Saturday, November 21, 2009

Room It Up Gift Card Giveaway


The blog Two of a Kind Working on a Full House is hosting giveaway for a $30 gift card to Room It Up where you can find lots of great products. With my daughter heading off to college and one son allready living in the dorms I know a bit about what they want to take with them. What a great present this $30 gift card would be for either of my college students. If you would also like a chance to win head over to the blog Two of a Kind Working on a Full House before December 7, 2009

Laptop Giveaway

The blog 5 minutes for moms is hosting giveaway for 2 laptops. I would love to win one. With 5 children in the house and the various places that we travel I have been having more and more trouble finding time to get on the computer. With my own laptop I could take it whereever I wanted and get on when ever I found time. Would you like to win one as well? Giveaway ends December 1, 2009.

Giveaway on New Age Mama Blog

A fellow blogger of mine who has also been a long time follower is hosting a giveaway of her own on her blog New Age Mama. The giveaway she is hosting is for Bring It On Fight To The Finish CD. This giveaway will end on December 10, 2009. So head over there to try to win this cool CD

Small Talk Six

Today’s topic is “6 things you are most thankful for this year.” You can answer this with a list of 6 words, 6 phrases, 6 sentences, 6 paragraphs, 6 photos, 6 videos, etc . .
.
Thankful for my son and the love that he shows us all. He is growing up so fast and I am so proud of him. His maturity level since he started college and moved out has improved greatly and that is what i am thankful for.
I love the days that we can spend outside playing as a family. These days are special and I hope to see them more often.

My precious little princess. With her my life is so much more wonderful


My son and his cheesy lil smile. I love him so much we have way to much fun in the four years of football he played


My husband and the great love that he shows not only princess but all of us. He is a great man who will hold us together and straighten us out when he wants us to.


My great bunch of kids here they are all piled up. I love them all


























we have seen ups and downs first and last and all the in betweens. Here are the brightest 6 that I am happy for


















Coupons in Sunday Paper

Smart Source coupons will include:

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

Tasra_dawson_blogabration Tasra Dawson of Real Woman Scrap is hosting an event that sounds out of this world the 2009 Holiday Blog-abration where great prizes, fun and friends are to be found. So if you are looking for a bit of fun and love to scrap then come right along and join over at the RealSomen Scrap.com

Friday, November 20, 2009

Winner Sweet Shapes cookie cutters

The winners for the Sweet Shapes cookie cutter giveaway are:
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!


With Thanksgiving coming my mind turns to past Thanksgivings where we have both hosted and visited others. So my question for you is:
What are your thanksgiving Plans for 2009?
We will be hosting this year my entire family all are invited we will see how many come I hope to get lots of pictures to share

Thanksgiving Prayer

Here are a couple of Thanksgiving Prayers I found and thought you would like as well
Abundant Blessing


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

Thankful for Each Other


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

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW OVER THANKS FOR ENTERING THE WINNER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED!!!!





ProMom Couture headed by Vicki, Jill and Melissa is a group of women celebrating motherhood in style. All three (3) of these women feel that being is mom is a proffession that they take serious but also that these moms have stye of their own. Because every woman has their own style ProMom Couture wants to help them feel special, appreciated, celebrated and honored. ProMom understands that the string that brings all these moms together whatever their life or style is like is the fact that they are moms. With great syles such as the ones below available a mom is able to show her pride with style.
ProMom Couture wants to offer one of Annies Home readers their choice of tee or tank.

TO Enter contest you must visit the ProMom Couture website and let me know which one you would select if you were the winner.

Extra Entries:

  • 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

Thanksgiving mornings are normally frantic with all the cooks in the kitchen and so much to do. Either you are headed out the door or you are expecting guest. You still have to eat and here is a super recipe for Thanksgiving morning.
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?

Have you heard the news about Oprah as of late? Well, for one I can say that I surely will miss Oprah. I have been a fan from the begging and when she hits that 25 year mark the show will end. Can you imagine I have been watching for 20+ years it will seem like a wonderful friendship ending. Oprah's voice has demanded results from viewers before like in the mad cow debate and in the manner of James Frey. Both situations she spoke, shared her point of view and reasoning and then her viewers followed suit.

