Foto Friday === Fallen Leaves

Aloha Friday : Seasons

Aloha Friday on this crisp fall afternoon. Yes I did say crisp as in cold crisp. What a beautiful day yesterday was and today is a gloomy much colder day but I am still very blessed to have it. My Aloha Friday question is

What is your favorite season of the year and why? We are blessed to have 4 season. Winter, spring, summer and fall. I love and loath a few things in each of them. Winter is beautiful if I can stay in side but a bit super cold at times, Spring is maybe my favorite when all things are made new again with the thawing of cold to warm and buds and blooms galore. Summer is beautiful time of year til the extreme cold comes in and then Fall is another one of my favorite times of years so pretty as if we are walking in Gods coloring book.

Aloha Friday is a time where bloggers can participate by asking easy questions on their blogs and then visiting others to offer answers to the easy questions asked. You can join in at An Island Life.

Today my aloha question is:

What is your favorite season or time of year?

Apple Cider Caramels

• 2 cups (1 pint) heavy cream or whipping cream
• 1 cup light syrup
• 2 cups sugar
• 6 tablespoons butter, salted or unsalted
• 1/2 cup boiled cider
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon Apple Pie Spice*
• *No Apple Pie Spice? Substitute 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg or allspice

• 16 ounces heavy cream
• 11 ounces light corn syrup
• 14 ounces sugar
• 3 ounces unsalted butter
• 6 ounces boiled cider
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon Apple Pie Spice*
• *No Apple Pie Spice? Substitute 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg or allspice

• 454g heavy cream
• 312g light corn syrup
• 397g granulated sugar
• 85g unsalted butter
• 170g boiled cider
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon Apple Pie Spice*
• *No Apple Pie Spice? Substitute 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg or allspice

 

1) Lightly grease an 8" x 8" baking pan and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on opposite sides.

2) Combine the cream, corn syrup, sugar, butter, and boiled cider. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Reduce to medium-high heat and cook until the mixture reaches 248°F on a candy thermometer, 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your particular stove.

3) Remove the pan from the heat; stir in the salt and spice.

4) Pour the hot mixture into the prepared pan. Let it stand for 12 to 18 hours at room temperature before cutting into 1" squares.

5) To wrap the caramels, use 6" squares of parchment paper. Place one caramel in the center of each square; wrap the opposite edges of the paper around the caramel and twist the exposed edges to close.

Yield: 64 caramels. recipe source here shared at feathered nest fridays sunday scoop I Gotta Try That

Monster Tacos

2 plum Roman tomatoes, cut length-wise into 3 pieces
12 large pimiento-stuffed green olives
3 sliced low fat / fat free white cheddar cheese
6 whole wheat taco shells
1/2 lb lean ground turkey
2 tablespoons low sodium taco seasoning mix
1 tablespoon carrot puree
1 tablespoon baby spinach puree
1/3 Cup water
Shredded spring mix salad with baby spinach, if desired

Cut each tomato lengthwise into 3 pieces. Remaining inside of tomato may be chopped for additional taco filling, if desired.
Cut slit into 1 side of each olive to make a flat side. Cut each of the slices of cheese in half vertically in a zigzag line to look like teeth.
Heat oven to 350°F. Arrange taco shells on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 5 to 7 minutes or until hot. Meanwhile, in 10-inch skillet, cook ground turkey over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until thoroughly cooked; drain and rinse with very hot tap water to remove as much of the grease as possible. Stir in taco seasoning mix, carrot, spinach and water. Reduce heat to medium; cook about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until water has evaporated.
To assemble, fill tacos with desired fillings so that hamburger is on the top. Placing each taco on its side on serving plate, insert 1 tomato slice into meat filling to look like tongue. Place 1 cheese slice with zigzag edge toward meat along top side of taco between the shell and the filling. Place 2 olives, flat sides down, to look like eyes on top of shell.

source : Examiner

shared at 5 minutes 4 mom link up
               tastetastic thursday

No Bake Sweet and Salty Peanut Butter pretzel Bars

No-Bake Sweet & Salty Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars from Very Best Baking
Nonstick cooking spray
2 cups natural creamy peanut butter, divided
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar, divided
4 cups pretzel twists, divided
2 cups (12 oz) semi-sweet chocolate morsels, divided
Directions:
Line a 13 x 9-inch baking pan with parchment leaving an overhang on the sides. Lightly spray parchment with nonstick cooking spray.
Beat 1 1/4 cups peanut butter and butter in large mixing bowl until creamy. Gradually beat in 1 cup powdered sugar. Stir in remaining 1 cup powdered sugar, 3 cups pretzel that have been broken into small piece (the smaller the better) and 1/2 cup morsels. Press evenly into prepared baking pan. Smooth top with spatula.
Microwave remaining 1 1/2 cups morsels and 3/4 cup peanut butter in medium in a microwave-safe bowl on high for 1 minute; stir. If necessary, microwave at additional 10- to 15-second intervals, stirring just until morsels are melted. Spread chocolate layer evenly over powdered sugar mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining pretzels that have been broken into pieces, pressing down lightly. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until firm. Lift from pan; peel off parchment. Store in covered container in refrigerator.
Yield: 60 pieces

