasal congestion that we all hate and know that it adds to suffering during the illness because it is so hard to breathe, the dry cough that keeps us up with the constant hacking and soreness, the sinus irritation that leads to nasal problems and often nose bleeds. One symptom that I never gave credit for the humidifier to help was dry skin and irritation that come from eczema and the winter and dry weather.

The Crane Humidifier uses only a gallon of water placed into its tank and will run whisper quiet for 24 hours. The cool mist that it gives off was something that I so remember of the days when I was young. Adding to the dryness of the air a source of moisture up to 2.1 gallons per day. The vaporizer works best up to 250 square feet and includes a night light function. To me the night light is an extra bonus that Crane so sweetly adds along with an safety switch. Best of all unlike the old time vaporizers the new Crane one require no filters.

An added bonus for little ones as well as 
is the fun fashion of it all. Choose from an array of attractive looks

Our Review:

We were sent the Sponge Bob character humidifier for review purposes. I loved this because Sponge Bob is a friend of all. My grand kids love him, my teens love him and I love him as well. This one is staying in my home so that if any of Nana's loves, or mamas babies or even I could use it whenever needed. I was delighted when it arrived as once again we have entered a phase of cold and flu season. This means that Crane Sponge Bob will come in very useful.

 You can purchase a variety of Crane products from their website or find a location that sells Crane products near you at this link  http://crane-usa.com/where-to-buy/

Dads Oasis Backyard Giveaway Event Sponsored by Black and Decker

when I was a kid fathers day was a special day for dad and a time to build up his tool collection. I can remember fond memories and while the tools that we bought him were never real big they always made his day because we thought of him This Father’s Day, Black & Decker wants to help one special dad get his backyard prepped and turned into an oasis for summer-long grilling and entertainment — without the added expense. Of course it can also be a special place to call his own, if he wants.
The event is hosted by hosted by Bella Savvy and Mom to Bed by 8 and will give one special dad a prize pack that they should love

20V MAX Lithium Drill/Driver

2-speed Quick Clean Sprayer

36V Lithium High Performance String Trimmer with Power Command

Garden IQ Hand Tools Series — including pruners, hedge shears, steel trowel, culti-hoe, heavy duty hose nozzle, water hand hose attachment, miscellaneous safety items AND work gloves

Total value of $500

The event will begin on May 20, 2012 at 12:01 pm. EST and will end on June 3, 2012 11:59 pm.

Free Blogger Events from Madame Deals

Would you love to win a Louis Vuitton bag well here is a chance for you to do that very thing. If you are a blogger here is a chance to help build your numbers by promoting this giveaway

from the Madame Deals website:

Louis Vuitton Giveaway Event May 12th- June 12th

This giveaway is free for all to participate! The only thing is, you need to do is promote the giveaway, then post the giveaway on your site and then promote it daily

sign up by visiting http://wp.me/P1WZPw-oZs

Yummy Breakfast

 

 

Spinach & Herb Potato Bake

Ingredients
1/4 tsp. Tastefully Simple Garlic Garlic™
1/2 tsp. Tastefully Simple Spinach & Herb Dip Mix
... 6 Bacon Strips, broken into pieces
1 small green bell pepper, chopped
26 oz. frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
6 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
1/8 tsp. lemon juice
1 1/2 cups milk
Seasoned Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Combine first 7 ingredients; place in a greased 2-quart covered casserole pan. Pour milk over top; season to taste. Bake, covered, at 350° for 1 1/2 hours. If you like it crispy on top, uncover for last 1/2 hour of baking. Makes 8 servings.

Broken Jello Dessert

When I was a kid my mom loved to make jello recipes. They were fun, yummy and so easy to make. I can remember her with all of her molds hanging on the wall in the kitchen. This jello recipe requires no mold but is yummy and delicious and you can use really any colors that you choose to

4 boxes jello (3 ounces each), pick your colors
2 envelopes plain gelatin such as Knox
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk, such as Eagle brand
boiling water
cooking spray
Preparation: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Dissolve each box of flavored jello separately into one cup of boiling water. Pour each flavor into a separate container to set (I used small glass dishes). Place in refrigerator to set for at least 4 hours. Once flavored jellos are set you can start making the white part.
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add plain gelatin to boiling water and stir to dissolve. Add can of sweetened condensed milk to gelatin and set aside to cool for about 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, very lightly spray a 9″ by 13″ oblong pan with cooking spray. Cut colored jello into small cubes, you can vary the cube sizes if desired. Place jello cubes into prepared oblong pan layering and carefully mixing up the colors. Pour the cooled gelatin/milk mixture over the colored cubes. Refrigerate overnight. Carefully cut jello into desired sizes and shapes and serve.

shared at


Cozy Home Party Whatever Goes Wednesday

Italian For Weeknight Supper : Easy Lasagna

Dont you just hate it when you come home late and think there is no time to fix a good meal for your family? I work an average of 56 hours a week outside of the home and when I get home my family is hungry and no little snack will satisfy their hunger. SO I turn to some of my quick and easy meal ideas and often look for more on the grea www. This recipe is yummy, quick and family pleasing

1 lb	Lean Ground Beef, 90% lean
1	Small Onion, chopped
1 can	(28 Ounces) Crushed Tomatoes
1¾ cups	Water
1 can	(6 Ounces) Paste
1	Envelope Spaghetti Sauce Mix
1	Egg, lightly beaten
2 cups	(16 Ounces) Fat-free cottage cheese
2 Tbsp	Grated Parmesan Cheese
6	Uncooked Lasagna Noodles
1 cup	(4 Ounces) Shredded Part-skim Mozzarella Cheese

In a large saucepan, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the tomatoes, water, tomato paste and spaghetti sauce mix. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a small bowl, combine the egg, cottage cheese and Parmesan cheese. Spread 2 cups meat sauce in a 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Layer with three noodles, half of cottage cheese mixture and half of remaining meat sauce. Repeat layers.
Cover and bake at 350F for 50 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160F. Uncover; sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake 10-15 minutes longer or until bubbly and cheese is melted. Let stand for 15 minutes before cutting.