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


Today is the release of the ever popular Twilight series New Moon. My daughter for one has waited with baited breat for this movie to be released and today is that day. The news last night showed tons of movie goers standing in line hoping for a ticket to New Moon. This second movie release of the Twilight series has several wanting more so I have heard that a third movie will be released in the summer of 2010. Will you be heading to a theater to watch the new moon movie?

Salute to those involved with Foster Care

My grandparents were foster parents for much of their lives, eventually retiring and adopting the last 3 foster children to be thier own. My husband grew up in a foster home and holds fond memories of many of those that helped him. There are 130,000 children currently living in foster homes. Being a foster parent is not one of glamour or riches but one is built on love. November is a month devoted to National Adoption Month. In observation of National Adoption Month I would love to share some facts with you.

  • 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


Do you remember the giveaway we hosted before? Well if you did and you were not the lucky winner here is your second chance. Whether you like to keep your hair off your neck or do you want to pull your hair back because you are active? Well Cover Your Hair.com has the items you are looking for. With the large variety of hair accesories you will be able to find the perfect item you are looking for.
What you will recieve if you win is a suprise box of $25 worth of products.
To enter the contest: head over to the Cover Your Hair website and come back here and comment what product you like the best
Extra Entries:
  • 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)
Contest starts now and runs through December 12, 2009. Please check email in comment or on blog. Good Luck Open to all

Microwave Thanksgiving Turkey Candy

Microwave Thanksgiving Turkey Candy


•12 chocolate candy stars
•12 caramel candies, unwrapped
•12 scalloped chocolate-frosted shortbread cookies
•12 pieces of candy corn
To make each turkey, place chocolate star, point-side up, on a plate your counter. Place one caramel on microwave-safe waxed paper, microwave on high for 5-10 seconds or just until slightly softened. Place softened caramel on tip of chocolate star and press down. To make the tail, press chocolate cookie, striped side facing forward, against the soft caramel to stand upright. Press candy corn on top of caramel to look like a turkey's beak. Makes 12 cookies/decorations.

Tips for getting ready for Thanksgiving

With only seven days to that big dinner you may begin to feel the pressure. Don't worry there are things that you can do to make your life easier and save you time so that you can enjoy the dinner as well.

  • 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

This is an old recipe that my family has used for many generations. Who knows it may just show up on the dinner table for Thanksgiving


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

Dr Pepper is giving away a case a day. The contest is being held on twitter and there are just a couple of simple things you have to do

  1. Follow Dr. Pepper on twitter
  2. 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


O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.
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


How can we not give thanks when our Heavenly Father has cared for us in all manners? I am thankful because he provided me with a set of God fearing parents and grandparents that from an early start taught me the difference between right and wrong. I am thankful that as I left my parents house I met a man who would be my partner in life and together we would raise a housefull of children. I am thankful that our needs were met and when the darkest moments seemed upon us there was always a bit of sunshine to come in. I am thankful that my daughter after wandering around for a bit trying to find herself found a young man who was as much in love with our Lord as her and after marrying they are now raising a precious little princess. My children all have the love of the Lord in their lives and while going to school for many different proffessions each of them has chosen a carreer that will allow them to affect the lives of children. There are many things in my life that I am thankful for but these were the ones that were laid upon my heart today at this time.

What are you thankful for?

Buddies




This is one of my favorite pictures as of late they are just simply smiling but they were still for a few minutes these two are always pranking others and chatting so for a moment I captured them just being still


find more great pictures on the blog Cheaper than Therapy

1000 word cookies


I love these cookies for a couple of different reasons (1) the name got me at first and (2) they are so easy and many ingredients are always found in my kitchen

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

CNN has reported a tragedy to the breakfast waffle eaters. It seems that there will be a low supply of Eggo Wafffles. It seems that this will affect our early morning routine of opening the freezer door and popping a couple of waffles into the toaster. CNN reports that Kellogg will be rationing its Eggo products due to flooding and equipment problems at two bakeries. This is not a short fate since the estimated date of the rationing could last through mid 2010. WOW!!!