Shared at
Whatever Goes Wednesday
Cast Party Wednesday
Primp Your Stuff Wednesday

Parmesan Meatloaf

Parmesan Meatloaf {Gluten Free}

found recipe on the blog mommy I'm Hungry

 

 

slightly adapted from Full Bellies Make Happy Kids

1 lb ground turkey
1 lb ground beef
2 eggs
1/4 cup gluten free breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1-2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 small onion, grated
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup marinara pasta sauce (homemade here, minus the meat)
1/2 cup shredded Italian cheese blend
minced parsley for garnish

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a loaf pan with cooking spray, set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey and beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, thyme, oregano, basil, garlic, onion, salt, pepper and Parmesan cheese. Try not over handle the mixture otherwise it will get tough. Place the mixture in the greased loaf pan and form into a loaf. Top the meatloaf with pasta sauce.

Place filled loaf pan on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes - 1 hour. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and sprinkle the top with the remaining shredded cheese. Place the meatloaf back in the oven and bake until the cheese is melted.
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving/slicing. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Have a Safe Halloween

The CDC wants you to keep in mind some safety tips so that you and your family and friends can enjoy a SAFE HALLOWEEN


Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.


Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.

Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.

Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.



Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you.

Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent skin and eye irritation.

Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.

Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.

Only walk on sidewalks or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.

Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.

Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats unless you know the cook well.

Enter homes only if you're with a trusted adult. Otherwise, stay outside.

Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

Source : CDC website

New Twist On Popcorn Balls

Each year our grandmother would make popcorn balls as a halloween treat. They are not hard to make and so tasty. The only problem is that the one trying to enjoy them would have their hands busy and sticky. So I simply love this new twist on popcorn balls. You can find out more about it and a great recipe here

shared at
all star block party

This Date In History

Western Union Completes the First Transcontinental Telegraph Line

On October 24, 1861, workers of the Western Union Telegraph Company link the eastern and western telegraph networks of the nation at Salt Lake City, Utah, completing a transcontinental line that for the first time allows instantaneous communication between Washington, D.C., and San Francisco.

This would have been so important for those who were living away from their families the ability to have any form of communication. Now days we have the internet and so many forms of communication to talk even around the world

Piggy Paint Phot Contest

Piggy Paint Giveaway

“Piggy Paint is a natural, eco-friendly nail polish designed for fancy girls. Its non-toxic, hypoallergenic formula makes it safe to use on all piggies. Piggy Paint dries to a hard, durable finish that can easily be removed with our eco-friendly, low odor Piggy Paint nail polish remover. Both are made in the USA!”

Recently I shared a review of piggy paint here on my blog annies home. You can read this blog post here After reading the post you will know why I love piggy paint. As a nana I strive to share all thats good and pretty with my little princess. Piggy Paint meets all these qualifications. Leaves princess finger and toe nails looking beautiful and because it is made with goodness it is safe for her as well.

Piggy Paint wants to give one of Annies Home readers the chance to win a $25 gift card. This way you can pick out the perfect products that will suit your needs. From the new pink line to the finger nail polish that is as safe as the nail polish.

To enter the giveaway you must visit the Piggy Paint website and let me know an item or two that you think you may choose.

Extra Entries:
-Follow @piggypaint on twitter (2 entries)
follow my blog on twitter @shopannies (2 entries)

Tweet this giveaway and leave a status link (1x daily)
WIN a $25 Piggy Paint giftcard- http://shopannies.blogspot.com/2012/10/piggy-paint-is-natural-eco-friendly.html … #giveaway #win @piggypaint ends november 6 @shopannies

 ”Like” Piggy Paint on Facebook
follow me on facebook please leave me your first name and last initial in comment below
like my fan page on facebook
share giveaway on facebook and leave link in comment

grab my button (2 entries, please leave a link)

I would like to thank Piggy Paint for allowing me this opportunity of sharing a review and giveaway on my blog. I also would like to thank you all for entering this giveaway.

*Disclosure
I was sent a product to review from Piggy Paint for free to use for review purposes. I shared my personal opinion in both the review and giveaway. As always I share my opinion of the products that I share on my blog.

** OPEN TO US and Canada ends November 6, 2012 Be sure to leave a comment for each extra entry and email must be included in the comment or comment will not count

Grateful For ...

gratitude is so much more than saying thank you. There are so many things in life that we take for granted and we seem to give little thanks for. The truth is that our world was created for us and we were created to praise the Lord. Even when we are having a bad day we still can find things to be grateful for.