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


For this I am sharing a recipe that I had previously posted the reason is that this recipe has received several houndred hits since I posted it. I hope that you enjoy it as well.








Because it is Thanksgiving time and I am a diabetic I try to find recipes that the family will love and that are great for them and me. This recipe was found on the food network site and you can find several other healthy recipes there as well.


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





shared on the blog The Krazy Kitchen

Pilgrim Hat Cookies made from store bought cookie


Marshmallow Pilgrim Hat





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

When I begin to think about what scent would define me I begin to think about who I am and that is mom. My thought then turns to what scent to me represents mom? Apple Pie Spice is what I would choose to represent me as far as being mom. But I am not only mom I am a feisty person as well and while I am not sure if hot chilli peppers have a scent that is the other scent I would choose. Can you imagine an old fashioned apple pie laced with hot chilli peppers? While I may not want to take the first bite I am sure that the combination would pack a bite. That is my scent what is yours? Twitter Moms and Downy are asking the question where you could win a free bottle of Dawn.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Christmas Giveaway @ 5 Minutes For Mom


Want to have a bit of fun and have a great chance of winning prizes as well? Well then check out the Christmas Giveaway happening at 5 minutes for Mom. With over 30 giveaways and lots of chances to win how could you miss this great party? All contest will end November 30, 2009.

LeBron James and Cleveland Browns

Can you imagine if LeBron James played on the Cleaveland Browns football team? Well, the NBA star who not only played wide receiver in high school but was an All State as well made the statement that he could be a great football star if he took the time to do so. Well the coach of the Cleveland Browns has made the statement for him to come on down and try it out. Star quarterback Brady Quinn also heard about the statement and thought LeBron would be a great target. However there is a player that does not think that LeBron may be up to it for while he is a great athlete football may be a stretch.

What do you think?

Stress Free Kids review and contest

We all know what stress is and how it can affect our lives. There is a population in this world that stress does affect but many are not aware of. Kids often feel the same stress that we do but are often overlooked because those in care of them are under stress their selves. Those in the proffesional ream are often the first to notice that kids are under stress. Now to help these teachers, doctors, therapist and other proffesionals is a new line of products. Lori Lite has created a line directed at kids under stress that she calls Stress Free kids.

Stress Free Kids is a line of children's books, CDs and curriculums designed to help children manage anxiety, stress and anger while promoting self esteem and peaceful sleep. The first line of products that are research based, offers stress management techniques in a storytelling format. With America facing a mental health crisis this line of products is greatly needed. Stress Free Kids introduces manners to help your child to learn to relax, improve their self esteem, manage anger and fall asleep easier. Stress free kids even offers products for adults and teens since the goal is for the whole family to be stress free.

Books subjects in the line of Stress Free Kids include anger management, relaxation, and books to help your child believe in their self. The book we recieved was Affirmation Weaver.



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

With the holidays here you may want your children to behave at their best. While this may not always happen here are a few tips that Parents magazine online shared

  • 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



Are you still looking for that perfect dessert for thanksgiving? Well dont forget the company We Take The Cake. Whether you are a fan of pumpkin and would love to try the Pumpkin Lemon Ginger Cake or another delicious thanksgiving inspired cake the dessert you are looking for may be found at We Take The Cake

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

One thing that I love about the internet is that you can find tons of usefull printables. Whether for around the house, holidays, coloring sheets or homeschool the internet is worth its weight in gold. Here are some wonderful resources that I have used before:

Mickey Mouse Birthday


HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICKEY!!!!
Today is Mickey Mouse's birthday. Created November 18, 1928 by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks and voiced by Walt Disney. Mickey celebrated his birthday with the release of Steamboat Willie. Now 81 years later Mickey is recognized around the world.

(2) Thanksgiving Stuffig recipes (1) Slow Cook Stuffing Recipe

Traditional 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
1 stick (1/2 cup)butter
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.
Planning Tip: Prepare onions, celery, parsley and mushrooms up to 2 days ahead. Bag onion and celery together, parsley and mushrooms separately. Refrigerate. Tear up bread 2 days ahead. Leave out, loosely covered, overnight. Make stuffing through Step 2 up to 1 day ahead.

These recipes can be found on the Womans Day site

Racheal Ray's Sweet Potato recipe

As I was watching the Rach yesterday I was introduced to a wonderful recipe Sweet Potato Mash topped with Caramelized Bananas. I was intrigued and because I have decided to do a thanksgiving with lots of casseroles and slow cookers I think I will also try this recipe. I am going to share it for you all to see if you were not able to catch the show.

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

Have you been enjoying the show Dancing with the Stars. I can say that I have and that I have watched as the group dwindle down to the last three couples. These last three stars are Donny Osmond, Kelly Osbourne, and the singer . There is a split in my house on who they hope the winner will be. I vote for Donny and the hubby for kelly. We do not know alot about Mya she is awfully pretty and dances quite well. Who do you think the winner will be?

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Southern Bella's Ways To Save: Crafts for Christmas: Soy Ice CandleSouthern Bella's Ways To Save

Have you ever wanted to make candles at home? They would make wonderful Christmas gifts for someone you love. The kids could help make them. Just think of the memories that will be made. The Southern Bella's Ways TO Save has a wonderful tutorial to making ice candles. Southern Bella's Ways To Save: Crafts for Christmas: Soy Ice CandleSouthern Bella's Ways To Save

Three or More Tuesday


prince in his feathered handband

child,sleep,doll,cute


football

These are my nephews that have come to stay with me for a while.

Remember last winter




Photobucket

This is a picture of last winter wondering what will be coming this year. While I think this weather is beautiful I know for many it is a hinderance

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.


"I pick the leaves up"




This is my nephew the day we raked the yard he was trying to help "pick up the leaves"


Coombs Family Farms organic maple syrup


We were recently able to review a delicious product. That product was Coombs Family Farms maple syrup. Oh let me tell you this was and is delicious. Its the type of product where you want to give everyone a taste of it because it is so good but then you want to hide it away for personal use only. It is the perfect type of syrup in my opinion not to sweet, not to thick, not to runny, just perfect. Even better is that the syrup comes from people who care about the earth.



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

Mamista.com shared a rather interesting link with me about the five most annoying parents on facebook. The problem is I find myself in many of these LOL. Perhaps you should read the post and find out for your self.
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

I recently purchased a large turkey and the clerk actually told me to just keep it in the fridge until Thanksgiving. My hope is that she was joking however I am not for sure so I thought I would share the recommended ways of thawing a turkey on my blog. There are three main ways that are recommended for safety sakes. Right after purchasing the frozen turkey it is advised to take it home and place it in the freezer. If you are using fresh turkey you do not want one until 2 or 3 days prior to cooking.

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

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

I am not sure about your kids but mine always loved to help in the kitchen. What can these little hands do? Well they could help you do what ever you are doing but if you are super busy and want to give them your own project here are a couple of great ideas:

Mini Pies

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.

Relish Tray
Our family always has relish tray with many meals but especially the holiday meal. Why not put your child in charge of this very important dish? Simply precut the veggies for the tray or purchase pre sliced veggies. Then place your child in charge of the designing the relish tray. You may be surprised of what they come up with.


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

Woof! Woof! Two brand new detectives are on the case. Penny & Rio are their names, and solving cases is their game. Kids of all ages will love reading along as Penny & Rio solve their latest mystery: The Locked Doghouse Mystery. Angie at 5 Vinez Monkeys is hosting a giveaway on her blog, and if you're the winner, you can have this book personally autographed by the author and sent right to your door. You won't want to miss this giveaway! Stop by before 11:59pm ET on December 6th and enter to win!