Some of what I am grateful for are
#1 the ability to Praise My God and not have to hide my faith from those that I love
#2 The fact that we were all given free will and that we have choices in life, while these choices may at times seem to go wrong, I am so thankful that their are friends around that reach out and give us a hand out. Now I try to reach out and give those I love a hand up as well.
#3 I am very thankful for my job and those that I work with. I feel blessed to have a job with so many others without a job. While the hours seem hard and tired I am thankful to have great co-workers that help to keep me up and happy

these are not the only things that I am grateful for but are the top three on my mind tonight I have had many blessings in life and will share more later

join in here

view from combine

The corn crop here in southern Illinois was not the best that we have seen in fact it was sort of sad but a good Christian woman and  farmers wife told me that you always pray that God will bless you with a better crop next year.

shared here

Fun In The Corn

Three Little Pumpkins

Sunday I traveled to the pumpkin patch with three of my own children, my brother and sister in law and their 3 little sweet pumpkins you  see here. Dont you just love it I know I sure do

5 minutes for mom wordless wednesday

Dressing Up Is For Adults As Well EdenFantasys

Halloween fun and costumes is not just for kids it is for adults who love to have fun as well. I have a girlfriend who loves to dress up and each year will enter at least one halloween costume contest at a local bar. She would have a bit of trouble deciding among the awesome contest at EdenFantasys. Just take a look at a few of my favorites

 

 

feel a bit naughty like a school girl? Then this one may be the perfect for you. You can well imagine that you will turn heads when you wear this naughty little outfit It may just make someone sit up straight while they want to give you a spanking of a love pat or two.

 

 

while I am a nurses aide I do not believe I have ever seen anyone wear a uniform to work quite like this. I am sure that it would delight all the male clients for sure and draw a few looks from others as well. I think that this costume is perfect for those who want to show up in costume and show off just enough of the right stuff but keep those interested guessing what else is under the costume.

 

 

Military is always an issue close to my heart. But those who dress up in this costume will find their selves pleasing those looking for a GI Jane or a hunting buddy of sorts. After all there will be plenty of those out their looking for a matching gal as many men in our area love to dress up in camo. So please your army man or your hunter by choosing an outfit that will make his fantasies come true.

 

Dress up in a formal style with heels and tie when you fill your mans wildest dreams by suiting up in this every mans favorite bunny costume. Simple black and white and sexy all over makes for a mouth watering atire that any date would love to have.

Like any of my favorites or want to see what else is available check them out on EdenFantasys There are so many available in a great variety as well. Some of them more revealing than others but all of them giving that hint of fun and tease.

EdenFantasys  can be found on twitter and facebook 

Candy Corn Bark

1 1/2 cups bite-sized chocolate sandwich cookies (Oreos), some sliced in half
1 1/2 to 2 cups broken-up pretzel pieces
1 cup candy corn
1 lb white chocolate (chocolate wafers work best... try Wiltons or Merckens brand)
1 tsp. shortening
brown and orange colored sprinkles

Directions:

1. Place waxed paper on large cookie sheet. Spread 1 cup of cookies, 1 cup of pretzel pieces and about 3/4 cup of the candy corn into a 13×9-inch rectangle on the waxed paper.
2. Place chocolate and shortening in glass measuring cup and heat in microwave for about 1 1/2 minutes. Stir and then microwave for about another 30 seconds until melted and smooth.
3. Drizzle melted chocolate immediately over cookie mixture, spreading with greased spatula (if needed) to coat evenly. Top with reserved cookies, pretzels, candy corn and colored sprinkles. Work quickly before chocolate hardens.
4. Place into refrigerator or freezer until firm. Remove and gently break apart into small pieces for serving. Store in airtight container.

Tips:

*Substitute large chocolate sandwich cookies for bite-sized, if desired (break them into pieces).


recipe source here


shared at
tackle it tuesday
 

Rock Candy Recipe

I found this awesome recipe on the great www today and it being near one of my favorite candy seasons ever thought I would share it with you

Left Over Candy Idea : Skittle Meringues

2 large egg whites
1/2 cup sugar
Skittles candies

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. With an electric mixer, beat the egg whites (at room temperature) until foamy. Gradually beat in the sugar until stiff, glossy peaks form. Drop mounds of the mixture (about 2 Tbsp. each) onto parchment-lined baking sheets and top each with Skittles candies. Bake until dry, approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.






shared at
  more the merrier

yummies for halloween

check out this super cute halloween meal idea here

Some Very Cool Games

Multiple speeds of play to accommodate all skill levels

Players' ability to take control and customize their own dauber

Three themed rooms including Art Deco, Fashionista or High Orbit, which are available to players at any time without having to unlock new games

Both automatic and manual play options

Simply click the offer and sign in with your Facebook account. We'll give you all the chips you need to play free casino games simply for signing in to your account.

Every day you sign in, you'll get more chips, ensuring that you can enjoy any of our free online casino game options as much as you like.

To get even more chips, invite your friends to enjoy our casino games for free too.

These cute little guys would make an awesome family tradition to make. The little ones could even get involved. Just check out how easy they are to make here

shared at
craftomanic monday

Busy Week Meal Plan

This week is one of the busiest so our meals have to be perfect for on the go

Breakfast
burritos
pancake on stick
boiled egg

lunch
sandwiches
corndogs

supper
bacon sandwiches
taco in bag
football food at game
grilled ham n cheese
baked mac n cheese
mini sub sandwiches

share your meal plan and get great ideas at orgjunkie.com