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

A subject of much controversy as of late has to be Sarah Palin. The first time I became aware of Sarah Palin was when she was introduced as the republican candidate running for vice president. Wow what a shocker. It was not the first time a woman had been called upon to be the vice president running mate but it was a bit of a surprise when she was named as I am not for sure there were all that many not directly involved with politics who were aware of her. Palin found a hard time of running as her life was already full and this moose hunting woman would become a household name in no time and the controversy of whether she was liked or not would brew. Now after the election is over she has wrote a book and one that i can not wait to read. I am hoping that I will be able to find out what the true story of Sarah Palin is. Whether fan or not the book may answer many questions.

What do you think?

Space Shuttle Atlantis

Did you see it? Yesterday when those proud men dressed in orange and with large smile walked out and were ready to go to space? Space shuttle Atlantis took off from Cape Canaveral Florida loaded with needed supplies for the space station and other important items. I always love to hear what the astronaut's are doing in space. Every since I was a child I loved to see the space shuttle. As a highschooler I remember watching the space launching on T.V. NASA has plans to put another astronaut back on the moon by 2020 since I was only 2 the last time a man walked on the moon I would love to be able to see this and remember. The year 2020 will find me enjoying middle age and what an event that would be. The truth of the matter is that the Space Missions are broke and a review panel appointed by President Barack Obama had deemed that there is not enough money for any missions prior to 2020. Wow that is 10 years how sad that in those 10 years the younger generation will not be able to see space launches.

What do you think?

Monday, November 16, 2009

Homemaker Monday

hhm



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:

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you;
he will never let the righteous fall.
Psalm 55:22 NIV

Book Review: America Welcome To The Poor House

I live in the state of Illinois and while I love this state the money problems it faces is not even funny. Just recently we experienced a bit of this first hand. I have 2 children in college and while we support them they also receive financial aid. When the MAP grant was cut we worried about what would happen. We stressed over this situation for several months and in the end the MAP grant was reinstated. That was wonderful but the worry for me is what is next?

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

Taylor Swift is a name that I was not too familiar with until recently. I knew her music, loved her music but had to be introduced to the music maker by my daughters. It seems that as much as a fan of Taylor Swifts music I was my daughter was a fan of Taylor Swift. Maybe one of the best reasons for this is that Taylor is nearer to thier age than mine. Taylor Swift found on magazine covers and with platinum records is still a teen. Wow!!!! what a life story this young lady has. Recently winning the CMA awards entertainer of the year. For more information on Taylor Swift visit her official website at http://www.taylorswift.com/

myEarth360 discount code



If you are looking to buy someone special a Christmas gift and you want to do something for your earth as well then you should as they say Go Green. One source that is great to find those great gifts and go green is myEarth360. myEarth360 website offers choices from water bottles, handbags, clothing, jewelry, candles and several other products as well. For a limited time Annies Home readers can save 20% off thier orders at myEarth360 by using the code Annies20 This code expires December 20, 2009

Plymoth Rocks


For a fun place card to let all your guest know where they sit as well as a party treat the guest can take home why not create Plymoth Rocks? Simply coat rocks in tempra paint and use pasta letters to glue on the rock. This great idea I found in the Parents newsletter

Vegan Pumpkin Pie


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

I plan to make my Thanksgiving menu a bit different this year. I love this wonderful Pecan Pie Bar Cookies recipe and believe that instead of pecan pie I will make these.

Pecan Pie Bars


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.

Neutrogena Holiday shop


Neutrogena has set up a holiday shop where the consumer gets benefits whenever shopping. For example free shipping on over $25 purchase, you can save 25% off when you buy 3 or more, and free samples with every order. Terrific savings is what I would say. I recently visited the website and found out that many of the neutrogena products that we love are available at Neutrogena Holiday shop. If you are looking for beauty products from Neutrogena and want to save money then you need to visit the Neutrogena Holiday shop.

Who doesnt love a princess


I know that the one thing that I love and my daughter does as well is the fairy tale princess. We even nicknamed my granddaughter princess. If you love princess as much we do then you will want to enter the giveaway being hosted by Bless Their Hearts Mom blog. Winner will recieve 1 set of Princess items, including Tiana, for your Princess!Includes a diary, pens, markers, activity book, 2 sheets of Princess stickers, and princess sparkle lip balm. Contest ends November 29, 2009